Minnesota Twins Could Still Luck into Pitching Help… if Pohlads Play Ball

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Rocco Baldelli
Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins had a chance to improve their club at the trade deadline. Instead, their only addition came in the form of middling reliever, Trevor Richards. At the time, president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, suggested that ownership was on board to spend if the right opportunity came along.

Of course, fans and media alike remain skeptical as to the truth in that statement. But… he and the Pohlads could still have one last chance to prove they care about winning in October.

Waiver claims could benefit Minnesota Twins

At every turn the Twins continue to fumble goodwill opportunities with their fan base. This offseason the they scaled back payroll by $30 million. Then, they failed to make a move at the deadline, in large part because of their refusal to take on any additional salary.

Although the trade deadline has passed, the waiver wire is still available. Not only that, but their could be some intriguing names being waived pretty soon. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal touched on teams (specifically the Texas Rangers) that may be willing to shed talent (specifically pitchers), in order to lower their luxury tax burden for 2024.

Clubs would save only about one-sixth of players’ remaining salaries in 2024 if they dump them before the Aug. 31 deadline for playoff eligibility. But say the Rangers succeeded in purging four potential free-agent pitchers — lefty Andrew Heaney and righty relievers David Robertson, Kirby Yates and José Leclerc. They would pocket almost $6 million.

Ken Rosenthal on the Rangers waiving pitchers – The Athletic

To be sure, and Rosenthal points it out, this would be a bad look for the league. It was last year when the Los Angeles Angels did it, and it would be if the Rangers followed suit. That said, there’s nothing stopping them. And beyond the bad look, it makes sense financially.

Nathan Eovaldi available again?

Rosenthal mentions Andrew Heaney, David Robertson, Kirby Yates and Jose Leclerc, above. But then, he gets into Nathan Eovaldi’s situation. If Eovaldi were waived, there would likely be multiple interested teams.

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His cost for the rest of the season would be under $3 million. You’d think, that’s a measly price to pay for a guy who would immediately be inserted as a No. 1 or No. 2 starter in a Twins playoff rotation.

It’s possible not all of those pitchers would be claimed. Righty Nathan Eovaldi, who has a 3.05 ERA in 79 2/3 postseason innings, almost certainly would be, and the Rangers could take a chance by exposing him to waivers as well.

Ken Rosenthal on Nathon Eovaldi’s possible availability – The Athletic

Twins need to spend on waivers

While teams may have been hesitant to deal at the deadline, August provides a more clear answer. Teams that see themselves as out of contention can move salaries and open roster spots.

Given the injuries that the Minnesota Twins are dealing with, there should be talent that excites them. A year ago Minnesota put claims in on many of the players grabbed by the Cleveland Guardians. Falvey has said he has the freedom to add.

Byron Buxton could be headed to the injured list. Carlos Correa remains there. Joe Ryan could be done for the season, and Chris Paddack may be as well. Brock Stewart had surgery and Brooks Lee is nursing an injury.

Related: Minnesota Twins System Explodes in MLB Pipeline Update

Baldelli is still getting wins out of his club, but the depleted version could use some help if it is made available. It didn’t happen at the deadline, but August isn’t over.

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