Failed Twins Pitcher DFA’d by New Team

Funny how fast things can change in Major League Baseball. Heading into the 2025 season, ZiPS suggested that the Minnesota Twins may have the best bullpen in baseball. Just a few months later, after the Twins’ Jim Crane induced trade deadline teardown, they may have the MLB’s worst reliever corps.

When Minnesota broke Spring Training, Jorge Alcala was part of the Twins’ highly touted bullpen group. That was until mid-June when he was sent packing in a trade with the Boston Red Sox.

Now, Minnesota needs stabilizing relief arms, and are even considering Ryan Pressly, who team president Derek Falvey dealt to Houston back in 2018, in exchange for Alcala.

Boston Red Sox DFA former Minnesota Twins reliever Jorge Alcala

It remains to be seen whether or not the MN Twins can reel Pressly back in. One thing has become clear out in Boston, however. The Red Sox may be desperate for a high-octane arm in their bullpen… but Jorge Alcala ain’t it. After 19 games in a Red Sox uniform, Alcala was DFA’d on Tuesday.

Jorge Alcala was designated for assignment and Isaiah Campbell was called up.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 5, 2025

He pitched 16.1 innings for Boston, posting a 3.31 ERA and 5.56 FIP. That’s better than the 22 games he played for the Minnesota Twins… but not good enough. Sox manager Alex Cora explained Alcala’s problem to Mass Live’s Chris Cotillo in very simple terms. He can’t throw strikes… though his 4 homers allowed were a problem too.

“The stuff was good. He wasn’t able to throw strikes. Good kid, good stuff. We’ll see what the future holds, but we needed to make a change.”

Alex Cora – Mass Live

Vinnie Pasquantino – 405ft
RBIs: 1
Season Total: 19
Career Total: 57

Pitcher: Jorge Alcala
Location: Fenway Park
Date: 8/5/2025 pic.twitter.com/aRzjPlHYhO

— Royals Home Runs (@RoyalsDingers) August 5, 2025

Some pitchers are effectively wild, and some are just wild. Since 2022, Alcala owns a 4.2 BB/9. It’s not incredibly-high for a reliever, but so often he puts himself in bad situations.

Through his first 14 outings with Boston, Alcala allowed five runs (one earned) in 13 innings. Over his last five outings, the final of which was a three-run blowup against Kansas City, he recorded less than three outs four times. Alcala allowed six runs (five earned) in just 3 1/3 innings with a 5/4 K/BB.

Related: MN Twins Interested in Former (Familiar) Top Reliever

Because of his upper-90’s fastball Alcala is likely to find another opportunity. Whether that comes with a contender or not is a question. Alcala has been virtually this same pitcher for years. That won’t stop another organization from thinking they can change him.