MLB rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Yu Darvish
2. Pick Analysis. Minnesota Twins. Scouting Report. AL Central. . 4. . player
When Darvish was a free agent after the 2017 season, the Twins were in on him right until the end before the Cubs seemed to simply outbid them. Now the obligation is less, in years and money, and the Twins have a case to consider circling back.
The Twins got what they hoped for from Kenta Maeda and Jose Berrios last year, and Michael Pineda pitched well after coming back from suspension. But here are questions after that. Jake Odorizzi may return as a free agent, and Randy Dobnak is probably settles between the caliber pitcher he was early (good) and late (not so good) last season.
The Twins’ bullpen doesn’t look particularly good, proven or deep right now. So covering for that with a move to bolster the starting rotation shouldn’t be out of the question, and simply re-signing Odorizzi doesn’t move the needle.
The cost to acquire Darvish will probably be high, unless the Cubs are willing to take a discount just to relieve themselves of money. The Twins can frame an offer this way, with some wiggle room in terms of prospects they might consider ponying up to get Darvish (Trevor Larnach, Jordan Balazovic, etc.)