Twins Rumors: Minnesota Looking to Trade for Pitching
By David Hill
The latest Minnesota Twins rumors have them actively pursuing starting pitching, as they have inquired on Jake Odorizzi and Gerrit Cole.
Coming off of their first postseason appearance since 2010, the Minnesota Twins are looking to add to their roster, particularly in the starting rotation. Twins starters finished 19th in the majors last year with a 4.73 ERA, with Jose Berrios and Ervin Santana the only starters to be better than league average. As such, it is not a surprise that the latest Twins rumors would involve a pair of the top pitchers that could be available on the trade market.
While the Twins are looking for a front of the rotation starter, they already have two potential trade targets in mind. According to reports, the Minnesota front office has already inquired as to the availability of both Jake Odorizzi and Gerrit Cole.. Since both pitchers are under team control until 2020, they would be useful long term options for the rotation.
Odorizzi has established himself as a solid middle of the rotation starter, similar to Santana in that aspect. Last season, while battling injury, he posted a respectable 10-8 record, along with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.242 WHiP. Odorizzi did see an uptick in walks, with a career high 3.8 walks per nine innings, but his command has typically been solid. 2018 could be a bounceback season for the Rays starter, making him a solid buy low candidate.
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The same could be said for Cole. He does have a more extensive track record than Odorizzi, having made an All Star Game and finishing fourth in the 2015 NL Cy Young vote. However, he has also battled injury, with triceps and elbow issues in 2016. Last year, he posted a 12-12 record, along with a 4.26 ERA and a 1.251 WHiP. Cole also showed he was healthy, leading the NL with 33 starts.
Both players are likely to cost a bit in regards to prospects. However, as both teams are in a bit of a payroll bind, and Cole and Odorizzi will see their salaries increasing this season, the Twins could come away with pieces they need to contend. The lineup appears to be there – now they need to find those missing arms.
The Minnesota Twins need starting pitching. Not only will there be a lot of Twins rumors on the free agency market, but they are likely to be in on any arm that could potentially come available.