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When Carlos Correa agreed to return to the Minnesota Twins, it was the shock they needed in the offseason. A path should be paved, but there is still work to be done if the Twins want to fight for the pennant.
The Twins’ starting rotation could use an extra arm, and the bullpen could use itself. With the free agency pool depleted, the front office will likely turn to the trade market, and there are some players to watch.
Pablo Lopez
Lopez and the Twins have been linked since the trade deadline last July when reports from the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson and Craig Misch said the Marlins were listening to a right-handed offer. No agreement was reached, but negotiations could be rekindled in the coming weeks.
Lopez will turn 27 next March and is nearing the end of his career. He had a 3.75 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in his 10-10. Most importantly, Lopez pitched his career-best 180 innings.
The problem is, Lopez doesn’t come cheap. The right-hander’s return will likely include Luis Araez, whom the Twins have included in trade talks.
The Marlins gave reigning National League Cy Young champion Sandy Alcantara a five-year, $56 million extension this winter. With Jesús Luzaldo, Trevor Rodgers and Minnesota native Max Mayer appearing to be part of their future, Lopez could be expendable.
Chris Flexen
Flexen had a poor run with the New York Mets, going 3-11 with an 8.07 ERA in three seasons, but went 22-15 with a 3.66 ERA in two seasons with the Mariners.
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The problem is that the Mariners are loaded with capable weapons. Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo are the rotation’s top anchors, and Logan Gilbert and George Kirby look like they’re on the rocks heading into 2023.
Flexen was able to beat Marco Gonzalez for the fifth and final spot in the rotation, but was unable to do so last season, finishing the year as a relief pitcher.
The Mariners may decide to use Flexen’s value to upgrade their outfield. Teoscar Hernández was a solid acquisition, but the Mariners may be considering signing Jared Kelenic, a .168/.251/.
Dustin May
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa analyzed Max Kepler’s trade volume last month and named the Dodgers, Rangers and Yankees as his top trade targets. Rangers has a loaded (and expensive) rotation, but it just doesn’t have the depth that trades can offer. The Yankees also lack a useful weapon at the moment, leaving the Dodgers as a best-case trading partner.
The Dodgers’ starting five looks good so far, with Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urias, Tony Gonsolin and Noah Syndergaard joining as starters. May is listed as his fifth starter, but also needs to stave off Ryan Peppiot and Michael Grove.
A prospect who ranked eighth in the Baseball Prospectus before the 2020 season, May entered the big leagues on a hype but hasn’t delivered, winning two in six starts last season. He had 3 losses and an ERA of 4.50.
The 25-year-old will be subject to arbitration for the first time this spring, but the Dodgers may decide to use him to fill the void in left field. Kepler is James’ upgrade to his outman, and his expiring contract will allow him to secure funding for the next offseason if Shohei wins his Ohtani.
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