With the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline under two months away, it's become clear that the Minnesota Twins will be in the market for a starting pitcher. After injuries to Pablo López and Zebby Matthews, the Twins will need to add a starting pitcher if they hope to remain in contention for an American League Wild Card spot. However, there is a catch when it comes to the Twins' deadline pursuits.
The first being that the Twins don't traditionally sit at the top of the market in terms of being an aggressive buyer at the deadline. Beyond that, the ongoing saga of the Twins potentially being sold will likely limit the amount of money the front office can take on at the deadline. In other words, the Twins can be expected to make a smaller addition to their rotation, but it likely won't be a starting pitcher who slots near the top of their rotation.
Fortunately, for Twins fans, MLB insider Mark Feinsand puts out the reminder that the Los Angeles Angels are likely to shop Tyler Anderson at the deadline. Anderson is a free agent after the season, so there wouldn't be much of a financial cost to the Twins adding the veteran pitcher to their rotation for the closing months of the season. In terms of potential targets for the Twins, Anderson is likely among the most realistic options.
Tyler Anderson could be the trade deadline match for the Twins
The good on Anderson is that he was an All-Star in 2024 and was excellent to open the 2025 season. Through his first 9 starts this season, Anderson posted a 3.04 ERA while averaging just under 8 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched and a little over 3 walks per 9 innings pitched.
The bad on Anderson is that he has been awful throughout his last 4 starts. During that time, Anderson had an ERA of 6.41 while his strikeout numbers are down, and his command issues are on the rise.
Given the success Anderson had in 2024 and the success he had to open the 2025 season, chances are Anderson's recent struggles are only a blip. Still, they need to be mentioned to understand why he may be the Twins' ideal target. Anderson's price tag likely won't rival other pitchers on the trade market, and that appears to be the lane in which the Twins are driving in.