The New York Mets are expressing interest in acquiring left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the Minnesota Twins, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Facing a bullpen injury crisis, the Mets see Coulombe as a potential solution to bolster their pitching staff down the stretch.
Strong Performance Amid a Long Career
Danny Coulombe, a 35-year-old southpaw, made his major league debut more than a decade ago but has produced the best numbers of his career recently. Since the start of the 2023 season, he has pitched 107 2/3 innings with an impressive 2.09 earned run average. His effectiveness is highlighted by striking out 28.3% of batters faced, limiting walks to 5.7%, and generating ground balls on 44.5% of balls in play.
During this span, Coulombe has recorded five saves and 41 holds, showcasing his reliability in high-leverage situations. The first two years of this period were with the Baltimore Orioles, who opted not to pick up a $4 million club option for 2025. After Baltimore’s decision, the Twins signed Coulombe to a one-year, $3 million contract, a move that now appears beneficial for Minnesota.
Recent Success with Minnesota Strengthens His Value
This season, Coulombe has thrown 26 2/3 innings for the Twins, posting an exceptional 0.68 ERA. While some aspects, like his 92% strand rate, suggest some degree of fortune, his underlying metrics remain strong. He maintains a 27.9% strikeout rate, a 6.7% walk rate, and a 41.8% ground ball rate. Advanced metrics such as his 1.69 FIP and 2.90 SIERA indicate his performance is sustainable even under more neutral conditions.
Coulombe’s pitching style features a fastball velocity averaging 90.2 miles per hour this year, which aligns with his career norms, having a high of 91.8 mph in 2023. He complements his fastball by mixing in a cutter, sinker, slider, and knuckle curve, keeping hitters off balance. Notably, his platoon splits are minimal, with left-handed batters actually posting a slightly better line against him (.208/.240/.229) than right-handed hitters (.163/.241/.204).
Mets’ Urgent Need for a Left-Handed Reliever
For the Mets, adding a dependable lefty like Coulombe is especially appealing. Their planned rotation of left-handed bullpen arms, including A.J. Minter and Danny Young, was derailed early in the season as both underwent season-ending surgeries.
Since then, the team has relied on various fringe roster pitchers such as Richard Lovelady, Génesis Cabrera, José Castillo, and Colin Poche to fill the void. Most recently, the Mets reinstated 37-year-old Brooks Raley from the injured list, designating Lovelady for assignment. Although Raley has performed competently in the past, he is recovering from an extended Tommy John surgery and carries risks due to his age.
The prospect of securing Coulombe, who also comes at a modest salary, fits well into the Mets’ payroll strategy as they are currently paying a 110% competitive balance tax on increases to their payroll.
Twins’ Playoff Contention Clouds Trade Prospects
Despite the Mets’ interest, acquiring Coulombe may not be straightforward. The Twins sit at 47-49, four games out of a playoff spot, creating uncertainty around their strategy at the trade deadline. With a 23.3% chance to make the postseason according to FanGraphs, and a slightly higher 28.3% projection from Baseball Prospectus, Minnesota faces a tough decision about whether to buy or sell.
The upcoming schedule, featuring games in Colorado and Los Angeles followed by home contests against the Nationals and Red Sox, could influence this decision. If the Twins pursue a rebuild, trading Coulombe would be logical given he is an impending free agent soon turning 36. Even if they decide to compete, they might trade him while acquiring other assets, though this would weaken their bullpen’s most consistent left-handed option.
Twins’ Bullpen Depth and Financial Considerations
Minnesota has tried other left-handed pitchers like Joey Wentz, Kody Funderburk, and Anthony Misiewicz in relief, but none boast ERAs under 6.92, unlike Coulombe’s reliable performance. The financial aspect also favors retaining Coulombe, as the Twins have limited payroll flexibility with a squad reportedly up for sale. Their offseason spending included $10.25 million on one-year deals for Coulombe, Harrison Bader, and Ty France, indicating a cautious approach to salary commitments.
Maintaining an affordable and effective pitcher like Coulombe could be vital for the Twins’ push in the closing weeks of the season.
The Road Ahead for Both Teams
The Mets’ interest in Danny Coulombe highlights their urgent need to stabilize the bullpen after key injuries. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s near-playoff status means their decision to keep or trade Coulombe will significantly impact their late-season prospects. Should the Twins opt to sell, the Mets could strengthen their rotation with a proven lefty reliever at a reasonable cost. Conversely, if the Twins stay in the race, Coulombe’s presence remains critical for their bullpen depth.