He’s cheap and has a solid history. Even in a “down” 2025 he wasn’t terrible, and we all know relievers are volatile year to year generally speaking. I mean, I actually have some confidence that Funderburk…with the opportunity presented to him post deadline…might have actually raised his game and started to “figure it out”. But what if…hopefully not…that was an illusion. Only the Twins really know how confident we should feel about him. But why not another, cheap, solid, LH option in case Funderburk turns back to a pumpkin?
The problem is we still have ZERO idea about the payroll. Granted it’s now Tom instead of Joe, and Zole instead of Falvey, but HISTORY would indicate the vault isn’t closed yet. The Twins have often made late signings just before ST began, or even as it begins. I’d have no problem with Banda as his contract is pretty small. But if $1.6M is pushing the payroll wall even a bit, I think I’d hold back and use that for a “decent” RH option. There’s not a lot left other than the “roll the dice” Kopech, who I’m IN on, but there are a handful of “Clippard” types for around $2M that MIGHT be better options.