The Minnesota Twins' bullpen problem just got harder to fix and the Chicago White Sox are the reason why.
The White Sox reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez on a two-year, $20 million contract on Friday.
The deal positions Dominguez as the team's expected closer heading into the 2026 season, giving manager Will Venable a proven arm at the back of the bullpen.
A Division Rival Beats Minnesota to the Punch
For the Twins, this signing stings because Minnesota had shown interest in Dominguez earlier in the offseason, according to KSTP's Darren Wolfson.
The Twins checked in briefly on the hard-throwing right-hander last month but never circled back with a competitive offer, and now Dominguez will be facing them multiple times per season in the AL Central.
Dominguez comes to Chicago after his best season in 2025.
He posted a 3.16 ERA with 79 strikeouts across 62⅔ innings between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, and his fastball averaged 97.7 mph which ranked in the 94th percentile among all pitchers.
The 60-102 White Sox have been among the most active teams this offseason despite their last-place finish.
They landed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million deal, added pitchers Anthony Kay and Sean Newcomb, and acquired Luisangel Acuña in the Luis Robert Jr. trade.
Now they have a closer who can bridge the gap while young arms like Grant Taylor and Jordan Leasure develop.
Minnesota's Bullpen Needs Remain Urgent
The 70-92 Twins decimated their bullpen at the 2025 trade deadline, sending away Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, and Danny Coulombe.
Since then, their only notable addition has been left-hander Taylor Rogers, who signed a one-year, $2 million deal on Friday.
With Dominguez now off the board, Minnesota's options are shrinking fast.
The market has dried up this winter, with Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Robert Suarez, Ryan Helsley, Luke Weaver, and now Dominguez all signed.
Arms Still Available for the Twins
The Twins have a few options if they want to add a veteran arm before spring training.
Right-hander Michael Kopech remains available and carries elite stuff when healthy, though he was limited to just 14 games in 2025.
Shawn Armstrong posted a 2.0 fWAR with the Rangers and owns a strong track record in AL Central ballparks.
Danny Coulombe, who the Twins traded at the deadline, could be a reunion candidate.
Right now Minnesota is counting on returning pieces like Cole Sands, Justin Topa, and Kody Funderburk alongside young arms such as Connor Prielipp.
General manager Jeremy Zoll has said the team is looking to add bullpen depth, but with each passing day the best arms are finding homes elsewhere.