Minnesota Twins' Young Pitcher Preparing as Starter, But Could End Up in Bullpen

Minnesota Twins' pitcher Louie Varland is preparing to be a starting pitcher again in 2024.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal but includes a link to the original report in the St. Paul Pioneer-Press (subscription required):

The Twins plan to have Varland stretch out as a starting pitcher this spring, although moving him to the bullpen remains an option, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. He's been working on an improved two-seem fastball and slider in the offseason to help him win a spot in the rotation.

ANALYSIS
Varland's improved velocity turned him into a late-season weapon out of the bullpen last year after working as a starter the first five months. As a reliever he had a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings with a 17:1 K:BB ratio with a fastball that touched triple digits. He'll be in the mix for the final spot in the rotation this spring. If he loses out on the fifth starter role to Anthony DeSclafani it will be interesting to see if the Twins move him to the bullpen or keep him as a starter at Triple-A

After losing Sonny Gray to the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason, the Twins currently have Pablo Lopez, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack and Joe Ryan as confirmed starters. It does appear that DeSclafani and Varland will battle for the fifth spot.

Overall, Varland was 4-3 last season with a 4.63 ERA. He made his Major League debut in 2022 and is 5-5 lifetime.

DeSclafani was acquired in an offseason trade with the Seattle Mariners.