Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Minnesota Twins right-hander Josh Winder (shoulder) is behind the team's other pitchers in spring training as he builds up from a right-scapula stress fracture that he suffered late in the 2023 season that needed rest. The 27-year-old didn't know about the injury until he had an MRI exam in October, and as a result, he was unable to have a normal offseason as he recovered. Winder should have enough time to get ready for the start of the 2024 regular season, barring any setbacks in camp. In his second year in the big leagues for the Twins last year, Winder had a 4.15 ERA (3.98 FIP) and a 1.41 WHIP with his first career save, 14 walks and 28 strikeouts in 34 2/3 relief innings in his first season as strictly a reliever. With no path back to a starting role or a high-leverage bullpen job in Minnesota, he should be avoided in all fantasy formats.

New Minnesota Twins pitchers Josh Staumont (shoulder) and Anthony DeSclafani (elbow) have both been throwing for months after ending last year on the injured list and are full-go entering spring training. Staumont had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last July but should be good to go for Opening Day with his new club. The 30-year-old could struggle to be effective after the surgery, though, especially since he hasn't very good to begin with the last two years for the Kansas City Royals (6.09 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 57 2/3 innings). DeSclafani made just 18 starts with the San Francisco Giants in 2023 due to a right flexor strain. The 33-year-old went 4-8 with a 4.88 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 79 K's in 99 2/3 innings last year. DeSclafani will be competing for the fifth spot in Minnesota's starting rotation in camp.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Nick Gordon has been traded to the Miami Marlins for reliever Steven Okert, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Gordon, who just lost his arbitration hearing with the Twins, will earn $900,000 this upcoming season and is out of minor league options. He will need to earn a spot on Miami's roster and should have a chance to compete for a bench spot during spring training. Gordon is a career .250/.293/.392 hitter with 15 home runs, 80 RBI, and 16 stolen bases over 696 career at-bats. Okert worked a 4.45 ERA, 1.261 WHIP, and 73:24 K/BB ratio over 58 2/3 innings of relief last year with the Fish. He should work middle relief for the Twins this upcoming season.

Free-agent relief pitcher Jay Jackson and the Minnesota Twins agreed to an undisclosed major-league deal on Monday, pending a physical, according to a source familiar with the deal. The 36-year-old veteran right-hander has a 92-94 mph fastball with a good slider and has a 2.73 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 53 innings since returning from Japan in 2021. In 25 relief appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays last year, Jackson had a 2.12 ERA (4.20 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with nine walks and 27 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings pitched. He was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo last October but chose free agency in November and will now head to spring training with Minnesota this year. Jackson should give the Twins some more valuable relief depth in 2024.

The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran relief pitcher Jay Jackson to a major league deal, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Initial terms of the contract were unavailable. Just last month, it was reported that Jackson had interest from over one dozen teams and was trending towards receiving a major league contract. Indeed, the 36-year-old has put pen to paper with Minnesota and should provide meaningful innings in 2024. He was productive with the Blue Jays last season, posting a 2.12 ERA, 8.19 K/9, and 2.73 BB/9 through 25 games.