After missing out on a top free agent starting pitcher in Zack Wheeler, who’s reportedly signing in Philadelphia, the Twins will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
One of those arms is Madison Bumgarner, and the Twins are apparently “heavy suitors” for his services, according to Andy Martino of SportsNet New York.
Martino notes the Twins and White Sox are appear to be frontrunners with the Yankees being involved to some degree. Fellow MLB insider Mark Feinsand also reported Bumgarner could be signed by next week’s Winter Meetings in San Diego.
Wheeler’s deal was for $118 million over five years, and Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors notes it’s unlikely Bumgarner’s market will escalate to same heights as Wheeler.
The former World Series MVP has spent his entire career in San Francisco, and is now looking for a new home entering his 12th season. Last season, the 30-year-old lefty went 9-9 with a 3.90 ERA in 207 innings with 203 strikeouts and 43 walks.
He’s also one of the most decorated postseason pitchers of all time, winning three championship rings with the Giants. Bumgarner has allowed just one earned run in 36 innings in the World Series and owns a career postseason ERA of 2.11.
After experiencing a dip in velocity in 2018, Bumgarner’s fastball climbed to an average of 93.6 mph last season, which is two clicks ahead of his career average, according to FanGraphs.
The Twins have just two starting pitchers locked into their 2020 starting rotation in Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi, so there are three spots yet to be decided. That means Minnesota likely needs to supplement pitching needs through free agency or trades this winter.
