Continuing their deadline run through the pitching market, the Minnesota Twins have struck another significant deal, this time for a starter with the Cincinnati Reds, making Tyler Mahle the newest member of the Twins rotation.
In exchange, the Reds will get a trio of prospects from Minnesota; infielder Spencer Steer, corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and left-handed pitcher Steve Hajjar will be heading to Cincinnati.
The Twins came into this deadline needing to add pitching. Both the starting staff and bullpen needed an upgrade if this team is to capitalize on an AL Central-leading campaign and possibly make some noise in the postseason. The front office already made headlines early in the day by making a move for All-star closer Jorge Lopez and now the team adds a front-line starter to its rotation.
The Minnesota Twins making another big splash, adding starting pitcher Tyler Mahle.
With Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas off the board, having been traded to the Mariners and Yankees (two American League teams, and possible playoff adversaries one may add) for substantial packages, the two big remaining names on the market were Tyler Mahle and Carlos Rodon.
Mahle who is controllable through next year on an affordable salary was available as the Reds are heading into a long rebuild, and ultimately was the choice for Minnesota. Mahle’s 4.40 ERA may not jump off the page, but Cincinnati is far from a very friendly home to any pitcher, and not only is he coming off very strong campaigns in 2020 and 2021, but his 3.60 FIP also shows plenty of room for improvement in those final results in a much friendlier Target Field.
Spencer Steer is the most advanced prospect in the deal, and currently having a solid if unspectacular season in AAA after lighting it up in AA. Christian Encarnacion-Strand recently earned a call-up to AA with a fantastic bat, and Steve Hajjar is pitching in Low A at the moment, so neither is close to the big leagues at the moment.