Twins Offseason Has Been Slow
As we flip the calendar to 2021, the Minnesota Twins have certainly seen their fair share of players, including starting and relief pitchers, leave. However, they have been quiet on making trades and signing players during the offseason.
Starters not Returning
Three starting pitchers from last year either are free agents or released. Homer Bailey was designated for assignment and then released. Two others are coming off injury-plagued 2020 seasons; both Rich Hill, who turns 41 in March, and Jake Odorizzi are free agents.
The Twins also lost some quality bullpen arms. In a surprising move, Trevor May signed with the New York Mets. They decided not to tender Matt Wisler. The team also declined their $5 million option on Sergio Romo. Tyler Clippard is now a free agent. The four had combined for 94 2/3 innings of 2.85 ERA and eight saves in 2020.
Twins Need to be Active in the Offseason
The Twins still intend to be active in acquiring players whether via free agency or trade. They would like to add at least two starting pitchers, three relievers, and a few quality bench players before spring training begins.
Free agent Odorizzi has made it clear he would like to stay with the Twins and get back to his 2019 form, when he made the All-Star team and won 15 games. The team remains open to the possibility.
Signed a Reliever
The Twins did sign reliever Hansel Robles at the end of December. He was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Angels on December 2. The 30-year-old struggled last season, but the Twins are hoping he gets back to his 2019 form, when he had 23 saves and 2.48 ERA.
Looking ahead, expect Robles to have a similar role with the Twins as the one he had with the Angels in 2019. He wasn’t the full-time closer, but he certainly had his opportunities.
Taylor Rogers and Tyler Duffey Back
A couple of players are back. Taylor Rogers returns after agreeing to a one-year deal. The left-hander, who served as the Twins’ primary closer over the past two seasons, will help stabilize a bullpen.
The 30-year-old Rogers experienced a few struggles last season but has proven to be one of the more effective lefties in the game over the past few seasons.
The team also agreed to a one-year contract with reliever Tyler Duffey. Duffy posted a career-best 1.88 ERA in 24 innings in 2020 with and 31 strikeouts.
The return of both players to the Twins is crucial in giving the bullpen some continuity.
Need Nelson Cruz Back
The main Twins offseason strategy that needs to be addressed is the signing of Nelson Cruz. The Twins are better with him on the team, as they have won the American League Central in each of Cruz’s two seasons. At age 40, he certainly has defied “Father Time”. In 2020. he hit .303 with 16 homeruns in 214 plate appearances and won the Silver Slugger award.
He certainly holds the Twins lineup together and is a valued clubhouse and community leader, so hopefully they will come to terms on a new deal.
Still a Good Team
This Twins team is still good enough to contend for a playoff spot. They have a good ace in Kenta Maeda and a solid number two in José Berríos. They also have a durable starter in Michael Pineda. Consistent arms are in the bullpen with Duffy, Rogers, and now Robles. They have solid hitting in both Josh Donaldson and Miguel Sano. However, both hitters must have a bounce-back season for the Twins to contend.
If the Twins pitching and defense are similar to what it was last season and the offense can even just slightly improve from 2020, the Minnesota Twins could have the opportunity to clinch their third straight AL Central title.
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