MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins acquired right-handed reliever Tommy Nance from the Toronto Blue Jays in a July 2026 trade, a move that signals a shift toward low-cost, high-upside bullpen depth. The deal, first reported by MLB Trade Rumors and confirmed by NBC Sports, positions Nance as a potential reclamation project for the 2025 season.
Nance, 31, was a fringe arm for Toronto. He posted a 4.28 ERA with a 9.1 K/9 and a 3.5 BB/9 over 27 innings in Triple-A this year. The Blue Jays designated him for assignment last week, making the trade a salary dump. Minnesota gave up a minor league infielder, sources told MLB Trade Rumors.
His profile is simple: a fastball-heavy approach (averaging 94 mph) with groundball tendencies (48% groundball rate in 2025). Target Field’s spacious outfield could suppress home runs, a key factor for his success.
Where does Nance fit in 2025? The Twins’ current bullpen features Jhoan Duran (closer) and Griffin Jax (setup man). Nance projects as a middle reliever or a right-handed specialist against righties. He offers strikeout ability—10.2 K/9 in his MLB career—but his command remains inconsistent. The acquisition fills a gap for innings-eating, potentially allowing the Twins to option younger arms like Josh Winder to Triple-A for development.
This deal fits a pattern. Minnesota has prioritized cost-controlled veterans, as noted by NBC Sports. The Twins are betting that Nance’s stuff, refined in the Blue Jays’ system, can stabilize a bullpen that ranked 15th in ERA (4.12) in 2025. The risk is low: Nance is arbitration-eligible through 2027.
Risks are real. Nance has a history of shoulder issues, missing 30 days in 2024 with inflammation. His walk rate (3.7 BB/9) suggests he’s prone to self-inflicted damage. Rewards include playoff experience (he appeared in seven games for Toronto’s 2025 postseason run) and a cost-controlled contract.
Can Nance reshape strategy? If he performs, the Twins could trade a higher-paid reliever like Caleb Thielbar at the 2026 deadline. This frees payroll for a rotation upgrade. If he falters, the move is a wash—a classic low-risk bet.
The 2025 bullpen blueprint relies on Nance’s ability to generate swings and misses. His 12.9% swinging-strike rate in 2025 ranks above league average. Fans should watch his second-half performance in 2026 as a litmus test.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did the Twins acquire Tommy Nance from the Blue Jays?
- A: The Twins acquired Nance as a low-cost, high-upside bullpen depth piece after the Blue Jays designated him for assignment. They gave up a minor league infielder in a salary dump trade.
- Q: What are Tommy Nance’s key strengths and weaknesses?
- A: His strengths include a fastball-heavy approach (94 mph), groundball tendencies (48% groundball rate), and career MLB strikeout ability (10.2 K/9). His weakness is inconsistent command, with a 3.5 BB/9 in Triple-A this year.
- Q: Where will Tommy Nance fit in the Twins’ 2025 bullpen?
- A: Nance is expected to serve as a middle reliever or right-handed specialist, complementing closer Jhoan Duran and setup man Griffin Jax. He provides innings-eating depth, allowing the Twins to option younger arms like Josh Winder to Triple-A for development.
Extended Reading
MLB Trade Rumors: Twins Acquire Tommy Nance From Blue Jays (July 10, 2026). NBC Sports: Report: Twins acquiring Nance from Blue Jays (July 10, 2026).