Article: Deadline Day Rumor Tracker

[Nick Nelson]

Deadline day is here. At 3:00 PM Central Time, MLB teams will no longer be able to complete trades without going through the waiver process. It is widely expected that the Twins will make some sort of move(s) today, so we'll have up-to-the-second updates on all the latest rumors and happenings in this article. Stay tuned!3:00 PM: We've reached the deadline, and there is no word of any other movements from the Twins. Looks like Jepsen is it for today, although we'll update here if anything else trickles in.

 

Just a reminder: relievers are frequently traded in August.

 

12:55 PM: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Twins have acquired right-hander Kevin Jepsen from the Rays. Click here for our story on the move.

 

12:30 PM: Longtime Rays beat writer Marc Topkin pointed to Kevin Jepsen as the reliever most likely to be traded by Tampa, and specifically called out the Twins as a likely destination. Jepsen, 31, is a right-hander with a 2.70 ERA and 1.14 WHIP dating back to the start of 2013, and 2016 will be his final season of arbitration eligibility.

 

10:50 AM: La Velle E. Neal III adds another name that he's been hearing in addition to Benoit -- Tampa Bay reliever Jake McGee. The 28-year-old lefty has a 1.46 ERA and 34-to-3 K/BB ratio in 24 2/3 innings this year.

 

10:30 AM: Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish cites "multiple sources" saying that the Padres and Twins have been talking, adding that one rumor has San Diego taking on Ricky Nolasco's contract as part of the deal (possibly in return for the Twins taking on James Shields?).

 

Mike Berardino adds that the Padres are not among the three teams on Nolasco's no-trade clause.

 

Friday Morning Rumors

 

* Mike Berardino tweeted on Thursday that the Twins are not interested in Red Sox relievers Junichi Tazawa or Craig Breslow, citing the lack of team control going forward as a primary reason. Sounds like the Twins want someone who will stick around, which narrows the field quite a bit.

 

* Berardino also said Thursday that the "buzz/hope" around the Twins' clubhouse is that the team will acquire Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit today.

 

* Terry Ryan insisted that action is on the way before the deadline. As Phil Miller wrote, Ryan told reporters on Thursday, "I think there might be a little bit of a flurry tomorrow," adding that he has "every intention of trying to improve this club and find a piece here and a piece there."

 

Other Resources to Check Out

 

* Seth looked at the Twins' history at the trade deadline and examined several possible moves in our Official Deadline Day thread.

 

* Seth also took an in-depth look at all of Minnesota's most logical trade chips.

 

* Jeremy discussed the ongoing dialogue between the Twins and likely trade partner San Diego, and speculated on a possible James Shields trade.

 

Click here to view the article

[d-mac]

How many more years of team control does McGee have? I'd prefer him over Benoit (...Balls! Nailed it.) any day. 

[redstorm]

Nitpicking, but McGee is a lefty.

[Nick Nelson]

 

Nitpicking, but McGee is a lefty.

Whoops! That's not a nitpick, that's a key detail. Fixed, thanks.

[jokin]

I don't understand why the Twins aren't in on a potential fire sale in Miami.  They got fleeced by the Braves and Dodgers.  Take on a big contract or two and they can pick up some of their young pitching and position talent, and based on how the Marlins typically operate, it wouldn't cost much.

[Danchat]

I'm not sure if I'd want Shields, but dumping Nolasco and adding a reliever sounds very nice. Let's hope the Twins can get something done today.

[DaveW]

Rodney is a flaming pile of dog crap this season, he has lost the Mariners 5 games on his own this year minimum.

[nytwinsfan]

Jake McGee sounds very interesting. Wouldn't mind him.

[DaveW]

 

This they have Dee Gordon, one of the fastest infielders in the game and Carter Capps an intersting relief guy. We have some starting pitching that may interest them. Got to think we would have some pieces that would square up with the Marlins. 

There is zero chance Gordon gets moved.

[SwainZag]

 

This they have Dee Gordon, one of the fastest infielders in the game and Carter Capps an intersting relief guy. We have some starting pitching that may interest them. Got to think we would have some pieces that would square up with the Marlins. 

 

With Dozier, where ya planning on playing Gordon at?

[TheLeviathan]

Rodney is a flaming pile of dog crap this season, he has lost the Mariners 5 games on his own this year minimum.

So you're saying he is an upgrade on Boyer?

[PseudoSABR]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  53s53 seconds ago
Source: Kevin Jepsen to #Twins.

 

Something

[d-mac]

 

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  53s53 seconds ago
Source: Kevin Jepsen to #Twins.

 

Something

 

TR couldn't help himself around that shiny ERA and the 5 whole saves this year!

[Mike Sixel]

Man, how do they keep big moves like this so secret, and out of the rumor mill? This wasn't on anyone's radar!

[DaveW]

 

Cymbal crash, what did we get fleeced for. Toronto Blue Jays just acquired Ben Revere. I wonder which one of Danny Valencia and Chris Collabello is about to get released?

Collabello would actually be a solid pick up for this team.

[TheLeviathan]

Collabello would actually be a solid pick up for this team.

And pass up on The Golden Calf? Insanity!

[d-mac]

Well now that TR has made his move, we can all get back to work.

[nicksaviking]

Dear lord, please don't let Detroit get one of the Mets young stud arms for Cespedes.

[ckrolak]

Maybe Ryan fell asleep for his afternoon nap before he could make any more deals to help the Twins.  Hey Ryan, The Villages in Florida is waiting for you.

[Rosterman]

It was a bad day for former Twins with Deolis Guerra and Vance Worley being sent down by the Pirates, Danny Valencia getting sent out by Toronto, and Garrett Jones getting cut from the Yankees. Oh, Chris Parmelee got sent out by Baltimore, too. But, hey, Pedro Florimon is abck in the majors!