Minnesota Twins: Glen Perkins could still return on minor league deal
By Brad Faber
The Minnesota Twins recently turned down an option on former closer Glen Perkins, but that may not mean that his time with the Twinkies is officially over.
Between 2011 and 2015, Glen Perkins was a dependable reliever and then dominant closer for the Minnesota Twins. Over this time period, the one-time starter posted a 2.84 ERA and made three All-Star teams.
Over the past two seasons, however, Perkins has been plagued by shoulder issues and appeared in only 10 games. This year, Perkins missed the majority of a year that was quite special for the Twins. It was a season that saw Minnesota make an improbable trip to the postseason, marking the team’s first playoff berth since 2010.
In Perkins’ absence, the Twins used Brandon Kintzler in the closer’s role for much of the season. Kintzler was awarded with an All-Star appearance after a great first half, but he was later traded to the Washington Nationals. Matt Belisle, who eventually took over the role, converted nine saves for the Twins this year. Tyler Duffey, Trevor Hildenberger, Dillon Gee, Justin Haley and Gabriel Moya each had one save apiece this season.
The end of the road?
This week, it was reported that the Twins had declined Perkins’ option for the 2018 season, making him a free agent. Though it certainly appears that Perkins’ time with the Twins, and even his playing days altogether, may have now come to a close, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reported on Twitter that there is still a “chance” that he could return to Minnesota on a minor league deal. Otherwise, there appears to be a strong chance he will indeed retire.
Glen Perkins receives a $700K buyout from the Twins. There's a chance he could return on Minor League deal. If not, likely to retire.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) October 18, 2017
Who will close for the Twins in 2018?
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Heading into the 2018 season, the Twins do appear to have some uncertainty in the closer’s role. Belisle will be headed to free agency, so it will be interesting to see if the Twins are able to retain him. Kintzler will also be a free agent and could be affordable enough for the small-market Twins, so a reunion between the two sides shouldn’t be out of the question. In theory, if Perkins were to be brought back on a minor league deal, one could also see him competing for the role.
However, after reaching the postseason in 2017, if the Twins figure to contend once again next year, they will likely want to have somewhat of a sure option in the ninth inning. Although Perkins was once great, it would be hard to know what to expect from him after missing most of the past two seasons. It would seem more likely for him to compete for a different bullpen job, with Minnesota perhaps using him as insurance in the closer’s role – if he were to make the team.
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If this does turn out to be the end of Perkins’ time in Major League Baseball, he will finish his 12-year career, which was spent entirely in Minnesota, with a 35-25 record, a 3.88 ERA and 120 career saves.