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.

Yusei Kikuchi struck out 8 straight batters on his way to his second double-digit K start of the year. pic.twitter.com/ROMjK3tAOu

— MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2024

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.

Luis Severino, 97mph Fastball and 84mph Sweeper, Overlay pic.twitter.com/3cIgCaBOH0

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 17, 2024

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.

Last offseason the Twins most significant move came in the form of a multi-player trade involving Jorge Polanco. They could reasonably move pieces around like that again. If there are dollars that make themselves available, then adding from the open market makes a good deal of sense.

What free agents make sense for the Minnesota Twins?

Each season Major League Baseball organizations find themselves looking to supplement their roster from the open market. Last year the Minnesota Twins did well when coming to an agreement with Carlos Santana. He was a later addition that should wind up winning a Glove Glove, and only costing them a nominal amount. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden provided potential names that Derek Falvey may want to consider.

There is plenty to digest here but the theme (which should not be shocking) is pitching. Yusei Kikuchi is a name that the Twins have been in on during multiple occasions. He probably earned a decent pay bump with his performance following the trade to Houston, and that could take him off the market. Sean Manaea and Jordan Montgomery would both give Minnesota a lefty option. The latter should absolutely exercise his $22.5 million player option and avoid free agency.

Yusei Kikuchi Astros debut:

5.2 IP
2 ER
11 Ks
3 H
3 BB
26 whiffs (career-high)

He struck out 8 consecutive hitters.

pic.twitter.com/2n2J5N0CaA

— Underdog MLB (@Underdog__MLB) August 3, 2024

Related: Ranking: 10 Most Likely Minnesota Twins to be Traded This Offseason

The vast majority of Bowden’s list poses a problem because they will command at least a significant chunk of change. Sure, Jurickson Profar made nothing last season, but he just earned a big payday. It’s possible the Twins non-tender Willi Castro for being too expensive, so Profar probably isn’t going to be someone they dabble with.

Related: BR Makes a Case for Why Minnesota Twins Should Trade Byron Buxton

Minnesota may believe either Alex Verdugo or Rhys Hoskins are buy-low candidates. The former could play the outfield corner vacated by Max Kepler. It’s unlikely that Santana returns to play first base, so maybe Hoskins is the answer at a lesser number.

Rhys Hoskins extends the @Brewers lead with home run No. 23. 💥 pic.twitter.com/pxvb5yL9wA

— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2024

Very little should be expected from the Twins on the open market this offseason. That may change depending on how aggressive, and how quickly, they are able to make some trades. Falvey is being forced to thread the needle once again, and that makes roster building a tough task. He will have the benefit of multiple young players being in their second season, and additional prospects should be coming.

Related: Minnesota Twins Plan to Shop at Least One Young Infielder This Offseason

The World Series kicks off on Friday, and following a big spender winning, the offseason will commence in earnest. It’s too bad that the Twins can’t won’t just rack up a $300 million bill, sign everyone, and call it a day.

If the Twins want to be competitive, though, this front office has to find a way to bulk up Rocco Baldelli’s bullpen. Last year, a handful of rookies established themselves as realistic big league options. Still, to bet on David Festa, Zebby Matthews and Simeon Woods Richardson would expose 2025 to the same lack of depth dangers as 2024.

Related: 3 Biggest Offseason Needs for the Minnesota Twins

Anthony DeSclafani was a throw-in from the Jorge Polanco trade. Had he been healthy, the 34-year-old could have, at the least, provided veteran depth to the rotation. There are a lot of free agents, like Luis Severino, Sean Manaea and Andrew Heaney, who could offer different levels of intrigue, this offseason. But there are three names hitting the market who would offer more upside and a better fit.

It’s (finally) Yusei Kikuchi time for the Minnesota Twins

There is no pitcher that has been a hotter name when it comes to recent Twins interest than that of Yusei Kikuchi. The former Toronto Blue Jays starter was dealt to the Houston Astros for an absolute haul. Minnesota was interested in his services, but probably intelligently, didn’t pay that freight.

Now a free agent, Minnesota can simply pay Kikuchi. They were interested in doing so before he signed with the Blue Jays and could resume those intentions. Kikuchi is going to get something around $15 million per year, and it’s going to be a multi-year deal. That probably takes him out as a realistic possibility for the Twins, but maybe he’s the player they make an exception for.

Yusei Kikuchi's 5th and 6th Ks thru 4. pic.twitter.com/rAEZmHZBhU

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 20, 2024

Related: 4 Surprising Minnesota Twins Non-Tender Candidates

Kikuchi posted incredible numbers down the stretch with the Astros. That should have been expected given his advanced metrics. Minnesota could help to massage that same sort of production.

Twins could resurrect a healthy Walker Buehler

There was a time Walker Buehler was one of the best young prospects in baseball. He is now 30 years old and has pitched just 140 1/3 innings since 2021. Health has been a problem, and so too has effectiveness. He owns a 4.75 ERA across that stretch.

Walker Buehler visibly frustrated in the Dodgers dugout. pic.twitter.com/0HnEcIWH7a

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 9, 2024

Buehler dealt with hip issues in 2024 and was shelled against the San Diego Padres during the National League Division Series. The totality of his situation will certainly limit his earning potential this offseason. Paid just over $8 million this year, he is a perfect candidate for a pillow contract. A one-year deal to get right could help to get him paid on a long-term deal in 2026.

Related: 3 Rich People Who Make Sense as New Minnesota Twins Owners

If the Twins can get Buehler for something close to $10 million next season, he would be a near-perfect addition to the rotation. There’s a significant amount of risk, but he has the upside of a Cy Young candidate.

How about Matthew Boyd to Minnesota?

It’s weird to think that Matthew Boyd has legitimate value in the year 2025, but here we are. After being a realistic trade chip for years with the Detroit Tigers, Boyd was never moved and wound up being bad. He signed a minor league deal with Cleveland this year, and earned the starting nod in a decisive Game 5 ALDS matchup.

Boyd owned a 2.72 ERA across eight starts for the Guardians this season. He struck out batters at a high clip once again, and he has never allowed fewer home runs. The reality is that an eight-start sample is probably too small to earn a massive payday, but he’s going to get a shot somewhere. Boyd would give Minnesota a left-handed starting option, and he obviously knows the division well.

Matthew Boyd's 3Ks in the 1st…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/P9xnJNOmP3

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 12, 2024

Related: Son of Yankees Legend Fires Internet Strays at “Mega Wealthy” Minnesota Twins Owners

Of the three names mentioned, Boyd represents the lowest ceiling and lowest floor. That makes him a risk, but his price tag shouldn’t be substantial either. Boyd has made more than $6.5 million in a season just once during his 10-year career.

The Minnesota Twins “Were in” on (Yusei) Kikuchi

Just about the most frustrating thing a fan can hear is about how close their team got. As of Monday night, the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics were the only teams yet to make a trade. Yusei Kikuchi was a target of there’s and local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson suggests the club was in on the Blue Jays starter.

“The Twins we’re in on Kikuchi. In fact, here’s a text from a high-ranking Twins executive. Let’s just say someone in the belly of the beast. “Quite the haul for Toronto.” That was the only response I got on that trade. So yes, the Twins were not willing to match that offer the Astros made.”

There was reason to believe that Kikuchi’s acquisition cost had dipped due recent performance. However, the peripherals all remain strong and going to a contender could reinvigorate him. Clearly that’s what the Houston Astros are banking on. Houston is looking to make their eighth straight trip to the American League Championship Series.

Related: MLB Trade Rumors: Minnesota Twins Shopping Jhoan Duran

Monday night Astros general manager Dana Brown said, “There were names of pretty good arms coming off the board. Ultimately, you don’t want to get caught not doing anything to help the major-league team get back to the postseason.”

The Twins will need to pivot to other options. The trade deadline is bearing down on a team that is currently competitive. Derek Falvey doesn’t have many resources to make moves. At least though, Minnesota wants it out there that they “were in.”

Related: Pohlads Unlikely to Approve ANY Increase in Twins Payroll at MLB Trade Deadline

Insider suggests price could be in Minnesota Twins wheelhouse

Pablo Lopez has begun to look like himself once again. Joe Ryan has elevated this season. Bailey Ober might be the most underrated starter in baseball. That’s where the certainties end for the Minnesota Twins starting rotation.

Simeon Woods Richardson is an untested rookie, and Chris Paddack is hurt. Another quality arm is a must for the postseason. USA Today columnist Bob Nightengale touched on the ever changing market for the Toronto Blue Jays Yusei Kikuchi.

The Toronto left-hander was never being confused for Dave Stieb, but those high-end prospects they hoped to get in return vanished with Kikuchi going 2-5 with a 6.87 ERA in his last 12 starts.

The Blue Jays had told teams in the past week they were not going to listen to offers for Yusei Kikuchi until he made his Friday start. Now, they’re listening.

Minnesota was linked to Kikuchi as a free agent prior to the 2022 season. He signed a three-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. This final year is paying him $10 million, and the Twins would be on the hook for just a prorated portion of that. Money has been the focal point as the deadline approaches for Minnesota, but prospect capital matters as well.

Yusei Kikuchi spoke with GM Ross Atkins a couple of days who, who told him there is a “pretty high likelihood” he will get traded.

He said tonight was an emotional moment for him as he left the mound and reached the #BlueJays dugout for what is likely the last time.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) July 27, 2024

Kikuchi owns a 7.75 ERA across his last eight starts, but his 4.74 FIP is much more promising. He’s being BABPI’d to death (.398), and still striking out a ton of batters.

Related: Insider Names Three Available Starters for Minnesota Twins

His 3.64 FIP on the season is the greatest allure in acquiring him. A forward thinking organization like Minnesota getting their hands on him may unlock something special down the stretch.

Minnesota Twins could get Yusei Kikuchi on the cheap

If Nightengale is to be believed, the greatest expense for Kikuchi may be financial. Of course that’s not ideal for an organization claiming poor. However, Derek Falvey would be ecstatic to land that type of starter and not part with a top 15-20 prospect. Kikuchi is a rental, and he’s trending in the wrong direction at the wrong time.

Yusei Kikuchi’s final days as a Toronto Blue Jay are upon us.

This moment was easily the hardest I have ever laughed while watching a baseball game.

We’ll miss you, king. Go win a World Series somewhere 🫶pic.twitter.com/dvBqkTOe3K

— Ernie Clement Enjoyer (@Hockey_Is_All) July 27, 2024

Minnesota isn’t the sort of team to shy away because of Kikuchi’s recent results. It may present the perfect storm. The Twins farm system is among the best across the entire sport.

Related: Minnesota Twins Want to Rent, Not Buy… and They Appear to Have a Top Target

There isn’t an addition that Minnesota will make that should require one of their six top 100 prospects. If they can deal from depth, and someone further down the prospect ladder, the deal could become a coup.

Insider names a trio of starters for Minnesota Twins

If Rocco Baldelli’s team is going to win the division, and make noise in the postseason, then they’ll need a jolt in the pitching department. Depth in the starting rotation was questionable coming into the season.

That hasn’t changed. With Chris Paddack going back on the injured list, the group needs some help. Former general manager Jim Bowden fielded a question about Minnesota’s pitching at The Athletic, and he came with specifics.

The Twins have always been willing to trade from their strong farm system and I could see them acquiring a starting pitcher like Yusei Kikuchi of the Blue Jays, Austin Gomber of the Rockies or Tyler Anderson of the Angels.

Jim Bowden – The Athletic

Yusei Kikuchi is a name that has been connected to Minnesota multiple times. The other two names are newer links, but both certainly hold some intrigue.

Austin Gomber (30 y/o) – Colorado Rockies

Austin Gomber playing on a $3.15 million contract for the Rockies this season. Although he is under team control through next year, he could be a non-tender candidate. With a 4.70 ERA and 4.87 FIP, Gomber is a relatively unexciting option.

Austin Gomber's 2Ks in the 1st. pic.twitter.com/k8S0F46JiN

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2024

He doesn’t strike many batters out (just 72 in 105.1 IP), and he doesn’t have a great track record. Despite pitching in elevation at Coors Field, he also has a worse (5.61 ERA) at home than on the road (3.83).

Tyler Anderson (34 y/o) – Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Anderson would be an odd fit in that he is playing on a $13 million salary this year, and is owed the same amount in 2025. Minnesota hasn’t been keen on adding payroll, and it doesn’t seem like that will change any time soon.

Related: Minnesota Twins Linked to Blue Jays Starting Pitcher

He’s also a prime candidate for regression. Despite owning a 2.91 ERA, Anderson owns a 4.44 FIP. He has owned a FIP below 4.00 just twice during his nine year career, and the low strikeout numbers don’t match up with the Twins typical process.

Tyler Anderson's 2Ks in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/2LxyVpf8Al

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2024

Related: Passan: Money Issues Continue to Hinder Twins in Trade Talks

Yusei Kikuchi (33 y/o) – Toronto Blue Jays

Among the names Bowden mentions, it’s Kikuchi that remains the most logical and straightforward fit. He is in the final year of his deal and is having one of the better seasons of his career.

Kikuchi’s 3.58 FIP is a career best, and he’s striking out double-digit batters per nine. The Blue Jays should have plenty of suitors for his services, but the Toronto starter would be a great addition for Minnesota.

A career-high 13 strikeouts for Yusei Kikuchi ✅

He was +2800 to be the daily strikeout leader @FDSportsbook pic.twitter.com/JDhzJTuyZ3

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) July 10, 2024

Our beloved Twins are currently an American League wildcard team, at 54-42. They’ll enter Saturday’s restart with an 84% chance to make the playoffs and 4.5 games back of the AL Central leading Cleveland Guardians.

Minnesota Twins are MLB trade deadline renters, not buyers

That should make the Twins obvious buyers at the MLB trade deadline, but that’s not necessarily true. The Twins are more like renters, especially in the starting pitcher market. According to a Dan Hayes piece in The Athletic on Thursday morning, “Rumblings around the organization would suggest the Twins are interested in acquiring a rental starting pitcher.“

This ‘rent-only’ approach is the opposite of what we have seen from Twins PoBO Derek Falvey, in the past. But with ownership in full penny-pinching mode, a rent-first mindset is really the only option. Believe it or not, good starting pitchers are expensive and they aren’t all that easy to find.

Which they do, and they may even be honing in on a possible target. Yusei Kikuchi is a 33-year-old left-handed starter for the Toronto Blue Jays. Media reports have him likely to be moved, before the deadline. Hayes is not the first MLB reporter to link Kikuchi to the Twins, either.

Yusei Kikuchi, 97mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/i5vRvyDuUu

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 28, 2024

Thursday morning, Yusei Kikuchi was the only name mentioned in Dan Hayes piece, at the Athletic. He wrote that the Twins needs and possible target positions include (1) a front-end starting pitcher, (2) bullpen help and, if it falls in their lap, (3) a proven postseason bat that can plugged into an already potent lineup as a DH or 1B or Corner OF.

Are the Twins targeting Yusei Kikuchi?

Yet, Kikuchi is the only trade target mentioned by name. “The [Twins] could target Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who is striking out 9.9 batters per nine innings and will be a free agent after the season.”

Related: Minnesota Twins Trade Deadline Needs Ranked

Kikuchi is in the final year of a 3-year contract that he signed with the Jays in 2022. It pays him $10 million total this season. Whichever team he is dealt to will be on the hook for less than half of that, which is music to Pohlad ears.

So, not only is Yusei a high-end starting pitcher rental option, but he’s also left-handed (which the Twins do not currently have in their rotation), and he’s cheap, at < $5 million.

• Yusei Kikuchi 2024 Stats: 4-8 W/L | 106.0 IP | 4.42 ERA | 91 ERA+ | 3.68 FIP | 1.302 WHIP

Most Strikeouts by Lefty
Blue Jays Franchise History

1. Robbie Ray (Aug 25, '21) 14
2. Yusei Kikuchi (Tonight) 13
Ted Lilly (Aug 23, '04) 13
Robbie Ray (2 times) 13 pic.twitter.com/YPIayqmEWz

— Chris Black (@DownToBlack) July 10, 2024

Any further questions on why Falvey might be interested? Kikuchi’s numbers won’t make you doubletake, but he’s following up the best season of his career, in 2023, with yet another impressive 2024. Remember, when you are shopping the clearance aisles, there aren’t usually a lot of really great options.

Related: Twins Projected to Pass Guardians in AL Central

Given the financial shackles restraining this Minnesota Twins’ front office, landing Kikuchi would be a miracle move by Falvey. He would immediately slide into the third slot of a future 2024 Twins playoff rotation.

And that is exactly what this team need, to make a World Series run feel realistic. Assuming they don’t have to give up a top prospect to get him, moving on Kikuchi is a no brainer.

Yusei Kikuchi is a perfect match for the Minnesota Twins

We thought the Toronto Blue Jays would be among the more competitive teams in the American League this season. Unfortunately for them, that’s not how their season has played out.

Cavan Biggio was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and they recently placed Kevin Kiermaier on waivers. There are other players that will be available, but starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is one Minnesota has already had on their radar.

On a recent episode of his Scoops segment on SKOR North with Mackey & Judd, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson reminded us that the Twins tried to sign Kikuchi when he was a free agent in 2022. If there is one needle-moving starter on a baren trade market that really makes sense in Minnesota, it’s probably Yusei.

“Certainly I took notice yesterday when the Toronto Blue Jays put Kevin Kiermaier on waivers. It certainly seems like they are now completely open for business. They probably should have been weeks ago, it just hasn’t worked with this roster…”

“Yusei Kikuchi, starting pitcher…I don’t know if the Twins have talked to the Blue Jays in recent days or weeks specifically about Kikuchi. Back in 2022, when Kikuchi ultimately chose Toronto, the Twins were heavily involved. The Twins really like Kikuchi.”

Darren Wolfson on the Toronto Blue Jays and Yusei Kikuchi

Kikuchi owns a rather pedestrian 4.00 ERA this year, but his 3.58 FIP is a stronger statistic. The 9.9 K/9 is the second highest tally of his career, and he has never allowed home runs less often. A durable arm, he would fit in as Chris Paddack insurance and a postseason pitcher.

Do you think the Blue Jays have a chance of getting a decent prospect for Yusei Kikuchi?

Presented by @betwaycanada #BetTheResponsibleWay #BetwayCanada 19+, ON Only. pic.twitter.com/u1nxEAJmsL

— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) July 12, 2024

How much would Twins need to pay for Yusei Kikuchi?

As has been the problem since this offseason, additions for the Minnesota Twins would need to incorporate ownership spending money. Joe Pohlad has orchestrated payroll cuts and there has been little indication that things will get better before they get worse.

Kikuchi is in the final year of a three-year contract, and Toronto is currently on the hook for the remaining balance of his $10 million salary this season.

The 33-year-old lefty from Japan was always going to draw trade interest this month. His 13 strikeout performance against San Francisco in his last outing (above) didn’t hurt his cause, though.

MN Twins “will do something”

Derek Falvey could work to have the Blue Jays send cash in the deal, but that would increase the prospect return for Toronto. The Twins system is exceptionally deep. For a rental, they should have plenty of pieces to make things work. And Doogie is clearly convinced “they will do something”.

If Kikuchi ends up being that something (meaning they don’t give up Wallner, Miranda or Lee for a different high-end starter), Twins fans should be elated. Given the spending freeze, I can’t really imagine a better (and realistic) outcome at the MLB trade deadline.

“I fully expect [the Twins] to do something. I don’t think this is going to be last year’s trade deadline. Now do I expect it to be a couple of years ago, I don’t expect something large. Like two moves like that this month, but they are going to do something. Like, I’m positive. They are going to do something. The question is will it be something a little bit bigger?”

Darren Wolfson on Twins’ plans at MLB Trade Deadline

More likely than landing Kikuchi, or another front-rotation starter, the Twins will probably turn to the bullpen. It should be much more straightforward to add relief help and it’ll be cheap; both in terms of prospects and salary. Minnesota’s front office won’t replicate the 2022 splash this year, which Wolfson notes. That didn’t really go well anyway…

Related: Minnesota Twins Trade Deadline Needs Ranked

What Kikuchi could be for the Twins though, is an option to acquire an extend a starter they previously wanted to sign. The entire rotation is under contract for Minnesota next season, but Kikuchi would have three months to audition for a spot.