Twins Want to Add Top-Notch Pitching
Darren Wolfson of 1500 SKOR North reports that the Twins met Zack Wheeler‘s agents during the GM Meetings last week. The Twins also continue to show interest in veteran lefty Madison Bumgarner, they tried to deal for him at the trade deadline.
The Twins are looking to add a top of the rotation starter even after righty Jake Odorizzi accepted the qualifying offer and returns to the rotation. Right-handers Kyle Gibson and Michael Pineda are both free agents after playing key roles in the Twins’ 2019 rotation.
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen insists that the Mets will stay in dialogue with Wheeler about returning, though the market is expected to be robust for the talented right-hander.
Japanese Slugger Officially Posted
Major League Baseball announced that Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo has been officially posted and teams will have until December 19 to reach a deal.
The left fielder/first baseman hit .272/.388/.511 with 29 home runs for the Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars during the 2019 season. The 27-year-old had a career-high 44 home runs back in 2016.
The left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower is likely best suited defensively for first base despite having a strong throwing arm.
Starters Market Gets Another Arm
The Yomirui Giants annouced on Monday that they’ve officially posted right-handed starter Shun Yamaguchi, following the the 32-year-old asking the team to do so. Teams will now have 30 days to negotiate a deal with the Nippon Professional Baseball League veteran.
Yamaguchi doesn’t overpower with his fastball (averages 90.1 mph) but uses a nasty splitter as his swing and miss pitch. He led the NPB with 15 wins and 188 strikeouts in 2019. He posted a 2.91 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and allowed only eight home runs in 170 innings.
