Article: Official Trade Deadline Day Thread

[Seth Stohs]

At 3:00 central time today, the annual non-waivers trade deadline will pass. The Twins already made one move. Thursday night, they traded Eduardo Nunez to the San Francisco Giants for Adalberto Mejia. Will they be able to reach any more trade agreements today?Several Twins players have had their names mentioned in trade rumors over the last couple of weeks.

 

The player seemingly most likely to be traded before the deadline is catcher Kurt Suzuki. He has been mentioned in rumors for a month, and teams can always use a backup catcher. Suzuki is putting together one of his best seasons with the bat and has always had a strong reputation for working with pitchers.

 

When Jonathan Lucroy used his veto power to void a trade to Cleveland yesterday, it may have slowed the process. Cleveland is one possible destination for the Twins backstop, though there are several others that would be interested in Suzuki as well.

 

At least two Twins bullpen arms are also garnering a lot of attention from scouts the last couple of weeks. Fernando Abad was terrific the first couple of months of the season. He hasn't been as good of late, but the left-hander should be of interest to some teams

 

Brandon Kintzler, like Abad, came to the Twins on a minor league contract before the season. He began the season in Rochester. Since he has come up to the Twins, he has been terrific. Kintzler took over the closer's role and has been very good. He missed most of last season with a knee injury, but he has come back stronger this year.

 

Since both players are under team control for at least another year, Rob Antony needs to weigh the return with what they believe the pitchers can be next year. On the other side of that coin, the Twins need to make room for the likes JT Chargois, Mason Melotakis and others.

 

Could the Twins find a taker who wants Ervin Santana enough to take on the remainder (or most) of his contract and give the Twins a quality prospect or two? Toronto has reportedly shown a lot of interest of late.

 

It's hard to imagine a Tommy Milone or Ricky Nolasco trade today, but could the Twins find a team to take them before the August waiver deadline?

 

Could the Twins deal Brian Dozier for a big haul? Would they? Do they trust the potential of Jorge Polanco?

 

If the Twins make a trade or three before the deadline, we will attempt to post a new article right away, but as rumors and other trades around the league occur, be sure to use this thread to discuss and make predictions.

 

How many deals will the Twins make?

 

 

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[Blackjack]

I think either Nolasco or Milone get traded. They won't get much but it makes room for Berrios.

 

Santana only gets traded if they get a big haul, Rob Antony realizes the Twins desperately need good starting pitching. If nothing else, if the Twins are again out of contention, he can be traded at the 2017 trade deadline.

[alarp33]

Suzuki, Abad, Kintzler.  There is no reason any of these 3 should be on the roster by tonight. 

 

Unless someone gives you an offer you can't refuse, I'm totally fine with the new GM making the Santana and Dozier trades this offseason

Edited August 1, 2016 by alarp33

[wsnydes]

I think Suzuki, Abad, Kintzler, and Ervin get dealt.  I don't see any reason for the first three on that list to be around by tonight and see an Ervin deal as less likely, but I think somebody will pull the trigger.  Otherwise, like alarp33 said, I'm good with the new GM dealing Ervin (if not dealt) and Dozier in the offseason.  I'm not sure what to do about Plouffe at this point.  He may just have to ride pine next season.

[gunnarthor]

MLBtraderumors mentioned that the Blue Jays were scouting Santana last night.  

[laloesch]

 

I think Suzuki, Abad, Kintzler, and Ervin get dealt.  I don't see any reason for the first three on that list to be around by tonight and see an Ervin deal as less likely, but I think somebody will pull the trigger.  Otherwise, like alarp33 said, I'm good with the new GM dealing Ervin (if not dealt) and Dozier in the offseason.  I'm not sure what to do about Plouffe at this point.  He may just have to ride pine next season.

 

I think there is a possibility that one of Nolasco, Milone or Ervin gets dealt.  Apparently the Jays are still in the market for a starter. 

[goulik]

It depends on if you're asking how many players are traded or actual trades occur. I think there is a good chance Suzuki and either Kinzler or Abad are packaged in the same deal.

[NapoleonComplex]

 

MLBtraderumors mentioned that the Blue Jays were scouting Santana last night.  

Report of the Blue Jays scouting Santana surprised me. I'd love to see a package of RHP Sean Reid-Foley or RHP Conner Greene and C Danny Jansen. That's a huge haul for Santana, but he's under contract for what will be considered a very reasonable price considering the SP Free Agent market this off-season.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Yeah, I'd part with Santana for a decent package. I'd rather dump Milone and Nolasco for nothing though and keep Santana, but if Toronto wants to blow us away, by all means, let them...

 

so here's a name I want to speculate on:  Dylan Bundy.

 

Fantastic prospect and fantastic minor league results. Pitching out of the pen in Baltimore this season (in really his rookie year) as he struggled as a starter. Baltimore needs starters. Would something like Santana/Abad plus maybe a lower tier prospect get that done, or am I over/undervaluing him?

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Do the Jays have anything in their system we would like? 

 

Here is Sickle's review of their top 20 (posted a few days ago).

 

Truthfully, not a ton of good matches. I wouldn't mind Max Pentecost, but he's pretty far away from the show himself (and a former college star sitting in low A with a shoulder injury doesn't scream catcher of the future), and I suspect my liking of Vlad Gurrrero Jr. has more to do with his dad's success as a major leaguer than him.  Sean Reid-Foley is another name there that I personally would covet.

 

 

[gunnarthor]

 

Do the Jays have anything in their system we would like? 

I think any trade would have to include Sean Reid Foley, a starting pitcher prospect.  He has some flags - strange mechanics and is still only in A+ ball.  But he has ace upside and is having a tremendous year.  His teammate Jon Harris is another guy to look at.  

 

Foley is #94 on mlb's list, Harris is unranked.  Considering the returns we've seen in this market, I think the Twins could get 3 or 4 prospects from Toronto.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

I think any trade would have to include Sean Reid Foley, a starting pitcher prospect.  He has some flags - strange mechanics and is still only in A+ ball.  But he has ace upside and is having a tremendous year.  His teammate Jon Harris is another guy to look at.  

 

Foley is #94 on mlb's list, Harris is unranked.  Considering the returns we've seen in this market, I think the Twins could get 3 or 4 prospects from Toronto.

 

We think alike

[laloesch]

 

Report of the Blue Jays scouting Santana surprised me. I'd love to see a package of RHP Sean Reid-Foley or RHP Conner Greene and C Danny Jansen. That's a huge haul for Santana, but he's under contract for what will be considered a very reasonable price considering the SP Free Agent market this off-season.

 

Reid-Foley would have to be included in my opinion that would be the one guy I would want from them.  Doubt they'd give him up though.

[NapoleonComplex]

Blue Jays don't have much in their system. RHP Sean Reid-Foley is their #2 prospect, #93 on the MLB 100. He pitched in low-A Lansing, and is currently at Dunedin. Blue Jays prospects are easy to keep tabs on since they follow the same A to AAA path as the Twins: MWL, FSL, IL. He is about a year or two away from being MLB ready. Split between A and A+, his 2016 numbers are ridiculous. Still only 20 years old. I'd like a package from Toronto for Santana that includes Reid-Foley.

[Mike Sixel]

I predict Abad is dealt for not much, and that's it.

[Everyday Eddy]

 

Yeah, I'd part with Santana for a decent package. I'd rather dump Milone and Nolasco for nothing though and keep Santana, but if Toronto wants to blow us away, by all means, let them...

 

so here's a name I want to speculate on:  Dylan Bundy.

 

Fantastic prospect and fantastic minor league results. Pitching out of the pen in Baltimore this season (in really his rookie year) as he struggled as a starter. Baltimore needs starters. Would something like Santana/Abad plus maybe a lower tier prospect get that done, or am I over/undervaluing him?

He just pitched pretty well in his last start for Baltimore and I'd assume he's one of the last players they'd want to get rid of in a trade for Santana

[gunnarthor]

On their ML roster, Marcus Stroman is having a bad year.  He's their version of Berrios, only shorter.  5'8".  All the talk we heard of Berrios being too short applies to Stroman.  He's already burned his 3 option years (I believe) and was injured last year (knee).  Some thought he'd be best used as a reliever and, frankly, as a starter, he hasn't been that impressive yet.  He'll be 26 next year.  Santana would be a big upgrade over him for Toronto and Toronto might be willing to move him.  

[kab21]

I think people are quite over optimistic about Santana's trade value. I hope but don't expect a trade to get a borderline top 100 prospect but I don't expect it. I could see a trade where the players are named and everyone (including the minors experts) has to search for information about them.

 

I think Suzuki gets traded and probably Abad for a trivial prospect.  I think one of Nolasco or Milone get cut during August.

[DaveW]

 

Yeah, I'd part with Santana for a decent package. I'd rather dump Milone and Nolasco for nothing though and keep Santana, but if Toronto wants to blow us away, by all means, let them...

 

so here's a name I want to speculate on:  Dylan Bundy.

 

Fantastic prospect and fantastic minor league results. Pitching out of the pen in Baltimore this season (in really his rookie year) as he struggled as a starter. Baltimore needs starters. Would something like Santana/Abad plus maybe a lower tier prospect get that done, or am I over/undervaluing him?

Bundy would be at the top of my target list, but Baltimore really has no incentive to trade him. Especially for a guy like Santana IMO.

I'd do it in a heartbeat if they made him available though, I just don't see it happening. That would be like the Twins selling low on Buxton.

 

The O's already traded for a pitcher on a long term deal (Wade Miley) anyways.

Edited August 1, 2016 by DaveW

[gunnarthor]

 

I think people are quite over optimistic about Santana's trade value. I hope but don't expect a trade to get a borderline top 100 prospect but I don't expect it. I could see a trade where the players are named and everyone (including the minors experts) has to search for information about them.

 

 

The Twins do have the advantage of not needing to trade him.  He's a good player - already worth 2 WAR this season - on a decent contract.  He shouldn't be a salary dump.  If they can't get a better package than Nunez', keep him.  They certainly shouldn't dump him for another team's pu-pu platter.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

He just pitched pretty well in his last start for Baltimore and I'd assume he's one of the last players they'd want to get rid of in a trade for Santana

 

Probably. I just know that contending teams don't necessarily have the ability to spend time and develop guys. I'd almost prefer to send multiple trade chips over to get one top talent guy who is ready vs. a bunch of lotto tickets.

 

Of course, if Baltimore wouldn't do it (and they probably wouldn't) the point is moot.

[olivia11]

Based on what Antony's been saying it seems to me like he won't move Santana unless the Twins can get at least one or two guys who can help the team in 2016 or 2017 - like the Nuñez for Mejia move.  The problem then with the Blue Jays system is that, among their top 30 prospects, they don't have a single starting pitching prospect who's reached AAA and they only have one who's reached AA (Connor Greene, #8 overall).  

 

There could be some good potential match-ups for a Abad/Kintzler trade...but I think Antony is going to need a few options that are closer to the majors to move Santana.

[tobi0040]

Logistically I don't think we are trading 3-4 guys in the next 6 hours.

[gunnarthor]

I hope they move Suzuki. Abad, Kinzler, Santana can all be moved in the offseason, if needed.  

[olivia11]

I think the Rangers system matches up much better for what Antony will look for in a Santana trade.   RHP Luis Ortiz and LHP Yohander Mendez are both bottom-half top 100 prospects with success at AA.   RHP Ariel Jurado is a lower-ranked prospect but has pitched well at AA too.   They've also got a couple A-ball catching prospects, Jose Trevino and David Garcia, ranked #25 and #27 in their system respectively who could potentially be added to a deal.

Edited August 1, 2016 by olivia11

[Vanimal46]

 

Yeah, I'd part with Santana for a decent package. I'd rather dump Milone and Nolasco for nothing though and keep Santana, but if Toronto wants to blow us away, by all means, let them...

 

so here's a name I want to speculate on:  Dylan Bundy.

 

Fantastic prospect and fantastic minor league results. Pitching out of the pen in Baltimore this season (in really his rookie year) as he struggled as a starter. Baltimore needs starters. Would something like Santana/Abad plus maybe a lower tier prospect get that done, or am I over/undervaluing him?

Isn't Bundy already out of options and arbitration eligible? He's kind of a weird case since he's been injured for the last 3 or so years but was on their MLB roster at age 19. 

[HitInAPinch]

 

The Twins do have the advantage of not needing to trade him.  He's a good player - already worth 2 WAR this season - on a decent contract.  He shouldn't be a salary dump.  If they can't get a better package than Nunez', keep him.  They certainly shouldn't dump him for another team's pu-pu platter.

I think people are overlooking the fact that we're not in "normal" trade season here.  This is "bulking up for post season run"  season.  More than one team is looking at Santana.  (Texas, Toronto and Cleveland?)

There will be competition for Santana.  Milk it for all you can get!

[drivlikejehu]

 

Logistically I don't think we are trading 3-4 guys in the next 6 hours.

 

Unless some deals are effectively done but just not finalized. I'm concerned of course, since I don't have any confidence in Antony.

[HitInAPinch]

Kinzler and Abad have pitched well for the Twins, improving their value.  They've also provided time for RP prospects to get more time developing.  From what I'm hearing here, time to move some of them up.

 

Like catcher, RP's will be a valuable commodity during this trade season.  What will we get for either?

Lower level MiLBer or 2 with some potential.  Overall, still a plus for the Twins.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

On their ML roster, Marcus Stroman is having a bad year.  He's their version of Berrios, only shorter.  5'8".  All the talk we heard of Berrios being too short applies to Stroman.  He's already burned his 3 option years (I believe) and was injured last year (knee).  Some thought he'd be best used as a reliever and, frankly, as a starter, he hasn't been that impressive yet.  He'll be 26 next year.  Santana would be a big upgrade over him for Toronto and Toronto might be willing to move him.  

Big upgrade?  Stroman has the same FIP and thus fWAR as Santana in 2016, plus he is averaging more IP per GS than Santana too.  He was pretty darn good as a rookie (2 bWAR, 3 fWAR in just ~4 months in 2014), plus he came back pretty strong from missing 5 months for a non-arm injury in 2015.  For a guy who peaked at #55 in the BA and MLB top 100, that's solid.

 

Also, Stroman actually hasn't used any of his options yet.  He was added to the 40-man roster in May 2014, and optioned for only 12 days that year (and you have to spend 20+ days on optional assignment to burn an option).  He's been on the MLB roster or DL ever since then.

 

Maybe they'd option Stroman or send him to the pen to conserve his innings this year (and bolster the pen, where Storen let them down), but I don't see them dealing him in favor of Ervin Santana.  Long-term, Santana would probably replace RA Dickey, who is a free agent after the year and having a worse season than Stroman (slightly better ERA than Stroman, but much, much worse FIP).