The Twins' bullpen next season will most likely include lefty Kody Funderburk and righties Justin Topa, Eric Orze, Cole Sands and Pierson Ohl. With an abundance of starting pitching depth, pitchers like David Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews and more could be converted to bullpen roles as well.
While there are plenty of internal options, Minnesota should still look to the free agent market for a reliever or two. With Funderburk slated to be Minnesota's lone lefty reliever next season, adding another southpaw via free agency would help create a more balanced bullpen.
Twins should reunite with lefty reliever Danny Coulombe
The Twins signed Coulombe, 36, to a one-year, $3 million contract last offseason. He had a dominant 1.16 ERA with 31 strikeouts and nine walks across 31 innings with Minnesota before being traded to the Texas Rangers for lefty pitching prospect Garett Horn on July 31. In addition to dealing Coulombe, the Twins traded relievers Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland and Brock Stewart at the trade deadline, leading to Minnesota desperately needing bullpen help for 2026.
Coulombe struggled significantly with the Rangers, posting a 5.25 ERA with 12 strikeouts and nine walks in 12 innings over 15 outings. With Texas, he spent time on the Injured List due to left shoulder fatigue. He also missed a few weeks with the Twins due to a left forearm extensor strain.
Coulombe's struggles with the Rangers likely have made him less appealing to teams seeking a lefty reliever, which could be good news for the Twins, a team operating on a limited budget. His struggles, along with his age, likely mean he will have to settle for a one-year deal. The Twins should take advantage of that, and if they are in a bad spot at next year's trade deadline, they can trade him again.
Last season wasn't Coulombe's first stint with the Twins, as he played for Minnesota from 2020-22 after spending the 2019 season in the minors. He had just two appearances with Minnesota in 2020 before posting a 3.67 ERA across 34 1/3 innings in 2021 and a 1.46 ERA across 12 1/3 innings in 2022. He spent 2023-24 with the Baltimore Orioles, sporting a 2.56 ERA with 90 strikeouts and 17 walks in 81 innings.