Not only do the Twins need power arms in their starting rotation, they also need a few in their bullpen.
Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported over the weekend that the Twins have checked in on the availability of Cincinnati Reds closer, Raisel Iglesias. Morosi noted in the Tweet that Minnesota is “doing its due diligence on many bullpen arms.”
Meanwhile, Darren Wolfson of KSTP says the Twins have “planted seeds” on Tampa Bay Rays closer Alex Colome.
Who are these guys?
Iglesias may be one of the best relievers you’ve never heard of. He picked up 28 saves last year, and over the last two seasons he owns an ERA of 2.51 while striking out 175 batters in 154 innings.
He has the exact kind of electric stuff the team desperately needs.
Colome on the other hand is coming off a “down” year after an All-Star season in 2016. Despite leading the MLB in saves (47), his ERA shot up a bit and his strikeout numbers dropped.
- 2016: 1.91 ERA, 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings
- 2017: 3.24 ERA, 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings
What will they cost?
I’d wager that Iglesias will command more of a return than Colome due to his nastier stuff and the fact he’s under contract through 2022 for a reasonable price.
However, because Colome is eligible for arbitration this season, Tampa Bay could be inclined to part ways with their closer.
Who would the Twins give up?
Due to the emergence of Jorge Polanco and a logjam of middle infielders on the 25-man roster, Minnesota could move on from infield prospect Nick Gordon.
However, with Brian Dozier a free agent after the 2018 season, could Twins move on from the Gold Glove winning second baseman?
That remains to be seen.
With the annual General Manager meetings beginning this week and the Winter Meetings on the horizon next month, the buzz around trade rumors and free agency is only beginning to pick up.
