The Minnesota Twins Should Bolster Their Bullpen With A Familiar Target

When the trade deadline came around in 2026, the Minnesota Twins aimed to bolster their pitching staff. They ultimately did so by adding two relievers and one starting pitcher, but a potential deal for more fell short in unique fashion.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Twins and Houston Astros had a deal in place to send reliever Bryan Abreu to Minnesota, but it fell through when the Astros backed out of the deal at the last minute. Abreu would end up finishing the season in Houston, but the Twins bolstered their bullpen anyway at the trade deadline with the acquisitions of AJ Minter and Jeff Hoffman.

Abreu has established himself as a consistently productive reliever, as the Astros have long trusted him in high leverage. However, he is set to be a free agent this offseason, which may set up a departure from Houston after spending eight seasons there.

After nearly acquiring him at the trade deadline, the Twins should explore the market for Abreu and consider adding him to their bullpen. This time around, they would not have to exchange a player to bring on the right-handed reliever.

Over the past half decade, Abreu has proven himself as one of the league’s most touted setup relievers. Over his last five seasons, the 29-year-old has posted a 2.56 ERA and has held hitters to a batting average under .200.

Inking Abreu to a contract would likely not come at a high price, in part due his numbers this past season. While it was still a very solid year for Abreu, his 3.73 ERA was significantly the worst he has posted over the past five seasons, while his command and strikeout numbers took a slight dip. 

Nonetheless, Abreu has all the makings of an elite reliever. In each season from 2023-2025, Abreu has recorded 100 strikeouts, while never walking more than 32 batters. He recorded at least 70 appearances in each season, and recorded an ERA under 2.30 twice. 

The nixed deal at the trade deadline could persuade Abreu to move on from the Astros and explore a fresh start, which he could get with the Twins. After all, retaining talent in free agency has never been the Astros' strong suit.

After the Twins added to their bullpen at the trade deadline and with the younger talent they have, Minnesota’s bullpen seems to be on the way to becoming one of the more productive groups in the league, despite some early-season struggles in 2026. Abreu could bolster their group that much further.