Pat Neshek made his second All-Star appearance on Tuesday representing the Philadelphia Phillies. His first All-Star Game came in 2014 when Target Field hosted the annual event when Neshek was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
The 36-year-old right-hander is dangling a career best 1.27 ERA this season and he’s drawing interest from teams around the league as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.
With Minnesota owning one of the league’s worst bullpens, the Twins would be wise to consider a reunion with the submarine pitcher.
‘Minnesota? That’d be fun.’
Neshek told the Pioneer Press after the All-Star Game that it would be fun to come back. “Minnesota? That’d be fun,” said Neshek to Mike Beradino. “My brother (Paul) is still up there, and he fills in on the (Target Field) grounds crew every once in a while.”
Is he still good?
In 35 innings this season, the reliever has allowed just five earned runs and struck out 36 batters while issuing just five walks.
Neshek left the Twins after the 2010 season and over the last six seasons, he’s been one of baseball’s best arms. Since 2012, he owns an ERA of 2.55 in 264 career innings.
Does he fit in?
He’s currently making $6.5 million this season and he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. Minnesota’s new regime has expressed they want to add pieces to help the club beyond the 2017 season.
He’s one of us!
Although born in Madison, Wisconsin, Neshek grew up in Minnesota and attended Park Center High School in Brooklyn Park and as mentioned above, his brother works for the Twins.
With Neshek having family here and probably nearing the end of this career, he’d probably be inclined to stay with the Twins beyond this season if he were to continue playing.
