The National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers began on Sunday night. The American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays is scheduled to start on Monday night.
Obviously, it’s a bummer the Twins haven’t been part of it, but it’s still been an exciting postseason so far. The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies gave us a Wild Card Series to remember. The Division Series between the Guardians and Chicago White Sox went to five games. The NLDS between the San Diego Padres and Brewers gave us plenty of exciting moments, including Jackson Chourio’s walk-off single in Game 2.
Just because the Twins aren’t in the playoffs doesn’t mean the organization shouldn’t be watching. There are two players in particular who have stood out this postseason that the Twins should consider acquiring this offseason. One is still in the playoffs, while the other has been eliminated.
2 MLB postseason stars the Twins can acquire this offseason
Tampa Bay Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen
Rasmussen has a $20 million club option for next year. The Rays will probably exercise it, but may look to move him for young talent unless they believe they can extend him for an affordable price.
If the Rays look to trade Rasmussen this offseason, the Twins could be interested in acquiring him, especially if they think they can extend him.
Rasmussen, 30, posted a 2.67 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 172 innings across 30 starts during the regular season. The right-hander dominated the New York Yankees in the ALDS in his lone playoff start this year, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out 10 over eight innings.
Atlanta Braves RHP Tyler Mahle
Mahle is a familiar name for the Twins. Former Twins president Derek Falvey acquired the right-hander from the Cincinnati Reds at the 2022 trade deadline. Unfortunately, he made just nine starts across two seasons with Minnesota due to injuries.
Mahle signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants this past offseason. He struggled with the Giants, posting a 5.13 ERA over 94 2/3 innings. San Francisco traded him to Atlanta at the trade deadline, and he posted a 1.99 ERA in 54 1/3 innings across nine starts with the Braves to finish the regular season.
Mahle’s success with Atlanta continued in the playoffs. He made one start in the Wild Card Series against the Phillies and one in the NLDS against the Dodgers, allowing two runs while striking out 10 over 13 1/3 innings. The Twins could be interested in signing the right-hander, but the injury risk may convince them not to.
