Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Minnesota Twins are making some intriguing moves this offseason! In a surprising twist, the team has inked reliever Julian Merryweather to a minor league deal, as reported by Dan Hayes of The Athletic. But here's where it gets interesting: Merryweather, a client of Warner Sports Management, will join the camp as a non-roster invitee, alongside fellow newcomer Liam Hendriks, who also signed a minor league contract earlier this evening. And this is the part most people miss—these signings could be a game-changer for the Twins' bullpen.
Merryweather, a 34-year-old right-hander, has had a rollercoaster career, splitting time between the Blue Jays and Cubs over six MLB seasons. While he struggled last season with the Cubs, giving up 13 runs in just 18 2/3 innings, he's shown flashes of brilliance, like his 2023 campaign where he posted a stellar 3.38 ERA over 72 innings. But here's the catch: Merryweather's career has been marred by inconsistency and injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2018 and oblique/abdominal issues in 2020 and 2022. His 96 mph fastball and solid slider are undeniable assets, but his command has always been a question mark. Is this a high-risk, high-reward move for the Twins, or are they setting themselves up for disappointment?
The Twins' bullpen is a patchwork of potential, with only four guaranteed spots locked down by Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, Cole Sands, and Kody Funderburk. Trade acquisition Eric Orze is a strong contender, and Jackson Kowar, with his career 8.21 ERA, is in a do-or-die situation—make the team or face designation. Meanwhile, non-roster invitees like Dan Altavilla, Matt Bowman, and Grant Hartwig are also vying for a spot. But here's the controversial part: With so many moving pieces, are the Twins building a bullpen of the future, or are they just throwing darts in the dark?
For Merryweather and Hendriks, the appeal of signing with Minnesota is clear: opportunity. The Twins' bullpen is far from set in stone, and both relievers have a chance to carve out a role. But will they rise to the occasion, or will their past struggles resurface? What do you think—are these signings a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments below!
