The Minnesota Twins have added reliever Julian Merryweather to their organization through a minor league contract, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Merryweather, who is represented by Warner Sports Management, will join the team’s spring training camp as a non-roster invitee. In a parallel move, the Twins also finalized a minor league agreement with Liam Hendriks on the same day.
Overview of Merryweather’s Recent Performance and Career History
Last season, Merryweather appeared in 21 games for the Chicago Cubs but struggled significantly, allowing 13 runs (12 earned) over 18 2/3 innings. Despite recording 15 strikeouts, he issued 11 walks and was released by the Cubs at the end of May. He then signed minor league deals with the Mets and Brewers but continued to face difficulties, posting a 5.87 ERA in 23 Triple-A innings. Across parts of six Major League seasons with the Blue Jays and Cubs, Merryweather’s overall ERA is 4.72 spanning 158 1/3 innings, with one solid year in 2023 when he posted a 3.38 ERA over 72 innings. Known for a 96 mph fastball and a reliable slider, Merryweather’s ongoing battles with command issues and previous injuries—including Tommy John surgery in 2018 and oblique and abdominal problems in 2020 and 2022—have affected his consistency.
Potential Role and Competition Within the Twins’ Bullpen
The Twins’ bullpen currently features a mix of established and hopeful pitchers, with only a few guaranteed spots. Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, Cole Sands, and Kody Funderburk appear locked in, while newly acquired Eric Orze is expected to compete strongly for a role. Jackson Kowar, who has a career ERA of 8.21 and no minor league options remaining, must secure a roster spot to avoid designation for assignment. The addition of Merryweather offers another experienced arm to the pool of non-roster invitees, joining others such as Dan Altavilla, Matt Bowman, Grant Hartwig, and Liam Hendriks, all competing for opportunities in Minnesota’s bullpen.
Implications of Merryweather’s Signing for the Twins
By signing Julian Merryweather, the Twins are betting on his ability to reclaim earlier career form and bolster their bullpen depth amid uncertainties surrounding other relievers. Given the patchwork nature of the bullpen roster, Merryweather’s experience and repertoire give him a chance to compete for a spring training spot. How he performs in camp could influence the Twins’ bullpen composition heading into the season, potentially providing valuable innings in relief if he can overcome past struggles. This signing reflects Minnesota’s strategy of adding low-risk arms with upside to strengthen their pitching staff.
