With very few and non-urgent requirements, the Minnesota Twins may not be overly aggressive during the 2024 MLB trade deadline. Whatever decisions they make will have to be carefully weighed because they lack financial flexibility. One southpaw reliever, however, could be an ideal fit.
The Miami Marlins have been a dumpster fire for quite some time. That remains true this season, and they have already stated that they will be sellers. After shipping Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres, they have signalled a readiness to listen on Jazz Chisholm Jr., Tanner Scott, and others as well. While Scott generates the most buzz in the Miami bullpen, Andrew Nardi may be a better option.
Scott has been fantastic, and given that every club must have an All-Star representation, he was most likely the best choice. He has a 1.27 ERA and has made 16 saves. Scott’s 3.26 FIP and 5.3 walks per nine innings suggest some regression. He’ll have a lot of suitors, which should increase Miami’s return.
On the other hand, Nardi has a 5.30 ERA and is only waiting for a more capable company to hire him. His 3.33 FIP is the lowest of his career, and he has a 30% strikeout rate. Nardi’s problem this season has been an uncommon 61.9% strand rate, and he’s getting BABIP’d to death, with a.337.
For Rocco Baldelli, Nardi would not only provide another relief option, but he would also strengthen the bullpen’s weakest link. Minnesota currently lacks trustworthy lefties. Kody Funderburk went on the disabled list with an oblique strain. Steven Okert has been shaky. Caleb Thielbar appears to be reached the end of his line. Nardi would provide a southpaw appearance and a ceiling that should be higher than any of the aforementioned players.
Given the payroll limits, it appears unlikely that Minnesota would increase the payroll significantly. However, Nardi is now earning the major league minimum and will not be eligible for arbitration until 2026. While this will increase the expected return, it should still be a workable package given the average costs associated with acquiring a reliever.
He’s also the exact type of pitcher they prefer. He throws a 94-mph fastball with good carry, and his slider has two-plane movement off it. It’s why he misses so many bats and has the potential to be a long-term player.
The Twins are in a good position to make noise in the postseason right now. They lack the depth to withstand the run to the World Series, and the pitching staff, in particular, requires a bit more. The starting rotation is the primary focus on that front, but a reliever or two may have a significant impact down the stretch and into October.
Every year, postseason expansion reduces the number of sellers in the league, diluting the available talent. A guy like Nardi may be missed on the surface, but he’s an ideal acquisition for a strong organization to maximize. The Twins had high hopes for their bullpen this season. So yet, this has not happened, but such an acquisition may strengthen the group.
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