Twins Stock Up on Pitching as Surprise Buyers at the Deadline

At the start of the season, no one thought that the Minnesota Twins would be anything but sellers when the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline rolled around. And even though team win totals in the American League are down across the board, it was inconceivable even a month ago that the Twins would be in this position.

But an uncanny ability to score and produce runs, standout starting pitching, and a wise, steady hand at the wheel have put the team within a whisper of a playoff spot. And though they did not break the bank with their acquisitions, they at least put themselves in a position to compete for a playoff spot until season’s end.

Twins Add Crafty Reliever from the Blue Jays

The Twins started their trading spree on July 10, acquiring right-handed reliever Tommy Nance from the Toronto Blue Jays. In exchange, the Blue Jays received catcher Ryan Sprock, who is at best a fringe prospect. Nance mixes a curveball and slider with a nasty 95-mph fastball.

Both Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton have commented that Nance was one of their least favorite pitchers to face. He has pitched well since coming to the Twins, going 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. In addition, he has struck out nine batters in 9.1 innings across 10 appearances. He has been used almost entirely in middle relief, where he has recorded five holds.

An Ex-Met Who Is a Valuable Pickup

Last weekend, the Twins added a lefty to their bullpen when they acquired A.J. Minter from the New York Mets. In return, the Mets received minor league infielders Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. Agbayani is at best a long-term project, while Amick has very little chance of ever making the majors.

Minter has been a solid MLB reliever for ten seasons despite dealing with some recent injuries. He mainly throws a four-seam fastball and an 80-mph cutter that has become his out pitch. Since arriving in Minnesota, he is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Known for his great control, he has walked just 11 batters in 385.1 career innings.

Twins Grab a Starter From the O’s

With their starting pitching suddenly thin, the Twins traded with the Baltimore Orioles for veteran right-hander Dean Kremer. There was a price to pay on this one, as Minnesota sent power-hitting outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes to the Orioles in return.

With Pablo Lopez, Mick Abel, and David Festa out for the season and Connor Prielipp facing innings limitations, this is a move that had to be made. Kremer’s splitter is his strikeout pitch, but he also has an effective four-seam fastball in his repertoire.

But the cagey veteran knows how to pitch out of trouble. In a recent outing, when his splitter wasn’t working, he still held the Kansas City Royals to three hits and one earned run in his first start for the Twins. Minnesota will continue to lean on Kremer down the stretch as its rotation remains in flux.

Minnesota Picks Up Another Blue Jay Reliever

To finish off their Trade Deadline acquisitions, the Twins called on the Blue Jays again when they acquired right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman for three prospects, including Top 10 prospect and left-handed starting pitcher Dasan Hill. Also going to Toronto with Hill were right-handed reliever John Klein, second base prospect Dameury Pena, and other considerations.

Hoffman is a top-level strikeout pitcher, fanning 642 hitters in 585 career innings. He lost the closer role in Toronto to ex-Twin Louie Varland due to poor control of his pitches. But manager Derek Shelton and the Minnesota brain trust feel he could return to that role with some minor adjustments.

Close, But Not Quite

The Twins thought they had a deal in the bag to send outfielder Trevor Larnach to Houston for reliever Bryan Abreu, but Astros owner Jim Crane put the kibosh on it. And although catcher Ryan Jeffers has an expiring contract, the offers for him were not substantial enough for the Twins to pull the trigger.

While it would have been extremely encouraging to see the Abreu deal come across the finish line, it’s hard to be disappointed in the moves Minnesota did make at this year’s trade deadline. Currently sitting two games back of the division-leading Chicago White Sox and a half-game out of a playoff spot, the Twins should be in the thick of the AL playoff race down the stretch.