Failed MN Twins Starter Lands on West Coast

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Tyler Mahle
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It’s the time of winter where the MLB hot stove all but turns off. The Minnesota Twins have made just one meaningful move this offseason, signing Josh Bell, and have done yet to address the bullpen. Their starting rotation is actually in a good spot, and it could be a foundational piece of the roster if kept intact.

Other teams are still feeling out the free agent market, and signings have trickled in at a turtle pace. Once promising Twins trade acquisition Tyler Mahle just found a new job as well.

Former Minnesota Twin Tyler Mahle signs with San Francisco Giants

During the summer of 2022, Twins President Derek Falvey acquired Cincinnati Reds starter Tyler Mahle as a rotation upgrade at the trade deadline. He sent Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Spencer Steer, and Steven Hajjar to the NL Central foe. Unfortunately, Mahle made just four starts the rest of the way as injuries were the takeaway of his time with the Twins.

Now, after two years with the Texas Rangers, Mahle has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.

In San Francisco, Mahle will pitch under first-time MLB manager Tony Vitello. The former Tennessee head coach has brought along Mahle’s old Minnesota Twins bench coach, Jayce Tingler, to his staff.

Mahle pitched just 12 2/3 innings in 2024 with Texas after returning from Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2023. Last season with the Rangers, he made 16 starts covering 86 2/3 innings while posting a 2.18 ERA (3.37 FIP). His strikeout stuff hasn’t returned (6.9 K/9), but he’s allowing fewer home runs than ever.

Oracle Park is a big field, and should lend itself useful to Mahle keeping the ball in the yard. The organization has gone through a progressive youth movement hiring a college coach as their manager, and installing Buster Posey as President of Baseball Operations.

Mahle has always carried injury concerns, which is ultimately why things didn’t work out long-term with the MN Twins. If he can stay healthy, though, and especially on what figures to be a relatively cheap deal, this is a solid, low-risk move for the Giants.

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