Minnesota Twins additions and subtractions
Key additions: Lance Lynn, Fernando Rodney, Addison Reed, Michael Pineda, Zach Duke, Jake Odorizzi
Newcomer to watch: Lance Lynn. The Minnesota Twins needed another top of the rotation arm if they wanted to have a realistic chance to compete in 2018. They filled that gap by inking Lynn to a one year deal.
There are concerns with Lynn. He missed the entire 2016 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but came back strong last year. He led the National League with 33 starts, posting an 11-8 record with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.229 WHiP. Even then, advanced metrics say that Lynn was lucky, as he had a 4.82 FIP, the worst mark of his career.
Traditionally, pitchers perform closer to their career marks in their second season following Tommy John. Should that be the case with Lynn, he will be exactly what the Twins needed, another solid top of the rotation arm to pair with Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios. He should be able to hold down the top spot until Santana comes back, giving Minnesota the depth they need.
Notable losses: Matt Belisle, Chris Gimenez, Bartolo Colon
Biggest loss: Matt Belisle. Middle relievers do not get much attention, unless they implode on the mound. And yet, having that solid pitcher in the middle of the bullpen can make a big difference.
That was exactly the role that Matt Belisle filled for the Twins. He filled several roles, even closing after the trade of Brandon Kintzler when Minnesota went into sell mode. Over the course of the season, he posted a 4.03 ERA and a 1.160 WHiP, notching nine saves and 17 holds. In his 60.1 innings, Belisle struck out 54 batters, while issuing only 22 walks.
Yes, the Minnesota Twins have strengthened their bullpen, bringing in Addison Reed and Fernando Rodney. However, Rodney is anything but a given, capable of imploding at any time. Having an arm like Matt Belisle, a solid, albeit unspectacular middle reliever, would have helped any concerns over the current relief situation.