Sadly, all of the above are tradable, but you won't be seeing much of a return except for ono-protective Class A rookies, or possibly someone another team has some depth. The Twins don't need anyone that will demand a 40-man spot, or someone verging on out-of-options.

In order to move Santana (and Nolasco), not to mention Dozier and Plouffe, the Twins may have to sweeten the pot with one of their higher level prospects (High A or Double-A) who demands 40-man roster protection this fall, but there won't be room in the inn for them at the moment, That is not something beyond the norm. Make it the other teams need to 40-man the guy. If they don't, you can always do a claim...or not.

Santana might be the msot valuable as he is a proven starter and has two solid years at decent money, if he can produce and you don't expect more than what his true stats will show you.

Dozier and Plouffe are too overpriced at the moment (and in the near future) but if a team is heading into August and suddenly loses a key player at either position, they might be grabbed. At this point, a team would be focused on saving money and getting an equally productive guy like, say, Nunez for a fraction of the current worth to be paid out, as well as another year to make a decision on keeping them beyond -- at a decent price.

The question is WHAT DO THE TWINS NEED. They don't need anyone that doesn't fit into plans for 2018 and beyond. They don't need cast-offs. You can get those on the waiver wires. They don't need to absorb a bad salary from another team. They don't need anyone out-of-options. They really don't need anyone ready for a spot on a 40-man unless they are truly major league ready, and at this point, unless the guy IS a hard 26th player or 41st player, there is nothing the Twins have to trade for such a guy.

5) Fernando Abad, RP

I don't get the mandate to trade this guy. He's only 30, not expensive, under team control and not likely to break the bank headed into arbitration.  I agree he's not going to get much of a return because flash/pan middle relievers just don't...so why not get to the offseason to see if he could be an option next year.  His arbitration value would be what? 2 million?

"He's only 30".  Look at the stats for pitchers over 30.  It's not pretty.  They don't get better.  So, if you can get something for the guy, get it.

"He's only 30".  Look at the stats for pitchers over 30.  It's not pretty.  They don't get better.  So, if you can get something for the guy, get it.

A) it is not any sort of a given that a pitcher would fall off a cliff at 30, though it may be the beginning of their decline. 

You're not going to get anything resembling a prospect, so why bother?

The fact that Abad is only 30 and cheap, in addition to being left-handed and effective are exactly what make him a valuable commodity.  He and Nunez would each warrant a valuable, albeit not MLB ready return.  Plouffe, despite his decidedly mediocre production and track record could bring a high-risk, high-reward type because he can be non-tendered by any buyer after the season.  The only chance of unloading either Santana or Dozier, is if their performance begins to return to their norms.  Especially in Santana's case, a financial commitment would be required on the Twins part.

I forgot to mention that in the cases of Plouffe and Dozier the main benefit would be addition by subtraction.  Each have been allowed over 2500 MLB AB's and have hit .245 & .239 respectively.  The only advantages they can currently offer over Sano and Polanco, are experience and defense.  Their experience has come during one of the worst 5-year stretch's in club history and lest we forget, neither was a defensive whiz when they were first awarded starting jobs.  To me, every start and every AB they get is hurting the future of the franchise.

I am still in the camp of keeping Abad. RP don't seem to fall off the truck after 30 the way SP do. He's got a solid track history. Now, if someone offers something over value for him, of course you listen

Nolasco has a shorter, lower contract than Santana and should be easier to move. Agree that in addition to salary pickup, the Twins may have to toss in a lower level prospect here or there to complete the deal.

More than worth it to get this team moving in the right direction.

As to what the Twins need, it's debatable. It's possible any prospects we get back could be included in separate deals for other players this offseason, or, to replace anyone we offer up currently in the system.

But #1, I'd like to see some firm of decent, quality, semi-hot young catcher involved. You're not going to get a top catching prospect in return. But that doesn't mean you can't get a solid one. Or someone currently blocked by a higher quality, more established starter.

Other than a #1 SP, the biggest hole on this team for 2017 is behind the plate. We need depth and competition for Centeno and Murphy.