Minnesota Twins rumors: 5 names to watch heading into the deadline
By Chris Schad
Mike Minor & Lance Lynn
According to the Star Tribune’s La Velle E. Neal, the Twins pursuit of starting pitching died when the talks to acquire Noah Syndergaard fell through earlier this week. While the report says that they don’t feel like any other pitcher would be a major upgrade, there are a pair of Texas arms that could pique their interest at the last moment.
The Twins were reportedly interested in Mike Minor and on the surface, he looks like a fit. Minor has posted an 8-6 record for the Rangers this season with a 3.00 ERA in 21 starts. He also adds appeal off the field as he is signed through the 2020 season, but there’s a no-trade clause in his contract. It is unknown whether the Twins are one of those 10 teams on the list, but there may not be time to make a full recruiting effort.
The less popular option could be bringing back Lance Lynn. The 32-year old had an uninspiring stint in Minnesota last season, going 13-6 with a 3.83 ERA and a 2.95 FIP that would be the lowest mark in the Twins’ current rotation. With Lynn signed through 2021, it would be a long-term solution, but the Twins will need to be sure the guy that showed up last year isn’t what they’ll be getting.
The Rangers may ask for a little more because both pitchers are under control, but that might be what the Twins are looking for. Kyle Gibson, Michael Pineda, Martin Perez and Jake Odorizzi will all be free agents next winter, so adding a long term arm should be appealing.