If you’ve watched the Twins over the years, there’s one glaring missing ingredient and that’s top-tier pitching.
Well, MLB insider Jon Heyman says the Twins are considering a run at some of baseball’s top free agent arms this winter.
“They are thought to be considering even the very top guys – Yu Darvish, Jake Arrieta, Lance Lynn and Alex Cobb – as they look to improve off their surprising 2016 playoff team,” said Heyman.
He points out that the Twins’ new ownership is strongly weighing whether to make a big investment in supplementing a legitimate offense and an impressive core of young players.
Both Darvish and Arrieta will command serious dough on the open market – we’re talking money that’s probably well north of $20 million a season.
MLB Trade Rumors suggests Darvish will command a six-year deal worth $160 million while Arrieta would gather a four-year contract worth $100 million.
Now will Minnesota be able to outbid teams like Chicago, Boston and New York? That remains to be seen.
However, the Twins have very few salary commitments beyond the 2018 season. As it stands right now, Minnesota has just $39 million in committed money to their roster for the 2019 season.
Second-tier starters like Cobb and Lynn might be more realistic targets for the Twins.
Although they’re not on the same level as Darvish or Arrieta, both Cobb and Lynn would be significant upgrades in the rotation.
Plus, the team need upgrades in the bullpen too.
With the team fresh off a playoff appearance, Minnesota is well aware they need to make upgrades to their pitching staffs and they have plenty of money to spend.
