Three internal options to replace Trevor May

With the news that Trevor May has signed in New York, it is time to start looking at possible replacements for him. They might go out and sign someone, but here are three players I think could take over the set up late game role from May.

1. Jorge Alcala

Alcala played his first “full” season in 2020 despite it only being 60 games. In those 60 games he pitched 24.0 innings with a 2.63 ERA and 10.13 K/9. He throws as hard ,if not harder, than Trevor May and the Twins seemed to trust him more as the season went along. His average fastball was 97.0 MPH last year and you would occasionally see him approach triple digits. He isn’t Brusdar Graterol, but he’s close.

If you’re big into the baseball savant stuff and analytical side of baseball, Jorge Alcala is probably someone you like. In his 24.0 innings, he showed how effective he can be by having nearly every area in red.

2. Matt Wisler

The Twins really love Matt Wisler. He’s kind of a younger version of Sergio Romo, and Romo had a similar role to May. The Twins really boosted Wisler into a later inning reliever last season and perhaps they plan to continue that in a full 162 game season. He showed a lot of promise, but he is becoming a one pitch guy. Teams could figure him out soon.

Last season Wisler threw his slider 83% of the time and his fastball 17% of the time. He throws two pitches, and one of them is less than a fifth of the time. It’s a very good slider, as teams hit just .143 against it, but we will see if that can last.

3. Jhoan Duran or a different prospect

Perhaps the Twins hope to have someone like Jhoan Duran step up in a big way this upcoming season. If he does end up transferring to the bullpen like some expect, it makes sense that he could fill the late inning role. The chances certainly aren’t high, but if he shows he can be trusted then why not? It seems like he will be given more chances to remain as a starting pitcher, but you never know.