Minnesota Twins: Re-Grading the 2021 Offseason Moves

Re-Grading the Minnesota Twins Rotation Additions

J.A. Happ

Original Grade: B+

I should really be a little harsher on these grades. The J.A. Happ signing was supposed to add an experienced veteran who was successful in the playoffs, a guy who could eat innings and who had really solid stats the year before. Similar to the last two moves, that was just being optimistic.

Happ got off to a really hot start, with five very good starts to begin the year. Immediately after that, it went up in smoke, as he posted a 6.77 ERA and some of the worst strikeout and walk numbers of his career. Mercifully, the trade deadline rolled around, bringing the most surprising deal: Happ was sent to the Cardinals for Jon Gant and Evan Sisk.

Sisk looks like a solid relief prospect at Double-AA, while Gant seems like he could be an okay swingman. That’s a miracle deal, but unfortunately we aren’t here to grade the trade, we’re here for the signing. $8 Million for that kind of production warrants only one kind of grade.

Re-Grade: F

Matt Shoemaker

Original Grade: C

I was not thrilled that the Minnesota Twins went out and spent $2 million on their fifth member of their rotation. Not wanting to offer a long term deal was smart with the pitching prospects the team has. Did they really think Matt Shoemaker would be a trustworthy option? I gave them the benefit of the doubt with a C. Woof.

He wasn’t ever reliable. In any capacity. He started eleven games and only made three quality starts with two starts of 5 innings with less than three runs. The rest were all ugly enough to the point that he was moved to the bullpen. When that wasn’t any better, he was designated for assignment, not even making it through June.

He pitched well for the St. Paul Saints in four games, but after a messy stint there, Shoemaker was granted his release and signed with San Francisco. There’s really no grade low enough for his single season in Minnesota.

Re-Grade: F