Minnesota Twins ink Addison Reed to a two-year deal
The Minnesota Twins add even more depth to their bullpen, signing free agent Addison Reed to a two-year deal.
Apparently, the Minnesota Twins were not content with their one and done in the 2017 MLB postseason, with their MLB free agency moves showing that in spades. The Twins have landed yet another reliable relief pitcher in their arsenal, one who can help them take that next step in 2018.
Free-agent reliever Addison Reed in agreement with #MNTwins on two-year deal for slightly under $17M, sources tell The Athletic. Pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 13, 2018
So far, the Minnesota Twins have inked Fernando Rodney, Zach Duke, and now Addison Reed in the offseason. The only problem is determining who will earn the role of the team’s closing duties. Even though Zake Duke filled the part of an erratic St. Louis Cardinals bullpen on a few occasions, he will likely be the 7th inning option moving forward.
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Now, the competition between Fernando Rodney and Addison Reed will be one to keep an eye on, with both players capable of being the Twin’s stopper. Looking at the 2017 stats alone, Reed has the slight edge heading into 2018.
With the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, Reed saved 19 games, while sporting a 2.84 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 76/15 walk to strikeout ratio. Reed was the closer for the Mets and notched all of his saves while pitching in the National League. His time with the Red Sox was less fruitful, where he served in more of a setup role to Craig Kimbrell, where he was nowhere near as useful in Boston – yet still solid nonetheless.
On the other hand, Rodney has more experience but seems to be on a more downhill trajectory, where his ERA has risen over 4.00 the past few seasons in the process. He’s no longer the lock-down threat we last saw in 2014, and shades of it in 2016, but he will be the perfect 8th inning man and backup closer to Reed.
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With the Royals, Tigers, and White Sox all on the decline, it’s the perfect opportunity for the Minnesota Twins to cement themselves in the upper half of the division with the Indians. And who knows, maybe with this new trio of relief studs, especially with Addison Reed, they may have shot at dethroning the back to back American League Central champions from their perch.