Minnesota Twins: A Twins to-do list at the 2019 MLB Winter Meetings

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 25: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after the final out in the ninth inning during a MLB game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 25: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after the final out in the ninth inning during a MLB game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Adding some relief to the bullpen

Last season, the Twins’ bullpen had plenty of ups and downs. While the group started the season strong in the opening months, the operation imploded in May and June before a complete line change rejuvenated the group for a dominant August and September before getting blown out by the New York Yankees in October.

The Twins do have a reliable closer in Taylor Rogers, but they still may want to add more before walking into the season with the same group. Although Sergio Romo looks to be on the way out as part of a weak reliever market, the Twins may have more success looking to acquire an arm via trade such as Toronto’s Ken Giles.

The right-hander had some issues of his own as a nerve injury in his elbow landed him on the injured list, but he’s also coming off a career year where he posted an absurd 14.1 K/9 ratio. The Twins had some interest in Giles prior to last year’s trade deadline, but things fell through before they could make an offer sweet enough for the Blue Jays to pull the trigger.

Whether it be in relief or starting, pitching will be the name of the game for the Twins during the winter meetings. If they can come away with some arms, it will go down as a success and build excitement for 2020. Otherwise, the Twins may be looking at the same issues next spring.