Veteran Righty Jhoulys Chacin Reportedly Signing With Twins
By Jack Murphy
After signing former AL MVP Josh Donaldson to a hefty four-year, $92 million contract, the Minnesota Twins are not ready to call it a day this offseason. Their batting order may be a fearsome murderer's row, but their pitching ranks are getting some attention this weekend.
On Saturday, 11-year veteran Jhoulys Chacin reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with the Twins.
#Twins in agreement with free-agent pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, source said. @JonHeyman first said close.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 1, 2020
Chacin, 32, is coming off one of his most lackluster seasons, as he posted a 6.01 ERA splitting time between the Milwakee Brewers and Boston Red Sox.
Despite a problematic 2019, Chacin put up impressive numbers in the two years prior. The Venezuelan right-hander put up a 3.89 ERA in 2017 and a 3.50 mark in 2018, logging over 150 strikeouts in both of those seasons.
The Twins offense broke out as one of the best lineups in the MLB last year, but they had a relatively weaker starting rotation by comparison. Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi both put together fine seasons, but their production was not enough to propel the team past the Yankees in the playoffs.
Chacin will be minors deal with #MNTwins but he should make it. Twins loading up on viable rotation options. @ByRobertMurray said done deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 1, 2020
While Chacin's deal is of the minor league variety, he is fully expected to be a part of the big league roster to start the year. If he can avoid a repeat of his disappointing 2019, Chacin could be a rewarding low-cost addition for Rocco Baldelli's boys.