Twins Looking To Add Bullpen Help, Power Bat

"Twins relievers posted a middling 4.29 ERA through July 29, but that number was skewed by some position players working mop-up duty and some brutal results from relievers who'd already been designated for assignment (e.g. Jorge Alcala). Minnesota's top relievers had all been good to excellent. Jhoan Duran (2.01 ERA), Louis Varland (2.02), Griffin Jax (3.91 ERA but a 37 K%), Brock Stewart (2.38 ERA) and Danny Coulombe (0.90 ERA) formed a terrific nucleus. All were traded."

"Jhoan Duran (2.01 ERA), Louis Varland (2.02), Griffin Jax (3.91 ERA but a 37 K%), Brock Stewart (2.38 ERA) and Danny Coulombe (0.90 ERA) formed a terrific nucleus. All were traded. The returns from that bunch brough back a blend of well-regarded prospects (e.g. Eduardo Tait, Kendry Rojas) and controllable big leaguers (e.g. , Taj Bradley, ). They also trimmed a few million dollars off the 2025 budget and nearly $13MM in projected arbitration salaries off the 2026 ledger."

"Of course, the result of that dismantling was an MLB-worst bullpen down the stretch and a now-barren group that requires significant retooling. , Justin Topa and trade pickup are the only things close to established, MLB-caliber arms in the bullpen at present. Left-hander Kody Funderburk was terrific down the stretch (0.75 ERA in 24 post-deadline innings) but has a shakier overall track record in the majors."

The Twins executed a deadline fire sale that moved five relievers and a total of 11 players, keeping core stars Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez while targeting bullpen restocking and at least one power bat. Minnesota entered the deadline with an excellent relief group that included Jhoan Duran, Louis Varland, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe; all were traded. The returns included well-regarded prospects and controllable big-league pieces, plus modest payroll and arbitration savings. The post-trade bullpen ranked among MLB’s worst down the stretch, leaving only a few near-major-league arms and a need for significant offseason additions.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors