Twins Deal for All-Star Closer, Jorge Lopez

The Minnesota Twins have finally shown life. On Tuesday morning, just hours before the MLB trade deadline (5PM CT), Derek Falvey sent prospects Cade Povich and Yennier Cano to the Baltimore Orioles, in return for All-Star closer, Jorge Lopez.

Jorge Lopez to Twins. Nice pickup.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 2, 2022

Full deal, per sources:

Minnesota gets: closer Jorge Lopez

Baltimore gets: LHP Cade Povich, RHP Yennier Cano, RHP Juan Nuñez and LHP Juan Rojas@JonHeyman was first with Lopez going to Minnesota

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2022

Jorge Lopez is the absolute perfect pickup for the Twins bullpen. The 29-years-old is under contract through 2024 and he’s been dominant this season, posting a 1.68 ERA, 0.972 WHIP, 2.99 FIP and an absurd 241 ERA+ in 48.1 innings pitched. Lopez’ arrival in the bullpen slides Duran down into the #2 role and Jax into the #3. That means less of Emilio Pagan, Tyler Duffey and most importantly, Joe Smith.

The aggressiveness of this splash also signals that the Minnesota Twins, while late to the deadline party, are looking to get tipsy before closing time. With 7 hours remaining until last call, Falvine still needs to find another solid bullpen arm and, most importantly, a front-rotation starting pitcher.

Package Details

Cade Povich is the #22 ranked prospect in the Twins organization, according to MLB.com. Aaron Gleeman (The Athletic) ranked him #20 in the system, in a more updated post-draft prospect ranking, at the end of July. Povich is a 22-year-old, left-handed starting pitcher who’s had an up and down 2022 season at high-A Cedar Rapids.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan