Ricky Nolasco still has $25 million and two years remaining on his contract, but the Twins are still trying to trade the soon-to-be 33-year-old right-hander, multiple reports say.
According to the Pioneer Press, a source in contact with the team’s front office says “they’re trying to” trade Nolasco, who turns 33 next week.
Source that has been in contact w/#MNTwins front office: "They're trying" to move Ricky Nolasco (2 yrs, $25 million left). Tough task.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 8, 2015
In two years with the Twins, Nolasco has posted a 5.64 ERA in just under 200 innings. He’s been limited due to ankle and elbow injuries, having pitched in only 37.1 innings in 2015 after undergoing ankle surgery. Per MLB Trade Rumors, the velocity on Nolasco’s fastball averaged just under 90 miles per hour.
https://twitter.com/ParkerHageman/status/674281352515092480
Nolasco hasn’t missed many bats with the Twins, either, having posted a career worst 11.9 hits per nine innings pitched over the last two years.
The $25 million remaining on his contract would likely be the biggest detractor for a team interested in Nolasco, but Twins owner Jim Pohlad recently said the team isn’t against taking on some of the remaining salary if a deal needs to be made.
Nolasco is not a lock to be included in Minnesota’s five-man starting rotation if he stays in Minnesota. Ervin Santana, Phil Hughes, Kyle Gibson and Tyler Duffy will likely command four of the five spots, while top pitching prospect Jose Berrios is expected to contend for a spot in the rotation along with Trevor May and Tommy Milone.
Mike Pelfrey recently signed with the Tigers; he started 30 games for the Twins last season.
