Report: Twins showing strong interest in Bumgarner; closer Smith on radar
The Minnesota Twins own the best record in the American League and sit atop the Central division with an 8 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Indians. Heading into the trade deadline, they might look to pad that lead with the acquisition of a top-tier pitcher.
Minnesota is showing strong interest in longtime San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale.
However, the two teams haven't engaged in high-level talks about Bumgarner in recent weeks, a source told ESPN's Jeff Passan, who added that the Twins are also interested in Giants closer Will Smith.
The Twins are not on Bumgarner's no-trade list, which means they can acquire him without his approval, Nightengale noted. The veteran left-hander's no-trade list includes the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals, according to a report from May.
Bumgarner, who's set to become a free agent at season's end, has been one of the most talked-about trade targets with the deadline approaching. He's been linked to the Yankees recently, and was also tied to the Phillies and Brewers last offseason.
Acquiring the 29-year-old Bumgarner would give the Twins an experienced leader with an impressive playoff resume atop their rotation, which has performed well to date.
Twins' rotation - 2019 Stats
PITCHER | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jose Berrios | 16 | 104.2 | 2.84 | 1.07 | 97 |
Michael Pineda | 15 | 80.2 | 5.02 | 1.22 | 67 |
Kyle Gibson | 14 | 79.2 | 4.18 | 1.26 | 80 |
Jake Odorizzi | 15 | 80.1 | 2.58 | 1.07 | 87 |
Martin Perez | 13 | 82 | 4.28 | 1.43 | 76 |
Bumgarner owns a 3-7 record with a career-high 4.28 ERA in 96 2/3 innings for the Giants this season.
Meanwhile, Smith could be a good fit for Minnesota's bullpen, which has seen six different pitchers earn a save this season.
The 29-year-old left-hander is a perfect 21-for-21 in save opportunities this year while owning a 1.95 ERA and a 13.64 K/9 rate.
Smith is also set for free agency at the end of 2019.