Offseason Mock Trades

[ashbury]

I guess it depends on how much you trust Polanco, he's not exactly killing it as a hitter either.....

... in AA/AAA at age 21. My guess is his bat plays in the majors, sooner rather than later.

[Mike Sixel]

 

... in AA/AAA at age 21. My guess is his bat plays in the majors, sooner rather than later.

 

Well, he's back in AA, and he's been good there, not great, right? I just don't buy the "he'll be fine, no issues" way people talk about him as if he's some no risk 2B next year. He might be, but it's not obvious on its face, imo.

 

Ryan doesn't agree, imo, that this team is years away. If he did, he'd not sign the SP contracts he's signed. I'd say that saying they should trade for another 3 years of rebuilding is as realistic as me saying they should cut Mauer.

[RJM96]

We need to find a team in need of a second baseman who has a near MLB ready catcher. If they're rebuilding, we give them Polanco. If they're contending, we give them Dozier and get more in return.

[Thrylos]

 

This might be the offseason where Terry Ryan finally decides to do his job

.

 

Hopefully this will be the offseason where Terry Ryan is finally held accountable and loses his job...

[RJM96]

How bout the deal that sounded like it was going to happen on the deadline?

 

Shield/Norris/XXX for Nolasco/Meyer/Arcia/Stewart

I like this trade. What are the odds that this still happens in the offseason? Who is likely "XXX"?

[Thrylos]

 

I like this trade. What are the odds that this still happens in the offseason? Who is likely "XXX"?

 

Sub Austin Hedges for Norris and add a couple of Lirianos (Elvin and Rymer) and this deal might begin to make sense for the Twins.  Or add one Liriano and throw in Santana.

[DJSim22]

 

Swihart and Sandoval for Mauer Plouffe Rosario Arcia and Pinto.  Outside the box a little bit

 

You may need to refer to the Mauer thread pinned at the top of the forum. 

[Thrylos]

 

How about Max Kepler/Eddie Rosario and another guy ranked in the Twins 20s for Kevin Plawecki of the Mets. If they don't re-sign Cespedes, they presumably could use another outfielder, but it may take more than a guy like Kepler to get a guy who has been on top 100 lists in Plawecki.

 

Too much.  And I really don't think much of Plawecki. 

 

I'd trade Buxton for d'Arnaud straight up though, and if the Mets were interested in flipping one of their young starters for any Pitcher in the Twins' 40-man rotation who makes more than league minimum in that trade, I won't say no... 

[RJM96]

Sub Austin Hedges for Norris and add a couple of Lirianos (Elvin and Rymer) and this deal might begin to make sense for the Twins. Or add one Liriano and throw in Santana.

There were lots of Padres fans hoping to acquire Santana from us before the season started. Is think this is a really great idea. Is it realistic though?

[Thrylos]

 

There were lots of Padres fans hoping to acquire Santana from us before the season started. Is think this is a really great idea. Is it realistic though?

 

Ryan should had sell high on D. Santana last off-season.  That birdy flew...

 

Unless you are talking about the cheater

[RJM96]

Ryan should had sell high on D. Santana last off-season. That birdy flew...

 

Unless you are talking about the cheater

No I'm talking about Danny.

[HitInAPinch]

 

Too much.  And I really don't think much of Plawecki. 

 

I'd trade Buxton for d'Arnaud straight up though, and if the Mets were interested in flipping one of their young starters for any Pitcher in the Twins' 40-man rotation who makes more than league minimum in that trade, I won't say no... 

Someone who want's to trade BUXTON?!?!?!   GASP! 

[DocBauer]

My attempt at bullet points.

 

*STOP trying to trade Mauer. Ain't ever going to happen. And while you are at it, enough of the Twilight Zone marathons. Great show but rotting your brain.

 

*As part of a deal, I still believe Arcia still has value. Enigma? Yes? Questions? Absolutely. Strong arm, some hitting ability, big power potential and still young? Multiple checks. GM's aren't generally stupid. They know his issues, but they know his potential. If he were part of a package and I needed some power, especially from the LH side, I'd be intrigued.

 

*D Santana is a lesser version of all I just said about Arcia. He's not going to pull a lot of weight in a deal. But if a team is hurting for athletic, young INF, he could be a final piece to a deal. Hell of a lot better than the typical PTBNL.

 

*Dont be surprised to see the Nolasco to SD trade for Shields, and a mix of other pieces for our new, young catcher. It actually makes a lot of sense. We lose contract money but gain more back plus an extra year. The Padres guessed wrong, over-extended themselves, need to pull back a bit and recoup, and still get a solid SP with Major NL experience while shedding payroll. Then it's some mix and match to complete the deal.

 

*I'd have Berrios and Kepler on my "no way unless you make it irresistible" list. Berrios for pretty obvious reasons. But Kepler because even with his big breakout year this year, he still hasn't approached his full potential. Next to Buxton, this guy is the most gifted, athletic, potential filled player in the system. Not only do I want to keep him, but I'm afraid we'd be selling short at this point. He can hit, has an eye, has XB power and budding HR power that easily could put him in the 20's, SB ability, and defense solid to good at 4 spots. And he hits LH.

 

*You can adapt the old sports adage to say if you have 4 SS you don't have any. (Escobar, Santana, Polanco and yes, I'm including Nunez at his natural/original position based on that, utility play, and recent improvement comments from the Twins). But there remains talent and potential in Santana. We've seen how steady and productive Escobar can be, if unspectacular. Polanco has some big offensive potential, I don't want to lose him, and could be excellent at 2B if SS doesn't turn out. Other teams may be interested. Let them be interested. I could live with one or two of these guys included in a deal.

 

BTW, how come nobody talks about Beresford any more?

 

*I like Leviathan's idea of persuing multiple catchers and looking for the best deal. There's a few guys who could pan out nicely, see what deal fits the best.

 

*I think Plouffe is an outstanding trade chip. I think he's an upgrade, and a better value than some on here give credit for. I am not convinced we HAVE to trade him to get said young catcher. The SD trade scenario is one example. But to the right team, Arcia, Polanco and Duffey could be very enticing. Despite belief and promise proposed in Rosario, Hicks, Buxton and Kepler...maybe Arcia...Walker down the road...young Ortiz at Rochester as a 4th-5th OF type...Santana as a possible OF/INF utility player...we are still talking a lot of youth. Keeping Plouffe as a DH/3B/1B to split time with Mauer and Sano and spare OF the day sounds nice to me. So trading him isn't automatic to me.

 

*If Plouffe were traded, despite all the great feelings I have about our young and potential OF, and still hope for Vargas, Id like to see Ryan sign a legit DH candidate.

 

*I'm signing a high quality RHRP for $5-7M. That should do it, I think. And I look for and sign the best LHRP/failed or sliding LHSP move to bullpen option I can find. From there it's all about the best deal for a young catcher. See Leviathan for a most probable list of targets.

 

Why does this potential Padres deal keep scratching away at the back of my head?

[RJM96]

Minnesota receives:

 

SP James Shields

C Austin Hedges

OF Rymer Liriano

 

San Diego receives:

 

SP Ricky Nolasco

RP Alex Meyer

OF Oswaldo Arcia

SP Kohl Stewart

SS Danny Santana

 

Does this trade go through? Who needs to be added or subtracted for this deal to happen?

[Everyday Eddy]

Does anyone see any way we could put together a deal with the mets that gets us one of the catchers and either cecchini or reynolds at SS?   They seem to have a surplus of talent there in the minors

[Thrylos]

 

Someone who want's to trade BUXTON?!?!?!   GASP! 

 

Sell high.  I am the minority here, but I think that Buxton's value is probably as high as it can be...

[Thrylos]

 

 

Minnesota receives:

SP James Shields
C Austin Hedges
OF Rymer Liriano

San Diego receives:

SP Ricky Nolasco
RP Alex Meyer
OF Oswaldo Arcia
SP Kohl Stewart
SS Danny Santana

Does this trade go through? Who needs to be added or subtracted for this deal to happen?

 

That's pretty even and can happen, but Ryan needs to be subtracted and a GM with half a brain needs to be added.

[RJM96]

Does anyone have a better substitute for Liriano? (Someone we could actually use)

[RJM96]

 

Minnesota receives:

SP James Shields
C Austin Hedges
OF Rymer Liriano

San Diego receives:

SP Ricky Nolasco
RP Alex Meyer
OF Oswaldo Arcia
SP Kohl Stewart
SS Danny Santana

 

Assuming we make this trade, what happens to Plouffe? Who is interested? Do we maybe shop him for some solid relief prospects? What happens if Colorado still has significant interest in Kyle Gibson? Do they have any prospects that might be of interest to us?

[diehardtwinsfan]

Assets to trade:

 

Plouffe, Polanco or Santana (if they are picking up a solid SS), Rosario, and Milone. At some point, one of Vargas or Arcia will likely be out of here too. I'd add Nolasco to this list, but no one is buying there.

 

Needs:

 

SS, C, RP help. You can get RP in free agency, and there's a few guys in the high minors deserving a chance, but SS and C are going to be harder to fill. If you could flip those 4 for above average help at SS and C, I'd be pretty happy.

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

 

Assets to trade:

Plouffe, Polanco or Santana (if they are picking up a solid SS), Rosario, and Milone. At some point, one of Vargas or Arcia will likely be out of here too. I'd add Nolasco to this list, but no one is buying there.

Needs:

SS, C, RP help. You can get RP in free agency, and there's a few guys in the high minors deserving a chance, but SS and C are going to be harder to fill. If you could flip those 4 for above average help at SS and C, I'd be pretty happy.

 

I think this is a good way to approach the issue.

 

Namely, what do the Twins need in 2016 that they can't get from their own system?

 

Catcher seems to be the biggest need with the least appealing internal options. I'd say they should be looking to add a ML Starter for 2016 and another catcher that can start 2016 in AA or AAA with the idea of having that catcher replace Suzuki once that contract is up, either to back up the ML guy or to leapfrog.

 

Shortstop might need a two or three year bridge to Nick Gordon. 

 

Relief pitching - lots of internal options - so far the twins haven't tested the right ones yet, or haven't tested them long enough to have a solution. 2016? They might have it covered if things break well for the young guys and/or they add a couple free agents that can stick.

 

The second part - where do the Twins have Organizational Depth from which they can get a long term solution behind the plate?

 

on MLB Roster - Starting Pitchers, Trevor Plouffe, Brian Dozier, Rosario, and Hicks are the guys most likely to have value to someone else. Perkins has value but I don't think the Twins consider him a trade chip (because reasons)

 

in the pipeline - Starting Pitching (no more Hu, but there's Gonsalves, Thorpe, Kohl Stewart, others), Relief Pitching (the Twins drafted all those guys, but maybe some other team wanted them real bad and think they can develop them better), Arcia, ABW, Vargas, Danny Santana,  Travis Harrison - there are enough guys that losing one or two doesn't ruin the depth. 

 

I'm hoping the Twins can address the Catching problem in the offseason.

[KGB]

 

Minnesota receives:

SP James Shields
C Austin Hedges
OF Rymer Liriano

San Diego receives:

SP Ricky Nolasco
RP Alex Meyer
OF Oswaldo Arcia
SP Kohl Stewart
SS Danny Santana

Does this trade go through? Who needs to be added or subtracted for this deal to happen?

That seems like a TR type of deal, he loves aging pitchers and getting Shields for the ages of 33-37 at $20 million a year sounds like a bargin.  Got to love his 95 ERA+ this year.

 

 

[HitInAPinch]

 

Sell high.  I am the minority here, but I think that Buxton's value is probably as high as it can be...

 

"Sell high."  I'm with you on that.  I would have sold high on Hrbek and Puckett, too.  In the "small market" game that the Twins play in, you can't hold onto players until they are not longer performing at previous levels.  And you can't constantly wring your hands over prospects.

 

I'm not 100% sold on Buxton.  I've always been very cautious when people are screaming "He's a 5 tool player!!!"  There have been, and continue to be, very few authentic 5 tool players.  Buxton, right now, can't hit MLB pitchers.  If he cleans up his mechanics and adds a little muscle, that could really change quickly.

[Shane Wahl]

I would trade Plouffe for Plawecki straight up, or with some tinkering. I don't know what they think is going to happen with David Wright at this point. If they don't want Plouffe, then I would offer Arcia. Tinker away. Plawecki needed significant AAA time this year and didn't get it, but he is slightly better than Herrmann offensively and defensively even with that at age 24.

 

I don't like any idea that has the Twins trading top prospects unless it involves Polanco, I guess. I think Polanco and Kepler are still good players to start 2016 with in AAA (Polanco's defense and more seasoning for Kepler's bat).

 

Trade to get younger still, please.

 

Don't trade Buxton. Imagine this team in 2016 with a promising young catcher added in. Buxton-Mauer-Sano-Arcia-Dozier-Rosario-Hicks-Plawecki-Polanco (let's just say for now, maybe Santana starts) and a bench of Santana/Beresford (Polanco to AAA, James gets SS respect he deserves), Vargas, Pinto, and Ortiz (Kepler in AAA). Imagine going all in with the youth movement, finally?!

[nicksaviking]

I'd love to get rid of the last two years of Nolasco's contract but at this point, I think the club would at least be willing to stick him in the pen. That wouldn't happen with any of the other vets.

 

If the Twins take back Shields then the rotation is locked with:

Shields

Santana

Hughes

Gibson

 

Where do May and Berrios go? This club may still even give Milone his seniority first look.

 

I'd think long and hard about giving away Ricky's last two years in exchange for the better Shields, but this club nees to get rid of some of these terrible contracts to these declining vet arms. 

 

I know the past rotation woes were due to inexperienced and ineffective pitchers, but in fixing the problem the front office seemed to overcompensate on the experience issue when instead they should have overcompensated on the effectiveness issue.

[Shane Wahl]

 

I think this is a good way to approach the issue.

 

Namely, what do the Twins need in 2016 that they can't get from their own system?

 

Catcher seems to be the biggest need with the least appealing internal options. I'd say they should be looking to add a ML Starter for 2016 and another catcher that can start 2016 in AA or AAA with the idea of having that catcher replace Suzuki once that contract is up, either to back up the ML guy or to leapfrog.

 

Shortstop might need a two or three year bridge to Nick Gordon. 

 

Relief pitching - lots of internal options - so far the twins haven't tested the right ones yet, or haven't tested them long enough to have a solution. 2016? They might have it covered if things break well for the young guys and/or they add a couple free agents that can stick.

 

The second part - where do the Twins have Organizational Depth from which they can get a long term solution behind the plate?

 

on MLB Roster - Starting Pitchers, Trevor Plouffe, Brian Dozier, Rosario, and Hicks are the guys most likely to have value to someone else. Perkins has value but I don't think the Twins consider him a trade chip (because reasons)

 

in the pipeline - Starting Pitching (no more Hu, but there's Gonsalves, Thorpe, Kohl Stewart, others), Relief Pitching (the Twins drafted all those guys, but maybe some other team wanted them real bad and think they can develop them better), Arcia, ABW, Vargas, Danny Santana,  Travis Harrison - there are enough guys that losing one or two doesn't ruin the depth. 

 

I'm hoping the Twins can address the Catching problem in the offseason.

 

Yes. Something needs to happen on the catching front. Anything else is unacceptable. However, going into 2016 with a SS battle between Danny Santana and Jorge Polanco isn't terrible in my view, given the full roster that *should* be in place next year. If it really goes south, they can trade for a SS.

I don't even understand anything about the bullpen system-wide right now. This was a near total collapse. It would have been nice to get firm answers on Oliveros and Tonkin this year from AAA. Meyer? Who knows? Brandon Peterson is a good hope for 2016.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I get the desire to add pitching, but we have 6 starters now for 5 spots and that doesn't include Berrios. Only way pitching is added is if the Twins manage to shed Nolasco, Hughes, Gibson, or Santana. I really don't see any of that happening unless the Twins think Gibson is a mirage and sell.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Minnesota receives:

 

SP James Shields

C Austin Hedges

OF Rymer Liriano

 

San Diego receives:

 

SP Ricky Nolasco

RP Alex Meyer

OF Oswaldo Arcia

SP Kohl Stewart

SS Danny Santana

 

Does this trade go through? Who needs to be added or subtracted for this deal to happen?

I *really* doubt you can package together 5 players who are *all* currently disappointing or underperforming (or almost outright failed) for 2-3 players who are not.

 

Not that those underperforming guys each have zero value, but I highly doubt you can just pile up such players in any trade. The sum is less than the individual parts, so to speak.

[markos]

 

I *really* doubt you can package together 5 players who are *all* currently disappointing or underperforming (or almost outright failed) for 2-3 players who are not.

Not that those underperforming guys each have zero value, but I highly doubt you can just pile up such players in any trade. The sum is less than the individual parts, so to speak.

The only factor that makes this framework of a trade work is that the Twins would be essentially freeing the Padres from $40MM in future salary obligations. 

 

Personally, I think this specific trade would be a huge win for the Padres. They shed Shields' contract (3yrs, $65MM left) and get to buy low on 4 young players, 3 of which still have extremely high ceilings (Meyer, Arcia and Stewart). In exchange, the only player of consequence that they lose is Hedges, who has never really hit and may never hit enough to be an average catcher, even with his elite defensive skills.

[TheLeviathan]

Assuming you have Buxton-Dozier-Mauer-Sano-Arcia-Hicks-Rosario penciled in - catcher and shortstop are the trade targets.

 

Money is what should be spent on the bullpen, not trade assets.