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Minnesota Twins Rumors: Bullpen help still a target after finalizing Blake Parker

By Nate Palmer

ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 26: Blake Parker #53 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts to defeating the Chicago White Sox 12-8 in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium on July 26, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 26: Blake Parker #53 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim reacts to defeating the Chicago White Sox 12-8 in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium on July 26, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Twins made the addition of reliever Blake Parker official Monday and may still be looking to sign another free agent to their bullpen.

The Minnesota Twins finally made the reported deal between them and reliever Blake Parker official on Monday. It was a week ago that we first heard the Twins and Parker were in agreement on a one year deal worth $3.2 million as reported by both Ken Rosenthal and Jeff Passan.

The strange circumstance to follow was that we sat for a week without any official word of the move. What only makes this that much more strange is that this is the second time the Twins have delayed making a move official this offseason. A similar situation presented itself just before the Twins announced the signing of Nelson Cruz.

Parker took a step back in 2018 as he tossed 66.1 innings and recorded a 3.26 ERA, 70/19 K/BB, a 9.5 K/9, and a 128 ERA+. In 2017 Parker emerged as a regular option towards the end of games with the Angels as he recorded 67.1 innings, a 2.54 ERA, 86/16 K/BB, 11.5 K/9 and a 168 ERA+.

Parker gives the Twins another experienced option for the backend of their 2019 bullpen as he joins Addison Reed, Trevor May, Taylor Rogers, and Trevor Hildenberger. Parker also becomes a right-handed counterpart to Gabriel Moya as they both have very busy wind ups.

Bullpen help still a target

According to Twins beat writer La Valle E. Neal III, even with the addition of Parker, the Twins are not done looking for bullpen help. As Neal mentions in his piece, one name the Twins have continued to have their eye on his Cody Allen. Allen would add to the relievers with closer experience in the Twins current bullpen if he was signed but would need to bounce back from a disappointing 2018.

More from Call to the Pen

The Twins have somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 million to spend in payroll this season before matching their 2018 payroll. It is very possible the Twins would like to leave some payroll flexibility for any midseason additions they may make but with that amount could easily still add a couple of free agents before reporting to Spring Training. This weekend I suggested

here

that the Twins should take a look at

Justin Wilson

.

RHP John Curtiss released

In order to make room for Parker, the Twins released relief pitcher John Curtiss. Curtiss has always looked the part of a potential closer as he has developed as he has a big 6’4″ frame and a good fastball that sits anywhere from 94-98 mph.

While having success in the minors, the Twins No. 26 prospect according to MLB.com struggled in his short time in the majors. In 15.0 innings over two seasons, Curtiss has a major league ERA of 7.20. There is a good chance Curtiss will be able to catch on somewhere else but as the Twins sign other pitchers, his path to the majors has become more and more blocked by other pitchers in the organization.

Next. Moves left for Twins offseason. dark

So what do you think? What would be the best option for the Minnesota Twins?

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