The Boston Red Sox are expected to designate left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe for assignment, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. He threw the final two innings of Saturday's victory over the New York Mets. Coulombe signed a one-year, $1 million deal with Boston in the offseason. The contract includes performance bonuses that begin at 30 appearances. Saturday was his 29th outing of the year, so saving money was likely a major reason Boston cut the left-hander from its active roster.
Coulombe has bonuses based on appearances that start kicking in at 30 games. Tonight was his 29th of the season. He also has bonuses in his re-worked deal based on days on the active roster. https://t.co/T4nHBdCadR
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 11, 2026
MLB Trade Rumors pointed out that Coulombe was set to get $75 thousand after 30 games pitched, and would have received an additional $75 thousand for reaching 35, 40 and 45 appearances. Then, the left-hander would have gotten $150 thousand for 50 games, then 55 and 60. Also, he would receive $250 thousand following 30 days on the 26-man roster or the IL (as long as the injury wasn't to his left arm), and an added $250 thousand every 30 days, until he reached 150.
Twins should attempt to acquire Danny Coulombe despite his poor underlying numbers with Red Sox
The Twins should consider bringing Coulombe back if possible. Coulombe, 36, had a rough start to the season, posting a 6.55 ERA in 11 innings through May. However, he's improved since the calendar hit June, recording a 2.45 ERA over 11 innings. There are concerns, however, as the left-hander allowed eight hits and nine walks with just two strikeouts during his hot stretch. But given where the Twins' bullpen is at, reuniting with Coulombe, whom Minnesota traded to the Texas Rangers at last summer's trade deadline, could be a smart idea for the Twins.
Last season, Coulombe recorded a dominant 1.16 ERA (2.01 FIP) with 31 strikeouts and nine walks over 31 innings with Minnesota before being dealt to Texas. If the Twins have the opportunity to acquire Coulombe, they should do it. If the left-hander struggles, then the team can just cut him. But if he shows any resemblance to the player he was with Minnesota last year, he could be a much-needed weapon for the Twins' bullpen, which ranks 28th in ERA at 5.22.
Minnesota has already attempted to improve its bullpen lately, acquiring right-hander Woo-Suk Go from the Detroit Tigers and right-hander Tommy Nance from the Toronto Blue Jays. Minnesota also added more pitching depth to its minor-league system by claiming right-hander Jack Anderson off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. According to the Twins' transactions log, the team optioned Anderson to Triple-A St. Paul after claiming him.
Additionally, right-hander Cole Sands recently resumed his rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, and right-hander Garrett Acton just began a rehab assignment with Single-A Fort Myers, according to Minnesota's transaction log. The Twins' bullpen may not look great, but there are reasons to believe it will improve soon. Adding Coulombe could be one way for Minnesota to bolster its bullpen further.
Add us as a preferred source on Google