Article: Official Twins Daily July Trade Deadline Thread

[Seth Stohs]

There are certain days in a baseball season that people just know, just remember. Opening Day is obviously a big one. At Twins Daily, the days of the MLB Draft are very busy and warrant their own thread. The July 31 Non-Waivers Trade Deadline is another one of those days. This article can be used to discuss any trades and rumors that happen up until the 3:00 deadline.Rumors certainly ran rampant throughout the day on Thursday. Things were fairly quiet on the Twins front, though talk picked up later in the evening regarding the San Diego Padres. Are the Padres going to sell? It certainly seems like it. Who are they looking to trade? Could Justin Upton really be of interest to the Twins, and if so, what would they have to give up to get him? Joaquin Benoit and Shawn Kelley are probably available. Which would the Twins prefer? Can, as Jeremy asked a couple of days ago, they really be interested in James Shields? Could they rid themselves of Ricky Nolasco’s contract at the same time?

 

Now it sounds like the Padres and Astros (who have been busy this past week) are talking about relievers, so there will be competition for their players. The Yankees are reportedly now interested in Craig Kimbrel. My sense is that GM AJ Preller and the Padres will be quite busy on Friday.

 

The Twins certainly have some trade chips. Buxton, Sano and Berrios are likely untouchable, but could Max Kepler be in play? If so, getting three hits (including two home runs) on Thursday night likely improves his value. He is now hitting .337/.418/.553 (.971) with 25 doubles, nine triples and six home runs in 77 games with the Lookouts. He has very good speed as evidenced by his nine triples but also his 13 stolen bases. He can play all three outfield positions and first base. If he is traded, the Twins had better get a nice haul for him! He’s certainly demanding people’s attention around baseball circles.

 

Jorge Polanco played well in his start at shortstop on Thursday night, collecting two hits and getting on base three times. Would the Twins consider trading him, or would they prefer to deal Danny Santana? Would teams be interested in him?

 

It was certainly noteworthy that the Twins flip-flopped LHP Stephen Gonsalves with RHP Kohl Stewart in the Ft. Myers rotation. Stewart had his scheduled start pushed from Thursday (before deadline) to Friday (after deadline). Could it be that they just felt Stewart needed a day off? Sure. Could it be that the Twins didn’t want to risk an injury to Stewart so that he could be traded? It sure could. Stewart’s name has popped up in rumors.

 

Now, we know that the Twins typically are not huge players at the trade deadline. They aren’t typically a team that is going to give up a ton of high-quality prospects for elite talents. That said, they have been an active team most years at the deadline. Here’s a quick look at Twins moves in late July in recent years:

• July 24, 2014 – Traded DH Kendrys Morales to Seattle for RHP Stephen Pryor.
• July 31, 2014 – Traded OF Sam Fuld to Oakland for LHP Tommy Milone.
• July 31, 2013 – Traded C Drew Butera to the LA Dodgers for a PTBNL (Miguel Sulburan).
• July 28, 2012 – Traded LHP Francisco Liriano to the Chicago White Sox for IF Eduardo Escobar & LHP Pedro Hernandez.
• July 29, 2010 – Traded LHP Joe Testa and C Wilson Ramos to Washington for RHP Matt Capps.
• July 31, 2009 – Traded SS Tyler Ladendorf to Oakland for SS Orlando Cabrera.
• July 31, 2007 – Traded 2B Luis Castillo to the NY Mets for OF Dustin Martin and C Drew Butera.
• July 31, 2006 – Traded RHP Kyle Lohse to Cincinnati for RHP Zach Ward.
• July 31, 2004 – Traded 1B Doug Mientkiewicz to Boston in a four-team traded, received LHP Justin Jones from the Cubs.
• July 16, 2003 – Traded OF Bobby Kielty to Toronto for OF Shannon Stewart and a PTBNL (LHP Dave Gassner).
• July 12, 2002 – Traded OF Brian Buchanan to San Diego for SS Jason Bartlett.
• July 28, 2001 – Traded LHP Mark Redman to Detroit for RHP Todd Jones.
• July 30, 2001 – Traded OF Matt Lawton to NY Mets for RHP Rick Reed.
• July 15, 2000 – Traded OF Butch Huskey and 2B Todd Walker to Colorado for 1B Todd Sears.
• July 31, 2000 – Traded 1B/OF Mario Valdez to Oakland for C Danny Ardoin.
• July 31, 1998 – Traded OF Orlando Merced and LHP Greg Swindell to Boston for RHP Matt Kinney, OF John Barnes and LHP Joe Thomas.
• July 6, 1995 – Traded RHP Rick Aguilera to Boston for RHP Frankie Rodriguez and PTBNL (OF JJ Johnson)
• July 7, 1995 – Traded RHP Scott Erickson to Baltimore for RHP Scott Klingenbeck and PTBNL (OF Kimera Bartee)
• July 31, 1995 – Traded LHP Mark Guthrie and RHP Kevin Tapani to LA Dodgers for IF Ron Coomer, RHP Greg Hansell, RHP Jose Parra and PTBNL (OF Chris Latham).
• July 31, 1989 – Traded LHP Frank Viola to the NY Mets for RHP Rick Aguilera, RHP Kevin Tapani., LHP David West, RHP Tim Drummond and PTBNL (RHP Jack Savage).
• July 31, 1987 – Traded PTBNL (RHP Jeff Perry) to Cleveland for LHP Steve Carlton.

There is certainly a mix of good trades, bad trades and forgettable trades.

 

The trade deadline this year has been surprising. There haven't been a lot of minor trades. There have been a lot of big names traded all over. Just five teams (including the Twins and the Padres) have yet to make a single move this month as we approach these final hours. I’d expect both of them to make moves on Friday.

 

On Thursday, there was a crazy 13-player, three-team trade between the Dodgers, the Braves and the Marlins. Carlos Gomez thought he was going from Milwaukee to the Mets on Wednesday night. That trade was called off, and on Thursday he (and Mike Fiers) were dealt to Houston. After getting Troy Tulowitzki earlier in the week, the Blue Jays gave up LHP Daniel Norris and more to get David Price for the rest of this season. In case you missed it late on Wednesday night, the Rangers sent five prospects to the Phillies for Cole Hamels.

 

It’s been a very interesting deadline and now we are on the actual day of the deadline. Sure, things will happen in August too, but it should be a very exciting day.

 

Feel free to use this thread to discuss moves and rumors throughout the day, particularly those regarding the Minnesota Twins.

 

Twins Daily will attempt to keep up with everything and if the team does make a deal, check back for even more coverage.

 

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[nytwinsfan]

Don't trade Kepler unless someone offers a straight up Ace with control left in future years. Otherwise No no no.

[AlwaysinModeration]

The headlines for the Twins on MLB.com...Molitor says upgrade "not a necessity"....Ryan "open to trade, but won't force it."

 

Hmmm, not hard to see what the expectations are being lowered to here.

 

I guess the over-under should be set at 0.5, and I am leaning towards the under.

[RedBull34]

I'm OK with the Twins not doing much. Let them pay the offseason price for a catcher and bullpen help.

 

Let Polanco play at SS and see what we have got there. If he hits and fields we got our man. If he hits, but doesn't field he is tradeable.

[Eephus]

x

[BoomBoom]

 

I'm OK with the Twins not doing much. Let them pay the offseason price for a catcher and bullpen help.
 

AMEN

Too much talent in the minors to give away before we actually know who the consistent players are going to be.  Breakout seasons do nothing for me.  I want to know who could and should be a true asset down the line.  CONSISTENCY!

Bring up the Berrios and Duffy's and Rogers to serve as that Bullpen need (ala David Price in Tampa).  Let them learn and grow from experience.

[beckmt]

According to MLBtraderumors.com Twins are looking for controllable arms, not rentals. Given the bullpen situation, I can see why.

Twins may or may not make a one game playoff, but to play meaningful games in August and hopefully September is worthwhile. Find the needed pieces(catcher and bullpen) in the offseason) and do not overpay with prospects now.

[Eephus]

I take Ryan and Molly's comments wiith a grain of salt. If they really don't make any big deals, then they've tempered expectations. If they are deep in negotiations (which they likely are), acting hellbent to make a deal plays into the hands of their trade partner. The Reds and Padres are saying, "We don't need to trade these guys. We actually would sort of like to keep them. But, if we get an offer we can't refuse..."

[twinssouth]

Trade JR Graham back to Atlanta for AJ, then get some real bullpen help. Anybody want to take Pelfrey, Arcia or Santana? They're not all world right now but gotta be worth something.

[SarasotaBill]

Don't trade a top ten (maybe not even a top twenty) prospect for any rental.

 

2015 has been a nice surprise but the Twins don't have E. Santana in the playoffs and young developing club.

 

Any substantial trade must point to 2016 to 2022.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Honestly, I'd probably sell this year.  I think the team's true colors were somewhat obvious after the last week or so.  They are close, but not worth giving up the far for.  I wouldn't sell with the idea of blowing it up, but with the idea of picking up controllable pieces for next year and letting a few more kids play.  I'd do the following:

 

• Shop Plouffe (though I think this is an offseason move)
• Trade Pelfrey for whatever I can get, hopefully a decent reliever with a couple years of control left.
• I would listen to offers on Milone too, as I'm assuming Nolasco will still be here next year unless the Twins plan on taking on a bigger contract and offloading his as a part of the deal.  This might be the big mistake, but I want May in the rotation next year.  Milone might end up being an offseason trade as well, but his value has rebounded and I'd think he'd get a decent return.
• Any reliever (other than Perkins, Graham, and O'Rourke) would be available, though I doubt there'd be interest in anyone.  Several would be DFAd in favor of some of our Rochester options.

I would target an 8th inning setup guy or a catcher.  Not against a SS, but we do have internal options, all of which will be competing for that spot.  If we got a good one for the right price, I wouldn't turn it down, but between Polanco, Santana, and Escobar, as well as the slim (albeit very slim) chance that Dozier could move there, I'd probably put that 3rd on the list of needs.  I'd probably let DH be an internal competition between Walker, Arcia, and Vargas once Plouffe is gone. 

 

I'd also dangle Kepler for a time machine to bring the 2009 Joe Mauer to play for Minnesota in 2016, but beyond that he's untouchable.  The idea of a resurgent Hicks, Buxton, Rosario, and Kepler tandem in the OF makes me drool. 

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

I'd want to keep Kepler for the simple fact he's the only slugging lefthanded prospect bat in the upper minors. (Yes, I'm not counting Arcia). The Twins will need at least one lefty to go along with Sano, Buxton, Dozier, Plouffe, ABW II potentially.

 

Kepler's defense, speed, and approach are a lot more attractive than Arcia's skill set (rare power among a ton of strikeouts, no walks, and bad defense).

[drjim]

 

I take Ryan and Molly's comments wiith a grain of salt. If they really don't make any big deals, then they've tempered expectations. If they are deep in negotiations (which they likely are), acting hellbent to make a deal plays into the hands of their trade partner. The Reds and Padres are saying, "We don't need to trade these guys. We actually would sort of like to keep them. But, if we get an offer we can't refuse..."

 

I think Molitor has different motivations - he still has to manage the current 25 man roster, and can't have it out there he is asking for a trade in case something doesn't happen.

 

If he was honest he would probably say "Get me some bleeping relievers yesterday"

[TheLeviathan]

List...of trades.....so........depressing........

[jokin]

 

x

 

y?

[Jeremy Nygaard]

I heard Kepler was dangled in a package for Kimbrel, but it's not going anywhere.

 

If the Yankees offer Mateo, they'll get Kimbrel. Then the Astros go after Benoit and the Twins are left standing with all the chairs full.

 

Heard the Upton rumor with more detail: The Padres would trade him and take back Nolasco's contract for Hicks or Rosario. That would amount to a salary dump with no other moves and people would be angry.

 

Unless it's part of something bigger. Stay tuned.

[Craig Arko]

People will be angry no matter what happens.

[Mike Sixel]

Two real trades in that whole list.

 

I'm not holding my breath here. I do agree with Ryan on one thing, trading a legit prospect for a rental this year is now a bad idea. Everyone else around them is trying hard to get elite players, and has amassed real talent. I don't think their quickly evaporating games in hand are enough to hold them all off. Of course, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy, sitting around and losing ballgames while the bullpen implodes, then saying they weren't good enough to add players that matter.....

[diehardtwinsfan]

Justin Upton makes so little sense to me, and trading Hicks or Rosario for him makes even less.  If the Twins want to acquire, it should be for long term pieces at positions of need (catcher in particular), not short term options at positions of strength who have a chance of outperforming him down the stretch.  Add to it his .767 OPS doesn't scream help. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

I could definitely get behind Kimbrel, but for Kepler?  Unless the Twins think Kepler is a mirage and are selling high, I'd probably look to send a lesser prospect for Kimbrel. 

[jokin]

 

I heard Kepler was dangled in a package for Kimbrel, but it's not going anywhere.

If the Yankees offer Mateo, they'll get Kimbrel. Then the Astros go after Benoit and the Twins are left standing with all the chairs full.
Heard the Upton rumor with more detail: The Padres would trade him and take back Nolasco's contract for Hicks or Rosario. That would amount to a salary dump with no other moves and people would be angry.

Unless it's part of something bigger.

 Stay tuned.

 

I like the concept, especially the "something bigger" part-  could Maurer and Kelley be in the mix?  

 

Is the James Shields thing still even the remotest of possibilities?

[nclahammer]

Lots of trades doesn't always equal a better ball club (see Billy Beane and the A's last year.).  Some of the deals that have been made don't really make a ton of sense for clubs and don't present a huge upgrade (Gomez to the Astros?) for the price paid.  With the talent the Twins have now is not the time to be pressured into a deal.  Rather see them play it out and watch these young kids play.  Fun and exciting to watch.

[Mike Sixel]

Why the bleep would you deal those guys for Upton? Mind. Boggling.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Lots of trades doesn't always equal a better ball club (see Billy Beane and the A's last year.).  Some of the deals that have been made don't really make a ton of sense for clubs and don't present a huge upgrade (Gomez to the Astros?) for the price paid.  With the talent the Twins have now is not the time to be pressured into a deal.  Rather see them play it out and watch these young kids play.  Fun and exciting to watch.

 

Uh, that Astros trade was great for the Astros. They have no CF, and their OF defense is suspect. They are loaded with young talent already. He's controlled past this year. They also got a controlled pitcher, who will pitch out of the bullpen this year, with spot starts. He can step into the rotation next year if they don't sign another guy.

Edited July 31, 2015 by mike wants wins

[USAFChief]

 

List...of trades.....so........depressing........

I particularly like being reminded that Washington had the ****'s to tell Bill Smith "Capps for Ramos? No deal.  Not enough. You're going to need to add a minor leaguer to that, my friend.  "

 

And Smith said, "OK."

 

 

[Linus]

Just say no to Upton.  Controlled reliever or two obtained for Pelfrey or non-elite prospects and I'm good.

 

I can even live with Suzuki for the rest of the year and while I am skeptical of Polanco's arm, the only way to find out if he can handle being a MLB SS is to let him try.  At this point, we have nothing to lose and it seems likely that he will hit better than Esco or Santana.  This also allows Santana to go to AAA and just play.  He still may end up being the SS in 2016.

[halfchest]

Count me in the group that would not be that upset by no major moves. 

 

I'm hopeful that at the very least they do something to pick up a decent relief arm or two.

 

Question though, say the Twins landed Kimbrel . . . who would close?  Perkins because he's our boy or Kimbrel because he's well probably even a little bit better. 

 

Either way, what a crazy backend we would have for the next few years.  Damnit Jeremy, you've got my head spinning thinking of all the possibilities with San Diego

[Linus]

 

Count me in the group that would not be that upset by no major moves. 

 

I'm hopeful that at the very least they do something to pick up a decent relief arm or two.

 

Question though, say the Twins landed Kimbrel . . . who would close?  Perkins because he's our boy or Kimbrel because he's well probably even a little bit better. 

 

Either way, what a crazy backend we would have for the next few years.  Damnit Jeremy, you've got my head spinning thinking of all the possibilities with San Diego

I would love to see a situation where they just said screw the traditional closer role.  You have two elite pitchers to cover the back end of the game and they are used interchangeably depending on matchups.

[halfchest]

 

I would love to see a situation where they just said screw the traditional closer role.  You have two elite pitchers to cover the back end of the game and they are used interchangeably depending on matchups.

Agree and and after just glancing at Kimbrel's numbers, he's far and away the better pitcher on pretty much every level.  That said I bet we would keep Perk in the closer role at least until he falters.  That might be a good thing because it opens us up to using Kimbrel in the highest leverage situations without being stuck in only the 9th inning. 

 

I guess we can worry about it if it were to happen, which it probably won't

[lukeduke1980]

Per mlbtraderumors we're more in the Craig Breslow market than Craig Kimbrel