The MLB Winter Meetings ended this week without the Twins making a marquee free agent acquisition, but there were plenty of rumors about interest in starting pitchers, third baseman Josh Donaldson and trade talks with the Marlins.
It’s the Marlins who are loaded with a crop of young pitching talent, from Sandy Alcantara and Caleb Smith to Elieser Hernandez, the Twins have been mentioned as a possible trade partner since they have a wealth of outfield depth.
While Eddie Rosario is the big name being floated as possible trade bait that could bring back a starting pitcher, Jake Cave’s name was mentioned Friday by South Florida sports reporter Craig Mish.
“At the Winter Meetings, a source indicates the Twins & Marlins discussed a potential deal that would send Miami SP Elieser Hernandez to Minnesota for OF Jake Cave,” Mish tweeted.
Miami, in need of OF could use Cave in CF. Cave came up in NYY system & MIA Coach Rowson knows Cave from MIN. Marlins have depth at SP but they really like Hernandez & unlike in years past are now holding firm on SP cost. Hernandez was a Rule 5 pick. Developed into solid SP.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 13, 2019
Cave was primarily Minnesota’s fourth outfielder until he had to take over a more routine job as a starter after Byron Buxton went down with injuries in 2019. Hernandez, 24, went 3-5 with a 5.03 ERA in 21 appearances (15 starts) last season.
The right-hander gave up an alarming 20 home runs in 82.1 innings, but he also struck out 85 batters for a 9.3 K/9 rate.
It’s not the earth-shattering news Twins fans are hoping to hear at this point, but it’s another indication that Minnesota is still engaged in finding more depth for the starting rotation in 2020.
