Minnesota Twins DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

The New York Yankees claimed left-hander Brent Headrick off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Headrick will now head to the American League East and hope to win a roster spot with the Yankees out of spring training. The 27-year-old southpaw made his major-league debut with the Twins in 2023 and had a rough 6.31 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, his first career save, 30 strikeouts and 10 walks in 25 2/3 innings over 14 relief appearances. In just three innings in his lone appearance in 2024, Headrick allowed a solo home run. Especially since he has minor-league options remaining, Headrick is most likely to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The former ninth-round pick in 2019 out of Illinois State University will provide minor-league relief depth for the Yankees after posting a 3.64 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in five minor-league seasons with the Twins.

According to the team, the Miami Marlins have claimed right-handed pitcher Ronny Henriquez off waivers from the Minnesota Twins. In a corresponding move, the team designated right-handed pitcher Xzavion Curry for assignment. Henriquez has spent his entire MLB career with the Twins. Last season, the right-hander appeared in 16 games for the Twins (one start) and posted a 3.26 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP in 19 innings. He posted a poor 18.3 percent strikeout rate but did show a strong command of his pitches with a 6.1 percent walk rate. He also generated an elite 53.3 percent ground-ball rate. Across 207 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Henriquez held a 5.08 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect the 24-year-old to compete for a spot in the Miami bullpen during spring training.

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the Chicago Cubs are inviting right-handed pitcher Trevor Richards to spring training. The 31-year-old inked a minor-league deal with the Cubs earlier in the offseason and has officially received his invite to the big-league camp. Last season, Richards logged 65 1/3 innings with the Minnesota Twins. He was typically deployed out of the bullpen but did make two starts. He posted a 4.55 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. He struck out batters at a modest 22.4 percent rate and struggled to command his pitches as he posted a hefty 12.4 percent walk rate. However, he did generate a strong 3.62 xERA, which suggests he could see some positive regression with the Cubs. Fantasy managers should expect Richards to compete for a bullpen job during spring training and carry minimal fantasy value.

The Minnesota Twins designated right-hander Ronny Henriquez for assignment on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Danny Coulombe and outfielder Harrison Bader, who were both signed this week in free agency. Henriquez made his major-league debut with the Twins in 2022 but didn't appear in the big leagues again until last year, posting a 3.26 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and five walks in only 19 1/3 innings pitched over 16 outings (one start). In his 19 appearances in Minnesota, the 25-year-old Dominican hurler has a solid 2.90 ERA with 24 punchouts and eight walks in 31 innings. Henriquez doesn't have minor-league options remaining, so he could end up clearing waivers and returning to Minnesota as minor-league relief depth.

The Minnesota Twins have traded outfielder Michael Helman to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. Helman made his MLB debut with the Twins last season. Across a small nine-game stint, the 28-year-old held a .300/.300/.500 line with three doubles and three strikeouts. In 72 games with Triple-A St. Paul, Helman posted a .271/.350/.487 line with 18 doubles, 14 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He held a 29:76 BB:K ratio and added 47 RBI. This production was right in line with his career .264/.339/.461 line he has held across 195 contests at the Triple-A level. Fantasy managers should expect the Texas A&M product to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during spring training. However, given his lack of MLB experience, the Cardinals may opt to have him open the campaign at the Triple-A level.