The Minnesota Twins are stirring the pot in their bullpen, adding a trio of veteran left-handers to join Kody Funderburk. With Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, and Andrew Chafin now in the mix, manager Derek Shelton quipped about adding a new lefty each day. But while the left side is bustling, the right side remains relatively untouched, with only Liam Hendriks and Eric Orze joining the ranks.
This lefty-heavy bullpen could see half of the Opening Day relievers throwing from the southpaw side. The strategy hinges on these lefties being versatile enough to handle both left-handed and right-handed batters in crucial moments. However, recent stats suggest that none of the lefty quartet has excelled against right-handers over the past few seasons.
In general, MLB hitters have posted a .245 average with a .721 OPS, but these numbers dip in late-and-close situations, thanks to top-tier relievers stepping up. The challenge for the Twins is finding lefties who can thrive in high-pressure roles despite their vulnerability to right-handed bats.
Typically, relievers are deployed based on the game situation rather than specific matchups, meaning Twins lefties will inevitably face right-handed hitters late in games. This setup could push lefties into lower-leverage roles unless they can overcome their right-handed woes.
Last season, left-handed hitters accounted for about 40 percent of high-leverage situations faced by MLB bullpens, with only 10 percent being lefty-on-lefty matchups. In the early innings, lefty-on-lefty matchups are more feasible, but as the game tightens, opposing managers will work to avoid these scenarios.
Despite the lack of right-handed additions, the Twins might still see Rogers, Banda, Chafin, and Funderburk among their top relievers. Shelton emphasized taking the best arms available, but acknowledged the challenge of balancing a lefty-heavy bullpen.
Historically, MLB teams average around 1.7 lefty relievers making at least 40 appearances, and the Twins have rarely had more than two. The financials show Rogers and Banda with guaranteed deals, while Chafin's spot is contingent on making the roster.
As Opening Day approaches, the Twins’ bullpen strategy will reveal more about their confidence in their right-handed options than their faith in lefties. Balancing four matchup-dependent southpaws in high-leverage situations will be a test of their bullpen's depth and adaptability.