Article: Trade Deadline Thread: The Rumor Mill is Working Overtime

[Andrew Thares]

We are now just two days away from the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline. That means the rumor mill is off the charts right now with countless rumors of Team X being interested in Player Y. With the Minnesota Twins right in the tick of a postseason push, and a clear need to upgrade their pitching staff, they find themselves right in the thick of things as far as trade rumors go. It could make it quite difficult to keep up with everything, and everyone the Twins are interested in. Don't worry, we have you covered with all the latest up to date rumors surrounding the Twins.Sometimes these rumors can seem like they are just that, rumors. It is no surprise that the Twins are doing their due diligence and checking in on each and every player they are interested in potentially trading for. While most of the time these don't end up amounting to anything, it is still important to keep track of, because it can give you a good idea what the Twins are thinking, and who they might be about ready to trade for. Just take Sergio Romo for example. On Saturday morning it was reported that the Twins were interested in Romo, and by the end of the day he was the newest member of the Minnesota Twins. Things can happen that quickly. So, let's take a look at some of the rumors currently circulating around the Twins.

 

Noah Syndergaard

 

The New York Mets have done a fine job stirring the pot of late. They have been linked to being sellers, which would make players like Noah Syndergaard, Zach Wheeler and Edwin Diaz all available. However, on Sunday they then went out and acquired Marcus Stroman. Yet they are still saying they are interested in moving Syndergaard. This one is a real head scratch, and it is anyones guess on what the Mets will do before Wednesday, because quite frankly I don't think they know what they are going to do. LaVelle Neal of the Star Tribune reported that the Mets were interested in a package for Syndergaard that included both Royce Lewis and Alex Kirilloff. It is unlikely that the Twins would even consider moving both of them for Noah Syndergaard, but you can't really blame the Mets for starting the negotiations by asking high.

 

Robbie Ray

 

 

Jon Morosi of MLB Network posted this tweet on Saturday, siting that the Twins were among the list of teams who had inquired about Robbie Ray. There hasn't been much follow up to this over the past couple of days, so it could have very well just been the Twins asking about his price. If the Twins were to acquire Ray they would be getting a one of the top strikeout heavy starting pitchers in the game. However, what's different between Ray and other elite strikeout throwers like Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander, is Ray has a terrible time with control. Ray could be a real wildcard for the Twins if they could trade for him and the remaining year and a half left before he hits free agency.

 

Mike Minor

 

 

Much like Robbie Ray, the Twins were reported to be one of the teams looking to trade for Mike Minor. With Marcus Stroman off the table, and no real clarity on the Noah Syndergaard front, Minor might very well be the best starting pitcher available on the trade market. It wouldn't surprise me if the Twins are in on the Rangers lefty, especially given Thad Levine's ties to the Rangers organization.

 

Ken Giles & Kirby Yates

 

A few weeks back it was reported that the Twins had checked in on both Ken Giles and Kirby Yates, but there hasn't been much headway on those fronts in the time since. These could be two relievers to keep an eye on in the coming days if the Twins were to pull off a trade for a big name reliever.

 

Jason Vargas

 

 

Interesting development this afternoon. Still not clear who that the other team is, but could make sense as an acquisition for the Twins, so stay tuned.

 

*Update*

 

Vargas is reportedly heading to the Phillies, so cross his name off the list of potential Twins bullpen acquisitions.

 

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[JW24]

I am all in on Robbie Ray. His strikeout rate is something the Twins haven't had in a starting pitcher since Liriano/Santana. Lowering his walk rate a bit so he can pitch deeper into games will be the area he needs to improve the most, and I think Wes can help him with that.

 

Ray, to me, feels like the Twins would be getting a Patrick Corbin caliber guy prior to the break out year Corbin had last year. Trade for him, extend him, and try to turn him into a front of the rotation guy behind Berrios.

 

I would also be interested in Archie Bradley as another relief arm for the Twins. I think he could help the pen out a bit.

[SpicyGarvSauce]

I am all in on Robbie Ray. Go get him, and Chafin and consider the trade deadline a success.

[LVTwinsfan]

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

I got nothing.

[Tom Froemming]

 

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

It's possible the Mets* were only interested in pitching prospects and the Twins are only interested in parting with hitting prospects. 

 

*edit: meant the Blue Jays, obviously.

[twinkiesfan11]

My vote would be to get the best pitcher available whether it be a starter or reliever that DOES NOT cost anyone on the 25 man roster, (other than Schoop maybe) or any of Lewis, Kirilloff, Graterol, Balazovic and Duran.

 

I could be talked into a starter or reliever or combination of the two so long as it’s a talent upgrade. Those prospects named I feel are part of the core of this competitive window that has just opened and therefore should not be traded unless a true #1 SP is made available.

[Bavarian]

Does anyone know about Diaz?  The Vegas station this morning claimed he should be the Twins top target.

[Danchat]

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

I’m also looking for an explanation for why no other competing MLB team didn’t top this offer. Is Stroman generally overrated? Does Toronto love those pitching prospects for some reason?

[Miles Tones]

I believe Doogie stated the Jays never called the Twins back. They may have wanted him out of the AL. We the fans may value Stroman far higher than all MLB front offices that don't sound like "Mess".

[Darius]

Stroman grew up less than an hour from where the Mets play. I’m guessing the Blue Jays asked him where he would like to go. The deal they were offered from them was probably comparable to what anyone else could offer, so they obliged Stroman’s preference (I’m guessing he wasn’t chomping at the bit to come to Minnesota, being a New Yorker).

 

Also, he goes to the National League as opposed to the same league, or even the same division (Yankees, etc.).

 

Maybe they just liked the Mets package of pitchers better.

Edited July 29, 2019 by Darius

[amjgt]

Robbie Ray feels like a very slightly better version of Matthew Boyd with but one year less of team control. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Both Minor and Ray are lefties. Minor is 31 years old and he is signed through next year, and Ray is not. Ray, who will be 28 in October,  will be a 3 month rental based on a $6,000,000 annual contract. How is that prorated? . Minor will get either $9,500,000 or $9,633,000 next year, depending on whether his $1,000,000 signing bonus has already been paid in full or not. Ray has more tolerance for walks than I do. Of course Ray will cost less, due to the expiration of his contract this year, but we will probably need a starting pitcher or two next year. Maybe sign Ray cheaply and then sign a free agent in the off season (possibly Ray). I would be happy with either one, but prefer Minor to hold down the big innings. I have confidence that the Bomba Bats will score runs in the playoffs.  EDIT:  I stand corrected. I have been informed that Ray is arb eligible in 2020.. Thank you. I still prefer Minor's pitching style...but would be happy with either being signed. Please don't kick me out of the club for my mistake. 

Edited July 29, 2019 by tarheeltwinsfan

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

Both Minor and Ray are lefties. Minor is 31 years old and he is signed through next year, and Ray is not. Ray, who will be 28 in October,  will be a 3 month rental based on a $6,000,000 annual contract. How is that prorated? . Minor will get either $9,500,000 or $9,633,000 next year, depending on whether his $1,000,000 signing bonus has already been paid in full or not. Ray has more tolerance for walks than I do. Of course Ray will cost less, due to the expiration of his contract this year, but we will probably need a starting pitcher or two next year. Maybe sign Ray cheaply and then sign a free agent in the off season (possibly Ray). I would be happy with either one, but prefer Minor to hold down the big innings. I have confidence that the Bomba Bats will score runs in the playoffs.

 

Ray is actually a FA in 2021. He is arb eligible for 2020.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

 

Ray is actually a FA in 2021. He is arb eligible for 2020.

Well that changes everything. Thanks.

[SpicyGarvSauce]

Would something like Graterol, Gordon, and something else get it done for Ray?

[amjgt]

 

Would something like Graterol, Gordon, and something else get it done for Ray?

 

I feel like the "something else" would have to be a little more highly thought of than Gordon as opposed to the way you lay it out which makes me assume you're talking about more of a 16-25 ranked player in our system.

[stringer bell]

For 2020, the Twins need starters. For this year, they really need a top bullpen arm. I don't know how much it helps the team to add a starter that is the same or marginally better than Pérez, Pineda, Gibson, or Odorizzi. Sending Pérez to the bullpen doesn't necessarily solve the late-inning and high leverage problems. 

 

All of the Twins' pitchers on the major league roster have been incredibly healthy, with Odo and Big Mike each taking 10 days for pretty minor ailments. The odds are against that trend continuing, but unless there is a clear starting spot open, it really does little good to add a starter who isn't a large improvement over what the Twins have.

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

I feel like the "something else" would have to be a little more highly thought of than Gordon as opposed to the way you lay it out which makes me assume you're talking about more of a 16-25 ranked player in our system.

 

Graterol, Rooker, and Gordon?

[amjgt]

 

Graterol, Rooker, and Gordon?

 

Yeah...

Feels about right, assuming the Diamondbacks aren't overly concerned with Graterol's shoulder.

 

Now, assuming both teams would take that deal, would you rather trade that package for 1.5 years of Robbie Ray or 2.5 years of Matthew Boyd

[SpicyGarvSauce]

 

Yeah...

Feels about right, assuming the Diamondbacks aren't overly concerned with Graterol's shoulder.

 

Now, assuming both teams would take that deal, would you rather trade that package for 1.5 years of Robbie Ray or 2.5 years of Matthew Boyd

Ray. I am a big fan of Ray.

 

I thought I saw on Twitter from Seth that Graterol threw yesterday or today...and supposedly hit 101?

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Robbie Ray feels like a very slightly better version of Matthew Boyd with but one year less of team control. 

2 years less, actually. Ray has 1.5, Boyd 3.5.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Stroman grew up less than an hour from where the Mets play. I’m guessing the Blue Jays asked him where he would like to go. The deal they were offered from them was probably comparable to what anyone else could offer, so they obliged Stroman’s preference (I’m guessing he wasn’t chomping at the bit to come to Minnesota, being a New Yorker).

I really doubt this. Stroman doesn't have any leverage in the matter.

 

If it's a guy stuck in AAA or a mediocre veteran or something, sure I could see a team doing him a "solid" and sending him to his hometown. But Stroman has too much value for that.

[amjgt]

 

2 years less, actually. Ray has 1.5, Boyd 3.5.

 

Oh my. 

 

Egg meet face

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

I wouldn't say the Mets got him for almost nothing. For example, those two prospects are 45 FV at Fangraphs. The only Twins pitching prospects at that level or higher are Balazovic (45), Duran (50), and Graterol (50). 2 of those 3 probably beat the Mets offer -- but 2 of those 3 is a fairly steep price for Stroman too!

[nicksaviking]

 

Could someone give a rational explanation as to why the Twins could not get Stroman, as the Mets got him for almost nothing. My theory.....almost nothing is still too much for the Twins.

 

The Mets didn't give up almost nothing.

 

But beyond that, the Twins have a bad infield defense and over the past two years the team has actively been reducing the two seamer from their starter's repertoire, Stroman would have been a complete divergence from this strategy. 

[LVTwinsfan]

Syndergaard would be a good fit, I could see him sounding the gjallarhorn at a Vikings game

[redstorm]

 

Would something like Graterol, Gordon, and something else get it done for Ray?

 

Seems heavy for the Twins.

 

Just Graterol and Gordon should net you Ray, plus probably Bradley and Chafin (which I would do).

[LVTwinsfan]

I wouldn't say the Mets got him for almost nothing. For example, those two prospects are 45 FV at Fangraphs. The only Twins pitching prospects at that level or higher are Balazovic (45), Duran (50), and Graterol (50). 2 of those 3 probably beat the Mets offer -- but 2 of those 3 is a fairly steep price for Stroman too!

You have to give up something to get a good starting pitcher. The Twins offense is among the best but without pitching they will be one and done if they even make the postseason. The window for postseason opportunities are usually pretty small as far as the Twins are concerned. I see the Twins squandering this opportunity, and why not, attendance is up no need to take risks at this time.

[by jiminy]

 

You have to give up something to get a good starting pitcher. The Twins offense is among the best but without pitching they will be one and done if they even make the postseason. The window for postseason opportunities are usually pretty small as far as the Twins are concerned. I see the Twins squandering this opportunity, and why not, attendance is up no need to take risks at this time.

 

The Twins don't just need pitching this year. Losing two of your top three pitching prospects, who both have the potential to be better than Ray and cost controlled for six years, is a steep price. I wouldn't pay that for 1.5 years of much more expensive pitching. I don't think a few starts in the playoffs by Ray instead of Pineda is worth losing the potential for sustained success. Young pitchers with high-end upside are very hard to find. If the Twins' window is going to be extended past next year, it's going to take several of those young pitchers panning out. Neither is a sure thing but you've got to have some dice to roll and those guys have a realistic chance to be 40% of a playoff rotation.