3 Third Baseman Trades That Could Provide the Twins a Productive Bat

[Nate Palmer]

The Minnesota Twins could really use another impact bat in their lineup. While third base isn't the most obvious fit, there are options on the trade market that could fill that need for some offense. 

Image courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins officially (again) lost Carlos Correa and one of their most impactful bats to the New York Mets. That still leaves the Twins with a huge void to fill in the middle of their lineup. It will be impossible to replace Correa truly, but there may be a path to replace some of his value by acquiring a few different third basemen that could be available via trade. 

Rafael Devers , Red Sox
Stop me if you have heard this before. The Red Sox have an impact, all-star level player ready to hit free agency, and we aren’t sure if they will keep them in town on a new contract. We have seen the team in Boston dance this dance with both Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts , only to see one traded and the other walk. Should the Twins maybe try and benefit this time around?

Rafael Devers has been an excellent hitting third baseman in the middle of Boston’s lineup and is in his last year of arbitration. This past season he hit .295/.358/.521, which was good for a 141 wRC+. Defensively he may not stay at third base long term as his defensive numbers are already looking a bit ugly, but that didn’t prevent him from putting up a 4.9 fWAR in 2022.

While the last thing the Twins need is another left-handed bat, Devers is in that top tier where handedness matters little. He isn't as bothered by the platoon splits as he only drops to .272/.315/.424 and a .739 OPS when facing lefties. Devers power does drop but overall, but still continues to hold his own. 

The sticky part of a trade for Devers is that the acquiring team would want to be assured they could sign him to an extension. Maybe the Twins would be willing to put that Correa money toward the 26-year-old Devers. If so, a package around Jose Miranda could make sense for both sides, especially since the hope is that Miranda would turn into a right-handed hitting version of Devers, but isn’t that quite yet. 

Anthony Rendon , Los Angeles Angels

Those who listen to Gleeman and the Geek will have heard the guys talk about the Twins going after “depressed assets.” Anthony Rendon very well could be the poster child of a depressed asset. Bad enough that the Trade Simulator gives Rendon a -132.3 value. By comparison, Trevor Story comes in at -37.4. Rendon has certainly earned that ranking entering the 4th year of his 7-year, $245 million contract. 

The past two seasons have seen Rendon’s offensive numbers dip dramatically. The one-time All-Star has only been slightly above replacement level in recent seasons. As his K-rate has gone up and walk-rate down, he only slashed .229/.326/.380 this past season. So why would the Twins want to gamble on an expensive, declining player? 

The conversation would start and end with the front offices' confidence in being able to bring Rendon back to his earlier career performances. He already has two things going for him versus the rest of the Twins roster: he is right-handed and hits left-handed pitching well. Last season he sported a .873 OPS when facing lefties. A mark that jumps to .900 over his whole career. 

A Rendon acquisition is an absolute gamble, but with Gio Urshela in the fold, the Angels may be willing to get rid of their third baseman. A move that would also clear the payroll in preparation to try and keep Shohei Ohtani . 

Eduardo Escobar , New York Mets

In case you missed it earlier, the New York Mets just signed a $315 million third baseman. With that move, rumors are circulating that they may be willing to move the veteran infielder and old friend, Eduardo Escobar. Someone that Cody Christie also highlighted when exploring some former Twins the club could bring back. 

Escobar is the most likely out of this list the Twins could acquire and, unfortunately, the one that moves the needle the least. He would bring in another bat to mix into the lineup against left-handers. Eddie’s numbers against lefties in 2022 were .259/.299/.519 with a .817 OPS. and nine home runs. 

The tricky thing about Escobar is he is hardly a third baseman at this point in his career. He recorded a -11 DRS and a -7 OAA. So while he could play the position, he may be more of a bat at this point than carry any value as a fielder. Considering how bad the Twins were against left-handed pitching last season, he could still be a valuable addition to the team. 

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[Karbo]

IMO, the Twins focus should be on RH outfielder and relievers that can go 2-3 innings and still go out 2 days later and go again.

[LewFordLives]

It will be interesting to see what the plan is. Are they really that confident in Miranda? Signing another third baseman would make no sense in light of the decision to move on from Urshela. The only thing that would make sense is if the Twins acquire another decent utility type if Miranda struggles or Farmer gets hurt. Someone who can play SS or 3B.

[gman]

Arraez and Gordon have both played some third. I think Miranda will be better. But even so, I expect one of Lee, Lewis, Julian or Martin to wind up at third. Most probably Lee. I wouldn't trade away whats left in the farm system for anyone at this point. Especially not after letting Urshela go.

[Doctor Gast]

Offensively I think the most productive thing we can to do is better managing the teams health. 

We face LHPs about 8% of the time (my guess) so righty bats is good but not a premium. I agree with Karbo & prefer we get that bat at an OF/DH position.

Defensively we need a SS more that can hit RHPs which we face about 92% of the time (and will help out offensively which Farmer won't need to face RHPs), which frees up Farmer to help out at 3B & other positions.

[old nurse]

Trying to figure out if the FO traded away Urshela it would be reasonable to think they like Miranda at 3B. 

[jorgenswest]

A little more than 28% of the Twins plate appearances were against left handed pitching.

The Twins faced a left handed starter in 49 of 162 games (a little over 30%).

Devers trade value is about the same as Ryan and Duran. Over his career he is at best mediocre against left handed pitching. I think a right handed bat in the outfield is a better fit.

[Heistyman]

Miranda looks like a weak side platoon DH to me.  He is so stiff in the field I just don't see him being an average or better fielder.  However, I would avoid this list of third sackers.  If we could solve the SS situation, then Farmer could play some third along with Arraez while Lee develops.  Sounds like Lee is more of a 3B guy from the scouting reports I've read.

[Whitey333]

Anything the Twins sign will definitely be a below average player.  They traded a decent player Urshela for a low level pitcher we will probably never see.  Apparently the FO wasn't excited about paying an arbitration salary of around 9 million for him.  By trading Urshela for a song and dance they had created even more questions.  Miranda could maybe go to third.  He's played there before and looked pretty bad.  Maybe he will be better.  Seems this FO has created most of their own problems.  I don't see them trading for any of the players mentioned.  So far the off season has been a disaster.  Signing Vazquez was one of the better signings as we needed a catcher and now they have one.  Gallo?  11 million for a career .199 hitter is way over spend IMO.  If they were able to spend it on him why wouldn't they have invested that money into some much needed pitching?  He does homer in about once in every 15-20 at bats.  But seldom homers in the clutch.  He strikes out more than once in every three at bats.  Come on Falvey, and Levine.  You can do better than that.  If not you should be gone.  And take Rocco with you.  

[PDX Twin]

52 minutes ago, gman said:

Arraez and Gordon have both played some third. I think Miranda will be better. But even so, I expect one of Lee, Lewis, Julian or Martin to wind up at third. Most probably Lee. I wouldn't trade away whats left in the farm system for anyone at this point. Especially not after letting Urshela go.

Exactly. Just no to all of the above. Let's see what Miranda and the other kids can do. If there is a problem and we are contenders, pick up someone at the deadline.

[ashbury]

Three trades that mostly fail to solve a non-existent problem in the first place. Just roll with Miranda now that they've committed to him.

[roger]

Hmmmh, they give away Urshela to clear third base for Miranda.  They have Lee likely needing a spot a year, or so, from now.  And here comes another article suggesting they use significant player/prospect capital to acquire a third baseman.

Bah-Humbug!

[rv78]

I really like articles that suggest a list of players the Twins should/could persue and go on to point out the weaknesses of those players which contradict the very reason to go after them. You mention Devers and say his defense is starting to look ugly and then suggest Miranda could be part of the trade to get him, yet you go on to say Miranda could become a right-handed version of Devers. Why then would you make that trade? I don't understand the hate for Miranda's defense on this site. How many games has he played at 3rd base? Let's all just assume he's going to be horrific. As for Rendon, he's set to make $38.5M per year for the next 4 years. If the FO wasn't willing to spend that type of money for a Correa they'd look like complete buffoons to trade for Rendon. Course, the Gallo signing has already made them look like buffoons so there's that. The Escobar ship has sailed, Why would anyone want him over Miranda? Well, maybe the buffoons, I guess. Point being..... the Twins don't need a 3rd baseman. Let's quit speculating on taking positions and at bats away from our better hitters. The Twins signed catcher Vazquez. Sorry Jeffers but that is an improvement. Now they need to sign a 1 year SS and find 3 outfielders that can hit above .230 and play everyday, if they are serious about improving the offense.

[Bob Twins Fan Since 61]

I would be willing to trade Pagan for Escobar.  Eduardo still has some pop in his bat.  He could be the right-handed DH and back-up the corner infield positions.  Beloved guy in the club house and fan favorite (including this one) when he was a Twin.  Think Devers would cost too much.  Believe Rendon is toast, wouldn't touch him.  Last thought I think Miranda will become a decent fielding 3B.  He has work ethic to become one.  Plus, if he only required to play 3B, will allow him to really focus on 3B.  Acquiring Escobar will reduce the need for him to play 1B too.  Go Twins!

[chpettit19]

If the Twins would be willing to pay Devers they 100% should see if he's available. He'd instantly be the best player on the team (because Buxton doesn't play enough). But there's a 0% chance they'd pay market rate for him so there's no way they should actually trade for him.

Overall, I find it hard to believe they're going to really invest in another 3B at this point. They traded Urshela so Miranda can play there. Unless you're upgrading on Miranda (with someone like Devers, even though Devers is probably best suited to be a DH most the time) there's really no point in bringing someone else in. They're trying to transition to the "new core" and Miranda is the only youngster that's stayed healthy and produced so he's getting a spot handed to him. Probably the right strategy.

[saviking]

Miranda is going to play average defense and be a perineal 300 hitter with power. He tore up the minor leagues and acquitted himself well in his first season. He can play 1st base if needed and of coerce DG. He's a right handed hitter which is at a premium. 

Miranda, Lewis, Lee, Krilloff, Laurnich, Wallner, Julian, Martin, We've been anticipating their arrival for the last 4 to 5 years. Let's put a bat and ball in their hands and let them play. And we still have Buxton, Arreaz , Gordon, Gallo and our catcher potion solved.  

By 2024 this group can be one of the premier lineups in the league, leading in batting average and at the top with home runs. 

[MTV]

Thanks for bringing this up, the Twins DEFINITELY still need to fix the left side of the infield, adding one more guy over there would be crucial. I also like the options of Max Muncy and Yoan Moncada, who wouldn’t be hard to get, as well as utility players like Ha-Seong Kim, Adalberto Mondesi and Joey Wendle.

[Mike Sixel]

I've seen some strange ideas on this site.... But giving up prospects for a third baseman when you have Miranda and Lee? Mind. Boggling. Truly an awful use of assets. 

[adjacent]

As others suggested, third base seems to be covered by Miranda and Gordon as a utility. If we are going to bring new players, the areas should be right handed outfielder, maybe, given the Correa pipedream disappointment,  another shortstop, and pitching, especially bullpen. Although an extra good started wouldn't be bad. But I said bullpen because the bullpen was what, together with injuries, derailed the 2022 season.

[Nate Palmer]

1 hour ago, rv78 said:

I really like articles that suggest a list of players the Twins should/could persue and go on to point out the weaknesses of those players which contradict the very reason to go after them. You mention Devers and say his defense is starting to look ugly and then suggest Miranda could be part of the trade to get him, yet you go on to say Miranda could become a right-handed version of Devers. Why then would you make that trade? 

The point of addressing the weaknesses is to be honest. I don't want to try and sugar coat an idea just to make it sound better than it maybe is. The reason a team would consider something like this is to get the player that is already something instead of waiting for the prospect to become something that they may never become. Devers is a very good bat who can play third for the moment but would be moved defensively in favor of someone like Brooks Lee at some point. 

[Mike Sixel]

59 minutes ago, Nate Palmer said:

The point of addressing the weaknesses is to be honest. I don't want to try and sugar coat an idea just to make it sound better than it maybe is. The reason a team would consider something like this is to get the player that is already something instead of waiting for the prospect to become something that they may never become. Devers is a very good bat who can play third for the moment but would be moved defensively in favor of someone like Brooks Lee at some point. 

Except they won't pay Devers. Also, how do you get him without giving up Lee or Lewis, plus?

[mrtwinsfan]

Hmmm,  like  Urshela

[EGFTShaw]

5 hours ago, Karbo said:

IMO, the Twins focus should be on RH outfielder and relievers that can go 2-3 innings and still go out 2 days later and go again.

And the Gagne family agrees. ?

[EGFTShaw]

5 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

Offensively I think the most productive thing we can to do is better managing the teams health. 

BINGO

We Have A Winner 

Winner, Winner, Chicken Parmigiana Dinner

i know it’s huge for every team, but if we focus on Health I really believe in this team’s potential. 
 

PS - just to spin everyone up, C4’s physical with the Mets has caused a pause. ??

PPS - I still take him tho

[Doctor Gast]

6 minutes ago, EGFTShaw said:

BINGO

We Have A Winner 

Winner, Winner, Chicken Parmigiana Dinner

i know it’s huge for every team, but if we focus on Health I really believe in this team’s potential. 
 

PS - just to spin everyone up, C4’s physical with the Mets has caused a pause. ??

PPS - I still take him tho

I really believe in this offense too.

[darwin22]

5 hours ago, LewFordLives said:

It will be interesting to see what the plan is. Are they really that confident in Miranda? Signing another third baseman would make no sense in light of the decision to move on from Urshela. The only thing that would make sense is if the Twins acquire another decent utility type if Miranda struggles Farmer gets hurt. Someone who can play SS or 3B.

Like Brandon Drury?  Of course not.  That would've made too much sense.

[mikelink45]

Good grief - first we get another Correa article and then we propose trades for players who are either not as good as Urshela or one that is going to require a SS level signing.  No thanks.  Keep Miranda there, let him prove that he can handle both the bat and the bag. 

[Rosterman]

The Twins do have room for another bench guy (spare infielder) on the roster projection.

I'm surprised they couldn't trade Kepler to Toronto for the catcher and the right-handed outfielder that went to the Diamondbacks. I'm sure the Twins could have sweetened the deal with a young pitching prospect. Having the catcher the Jays dealt as the next in line, or perhaps Jefefrs replacement, would've been a big plus. The Blue Jays needed a lefty hitting, defensive outfielder. Kepler ahd two years of control yet.

Back to the post. Wonder what it would take to get Escobar back to the Twins?

[William K Johnson]

Give Miranda a chance until Lewis returns, then decide if either Lewis or Farmer shift there.    

[CRF]

This article is a real nothing burger.