The Minnesota Twins are taking a low-risk chance on a veteran pitcher who once established himself as a dependable major league starter. Minnesota has agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Germán Márquez, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Márquez will report to Triple-A St. Paul.
The signing comes at a time when the Twins are dealing with several injuries in their starting rotation, giving Márquez an opportunity to potentially work his way back to the majors.
Márquez Has Experienced Plenty of Ups and Downs
Márquez, 31, was once one of the more reliable starters in baseball. From 2017 through 2022, he threw 975 1/3 innings, which ranked sixth-most in MLB during that span.
His 4.38 ERA during those six seasons doesn’t necessarily jump off the page, but it’s important to remember that Márquez spent his home games pitching at Coors Field.
His career took a difficult turn after that stretch. Tommy John surgery wiped out most of his 2023 and 2024 seasons, and although he returned to make 26 starts last season, he struggled badly, posting a 6.70 ERA.
The San Diego Padres gave him another opportunity this season with a one-year contract that included a $1.75 million guarantee, but Márquez posted a 5.26 ERA in 13 appearances. His 10.2% walk rate was above average, while his 15.7% strikeout rate was well below average.
San Diego eventually designated him for assignment and released him last week.
Twins Need Rotation Depth
Minnesota doesn’t have much to lose with this signing.
Because Márquez is joining on a minor league contract, he will be inexpensive if he eventually reaches the majors. The Padres remain responsible for the remainder of his salary, meaning the Twins would only owe him the prorated league minimum while he’s on the roster.
And the Twins could certainly use the depth.
Joe Ryan recently joined Pablo López, David Festa, Mick Abel and Mike Paredes on the injured list. That leaves Minnesota’s rotation with Taj Bradley, Connor Prielipp, Dean Kremer, Bailey Ober and Zebby Matthews, while Kendry Rojas and Jack Anderson provide additional optionable depth.
If another injury occurs or Minnesota needs a spot starter, Márquez will now be among the pitchers competing for that opportunity.
For the Twins, there’s very little risk—and potentially a significant reward if Márquez can rediscover some of the form that once made him a reliable MLB starter.
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