Twins trade longest-tenured pitcher to AL rival in surprise decision

Drew Bishop

Twins trade longest-tenured pitcher to AL rival in surprise decision image

Nothing lasts forever. 

That's what Minnesota Twins fans will hang their hats on as the team traded away longtime pitcher Jorge Alcalá to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night. 

They received 21-year-old utility prospect Andy Lugo in return per Chris Cotillo of MassLive

The 29-year-old has been with the Twins since 2019 when they finished with 101 wins. He was the longest-tenured player outside of Byron Buxton.

It's likely no coincidence that Minnesota shipped off Alcala after he had a meltdown versus the Texas Rangers the night prior. The Twins' reliever gave up five hits and five earned runs in a little more than an inning of work.

But the issues go all the way back to last season for Alcala. Someone who was once viewed as a future closer had given up 38 runs in his last 44 innings pitched. 

Last season he showed promise, posting a 3.24 ERA in 58 innings pitched. However he had most of his success before the All-Star break and was trending down to end last season. 

Now in year nine showing struggles in short relief efforts, it was time for the Twins to cut Alcala loose. 

The Red Sox hope they can revive him and Minnesota hopes they have an asset in the unknown Lugo.  

MORE: Red Sox cut ties with CF prospect in win-now trade

Drew Bishop

Drew Bishop is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. After graduating from the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University, he worked in local media in Sandusky, Ohio at BCSN and the Sandusky Register, freelancing as a reporter, broadcast director and play-by-play commentator for high school sports. He then moved on to KRIS 6 News where he serves as a producer in the news department.