PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- When Giants officials put together unofficial "no-trade" lists at the end of the 2017 season, some surprisingly included Sam Dyson. That team lost 98 games, but Dyson, picked up off the scrap heap from the Rangers, was such a success story that some within the organization couldn't imagine losing him.
Two years later, Dyson is headed to the Twins, The Athletic's Dan Hayes first reported. NBC Sports Bay Area confirmed that Dyson is heading to Minnesota for three prospects: Outfielder Jaylin Davis and pitchers Prelander Berroa and Kai-Wei Teng.
The Giants later confirmed the deal later Wednesday afternoon.
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Dyson had been Bruce Bochy’s go-to right-hander this season, serving in a set-up role and backing up closer Will Smith.
The right-handed reliever was a successful closer for the Rangers in 2016, but was designated for assignment after starting the 2017 season with a 10.80 ERA in 17 appearances. He was dealt to the Giants in June for a player to be named later (the Giants completed the deal that November by sending outfield prospect Hunter Cole to Texas).
Dyson quickly found success and comfort in San Francisco, where he has helped solidify the late innings and added a remarkably dry sense of humor to the clubhouse. Dyson had a 2.69 ERA last year in a setup role.
While Dyson has one more year of team control remaining, he is making $5 million this year and would be due a raise that would make him pricey for a non-closer. That made him a trade chip for a team with one of the big league’s best bullpens.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants have relief depth at the upper levels of the minors and have been confident for weeks that any hole could be filled internally. Reyes Moronta and Trevor Gott figure to move up in the pecking order as the makeup of the bullpen changes.