Twins' Matt Bowman Exercises Opt-Out Clause

"Right-hander Matt Bowman has triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Twins, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. Bowman can become a free agent if Minnesota doesn't add him to the 26-man roster by Wednesday. Earlier this week, Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SKOR North reported on the opt-out clauses held by both Bowman and John Brebbia, and there isn't yet any word on Brebbia's decision."

"This is the second time in two months that Bowman has used an opt-out clause, as he also opted out of his previous minors contract with Minnesota at the end of Spring Training. The Twins granted Bowman his release rather than a spot on the Opening Day roster, but Bowman returned to the organization on a new minor league deal shortly thereafter. It is possible this scenario may repeat itself if the Twins again decide against selecting Bowman's contract."

"Working in Bowman's favor this time around are a set of impressive Triple-A numbers - a 1.69 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 6.7% walk rate over 21 1/3 innings in St. Paul. The 34-year-old is obviously pitching against much younger and less experienced batters in the minors, and Bowman has a 5.46 ERA in 59 1/3 innings in the majors over the 2023-25 seasons."

"That said, an argument can be made that the Twins might as well give Bowman a look considering that Minnesota's bullpen has been one of the least-effective units in baseball. Minnesota has a full 40-man roster, so the team would likely have to make multiple moves to accommodate Bowman on both the 26-man and 40-man rosters."

Matt Bowman triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Twins. He can become a free agent if Minnesota does not add him to the 26-man roster by Wednesday. Bowman has used an opt-out clause before, opting out of a prior minors contract after spring training and later returning on a new deal. The Twins have a full 40-man roster, so adding him would likely require multiple roster moves. Bowman’s Triple-A performance includes a 1.69 ERA, a 28.1% strikeout rate, and a 6.7% walk rate over 21 1/3 innings. He has a 5.46 ERA in 59 1/3 major league innings from 2023-25. The Twins’ bullpen has been among the least effective in baseball, which could make a roster spot more likely.

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