Twins fans have some thrilling news to celebrate! On Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins moved to bolster their pitching staff by coming to an agreement with left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe, pending a physical check.
Though the team has yet to confirm the deal, insider sources reveal that Coulombe will sign a one-year contract valued at $3 million, plus performance incentives, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Adding a Left-Handed Option
At 35 years old, Coulombe adds a much-needed left-handed option to a bullpen primarily filled with right-handers.
He steps into the vacancy left by Caleb Thielbar, who recently joined the Chicago Cubs.
More than just a replacement, Coulombe is expected to elevate the team’s performance and provide critical pitching support in high-pressure moments.
The Twins aim to finalize this signing before the week is out.
However, with their 40-man roster currently at capacity, they will need to make strategic adjustments to accommodate Coulombe.
Coulombe’s Previous Success
This isn’t Coulombe’s first stint in the Twin Cities; he played for the Twins from 2020 to 2022 before being traded to the Orioles for cash in March 2023.
In Baltimore, he found newfound success, posting a stellar 2.56 ERA while racking up 90 strikeouts and only 17 walks over 81 innings and 94 appearances.
In recent seasons, Coulombe has shown exceptional skill against left-handed batters.
Notably, in 2024, he didn’t allow any left-handed hitters to reach base via a walk, and he hasn’t given up a home run to one since 2021.
Looking Ahead
With Spring Training just around the corner—only nine days away—the Twins are keenly analyzing their next steps.
They still need to fill the first base spot vacated by Carlos Santana, who has signed with the Cleveland Guardians.
Additionally, targeting a right-handed corner bat could further enhance the team’s lineup.
Recent information from The Athletic indicates that the Twins have roughly $5 million in payroll flexibility, allowing room for further signings.
To bring in a starter-level player, however, it may require some trade maneuvers to create a bit more financial wiggle room.
A St. Louis native and an alumnus of Texas Tech, Coulombe arrives with an impressive resume built over a decade in Major League Baseball.
Throughout his career, he has maintained a 3.52 ERA across 288 games, including stints with the Dodgers, Athletics, Twins, and Orioles.
Prior to this move, the Twins had not yet signed any free agents to Major League contracts this offseason.
With Coulombe’s signing, excitement brews as the team works to prepare for a promising upcoming season!
