The Minnesota Twins are making bold moves this offseason, but are they enough to propel them to the top? In a surprising twist, the team has signed another low-cost, high-potential right-handed pitcher, Eduardo Salazar, to a minor league contract, intensifying the competition for bullpen spots. But here's where it gets intriguing: Salazar's recent performance has been a rollercoaster, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Let's dive into the details and explore what this means for the Twins' 2026 season.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Twins have inked Salazar to a deal that includes a foreign team inquiry clause, a strategic move that adds an extra layer of complexity to the transaction. Salazar, a former Nationals reliever, had a disastrous 2025 campaign, posting an alarming 8.83 ERA across 29 innings and 30 appearances. But wait – before you write him off, consider this: just a year prior, in 2024, he boasted a stellar 2.76 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. So, what happened? And more importantly, can he bounce back?
To understand Salazar's potential, let's rewind to his MLB debut in 2023 with the Cincinnati Reds. Although he struggled, allowing 11 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings, his Triple-A numbers tell a different story, with a career 5.71 ERA in 117 innings. Fast forward to 2024, and Salazar split time between the Nationals and Dodgers, showcasing his ability to adapt to different environments. His arsenal includes a mid-90s four-seam fastball, a sinker, and a high-80s slider. While his strikeout numbers aren't eye-popping, his 52.8% ground-ball rate is a solid foundation to build upon.
And this is the part most people miss: The Twins aren't just relying on Salazar to fill a bullpen spot. They've also claimed righty Jackson Kowar off waivers from the Mariners and signed Matt Bowman to a minor league deal. With lefties Taylor Rogers and Kody Funderburk, and righties Cole Sands, Justin Topa, and Eric Orze likely securing spots, the remaining three bullpen positions are up for grabs. Could Salazar, Bowman, or Kowar emerge as surprise contenders? Or will the Twins convert starting pitchers like David Festa or Marco Raya into relievers?
Here's the controversial take: While Salazar and his fellow signees could contribute, relying on them as immediate impact players might be a risky strategy. If the Twins are serious about contending, they should consider acquiring a more established right-handed reliever, like free agents Michael Kopech, Paul Sewald, or Tommy Kahnle. But is this a gamble worth taking, or should the Twins trust their current roster to rise to the occasion? Weigh in below – do you think Salazar and his teammates can defy the odds, or is a bigger splash necessary for Minnesota to compete in 2026?
