Twins president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey, was always going to sell every single impending free agent he could, and without a doubt, left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe was among the best of those expiring assets. It took some big name relievers coming off the board, but the southpaw now has a new team too.

Minnesota Twins send Danny Coulombe to Texas

Danny Coulombe signed a couple of minor league deals to stay with the Minnesota Twins from 2020 through 2022. Then he joined the Baltimore Orioles for a pair of seasons before returning on a three-year pact this offseason. Now he’s going to the AL West and joining the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers are acquiring left-hander Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 31, 2025

This season for the Twins Coulombe owns a career-low 1.16 ERA (1.96 FIP) across 40 games. He has a 31/9 K/BB in 31 innings, and has been among the most unhittable lefties in the entire game.

Coulombe is not a velocity guy as he sits just 90.4 mph on his fastball. He utilizes a deceptive delivery and significant spin to overpower hitters and it has worked to an extreme extent in recent seasons.

Related: MN Twins Shock the World: Carlos Correa Back to Astros

The Texas Rangers are currently 57-52, which is tied for second in the AL West with the Seattle Mariners. They are both trying to chase down the Houston Astros or at worst secure a wild card berth.

Coulombe is cut from a similar cloth as former Minnesota Twins southpaw reliever Caleb Thielbar. While the latter was a Minnesota-native, they both reinvented themselves to carve out a notable second-half of their career. Just like Thielbar did, Coulombe thrived this season with the Twins. Now, the Rangers hope he can do the same for them.

Official: Rangers acquire LHP Danny Coulombe from the Twins for LHP Garrett Horn.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2025

Horn is the return for Coulombe and he was the Rangers sixth round pick in 2024. He pitched for Liberty at the collegiate level and has spent 2025 at rookie ball and Single-A. Horn has made nine starts professionally and owns a 2.92 ERA with a 34/6 K/BB across 24 2/3 innings.

He is already 22 years old so ideally the Twins can push him aggressively. Minnesota has been able to develop pitching prospects, so the new landing spot for Horn should be exciting.

The clubhouse indicated to the front office that it was time to get serious about selling. The front office had to grapple with the reality that they failed in roster construction, again.

Minnesota is about to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, and it has started to sink in.

Reality setting in for MN Twins prior to trade deadline

On Tuesday night against the Boston Red Sox the MN Twins set social media ablaze because closer Jhoan Duran simply gave his bullpen catcher a hug. That’s representative of the reality facing the team though. Players are going to go, and Ryan Jeffers talked with The Athletic’s Dan Hayes about just that.

“We’re still kind of in a holding pattern of seeing exactly how far down the rabbit hole we go as an organization,. I’m sure now that the ball’s rolling with making a move, stuff is going to start happening.”

Ryan Jeffers – The Athletic

Jeffers isn’t likely to be among the players that Minnesota moves. Christian Vazquez is an impending free agent (and very much available). Beyond that, the position is thin at the high minors. Danny Coulombe is an impending free agent that is having a career-year, so he could go, and echoes the sentiments of Jeffers.

“You don’t think it’s a real thing, and when one domino falls, you’re like, ‘OK, this is actually going to happen.’ It’s definite we’re looking to sell.”

Danny Coulombe – The Athletic

The rabbit hole Jeffers is talking about relates to the significance of future assets being traded. As a bad team it’s not surprising you’d move anyone that has no set contract beyond this season. That isn’t the case for names like Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran, or Griffin Jax. On Wednesday morning it was reported that Carlos Correa could be on the table as well.

Related: Report: Houston Astros Coming for MN Twins Carlos Correa

Another impending free agent that has come to grips with the reality is Willi Castro. He is having a better year than his All-Star season in 2024, and that will make him more than valuable to a multitude of teams.

“It’s not going to take me by surprise. I’m already prepared. I wish I could stay here. … I don’t think anybody is going to be surprised by the news.”

Willi Castro – The Athletic

The closer things get to Thursday’s 5pm CDT MLB trade deadline, the more clarity the clubhouse will have. It’s going to look like a different room when the team returns Friday in Cleveland, but they have already submitted to that reality.

MN Twins moves could come fast

It seems like ages ago that Paddack was traded to Detroit, but that was just Monday evening. So far that has been the only deal Derek Falvey has done. However, he holds plenty of assets teams are coming for, and he’ll have to make decisions eventually.

Wednesday the Twins are in action against the Boston Red Sox for a matinee affair. They’ll get on a plane and head to Cleveland after that contest. It may behoove the squad not to offer plane tickets to those that won’t be with the team on Friday.

Related: Excess Demand for Pitching Empowering MN Twins’ Stubborness

Deadline day always brings a flurry of moves. You can expect plenty of the Twins pieces to be caught up in that reality. It will be worth monitoring the tea leaves Wednesday night though to see what may get done before the sun comes up again.

Out of the All-Star Break, the Twins had 12 games until the deadline to prove they had something special in store for the second half. Instead, they’ve started this all-important stretch with just one win and three devastating losses.

Now sitting at 48-52, with nearly 10 teams between them and the final AL Wild Card spot, the MN Twins’ playoff chances are now down to 10% (PlayoffStatus.com). In order to reach .500 by the deadline, they’d have to go 6-2 over their next eight games, five of which are against playoff teams — Dodgers (59-42), Red Sox (54-48).

MLB trade deadline buyers are circling Minnesota Twins rentals

At this point, that doesn’t just feel impossible. It feels like climbing Mount Everest in nothing but shorts and a T-shirt. Thus, according to Jon Heyman (MLB Network, NY Post), team president Derek Falvey is cracking open the trade deadline doors at Target Field, and starting to seriously field offers from buying teams.

To what extent the Minnesota Twins ultimately decide to sell, remains to be seen. But for now, they’re at least open to trading away their pending free agents, which could be just the beginning.

As of today, the Twins are now seriously listening on their rental players, including Coulombe, Bader and Castro. While they will listen on All-Star starter Joe Ryan and star closer Jhoan Duran they’d have to be blown away, especially for Ryan.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2025

As soon as the Minnesota Twins tripped over themselves in June, and put themselves in this position, opposing teams have been waiting for this moment. And now, they’re patience may pay off.

Willi Castro — who’s making $6.4 million this season and due for unrestricted free agency this offseason — was the team MVP in 2024, and an AL All-Star. In 2025, his 1.4 fWAR is among the Twins’ best.

Related: Dodgers, Twins in Trade Talks Over Prized Bullpen Assets

Danny Coulombe is making $3 million this season, and he’s been worth every penny, The 35-year-old lefty has been nothing short of incredible out of the bullpen, touting a career best 0.65 ERA (1.75 FIP) in 27.2 IP.

Harrison Bader has been one of the MN Twins best players this season. He owns a 1.8 fWAR which is second-best amongst hitters on the team. Bader’s $8 million is the most expensive contract of the bunch, but an acquiring team would be paying roughly one-third of that.

The slide from Harrison Bader to get the ball in the corner and get it back in was smoooooth pic.twitter.com/sV7ERYh3Qi

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 5, 2025

Nobody in the above group is going to return a top 100 prospect, but it’s beyond fair for Minnesota to seek a prospect within an acquiring team’s top ten. Bader may wind up being the best all-around outfielder available on the deadline market, and Coulombe the top lefty reliever.

Heyman does touch on controllable assets for Minnesota. Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax may be those that generate the most smoke. Starting pitcher, and 2025 All-Star, Joe Ryan could be among them as well. Those types, all of which have multiple years of control remaining on their contracts, won’t come cheap.

What about the rest of the MN Twins impending free agents?

Heyman notes the Minnesota Twins’ top three free agents, but he kept others like Christian Vazquez, Chris Paddack, and Ty France out of his tweet. Falvey would love to move those guys too, but what would they get in return? A bucket of baseballs… if they’re lucky?

Among those not mentioned by Heyman, Paddack seems like the most logical to draw interest. He is making $7.5 million this season and has a 5.14 ERA (4.50 FIP). He could make sense as a back-end starter for a contending team.

Paddack has never found the stuff that propelled him to a 3.33 ERA as a rookie, but has shown a capability of good stretches. The problem is that he’s already thrown more pitches this season, than any other in his career, so acquiring him doesn’t come without risk.

Related: To Whom It May Concern: Good Luck Prying Joe Ryan Out of Minnesota

France may be movable due to the fact he is making just $1 million. Unfortunately he’s been a negative asset at the plate, and if he isn’t dealt, then DFA’ing him after the deadline and running other guys through the position makes sense.

For almost the entirety of his three-year, $30 million contract, Christian Vazquez has been terrible. The defensive value and clubhouse presence means something, but he’s simply incapable as a hitter (41 OPS+). Minnesota would love to see someone interested in taking the final payments of his $10 million this year on.

The Twins are 6-13 in June, and as the month goes along they just keep getting worse. Entering their four-game home series against the Seattle Mariners to start this week, Rocco Baldelli & Co are 3-12 in their last 15 games and 1-9 since June 12.

Minnesota Twins pitching staff riding the struggle bus

Minnesota’s biggest problem has been pitching, which had been their biggest strength while winning. But since Pablo Lopez (grade 2 teres major strain) and Zebby Matthews (grade 2 subcapularis strain) hit the injured list, the Twins can’t keep runs off the board.

Through May their 6.1 fWAR was 4th in baseball and the 3.42 ERA was 5th. This month they sit dead last in ERA (5.87) and are 24th in fWAR (0.7). Of course losing doesn’t help. And when something isn’t working, human nature tells us to fix it.

On Sunday, in their season finale vs Milwaukee, Rocco’s latest attempt to cure the Twins’ recent pitching problems manifested itself in the form of an “Opening Pitcher”. The Brewers had two left-handed batters at the top of their lineup so Minnesota replaced righty starter David Festa, with lefty reliever Danny Coulombe.

Unfortunately, Rocco’s ingenious plan didn’t work. Coulombe gave up a run in the first, off a Christian Yelich (lefty) hit. From there, Festa went on to allow 8 earned runs on 12 hits in his 4.2 innings pitched and the Minnesota Twins lost 9-8.

MN Twins looking to fix a once-dominant rotation

But if you thought last night’s failed “opener” attempt would get Rocco Baldelli off the idea of using one again in the near future, you’d be wrong. According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, we can expect more opening pitchers going forward, when the manager sees it as being advantageous (in theory). is reporting that more is on the way.

The team’s first attempt didn’t go according to plan…But Twins manager Rocco Baldelli and his coaches believe the strategy can potentially help turn around a club sitting at three games under .500…the Twins recognize changes are necessary to aid a pitching staff that has surrendered 128 runs (118 earned) in 147 innings since [June 3].

They’d love it if several of their top relievers operated as openers and pitched scoreless innings early before handing the ball off to a bulk pitcher with a lead in place.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

Related: Injured Minnesota Twins Take First Steps Toward Return

The strategy behind an opener is straightforward. Coulombe has allowed left-handed hitters just seven hits (in 36 PA) with a single extra-base hit (a double). He also has a 10/1 K/BB.

In theory, not only did the swap allow a better first inning pitching matchup for the Twins, but it also allowed Festa to avoid the top of the Brewers’ lineup his first time through. It’s a logical and commendable attempt to fix a pitching staff that is currently broken, with little help remaining at Triple A to come up and help.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Baldelli has employed the opener strategy, since being hired as Minnesota Twins manager, before the 2019 season. In 2022, for example, Minnesota used 14 different starters, including Chris Archer, Devin Smeltzer, and Josh Winder all of whom made at least 11 turns through that rotation.

Rocco Baldelli explains why Twins will continue to use openers

The results of using an opener haven’t always been there for Minnesota, but desperate times often call for desperate measures. With four of the Twins’ current starters (all not name Joe Ryan) struggling mightily, Rocco clearly isn’t ready to abandoned the new-school baseball strategy just yet.

“We’ve got to do a better job of slowing the other team down. That’s what we have to do and I’m going to try to make some adjustments. Our pitchers are going to make some adjustments. Our defense can do a better job, too. Our defense is a part of this, as well. But we have to continue to amend what we’re doing for the better, make adjustments and figure this thing out.”

“We’re reacting a little bit because we have to. It’s been a little while now we’ve been struggling to stop the other teams from scoring. And we’re going to introduce something new and try to switch things up…It’s something that we’re comfortable with. It’s something that I think can help us get to the middle of the game. It’s something that can help us and probably something that we’re going to see more of.”

Rocco Baldelli – The Athletic

Simeon Woods Richardson was demoted earlier in the year, in part because he couldn’t go more than four or five innings without being rocked. He has taken three turns since returning, allowing 11 runs (nine earned) in just 15 2/3 innings with a 10/7 K/BB.

Festa turned in three great starts earlier this year, while up with the big league club. Unfortunately, he’s been anything but competitive, since his return. In 18 innings, across four starts, the 25-year-old out of Seton Hall has allowed 22 runs (20 earned), touting a 17/10 K/BB ratio.

This week, however, that changed when Pablo Lopez was pulled from his start against the Athletics after just five innings with what was later diagnosed as a Grade 2 Teres Major strain, an injury some in the Minnesota Twins organization think could have been caused by the less-than-ideal minor league field conditions in Sacramento, temporary home of the orphan Athletics.

Zebby Matthews joins Minnesota Twins injured list

And now… it appears Sutter Health Park may have claimed another Twins starter, Zebby Matthews, who pitched Wednesday against the A’s. Just a few days later, he is going on the injured list too.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/bFIcCUZMdc

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 8, 2025

In Sacramento, Matthews worked five innings of one-run ball. He allowed four hits while walking three and striking out four. At the time, it seemed like a relatively uneventful outing… but apparently it was not.

The shoulder strain means that Zebby is out for at least 15 days, and there’s an increased concern, considering the shoulder issues are not as straightforward as other pitching injuries can be. Just ask Pablo Lopez. The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman is reporting Matthews will be shut down for at least two weeks.

“I was able to throw through it in Seattle and Sacramento. But ultimately now, I’m feeling it a little more. I’ll have to take a little time off, but hopefully it’s not too long…It’s not something we’re too concerned with. It seems to be something we can respond to, hopefully, pretty quick.”

Zebby Matthews – The Athletic

The Minnesota Twins just promoted the 25-year-old flamethrower a couple weeks ago, to take over for a struggling Simeon Woods Richardson. He made just four starts (5.21 ERA 3.07 FIP) before landing on IR.

Simeon Woods Richardson call up incoming…?

It stands to reason that Woods Richardson will be recalled, to take over the Twins’ now-vacant rotation spot. In the meantime, left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe is back with the club after a brief rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints. He returns to a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings across 19 appearances.

Simeon Woods Richardson WILL NOT start today for the @StPaulSaints

He’s being recalled by the Twins.

Randy Dobnak gets the start.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 8, 2025

It certainly looks like SWR is the choice, and he will need to better. And not just better than he was before being optioned to St. Paul, but also since the demotion. He has posted a very meh 4.24 ERA across 17 innings in three starts for the Saints (19/5 K/BB). The problem is that his five-run blowup start (that included three homers) came in his last time out.

Related: Minnesota Twins Blame A’s Ballpark for Injuring Star Players

The depth that the Minnesota Twins had for the starting rotation is about to be tested to the maximum degree. The two next options would be Marco Raya — who hasn’t looked ready — and Andrew Morris, who isn’t on the 40-man roster.

On Saturday night at home against Toronto, the Twins went into the 8th inning with a 3-2 lead over Blue Jays, after 6 more solid innings from Chris Paddack, who’s been pitching out of his mind lately.

Minnesota Twins pitchers blow late lead vs Blue Jays

Unfortunately, Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran, Minnesota’s two most-trusted relievers, gave up a total of three runs in those final two innings, and the Twins lost their third-straight game, 5-4.

KING SPRING CHANGES THE GAME WITH ONE SWING! #SpringerDinger pic.twitter.com/6YKmUxNsQz

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 7, 2025

Despite last night’s late collapse, the Minnesota Twins bullpen has been really good (as has the pitching staff as a whole) through 2.5 months of the 2025 regular season, in large part thanks to a rather clean bill of health, prior to Pablo’s 2-3 month trip to the IR.

Of course, that’s not true for every pitcher on the roster. Righty reliever Michael Tonkin was expected to be a big part of the Twins’ middle relief core entering spring training. That was until the 35-year-old veteran started experiencing shoulder soreness during spring training, pain that he’s struggled to shake for months now.

Back in early April, Tonkin started his first comeback attempt of the year. He then began a rehab assignment on April 18 that ended in St. Paul about one month later (May 16), not in an activation, but with a 60-day injured list designation, not with his original rotator cuff issue, but with bicep tendonitis.

Minnesota Twins Michael Tonkin begins another rehab assignment

On Saturday though, after nearly another month of recovery, Michael Tonkin started up his second rehab assignment of the season. He faced 5 batters for the St. Paul Saints, allowing just one hit and 0 runs (1 K, 1 BB) on 16 pitches.

Michael Tonkin is scheduled to start another rehab assignment with the St. Paul Saints tonight.

He was previously dealing with biceps tendinitis.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) June 7, 2025

Tonkin was not sharp during his initial rehab assignment. Across six appearances he pitches 9 2/3 innings but allowed nine runs (eight earned). He did have a nice 13/4 K/BB but was way too hittable, giving up 15 total hits in those 13 innings pitched.

Related: Minnesota Twins Promoting Travis Adams for MLB Debut

Last season Michael Tonkin pitched for three different teams, twice with the Twins. Tonkin owned a 3.63 ERA (3.44 FIP) across 79 1/3 innings. Tonkin isn’t the only reliever trying to make a rehab comeback off the injured list this weekend, though.

Danny Coulombe also closing in on return to Twins bullpen

The Minnesota Twins bullpen has been without lefty Danny Coulombe since mid-May, who started his own rehab assignment on Friday, for the St. Paul Saints, throwing one perfect inning in relief.

Last night LHP Danny Coulombe made his @TRIAOrthopedics Major League rehab appearance. How did he do? How about a perfect inning of relief throwing 9 pitches, 7 for strikes. He's one step closer to working his way back to the #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/Qliz7TjYXF

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) June 7, 2025

In 19 appearances this season, Coulombe has has yet to give up a run, in 16 2/3 innings. He has a 19/2 K/BB and has been one of baseball’s best lefties for some time now. More than likely, Coulombe beats Tonkin back to the big leagues.

A return for Danny Coulombe, following the Twins’ off-day on Monday, would make sense. Meanwhile, Tonkin’s activation could depend on, not just how he holds up down in St. Paul, but also how effective he is on the bump.

Entering Friday, the Twins trail the Detroit Tigers by six games in the AL Central, but if the season ended today, they’d be a playoff team (WC2). Just like most other teams, this time of year, Minnesota is far from a perfect team.

Team president Derek Falvey — who now runs both the baseball and business sides of the organization — still has a couple months before the Major League Baseball July 31 trade deadline hits. That’s exactly two months and one day for the Minnesota Twins to make themselves better.

It remains to be seen how much the active selling of the team might impact the Pohlads’ willingness to add talent between now and July 31. Will they play it cheap, as to not put the organization into a deeper financial hole than it already is? Or, could they use the deadline to add talent that might help them net a playoff run able to woo buyers.

But if ownership is willing to play ball, there are certainly avenues for the MN Twins to get better.

The Minnesota Twins need more from first base.

This offseason the Twins opted against paying an aging Carlos Santana more money, after he won a Gold Glove in 2024. Now back in Cleveland, Santana is giving the Guardians exactly what he did Minnesota last season — a high-end defensive first baseman whose 2025 slash line of .254/.363/.384 (114 OPS+) looks very similar to his career numbers.

To replace Santana, Falvey hit the open market, where he found Ty France on the clearance rack for a miniscule $1 million. While he has been worth that underwhelming salary, his overall production has left plenty to be desired.

TY FRANCE!!!!! WALK-OFF HOME RUN!!!! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/fEUPS0OSiw

— Twins.TV (@twinstv) May 24, 2025

Let’s start with the positives. France has already racked up 30 RBI, which reflects just how good he has been in the clutch. With runners in scoring position this season, France has a .382 batting average and .843 OPS.

Without runners on, however, Ty France has struggled, slashing a brutal .225/.295/.351 (.606 OPS). Smash those together and France’s underwhelming .677 OPS and 91 OPS+ isn’t good enough.

Related: Pohlads Want Us to Believe MN Twins Sale is “Closer to the End”

Yes, France was worth the minimum investment Minnesota made in him, but if the Twins want to be a real contender in the AL, they need more out of that right corner infield spot. The 30-year-old seven-year veteran was signed as an insurance policy for the Minnesota Twins at first base.

At the time, they hoped either Jose Miranda or Edouard Julien would cement themselves into the lineup as much more than what France has been. Instead, both guys are in the minor leagues. That means, if the Twins want more out of first base, they’ll have to hit the open market.

How about we finally get that right-handed bat for the outfield?

It took time and a bunch of injuries for Carson McCusker to get his first big league opportunity. Once he did get his call up, the 6’7″ right-handed giant of an outfielder was used only sparingly, before he was optioned back to triple A earlier this week.

Clearly, McCusker wasn’t the answer Minnesota was looking for in the outfield. In fact, they never really gave him an opportunity to crush MLB pitchers like he has in the minors all spring. Instead, if the Twins want to add a right-handed outfield bat to help power them to the playoffs, they’ll need to find it on the trade market.

When the roster is healthy, the right-handed hitting Byron Buxton is flanked by combinations of Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader. Castro is a switch-hitter, but he plays more infield than outfield.

Bader — who is having a career year offensively, slashing .276/.359/.433 (122 OPS+) — is the only righty hitter among that regular corner outfield group. The Twins signed the soon-to-be 31-year-old, not for his prowess at the plate, but for his incredible defense, which has paid off multiple times already this season.

A ridiculous play by Harrison Bader and Joe Ryan loves it! pic.twitter.com/rAk8vFRxVf

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 27, 2025

But this is the first time he has ever been a positive asset offensively. Can the MN Twins really trust him to keep it going for the next four months? Seems awfully risky. History tells us not to hold our breath on the Twins bringing in more outfield helpt, however.

Related: Young Minnesota Twins Star Down on His Luck and Confidence

Since Rocco Baldelli took over as manager, the Minnesota Twins have needed a bigger right-handed threat in the corner outfield. Yet, for years, Falvey has never had much interest in addressing it.

If this is they year he finally moves on addressing that weakness, there should be plenty of options available. Every MLB trade deadline, the market is flooded with corner outfielders and relief pitchers. We’ll see if the Twins decide to take a swing this time around…

One more arm for the MN Twins bullpen… please?

The Minnesota Twins have one of baseball’s best bullpens. Really, the pitching staff as a whole has been incredible. There isn’t a ton of room to replace arms with the potential to generate upside.

However, there are always relievers available on the trade market and shoring up the underbelly of the bullpen makes sense. Danny Coulombe was placed on the injured list largely due to what he attributed to his age. Kody Funderburk has taken over the left-handed reliever role, but has given up nine runs on 14 hits in just nine innings.

Danny Coulombe is a big loss for the #MNTwins bullpen.

In addition to having a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings, Coulombe also stranded 10 of 12 runners he inherited from other pitchers to save their ERA.

Coulombe is second to Jhoan Duran in Win Probability Added for Twins relievers.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) May 18, 2025

There isn’t an immediately logical option on the farm to promote as either a left-handed reliever, or bullpen arm as a whole. Jorge Alcala is definitely the low man on the totem pole in the bullpen, and he owns a 6.52 ERA (4.05 FIP). He has given up just one run over his last six outings (7 IP), but always seems like just a pitch or two away from disaster.

Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax have been arguably the best one-two punch this season. If there’s a way to add another leverage arm among the group of Cole Sands, Brock Stewart, and Louie Varland, then Minnesota should do it.

But on Sunday, they made a more surprising roster move, sending lefty reliever Danny Coulombe to the injured list with a ‘left forearm extensor strain’. In his place, the Twins have recalled starting pitcher Zebby Matthews to start on Sunday afternoon, a move that was reported on Saturday.

Minnesota Twins roster moves made official on Sunday

In another official move that was announced alongside the Coulombe for Matthews swap, Minnesota transferred infielder Luke Keaschall — and his right forearm fracture — to the 60-day injured list. That made room on the 40-man roster for the much anticipated MLB debut of young slugger, Carson McCusker, whose closest MLB comp is… Aaron Judge. But more on him momentarily.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/212QB3DqDq

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 18, 2025

The surprising injured list stay for Danny Coulombe significantly hurts the Minnesota Twins bullpen, which now needs another arm in the very near future. Not only was Coulombe the only lefty in the bullpen, but he had pitched 16.2 scoreless innings for Rocco Baldelli & Co this season, prior to his injury.

Not only is his ERA+ incalculable, but his 0.600 WHIP and 1.18 FIP are nearly just as impressive. The 35-year-old former 25th round draft pick in 2012 has already amassed 1.1 WAR, 5th most among MLB relievers, in part thanks to his 19 strikeouts vs just 2 walks allowed.

#MNTwins Danny Coulombe now has an elite 19 K and only 1 BB this season. He's amongst the top 1% in baseball for K/BB. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kUYjeKzwua

— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) May 11, 2025

Danny Coulombe, placed on the 15-day IL with a left forearm extensor strain, said he’s been pitching through it all year.

“When you’re 35, you’re not going to feel good all the time.”

He’s optimistic it will be a short absence.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) May 18, 2025

Onto the exciting news that was made official today, but yet another move that was actually reported on Saturday. He isn’t in the starting lineup Sunday afternoon in Milwaukee, but 6’8″, 250 lb right-handed slugger Carson McCusker is now on both the 40-man and active 26-man Minnesota Twins roster.

Here comes Carson McCusker…

Why has the fanbase been waiting so impatiently to see McCusker in a Twins uniform? Well, because the 27-year-old‘s closest comp is Aaron Judge. And not just because of his overwhelming human frame.

Related: New Minnesota Twins Promotions Bring Two Debuts

Yes, McCusker look like the right-handed version of the New York Yankees superstar, when he’s standing in the batter’s box, but Carson McCusker’s been hitting the baseball a lot like Judge recently too.

In 38 games this season down at Triple A St. Paul, the former undrafted kid out of Oklahoma State is hitting an absurd .350, with a 1.061 OPS built on 10 HR, 11 doubles, 13 walks and 36 RBI. He’s also struck out 46 times… but with these numbers, who’s counting?

6'8, 250. The guy our broadcaster, @TheVoiceBTV, dubbed McCrusher. Undrafted, to Indy ball, to slashing .350/.412/.650 with us. Top 10 in 8 different major offensive categories & 2nd highest exit velo in the Minors. Congrats to @carson_mccusker @exploreminn call up to #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/lHNRZMnDfK

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 18, 2025

While McCusker was undrafted after college, he was selected in the 26th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, out of Folsom Lake Community College, in Folsom (CA). Instead, he chose four years at Oklahoma State, where he slashed .294/.367/.519 (.886 OPS).

That wasn’t good enough to get a phone call during the 2021 MLB Draft, though. After going undrafted, McCusker played two summers of Independent League baseball, in the Frontier League.

Related: Origin of Minnesota Twins Spartan Helmet Celebration Revealed

Then in 2023, at 25 years old, he finally got his shot in affiliated ball, signing with the Minnesota Twins. Now, after 207 minor league games in the organization between single A and triple A, the right-handed hitting monster batted .290 with a .886 OPS (43 HR, 147 RBI).

Two years later, even if it doesn’t come Sunday, Carson McCusker will soon get his first opportunity to prove he can hit anywhere, including the big leagues.

Coulombe’s roster stints previously were all elevations from the minor leagues. This time around, it’s a Big League deal. Part of what set the Twins’ offer apart was Coulombe’s level of familiarity with the organization. The southpaw also brought a new pitch to the table this time around.

Danny Coulombe has Minnesota Twins to thank for success

After Caleb Thielbar signed with the Chicago Cubs, Danny Coulombe enters Spring Training as Minnesota’s top left-handed option. He rejoins the Twins after having major success in Baltimore, where he threw 81 innings over two seasons, posting a 2.56 ERA, 156 ERA+ and 2.83 FIP.

Coulombe told The Athletic’s Dan Hayes that he attributes part of his success in Baltimore to a cutter that the Twins actually urged him to incorporate, while he was here in 2022. After using his fastball more than 31% of the time that last season in Minnesota, his fastball usage dipped to just 8.6%, in lieu of the cutter’s 42.3% usage rate, with the Orioles.

“Ahead of 2023, Coulombe said the Twins encouraged him to work on a cut-fastball that he has thrown more than any other pitch the past two seasons. He threw well enough that spring for the Orioles to make a major-league offer, which allowed Coulombe to trigger the upward-mobility clause in his minor-league contract near the end of camp.”

Hayes on Coulombe (The Athletic)

In three seasons with Minnesota Coulombe pitched well, but injury limited his availability. He owned a 2.92 ERA, but totaled just 49 1/3 innings. In 81 innings for the Orioles the last two season, Coulombe compiled a 2.56 ERA and 90 strikeouts with just 17 walks.

The cutter averages about 5 mph slower than his four-seam fastball. He used it 30% of the time last season. Previously operating as a fastball/slider pitcher, he now leans into the cutter and has upped the usage of his sinker. His knuckle-curve remains as nasty as ever.

Danny Coulombe, Wicked 85mph Breaking Ball. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/i0K1ylKIZV

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 14, 2024

It’s not as though the chase and whiff rates have risen noticeably, but it’s clear through the results that Coulombe’s pitch mix plays better off of each other through the current iteration.

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Rocco Baldelli envisions Coulombe as a high-leverage option in his bullpen. That is similar to how Thielbar has been utilized in recent seasons, and it’s part of the reason that the decision to rejoin the organization was an easy one.

“The Twins stepped up with an offer that was comparable to a lot of the other ones I received. It was just a no-brainer. I love the team here. I think the team is a really good team, and just the familiarity with all the guys.”

Coulombe on rejoining the Twins (The Athletic)

As things stand the Twins are projected to have one of the better bullpens in baseball. A lot of the heavy lifting will be done by Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. The secondary guys that can bridge games to them will matter significantly however.

The more Coulombe can provide, especially as a possible lone-lefty, the better. Baldelli likes to mix and match his options. This time around, the skipper has a familiar pitcher with a newfound level of success to work with.

When we all woke up on Tuesday morning the Twins bullpen — which is projected to be among the best in baseball — was looking like one of the better sections of their baseball team. The one thing they needed, however, was a lefty specialist.

Well, that isn’t the case anymore, Danny Coulombe should bring the exact veteran southpaw presence that the Minnesota Twins reliever core desperately needed. Better yet, he’s already familiar with the organization, which should make his transition seamless.

Danny Coulombe rejoins the Minnesota Twins

Out of all the holes left to fill in the Twins roster, this sort of deal seemed most inevitable. Coulombe is an affordable free agent who fills an exact need for the MN Twins. Coulombe will make $2.5 million in 2025. This is the first major league deal of Minnesota’s offseason… which ends in two weeks.

Danny Coulombe to the Twins, pending physical. Very solid back end bullpen now for Minnesota with Duran, Jax, Sands, etc.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 4, 2025

After three years with Minnesota, Coulombe spent a couple of years in Baltimore. His career was largely a mixed bag through the first five years. He joined the Twins in 2020 and unfortunately got hurt. He rebounded nicely in 2021 and took off from there.

Coulombe posted a 3.67 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 34 1/3 innings for the 2021 Twins. He’s a guy that doesn’t give up walks or home runs. Although Coulombe is best against lefties, he doesn’t have to be a strict LOOGY (lefty one out guy). The Twins have already signed plenty of those to minor league deals, anyway.

Danny Coulombe, Wicked 85mph Breaking Ball. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/i0K1ylKIZV

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 14, 2024

In two seasons with the Orioles, Coulombe threw 81 innings and compiled a 2.56 ERA. He had 90 strikeouts and allowed just seven home runs. He did deal with some injury concerns last season, and his durability is not necessarily the greatest.

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Coulombe joins a loaded backend for Minnesota in the bullpen. Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran should shut down games late. The lefty takes over for Caleb Thielbar but offers more predictable production.

If Minnesota can keep the bulk of their relievers healthy, they have a strong group with a good mix of skills. Baldelli should feel a relative sense of comfort when needing to rely on that unit.