2 Twins trade deadline deals that have impacted the 2023 season the most

Jorge Lopez

The most positive move from last year's deadline came in the form of the trade for Jorge Lopez with Orioles. The cost was substantial as the team had to give up highly regarded pitching prospect Cade Povich along with pitching prospects Yennier Cano, Juan Nunez, and Juan Rojas.

However, what the Twins got was a reliever that had quickly fashioned himself from a starter who couldn't command his stuff in the role to one of the more highly sought after relievers at the deadline.

It is safe to say that the Twins are happy with their end of the deal. His performance with the Twins in 2022 immediately after the trade certainly wasn't ideal as he posted a 4.37 ERA and 4.35 FIP, but he has turned into one of Minnesota's most steady relievers in a bullpen that has needed a steady hand. Through 18 appearances in 2023, Lopez has posted a 1.59 ERA and 3.43 FIP in 17 innings of work and those numbers could improve if he can get his strikeout rate more in line with his career norms.

The best part of all of all of this is that Lopez is under team control through 2024, so that removes some pressure to find guys to fill out the bullpen next season. Sure, the team is going to probably add a reliever or two at the trade deadline this year because, well, every team that is in contention tries to do that at the trade deadline this year. However, having a guy like Lopez in your bullpen that you can throw a bunch and get quality innings is a tremendous asset and has been a big help for a Twins team that doesn't have a ton of quality bullpen depth.