The Minnesota Twins have made a surprising move by re-signing reliever Cody Laweryson to a minor league deal. This decision has sparked curiosity and debate among baseball fans, as Laweryson's journey and statistics paint an intriguing picture. But here's where it gets interesting: despite his impressive numbers, Laweryson's path to the Twins' roster has been anything but straightforward. Let's delve into the details and explore why this move could be a strategic gamble for the Twins.
Cody Laweryson, a right-handed reliever, returns to the Twins after a brief stint with the Los Angeles Angels. The Twins initially drafted him in the 14th round in 2019 from the University of Maine, and he made his major league debut last September. During his brief time with the Twins, Laweryson showcased his talent, allowing only two runs (one earned) across 7 2/3 innings while striking out seven batters. His performance in Triple-A was equally impressive, with a 2.86 earned run average and a quarter of opposing hitters struck out.
However, the Twins decided to part ways with Laweryson at the beginning of the offseason, despite their need for bullpen help. The Angels claimed him, but they also released him to make room for other roster moves. This series of events raises questions about the Twins' initial decision to let Laweryson go. The team already has a group of former big leaguers, including Liam Hendriks, Julian Merryweather, Dan Altavilla, Matt Bowman, and Grant Hartwig, competing for middle relief spots. So, why bring back Laweryson now?
The answer lies in Laweryson's statistics and the Twins' strategic thinking. Despite his impressive minor league numbers, including a 3.39 ERA and a 27% strikeout percentage over 327 innings, teams remain skeptical about his performance against big league hitters. Laweryson's average fastball of 93.2 mph might not be enough to intimidate major league batters, and he lacks a power breaking ball, relying on a cutter and a low-80s changeup. This could be the reason the Twins are giving him another chance in the minor leagues, where they can closely monitor his development and potential.
The Twins' decision to re-sign Laweryson is a bold move that could pay off if he continues to perform well in the minors. It also invites discussion and debate among fans and analysts. Will Laweryson prove his worth and earn a spot on the major league roster? Or will he struggle to make an impact, leading to further questions about the Twins' strategy? The answer lies in the coming months, and the baseball world will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.
