Article: 10 Relievers Minnesota Could Target

[prouster]

Cave on his own wouldn’t get anyone better than the guys they already have in abundance.

 

Hand would be great, but he would probably cost Kirilloff or Graterol + others. Cleveland gave up Francisco Mejia, who was approximately the number ten overall prospect at the time of the deal. Hand is signed through at least next year. 2021 is a team option. He has one less year of control than when San Diego traded him, but he’s having the best season of his career. I’m not sure I’d send a top prospect to a still-in-it division rival.

 

Vazquez would be great, but more expensive than Hand in terms of prospects. Giles would also be good and possibly a little cheaper, given his previous red flags.

 

I don’t know who they’re gonna trade for. I guess my personal preference would be Giles and/or Smith. I don’t think they’ll get more than one high profile arm, in any case, and maybe not even that. Even so, I think they’ll find some guys who can pitch tough innings.

[SomeGuy]

Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic on Bumgarner's asking price.

 

“From what industry sources are telling me, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi already has had a dialogue with some contenders, including the New York Yankees, and he made it clear the Giants will not treat Bumgarner as a yard-sale item that must be cleared off the driveway before moving day,” Baggarly writes. “The Giants will get the value they are seeking or they won’t move him.”

[woolywoolhouse]

Twins need another lefty in the bullpen for a deep playoff run. Trading within the division is a tough sell/buy. Go hard for Smith first, Vasquez second, Watson third. 

[TerwilligerBuntsOne]

The interesting part of being BUYERS this year is that we are perhaps set up to do so at least in part because we were SELLERS the past year or two at the deadline.  Trading away guys like Escobar, Kintzler, Dozier, Garcia, Pressley (gulp), etc. were not always popular moves.  However, it replenished the farm system with a number of mid-tier prospects in return.  These are exactly the same type of prospects that will help the Twins trade for an arm or two, while not completely depleting the farm system.  The trading window is opening, and we have some money in the bank.  The plan is all starting to come together........

[luckylager]

Does Amir Garrett from the Reds do anything for anybody? He's having a great year on (I believe) a one year deal. 

[TheLeviathan]

Even if the D-backs do sell, I don't want Bradley or Ray anyway.  If you're looking for the combo-platter - Toronto is the place to shop.

[nicksaviking]

 

Does Amir Garrett from the Reds do anything for anybody? He's having a great year on (I believe) a one year deal. 

 

I'd take Garret, Iglesis or Stephenson. The Reds think they're close to contending though, I'm not sure they'd move any of them. But since they have three good controllable bullpen arms, maybe.

 

Even if the Twins were willing to pay division rival prices for Hand, I kind of suspect Cleveland wouldn't work with the Twins. I can see why an up-and-coming team would be willing to trade within the division, but there's going to be a bit of resentment from the team getting knocked off of the pedestal. 

 

I doubt Detroit would have the same reservations, but I don't want Greene. He'll be giving Sano a workout if he's closing games. As much as I'm enjoying Sano so far this year, I don't want to put the game in his, or any of the infielder's hands in the 9th.

[USAFChief]

 

Even if the D-backs do sell, I don't want Bradley or Ray anyway.  If you're looking for the combo-platter - Toronto is the place to shop.

I'd certainly take Robbie Ray, but even if the DBacks sell, I'm not sure they'd deal Ray. He's not a FA until 2021. Archie Bradley has good stuff, and might be a decent buy low bullpen candidate.

 

If they sell, Grienke will be the first to go.

[tman]

The Twins are likely to have the luxury of acquiring help just with the playoffs in mind, as it's looking like they will win the division crown handily.  IMO, they'll need two bullpen guys and a top-line starter.  If they are not able to get the top-line starter (i.e.--Bumgarner), the bullpen guys won't matter as much, as the Twins won't have much chance to get to the World Series without an experienced #1 starter.  At least one of the bullpen guys needs to be a right-hander.  I like both Giles and Holland.  Although Giles has not done well previously under playoff pressure, maybe he could redeem himself.  I also like left-hander Hand as a target.   It's interesting to note that the writer is leery of a trade within the division for fear that whoever the Twins trade will come back to haunt the Twins in future years.  I am thinking that division teams such as Detroit, KC, or Cleveland may be thinking that whoever they trade to the Twins will come back to haunt them in the future.

 

Other random thoughts:   Ryan Pressley would really look good back in a Twins uniform now.   If and when the Twins make the playoffs, I would think that one or a couple of the current starters would be possible bullpen pitchers.  (Pineda, Perez, even Gibson if the Twins are able to acquire a front-line starter.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Arizona has been pretty streaky this year, and based on their off-season, are rebuilding.

FWIW, Arizona was actually trying to acquire Mike Leake last week. I think they have said they are buyers, for now. Although that could change.

[Otto von Ballpark]

He had a 114 OPS+ with regular playing time last year. Since being back in AAA with regular plate appearances, he's got a .366 wOBA. He also doesn't hit arbitration till 2022. He's not a prospect to build a core around, but if you're entering a rebuild like the Giants you could do way worse than having him in the OF rotation.

 

I can't imagine the market for Smith being all that robust considering the service time. I figure the Cubs will be interested, but they're pretty strapped right now on their farm. They'd likely also be offering damaged goods like Ian Happ, I presume.

Cave also had a .363 BABIP last year.

 

Smith is a pending FA but he is well regarded and pitching great right now. A LHP who dominates both sides. He might be the Giants best trade chip, so I think they need to aim for upside on his return.

 

Don't get me wrong, Cave is a useful player and the Giants would benefit by having him. But they can't spend Smith to get a guy like that, or their rebuild will go nowhere -- they need to find their Cave types just like how the Twins did (DFA and minor trade situations).

[MMMordabito]

Please keep Stromanitis/Stromakemia out of the Twins clubhouse

[DocBauer]

Trading within your own division is not just on the Twins and a reluctance and giving good players to a rival. Said rival team isn't always interested in helping you achieve your goals for this season, and possibly longer.

 

Just being a realist, I don't think you see the Twins, or most any team, acquiring 3 pitchers, much less 4. I like Watson, and have for some time, as a 2nd LH in the pen. He's had a nice, somewhat under the radar career and looks solid again this season. I don't think he'd be all that expensive. Then, bring in a top RH with at least one more year of control, and I'd be pretty happy. Just not sure who that choice would be.

[Vanimal46]

Please keep Stromanitis/Stromakemia out of the Twins clubhouse

Why?

[twinkiesfan11]

Francisco Liriano anyone?

[MMMordabito]

 

Why?

 

Part of the reason the Twins are doing so well is the cohesiveness as a team.  The last thing they need is some short fuse like Stroman.

[JW24]

 

FWIW, Arizona was actually trying to acquire Mike Leake last week. I think they have said they are buyers, for now. Although that could change.

 

They seem to be playing for a WC spot at best (2.5 games back, currently). If they hit a slump and fall further out of the playoff picture, do they change their tune? Moving Goldschmidt last off-season for Luke Weaver (MLB), Carson Kelly (MLB) and Andy Young (AA) would say they want guys either MLB ready or close. Being in the same division as the Dodgers, I don't see them as serious contenders for a couple years at best. It might be in their best interest to trade a couple of guys for a big package of prospects that will debut over the next couple years. But this is purely speculation for the sake of discussion.

[jorgenswest]

Does Amir Garrett from the Reds do anything for anybody? He's having a great year on (I believe) a one year deal.

 

He won’t be a free agent until 2024.

 

The Reds might sell high on him having a career year at age 27. He won’t be inexpensive.

[jorgenswest]

The Twins shouldn’t prioritize getting the best deal. They need to prioritize getting the best reliever(s).

 

I don’t want Tony Watson because he can be acquired a good price. Pay up and get a better reliever.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

They seem to be playing for a WC spot at best (2.5 games back, currently). If they hit a slump and fall further out of the playoff picture, do they change their tune? Moving Goldschmidt last off-season for Luke Weaver (MLB), Carson Kelly (MLB) and Andy Young (AA) would say they want guys either MLB ready or close. Being in the same division as the Dodgers, I don't see them as serious contenders for a couple years at best. It might be in their best interest to trade a couple of guys for a big package of prospects that will debut over the next couple years. But this is purely speculation for the sake of discussion.

Nothing wrong with playing for a WC spot -- especially in a division with the Dodgers, they may never see anything better!

 

But yeah, I expect they will re-evaluate if they fall further back. Worth noting Goldschmidt was an expiring asset -- they may not be so eager to move Ray or Bradley in 2019. Holland would probably be their top chip, reloading for 2020 (they do still have solid controlled players all around their roster).

[Major League Ready]

 

Cave on his own wouldn’t get anyone better than the guys they already have in abundance.

Hand would be great, but he would probably cost Kirilloff or Graterol + others. Cleveland gave up Francisco Mejia, who was approximately the number ten overall prospect at the time of the deal. Hand is signed through at least next year. 2021 is a team option. He has one less year of control than when San Diego traded him, but he’s having the best season of his career. I’m not sure I’d send a top prospect to a still-in-it division rival.

Vazquez would be great, but more expensive than Hand in terms of prospects. Giles would also be good and possibly a little cheaper, given his previous red flags.

I don’t know who they’re gonna trade for. I guess my personal preference would be Giles and/or Smith. I don’t think they’ll get more than one high profile arm, in any case, and maybe not even that. Even so, I think they’ll find some guys who can pitch tough innings.

 

Mejia was the #15 prospect but he only has a 50FV.  Maybe his FV has dropped since the trade. It does not make sense the #15 prospect would have had a 50FV. Regardless, Kirilloff is a 60FV and the Indians were getting an extra year vs the Twins renting him. Plus, The Indians did not add any other prospects unless the report I read was wrong and the Indians got another RP in the trade. I don't think any rental RPs are bringing a FV60 prospect + others.

[HawksNest]

Pretty sure my first choice would be Amir Garrett.

 

I think he's an absolute stud on an upward trajectory.

 

Giles is having a great season but his shaky history scares me a bit. He definitely has the stuff to be elite as we're seeing this year.

 

Felipe Vazquez is going to cost a boat-load but I'm not necessarily opposed to making a deal if it's there, the guy is a beast.

 

To me, Will Smith is a rock steady, non-"sexy" option which is completely fine and I would be 100% ok with acquiring him. Don't think he offers the upside of the others but he would immediately become Rogers equal in the 'pen.

 

I really don't foresee a deal being made within the division so any talk of Diekman, Hand, Greene, Colome, etc. doesn't seem realistic to me. Which is too bad because the other teams in our division each have a reliever or two that would look great on the Twins.

Edited June 11, 2019 by HawksNest

[Steve Lein]

 

Cave also had a .363 BABIP last year.

Smith is a pending FA but he is well regarded and pitching great right now. A LHP who dominates both sides. He might be the Giants best trade chip, so I think they need to aim for upside on his return.

Don't get me wrong, Cave is a useful player and the Giants would benefit by having him. But they can't spend Smith to get a guy like that, or their rebuild will go nowhere -- they need to find their Cave types just like how the Twins did (DFA and minor trade situations).

 

The Giants "trade chips" aren't actually very good ones because MadBum and Smith are half-year rentals. The market prices, as long as the team is really willing to deal them (sounds like may not be the case with Bumgarner) for these types of guys are not really high (see Familia and other deals from last year).

 

In my opinion Smith should cost a prospect in the Twins range of 10-20. MadBum a little higher or multiple 10-20 guys.

 

I'd propose Yunior Severino for Smith. Rooker for MadBum -If they want a pitcher Jhoan Duran. Piece that together however you want for both and maybe add in someone like Jose Miranda. 

 

The highest guy I'm offering for any rental, no matter whom (including these two in one package), is in Trevor Larnach's range, and they wouldn't be getting much of anything more after that if he's the target.

 

(My current top 10 would go something like: Lewis, Kirilloff, Graterol, Javier, Balazovic, Larnach, Duran, Rooker, Thorpe, Enlow)

 

Honestly though, in the Twins current situation (1 starting pitcher under contract for 2020?) I might be shooting a bit higher for guys with control for this year and the future. So now we're starting to talk prospect names people might not like, as in Graterol, Javier, Balazovic, and possibly even Lewis/Kirilloff if it's the right guy (not sure who that would be at this point).

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Mejia was the #15 prospect but he only has a 50FV.  Maybe his FV has dropped since the trade. It does not make sense the #15 prospect would have had a 50FV. Regardless, Kirilloff is a 60FV and the Indians were getting an extra year vs the Twins renting him. Plus, The Indians did not add any other prospects unless the report I read was wrong and the Indians got another RP in the trade. I don't think any rental RPs are bringing a FV60 prospect + others.

Mejia was 60 FV on Fangraphs preseason 2018 list, and 55 FV at the 2018 deadline. Down to 50 FV on the Padres 2019 list. (At his rate, he'll be at zero FV by 2024 )

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-22-prospects-cleveland-indians/

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/ranking-the-prospects-traded-at-the-deadline-2/

 

I agree that I don't expect any rental RPs to cost a 60 FV prospect, but Hand and Vasquez aren't rentals. Especially considering Cleveland is our division rival, I think it would take a pretty overwhelming offer for the Twins to get Hand this year -- easily more than Francisco Mejia circa the 2018 deadline.

[yarnivek1972]

That would be an excellent pair of pitchers to acquire. Would not come too cheap.

 

Brusdar, Gordon and Cave?

A lottery ticket and two guys that project as role players.

[spanman2]

 

BRING ME MATT BELISLE 

IALTO

[SwainZag]

 

The Twins are likely to have the luxury of acquiring help just with the playoffs in mind, as it's looking like they will win the division crown handily.  IMO, they'll need two bullpen guys and a top-line starter.  If they are not able to get the top-line starter (i.e.--Bumgarner), the bullpen guys won't matter as much, as the Twins won't have much chance to get to the World Series without an experienced #1 starter.  At least one of the bullpen guys needs to be a right-hander.  I like both Giles and Holland.  Although Giles has not done well previously under playoff pressure, maybe he could redeem himself.  I also like left-hander Hand as a target.   It's interesting to note that the writer is leery of a trade within the division for fear that whoever the Twins trade will come back to haunt the Twins in future years.  I am thinking that division teams such as Detroit, KC, or Cleveland may be thinking that whoever they trade to the Twins will come back to haunt them in the future.

 

Other random thoughts:   Ryan Pressley would really look good back in a Twins uniform now.   If and when the Twins make the playoffs, I would think that one or a couple of the current starters would be possible bullpen pitchers.  (Pineda, Perez, even Gibson if the Twins are able to acquire a front-line starter.

 

I will have to disagree with you that Twins NEED to acquire a proven ace to compete in the playoffs.  Give me 2 bullpen arms, throw Odor and Berrios in games 1 and 2 with this lineup and we have a fighting chance with anyone in the league.

[J_Dobs]

 

Am I being a homer or does the Will Smith rental for Jake Cave seem fair for both sides?

 

I have argued this personally for at least a month now... give Cave and a 45 overall prospect I feel this would be a no brainier for both sides. But not sure what other teams would be willing to offer.

[Jonathon Zenk]

I think the Twins need a SP and two RP....I would want Stroman, Giles and Smith...

[MNT1996]

I don't think trades within a division for a reliever is a good idea. We could very well be sending top prospects that could come back and haunt us for many games during the season. Will Smith + Bumgarner trade please.