Twins Could Find Bullpen Answers by Reuniting With Two Familiar Right-Handers..

As spring training approaches, one area of the Minnesota Twins’ roster remains clearly unsettled: the bullpen.

At present, the Twins’ relief corps lacks both depth and proven experience. Assuming full health, right-handers Eric Orze, Justin Topa, and Cole Sands, along with left-hander Kody Funderburk, are the only relievers who appear close to locks for the Opening Day roster. While internal candidates may emerge to fill out the 26-man group, Minnesota’s bullpen currently leans heavily on unproven arms.

That reality makes one thing clear: the Twins should strongly consider adding veteran help.

Fortunately for Minnesota, the free-agent market still includes a few intriguing options—particularly two familiar names who once wore a Twins uniform. Right-handers Liam Hendriks and Ryan Pressly remain unsigned, and under the right circumstances, either could represent a low-risk, high-upside addition to a bullpen in need of stability.

Why the Twins Need Veteran Bullpen Help

Bullpens win games in today’s MLB.

With starters rarely going deep into games and postseason success often hinging on late-inning execution, relief pitching has become one of the most valuable—and volatile—parts of a roster. The Twins know this firsthand after recent seasons exposed how thin bullpen depth can derail otherwise competitive teams.

Minnesota’s current relief group includes several pitchers with upside, but few with long track records of high-leverage success. Adding a veteran with postseason experience could help stabilize late innings, mentor younger arms, and give manager Rocco Baldelli more reliable options in close games.

That’s where Hendriks and Pressly come into the conversation.

Liam Hendriks: A Long Road Back and a Potential Reunion

Liam Hendriks’ career has been anything but linear.

The Australian right-hander made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2011 as a starting pitcher. Over parts of three seasons in Minnesota (2011–13), Hendriks struggled to find consistency, posting a 6.06 ERA across 156 innings. That stretch ultimately led the Twins to designate him for assignment during the 2013–14 offseason.

At the time, Hendriks looked like a pitcher on the fringes of the league.

Everything changed after a brief stop in Kansas City and a pivotal move to Toronto. With the Blue Jays in 2015, Hendriks transitioned to a full-time relief role—and thrived. He posted a 2.92 ERA in 58 appearances, revitalizing his career and reintroducing himself as a viable bullpen arm.

That resurgence earned him a trade to the Oakland Athletics, where Hendriks blossomed into one of the league’s most dominant relievers.

From Journeyman to Elite Reliever

During his five seasons with Oakland, Hendriks became a bullpen cornerstone. He recorded a 3.08 ERA with 332 strikeouts and just 71 walks over 263 innings, earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers.

That success led to a three-year, $54 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, where Hendriks continued to perform at a high level. He was named an All-Star in both 2021 and 2022 and served as a vocal leader in the clubhouse.

Then came the greatest challenge of his life.

In late 2022, Hendriks was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His return to the mound in 2023 was one of the most inspiring stories in baseball, though he made just five appearances that season.

Recent Injuries and Market Reality

Now 36 years old, Hendriks’ recent seasons have been defined by health setbacks. He signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Boston Red Sox in February 2024 but missed the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In 2025, a hip injury and a subsequent right elbow ulnar nerve transposition surgery limited him to just 14 appearances, during which he posted a 6.59 ERA over 13 2/3 innings.

Those numbers won’t inspire confidence on their own—but context matters.

Hendriks has not had a full, healthy season since 2022, and his limited workload makes evaluation difficult. Because of that, he is unlikely to command a significant contract this offseason.

For the Twins, that’s exactly what makes him appealing.

A low-cost deal—perhaps incentive-laden—would allow Minnesota to take a calculated gamble on a pitcher with elite pedigree, leadership qualities, and familiarity with the organization.

Ryan Pressly: Proven October Performer With Uncertain Future

Ryan Pressly’s path to stardom followed a different arc—but it, too, began in Minnesota.

Pressly pitched for the Twins from 2013 to 2018, posting a solid but unspectacular 3.75 ERA across 317 innings. While he showed flashes of promise, he never fully unlocked his potential with Minnesota.

That changed after he was traded to the Houston Astros at the 2018 trade deadline.

In Houston, Pressly transformed into one of baseball’s most reliable late-inning arms. From 2018 to 2024, he recorded a 2.81 ERA with 111 saves across 333 innings, becoming the Astros’ primary closer and a key contributor to their sustained success.

His postseason résumé is particularly impressive.

Pressly played a critical role in Houston’s 2022 World Series championship and posted a 2.78 ERA in 47 career playoff appearances, consistently delivering under the brightest lights.

A Difficult 2025 and an Uncertain Market

Now 37, Pressly’s most recent season did not go as planned.

After signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs last offseason, he struggled to regain his elite form, finishing with a 4.35 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 17 walks in 41 1/3 innings. Chicago ultimately designated him for assignment to make room for left-hander Taylor Rogers—another former Twin who remains a free agent.

According to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, the Twins expressed interest in Pressly as early as August following his designation. Hayes also reported that Pressly is considering retirement, leaving his future in question.

If Pressly chooses to continue his career, Minnesota could present a familiar and appealing landing spot.

Why Either Move Makes Sense for Minnesota

Signing either Hendriks or Pressly would not be about expecting vintage All-Star production.

It would be about adding experience, leadership, and stability.

Both pitchers bring extensive postseason résumés, clubhouse credibility, and the ability to mentor younger relievers. Even if neither pitcher regains peak form, their presence could help raise the bullpen’s overall floor.

From a financial standpoint, the risk is minimal. Hendriks’ recent injuries and Pressly’s age and struggles mean both would likely accept short-term, team-friendly deals—possibly even minor league contracts with incentives.

For a Twins team that needs bullpen help but may not want to commit significant resources, these are precisely the kinds of moves that make sense.

A Familiar Path Forward

Reunions don’t always work in baseball.

But sometimes, the timing is right.

For Minnesota, bringing back either Liam Hendriks or Ryan Pressly would be a low-cost bet on experience—one that aligns with the team’s immediate needs and long-term goals.

With Opening Day approaching and bullpen roles still unsettled, the Twins have an opportunity to strengthen a critical weakness using familiar faces who understand the organization and the pressures of winning.

Whether one—or both—return to Minnesota remains to be seen.

But as the free-agent market continues to thin, the Twins may find that the best solutions are the ones they already know.