Minnesota Twins: Sam Dyson trade can still be salvaged

The Minnesota Twins acquisition of San Dyson has been a disaster this season, but the deal can still be salvaged.

Sam Dyson was supposed to be one of the pieces to solidify the Minnesota Twins bullpen. He had stretches of being a solid reliever for the Rangers and Giants before his acquisition by the Twins, serving in both a closer and a set up role. Dyson was expected to lock down the eighth inning, giving Minnesota a much needed upgrade to their bullpen.

Instead, he has battled injury and ineffectiveness. In his 11.1 innings in Minnesota, he posted a 7.15 ERA and a 1.765 WHiP; his three homers allowed matching his total during his 51 innings with San Francisco this season. Relief has certainly not been spelled D-Y-S-O-N for the Twins.

That deal has seemingly gotten even worse. Dyson, who had already been sidelined due to a sore shoulder, attempted to throw a bullpen session on Friday. That session lasted two pitches, as the pain returned. As a result, Dyson may need to undergo season ending surgery.

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At this point, it is easy to regard that deal as a sunk cost. The Twins sent three minor leaguers to San Francisco, none of which were regarded as top 30 prospects. However, Jaylin Davis has reached the majors, and Taiwanese pitcher Kai-Wei Teng could prove to be a steal. This may be a deal the Twins come to regret.

Yet, this is still a trade that can be salvaged. Dyson is still under team control, being eligible for arbitration once more this offseason, giving the Twins time to get Dyson back on track. And, should the Twins struggle in 2020, it is possible they could get some prospects back for his services.

Over his career, Dyson has been relatively effective. Although there have been the occasional struggles, his 3.40 ERA and 1.278 WHiP in 386.2 major league innings show that Dyson has been a solid bullpen weapon. If he can return to health, there is no reason to suspect he would not continue to be going forward.

For now, the Minnesota Twins acquisition of Sam Dyson has been a disaster. Yet, there is still time for that narrative to change.