Teams have been ‘keeping a close eye’ on Twins ace Pablo López in case he becomes available this summer, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. If Minnesota can’t claw itself back into contention, it could move López for a haul to a team that needs a starting pitcher like the New York Yankees or Chicago Cubs.
Twins ace Pablo López just sent a trade deadline message to the rest of MLB by pitching a gem against the Baltimore Orioles
López further proved why various ball clubs are interested in him, allowing one run, two hits and one walk while striking out 11 in five innings as the Twins defeated the Baltimore Orioles 9-1 on Tuesday at Target Field.
López, who threw 98 pitches Tuesday, has been dominant on the mound when healthy this season, posting a 2.18 ERA, 2.08 FIP and 0.94 WHIP with 37 strikeouts across 33 innings.
López, who is under contract through the 2027 season, is often regarded as one of the best starting pitchers in the game and has seen success in the postseason.
López, who had a 4.08 ERA and 3.65 FIP last season, has made three postseason starts, one for Miami in 2020 and two for Minnesota in 2023, allowing three earned runs on 14 hits and three walks with 17 strikeouts in 17 ⅔ innings. His best playoff start was his last, where he pitched seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in Game 2 of the 2023 ALDS against the Houston Astros to tie the series 1-1.
The Twins have done their best to salvage their season recently, winning three of their last four after losing four straight. Also, key players Royce Lewis and Willi Castro are back.
López will probably stay with Minnesota if things continue to go well for the organization. However, if the Twins don’t appear to be contending deeper into the season, there’s a good chance López will find himself on a new team before August, especially given Minnesota's poor financial situation.
Twins set to face Orioles in Game 2 of three-game series
Game 2 of the three-game set between the Twins and Orioles is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday at Target Field. 24-year-old Simeon Woods Richardson is slated to make the start on the mound for Minnesota, while 41-year-old Charlie Morton is scheduled to start for Baltimore.