On March 28, 2021, the Twins signed right-handed pitcher Randy Dobnak to a five-year, $9.25 million extension. Not bad for a former Uber driver.
Flash forward to 2025, and Minnesota has designated Dobnak for assignment with no worries of another team claiming him.
Before his contract extension, Dobnak pitched to a 2.88 ERA across 75 innings at the Major League level from 2019-20. He earned a start in the 2019 American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium, where he allowed four runs in two innings while suffering taunting chants of “UBER” from New York fans.
Unfortunately for the Twins, it’s hard to imagine they don’t regret the deal with Dobnak. His 2021 season was a complete disaster, posting a 7.82 ERA and a minus-1.3 bWAR in 50 ⅔ innings. After 2021, he didn’t see Major League innings until 2024, where he had a 5.59 ERA in 9 ⅔ innings out of the bullpen.
Dobnak made the 2025 Opening Day roster and pitched an amazing 5 ⅓ innings of one-run ball against the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday. But hours later, the Twins designated him for assignment in favor of journeyman Darren McCaughan.
Did the Twins do Randy Dobnak dirty?
Social media discourse among Twins fans has criticized Derek Falvey’s move to DFA Dobnak, as it was apparent the former Uber driver would clear waivers and stay within the organization. Many believe Dobnak's performance on Sunday should have been enough to keep him in MLB.
Of course, it sucks for Dobnak, especially since his outing against the Cardinals proved he can still succeed at the Major League level when he is at his best.
But it’s hard to fault Derek Falvey for this move from a pure business standpoint. Dobnak provided innings when the team needed it, and the switch to McCaughan allowed another arm to be ready to go while Dobnak rested.
And also, the St. Paul Saints’ stadium, CHS Field, is just 13 miles from Target Field. It’s not like Dobnak had to move to a different state.
And so far, McCaughan has looked solid for the Twins, throwing 2 ⅔ scoreless innings against the White Sox last Monday and another two scoreless against the Houston Astros on Thursday, where his day ended with a historical strikeout of Jose Altuve.