Minnesota Twins Rotation Solution No. 3: Trade for a Pitcher
With just one spot in the rotation that really needs to be filled, the Twins can look to add one starter and be comfortable with their rotation. While we’ve already suggested a call-up, but trading for a starter would make a lot of sense as well.
The Minnesota Twins have three starters coming out from under contract this offseason, with Michael Pineda, J.A. Happ, and the aforementioned Shoemaker all hitting free agency. The Twins could stand to benefit from adding someone with a little bit more longevity.
Matthew Boyd (who has two years left on his deal after 2021) and Danny Duffy (one year left after 2021) both are two of the top names available on the market, but would likely need a king’s ransom to be moved from a divisional rival, taking them off the list for the Twins.
One potentially available option could be a face the Twins are very familiar with: former first-round pick Kyle Gibson. Gibson has been incredible through his first seven starts, with a 2.70 ERA and 35 strikeouts. The Rangers have no use for a pitcher with those numbers, meaning he might be had for the right price.
If the Twins can’t get him or another longer-term starter, the team could look for expiring deals. Johnny Cueto, Tyler Anderson, and Jon Gray are pitchers on expiring contracts who may be moved as well. Nationals ace Max Scherzer is another potential option, but probably would cost too much for a one year rental.
Anderson in particular would be a fun replacement, as he would keep a space open if the Twins are saving it for a particular prospect, and the Pittsburgh Pirates would likely give him up for a mid-level prospect, which the Twins have a lot of.
Hopefully the Twins can make a small moves like these to patch up the rotation and turn the 2021 season around.