Twins Trade Chips

The Untouchables

I am of the opinion that unless someone like Mike Trout or Bryce Harper is available, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are completely untouchable. I think it’s also fair to assume that JO Berrios would also be untouchable unless the Twins were offered something that is incredibly unlikely.

Untouchable, But…?

I realize that is an awkward heading, but it does seem appropriate. I think Max Kepler is a guy that the Twins would really rather not trade. I think they have and should tell teams that he is untouchable. However, he is also someone who teams will really, really want and may be the piece that gets them a top player, someone who could make a difference this year and going forward.

Shortstops

Jorge Polanco is the name that most assume is most likely to be dealt. He is playing shortstop, but most think that his best position would be second base. His error totals at shortstop have really mounted up. The Twins also have a second baseman who is pretty good in All-Star Brian Dozier. If the Twins don’t believe that Polanco has the arm or the ability to be at least a solid major league shortstop, they should deal him. Teams are always looking for middle-of-the-diamond players and they are tough to fine. If they can find a team that sees him as a shortstop, they could get a lot for him. His bat is probably big league ready now.

However, I am sure that other teams are also inquiring about the availability of Danny Santana, and maybe even Eduardo Escobar. Both are still young. Santana has 2014. Escobar has 2014 and terrific versatility. I don’t think the Twins would (or should) want to trade Escobar.

Outfielders

The goal should never be to sell low. However, that is probably where the Twins are with Oswaldo Arcia. The problem is that not only has he really struggled making consistent contact in the big leagues, his stint in the minor leagues has really shown that he isn’t figuring it out. He’ll always struggle against left-handers, most likely. He is striking out a ton and he is very undisciplined at the plate. And there there is the perceived attitude. Teams around the league talk. Teams are aware of the issues that Arcia presents. The Twins probably can’t get a ton for him, but if I’m another team, I take a shot on his power potential.

Eddie Rosario has come up and done a nice job, especially defensively (minus Wednesday, of course). He hasn’t looked overwhelmed at the plate either. That said, his walk to strikeout rate isn’t good, and it is consistent with what it has been in the upper levels of the minor leagues. It might be a sell-high time on Rosario.

Pitchers

Everyone is looking for pitching. Right now, the name we are hearing most is Kohl Stewart. There are reports, including Jeremy’s, saying that the Twins have let it be known that Stewart is available. Though he has struggled to stay healthy and isn’t racking up strikeout numbers, he is still an elite talent and the Twins could get a significant piece if they’re willing to get rid of him.

Stephen Gonsalves is another guy who has jumped into Top 10 Twins prospect lists with great numbers this year. He’s left-handed and has the world of potential. I think the Twins would want to keep him, and I haven’t heard his name in any trade rumors at this point. I only bring it up because he could fetch a very good player in return. Also, he is from San Diego, so if there is one team that I would feel good for him being traded to, it would be the Padres.

We don’t know if or when Terry Ryan will make a trade. I think we can all assume they will make at least one deal by tomorrow’s deadline. If not, it will 1.) be scary continuing to watch this bullpen, and 2.) possible to make deals in August under the waiver rules.

There always seems to be one more minor leaguer added to a trade that no one anticipated. Here at Twins Daily, we’ll be following closely and ready to report on any Twins trades.