The Twins are still reportedly looking for a bullet or two in the bullpen.
MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted Thursday that the Twins are looking to add a reliever, saying hard-throwing right-hander Ryan Madson could be a target along with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.
Folks around the game suspect the Braves are lying in the weeds for superstar closer Craig Kimbrel. Other possibilities include Phillies, Nats, Red Sox, Twins, and of course, a mystery team.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 1, 2019
Kimbrel is without a doubt the best free agent arm available. He’s a seven-time All-Star, owns a career ERA of 1.91 and has racked up 333 saves in his nine-year career.
In November, it was reported that the closer was seeking a six-year contract. It’s unclear if that’s still the case, but with spring training nearing that number might’ve dropped.
Kimbrel spent the past three season with the Red Sox, helping Boston to a World Series in 2018.
Twins reporter Dan Hayes of The Athletic made a case for the Twins going after the All-Star closer on a shorter-term, high value deal. Hayes says the Twins have no interest in giving Kimbrel a five- or six-year contract.
More on Ryan Madson
Madson, 38, is coming off a rocky season in which he had an ERA north of 5 with both the Nationals and Dodgers.
Despite his age, Madson can still light up a radar gun with his fastball hovering at 96.4 mph, according to Fangraphs.
He earned $7.5 million last season and since he’s coming off a down year it’s likely he’d command a smaller contract.
Madson has had an interesting career. He walked away from baseball in 2011 after a serious elbow injury and to spend more time with his family. He returned in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals, where he won a World Series.
No stranger to the playoffs, Madson has made 57 appearances in October, including three trips to the World Series and owns a 2.73 ERA in 56 postseason innings.
His veteran presence would do wonders for a still young Twins bullpen.
There are a few other free-agent relievers who are still looking for work:
- Tony Sipp
- Aj Ramos
- Adam Warren
- Bud Norris
Other free agents like Wade Miley and Shawn Kelley have recently found homes, so dominos are starting to fall as spring training inches closer.
The Twins’ 40-man roster is currently full, so if they sign a free agent they’ll be forced to make a corresponding roster move.
Trevor May, Trevor Hildenberger, Taylor Rodgers, Addison Reed and Blake Parker (a recent free-agent signing) are locks to make the bullpen.
Gabriel Moya, Matt Magill and Tyler Duffey, in addition to starting pitchers Adalberto Mejia and Fernando Romero, could be in competition for bullpen spots as well.
