Front Page: Who Could the Twins Trade this Offseason?

[Cody Christie]

While we debate Eddie Rosario's trade value, he's far from the only asset the Twins might dangle in front of other teams. The Twins have a loaded farm system and also have several young players of interest to other teams.

 

Who else could the Twins trade in the weeks ahead?Outfielders

While Twins Daily has had plenty of Rosario trade discussion, MLB.com even identified him as a potential trade candidate. Minnesota’s other outfielders, Max Kepler and Byron Buxton, could be in play. Kepler is coming off a career-best season and the Twins signed him to a team-friendly contract last season. Could this make him more susceptible to a trade this year? It seems more likely for the Twins to allow him to continue to develop at the top of their line-up.

 

Byron Buxton seemed to be on track for the best season of his career before being injured last season. He has been the league’s best defensive player and he showed some offensive promise last season before being sidelined for the year. Another organization could see some higher value in him and this might allow a trade to occur.

 

Infielders

Miguel Sano struggled through parts of the last two seasons, but he certainly ended last season in a flurry. In the second half of 2019, he posted a .939 OPS with 21 home runs and 55 RBI in 65 games played. He seemed to hit some of the team's biggest home runs as the team went on to win division title. Sano certainly isn’t perfect, but other teams might see significant value in him.

 

As a 25-year old, Jorge Polanco was one of the American League’s most valuable players. He was named the AL’s starting shortstop and finished the year with a .356 OBP and an .841 OPS. Like Kepler, the Twins signed him to a team friendly deal prior to last season. This might make him more valuable next season, but the eventual appearance of top prospect Royce Lewis could make him expendable.

 

Prospects

The Twins will have few pitchers available to trade so the organization might have to dip into the minor leagues to find other options on the trading market. Fans wanted the organization to trade for more starting pitching at the trade deadline and this would likely have meant including top prospects Royce Lewis and/or Alex Kirilloff. Both players had up and down 2019 seasons, so their value might not be at the highest point.

 

Top pitching prospects like Brusdar Graterol and Jordan Balazovic seem more valuable to the Twins than to other teams. Minnesota needs to fill holes in their rotation and both of these players could offer long-term solutions to the team’s pitching woes. Digging deeper into the minors for pitchers like Jhoan Duran, Lewis Thorpe, and Blayne Enlow would probably produce little in trade value.

 

Who do you think the Twins could trade this off-season? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

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[diehardtwinsfan]

I doubt you see much for trades at the ML level. There's really not anyone who can easily back fill for someone else... Minor leaguers.. yeah, I wouldn't be surprised at all .

[mikelink45]

My suggestion is to see which MiLB prospects seem closest - their readiness makes our starters more available for trade. If Sano moves to first and Cron is gone then it will be Lewis/Blankenship/Polanco at third and SS.  I do not see us going for a Rendon - although I like it and there are no 3B trades out there. So I see Polanco as someone who can bring back value and still is replaceable within at this point.  

 

In the OF only Kepler looks like he would bring something, a good year, a good contract - that looks promising, but who needs a corner OF and has a good pitcher to trade us?

 

I hate to say it, but other than Polanco and Kepler I do not see anyone bringing in value.  If Rosario is as bad as everyone of the articles points out other teams would see the same value. 

[USAFChief]

Sell Lewis while there's still a whiff of high first round magic pixie dust in the air.

[gunnarthor]

I think we'll hold our top two prospects but think we'll make a big trade involving one or two guys in our top 10 lists.

[tony&rodney]

What would Garver bring back? Grandal, Avila, and others could be signed. Of course we love a contract controlled slugger like Garver, but what would other teams offer? Atlanta? Cincy? San Diego? If not FA signings the Twins must explore all trade ideas.

[Thrylos]

Buxton will be the only MLB position player with some value I would trade, because there is an MLB-ready replacement (Kepler) and his value on paper is larger than on the field, since he has a  hard time staying on it.

 

If I were to get a better pitcher, like Syndergaard or Buehler, I would not mind trading Berrios who has not really improved much the last 3 seasons.  If not, he stays.

 

No hitting prospect should be untouchable.  I'd keep Graterol and Duran because they are the only 2 with number 1 or 2 upside and trade anyone else in the organization with Kirilloff the first off the line.  If Buxton is traded, I'd keep Lewis and give him a CF glove.  That's about it.

 

Short window, nobody should be untouchable, but you cannot open holes by trying to close others.

Edited November 18, 2019 by Thrylos

[howeda7]

I would trade Rosario if the return is decent. Under team control for 2 more years and I have zero interest in keeping him long term. Would Rasario and the #2 pitching prospect (start with a B, I won't try to spell it) be enough to get Syndergaard?

Edited November 18, 2019 by howeda7

[Battle ur tail off]

 

 

 

If I were to get a better pitcher, like Syndergaard or Buehler, I would not mind trading Berrios who has not really improved much the last 3 seasons.  If not, he stays.

 

 

 

I agree with alot of your post, but not this part. Talk about opening a hole. On a team that is struggling looking for top end starters, moving our best is the last thing I do. Especially when one can be had by trading our high end prospects. 

 

[sweetmusicviola16]

I honestly think the entire lineup is brought back. I see them trying to resign Cron at his 2019 salary, or he tries to test the market. I also see a resigning of Castro. Rosario will stay, he's not bringing a headline SP so why create a hole where their is none? 

 

I read where they maybe interested in bringing Perez back too. They do need to acquire a couple of SP's I see one being a FA signing, Pineda/Hamels types, and one by trade of some minor league depth. Likely for prospects who are just outside the Top10, an Odorizzi type trade of 2018.

 

My hunch is the moves this winter will not be as major as everyone hopes they'd be.

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

I would trade Rosario if the return is decent. Under team control for 2 more years and I have zero interest in keeping him long term. Would Rasario and the #2 pitching prospect (start with a B, I won't try to spell it) be enough to get Syndergaard?

Everything I read is the Mets will not be trading Syndegard. I don't think that would be near enough either even if they would deal him.

[Thrylos]

 

I agree with alot of your post, but not this part. Talk about opening a hole. On a team that is struggling looking for top end starters, moving our best is the last thing I do. Especially when one can be had by trading our high end prospects. 

 

if your best is a number 3 in a post-season competitive team,  you are better of trading him for someone who would be a number 1...  This team needs 2 starters better than Berrios to compete in the post-season, and Odorizzi can slide at number 3 without much drop from Berrios

[howeda7]

 

I honestly think the entire lineup is brought back. I see them trying to resign Cron at his 2019 salary, or he tries to test the market. I also see a resigning of Castro. Rosario will stay, he's not bringing a headline SP so why create a hole where their is none? 

 

I read where they maybe interested in bringing Perez back too. They do need to acquire a couple of SP's I see one being a FA signing, Pineda/Hamels types, and one by trade of some minor league depth. Likely for prospects who are just outside the Top10, an Odorizzi type trade of 2018.

 

My hunch is the moves this winter will not be as major as everyone hopes they'd be.

I have nothing against Cron, but I'd strongly prefer they move Sano to 1B and fill 3rd with a free agent or shuffle the IF if Gordon is ready. The IF defense overall was poor and Sano at 3B is the weakest link.

Edited November 18, 2019 by howeda7

[Brandon]

As it stands our team really doesn't have many holes. 2 rotation spots and a bullpen spot. So I wouldn't want to trade from the major league team. I can see us trading prospects for a starter or a reliever and that's about it we will sign a backup C for a season it looks like. Someone who can compete with Astudillo and there is the Cron decision. I think we offer a lower guarantee with incentives to slightly more as insurance maybe 7 million with 1 million incentives or 6.5 million with 1 million.... Or sign Moustakas for 4 year 39-45 million. I think Cron is a safer low cost gamble. We have in house options and 3 hitters who could be ready at some point next season so why spend more there.

 

So after looking at it, we will likely trade for a SP if we get rebuffed in FA. And if we do that it will cost prospects.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

My suggestion is to see which MiLB prospects seem closest - their readiness makes our starters more available for trade. 

 

This would be a great way to turn a 101 win team that is a contender, into a team fighting to get to 80 wins. Don't play this game. Don't let the Twins way get to you. Why would you want to get rid of young starting players on your team when this core is primed to win now?

 

Hate to break it to you, but take that top 10 prospect list and there is maybe 1-2 that turn out better than anyone on your starting 9 right now. I have never seen fans of a team that is in the middle of their competitive window clamor so much to trade players from their starting lineup. 

 

It has to be the Pohlad beating that our fans have taken for so many years that cause this. So far we have heard people wanting to move Rosario, Berrios, Kepler, Polanco, and now even Cruz. I just don't understand it. We should be adding to this core, not subtracting from it. The only way I move a starter from my lineup is if it is a package that involves a #1-2 starter. That's it. 

[howeda7]

 

Everything I read is the Mets will not be trading Syndegard. I don't think that would be near enough either even if they would deal him.

Well, if they were willing to do it for Buxton, Rosario plus a top 5 prospect beats that, IMO. But perhaps their intentions have changed.

[Brandon]

I meant Moustakas for 3 years not 4.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

if your best is a number 3 in a post-season competitive team,  you are better of trading him for someone who would be a number 1...  This team needs 2 starters better than Berrios to compete in the post-season, and Odorizzi can slide at number 3 without much drop from Berrios

 

Use other avenues. Don't dump a guy like Berrios. Look to your top propsects. Both of their positions are filled with guys that are young and producing. I'm with you on adding high end pitching, but I think moving Berrios for it would be a mistake. Heck, I think he is young enough yet that we have not seen the best he has to offer yet. That and to be honest, take a look around the league. Berrios rates in the top 10 of most starting pitching categories already. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

I have nothing against Cron, but I'd strongly prefer they move Sano to 1B and fill 3rd with a free agent or shuffle the IF if Gordon is ready. The IF defense overall was poor and Sano at 3B is the weakest link.

I would prefer that myself. My concern would be is if Sano is ready for 1B yet.

[prouster]

I’ve said it before, but I simply don’t understand the infatuation with trading important pieces off a 100-win roster. They have plenty of prospects to trade instead.

[sweetmusicviola16]

 

This would be a great way to turn a 101 win team that is a contender, into a team fighting to get to 80 wins. Don't play this game. Don't let the Twins way get to you. Why would you want to get rid of young starting players on your team when this core is primed to win now?

 

Hate to break it to you, but take that top 10 prospect list and there is maybe 1-2 that turn out better than anyone on your starting 9 right now. I have never seen fans of a team that is in the middle of their competitive window clamor so much to trade players from their starting lineup. 

 

It has to be the Pohlad beating that our fans have taken for so many years that cause this. So far we have heard people wanting to move Rosario, Berrios, Kepler, Polanco, and now even Cruz. I just don't understand it. We should be adding to this core, not subtracting from it. The only way I move a starter from my lineup is if it is a package that involves a #1-2 starter. That's it. 

My sentiments. 2020 is not the year to start selling off the pieces we've been waiting for for the past decade. That includes Sano and Buxton as well. Sign Cole or Strasburg. And Ryu and have a great rotation. We don't need steps backward.

[mikelink45]

 

This would be a great way to turn a 101 win team that is a contender, into a team fighting to get to 80 wins. Don't play this game. Don't let the Twins way get to you. Why would you want to get rid of young starting players on your team when this core is primed to win now?

 

Hate to break it to you, but take that top 10 prospect list and there is maybe 1-2 that turn out better than anyone on your starting 9 right now. I have never seen fans of a team that is in the middle of their competitive window clamor so much to trade players from their starting lineup. 

 

It has to be the Pohlad beating that our fans have taken for so many years that cause this. So far we have heard people wanting to move Rosario, Berrios, Kepler, Polanco, and now even Cruz. I just don't understand it. We should be adding to this core, not subtracting from it. The only way I move a starter from my lineup is if it is a package that involves a #1-2 starter. That's it. 

Up to a point I agree with you, but ultimately you have to ask what is the most important missing ingredient and how do we get it.  I suspect there are few fans who do not see pitching as the essential ingredient.

 

[rv78]

All boils down to one thing. Will the Twins spend the money on top Free Agents. Again, I remind you and everyone else out there. The reason Target Field was built was to add revenue so this organization could be competitive in the Free Agent market. 

 

We do not have to trade anyone if they spend the money on Free Agents. Cole, Strasburg(maybe), Ryu, Wheeler, Bumgarner, Gonzalez, Hamels, Keuchel are all possibilities that would improve the rotation.

 

Time for the new Stadium to pay for itself and the Pohlads to put their money where their mouth is!

[nicksaviking]

 

Well, if they were willing to do it for Buxton, Rosario plus a top 5 prospect beats that, IMO. But perhaps their intentions have changed.

 

They may have changed or they may have been a fib to keep their intentions of trading for starting pitching, not trading away, was kept obscure.

[ChrisKnutson]

They may not be premium prospects like Kirilloff and Lewis, but I’m confident that Cave, Gordon, and Rooker will all be discussed frequently in trade talks this offseason.

[rdehring]

See Berrios and Odorizzi as a solid #2 and #3, in whichever order they determine next spring.  Got to get someone like Wheeler who can come in and be an acceptable #1.

 

The trade I see is something similar to when they got Odorizzi, ie, get someone as #4.  Hopefully, they can do this again...get someone none of us are talking about with at least two years of control for a prospect or two outside the top half dozen or top ten.

 

As for who would be coming or going, not a clude.  That's what the FO gets the big bucks for. 

[adorduan]

 

They may not be premium prospects like Kirilloff and Lewis, but I’m confident that Cave, Gordon, and Rooker will all be discussed frequently in trade talks this offseason.

Those 3 won't get you much.....

[ewen21]

 

They may not be premium prospects like Kirilloff and Lewis, but I’m confident that Cave, Gordon, and Rooker will all be discussed frequently in trade talks this offseason.

Don't expect much if that is all you are willing to part with.  Those aren't the names anyone is going to come asking about

[TNTwinsFan]

Resign Cron

Sign 2 best FA SPs you can + Alex Wood

Sign Pomeranz

Sign good backup C

 

No need to trade folks off of a 101 win team. Starting pitching is what wins Championships though, so go get 2-3 better ones than last year. The prospects coming up will fill in for injuries that occur throughout the season. No need to gut your system with the quality SP FA class this year. Breathe people. Breathe.

[mikelink45]

Wheeler and Graterol with Odorizzi and Berrios - then find the fifth component - Dobnak, Smeltzer...