Cole Sands

Cole Sands worked around a free pass and did his job with minimal drama. Sands allowed no runs on zero hits and one walk while striking out two over one inning in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Orioles, earning his first save of the season.

Fantasy Impact

With the Twins opening the year with a closer-by-committee, Sands received the team's first save chance. After the outing, he owns a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP on the young season. He should be scooped up off waivers in all leagues in case he runs away with the ninth-inning role.

The Twins are keeping Cole Sands in discussion to close games heading into the season.

Fantasy Impact

Sands and Liam Hendriks are both in the mix. “I’m still trying to figure it out," Twins manager Derek Shelton said. "Sometimes, that’s the answer where you’re trying not to answer it. I’ve probably done that before. But right now, I’m trying to figure it out. I don’t think we have an idea of what’s going to happen.” This will remain a spring battle to monitor.

Cole Sands and the Minnesota Twins avoided arbitration and Sands agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.1 million.

Fantasy Impact

Sands pitched a career-high 69 games for the Twins last season and posted a 4.50 ERA in 72 innings. It was a down year from 2024 when he went 9-1 with a 3.28 ERA in 62 appearances. In parts of four seasons, Sands has a 4.19 ERA with 198 strikeouts in 195.2 innings. With the closer job in Minnesota seemingly open, Sands may have an opportunity to win the closer's role with a great spring.

Cole Sands recorded a clean inning for the save on Tuesday against the Rangers.

Fantasy Impact

Sands collected his third save of the season. He holds a 4.63 ERA across 70 innings in relief.

Cole Sands is serving as the opener for the Twins in Saturday's game against the Rays.

Fantasy Impact

Sands figures to pitch the first inning or two. Minnesota recalled Travis Adams to work as the bulk reliever behind him.