MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have completed a one-year contract with right-handed reliever Blake Parker, the team's first offseason addition to the bullpen.
The Twins have an opening for closer, after trading away Fernando Rodney on Aug. 9, and Parker will be in the mix in spring training. Returners Addison Reed, Taylor Rogers, Trevor Hildenberger and Trevor May could also be candidates for the ninth-inning role. Parker's deal was finalized on Monday.
The 33-year-old Parker, from Fayetteville, had a breakout season for the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, with a 2.54 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings.
Last year, Parker led the Angels with 14 saves in 17 opportunities and posted a 3.26 ERA, but he was not offered a contract for 2019 and became a free agent.