Two Free Agent Pitchers Linked to Minnesota Twins

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Yusei Kikuchi
Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

This offseason should be fascinating for the Minnesota Twins. The reality is that Derek Falvey has next to no money to play with. If he is able to trade some of the more expensive contracts on the big league roster, then he could dip his toes into free agency. There are plenty of available players that would improve Rocco Baldelli’s roster.

Minnesota Twins need to address pitching issues

Last season Rocco Baldelli used 34 different pitchers and needed 10 of them to make starts. Joe Ryan missed substantial time due to injury, and plenty of unproven arms had to step up. The depth wasn’t present and that left the roster exposed down the stretch. If the club is going to avoid that same fate in 2025 then there has to be a step forward on the bump. MLB’s Mark Feinsand has some ideas. Publishing a list of his top 25 free agents, there are two that Feinsand connects to Minnesota.

Yusei Kikuchi, LHP

The 34-year-old was a popular trade target for the Twins, and they have sought his services multiple times over the years. He would represent the lone lefty in the rotation, and he looked great working with the Houston Astros.

“The Astros paid a hefty price for Kikuchi at the Trade Deadline, a somewhat surprising development given his 4.75 ERA over 22 starts for Toronto. But the veteran lefty was stellar for Houston, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts, thrusting him back into the second level of free-agent starters.”

Feinsand on Kikuchi (MLB)

Kikuchi was in the final season of a three-year, $36 million deal last season. He’s going to make more than the $10 million he was being paid, but how much more remains to be seen.

Related: Minnesota Twins Trying to Trade Willi Castro

Luis Severino, RHP

The longtime New York Yankees pitcher moved across the city to play for the Mets last season. He was healthy and started 31 games with a 3.91 ERA while making $13 million. Although he’ll be 31 years old, he should be in line for a multi-year deal.

“Severino bet on himself by signing a one-year, $13 million contract with the Mets last winter. Then he posted an 11-7 record with a 3.91 ERA over 182 innings, his highest total since 2018. Severino should be able to command a multiyear deal this winter, as a number of clubs will seek a rotation upgrade.”

Feinsand on Severino (MLB)

The fit for Minnesota got a bit more tricky when the Mets gave Severino a qualifying offer. He can make $21.05 million in 2025 on a one-year deal. It seems likely he will seek a multi-year pact, but that means the Twins would need to part with a draft pick on top of paying him. This could have been a better fit before that reality, and it now seems like a non-starter.

Related: Minnesota Twins Outright a Handful of Players; All Clear Waivers

Ultimately the Twins have to address their own payroll implications before adding to the group. It would be shocking to see the organization avoid free agency altogether, but the path forward isn’t currently clear.

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