Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Winter Meetings recap
Kintzler re-signs with Nationals
In the early goings of the Winter Meetings, Brandon Kintzler was right back in the Twins conversation, but the dream of him returning to Minnesota quickly faded.
The #Twins, #Dbacks, #Nationals, #Rangers and #Cubs are among the clubs monitoring Brandon Kintzler’s market. #Cubs could divvy up their save opportunities if Wade Davis moves on. Kintzler is probably looking at a 2-year deal.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 11, 2017
#Nationals in agreement with free-agent reliever Brandon Kintzler on two-year contract, sources tell The Athletic. Deal is pending a physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 14, 2017
In reality, it’s a bummer to see Kinztler re-sign with the team that acquired him from the Twins in July, but it’s also not a shocker either. Basically, Kintzler was one of the top bullpen arms on the market and these days, relief pitchers are valued at a premium. Not to mention, Kintzler is coming off an All-Star season and was effective as a setup man for the Nationals.
Yet, the Twins would be smart to make a move or two rather soon for their bullpen considering a few relief pitchers are now off the board. Specifically, a few arms considered in the second and third tier of available bullpen arms. The tiers the Twins are likely looking at with no reported interest on top relief pitchers and closers Wade Davis and Greg Holland.