The Baltimore Orioles made a surprising call this offseason—they let go of a key player—left-hander Danny Coulombe. Now he is headed to the Minnesota Twins on a new deal, as per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. However, the agreement is still pending a physical, a necessary thing after Coulombe spent a great chunk of the season sidelined in IL. “Danny Coulombe to the Twins, pending physical. Very solid back end bullpen now for Minnesota with Duran, Jax, Sands, etc,” reported Heyman.

Danny Coulombe had injured his elbow and hence couldn’t play as many games. But when he is healthy, he is a stunner. Hence, the Twins are adding a pitcher who is nothing less than electric. In just 33 games in the last season, he posted a 2.12 ERA, a low 0.674 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts in 29.2 innings.

Baltimore’s decision to decline Coulombe’s 2025 option worth $4 million is hence eyebrow-raising. And no, it wasn’t just a one-year fluke. His 2023 season was just as strong. With a 2.81 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 51.1 innings. The numbers speak for themselves — a healthy Danny Coulombe is an elite weapon. Plus, in Minnesota, it’s not like he is going to uncharted territories.

The Twins might remember that this isn’t the first time for Danny Coulombe in Minnesota. He spent parts of three seasons with the team from 2020 to 2022. However, at that time, he didn’t leave such a mark. He was designated for assignment in 2020, then non-tendered in 2021 and 2022; a season-ending hip injury led him to get done with his promising start.

Then the Twins ultimately dealt him to Baltimore for cash considerations. A move that looked minor at that time but proved crucial later. Because Coulombe became a key player in the Baltimore Orioles. Now, though, it seems like he is back in Minnesota; whether he can replicate the same results remains to be seen. Either way, one of the teams is going to regret it. However, Minnesota now will hope that they manage to get an under-the-radar deal. If not, it will be another injury gamble gone wrong. Meanwhile, the Twins franchise has a lot more on its plate.

Are Minnesota Twins heading for a game-changing sale?

The Minnesota Twins have been competitive in recent seasons. But behind the scenes, a major shake-up seems to be in the process. According to The Athletic‘s Dan Hayes, the franchise might be gearing up for a new ownership. As early as the start of the season, apparently, and this move could impact the team’s future for sure.

Back in October, the Pohlad family, who have owned the Twins since 1984, announced they were open to selling the team. Now with the organization’s ownership uncertainty, their payroll and long-term direction are also being talked about. On Foul Territory, Hayes mentioned how the new ownership can reshape the club’s financial approach.

Now historically, the club has been a middle-of-the-pack spender. They ranked 19th in payroll last season according to Spotrac. ​​“They did spend on payroll a couple of times. When Target Field opened, I think they were 9th and 10th in payroll, and fans came out… But payroll has never been a good thing for the Twins; usually it’s the 17th/18th. It’s been bottom of the barrel at the start of the 2000s, so that could change everything.”

But who is buying the team? One potential buyer is probably Justin Ishbia, the brother of Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia. Now while the sale process has been quiet, with opening day on March 28, a deal can be finalized before then.

Do you think the new ownership can change up the franchise’s competitiveness for years to come? Let us know in the comments.