Minnesota Twins get pitching help they needed from San Diego Padres

It was clear that the Minnesota Twins needed pitching help, particularly in their starting rotation. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres had been dangling Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagan in trades, with the pair almost heading to the New York Mets several days ago. The two teams seemed as though they would be a perfect match on a trade.

That deal came together on Thursday morning. The Twins received Paddack and Pagan, sending Brent Rooker and Taylor Rogers to San Diego. According to Jeff Passan, there may be some financial considerations and a Player to be Named Later involved as well.

Minnesota Twins get their arms

Paddack certainly appeared to need a change of scenery. He had a strong rookie campaign, but had struggled since. That was especially the case last year as he posted a 5.07 ERA and a 1.265 WHiP in his 108.1 innings while battling injuries. However, his strong 1.8 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 rates, coupled with his 3.78 FIP, indicate that a turnaround could happen this season.

Pagan has been a solid, albeit enigmatic, reliever over the years. His performance in 2021, where he posted a 4.83 ERA and a 1.168 WHiP in his 63.1 innings, striking out 69 batters with 18 walks and 16 homers allowed, was just a continuation of his career. Despite those home run issues, he does have closer experience and is likely to step into a late inning role for the Twins.

Meanwhile, the Padres may have found their closer. Rogers has been a dominant reliever at times in his career and was solid again in 2021. He posted a 3.35 ERA and a 1.140 WHiP in his 40.1 innings, striking out 59 batters with just eight walks. He certainly upgrades the Padres’ bullpen for the upcoming year.

Rooker was not a given to be a part of the Twins’ Opening Day roster. The formerly well regarded prospect had struggled in his brief time in the majors, posting a .201/.291/.397 batting line with nine homers and ten doubles in his 213 plate appearances. While the power is certainly intriguing, he also struck out 70 times last season.

There is also a matter of team control at play. Rogers is slated to be a free agent at the end of the season. Paddack, meanwhile, has three years of team control left, and Pagan has two years. For the Twins, who are looking to contend not only this year but into the future, that can make a major difference.

The Minnesota Twins have the arms they needed while the San Diego Padres may have their closer. It is a deal that works for both sides.