Who is more valuable: Luis Arraez or Jorge Polanco?

Polanco:

29 yrs old in ‘23

only 77 games in 2018 after most of a full season in 2017.

104 games in 2022 - 16 HR - 56 RBI solid defense at 2B

56 RBI batting 3rd - 4th - 5th predominantly 

.235 BA in ‘22 - career is .270ish

…………………

Arraez:

26 yrs old in ‘23

129 starts - 144 games in 2022 - 8 HR - 49 RBI solid defense at 1B

49 RBI batting lead-off predominantly 

.316 BA in ‘22 - career is .314

…………………….

IMO…..Arraez, if batting in the spots Polanco was in would have significantly more RBI. .366 RISP in ‘22. Polanco has more power but Arraez has an advantage with contact capability and BA.

IMO….we have an unproven, oft injured Alex Kiriloff as our next in line at 1B………we have 4-5 guys in system that could play 2B since the signing of CC.

Polanco had an impressive 2021……I would not trade either of these guys. Polanco seemed he was banged up more than his normal in ‘22. Gotta see where he’s at with his health & bat in ‘23.

Can’t trade Arraez!!!

Great comparison. 

The discussion about Arraez not being able to play 2B kind of confuses me. While I agree he's not good, but neither is Polanco. Trading Polanco and having Arraez shift over to the keystone would likely be a lateral move on defense.  

While I would never trade Arraez for Lopez straight up (hypothetical), I would entertain a 1-for-1 swap with Polanco instead. 

Both are bat-first infielders and Arraez probably has the better bat going forward. 

Polanco and it's not close. 

Yeah Polanco makes the most sense.  He is turning 30 has just a few more prime years left and is getting more expensive.  Another team has to want him though and the Twins have to want what another team is willing to offer.  If we are looking at Miami I don't think Polanco makes sense.  They would want lower salary players and players that can grow with their core.  Polanco doesn't fit well in that scenario IMO.  So each trading partner has different needs for different players.

Also the only reason we are trading either of those players this year is for a top of the rotation starter. If we can't get that then we should roll with what we have.  They are both valuable players for this team now and in the future.

With Jullien, Martin, Lewis and maybe Lee on the horizon one or both of those players might be good trade candidates if the Twins can get something they need.  But sure if I had my choice it would be to move Polanco.