Minnesota Twins Could Still Add Payroll in August

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Hector Neris
Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins largely ignored the Major League Baseball trade deadline. With only one addition, and coming in at less than $1 million, there should be room to add. That could still happen during the month of August.

Waiver claims make sense for the Minnesota Twins

A season ago the waiver wire became something of an interesting subject. After the Los Angeles Angels decided that they were out of postseason contention, they dumped a bunch of expiring contracts. The Cleveland Guardians swooped up a handful of those players, and they blocked the Minnesota Twins. Insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson confirmed that Minnesota had claims on certain players, and that could take place again this year.

“We saw it last year. The Twins put in waiver claims on guys. I think we might see some teams say, ‘ok we’re done, let’s throw the towel in.’ A team like the Cubs, or the Giants. Does a reliever like Hector Neris, who’s on a one-year deal, hit the waiver wire on August 20th, where there’s still an opportunity for the Twins to pluck somebody.”

Darren Wolfson on the possibility of Twins making waiver claims

Waivers work a bit differently in the new system. The Minnesota Twins could claim anyone placed on waivers prior to August 31st and they would be postseason eligible. Trade waivers are no longer a thing. Outright waivers are now completely irrevocable.

Related: Bullpen Moves Draw Ire From Minnesota Twins Clubhouse

Is Hector Neris a boost for the Minnesota Twins?

Hector Neris is a name Wolfson brought up as a possible fit for Minnesota. Of course he isn’t yet available, but someone in that vein makes sense for this exercise. Neris owns a 3.58 ERA but carries a 4.46 FIP. His 39/24 K/BB isn’t a glorious representation of command, but he could be a workable arm for the bullpen.

Whether it’s Neris or someone entirely different, the Twins attempted to add this way last year. Making a claim for pitchers like Lucas Giolito or Matt Moore from the Angels would have provided a bit of stability down the stretch. A starter or bullpen option may present themselves this month. The Twins could pounce to bolster their ranks heading into September.

From a financial sense as well, waiting further into August would diminish whatever is left on any player’s 2024 contract. Given how little ownership has shown a willingness to invest, that could be a pivotal difference for the front office as well.

Related: Minnesota Twins Players Mostly Admit They Wanted Help at Trade Deadline

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