One way the Twins could fix their pitching problems
If the Twins continue their purge of the coaching staff, they should look at a 75-year-old pitching whisperer to fix their pitching woes.
After the disastrous end to the season, the Minnesota Twins have started to clean house within their coaching staff, making unprecedented changes.
So far, the Twins have let four coaches go: all of their hitting coaches and their bench coach. Even the front office had some change with Thad Levine leaving to pursue other opportunities. No other changes are expected to be made, at least outside of the roster, but the Twins aren't the only team shaking things up.
Down Arizona, the Diamondbacks might have just gifted the Twins a chance to fix their pitching woes.
Diamondbacks firing Brent Strom could be a chance for the Twins to make a key hire
After missing the playoffs this year, the Diamondbacks decided to clean out their pitching coaches, including assistant Brent Strom.
This could be a perfect scenario for the Twins to swoop in and make a key hire. Strom completely changed the worst pitching staff in the league in 2022, which was the main reason they made their surprise World Series appearance in 2023.
The Diamondbacks are firing pitching coach Brent Strom, assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson and bullpen coach Mike Fetters, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/RLh1pYzAff
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) October 3, 2024
Strom also won a World Series with the Houston Astros before retiring. However, after stepping away from the game, he decided he missed it too much and returned to fix the worst staff in baseball in 2022.
Strom studies the game and uses analytics to determine how a pitching staff can improve. While with the Diamondbacks, he discovered they should be throwing more fastballs, and it made a difference.
Zac Gallen
Before Strom | After Strom | |
|---|---|---|
2021 | 4-10, 4.30 ERA | |
2022 | 12-4, 2.54 ERA | |
2023 | 17-9, 3.47 ERA | |
2024 | 14-6, 3.65 ERA |
Merrill Kelly
Before Strom | After Strom | |
|---|---|---|
2021 | 7-11, 4.44 ERA | |
2022 | 13-8, 3.37 ERA | |
2023 | 12-8, 3.29 ERA | |
2024 | 5-1, 4.03 ERA |
Now, it’s possible that Strom, at 75 years old, might want to finally retire, but if he wants to continue coaching, the Twins should check on his availability.
A large part of the Twins collapse was due to inconsistent pitching performances. Strom has a proven track record of getting the best out of his guys.
He has the potential to turn Pablo López and Joe Ryan into Cy Young contenders, as he did with Gallen and Kelly. He could also help Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Simeon Woods Richardson continue to develop.
Given his ability to help turn around pitchers, he might be helpful in convincing veteran pitchers who are looking to revitalize their careers to sign with the Twins.
The Twins have shown early in the offseason that they are willing to make some changes after the abysmal end to their season. Strom has changed pitchers in the past and loves a challenge. He might see the Twins as the next team he can transform into a title contender.
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