The Minnesota Twins' bullpen is having a strong month after owning the worst ERA in the majors in June, but that doesn't mean the team shouldn't seek outside relief help. The Pittsburgh Pirates just gave the Twins an obvious bullpen target after designating right-hander Dennis Santana for assignment as a corresponding move to acquiring right-hander Ron Marinaccio from the San Diego Padres.
It's not a huge surprise that the Pirates got rid of Santana, who signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million with the Pirates this past offseason. The right-hander has posted an ugly 6.05 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP and 37 strikeouts over 41 2/3 innings this year.
Because of Santana's poor numbers this year, some Twins fans may balk at the idea that their favorite team should acquire the 30-year-old right-hander. However, just last year, Santana posted a spectacular 2.18 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings.
Santana's walk and hit rates have both increased from last year. And even at his best, Santana's strikeout rate was never that high. However, he has an elite chase rate of 34.6% (89th percentile) this season.
The Twins should take a flier on Santana simply because he would be cheap and had an extremely successful 2025 season. Obviously, it would be more interesting to see Minnesota acquire a reliever like Mason Miller, but that won't happen. Minnesota could acquire Santana for an affordable cost.
Santana relies on five pitches: a mid-80s slider, mid-90s four-seamer, high-80s changeup, mid-90s sinker and low-90s cutter. His slider and four-seamer have accounted for 65% of his pitches this year.
Santana made headlines earlier this week after getting into an argument with Yankees infielder José Caballero. Santana got upset with Caballero for manipulating the pitch clock while facing the Pirates reliever. After Caballero grounded out, Santana made multiple gestures toward the infielder. They bolted toward each other, prompting both benches to clear. Luckily, the players couldn't get to each other.
Twins' potential bullpen target Dennis Santana has nine years of big-league experience
Santana has nine years of big-league experience. He made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018. The right-hander remained with the Dodgers organization until being traded to the Texas Rangers in June 2021.
Santana played for the Rangers organization through 2022. He pitched for the New York Mets in 2023, then the New York Yankees and Pirates in 2024.
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