Getting the dreaded designated for assignment announcement, it’s quite clear Carlos Torres is on the trading block. The New York Mets might find a deal partner in the Minnesota Twins for the relief pitcher.
Signing Antonio Bastardo meant the Mets were free to offload someone from their bullpen, which had a bad World Series and Torres specifically didn’t enjoy one of the greatest seasons in 2015. The 33-year old had a 4.68 ERA, his worst since 2012 when he was still playing for the Rockies (been with the Mets since 2013). He pitched in just 57.2 innings and his WHIP rose to 1.370, although there was no change in his strikeout/walk ratio, finishing with a 2.67, slightly better than his 2014 number.
The Twins, who might finally be good enough to compete with the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central crown, are looking to keep the momentum of their gradual improvement of the last five seasons after blowing up the roster following the 2010 season and losing in the ALDS for a second straight year. They had four seasons of winning a combined 265 games before going 83-79 in 2015. They haven’t been too busy in the offseason market, but they feel like what they have, with a few minor additions and changes, is good enough to finally make the postseason.
The Mets right now have the Twins as the closest team to making a deal with, but there is reported interest coming from other directions, although it’s simply talking at this point. They’re not going to get much for Torres, who’ll make just over $1 million in 2016 which doesn’t make it difficult to move him. Another bad season like in 2015, and it might be his last in Major League Baseball before trying to stay relevant through minor league deals.