Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Winter Meetings recap
Twins in talks with bullpen arms
Unsurprisingly, the Twins are looking at a couple of bullpen arms in free agency. Two names brought up by reporters at the meetings were Fernando Rodney and Steve Cishek.
I'm told #mntwins were among teams to meet with FA closer Fernando Rodney, who is here at the winter meetings. A potential fit does exist, per source. Rodney, 41 in March, is coming off 39-save season for ARI at $2.75M. His 300 career saves rank 3rd among active closers.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 12, 2017
#mntwins are also in on RHP Steve Cishek, per person w/direct knowledge. Sidewinder has closer experience in SEA, MIA (121 career saves). Made $6 million last season. Was lights-out for #Rays in final 2 months (1.09 ERA, 9.5 K/9). He's 31.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) December 13, 2017
Of course, Rodney is familiar with the AL Central going back to his days with the Detroit Tigers. For his career, he boasts a 3.73 ERA and 300 saves. Additionally, he has the ability to make batters swing and miss, averaging nine strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Yet, he’s not a long-term fit with this team at 40 years old and also has a history of control issues, which doesn’t bode well for the back of the pen. If he’s willing to take a lesser role and sign an inexpensive deal, his presence isn’t bad for the team.
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Nevertheless, Steve Cishek is the more intriguing option who would bring another sidewinder to the bullpen alongside Trevor Hildenberger. In Cishek, the Twins get someone they can temporarily put in the closer role until one of the younger arms shows they’re ready. As matter of fact, he could even prove to be the man for Minnesota in that role with 121 career saves to date.
Over his eight-year career, he’s been very consistent with a career 24-28 record along with a 2.73 ERA and 9.5 SO/9. Furthermore, he had a phenomenal 2017 season split between the Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays. Specifically, he put up a 2.01 ERA in 49 games and was fantastic after being traded to the Rays. Overall, his track record is as good as most bullpen arms on the market and he’s likely to garner a very reasonable price compared to the top arms.
UPDATE: Cishek signed a deal with the Chicago Cubs. Rodney signs with Twins on one-year deal.