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Report: Twins asked Reds about closer Iglesias

David Kohl / Reuters

Fresh off a surprising appearance in the American League wild-card game, the Minnesota Twins are apparently eyeing a potential improvement to their relief corps on the trade market.

Minnesota reportedly inquired with the Cincinnati Reds about the availability of closer Raisel Iglesias, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network. It's unclear how far those talks may have progressed, or what the Reds might seek in return for the 27-year-old, if they're indeed open to trading him.

This past season was Iglesias' first as a full-time closer, and he took to the role quite well. Despite closing for a last-place Reds team that lost 94 games, the Cuban right-hander notched 28 saves while posting a 2.49 ERA and averaging nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings. He also allowed only five home runs all year, and blew just two of his 30 save opportunities.

Iglesias may not come cheap in a trade, however, as he's pitching on a team-friendly contract with years of control left. He's set to make only $14.5-million over the final three seasons of his seven-year contract, though Iglesias does have the right to opt out of the contract in favor of arbitration this winter. Should he choose to go into arbitration, MLB Trade Rumors projects he'll be paid $2.8 million in 2018; otherwise, he'll earn a salary of $4.5 million next season.

Despite the Twins' success in 2017, the bullpen represented a major weakness last year. Their relievers' cumulative 4.40 ERA ranked 22nd in baseball, and the unit was weakened significantly by a deadline-day trade that sent closer Brandon Kintzler to Washington. The Twins moved to a closer-by-committee setup over the final two months of the season.

Morosi added that the Twins are reportedly also doing their "due diligence" on many other bullpen names who might be available, but did not specify other potential targets besides Iglesias.

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