3 Former Twins That Could Return to Minnesota this Trade Deadline

[Cooper Carlson]

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and there are a good amount of former Twins on the list. Reunions are always fun, but would any fit on the team? Let’s take a look at 3 that just might!Jonathan Schoop

2B, spent 2019 with MIN

 

This was first brought up by fellow Twins Daily writer, Matthew Taylor, on Twitter. Schoop is hitting .286/.319/.514 (.833) with 7 homers this year. He gave a few solid reasons that this move could make sense. First, Schoop would cost barely anything. He is on a one year, $6 million contract with a team going nowhere. I’m sure they would be happy to send him off if they got a couple lower prospects. Next, he has a .916 OPS vs right handed pitching since the start of 2019. The Twins don’t have that in the middle infield at the moment.

 

Does he fit?

 

Sure, why not? He could take the roll that Adrianza/Vargas are currently holding as neither have an OPS above .520 so there’s that. He could be a bench bat that fills in when Arraez or Polanco need a day off. He’s also still has a great arm at second base.

 

Brandon Kintzler

RP, spent 2016/17 with MIN

 

Remember Kintzler, the former Twins All Star closer in 2017? He was traded to Washington later that year but perhaps this year he returns to Minnesota. It never hurts to add another late inning guy to the core and he wouldn’t have too much pressure with Rogers, Duffey, and May handling the highest leverage spots. Kintzler has thrown in 12 ⅓ innings this season with a 2.92 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He still isn’t striking guys out but he would certainly be a useful reliever.

 

Does he fit?

 

Of course! He would slot in right with Segio Romo and Tyler Clippard. The Twins bullpen would have at least six super reliable arms and we still haven’t mentioned Wisler, Alcala, or Stashak. Kintzler would make this team better and would likely cost very little. Now the key question would just be, are the Marlins going to sell?

 

Lance Lynn

SP, spent half of 2018 in MIN

 

Ah yes, everyone’s favorite former Twin. Things did not go well the last time Lynn pitched for the Twins. It never seemed like he wanted to be in Minnesota as he begrudgingly accepted a late one year deal as Spring Training was approaching. Twins Daily writer Ted Schwerzler wrote a piece on why the Twins should avoid Lance Lynn. He provides great reasons and most probably agree, but he fits this post perfectly. He is an elite starting pitcher this year that would likely push everyone down a spot in the rotation. His ERA is at just 1.59 with a WHIP of 0.86 and a K/9 jus over a strikeout per inning. He’s really good, but would it work. I’m not sure.

 

Does he fit?

 

If we’re just looking at the numbers, then yes absolutely he fits. It’s what comes with him that scares me away. There is likely still some bad blood between Lynn and the Twins and he also wasn’t exactly the most pleasant guy in the clubhouse. He’s a great pitcher, but just go get Trevor Bauer instead.

 

Honorable mention that I didn't dare put in here: MARTIN PEREZ

 

Just kidding, although his 3.45 ERA and 1.1 WAR are intriguing ...

 

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[ChrisKnutson]

Perez as a reliever wouldn’t hurt.

[Channing1964]

Kintzler yes, Schoop no(because he cant play anywhere else), Lynn..um that will never ever happen.

[mikelink45]

No - this seems like the old Terry Ryan method - let's bring back everyone ever associated with the Twins.  In particular Lynn really left me cold.  When he left he was not looking in the rear-view mirror wishing he did not have to leave.  

[lukeduke1980]

Schoop is a good fit.  It wouldn't hurt Arraez to platoon for 30 more games.

[Vanimal46]

Wouldn’t mind bringing back Kintzler. I’ll take as many reliable veteran bullpen arms we can get for a post season run.

 

Hard pass on everyone else listed. I can’t imagine Falvey wanting to bring back Lynn after he spent 4 months pouting about being on the 2018 Twins on a 1 year deal.

[Tyler Roepke]

I always thought the Twins did Schoop a little dirty last year. Of course Arraez had a great year and deserved some playing time, but Schoop pretty much performed whenever he played and is a very good defender (better defender than Arraez). Maybe they had enough bombas and wanted one guy that hit for average. I'd love a reason to bust out my Twins Schoop jersey!

[Doctor Gast]

 

Perez as a reliever wouldn’t hurt.

Totally agree, he`d make a great reliever but try to convince him of that. I don`t see him giving up on being a starter. Always liked Scoop, makes more sense than Vargas