Article: Switching Gears

[Seth Stohs]

Ten days ago, the Twins were holding strong to the second AL Wild Card spot. Twins fans watched the July 31 trade deadline pass and all they got was a t-shirt. Wait. No, they got reliever Kevin Jepsen, but that certainly wasn’t going to be a difference-maker. Optimists pointed out that the Twins have typically fared pretty well in August trades. They could make a deal at that time.

 

In the last week, the Twins were swept in Toronto and barely eked out one win in Cleveland. It wasn't pretty... at all.Now to the present, and the Twins are well out of contention for an AL Wild Card. They are 11.5 games behind the Royals in the AL Central. The Blue Jays and Angels currently hold the two AL Wild Card positions. Let’s be honest, the Blue Jays will win the AL East, so the Yankees are also in the Wild Card race. And the Astros and Angels are separated by a half game in the AL West. The Twins also trail Baltimore, Texas and Tampa Bay now in the race for a Wild Card spot. The Detroit Tigers, who sold at the July trade deadline, are just one game behind the Twins.

 

With all that said, a week ago the hope would have been to make a trade in August to bring in veteran pieces. Now, just a week later, the Twins front office likely needs to switch gears. They should now be looking to get veteran players through waivers so that they can make some deals for more young players.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the Twins veterans who could be dealt in August.

 

As you know, pretty much every player on the roster gets put on revocable waivers. If a player is claimed by another team, three things can happen.

 

1.) The Twins could work with that claiming team to work out a trade.

2.) The Twins could pull him back.

3.) The Twins could let the player go to the claiming team without anything in return.

Before we go any further, Joe Mauer’s no-trade clause (due to his 10-5 status) means that he can’t be traded without his consent, so no need to go there.

 

Kurt Suzuki – The 31-year-old catcher will likely clear waivers and could be traded to a team looking for a backup catcher for this year and next. Unlikely.

 

Trevor Plouffe – He would get claimed, and the Twins would rightfully ask for a ton to actually trade him. Unlikely.

 

Torii Hunter – He will only be traded if he wants to be traded. He’s said that he wants to end his career with the Twins, and my personal opinion is that he should as well. Very Unlikely.

 

Oswaldo Arcia/Danny Santana – The Twins wouldn’t just hand them over, and both would be claimed. They both are out of options in 2016. I do think both could be traded in the right deal. Fifty-Fifty.

 

Eduardo Escobar – I don’t know that Escobar would clear waivers. The Twins would want to get something in return for him. He’s still young and showed last year that he can be a solid MLB shortstop if he’s given that job. Teams are always looking for solid shortstop play.. I wouldn’t give up Escobar unless the team got a very nice return. Unlikely

 

Eduardo Nunez – There is a decent chance that he would get claimed. He’s had a very solid season this year as a utility man, and there is value in that. Do the Twins plan on him being back next year? Possible.

 

Ricky Nolasco – If anyone claimed him, the Twins would happily just hand him over, not worrying about return of any kind.

 

Phil Hughes – We knew he wouldn’t duplicate those 2014 numbers, but he has been very inconsistent. On Sunday, he put in his worst start as a Twins pitcher. His velocity was down. The Twins had him on a three-year deal, but after last year, they chose to give him big money and five years. They wouldn’t just give him away, but he would likely clear waivers. Would anyone take on that contract now? Unlikely.

 

Ervin Santana – After over a decade of solid year after solid year, Santana missed the first 80 games of the 2015 season due to a PED suspension. Since his return, he’s had a couple of very good starts and more poor starts. He’s still got another four years left on his contract. Unlikely.

 

Mike Pelfrey – Pelfrey was actually quite good through much of the first half, but he has really struggled the last month. He did have a game very recently where he went eight shutout innings and gave up just four hits. However, more frequently, he hasn’t been able to get through five innings. That said, the Twins got cash for Kevin Correia, so they might be able to find a taker for Pelfrey too. There could be a team that wants to throw him in the bullpen, and he could get good out there. Pretty good.

 

Brian Duensing/Casey Fien/Blaine Boyer – If anyone is interested at this point, take it. Possible.

 

 

Following the July 31 trade deadline, Twins fans still thought they would add some talent in August. One week later, it looks like it’d be wise to switch gears and become sellers.

 

People often asked me if I thought that the Twins should “Go for it” this year. My response was that this year we are just starting to see some of that immense talent from the farm system. They’re getting their feet wet and they did get to play in some intense games. But that it was year one of a plan that will hopefully have the Twins competing for division titles for the next eight to ten years. It’s like the first grade year, and yet, it wasn’t supposed to be. It’s more like kindergarten, readying yourself for everything that comes with elementary school.

 

The Twins are pretty close. It’d be nice if they could deal some veterans for more talent. Frankly, the guys that they would be willing to trade won’t bring in a lot. It would still be nice to make a couple of deals to open up more playing time for some of the youth that will be part of that next six to eight years.

 

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[USAFChief]

This list is a pretty damning piece of evidence in the prosecution's case in the "fire TR?" debate.

 

Dominated by"unlikely's" and "impossible"s", and the rest consisting entirely of "we should be so lucky as for someone to claim him" and a couple "perhaps worth a bag of balls" types.

 

How does a team end up in this position, year after year?

[tobi0040]

I see Pelfrey going somewhere for a ham sandwich and someone may pick up Torii if he wants to be in a pennant race (bench bat or platoon corner OF)

 

Nice try on the Mauer comment "no need to go there".  I have a funny feeling someone will go there.

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

I love the Nolasco note. Couldn't agree more.

 

Out of the list provided, Nunez and Pelfrey make the most sense. All of the starters have looked terrible lately. Moving Pelfrey and having Milone on the DL should mean two spots open for May and perhaps Berrios.

 

A move with Suzuki, I think, would be great. Having his contract for next year may make it tough. But a trade would open up the possibility of looking for a quality FA in the offseason.

[Shane Wahl]

Yikes.

 

Also, I forgot that Santana was out of options next year. He would really be sold low right now, and that is just not good. Arcia is performing bad now, but I doubt teams would really care about that so much (somehow the Twins do . . . ). Play Arcia or trade him, please. Mets?

[Seth Stohs]

 

I see Pelfrey going somewhere for a ham sandwich and someone may pick up Torii if he wants to be in a pennant race (bench bat or platoon corner OF)

 

Nice try on the Mauer comment "no need to go there".  I have a funny feeling someone will go there.

 

I kind of think that someone might have been you there... I figured it had to be said because it's true. 

[nater79a]

I don't believe Danny Santana is out of options next year yet. Arcia and Hicks are though.

[HitInAPinch]

Can't argue with anything you wrote here, Seth. 

 

The Twins are in a little bit of a bind:  1st half team or 2nd.  I'm saying something in the middle.  That means the Twins need to clear space for that "immense talent from the farm system" on the MLB roster.  Problem is:  I don't think other teams value Twins players as much as Twins fans do.

[Shane Wahl]

 

I don't believe Danny Santana is out of options next year yet. Arcia and Hicks are though.

 

2013, actually, was his first option year.

[Halsey Hall]

Plouffe likely brings back the best return and he shouldn't be part of the future, so take someone that has a chance to be here for next 5, 6 years in return. 

 

Pelfrey and Nunez probably are both headed somewhere. 

[Mike Sixel]

I agree with Seth's list......which as chief pointed out, is pretty sad. If this wasn't a year to contend, they should have a ton of short term contracts that could be dealt. I'd guess TR didn't agree this was a year not to contend, since he said they would this year.....

[jorgenswest]

If anyone claimed Suzuki, Nolasco or Santana I would let them go. Unfortunately, I don't think any team would risk taking their contracts.

 

If a player has a no trade contract but is waived and claimed, can they be let go without compensation? It isn't a trade. I realize no team is going to pick up Mauer with this many years left on his contract, but I do wonder about the possibility down the road. While not being a trade, the Twins do acquire salary relief.

[PopRiveter]

I disagree on your Hunter conclusion. I think he is the most likely to be traded. He came to MN to play his age 40 year on a team that was not expected to contend. He had to come here with the anticipation he'd be traded to a contender. Had to. They were in the race at the non-waiver deadline, so he would not be traded. That sure looks different now. If they are sellers, he is the #1 most likely asset to go. He has value, experience- and isn't a long-term piece.

 

2nd, I sure hope they don't trade Arcia. His and Sano's are the highest upside bats to come through here since Morneau (Ortiz?...Killebrew?) He could be a .300 hitter with 40 hr when he puts it together. Trading him at his nadir would be foolish.

[sane]

If Suzuki is let go, who would be the catcher?

It would be a difficult choice between playing Hermann or just let the pitches roll to the backstop.

[Mike Sixel]

 

If Suzuki is let go, who would be the catcher?
It would be a difficult choice between playing Hermann or just let the pitches roll to the backstop.

 

no more or less likely that the backstop could throw out a base stealer, right?

[tobi0040]

 

I kind of think that someone might have been you there... I figured it had to be said because it's true. 

 

I have never suggested we trade Mauer, or for that matter he should move back to catcher.  Common, yet unrealistic ideas thrown about all the time here.

[USAFChief]

 

I disagree on your Hunter conclusion. I think he is the most likely to be traded. He came to MN to play his age 40 year on a team that was not expected to contend. He had to come here with the anticipation he'd be traded to a contender. Had to. They were in the race at the non-waiver deadline, so he would not be traded. That sure looks different now. If they are sellers, he is the #1 most likely asset to go. He has value, experience- and isn't a long-term piece.

 

2nd, I sure hope they don't trade Arcia. His and Sano's are the highest upside bats to come through here since Morneau (Ortiz?...Killebrew?) He could be a .300 hitter with 40 hr when he puts it together. Trading him at his nadir would be foolish.

widely reported that Hunter's contract with the Twins includes a no-trade clause.  

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/twins-to-sign-torii-hunter.html

 

[Bill]

Please do not give away Arcia now... He already hit 20 homers in a season in MLB and 30 seems to be within reason.  He is in a funk this year, for sure.  But I think he can come out of it.

[nytwinsfan]

 

Plouffe likely brings back the best return and he shouldn't be part of the future, so take someone that has a chance to be here for next 5, 6 years in return. 

 

Pelfrey and Nunez probably are both headed somewhere. 

I more or less agree, but they can't do that now because Plouffe won't clear waivers. Unless a team claims him that happens to have and be willing to offer a good return for Plouffe (which is unlikely), this will have to wait until the Winter Meetings, assuming Ryan is looking to trade Plouffe at all.

[Seth Stohs]

 

If a player has a no trade contract but is waived and claimed, can they be let go without compensation? It isn't a trade. I realize no team is going to pick up Mauer with this many years left on his contract, but I do wonder about the possibility down the road. While not being a trade, the Twins do acquire salary relief.

 

I asked that question a couple of years ago, and it's a good question. He can't go to any other team without his approval. 

[PopRiveter]

 

widely reported that Hunter's contract with the Twins includes a no-trade clause.  

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/twins-to-sign-torii-hunter.html

True, but all that means is he has say in the matter. I expect he'd waive his no-trade as long as he's going to a contender. There seems to be a lot of mutual respect between him and Terry. I expect Torii will go wherever he wants to and the Twins would be glad to accept whatever return he brings and root for him until the end of the year. It wouldn't even mean he won't be back here next year.

[nater79a]

Shane - yeah. Didn't realize Santana was added to the 40-man in November, 2012. Holy smokes, he's been in the org a long time.

[HitInAPinch]

 

True, but all that means is he has say in the matter. I expect he'd waive his no-trade as long as he's going to a contender. There seems to be a lot of mutual respect between him and Terry. I expect Torii will go wherever he wants to and the Twins would be glad to accept whatever return he brings and root for him until the end of the year. It wouldn't even mean he won't be back here next year.

However, Torii has said he wants to retire as a Twin.  Guessing that's why the contract has a no-trade clause.

[jimmer]

 

However, Torii has said he wants to retire as a Twin.  Guessing that's why the contract has a no-trade clause.

Torii seems like the kind of guy who would want a farewell tour with all the bells and whistles.   Mmmm, all that attention. That hasn't happened this year, so I imagine he doesn't plan to retire after this season.

[jorgenswest]

Hunter is going to keep playing until he has negative value. I hope the Twins aren't the team paying for that season. It could be next year.

[twinsnorth49]

This list is a pretty damning piece of evidence in the prosecution's case in the "fire TR?" debate.

 

Dominated by"unlikely's" and "impossible"s", and the rest consisting entirely of "we should be so lucky as for someone to claim him" and a couple "perhaps worth a bag of balls" types.

 

How does a team end up in this position, year after year?

Concur, a day late and a dollar short for the 5th straight year.

 

Can't wait to hear the rhetoric defending this year.

"We were a competetive team, we took a lot of strides, blah, blah, blah"

 

Head still stuck in sand.

[nicksaviking]

Well Pelfrey, Duensing and Boyer are the only free agents (also Hunter by the letter of the law) move them, even if it's for nothing just to open up roster spots.

 

Otherwise, wait until the offseason.  This team has a much better idea of fits and needs for the future than they have any time in the past half decade.  It might not have been as wise to move players in previous years as no one was really sure of what the team really had.  Things are still a bit foggy, but much more predictable. 

 

Move Plouffe this winter, there should be good demand for him.  Hicks, Rosario, Arcia and Kepler will all have some degree of value.  Pick your favorite two, offer up the others and trade which ever gets you the best return, trade two if you get bowled away. 

 

Offer up all of Santana, Escobar and Nunez and if someone seems particularly interested than see what Polanco is worth. 

 

 

[DJL44]

I'd move Santana to get Shields. Bigger contract commitment for the Twins but a better pitcher.

[troyhobbs]

We'll see how "close" the Twins are at the end of the season. If they continue to lose 2 out of every 3 they're headed for another 90 losses. I hate that they punted away 50 first half wins but, ya, at this point they may as well clean house. Not sure that makes them any better on paper next year than they were going into this year tho.

[Old Twins Cap]

The only likely trades are with teams in contention who want to round out their roster for the playoffs.

 

That eliminates rookies like Santana and Arcia.  You don't add inexperience heading into the playoffs.

 

Nunez, maybe.  Pelfrey, only for depth.  The Twins honestly don't have much to offer a playoff team, sadly.

 

Which is why no one in baseball could figure out how they were winning so many games into July.