MLB Trade Rumors dropped the transaction Saturday afternoon: the Twins have claimed Jack Anderson off waivers. It's not a headline-grabbing blockbuster, but these are the moves that keep a pitching staff afloat through the grind of a long summer.
Twins Claim Jack Anderson t.co/z9cDaPFfaD
Anderson's path here is a quick one. Boston picked him in the minor league Rule 5 Draft back in December 2024 after Detroit took him in the 16th round in 2021. He made his big-league debut with the Red Sox this year, working to a 3.38 ERA across 8 innings over 3 appearances before Boston designated him for assignment on July 6 to reinstate Patrick Sandoval. That opened the door for Minnesota to scoop him up 5 days later.
The appeal for the Twins is depth without cost. Anderson reportedly still has all of his minor league options remaining, meaning Minnesota can shuttle him between the majors and Triple-A St. Paul as needed without much roster friction. That kind of flexibility matters most in July, when bullpens get worn down and injuries pile up.
To make room, the Twins reportedly shifted reliever Anthony Banda from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL, a corresponding move that also signals Banda isn't close to a return. It's the kind of paperwork shuffle that barely makes news on its own but tells you where a front office's head is at.
None of this moves the needle like a marquee trade would, but that's kind of the point. Championship rosters get built on the margins as much as the headlines, and the Twins are clearly treating the days before the deadline as a chance to stockpile cheap, controllable arms wherever they can find them.