Cole Sands became one of the most dependable Twins players in 2024, probably the team's second-best reliever after Griffin Jax.
Showing himself capable in any scenario, early or late, Sands pitched more innings than any other of manager Rocco Baldelli's relievers. Using elite command, Sands allowed a .221/.265/.326 slash line, and while opponents hit the ball in the air more frequently than on the ground, he limited them to a home run rate that was nearly half of the league's average.
He also rarely let games get out of hand; only three times did he allow as many as three runs. His nine wins in relief showed that he was able to keep the opponent from scoring often enough for the Twins' own offense to step forward.
And, as Phil Miller noted in the Minnesota Star Tribune, "From mid-June to the second week of August, the only way to score off Sands was to start with a free runner on second base."
At his best, Sands is an elite reliever.
Sands, who turned 27 in July, finished with an ERA that was 27 percent better than league average when adjusted. He also had the fourth-best K-BB ratio (7.08-to-1) in the majors, 12th best by percentage.
By fWAR, he was the 19th-best reliever in the league, just one-tenth behind Raisel Iglesias and Tanner Scott, a pair of highly-paid closers. Sands' presence in the middle of games gives the Twins a chance to have the best bullpen in the league.
Sands dominated right-handed batters and, while not as consistent against lefties, showed improvement against them that didn't leave the Twins particularly vulnerable. It was an important contribution, given the club's issues from the left side of the bullpen.
Continuing to improve his attack against lefties likely has been a point of emphasis for Sands this spring, though the presence of free-agent addition Danny Coulombe is likely to ease the left-side burden on the rest of the bullpen.
Using a mix that features four different kinds of fastballs and a curveball, Sands' cutter and four-seamer were his most valuable weapons. If Sands could improve his splitter, or develop an offspeed pitch that was perhaps 25% more effective, he could become one of the 10 best relievers in MLB.
He figures to get there, because Sands has shown a willingness to improve himself ever since he was drafted in the fifth round seven years ago.
The Twins don't ask Sands to finish close games often, but should the need arise because Jax and/or Jhoan Duran weren't available for keeping a ninth-inning lead, Baldelli could turn Sands' way without thinking twice.