The Minnesota Twins didn’t make any significant moves at the trade deadline, and with mounting injuries, they could benefit from adding new talent. The Texas Rangers might be able to assist, but how feasible is this?
Last year, the Los Angeles Angels traded several players in August after the trade deadline had passed. Although the trade deadline is over, players claimed off waivers are still eligible for the postseason. The Angels aimed for salary relief to better their luxury tax situation, and the Rangers could pursue a similar strategy. The Twins’ recent series against the Rangers might have influenced this possibility.
Teams often expose players to waivers when those players are in the final year of their contracts. Texas has several pitchers in this situation, including Andrew Heaney, David Robertson, Kirby Yates, and Jose Leclerc. Nathan Eovaldi is a different case and could be particularly appealing to Minnesota.
Eovaldi, who was signed to a two-year, $34 million contract before the 2023 season, is effectively in the final year of his deal, though a vesting option could extend his contract into 2025 for $20 million. This option might be a sticking point for the Twins, but their rotation could certainly benefit from his addition.
As one of the top teams, the Twins are unlikely to have top priority on waivers to acquire Eovaldi. This, combined with his salary, means ownership would need to approve a payroll increase. However, if the move proved successful, the talent Eovaldi brings would be hard to overlook.
Eovaldi has a 3.76 ERA this season with 127 innings pitched. Although he had minor oblique tightness earlier in the month, he pitched against Minnesota recently and continues to be a dominant force with high strikeouts and low walks. A second-time All-Star last season, Eovaldi might be motivated by the chance to secure a third World Series ring.
If he pitches 29 more innings this regular season, his 2025 salary of $20 million would become guaranteed, which could be too steep for Minnesota. However, they could manage his starts to keep him fresh for the postseason.
Eovaldi’s postseason ERA of 3.05 in nearly 80 innings would certainly be an upgrade for the Twins come October.
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