The Twins generally target three specific profiles in free agent relievers:
- The "Sweeper" Specialist: Guys with elite horizontal movement on their breaking ball.
- The "Fixer-Upper" Lefty: High-velocity arms coming off a down year (often due to walk issues) that the Twins believe they can tweak.
- The Reunion: Veterans who have already succeeded in their system.
Here is the breakdown of five lefty relievers who fit the Twins profile
The Good Fits
1. Danny Coulombe– The "Reunion Candidate"
- Why: Coulombe makes a lot of sense. He was a key cog in the Twins' bullpen in 2023 before moving to the Orioles and being added back for a strong 2025 with the Twins, before being traded to the Rangers. He provides the reliability they usually lack from the left side. He throws the exact pitch the Twins prioritize: a devastating sweeper/slider. He is older (which may mean cheaper), the Twins value his pitch makeup and has been a good trade target at the deadline should they look to sell.
2. Cionel Perez– The "Falvey Fixer Upper Special"
- Why: Perez had a disaster 2025 (8.31 ERA, walked the world), but he throws 95+ mph from the left side. This is the classic Twins reclamation project. They love acquiring hard-throwing lefties with broken mechanics and trying to simplify their approach. If they think they can fix his strike-throwing, he is their #1 target for a cheap, high-upside deal.
3. Ryan Borucki– The "Sweeper Specialist"
- Why: Borucki features a heavy splitter/slider mix. The Twins have become obsessed with the splitter in recent years (getting many of their starters to adopt it). Borucki’s injury history and recent struggles should lower his price tag, fitting the Twins' budget constraints, while his pitch mix fits their analytics department’s preferences perfectly.
The "Maybe" Fits
4. Taylor Rogers
- Why: A reunion candidate with the former Twins closer makes narrative sense, and he remained effective in 2025 (3.38 ERA). However, he will likely command a higher salary than the Twins typically prefer to pay for relievers aged 35+.
5. Andrew Chafin
- Why: Chafin is a slider-heavy pitcher with that sweeper, the Twins will likley take a look. He strikes guys out and his effectiveness in high-leverage situations would make him a welcome addition. The concern is age (36), but on a one-year deal, his pitch usage aligns with MN's philosophy.
This is a classic Minnesota Twins target list. Based on the Twins' front office tendencies (Derek Falvey's preference for specific pitch shapes, having "good stuff", and buying low on velocity), several names here fit their profile perfectly for the 2026 season.