Minnesota Twins: Re-Grading the 2021 Offseason Moves

Re-Grading the Minnesota Twins Reliever Deals

Hansel Robles

Original Grade: A-

Well this grade is obviously going to drop. Hansel Robles posted a 4.91 ERA (4.82 FIP) and a career low 8.8 K/9 rate while struggling in high-leverage spots. I originally loved this move for two main reasons: cheap contract and rebounding opportunity. Neither ended up right.

He was an overpay at $2 million, and while he was better than 2020, he was nowhere near the player he was in 2019 or even in 2018. It became evident that he wasn’t the guy the Twins expected and when the season fall apart he was shipped out to Boston.

The trade with the Red Sox brought back relief prospect Alex Scherff, who hasn’t made an appearance yet in the Twins system due to a concussion. He looks like he a could be a solid back-end up option, but that’s not what the Twins wanted when they signed him.

New Grade: D+

Alex Colomé

Original Grade: A.

The Minnesota Twins bringing in a big name reliever with an All-Star appearance under his belt? What could go wrong? The Twins inked Alex Colomé to a one-year deal with a mutual option that guaranteed the closer $6.25 million, which at the time looked like an incredible deal. Finally landing a trustworthy closer who can get the big outs? Easy A.

Well, as we all know now, Colomé had one of the worst months by a reliever ever in April and has spent the entire season putting it back together. He’ll finish the season with an ERA in the 3.80-4.10 range and a modest 15 saves (a good number considering the situation).

I would expect the Twins to pick up his option and use him as the closer in 2022. At best, he’s the closer from 2020 that lends a big hand to a bounceback team. At worst he’s a solid trade chip on a team that’s looking to contend in 2023. His signing wasn’t the great move that we wanted to be, but it has ended up being pretty okay.

Grade: B-