Twins Interested in Jake Odorizzi, Who Impressed in Recent Showcase

The Minnesota Twins are trying to find more starting pitcher competition for the middle and back of their rotation this season, but their options are limited to a trade or toss-away free agents with few other options beyond a cheap “prove it” contract.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sign Top-10 International Prospect, Daiber De Los Santos

On Wednesday, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told KFAN that he would still bet on the Twins making a significant move before Spring Training opens in a month. Today’s latest hot stove news certainly isn’t that, but it’s intriguing nonetheless.

Minnesota Twins interested in Jake Odorizzi

So far, all has been quiet on the rumor mill surrounding the Twins. But on the Mackey and Judd podcast (SKOR North), local insider Darren Wolfson reported that the Twins recently worked out one of their former starters, who is currently a free agent, Jake Odorizzi.

“Last week, Jake Odorizzi — free agent starter — threw for some teams, including the Twins. He would fit into their budget. [He did not pitch last year] so there’s a reason why he had a showcase, right, he needed to show that he is still capable. But I am told that he looked pretty darn good.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Related: Twins Trade Chips Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler Both Participating in ‘Twinsfest’

Odorizzi last pitched in 2022, where he was good as a back-end starter for the Houston Astros during the first half of the season (60 IP, 3.75 ERA, 3.61 FIP). But after being dealt to the Atlanta Braves before the deadline, he fell off the wagon (46.1 IP, 5.24 ERA, 5.14 FIP). Jake hasn’t pitched over 107 innings since he was last with the Twins in 2019, the only season he was ever named an All-Star.