Twins’ Funderburk sets sights on the Big Leagues

Kody Funderburk stands with a group of teammates and looks on as pitchers practice fielding on Tom Kelly Field in Fort Myers, FL Photo: Lucas Simms

By Lucas Simms, WEBN Correspondent

Kody Funderburk may have made his MLB debut with the Twins last August, but this year he has an even bigger goal: Start the season on the big league club.

“The big thing is staying healthy and trying to make the team. I’m a guy that is up and down right now,” Funderburk said after getting his work in during camp today. 

Funderburk was called up late last season to add left-handed pitching depth to the Twins bullpen as they made their run to win the AL Central. 

The southpaw reliever did not disappoint. He went 2-0 and posted an impressive 0.75 ERA in 11 appearances and 12 innings pitched. He posted a whip of 0.917 while striking out 19 and only walking 5 in his stint with the club last year. 

The ceiling for Funderburk seems pretty high. So, what does the 27-year-old look to improve upon this Spring Training?

“There’s a lot of things to do. Honing in on command…any velocity gains I’ll take that as well.” he said when asked what he is working on this spring. 

A two-way player in college who was drafted as a pitcher in the 15th round by the Twins in 2018, Funderburk has undoubtedly found success at the big league level. However, this spring, he has not been as dominant. In four appearances, he has posted a 4.76 ERA with a WHIP of 1.76 in 5.2 innings pitched. 

Considering he made the AL Wildcard roster but did not make the ALDS roster for the Twins last year during the postseason, it is clear Funderburk still has work to do to reach his main goal of making the club out of camp. But this is work that he is ready and eager to do.