Twins Trade Rumors

[Vanimal46]

Yeah, it kinda does. If the plan is to bring up youngsters, especially pitchers, you might want to have some guys in the infield that can actually, you know, field a position. If Dozier and Escobar are both traded, it likely means Austudillo playing everyday at 3b and Adrianza at 2b with Motter as the back up.

 

Who are we kidding? MOY will likely start Motter over Austudillo. The Twins lack the personnel to replace two infielders. Trading pieces without a replacement is how the Twins were forced to bring up Hicks when he wasn’t ready and Buxton when he wasn’t ready.

Worst case, I'm sure the FO has a 34+ year old waiver wire target in mind

 

If some are looking for an aggressive overpay it's not going to happen anyways. If they can get a borderline top 100 prospect like Mejia for Nunez I'd make the trade.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Yeah, it kinda does. If the plan is to bring up youngsters, especially pitchers, you might want to have some guys in the infield that can actually, you know, field a position. If Dozier and Escobar are both traded, it likely means Austudillo playing everyday at 3b and Adrianza at 2b with Motter as the back up.

Who are we kidding? MOY will likely start Motter over Austudillo. The Twins lack the personnel to replace two infielders. Trading pieces without a replacement is how the Twins were forced to bring up Hicks when he wasn’t ready and Buxton when he wasn’t ready.

Well, there is Sano.

 

Plus, they may only trade one of Escobar and Dozier. Or even if they traded both, they could possibly receive an infielder back, although I suppose it could be of the Motter variety.

 

Frankly, if we're selling, I don't think it's terrible to play Astudillo, Adrianza, and Motter. None of them will be starters on opening day 2019, but at least you can sort through them for who gets DFA'd and who gets kept in a reserve role. We don't need to hand the baton to the next long-term starter right away.

 

Also, I don't think trades "forced" the Twins to bring up Hicks -- we could have easily signed another outfielder that offseason but chose not to. Trades were even less of a factor for Buxton -- we first promoted him in June 2015, just after the super-2 deadline, when Hicks was still on the team (although I think on the DL). We could have signed another outfielder when we dealt Hicks too, but chose not to.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Sano at 3B, Gordon and/or Arraez at 2B (instead of Dozier)

I'd be surprised to see Arraez, considering he just got promoted to AA. But he will be Rule 5 eligible this winter if we don't add him to the 40-man roster, so like Gordon, I suppose he could be in the mix if we have 40-man spots to play with.

 

In that case, though, given that neither Gordon or Arraez would likely be trusted with an opening day 2019 job anyway, we might be better off using the rest of 2018 to sort through our current 40-man guys to find our next DFA candidates.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

Does it really matter who gets the innings at 3B the rest of the year?

Will Escobar help the Twins achieve 75 wins instead of 70?

I'm sick of watching Motter, and have a higher threshold for trading Escobar as a candidate (in my mind) for QO than Dozier.

 

Dozier, sure get what you can.

 

You only need one hole to get a good look at DFA candidates, and frankly, Motter, Astudillo, Gordon, could be no worse than Dozier.

 

If you have a prospect you want to see, I'm curious who that person is. I can't identify one that's ready. I get wanting to see Sano, but I'm doubtful hes a third baseman.

[Vanimal46]

I'm sick of watching Motter, and have a higher threshold for trading Escobar as a candidate (in my mind) for QO than Dozier.

 

Dozier, sure get what you can.

 

You only need one hole to get a good look at DFA candidates, and frankly, Motter, Astudillo, Gordon, could be no worse than Dozier.

 

If you have a prospect you want to see, I'm curious who that person is. I can't identify one that's ready. I get wanting to see Sano, but I'm doubtful hes a third baseman.

There's no prospect I want to see right now but that's not really a factor in the decision anymore IMO. If they were an 85 win team it would of course. But not really for an 85 loss team.

 

I think the better return for trade will come from Escobar, and I'm skeptical of the career year at 29... We've seen that episode before from the versatile Eddie Nunez, who, 2 years later is putting up -1 bWAR.

[nicksaviking]

 

There's no prospect I want to see right now but that's not really a factor in the decision anymore IMO. If they were an 85 win team it would of course. But not really for an 85 loss team.

I think the better return for trade will come from Escobar, and I'm skeptical of the career year at 29... We've seen that episode before from the versatile Eddie Nunez, who, 2 years later is putting up -1 bWAR.

 

It is a career year, but unlike Nunez, four of Escobar's past five seasons have been solid or better. The chances that the bottom falls out on Escobar is probably much less. I'd think that's also supported by the fact that while Nunez's on base skills have been decreasing, Escobar's have been improving each year.

 

But I'd still trade him if they can get a decent piece or two. If the team likes him as much as the fans do, I'm sure they can fit a contract offer into their 2019 payroll which currently projects to be about $45M.

[gocgo]

 

I spent a lot of time looking at him, and reading comments all over the web. No one likes him anymore.

That's the perfect definition of what the Twins pursue!

[Vanimal46]

It is a career year, but unlike Nunez, four of Escobar's past five seasons have been solid or better. The chances that the bottom falls out on Escobar is probably much less. I'd think that's also supported by the fact that while Nunez's on base skills have been decreasing, Escobar's have been improving each year.

 

But I'd still trade him if they can get a decent piece or two. If the team likes him as much as the fans do, I'm sure they can fit a contract offer into their 2019 payroll which currently projects to be about $45M.

I would look at their career stats again and rephrase... Nunez has been better than Escobar from an OPS standpoint up until this year.

[nicksaviking]

 

I would look at their career stats again and rephrase... Nunez has been better than Escobar from an OPS standpoint up until this year.

 

Using the figures after Nunez was traded. Nunez had one decent year in 2015 prior to the Twins shipping him out, should the Twins ship out Escobar this year he was decent 3 of the past 4 years of track record for the Twins to show other teams as a floor.

[jorgenswest]

The return for Nunez was Mejia who made at least one top 100 list. That return is better than a comp pick and something they should accept for Escobar as they approach the deadline.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

The return for Nunez was Mejia who made at least one top 100 list. That return is better than a comp pick and something they should accept for Escobar as they approach the deadline.

 

Curious why you think this way? Escobar can hold down a starting spot at 3 positions in the infield, hits the ball and will be able to be signed for pretty cheap. You want to give that up for nobody type prospect? A #5-6 starter type?

What for? Escobar even if he gets paid is only going to get a 2-3 year deal. Worse case he starts another season then backs up the infield for the remainder. I'd sign him all day long and probably wouldn't deal him unless he are able to get something significant. Which, you most likely won't.

 

Dozier is worth little to nothing. I'd guess his trade value comes in a a PTBNL type. An organizational 15-20 type prospect. He's been slug this season and it's hurt his value. Maybe he should have looked to sign a deal with the Twins this past offseason. Now he is in trouble IMO.

[jorgenswest]

Curious why you think this way? Escobar can hold down a starting spot at 3 positions in the infield, hits the ball and will be able to be signed for pretty cheap. You want to give that up for nobody type prospect? A #5-6 starter type?

What for? Escobar even if he gets paid is only going to get a 2-3 year deal. Worse case he starts another season then backs up the infield for the remainder. I'd sign him all day long and probably wouldn't deal him unless he are able to get something significant. Which, you most likely won't.

 

Dozier is worth little to nothing. I'd guess his trade value comes in a a PTBNL type. An organizational 15-20 type prospect. He's been slug this season and it's hurt his value. Maybe he should have looked to sign a deal with the Twins this past offseason. Now he is in trouble IMO.

The only thing the Twins can control in terms of keeping Escobar is making a qualifying offer. I hope he takes the offer. If not, the return is a comp pick. A prospect of similar ranking to Mejia’s at the time of that trade is better value than a draft pick in the 30s.

 

The Twins can compete for Escobar in the free agent market whether he is on the team in August or not.

[USAFChief]

 

I spent a lot of time looking at him, and reading comments all over the web. No one likes him anymore.

Time to buy low!!!

[Major League Ready]

 

Curious why you think this way? Escobar can hold down a starting spot at 3 positions in the infield, hits the ball and will be able to be signed for pretty cheap. You want to give that up for nobody type prospect? A #5-6 starter type?

What for? Escobar even if he gets paid is only going to get a 2-3 year deal. Worse case he starts another season then backs up the infield for the remainder. I'd sign him all day long and probably wouldn't deal him unless he are able to get something significant. Which, you most likely won't.

 

Dozier is worth little to nothing. I'd guess his trade value comes in a a PTBNL type. An organizational 15-20 type prospect. He's been slug this season and it's hurt his value. Maybe he should have looked to sign a deal with the Twins this past offseason. Now he is in trouble IMO.

Do you understand Escobar is a free agent at the end of the year?

[Vanimal46]

Do you understand Escobar is a free agent at the end of the year?

Not only that, but the poster you responded to is okay with worst case scenario Escobar starts next year, and switches back to utility for the remaining 1-2 years of the contract.

 

Imagine the angst having a $10 million backup infielder on roster.

[markos]

 

The only thing the Twins can control in terms of keeping Escobar is making a qualifying offer. I hope he takes the offer. If not, the return is a comp pick. A prospect of similar ranking to Mejia’s at the time of that trade is better value than a draft pick in the 30s.

The Twins can compete for Escobar in the free agent market whether he is on the team in August or not.

The comp pick will be in the 30s only if Escobar signs a deal worth more than $50M. My guess is he does not (I think Zack Cozarts 3yr-$38M deal is Escobar's ceiling), and the comp pick ends up being in the 75-80 range instead.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Time to buy low!!!

 

Their backup catcher is hurt, and he still isn't catching!

 

That said, I'd trade Wilson for him right now.....and our SPs would be POd....

[Vanimal46]

The comp pick will be in the 30s only if Escobar signs a deal worth more than $50M. My guess is he does not (I think Zack Cozarts 3yr-$38M deal is Escobar's ceiling), and the comp pick ends up being in the 75-80 range instead.

Interesting tidbit. Even more reason to trade him IMO if they can find a borderline top 100 prospect to trade for.

[Brandon]

The big rumor at MLBBLOGTradeRumors is that Dave was quietly dealt to YankeesDaily for a blogger prospect currently posting about the Florida State League.

 

The kid is putting up 50-60 posts per day. VERY high level prospect. Of course, YankeesDaily prospects tend to be somewhat overrated, so who knows if he'll make his way here and produce at that level.

Couldnt we have waited till after the season and extend Dave a QO? There is a possibilty he would accept, but it would just be a one year contract. With all the other money comming off the books we would have been able to stay within Pohlads payroll restrictions. Plus we can always try to trade him next year when we might be able to extract more value. Like maybe a Tampa Bay Rays A ball blogger. You know they know all the value finds in A ball.....

[old nurse]

 

I'm sorely disappointed in the dearth of actual rumors in this thread, given it's length.  We need some actual juice here.  Where's Dave?

Dave's "source was fired?

Dave was Vodka Dave for a while, maybe he went the way of Morrison?

This is not a fun team to troll.

He is now a Yankee fan.

Take your pick

[clone52]

 

No way do either deserve a QO. If hey did they would have to accept it because teams have been so tight on giving up draft compensation for FA's.

 

Unless Dozier has a great 2nd half he will not be getting over QO in any long term deal.

 

I know Dozier isn't going to get a multi-year offer for over 17 per year.  Would he get take a multi-year deal instead?

 

Would a team offer Dozier 3/40?  Would Dozier take 1/17 over that?  He might take the 3/40 and the Twins would get a draft pick.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Would a team offer Dozier 3/40? Would Dozier take 1/17 over that? He might take the 3/40 and the Twins would get a draft pick.

Although if he signs for less than $50 mil, the compensation draft pick is between the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Actually just after the Competitive Balance Round B, from which we sold our 2017 pick with Hughes.

[markos]

Dodgers reportedly looking at acquiring Dozier again:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-looking-into-multiple-potential-infield-targets.html

[Dman]

 

Dodgers reportedly looking at acquiring Dozier again:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-looking-into-multiple-potential-infield-targets.html

 

If I had to guess Cabrera makes the most sense for them as he can play all three positions and is a switch hitter.  He currently has a better batting average and OPS.  I would guess it would come down to cost which doesn't bode well for the Twins unless other teams are interested in both players.  I sense a meager return for Dozier but this FO has done pretty well trading so we'll see.

[USAFChief]

I think recency bias has everyone looking at Eduardo Escobar as a vastly better player than Brian Dozier.

 

I doubt MLB GMs view it that way, particularly if they're looking for a 2nd baseman.

 

Dozier is less than 2 years older, is most likely a better defensive 2nd baseman, and is almost certainly a better hitter. He's been a better hitter for the last four years.

 

Contracts aren't much of a factor, neither are signed past this year.

 

My guess would be Dozier is a better hitter for the remainder of 2018 than Escobar.

 

 

[clone52]

 

Although if he signs for less than $50 mil, the compensation draft pick is between the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Actually just after the Competitive Balance Round B, from which we sold our 2017 pick with Hughes.

 

I'd rather see him traded, but if they get garbage offers, I think I'd go the QO route.

 

It'd have to be a really garbage offer to make that decision, though.

 

If for whatever reason they don't trade him, I'd definitely consider a QO.

[ashbury]

Dodgers reportedly looking at acquiring Dozier again:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-looking-into-multiple-potential-infield-targets.html

The article reads as though written by someone in the Dodgers' front office looking to shape the negotiations they plan.

 

My guess is they approach the problem the same way as the last time they went shopping for a second baseman: they pick out the prospect chaff they are willing to trade, and then negotiate with multiple teams to see what is the best player they can obtain within this "budget". Last time they shopped José De León to us, and then to Tampa. Not the other way around, of targeting who they want most and then trying to negotiate the minimum price. I kind of respect that.

[ashbury]

Somewhat tangential to this thread, here is something the Boston Globe has today:

Here’s how to interpret baseball trade chatter

I don't see any mention of our Twins in any of the contexts discussed there, FWIW.

[70charger]

 

Dodgers reportedly looking at acquiring Dozier again:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/07/dodgers-looking-into-multiple-potential-infield-targets.html

 

Three team trade for Jose De Leon. Book it. It's done except for the signatures.

[GP830]

If the Orioles are in hard sell mode, I wonder if Adam Jones could be a potential target for our Twins. Not as a win-now move, but more as a RH OF, veteran leadership option. I also don't know what his contract situation is.