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MLB free agency 2019: Five potential landing spots for Madison Bumgarner

By Joshua Sadlock

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 03: Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 03, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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FanDuel MLB: CLEVELAND, OHIO – JULY 09: Jose Berrios #17 of the Minnesota Twins participates in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field on July 09, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins were the surprise playoff team in the American League this year, upending the Cleveland Indians, setting a new record for most home runs in a season and winning over 100 games for the first time since 1965. That they were once again swept by the New York Yankees in the ALDS should not dull the shine on what was an epic year for the Twins. This team is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the American League again in 2020.

As the Twins were putting up eye-popping offensive numbers all year, their lack of depth at the back end of the starting rotation could be overlooked. Minnesota’s top two of Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi did more than enough to keep them in the game every night, while Michael Pineda made 26 solid starts before getting popped for using an illegal diuretic. The fourth and fifth spots were occupied by Kyle Gibson and Martin Perez, who combined to finish 22-14 despite an ERA near five.

Unfortunately for the Twins, Berrios and Odorizzi are the only starters under contract heading into 2020. The rest of last year’s rotation heads for free agency. Rookie Randy Dobnak is an option to start the year in the MLB rotation after being stretched out in September.

Re-signing Odorizzi on a qualifying offer was certainly a start for the Twins, but that still leaves them with at least two spots to fill. They were interested in trading for Bumgarner before the Giants pulled him off the trade block last season. It’s hard to predict whether the left-hander will have an interest in pitching in a smaller market or if the Twins have enough money. They spent roughly $125 million last year and have committed just shy of $72 million to 14 players for next year.

There should be money to spend on two upper-tier starting pitchers this winter, as the core of their lineup and bullpen is effectively locked in.

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