Official 2020 Trade Deadline Thread

[Seth Stohs]

2020, y’all! Last year, the league went to just one trade deadline, the July 31st deadline. This year, the regular season didn’t even start until July 24th or 25th, so that wouldn’t have worked. Instead, the lone trade deadline in 2020 is today. Check out this thread throughout the day for rumors, links and more about the trade deadline. Should the Twins make any deals before the 3:00 pm central deadline, we will be sure to publish articles on each.This year, the expectation was that there would be few meaningful trades just due to timing and also because of not being able to see prospects play this year. While there haven’t been any real big names traded (yet), there have been quite a few mid-level trades. And there are definitely rumors that some big-name players could be dealt by today’s 3:00 deadline.

 

So what does that mean for the Twins? Again, until recently, the thought was that the Twins had a strong offense, solid starting pitchers and a well-above-average bullpen, with depth in each of those areas. Right now, the Twins are on a five-game losing streak and with a plethora of injuries and under-performance, that depth is being far overused. Instead of leading the division, the Twins find themselves in third place in the American League Central division.

 

 

AL Central Standings

 

Chicago 21-13

Cleveland 21-13

Minnesota 20-15 (-1.5)

Detroit 16-16 (-4.0)

Kansas City 13-21 (-8.0)

 

Following a sweep in Detroit at the hands of the Tigers, the Twins now head back to Target Field, but they get to play the red-hot Chicago White Sox. The Twins will not only face the White Sox young, powerful offense, but on Monday night they will face Lucas Giolito in his first start since throwing a no-hitter. On Tuesday, Michael Pineda will return from his suspension and start against Dallas Keuchel. The Twins have really struggled against left-handers.

 

 

Twins Daily Trade Deadline Articles

 

Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of trade deadline coverage. Here are the articles for you to peruse this morning.

• This Trade Deadline if Going to be a Mess
• Dylan Bundy Could be the Perfect Target at the Trade Deadline
• The One Player Minnesota Shouldn’t Trade For
• The Only Starting Pitcher the Twins Should Trade For
• Twins Most Impactful Roster Additions Will Likely Come from St. Paul
• Three Right-Handed Batters the Twins Should Target This Week
• Three Former Twins That Could Return to Minnesota This Trade Deadline
• Twins Daily 2020 Trade Deadline Preview
• MLB Trade Deadline: Three More Bats Twins Should Target
• The Case for Lance Lynn
• Four Left-Handed Relievers the Twins Should Target Before the Trade Deadline
• Four Right-Handed Relievers the Twins Should Target Before the Trade Deadline
• Identifying the Twins Most Tradable Assets
• The Potential Trade for a Relief Ace Nobody is Talking About

Completed Trades

 

To this point, I think we would have to say that we are pleasantly surprised with how active teams have been leading up to the trade deadline. The names to this point have not been big names, relievers and role players. Will there be bigger names and more impactful players dealt on Monday?

 

• The San Diego Padres acquired Catcher Austin Nola and RH relievers Austin Adams and Dan Altavilla in exchange for OF Taylor Trammell, iF Ty France, catcher Luis Torrens and pitcher Andres Torres.
• Nola will be the Padres #2 catcher as they also acquired Jason Castro from the Angels in exchange for RH RP Gerardo Reyes.
• The Rockies traded minor league infielders Tyler Nevin and Terrin Vavra to the Orioles in exchange for RH RP Mychal Givens. Nevin is the son of former Twins DH Phil Nevin and Vavra is the son of former Twins coach (and current Tigers hitting coach) Joe Vavra.
• The Padres acquired 1B Mitch Moreland from the Red Sox in exchange for Jeisson Rosario and Hudson Potts.
• The Cubs acquired DH Jose Martinez from the Rays in exchange for two Players to be Named Later.
• The Orioles traded former Twins lefty Tommy Milone to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for two Players to be Named Later.
• A day earlier, the Padres traded outfield prospect Edward Olivares and a Player to be Named Later to the Royals for RH RP Trevor Rosenthal.
• The A’s acquired infielder Tommy LaStella from the Angels for infielder Franklin Borreta.

Players Rumored to be Shopped

• Mike Clevinger - He’s really good. Cleveland just apparently got tired of him doing and saying dumb things, so they’re mkaing him available. They should get a ton for him, and it is very likely he will be dealt.
• Joey Gallo - the powerful Rangers slugger might be available in the right deal.
• Josh Hader - The Brewers have struggled, and Hader has been one of the top relievers in baseball the last few years. He’s got years remaining on his contract which makes him very attractive.
• Dylan Bundy - Once a top prospect, Bundy has thrived in 2020 with the Angels. The Twins have been linked to him, but so have a lot of teams.
• Austin Hedges/Francisco Mejia - The Padres went out and got both Jason Castro and Austin Nola which might make Hedges and Mejia available. Both have options so they don’t have to trade either as well.
• Daniel Norris - forever a pitching prospect, Norris has become a solid reliever and could attract some attention.
• Starling Marte - Diamondbacks outfielder is right-handed. The Twins need right-handed bats and power. Marte does those things.
• Kevin Pillar - Another right-handed bat, Pillar is can play around the outfield. Could fit the Twins roster well because of his right-handedness and ability to play center field.
• Archie Bradley - He has been very good since moving to the bullpens, especially the last year or so.
• Jackie Bradley, Jr. - A defensive wizard, and he switch-hits.
• Lance Lynn - He was clearly upset about settling for a one-year deal with the Twins in 2018 and it showed. However, he got the three year deal from Texas last offseason and has been one of baseball’s best starters since.
• Mike Minor - Hey, if the Rangers are making Lynn available, might as well ask about Minor as well.
• Robbie Ray - The Twins were connected to Ray in the offseason though the asking price was very high.
• Caleb Smith/Elieser Hernandez - The Twins were reportedly interested and may have even had discussions regarding these Marlins starters in the offseason.

As has been pointed out, the Twins often have acquired lesser known players, especially relief pitchers, and turned them into very reliable contributors.

 

So, will the Twins make a trade?? Should they??

 

Consider or Discuss these questions:

• What is the goal for the season? Even with the struggles of late and the AL Central competition,the goal remains the playoffs and a deep run with the ultimate goal of the World Series.
• What are the Twins biggest needs? Right-handed hitting? Any hitting? Starters of Relievers?
• How do injured players fit into the plans over the final 25 games and into the playoffs?
• It is likely that Cleveland and Chicago could be active at the trade deadline. Is it necessary for the Twins to try to match them?

Keep up with the rumors throughout the day in the comments below and share your thoughts on how the Twins need to handle the deadline.

 

(If the Twins do make a trade or three, we will be sure to include a new article for each transaction. Stop by Twins Daily throughout the day.)

 

Monday Updates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://twitter.com/...509876884512768

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to view the article

[Primetime82]

Source: The #Twins are working aggressively to trade for a starter today. Dylan Bundy and Lance Lynn are among the options they have considered. Minnesota has lost five straight and dropped to third place in the AL Central.

@MLB

 

@MLBNetwork

[Primetime82]

The #Twins may need to part with one of their top outfield prospects, Alex Kirilloff or Trevor Larnach, to get a top starting pitcher who is under control beyond this year. One reason to do that: They have Kepler, Rosario, and Buxton (when healthy) at

@MLB

level.

@MLBNetwork

[jud6312]

Hoping these "predictions" are more "hey, look at me" than things that have actual steam: 

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-trade-deadline-predictions

[mikelink45]

The Padres have me in shock - talk about aggressive.  Of course Preller went wild a few years ago and nothing good came of it. This time could be more successful for them.  

 

At this point Rooker, Larnach, and Kiriloff are probably hoping for a trade since the Twins have left them in St Paul all year.

[Vanimal46]

 

Hoping these "predictions" are more "hey, look at me" than things that have actual steam: 

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-trade-deadline-predictions

The Twins trade proposal in that link... David Venn panicked and came up with that on the spot. It's the only explanation. 

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

 

Hoping these "predictions" are more "hey, look at me" than things that have actual steam: 

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/2020-trade-deadline-predictions

 

I thought the same. I do think these predictions are just MLB's staff writers throwing stuff at the wall, not a response to anything they've heard from connected sources. Still, both of the predictions involving the Twins seem like overpays, the suggested Yastrzemski deal especially—their top position and pitching prospects for a lefty-hitting outfielder (and more an interesting late bloomer, at that, than a player with a long established track record) when they have lots of lefty outfielders and the offensive help they need is from the right side? Insane.

 

Going for an impact starter and centering the trade around one of their outfield prospects is a better strategy. The harder the Twins FO goes after a starter, I imagine, the more it shows they doubt Pineda and/or Odorizzi will be back to full strength down the stretch. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

[lukeduke1980]

Aggressive moves would be quite counter to the Danny Coulombe and Ildemaro Vargas type moves that have been the responses to half the team being injured.  

 

I expect no moves.

[jrod23]

It's so hard to invest hardcore into a season that looks like it "should be safe to finish."  Seeing what the Rockies had to give up for Givens was too much, and really turned me off.  However, that being said, much like the Rockies, Rooker, Kirilloff, and Larnach are log jammed.  I'd strongly prefer to move Rooker or Wallner, or even Cavaco before moving Larnach or Kirilloff.  Sano is close to moving to a permanent DH role when Cruz is done, insert Kirilloff or Kepler.  Rosario could get some return in the off-season with having another year of arbitration.  Add a top ten prospect and another from the top 30, and we get some solid pitching.

 

Bottomline, I'm in favor of no moves until the off-season.

[beckmt]

I also have seen a number of moves on the Athletic, most involved sending out Royce Lewis for immediate help, 3 players in a Lance Lynn deal.  

I could see the Twins moving Rosario for help, if the pitcher was very front line.  

One rumor had them moving Polanco and lewis for Borgarts.  Who knows, we shall see, I also expect no or a small move. Lots of PTBNL moves, which suggest some of the contending clubs are giving up lower prospects with more upside.

[Eephus]

I think the winner of the World Series this year is going to have a sizable asterisk. All the uncertainty with the schedule, injuries league wide, possible shut downs from COVID, no fans, 7 inning double headers, potential neutral site playoffs...it's hard to imagine going all in being a prudent risk. 

I might be a little down because of the recent slump, but feels like we should sort of ride this baby out. If someone comes up with an offer you can't refuse with a good pitcher we can control for a few years -- take it. Otherwise, let the chips fall where they may on this oddest of years.

[jrod23]

 

I also have seen a number of moves on the Athletic, most involved sending out Royce Lewis for immediate help, 3 players in a Lance Lynn deal.  

I could see the Twins moving Rosario for help, if the pitcher was very front line.  

One rumor had them moving Polanco and lewis for Borgarts.  Who knows, we shall see, I also expect no or a small move. Lots of PTBNL moves, which suggest some of the contending clubs are giving up lower prospects with more upside.

 

I saw this, but struggle with the simple fact we have so many outfielders, who could be first baseman (Wallner, Kirilloff, Larnach, Rooker, Wiel).  We finally have a SS, who could be a dynamic outfielder in Lewis.  Trade from our wealth, not our necessities.

[ashbury]

My nominee for Most Tactful Sentence of the Week goes to MLBTR in their analysis of the Twins' starting pitching needs: "It’s not clear how the organization’s familiarity with Lynn affects their interest."

[TFRazor]

 

My nominee for Most Tactful Sentence of the Week goes to MLBTR in their analysis of the Twins' starting pitching needs: "It’s not clear how the organization’s familiarity with Lynn affects their interest."

I don't know what they're paying whoever wrote that but give them a raise. That is breathtaking.

[Linus]

I give Cleveland credit for one thing: they are not afraid.

[USAFChief]

I give Cleveland credit for one thing: they are not afraid.

pretty light return for a starting pitcher with Clevenger's pedigree.

[Shaitan]

 

The Padres have me in shock - talk about aggressive.  Of course Preller went wild a few years ago and nothing good came of it. This time could be more successful for them.  

 

At this point Rooker, Larnach, and Kiriloff are probably hoping for a trade since the Twins have left them in St Paul all year month.

FYFT

[Shaitan]

 

I think the winner of the World Series this year is going to have a sizable asterisk. All the uncertainty with the schedule, injuries league wide, possible shut downs from COVID, no fans, 7 inning double headers, potential neutral site playoffs...it's hard to imagine going all in being a prudent risk. 

I might be a little down because of the recent slump, but feels like we should sort of ride this baby out. If someone comes up with an offer you can't refuse with a good pitcher we can control for a few years -- take it. Otherwise, let the chips fall where they may on this oddest of years.

 

I agree but about the asterisk but...it's still a trophy and (some equivalent of) a parade.

 

Those are the things that the record books and community will mostly see.

[Rigby]

 

pretty light return for a starting pitcher with Clevenger's pedigree.

 

Yeah. For those that buy into Baseball Trade Values (personally I believe they are quite flawed), an equally valued package from the Twins would have been Duran, Wade and Gordon. Additions of Thorpe, Smeltzer, Cave etc. would have created a surplus from Twins....

[rdehring]

Less than three hours to go. Hopefully, we won't trade for a pitcher without doing due diligence on his medical records because there wasn't time...like last year.

 

Personally, am fine with them making no moves or a minor move. Biggest help should come from getting the gang back together. Certainly don't want to move one of the top three or four prospects. But then you all know how I feel about prospects.

[TFRazor]

I guess we're getting ready to find out how "inexhaustible" Cleveland's SP depth is. Does this mean that Plesac is forgiven for his Covid faux pas?

[beckmt]

Clevenger was supposed to be toxic, bad person, not real good in the clubhouse, and had poisoned his relationship with a lot of players on the club.   Cleveland did not get a great return, but time will tell.

[dbminn]

 

pretty light return for a starting pitcher with Clevenger's pedigree.

 

San Diego emptied the drawer full of extra parts. What a steal. A couple players with some potential if you squint hard enough. I thought the Indians would get a high-ranked SP or MI prospect in return for a difference maker.

[Linus]

pretty light return for a starting pitcher with Clevenger's pedigree.

Agreed. Amazing the pitching talent they have let go

[jud6312]

It does look a little light, but if you look at the 2019 stats for Cantillo, Miller and Arias, it looks a whole lot better for Cleveland. They're all at least trending in the right way.

 

The other three appear to be roster filler at this point, but Quantrill - at least on the surface - has been good in the pen this year and Naylor is still young enough that he could turn into a serviceable bench piece. Hedges probably is what he is at this point.

[John Bonnes]

RE: Cleveland

 

This is the second year in row they've let go of an ace starting pitcher at the trade deadline when they were seemingly competing for the postseason. Last year, at least, they added help in the form of Puig and Reyes. This year ... no so much.

 

I get not wanting to have malcontents on your team, but this seems a pretty high price to pay for clubhouse harmony. This is purely speculation, but I wonder if the org is bowing too much to Francona's wishes. It almost seems like CLE was going to dump Clevinger one way or the other, and this is the best (non-division) offer they got. 

 

Whatever. I'll take it. I like having him out of the division, out of the AL, and I think Cleveland got worse unless they make some other big moves at the deadline.

[John Bonnes]

Also, remember last year when there was so much interest locally in acquiring Robbie Ray? Now he's got a 7.84 ERA, is walking the park, and the Blue Jays got money out of the DBacks for taking them off their hands. Woof. Sometimes the best trades....

[ChrisKnutson]

I like Bundy, but I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable giving up a top prospect for him. I’d almost rather take a chance on Eovaldi’s stuff and postseason experience, assuming Bloom is willing to eat part of his contract.

[Cap'n Piranha]

 

I think the winner of the World Series this year is going to have a sizable asterisk. All the uncertainty with the schedule, injuries league wide, possible shut downs from COVID, no fans, 7 inning double headers, potential neutral site playoffs...it's hard to imagine going all in being a prudent risk. 

I might be a little down because of the recent slump, but feels like we should sort of ride this baby out. If someone comes up with an offer you can't refuse with a good pitcher we can control for a few years -- take it. Otherwise, let the chips fall where they may on this oddest of years.

 

I would imagine the Cincinnati Reds still fly a 1919 WS pennant, the University of Louisville still (internally) celebrates the 2013 NCAA Tournament title, and USC fans remember Reggie Bush's Hesiman year.  Win it all, and no matter what happens, the memories still remain.

[Vanimal46]

Jonathan Villar traded to the Blue Jays, and Starling Marte traded to the Marlins