The Minnesota Twins are officially putting the American League Central on notice as they finalize their roster ahead of the 2025 season. In a series of calculated moves designed to solidify the Minnesota Twins bullpen, the front office announced a flurry of transactions on Thursday, headlined by the signing of three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks and a significant trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers for left-hander Anthony Banda.
By adding Hendriks and Julian Merryweather on minor league contracts with invitations to spring training, while simultaneously swinging a trade for a battle-tested lefty like Banda, the Twins are clearly prioritizing relief depth. These moves represent a mix of high-upside gambles and proven reliability, addressing one of the most volatile areas of any MLB roster.
Liam Hendriks: A High-Upside Gamble for the Minnesota Twins Bullpen
The most recognizable name in this wave of acquisitions is undoubtedly Liam Hendriks. The veteran right-hander has long been considered one of the most dominant closers in baseball, boasting a career resume that includes 116 saves and a 3.18 ERA over 13 seasons. Hendriks, known for his fiery mound presence and high-velocity fastball, spent the 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, which followed his inspiring and successful battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
For the Twins, signing Hendriks to a minor league deal is a low-risk, high-reward maneuver. If Hendriks can regain even a fraction of the form that saw him lead the American League in saves in 2021, he could become a pivotal late-inning weapon. His presence in the clubhouse also brings a veteran leadership quality that is invaluable for a young pitching staff. The invitation to spring training allows the Twins' medical and coaching staff to monitor his recovery progress closely before committing a 40-man roster spot.
The Anthony Banda Trade: Bringing Championship Experience from Los Angeles
While the Hendriks signing captures the headlines, the acquisition of Anthony Banda via trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers might be the most impactful move for the immediate future. The Twins sent a clear signal that they needed left-handed stability, and Banda fits that mold perfectly. The 31-year-old southpaw is coming off a career-best season where he played a vital role in the Dodgers' 2024 World Series run.
During his tenure in Los Angeles last year, Banda posted a stellar 3.08 ERA across 48 appearances, striking out 50 batters in 49.2 innings. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters while remaining effective against righties makes him a versatile tool for manager Rocco Baldelli. Unlike the minor league deals offered to Hendriks and Merryweather, Banda arrives as a proven commodity who is expected to slide directly into high-leverage situations within the Minnesota Twins bullpen.
Julian Merryweather Adds Velocity and Depth
Joining Hendriks on a minor league pact is Julian Merryweather. The right-hander has teased elite potential throughout his career, primarily due to a fastball that can touch the upper 90s and a devastating slider. Merryweather enjoyed a breakout 2023 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, where he pitched 72 innings with a 3.38 ERA and a massive 12.3 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate.
However, injuries have been the recurring theme of Merryweather’s career, limiting him to just 15 appearances in 2024. By bringing him in on a non-roster invitation, the Twins are betting on their ability to keep him healthy. If Merryweather is 100%, he provides the Twins with another "strikeout arm" that can bridge the gap to the ninth inning. The addition of Merryweather underscores the team's strategy: accumulate as many high-ceiling arms as possible and see who emerges during the spring competition in Fort Myers.
Strategic Depth: Building a Sustainable Relief Unit
The modern MLB season is a war of attrition, particularly for relief pitchers. By adding three veteran arms in a single day, the Twins have effectively insulated themselves against the inevitable injuries and performance fluctuations that occur over a 162-game schedule. The current construction of the Minnesota Twins bullpen now features a compelling mix of archetypes:
- The Veteran Closer: Liam Hendriks (Recovery pending)
- The Left-Handed Specialist: Anthony Banda
- The High-Velocity Specialist: Julian Merryweather
- The Established Core: Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax
This aggressive approach to roster building suggests that the Twins front office is not content with a standing-pat approach. By leveraging the trade market and the minor league free agent pool, they have significantly raised the floor of their pitching staff. As spring training approaches, the competition for the final spots in the bullpen will be among the most watched storylines in the Twins' camp.
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