Twins acquire right-hander Dean Kremer from Orioles for minor league out…

The Minnesota Twins acquired right-hander Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, completing a trade that sees the 30-year-old pitcher join Minnesota’s rotation in exchange for minor league outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes. The deal, finalized ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, aims to bolster the Twins’ pitching staff amid ongoing injuries and playoff aspirations.

Kremer, a 14th-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, has spent his entire professional career with the Orioles after being acquired in a 2018 trade that sent Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This season, he has struggled with a right quadriceps strain, limiting him to seven starts with a 1-4 record and a 6.50 ERA. Despite the injury, the Twins expressed confidence in his potential, with manager Derek Shelton stating, “He’s a guy that over the last couple of years has done a really good job. I think we think there’s some ways forward.”

Kremer’s career with the Orioles includes a 42-44 record and a 4.37 ERA across 133 games. His best season came in 2023, when he posted a 13-5 record with a 4.12 ERA and led the team in innings pitched (171 2/3). However, his 2026 campaign has been marred by inconsistency and physical issues, including a mid-April to July hiatus due to the quad injury. His final start with Baltimore came on July 28, a loss to the Detroit Tigers.

The Twins’ decision to acquire Kremer follows the loss of key pitchers Mick Abel and David Festa, both of whom are expected to miss the remainder of the season. Abel has been sidelined by right elbow inflammation, while Festa’s recovery from a right shoulder impingement and thoracic outlet syndrome has further weakened the rotation. The trade for Kremer, along with a prior acquisition of left-hander AJ Minter from the New York Mets, signals the Twins’ efforts to strengthen their pitching depth.

In exchange, the Orioles received Reyes, an 18-year-old Dominican outfielder ranked as the Twins’ No. 24 prospect by MLB.com. Reyes, who signed with Minnesota in January 2025, has posted a .275 batting average with seven home runs, 46 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases across 216 plate appearances in the Twins’ lower minor league affiliates. His performance in the Florida Complex League this season included a .950 OPS, though he has struggled at higher levels, hitting just .105 (2-for-19) in six A-ball games.

The trade also involves financial considerations. Kremer is owed approximately $1.7 million for the remainder of the 2026 season, while the Twins absorbed part of A.J. Minter’s salary in a separate deal. The Orioles, meanwhile, cleared space on their 40-man roster by transferring right-hander Mike Paredes to the 60-day injured list.

The Twins, currently 55-55, sit 3.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central and are tied with the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL Wild Card spot. The Orioles, at 54-56, remain within 1.5 games of a playoff berth. Both teams face pressure to make strategic moves before the deadline, with the Twins emphasizing their commitment to contending this season.

Kremer’s integration into the Twins’ rotation remains uncertain. Manager Shelton hinted at potential roles as a starter or long reliever, though the team has not yet specified how he will fit alongside existing pitchers Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, Connor Prielipp, and Taj Bradley. Kremer is expected to make his debut for Minnesota as early as Sunday, pending rest and recovery from his injury.