BREAKING: Twins to Sign RHP Alex Colomé

[Seth Stohs]

The offseason may have progressed slowly, but the Twins front office continues to cross things off of their To-Do List. After signing Nelson Cruz, the Twins have now added reliever Alex Colome to their roster, signing him to a one year, $6.25 million contract with an option for 2022.The 32-year-old Colome has spent the past two seasons with the Chicago White Sox and accumulated 42 saves while posting a 2.27 ERA. He was an All Star in 2016 with the Rays when he posted a 1.91 ERA and had 37 saves. The next season, he had 47 saves.

 

Colome has a lot of late-game, closer experience. He’s got 138 saves over his eight MLB seasons. While his strikeout rate has gone down the last couple of seasons, his overall performance has been very good.

 

It’s probably because his pitch-mix is more conducive to weak contact than missing bats. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown a 90 mph cutter over 70% of the time. The other 30% of the time he throws a mid-90s fastball that averaged 94.5 mph in 2020.

 

Now, will he be named the Twins next closer as Bob Nightengale mentioned in his tweet?

 

 

That might be a different question. Rocco Baldelli never really named Taylor Rogers the closer over the past couple of seasons, even though he was the primary pitcher in that role. And, ultimately, it really doesn’t matter.

 

Simply look at the back end of the Twins bullpen now. Rogers and Colome both can close out games. Tyler Duffey made huge strides and should be relied upon in late-inning situations. Hansel Robles is coming off of a bad, short season, but he has late-inning and closer experience.

 

In addition, Jorge Alcala started getting more and more high-leverage situations in 2020, and Cody Stashak has been quite reliable in his opportunities. And hard-throwing Edwar Colina should be an option sometime in 2021.

 

 

Clarification: It is a mutual option for 2022 at $5.5 million. If Colome declines it, the Twins don't have to pay the $1.25 million.

The Twins could still add another reliever, or sign more guys to minor league deals. With this move, the Twins roster will be at 40.

 

At 5:45, watch an all-new Twins Daily Offseason Live in which we'll discuss the signings of Nelson Cruz and Alex Colome.

 

 

Click here to view the article

[blindeke]

Great news! This offseason had me worried for a minute or two there but I can rest better tonight.

[Minfidel]

Baldelli has plenty to work with in mixing and matching late inning leverage situations. And a pitcher that induces "weak contact" will love having an upgraded defense behind him. 

 

The off-season wasn't flashy, but the Twins methodically checked off their shopping list, and may still add some filler. I suppose if you're on a trip, driving 90 mph is more exciting, but it's also satisfying to drive 60 mph and arrive safely. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

1 + option for Colome, I can get behind that deal.

[Major League Ready]

This roster has come together nicely. I think a couple rookies are going to make some noise too. Looking forward to the season!

[Brandon]

So are we done or do we sign Clippard and a starter?

[Brock Beauchamp]

So are we done or do we sign Clippard and a starter?

A starter or reliever, maybe, but I’m skeptical of both.

[rdehring]

Play ball!

[Linus]

Good signing. Would love to see them add clippard

[adjacent]

 

A starter or reliever, maybe, but I’m skeptical of both.

I guess now it is time for the minor league signing that ends up being great, a la Thielbar

 

[Dman]

The 40 man is now full. If they want to add more they will have to subtract first. Do you think they would let go of Gibaut or Waddell to add Clippard or try for one of the starters on a one year deal or are they done now and rolling with what they have?

 

I am not sure what to think of Colome as I usually like to see guys with high K rates but it looks like he is guy who gets the job done.  Price seems about right so not complaining there. I still think one of the young guys they have in AA or AAA might be able to come up and help this year if needed so they should be in pretty good shape.

 

 

[mikelink45]

I feel like it is done, but that is not my decision so I will wait and see.  It is a fascinating process that the FO has developed/

[specialiststeve]

Good day for the Twins!!! 

[beckmt]

This was the reliever I did not want.  We shall see how he does, just feel that the bust factor is larger with him than any other reliever.

[h2oface]

So the White Sox exchanged Hendriks for Colome, and that is a plus for the Twins?

I guess so. They really aren't connected here. Colome is not someone I would be comfortable with in the late innings of a playoff game, but the contract terms are good. I like it a lot better than Gibaut or Waddell.

[jud6312]

 

This was the reliever I did not want.  We shall see how he does, just feel that the bust factor is larger with him than any other reliever.

I fear eventually his stuff will dip a bit and he'll no longer outperform his advanced stats. They get talked about all time on here when people underperform them and it gets chalked up to good luck, but rarely do you see it go the opposite way.

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

 

The 40 man is now full. If they want to add more they will have to subtract first. Do you think they would let go of Gibaut or Waddell to add Clippard or try for one of the starters on a one year deal or are they done now and rolling with what they have?

 

I am not sure what to think of Colome as I usually like to see guys with high K rates but it looks like he is guy who gets the job done.  Price seems about right so not complaining there. I still think one of the young guys they have in AA or AAA might be able to come up and help this year if needed so they should be in pretty good shape.

We don't really know what budget constraints they're working with, but if Clippard or another addition is in the budget, then Gibaut and Waddell won't stop it from happening.

[se7799]

This makes me excited. Glad to see our Twins are not following the 125 million dollar payroll restraints that so many on here predicted. I still see at least 1 if not 2 more major league signings.

[prouster]

Good signing. I’d like to see them bring in another starter to bolster the back end of the rotation.

[wabene]

The rich just keep getting richer, smh. It ain't easy being green?

[MNT1996]

I was very critical of the front office at the beginning of the offseason, but I'm very impressed with their decisions recently. Making great additions and keeping Cruz.

[Otwins]

 

So the White Sox exchanged Hendriks for Colome, and that is a plus for the Twins?

I guess so. They really aren't connected here. Colome is not someone I would be comfortable with in the late innings of a playoff game, but the contract terms are good. I like it a lot better than Gibaut or Waddell.

I think if you factor in the contracts it is a win for the Twins

[High heat]

I think they will keep tabs on Odo and maybe even the big maple. But that price has to be a extreme bargain. They might still move on another reliever again if the price is right

[Shaitan]

Surprised he signed for this big a cut from last year, especially with a lower option year price.

 

I'm fine with this. Can never have too many reliable arms.

 

For no analytical reason, in previous years I confused Colome with Rodney and, I think, Romo too. Probably all because they were under the radar Florida-based closers in fantasy leagues. All have now been recent Twins.

[USAFChief]

Colome?

 

I guess I was hoping for something from column B.

[D.C Twins]

The front office deserves a ton of credit for using patience and discipline to maximize the roster AND future flexibility. Truly impressive.

 

BUT, unfortunately, unless one of our top 3 pitchers elevated to another level this year, a first round playoff exit is likely. Playoffs are a different beast and I don't think our SP are at that level.

 

The FO HAS given us the best chance possible though so Kudos to them!!!! I suspect we may lose one or both of them next year. Appreciate them while we have them!

[VivaBomboRivera!]

"I guess I was hoping for something from column B."

 

He's here all week, folks! Try the veal!

[bighat]

Some interesting talk on MLBTradeRumors about the Colome signing. Seems to be a rather heated debate about Colome's expanded stats (FIP, xFIP, K%, GB%, etc).

 

Some seem to think he's been very lucky for his entire career, others say that in this player's case, you can throw those expanded stats out the window. I'm guessing the Twins did their homework and I trust they know what they're doing. Good signing.

 

I frankly don't care how he gets outs. Just so long as he's effective. He has a history of getting the job done, looking forward to watching him in a Twins uniform.

[KFEY93]

 

Baldelli has plenty to work with in mixing and matching late inning leverage situations. And a pitcher that induces "weak contact" will love having an upgraded defense behind him. 

 

The off-season wasn't flashy, but the Twins methodically checked off their shopping list, and may still add some filler. I suppose if you're on a trip, driving 90 mph is more exciting, but it's also satisfying to drive 60 mph and arrive safely. 

Upgraded defense WHEN HEALTHY. This is a key point a lof of fans are over looking. Donaldson missed a majority of a shortened season lsat year. Thats worry some. Sano is still at first, and our new SS also has injury concerns. 

[Joey Self]

The save is among the most worthless stats in baseball, ranking right up there with the RBI and the Win.  

I'm glad Baldelli doesn't subscribe to the "one guy is a closer" line.  Use the best pitcher in the situation where he can do the most good, and don't worry about who gets the "save."