The Minnesota Twins Re-Sign Carlos Correa: What’s Next?

By | Bullscore 24 Jan, 2023

The Minnesota Twins Re-Sign Carlos Correa: What’s Next?

The Minnesota Twins‘ signing of Carlos Correa was a major boost for their upcoming season. However, if the Twins want to contend for a pennant, they must address their pitching staff. The team’s starting rotation needs an extra arm, and the bullpen could also use some help. The front office will look to the trade market to find the players they need now that the free agency pool has dried up.

Pablo López: A Strong Candidate for the Twins

Pablo López and the Twins have been linked since last July’s trade deadline. According to a report by Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, the Marlins were considering bids for the right-hander. Although a settlement was never reached, discussions might resume in the following weeks. Next March, López will turn 27 and is coming off a career-defining year.

He had a record of 10-10, a 3.75 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP. Most significantly, López pitched a career-high 180 innings, which might lengthen a staff that was 27th in starter innings. The problem is that López won’t be inexpensive. The Twins have been negotiating a return for the right-hander that could include Luis Arraez. López, up for arbitration this winter, would also demand a hefty pay increase.

Chris Flexen: A Rebounding Pitcher

Chris Flexen had a disastrous three seasons with the New York Mets, going 3-11 with an 8.07 ERA. He has, however, recovered well, with a 22-15 record and a 3.66 ERA in his two seasons with the Mariners. The Mariners have a lot of talented arms, which is a concern. At the top of the rotation, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo serve as anchors, and George Kirby and Logan Gilbert seem like locks going into 2023.

Flexen could beat out Marco Gonzalez for the fifth and final spot in the rotation, but he failed to do so last season and finished the year as a reliever. The Mariners might upgrade their outfield by taking advantage of Flexen’s value.

Dustin May: A Young Prospect with Room to Grow

Before the 2020 season, Dustin May, a promising prospect, was ranked as high as seventh by Baseball Prospectus. May entered the major leagues with a lot of hype, but he has yet to live up to it, going 2-3 with a 4.50 ERA in six starts the previous year.

The Dodgers might elect to deploy the 25-year-old to fill a vacuum in left field even though he will become eligible for arbitration for the first time this spring.

May would be an upgrade over James Outman, and his expiring contract could clear funds for next offseason should they make a run at Shohei Ohtani.

In conclusion, the Minnesota Twins have many options to choose from as they try to build a competitive pitching staff. With the right moves, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the American League Central.