Report: Twins continue building veteran bullpen by signing Addison Reed
The Minnesota Twins are poised to add another veteran to their bullpen after reaching a reported deal with free agent reliever Addison Reed. According to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Reed accepted a two-year deal at just under $17 million.
Reed is the third notable addition to Minnesota’s bullpen this winter after the team reached one-year deals with Fernando Rodney and Zach Duke in December. Both Reed and Rodney have closing experience. Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Rodney will have the first crack at the ninth inning role.
[Stream the NFL Playoffs live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app]
The Twins got saves from seven different relievers in 2017. Primary closer Brandon Kintzler was traded to the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, when the team figured out it was out of contention. Minnesota also elected to not exercise the option of former closer Glen Perkins. The former All-Star recorded three straight 30-save seasons from 2013-2015, but injures have limited him to 10 total appearances over the past two seasons.
Clearly, the Twins are looking to rebuild their bullpen around experienced arms. It makes sense with the team’s window to contend is now open. After returning to the postseason in 2017, the Twins are aiming for a deeper run in 2018.
Reed, 29, posted a 2.84 ERA and 76/15 K/BB ratio in 76 innings between the Mets and Red Sox in 2017. He fits the bill of what Minnesota has been looking for, and he comes at a bargain relative to what other relievers have signed for this winter. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan, Reed had three-year offers from other teams earlier this winter, but held out to sign with a midwest team.
Assuming Reed remains healthy and effective, taking the two-year deal could pay off for him in the long run. He’ll hit free agency again when he’s 31, and could conceivably land another solid multi-year deal. On the surface, this feels like a deal that could work well for both sides.
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mark Townsend is a writer for Yahoo Sports Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
