The Minnesota Twins need bullpen help. Before Friday's game against the Reds, the Twins' bullpen ranked 23rd in MLB with a 5.00 ERA. Despite their reliever's poor stats, the Twins have the best record in the American League Central (11-9). If Minnesota is serious about making a playoff run, it needs to address its bullpen issues. Signing free agent Michael Kopech, a righty, would be one way for the Twins to do that.
Even though Kopech is coming off a season where he made just 14 appearances because of shoulder and knee issues, it's surprising that he's still a free agent. While he's struggled to remain healthy throughout his career, he became one of the best relievers in baseball after being traded to the Dodgers from the Chicago White Sox in July 2024.
Kopech allowed just three earned runs on nine hits and 10 walks with 29 strikeouts across 24 regular-season innings for Los Angeles in 2024, then played a vital role in the Dodgers' first World Series victory since 2020 by posting a 3.00 ERA with 10 strikeouts in nine innings during the 2024 playoffs. He posted a 2.45 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 13 walks in 11 innings with Los Angeles last year and missed the postseason.
Kopech likely wants a more lucrative deal than teams are willing to offer him. In addition to missing most of last season, Kopech missed the entire 2019 season due to undergoing Tommy John surgery. His injury history is likely what's keeping teams from pulling the trigger on offering the former White Sox a big contract.
Twins desperately need a reliever of Kopech's caliber
At this point, Kopech may have to settle for a one-year deal. If he's made that known, the Twins should seriously consider signing him, even if it means paying the righty $10+ million for the year. Even though Kopech could easily suffer an injury given his history, the Twins should sign him since they desperately need an effective high-velocity arm for their bullpen. The Twins have seven relievers who have appeared in at least five games this year. Of those seven, only three have an ERA below 4.00, and those three have WHIPs above 1.4.
Kopech may prefer to sign with a team that has better playoff odds than the Twins. But if Minnesota continues to play well and offers Kopech more money than any other team, the righty may consider signing with the Twins, especially since he'd more than likely be the team's primary closer.
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