Minnesota Twins Sign Flamethrower Pitcher With Insane Strikeout Rate

The Minnesota Twins have added a potential bullpen weapon by signing flamethrowing reliever Alex Speas to a minor league deal. 

Possessing a 100 mph fastball, the 26-year-old right-hander brings tantalizing upside despite significant control issues. 

Speas, a former second-round pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016, has struggled to find consistency, posting a 12.13 ERA and 43 walks in 29.2 Triple-A innings during the 2024 season. 

"This is a low-risk, high-reward move," said Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey. "We believe our coaching staff can help him harness his talent."

Alex Speas spent time in four organizations last season. Big fastball that can hit 101 mph. He made one MLB appearance in 2024 with the Astros, coincidentally against the Twins. https://t.co/iHASA1Maaa

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) November 24, 2024

Speas’s brief MLB experience includes appearances with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and the Houston Astros in 2024, but his career 13.9 K/9 rate in the minors shows the raw potential Minnesota hopes to unlock. 

While his 8.4 BB/9 rate remains a concern, the Twins have a track record of developing pitchers into productive arms. 

Falvey noted the team's approach to roster building, noting, “We’ve had success with similar projects before, and Speas fits our philosophy of investing in untapped talent.”

Alex Speas is a hard-throwing righty known for his high strikeout rates in the minors. If the Twins can help him with his command issues, this might end up being a sneaky good pickup. https://t.co/eLkFaRe316 pic.twitter.com/F3XrKsnqra

— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) November 24, 2024

With the team already exploring creative solutions for offseason improvements, Speas is a lottery ticket that could pay significant dividends. 

Whether he starts the season in Triple-A or emerges as a bullpen option, the Twins are betting on his elite velocity and strikeout potential to eventually contribute to their pitching depth.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images