3 way too early NY Mets trade deadline targets with salaries under $6 million

3) Danny Coulombe

The Orioles made somewhat of a surprising decision this offseason, opting to buyout Danny Coulombe rather than pick up his $8 million option. The veteran lefty was very good for Baltimore, working to a 2.56 ERA, 2.83 FIP, and 0.95 WHIP in 81 innings between 2023 and 2024. This included a strong 27.8% K%, a walk rate clocking in at 5.4%, and just a 0.78 HR/9, helped out by a 5.3% barrel percentage.

After the Orioles let Coulombe go, the Minnesota Twins picked him up on a one-year contract worth just $3 million. To say it has been a good decision by the Twins so far would be an understatement. Coulombe has started off 2025 by hurling 11.1 scoreless innings. He has only dished out a single free pass with ten strikeouts. 

Coluombe hasn't allowed a single barred-up batted ball either and has induced an exit velocity of 86 MPH. He's fooling batters at a high rate, as his 36.1% chase rate is in the 93rd percentile. His chase% and barrel% aren't the only stats in the 90th percentile or better. Coulombe's 1.96 xERA is also in the 96th percentile. 

Since Coulombe's deal was only for 2025, he'll hit free agency after this season. While he may be a short-term investment, like Soto, Coulombe is on track for yet another quality season. He's been an unheralded left-handed reliever in the 2020s, ranking top five among lefty relievers with at least 120 IP in the 2020s in ERA, FIP, and WHIP. He'd be a safe answer to fix a bullpen in need of more lefties.