Now that the Twins have added Dan Altavilla to the 2026 bullpen, there is still room for another arm (ideally a closer). But now that we’re this late in the game, plenty of elite-level closers have already been signed. But that’s okay. There are still plenty of free agent relievers.
After the holidays, Minnesota should at least pursue more bullpen arm, and these five relievers would each be a good fit with the Twins.
Scott Barlow
Statistics 2025: 4.21 ERRA, 75 K, 68.1 IP, 0.7 bWAS
Barlow, who just turned 33, would be a sneaky good addition to the Twins. In 15.2 career innings at Target Field, he has 21 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.15.
His ERA of 4.21 this past season is also much worse than it seems. He gave up 10 runs from September 2 through September 13, but outside of that he had an ERA in the mid-3:00s. For example, in August he gave up two runs in 13.2 frames (1.32 ERA). When it’s on, it’s deadly. He will also be on the lower end of the cost after receiving $2.5 million from Cincinnati in 2025.
Pete Fairbanks
2025 stats: 2.83 ERRA, 59 K, 60.1 IP, 1.2 bAWR, 27 saves
With a WHIP of 1.044, Fairbanks still has one of the best bullpen fastballs in the game, as well as an elite barrel rate. He’s probably the hottest free agent reliever still on the boardbut there’s no reason Minnesota can’t pursue him. If they are looking for a true replacement for Jhoan Duran, Fairbanks is the best choice.
Hunter Harvey
2025 stats: 0.0.0.0.0.0 ERA, 11 K, 10.2 IPs, 0.7 bWAS
Harvey was on the injured list twice last season, which could throw off a few teams. The 31-year-old isn’t likely to demand a big contract, so he would be a low-risk, mid-reward move. He hit 32 putouts in 2025 and allowed seven baserunners. He had a bumpy 2024 playing for two teams, but in 2023 he was dominant with a 2.82 ERA and 0.940 WHIP.
If Harvey can stay healthy in 20626, he would be the Twins’ best surprise move.
Pierce Johnson
2025 stats: 3.05 ERA, 59 K, 59 IP, 1.1 bWAS
Johnson will be one of the more expensive options, but it could be worth it. In 12 career postseason innings, he had 17 strikeouts and two runs allowed. That ability is needed if Minnesota makes the playoffs (yes, that’s a big if).
Johnson also has closing experience. He has 16 career saves, including 13 in 2023. Johnson is an above-average reliever at most points, and while he’s not a blockbuster name, someone like him would really move the needle in the right direction.
Justin Wilson
Statistics 2025: 3.35 ERRA, 57 K, 48.1 IP, 0.3 bWAS
The 38-year-old can still hit his fastball in the mid-90s. He’s also still a great swing-and-miss reliever, but walks can come back and bite him. Wilson is a spark plug reliever and more often than not he will get the job done. It also never hurts to have another lefty in the mix.
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