Twins land veteran arm in trade with NL Central challenger

The Minnesota Twins added bullpen depth Monday night, acquiring right-hander Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. The trade gives Minnesota a veteran reliever with velocity, movement, and a different look for its late-inning mix.

Lawrence, 31, brings a sidearm delivery and heavy sinker to the Twins’ bullpen. Pittsburgh designated him for assignment Friday while clearing 40-man roster space, and the Twins moved swiftly before he reached waivers.

The deal gives the club a low-cost pitching addition without surrendering prospects or active roster pieces. Minnesota will make a corresponding roster move before Tuesday night’s game vs. the Chicago White Sox.

The team announced the deal late Monday on its official X account, formerly Twitter, after completing the transaction with the Pirates.

“We have made the following trade:”

We have made the following trade: pic.twitter.com/lEuMlvTVVN

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 2, 2026

The veteran right-hander struggled with the Pirates this season, posting a 5.32 ERA over 23 appearances and 22 innings. Still, his 25 strikeouts point to the swing-and-miss ability that may have appealed to the Twins and their pitching staff.

His recent track record also offers some upside. Lawrence served as the Colorado Rockies’ primary closer in 2023, recording 11 saves with a 3.72 ERA across 75 innings. He later returned from an elbow injury in 2025 and allowed one earned run over 17.2 innings with Pittsburgh.

For the Pirates, the decision came from a roster squeeze as they worked through pitching activations in a tight NL Central race. Pittsburgh’s flexibility was limited when it needed a roster spot because Lawrence had no minor league options.

For the Twins, the move fits a familiar strategy. Minnesota added an available arm with major league experience, strikeout potential, and a ground-ball profile. If Lawrence finds the strike zone more consistently, the deal could give the bullpen another usable option for the summer stretch. It also gives manager Derek Shelton another matchup possibility as the Twins continue sorting leverage roles behind their most trusted late-inning relievers.

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