The Twins have bolstered their relief corps with the signing of their third free-agent reliever of the offseason, announcing on Monday a two-year deal with righty Addison Reed. The Wasserman client will be guaranteed $16.75MM on the contract, according to the Twins (one of the few teams that disclose financial details in the majority of their transactions).
The fact that the Twins will reel in Reed on such a short-term commitment comes as a surprise. MLBTR had projected a four-year pact for the right-hander, and most pundits had him pegged for at least a three-year commitment prior to the onset of free agency. Reed had three-year offers on the table at times this offseason, but his desire was to join a team in the Midwest, per Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan (Twitter link). The 29-year-old now joins Fernando Rodney and Zach Duke as veteran additions to the Minnesota bullpen. Like Rodney, Reed brings ninth-inning experience, having saved a combined 125 games since debuting in 2011.
[RELATED: Updated Twins Depth Chart]
Pitching has been the main focus this offseason for the Twins, who are coming off their first playoff campaign since 2010. The club’s 85-victory year came in spite of underwhelming pitching, including a relief corps that ranked 22nd in the majors in ERA (4.40) and 29th in strikeout rate (7.66 K/9). Reed’s lifetime output indicates he’ll significantly help the Twins’ cause over the next couple years, as he has pitched to a 3.40 ERA and posted 9.5 strikeouts per nine across a 402 2/3-inning career with the White Sox, Diamondbacks, Mets and Red Sox.
While Reed is coming off a career-low season in terms of velocity, he nonetheless registered an impressive 2.84 ERA across 76 innings between New York and Boston. It was the second straight year with at least 76 frames for Reed, who ranks fifth among relievers in innings since 2016 (153 2/3). His success has come thanks in part to an aversion to doling out free passes, including in 2017, when he issued 1.78 walks per nine. At the same time, he logged a solid K/9 (9.0) and recorded his highest full-season swinging-strike percentage (13.7).
The Reed signing is the first time Minnesota has given a multiyear deal to an outside reliever, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press notes on Twitter. With Reed, Rodney and Duke in the fold, it’s possible Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey and general manager Thad Levine are done making notable improvements to the team’s bullpen this offseason. But they’re sure to add starting pitching help between now and the opening of the season, and it’s perhaps worth noting that their top free agent target, righty Yu Darvish, shares an agency with Reed.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported the agreement (Twitter link). Jon Heyman of FanRag tweeted the exact terms.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Excellent move
Yep, really surprised in this market with him and Holland being the 2 best available and so many teams needing bullpen help he could only get 2 years.
They said he had 3 year offers on the table but wanted to be in the midwest
Signed him to 2 yr pact b/c they know they stand no chance beating the ChiSox in 2020 for AL Central. Smart
“but his desire was to join a team in the Midwest, per Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan”
Addison Reed grew up in southern California and went to San Diego State. I call bulls….. on what Passan wrote.
His wife is a Midwest girl and he was married in IL. Is it that hard to believe?
Yup! I wanted to see the Cardsget him!
Didn’t they say Rodney was going to close for them? Not anymore I assume.
Good get.
lmao why would any team dedicate an important role to a 41 year old walking nightmare of a reliever?
because nowadays your best reliever isnt your closer. I mean look at Rodney last year, giving him the 9th in Arz allowed Arz to use their best reliever (Bradley) in big spots
That’s true, but that’s not wasn’t what shoheiohtahnyy meant.
Reed: career 6.6 bWAR in 402 IP
Rodney: career 7.3 bWAR in 821 IP
Reed is clearly the superior reliever.
No, both are clearly uninspiring.
If, by both, you mean zrodney, yes
A AAA team would
I hope not. I hate Rodney’s lame bow and arrow antics and his crooked hat.
crooked cap has special meaning….not out of the closet
Rodney wears his hat like that not for style but as a tribute to his father. His dad died a week before his MLB debut.
His dad was a fisherman and wore his hat like that to keep the sun out of that side of his face.
Don’t know how you can hate someone for that
Same way I can hate you for being a yankmes fan! I’m back baby wooooooo!
Didn’t know there was significance to the cap and never said I hated him as a person.
You have disgraced the name of the PasswordIsPassword account.
I get there are a couple, that give the rest of us a bad name but….
Be a man, say it on your own account.
Btw, “hate” is a strong word. just a game.
The comment you were responding to:
Was a very well-made point with 14 up-votes 1 down-vote. (guessing it’s you)
You added nothing to the conversation, other than make it personal, attacked person who made that comment, by targeting his favorite team’s fanbase.
Peace,
Yankee fan who wishes you find happiness.
Lmao “I’m back baby woooooo!”
What are you referring to as down votes
I’m using an iPhone to access this site
What am I missing? LoL
The bow and arrow is okay, the hat (regardless of its significance) is lame.
I hope that MLB tightens up some of its uniform rules. Maybe give Rodney a Grandfather Clause…
Same with CC. Surprised the professional Yankees let him look sloppy like that.
CC always looks like he’s wearing pajamas rather than a uniform.
Yeah, I expect to see chicken grease on his uniform.
Seems like a great deal for the twins.
Praise the lord something happened!
Meh, another reliever.
Right, I mean, it’s not like you need them.
What’s Ja got to do with it?
capital ‘L’ in Lord
Capital c in capital to begin a sentence.
That’s a lot less than predicted if I remember right… most teams probably did not want to pay what he was probably asking for I guess. Good move anyways. And it’s only two years. That’s not a lot for a 29 year old considering older relievers in their early 30s got 3 years
Cubs should’ve ponied up for more. Most reliable reliever on the market
I was thinking the same. For the going rate of late inning guys this deal is a steal.
Definitely possible. Just hard to imagine he’d take 2/16.75 over 4/36 if that offer came up. If he’s all about the destination over money though, I respect that
Maybe, he preferred Minnesota
Agreed! For less than 9 /year. Bad move by Cubs.
Ha signing darvish or Cobb and Watson or holland will be enough
Holland is still on the market, I think they might wait for next season for a bullpen arm, Allen • Miller and Britton on the market.
was hoping the Cardinals would sign him.
Me too! They were willing to take on Stanton’s outrageous contract but they can’t spend the money on a proven closer!?!? Something we need more than anything right now. I don’t know why I thought anything had changed with their FO. Gonna piddle dick around until there’s nothing left and be stuck in 3rd place again. The frustration is almost worse than being a Chiefs fan.
right. and then name gregerson the closer on the heels of this announcement. makes no sense unless they have a different move on the horizon.
Yeah, that leaves only Holland and perhaps a deal for Colome left amongst legit closers. With both Rosenthal and Oh out of the picture, the Red Birds need to act soon.
They could always re-sign Oh…
I hope not.
the fact that they just announced Luke Gregerson as the closer tells me that they are out on any other back-end help
He’s not talking about the Cubs
That’s just noise! He’s not gonna be the closer. They are waiting for prices on FA
and trades to go down!
They were never willing to Stanton contract. Theo has publicly said that.
Wow, how does he sign for less than the Jake Mcgee?
Nobody wants to pitch in Colorado. They have to pay more and they overpaid McGee, Shaw and Davis.
Not just Colorado. Tommy hunter got 2/18. Twins definitely got a bargain here.
Because McGee is better in basically every metric, other than age (barely) and walk rate. McGee’s career ERA+ is more than 10 points better. Not sure why people think Reed is some elite pitcher. Had a nice year in 2017 not entirely supported by secondary stats, but overall is a useful piece not a game changer. Guess it’s because he’s pitchex in Boston amd NY. Jake needs to get on that.
Because his career says he is elite
‘Having to pitch in a Colorado’ tax
dang, really wanted the angels to snag him
Same. I guess they feel they don’t need any bullpen help yet it was one of the primary reasons why they didn’t make the postseason in ’17.
Means Darvish probably told the Twins he’s not signing with them if they went ahead and signed Reed first.
where do you people come up with this stuff
I know it’s not something you want to believe but Darvish is not going to the hapless Twins he wants to win a World Series not just collect a check.
yeah 8M a year isnt gonna prevent the twins from getting Darvish. He is going back to Texas though.
The Twins made the playoffs last year and have a very good, young core. It’s not unreasonable for him to think he could help them get further in the playoffs and even win one for Minnesota.
Stop it, you are making Yankees fans look bad.
YankeeBoy knows nothing about baseball.
Look at the user name, Yankees fans are always the most clueless about everything that isn’t directly related to the Yankees.
Darvish is going to be a Yankee sorry that you don’t like that or want to believe it but it’s going to happen. Can’t wait to see him in Yankee pinstripes.
Thought the same with ohtani too I bet
So they’ll put themselves over the luxury tax again? I thought the whole mission was for them to get under the tax?
The Yankee part isn’t cut and dry, but I agree that it’s not likely Minnesota spends 9 million on Reed if they think they’ll end up spending 25 on Darvish.
Darvish will probably not be a yankee lol and this is coming from a Yankee fan
Nice try though I never wanted Ohtani from the start and wasn’t upset in the least when he said he didn’t want to be a Yankee. It all worked out for the best because we then got Stanton who I would rather have and is a proven player.
You want Darvish to face the Astors in your next playoff meeting? Go ahed have him
Why? Coming into this off-season the Twins had zero guaranteed contracts for 2019, they have money to spend for once.
But we have a billionaire owner who is a SKINFLINT.
3099. Oddly enough the next time yankees will win a world series..
have fun with that luxury-tax threshold oops looks like no Darvish for you
The Yankees are still around $29 million under right now. I think they can sign Darvish or anybody else if they want
and still add a player during the year if need be!
this is such a good deal that if this is available you take it and you worry about Darvish afterwards
Addison Reed is not a closer
Except, he has had success as one.
Now they need to sign Greg Holland and Darvish and then they’re in business for 2018 postseason contention.
Do the twins have that budget?
Yes they have the money. Budget?? Not so much.
They made the playoffs last season. They are ALREADY in contention for the playoffs in 2018. Anything more just gives them a better chance.
How are they in contention 2018 ? it is JANUARY and all I see is the Dumpster Duo doing a spot on Terry Ryan impression.
they were in contention before this move with those guys they can challenge Cleveland for the division
Twins held the division for most of the year. Any team that wins a whole month is hard to beat in any division. Cleveland won’t do that again.
I hope we still have budget for a quality starter it’s what we need so badly
This is my concern as well. Does this indicate they are out of the Darvish running?
Exactly thank you Jonbeer I make a reasonable point and these babies start crying that it’s not that the reason and maybe it’s not but maybe it is as well. Thank you for coming on this site with a brain in your head.
Well at least Darvish won’t join the Yankeed
Well at least Darvish won’t join the Yankees
Or proof to Yu that they are ready to win now?
Can’t wait to see Stanton and Darvish suit up in Yankee pinstripes it’s going to be a great year sorry Twins fans Darvish isn’t going to Minnesota give it up he’s coming to the almighty Yankees where he belongs.
I’d be very surprised is Darvish signed in New York. They’d have to shed another contract, i.e. Ellsbury. Not likely that happens. If they add another starter it’ll be via trade (Cole) or some bargain 1 year pitcher
Can’t wait to see Darvish and Ohtani both definitely wearing pinstripes
Maybe the Yankees should just pick whoever they want and we can all just watch them play with themselves…
twins are less likely but still better chance than the Yankees who have no tax space
The Mets came in second in the Reed sweepstakes. They bid 4.2 million for two years. Sandy commented, “We came close however it’s unfortunate that a big city club outbid is.” When confronted by writers that the Twins don’t play in a big city, he stumbled and then blurted out, “Yes but they are the Twin cities so they have two cities to our one city”.
Try the veal.
It’s the best in the city.
Well this solves the shutdown setup man problem
Reed the closer, Rodney setting up?
Think’ they give Rodney the 9th still to maintain flexibility with Reed for big spots in the 6-8th
Think they’re still giving Rodney the 9th so that he can shoot his arrow of course
With Holland the only closer left on the top 50 does this mean the Reds might have a chance to get a haul for Iglesias?
Can’t wait to see all of you cry babies on here when the Yankees sign Darvish and cry how it’s unfair. You know what’s bullshit is the revenue sharing big market teams shouldn’t have to hand over money to the smaller market teams to help them compete get a life.
Troll comment. It’s only purpose is to start a fight. Plus the obscenity, of course. Nothing to see here. Just pass him by.
What is going on in Baseball that so many teams didn’t pay more for someone like Reed? I thought he would get at least 9 mil for 4 years. I’m a cardinals fan and I cant believe the Cardinals didn’t easily beat that contract concerning their needs…but I’m sure there are other fans of teams who can’t fathom this
This proves that Preller made a great deal with Brad Hand
Since holland is floating out there a non contender should sign him with intent to trade him at the deadline. Good relievers always have boosted value at the deadline
I thought about that very thing but then if if he blows out his shoulder or elbow, they are screwed with a hurt player with no value. That would make it harder to rebuild if that happened. Those teams would have to evaluate that risk.
Reed’s market was drying up so the twins had more leverage. Less than 9 million per year on a team friendly contrast is a good deal. Especially since it’s two years. Considering how Rodney has been up and down his whole career and is almost 40 there is a good chance reed will close
Ahhhh I love all you haters keep the hating comments coming it just makes it that all much sweeter when we do win.
Dude, get over yourself.
Ahhh…welllllllllll……………………crap.
Less than 9/year. Cubs apparently weren’t interested.
or he preferred Minnesota
Thought reed could double that contract in terms of dollars. Good signing. The bullpen is looking really solid on paper. Add a starter and we can wrap up our offseason. Love it.
I wonder if reed only took two years cause he is hoping he will close with the twins. If he does and performs great in that role he can boost his free agent value after the 2019 season and get closer money
Good job, Twins. They now have signed 3 relievers. The new leadership is trying to make them better at least
And making the team better without over paying
Yeah, that leaves only Holland and perhaps a deal for Colome left amongst legit closers. With both Rosenthal and Oh out of the picture, the Red Birds need to act soon.
I think the reds snag holland out of nowhere
The reds? Why they are even in contention and are gonna slowly trade their key players. Billy Hamilton will be the first. Then Joey Votto
Deadline bait for their rebuild that’s why. It’s possible
Joey Votto has 10 and 5 and says he’s retiring with the reds. They can’t move him.
Phillies paid more for less in Tommy Hunter.
Less than 17mil for 2 years. I expected at least 10-13mil per years for 2 or 3 years.
Good that the Twins got Reed but nearly 17 mil for 2 years? Kinda high.
Less than 9 mill per year is fair for him
actually, pretty low, if anything
Have you seen the other deals this is off season? This deal is a steal considering if he is bad or gets hurt, they only have to eat it through 2019.
Because talk is facts. Yankees fans think they are getting everyone
In this article, a team (not the Yankees) signed a player (not Darvish) and the Yankees troll comes in going on about the Yankees signing Darvish.
Great signing, good leadership in bullpen now for young guys. Get that starter now.
They might have to overpay for darvish as Minnesota has never been a attractive spot for big free agents
The Twins have never been in on big free agents.
The Twins didn’t spend often, and when they have spent, they haven’t spent wisely. But. It’s a bit different today. There’s been countless articles here and elsewhere about the Twins having about the best payroll picture in the league despite their revenue.
Love it.
Was really hoping for a return to the Mets, would have made that bullpen lights out.
I hope I never have to experience a yankee-cub world series in my lifespan
That 2003 matchup would have been amazing if it happened. D*mn you dusty baker and Alex Gonzalez 🙁
Addison Reed is so underwhelming it’s painful. Was hoping as a Yankee fan he stayed with Noston
Boston*
Oh man! I never thought Addison Reed would settle for a 2-year contract. This would have been a great sign for the White Sox or Cubs.
In the case of the White Sox, Reed could have returned to his original club where he was a decent enough closer in first two full MLB seasons before being dealt for 3B prospect (suspect) Matt Davidson back in 2013. His signing would have also bought the organization some time as top closing prospect Zack Burdi recovers from TJ surgery.
Since Reed apparently preferred a midwest destination, the Cubs might also have been a good fit. They are one of the elite NL teams that also happens to have the closer role up for grabs this spring with the departure of free agent Wade Davis.
I suppose Reed figures he has a better chance to secure the closer role with the “contending” Twins as he would have with the rebuilding White Sox and might have with the Cubs.
Very happy about this. Major bullpen upgrade.
Don’t let a few trolls color what Yankees fans are really like. Which is just like any other fan. I think one dude here who goes the hardest isn’t even a fan and is doing it to troll and give a bad name and get reactions.
Meh we always get insulted on this website justified or not so it’s nothing new. Every other forum I’ve been to has never had this problem
He got less than Juan Nicasio did. Steal for Minnesota, they needed him. He’s really their only good high leverage option imo.
This is an absolute steal. Really liking the Twins offseason
Why would anyone sign a deal to play for Minnesota in winter all you’ll do is freeze your ass off !!!!
Luckily baseball isn’t played in the winter. It’s played in the spring, summer and fall. Average temp in April is 45. Average temp in October is 50.
Average temp in Detroit and Chicago in April is 49. Average temp in Detroit and Chicago in October is 53.
Average temp in April in Boston is 49. Average temp in October in Boston is 54.
Average temp in New York in April is 53. Average temp in New York in October is 59.
These are average temps overall, not average highs. It can always be higher or lower in any of these cities. It being 60s in April is not out of the norm in MN. The difference between these cities in regards to temps is minimal. Why do people keep acting like MN is the North Pole during baseball season but they don’t say the same for Detroit, Chicago, New York or Boston?
Wow, insightful comment.
Minnesota is looking like it’s boasting one of the better bullpens this season. Rodney is volatile but could have upside
Anyone else thinks it’s funny how Minnesota is becoming a big free agent attractor in all sports? Think about how the Twins have been getting pitchers and what the Timberwolves have been doing.
Twins have a good smart front office so I am not surprised
Good move by the Twins, they are contenders, but one paper the Angels look to have moved passed them for the wild card.
The twins were fortunate that Anaheim tanked during the second half of September last season. If they didn’t they might not have won that wild card spot
I agree the angels may have more on paper but the good thing for Minnesota if they fall out of contention they can simply move the new additions and focus on the future but if the recreate their magic from last year they will be able to contend too
Sometimes I wonder how many people could actually find Minnesota on a map. A team not in a mega media market does something and everyone can’t figure out why
If I were a MLB free agent, i’d Try to hook on with a team like the Royals, Twins, Rangers, or a few other teams that would feature a relatively easy commute.
Imagine being on the Cubs, White Sox, Yankees, Red Sox, Yankees, and having to drive in that mess to get to work.
Have you been to Kauffman Stadium? It’s literally next to two major interstates. Easy to get to is not something I’d use to define it.
Yeah, because to get to Target Field you follow the wagon trail down to the mercantile and take a left
With Berrios and Buxton turning it around, if Sano can get on track they’ll have a decent shot at making it to the ALDS!
As a Mets fan ive seen the recent version of Reed and the Twins are getting a very solid setup/closer pitcher. Tends to dole out free passes at inopportune times…but generally gets out of jams. Was hoping for a reuniting with the Mets…but we got bigger issues that need attending to. Twins fans will be happy with this signing. Good luck Addison…you will be missed here in Queens NY
Twins are unethical with this signing. They gave Rodney a promise and have broken their promise. Obviously a player with an $18M contract will be given closer opportunities rather than a player making $5M. Rodney has a legitimate grievance.
I don’t see it saying they signed him strictly to close. I imagine Rodney starts the season as the closer, with Reed getting the 7th/8th innings, unless Rodney falters.
How are they unethical? They will pay his contract and he pitches when told
They already told him he’s still the closer once the signing was announced two days ago so I don’t know why this was even said.
I’d much prefer Reed in the high leverage situations than Rodney anyway. Thats more important than a closer role.