Trade Deadline

[SwainZag]

49 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd trade polanco as soon as anyone will take him, so Julien can stay in the lineup. Not necessarily because he's better, but because he's healthy. Polanco will just get hurt again.....I don't particularly care what I get for him at this point. 

Polanco is too good of a player IMO to give away.  Unless you for sure know his legs are done, then sure, but I don't think I would be ready to make that assumption yet.  I would almost bank on the Twins picking up his option, he's not even 30 yet.  Besides, Julien has looked like a butcher out there in the field anyways.  I love the kid's bat, but cringe with the idea of him out there everyday at 2B.  

[stringer bell]

3 minutes ago, SwainZag said:

Polanco is too good of a player IMO to give away.  Unless you for sure know his legs are done, then sure, but I don't think I would be ready to make that assumption yet.  I would almost bank on the Twins picking up his option, he's not even 30 yet.  Besides, Julien has looked like a butcher out there in the field anyways.  I love the kid's bat, but cringe with the idea of him out there everyday at 2B.  

Not much time until Polanco is 30. His birthday is tomorrow.

[SwainZag]

3 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Not much time until Polanco is 30. His birthday is tomorrow.

Glad I didn't look it up then :D.   Man does time fly, it seemed like it was yesterday that the 20 year old got the surprise call up to the bigs.  

[gman]

Kepler is hitting about where he has for the past 4 years. Trade him if possible, if not dfa. Gallo is hitting pretty much in line with his average years. He is a career 199 hitter w/about 25 homers. Trade him if possible. Put in Wallner and Larnach and try to answer questions for next year. Offer Gray  2 year extension, if he is not interested trade him. Maeda trade if possible. See if you can get  a decent trade offer for Polanco. Hang unto him if not, he won't be back in the lineup until August at the earliest.

We don't need to trade anyone, if we don't mind Kepler & Gallo riding the end of the bench. Not being in a rush could get us our best offers. I wouldn't trade for anyone to try and bolster this year team.

Give Kirilloff, Lewis(when he's back), Julian, Wallner, Larnach, Kiersey, Jeffers, Lee, & Williams, Miranda & maybe Martin as much playing time as possible. Might have to rotate some guys between the majors & 3A.

[Western SD Fan]

Long time reader...first time poster with some thoughts:

I agree with the posters of tweaking the roster, but not blowing it up unless there is a significant losing streak or drop essentially out of contention.  Adding a RH batter and especially a bullpen arm (or two) to bridge the gap to Stewart (when back from IL), Jax, and Duran.  That answer might be Balazovic if FO is willing to use him similar to a pre-starter Liriano or Santana, but they seem reluctant to do that with any of their starters in St. Paul or maybe the starters there are not capable of doing that type of work in today's baseball.  We cannot sell the future for now since now, even in its best iteration, isn't going far in the playoffs.

I will preface this by saying I am a fan of the SEA/NYM trade where Seattle dumped Flexen onto the Mets and let the Mets DFA him. (Hint: That might be the best way to get rid of Kepler, who I believe is still a fan favorite)

Let's take a full analysis of each player expected to be a free agent at the end of the year and see what we can actually get. I used Sportrac as my research.  Minnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | SpotracMinnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | Spotrac

Sonny Gray: Best to ride him out unless you get blown away by a deal.  Everyone says he is gone after this year.  He has injury history. There is no reason to think that the FO wouldn't try to resign him considering the price they paid to get him.

Joey Gallo: DFA candidate as soon as we get reasonably healthy.

Max Kepler: see my hint above for a creative possibility. Definitely not take the club option for next year and set him free.  Otherwise, use him as a defensive replacement for Wallner, Kirilloff unless someone really wants him.

Emilio Pagan: Why is he still here? He makes me dream of the Fernando Rodney Experience.

Kenta Maeda: See what he has prior to the end of the year. He should be flexible as starter or even an opener. Unlikely to trade him since he is just back from the IL and still coming back from TJ.

Donovan Solano: Possible trade candidate due to positional flexibility.  Either looking for a lottery ticket or BP depth in return. Likely not hitting enough to trade.

Micheal Taylor: You need him as long as long as Buxton is doing his DH impression.  Celestino is not ready, Nick Gordon doesn't seem to be as comfortable in the OF, and neither seem to want to steal a base.

Tyler Mahle: No reason to resign him unless you get a dirt cheap contract and can stash him.

As you can see, there are not a lot of expiring contracts that any other team is going to want or that we will get any reasonable value in return where that player is not more valuable to us.  Any of the more expensive ones (Gallo) is going to require the Twins to eat a lot of the contract, which they have never been a fan of doing.

Other players mentioned on here have been:

Vazquez: 2y/20m - again unlikely unless you get some team to take the salary. Probably better developing an emerging pitching staff.

Polanco: He seems to be the player, when healthy, that can actually get the offense going. I'll grasp at straws until Julien can secure that role better than he is now.

Castro: There is a push to want to trade him since he has never done as well as he is now.  His positional flexibility is the only reason that we can still fill out a lineup card every day. He is still more valuable to us than anyone that we would get back in a reasonable trade. Heck, he was originally only on the roster to be this year's Billy Hamilton and I think he has exceeded expectations.

We still haven't discussed Dobnak or Paddack, which are total wildcards and will need to be assessed whether they are worth a 40-man roster spot as prospects keep moving up.

This was a much longer post than I ever intended and probably should have been it's own thread.  I hope to see the Twins this weekend and ever eternal that they will turn the corner.

 

 

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

26 minutes ago, Western SD Fan said:

Long time reader...first time poster with some thoughts:

I agree with the posters of tweaking the roster, but not blowing it up unless there is a significant losing streak or drop essentially out of contention.  Adding a RH batter and especially a bullpen arm (or two) to bridge the gap to Stewart (when back from IL), Jax, and Duran.  That answer might be Balazovic if FO is willing to use him similar to a pre-starter Liriano or Santana, but they seem reluctant to do that with any of their starters in St. Paul or maybe the starters there are not capable of doing that type of work in today's baseball.  We cannot sell the future for now since now, even in its best iteration, isn't going far in the playoffs.

I will preface this by saying I am a fan of the SEA/NYM trade where Seattle dumped Flexen onto the Mets and let the Mets DFA him. (Hint: That might be the best way to get rid of Kepler, who I believe is still a fan favorite)

Let's take a full analysis of each player expected to be a free agent at the end of the year and see what we can actually get. I used Sportrac as my research.  Minnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | SpotracMinnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | Spotrac

Sonny Gray: Best to ride him out unless you get blown away by a deal.  Everyone says he is gone after this year.  He has injury history. There is no reason to think that the FO wouldn't try to resign him considering the price they paid to get him.

Joey Gallo: DFA candidate as soon as we get reasonably healthy.

Max Kepler: see my hint above for a creative possibility. Definitely not take the club option for next year and set him free.  Otherwise, use him as a defensive replacement for Wallner, Kirilloff unless someone really wants him.

Emilio Pagan: Why is he still here? He makes me dream of the Fernando Rodney Experience.

Kenta Maeda: See what he has prior to the end of the year. He should be flexible as starter or even an opener. Unlikely to trade him since he is just back from the IL and still coming back from TJ.

Donovan Solano: Possible trade candidate due to positional flexibility.  Either looking for a lottery ticket or BP depth in return. Likely not hitting enough to trade.

Micheal Taylor: You need him as long as long as Buxton is doing his DH impression.  Celestino is not ready, Nick Gordon doesn't seem to be as comfortable in the OF, and neither seem to want to steal a base.

Tyler Mahle: No reason to resign him unless you get a dirt cheap contract and can stash him.

As you can see, there are not a lot of expiring contracts that any other team is going to want or that we will get any reasonable value in return where that player is not more valuable to us.  Any of the more expensive ones (Gallo) is going to require the Twins to eat a lot of the contract, which they have never been a fan of doing.

Other players mentioned on here have been:

Vazquez: 2y/20m - again unlikely unless you get some team to take the salary. Probably better developing an emerging pitching staff.

Polanco: He seems to be the player, when healthy, that can actually get the offense going. I'll grasp at straws until Julien can secure that role better than he is now.

Castro: There is a push to want to trade him since he has never done as well as he is now.  His positional flexibility is the only reason that we can still fill out a lineup card every day. He is still more valuable to us than anyone that we would get back in a reasonable trade. Heck, he was originally only on the roster to be this year's Billy Hamilton and I think he has exceeded expectations.

We still haven't discussed Dobnak or Paddack, which are total wildcards and will need to be assessed whether they are worth a 40-man roster spot as prospects keep moving up.

This was a much longer post than I ever intended and probably should have been it's own thread.  I hope to see the Twins this weekend and ever eternal that they will turn the corner.

Welcome to Twins Daily!

[Rod Carews Birthday]

My version of a good trade deadline would be as follows:

1.  Trade Max Kepler RIGHT NOW.  He's a little hot the past few days.  Don't be fooled by that. He's still the same guy as in the past, but maybe someone will bite. It can be a low level flyer prospect or even just some cash.  Offer to eat the contract (this year's) if it will help the return. If not, DFA him or do the trade and DFA suggested by @Western SD Fan. Immediately insert Matt Wallner into his spot on the field and in the lineup.  We need to see what we have there.

2.  Do not trade Pagan.  We don't have a ready replacement right now, as I don't think the Twins are willing to put any starters in the bullpen.  I know that all of his appearances are scary.  He is much better than nobody or "random minor league guy." 

3.  Trade Polanco if you can get a good return.  He's not that healthy right now, but someone may bite based on a good track record.  If you don't trade him, definitely pick up the option and trade him this offseason. 

4.  Only trade Sonny Gray if you are blown away, which seems unlikely.  You can QO him for next year or get a nice draft pick if you keep him. 

5.  Trade Gordon.  He's no better than Castro with less positional flexibility and he's not a switch hitter.  Plus, you have some time left pre-arb with Castro. 

6. We have a surplus big left handed bat.  Include Larnach in a trade for a big right handed bat. It will take more, but he's a good start. 

I think that will do enough to remain in contention this season, while checking out some of the young guys for the future and figuring out next season.  This is probably three more things than will actually happen, but a guy can dream.

I also think that IF Buxton and Correa come around with the bats a bit more, we may be surprised at how good this team can become.  Again, a guy can dream. 

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

My version of a good trade deadline would be as follows:

1.  Trade Max Kepler RIGHT NOW.  He's a little hot the past few days.  Don't be fooled by that. He's still the same guy as in the past, but maybe someone will bite. It can be a low level flyer prospect or even just some cash.  Offer to eat the contract (this year's) if it will help the return. If not, DFA him or do the trade and DFA suggested by @Western SD Fan. Immediately insert Matt Wallner into his spot on the field and in the lineup.  We need to see what we have there.

2.  Do not trade Pagan.  We don't have a ready replacement right now, as I don't think the Twins are willing to put any starters in the bullpen.  I know that all of his appearances are scary.  He is much better than nobody or "random minor league guy." 

3.  Trade Polanco if you can get a good return.  He's not that healthy right now, but someone may bite based on a good track record.  If you don't trade him, definitely pick up the option and trade him this offseason. 

4.  Only trade Sonny Gray if you are blown away, which seems unlikely.  You can QO him for next year or get a nice draft pick if you keep him. 

5.  Trade Gordon.  He's no better than Castro with less positional flexibility and he's not a switch hitter.  Plus, you have some time left pre-arb with Castro. 

6. We have a surplus big left handed bat.  Include Larnach in a trade for a big right handed bat. It will take more, but he's a good start. 

I think that will do enough to remain in contention this season, while checking out some of the young guys for the future and figuring out next season.  This is probably three more things than will actually happen, but a guy can dream.

I also think that IF Buxton and Correa come around with the bats a bit more, we may be surprised at how good this team can become.  Again, a guy can dream. 

 

 

In looking at definite sellers, there is not one hitter that will be available that you'd want. At least I couldn't find one. 

[jorgenswest]

5 hours ago, Western SD Fan said:

I will preface this by saying I am a fan of the SEA/NYM trade where Seattle dumped Flexen onto the Mets and let the Mets DFA him. (Hint: That might be the best way to get rid of Kepler, who I believe is still a fan favorite)

Wasn’t the cost of taking Flexen’s contract paid by the Mets in order for them to add Trevor Gott without giving up a player (other than one they were already going to lose to DFA)?

The Twins could incentivize a team to take Kepler’s contract by sweetening the deal with another player. Looking at BTV Castro and Solano are in Gott’s value range. Would you look for a team interested in adding either Castro or Solano and then instead of seeking a prospect you would ask them to take Kepler’s remaining contract instead? I would prefer getting a prospect and eating the cost of the contract. Better yet if they find someone interested in Kepler, offer to pick up his contract in hopes of getting a prospect.

[weitz41]

6 hours ago, Western SD Fan said:

Long time reader...first time poster with some thoughts:

I agree with the posters of tweaking the roster, but not blowing it up unless there is a significant losing streak or drop essentially out of contention.  Adding a RH batter and especially a bullpen arm (or two) to bridge the gap to Stewart (when back from IL), Jax, and Duran.  That answer might be Balazovic if FO is willing to use him similar to a pre-starter Liriano or Santana, but they seem reluctant to do that with any of their starters in St. Paul or maybe the starters there are not capable of doing that type of work in today's baseball.  We cannot sell the future for now since now, even in its best iteration, isn't going far in the playoffs.

I will preface this by saying I am a fan of the SEA/NYM trade where Seattle dumped Flexen onto the Mets and let the Mets DFA him. (Hint: That might be the best way to get rid of Kepler, who I believe is still a fan favorite)

Let's take a full analysis of each player expected to be a free agent at the end of the year and see what we can actually get. I used Sportrac as my research.  Minnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | SpotracMinnesota Twins Multi-Year Payroll | Spotrac

Sonny Gray: Best to ride him out unless you get blown away by a deal.  Everyone says he is gone after this year.  He has injury history. There is no reason to think that the FO wouldn't try to resign him considering the price they paid to get him.

Joey Gallo: DFA candidate as soon as we get reasonably healthy.

Max Kepler: see my hint above for a creative possibility. Definitely not take the club option for next year and set him free.  Otherwise, use him as a defensive replacement for Wallner, Kirilloff unless someone really wants him.

Emilio Pagan: Why is he still here? He makes me dream of the Fernando Rodney Experience.

Kenta Maeda: See what he has prior to the end of the year. He should be flexible as starter or even an opener. Unlikely to trade him since he is just back from the IL and still coming back from TJ.

Donovan Solano: Possible trade candidate due to positional flexibility.  Either looking for a lottery ticket or BP depth in return. Likely not hitting enough to trade.

Micheal Taylor: You need him as long as long as Buxton is doing his DH impression.  Celestino is not ready, Nick Gordon doesn't seem to be as comfortable in the OF, and neither seem to want to steal a base.

Tyler Mahle: No reason to resign him unless you get a dirt cheap contract and can stash him.

As you can see, there are not a lot of expiring contracts that any other team is going to want or that we will get any reasonable value in return where that player is not more valuable to us.  Any of the more expensive ones (Gallo) is going to require the Twins to eat a lot of the contract, which they have never been a fan of doing.

Other players mentioned on here have been:

Vazquez: 2y/20m - again unlikely unless you get some team to take the salary. Probably better developing an emerging pitching staff.

Polanco: He seems to be the player, when healthy, that can actually get the offense going. I'll grasp at straws until Julien can secure that role better than he is now.

Castro: There is a push to want to trade him since he has never done as well as he is now.  His positional flexibility is the only reason that we can still fill out a lineup card every day. He is still more valuable to us than anyone that we would get back in a reasonable trade. Heck, he was originally only on the roster to be this year's Billy Hamilton and I think he has exceeded expectations.

We still haven't discussed Dobnak or Paddack, which are total wildcards and will need to be assessed whether they are worth a 40-man roster spot as prospects keep moving up.

This was a much longer post than I ever intended and probably should have been it's own thread.  I hope to see the Twins this weekend and ever eternal that they will turn the corner.

 

 

 

Welcome! Many good points in your 1st post. There really isn't much to trade away on this roster and if the players mentioned finally start to produce what can you get back that's better or helps? Too close to being a buyer to sell and to close to a seller to buy. Probably just save your bullets and see how it turns out? As of today, I don't think there is a wrong answer or a right one for that matter.

[Beast]

I’d stand pat, maybe add a cheap reliever.  That’s the realistic take.  I’d rather see then sell what they can for a good price, but I don’t see that happening.

If this team turns it around and succeeds (which means win a playoff series), it’s because Correa, Buxton, and Kepler turned it on. 

Even if they do choose to add something to the lineup at the deadline (which I doubt, we can’t even find room to play Wall we), we haven’t seen them go out and pay top dollar for the high end guys on the trade market.  They seem to want to buy low - mainly on the pitching side, where there isn’t a glaring need in the rotation.

I just don’t see a big move coming

[ashbury]

They have a very high chance of being in the playoffs.  Even if they are an underdog against any other first-round opponent, I do not want to field a crippled roster for that series.  So I am not trading expiring-contract assets like Gray.  I am not trading Polanco, either - that would have been a defensible off-season move six months ago.

Players who do not fit the roster, I am fine with discarding in favor of a prospect already on hand - Gallo stands out, possibly Pagan.  But depth in case of injury remains a concern so I don't want to weed out the roster very much.

Sure, get a reliever, preferably on an expiring contract so we don't spend much to get him.

This isn't our year, apparently.  But a playoff invitation still is likely.  So, small moves in either direction.

[Doctor Gast]

On 7/3/2023 at 5:34 PM, weitz41 said:

I think they'll buy and sell. I don't expect anything flashy. Say something like Kepler or Gallo to Astros for an MLB middle reliever or a AAA prospect. The Astros are really light on lefthanded hitters. 

Probably the biggest trade is something like Larnach for Lane Thomas and Edwards Jr.

I'm with you Weitz about buying & selling but not too flashy. Many good teams this year had very slow starts. We have the personel that when all are in sync beginning the post we could be like the Braves did in '21. Trade Kepler and or Gallo to HOU for a good RP is a good idea & give some our young guys a chance, If we don't get a top college catcher prospect from the draft in the 1st couple of rounds, I'd trade for one.

[Hubie29]

On 7/3/2023 at 6:34 PM, weitz41 said:

I think they'll buy and sell. I don't expect anything flashy. Say something like Kepler or Gallo to Astros for an MLB middle reliever or a AAA prospect. The Astros are really light on lefthanded hitters. 

Probably the biggest trade is something like Larnach for Lane Thomas and Edwards Jr.

Love Lane Thomas.  I don't think you can get him for Larnach.  Larnach has not proven he will even stay in the majors, especially with his injury issues. If we get Thomas, we would have a leadoff hitter with decent power and speed and durability for years.  Would probably take a high end prospect to get him.  

[MABB1959]

I think they should grab Nelson Cruz.   His numbers aren't terrible,  He is the clubhouse leader we need and he could DH on Buxton's day or or next IL stint.  Maybe swap him in RF for Kepler?

[Vanimal46]

12 minutes ago, MABB1959 said:

I think they should grab Nelson Cruz.   His numbers aren't terrible,  He is the clubhouse leader we need and he could DH on Buxton's day or or next IL stint.  Maybe swap him in RF for Kepler?

I have zero interest in Cruz playing for the Twins again. However, the second he decides he wants to get into coaching, I am offering him the hitting coach or bench coach role. 

[MABB1959]

26 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

I have zero interest in Cruz playing for the Twins again. However, the second he decides he wants to get into coaching, I am offering him the hitting coach or bench coach role. 

His numbers are not a bad as some on the Twins roster.  Realize he may not be the best but better than some we have.  I really think he could help our younger players now.  But that is my opinion.  

[weitz41]

1 hour ago, Hubie29 said:

Love Lane Thomas.  I don't think you can get him for Larnach.  Larnach has not proven he will even stay in the majors, especially with his injury issues. If we get Thomas, we would have a leadoff hitter with decent power and speed and durability for years.  Would probably take a high end prospect to get him.  

Was looking at it the same way as you. Thomas fits what the lineup is lacking. Plus 2 1/2 years of control also. I added in Edwards Jr because he fits what I think the BP could use. a steady veteran. It may take more then Larnach, I don't think I ran it through BTV before posting the idea.

Checked it on MTV. Which usually seems to be pretty close on trade. You were right. I was light on what was going back to the Nats. Had to add Martin to get it close.

[Major League Ready]

On 7/3/2023 at 4:07 PM, Mike Sixel said:

I'd sell Gray if they can get a top 50 prospect and another guy for him. I may or may not deal Maeda, most likely I do. That, of course, destroys the rotation, so I maybe don't. This team can still win a playoff series if they get two OFers that can hit....so it is possible I just keep both these guys, but I 100% do the next line.

I'd DFA Kepler, trade Gallo and Taylor, and see what the young OFers can do. Gotta figure that out for next year. 

I'd IL Buxton until he can play the field, but I'd consider not doing that. He's actually a slightly above average hitter right now.

I'd call up Williams or Camargo to play C opposite Jeffers and use Vazquez as a backup at C and first. 

If all three OFers go, I call up Larnach, Celestino and Wallner to play the OF. 

IF Gordon comes back before the deadline, I deal Castro if I can get a 45 value prospect. If not, I keep him.

 

I have similar thoughts although I think I would DFA Gallo first and hold Kepler until the deadline hoping he continues to play well.  His wRC+ for the last 30 days is 150 with a 905 OPS.  Yes, we know this is what he does but if he can do it for another 3 weeks, he might actually bring back a decent prospect because of the team option for next year.   

I think I actually prefer to keep Castro over Gordon.  He is a better defender, especially in the infield and he is a good base stealer.   

Buxton is scorching. the ball right now.  What the heck.  He went from horrid to pounding the ball.  I don't know what to expect but no way would I IL him now.  

I am right there with you on the OFers.  Time to give Larnach and Wallner an extended look and how about trading MAT and giving Stevenson or Keirsey at shot or maybe Martin at the deadline.

The opportunity for a meaningful addition is moving Gray or Maeda or both if the return is right.  If Maeda pitches really well he might be a candidate for a qualifying offer.  I am not sure what type of offers he will get at 35 years old but a 3 year deal does not seem out of the question if he pitches like he did yesterday going forward.  I hope someone makes us an offer(s) we can't refuse.

[Mike Sixel]

The really bad teams have so little I'd want..... At least that would be available. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, Major League Ready said:

I have similar thoughts although I think I would DFA Gallo first and hold Kepler until the deadline hoping he continues to play well.  His wRC+ for the last 30 days is 150 with a 905 OPS.  Yes, we know this is what he does but if he can do it for another 3 weeks, he might actually bring back a decent prospect because of the team option for next year.   

I think I actually prefer to keep Castro over Gordon.  He is a better defender, especially in the infield and he is a good base stealer.   

Buxton is scorching. the ball right now.  What the heck.  He went from horrid to pounding the ball.  I don't know what to expect but no way would I IL him now.  

I am right there with you on the OFers.  Time to give Larnach and Wallner an extended look and how about trading MAT and giving Stevenson or Keirsey at shot or maybe Martin at the deadline.

The opportunity for a meaningful addition is moving Gray or Maeda or both if the return is right.  If Maeda pitches really well he might be a candidate for a qualifying offer.  I am not sure what type of offers he will get at 35 years old but a 3 year deal does not seem out of the question if he pitches like he did yesterday going forward.  I hope someone makes us an offer(s) we can't refuse.

I'd rather keep Castro over Gordon also, but it's not like Castro is here long term..... And he likely has value.

Buxton? Definitely scorching the ball right now. What to do with Julien when polanco returns? It's a small consideration.

I'd trade Kepler faster than Buxton can run.....

I understand the arguments for keeping Gray and Maeda.... And won't be annoyed if they do. But there are so many buyers, and so few sellers, I don't be annoyed if they get great prospects back. 

The biggest issue for me is the hesitancy in the OF, and now third base. They just refuse to see the years of data from the OFers.....

[Vanimal46]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The really bad teams have so little I'd want..... At least that would be available. 

Because of the lack of supply I’m willing to see who overpays for Sonny Gray and Maeda. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, Vanimal46 said:

Because of the lack of supply I’m willing to see who overpays for Sonny Gray and Maeda. 

My thought too....

[Major League Ready]

14 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd rather keep Castro over Gordon also, but it's not like Castro is here long term..... And he likely has value.

Buxton? Definitely scorching the ball right now. What to do with Julien when polanco returns? It's a small consideration.

I'd trade Kepler faster than Buxton can run.....

I understand the arguments for keeping Gray and Maeda.... And won't be annoyed if they do. But there are so many buyers, and so few sellers, I don't be annoyed if they get great prospects back. 

The biggest issue for me is the hesitancy in the OF, and now third base. They just refuse to see the years of data from the OFers.....

The financial benefit of making the playoffs might be driving the OF situation.  They might be reluctant to bet on the youngsters because they want to cash in on the playoff money.  It could also be that they believe they can get prospects for Kepler or Gallo at the deadline, so they are waiting it out.   It could also be that they just want to play it out as long as possible and see if they can get the offense going.  We are a different offensive team with Buxton and Correa playing as they have of late and hopefully we get a good version of Polanco going soon.   

It's going to be interesting to see what the pitching market looks like in 2-3 weeks.  We might be able to really cash-in.

[chpettit19]

27 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd rather keep Castro over Gordon also, but it's not like Castro is here long term..... And he likely has value.

Buxton? Definitely scorching the ball right now. What to do with Julien when polanco returns? It's a small consideration.

I'd trade Kepler faster than Buxton can run.....

I understand the arguments for keeping Gray and Maeda.... And won't be annoyed if they do. But there are so many buyers, and so few sellers, I don't be annoyed if they get great prospects back. 

The biggest issue for me is the hesitancy in the OF, and now third base. They just refuse to see the years of data from the OFers.....

What's "long-term" to you? Castro has 2 years of arbitration left, and I'd definitely take him as the super utility guy for 2 more years at will likely be exceedingly reasonable prices. Even beyond just his arb years he's not likely to make much so could be here even longer than 2 years. He's in the same age range as their current prospect wave, and I think he fits in very well with them. I'd rather have him for 2 years (assuming we think this is the type of player he is) than whatever low level prospect we'd likely get in return.

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

What's "long-term" to you? Castro has 2 years of arbitration left, and I'd definitely take him as the super utility guy for 2 more years at will likely be exceedingly reasonable prices. Even beyond just his arb years he's not likely to make much so could be here even longer than 2 years. He's in the same age range as their current prospect wave, and I think he fits in very well with them. I'd rather have him for 2 years (assuming we think this is the type of player he is) than whatever low level prospect we'd likely get in return.

2 more after this year? I thought it was just 2024...which to me is more short/medium....but if it is 2025, then sure, I'd just keep him. And, you are likely right even if it is only next year.....so I'm willing to keep him around.

[chpettit19]

9 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

2 more after this year? I thought it was just 2024...which to me is more short/medium....but if it is 2025, then sure, I'd just keep him. And, you are likely right even if it is only next year.....so I'm willing to keep him around.

Spotrac and fangraphs have him at 2 more years after this one. And I'm not saying I'd go out of my way to keep him, and what the return would be is always the key decider. I just think he's a perfect fit for the 26th man role. But maybe things play out that Martin is the better option there next year? I'd actually like both of them (assuming Martin comes back closer to his AFL self than most of last year self) as bench players in 2024 to add a little athleticism to this squad. I just think Castro is a great fit, and he even has an option left if he struggles at some point and you need to send him down.

[Dman]

I might be overly pessimistic but if they can get decent returns I would trade whoever I can at the deadline kind of like Cleveland does.  This team is hovering around .500 and while the pitching staff has been elite the offense has been so bad they are barely above .500.  Even if they manage to win the division this is not a team that is going to beat Tampa or Houston and maybe not even be able to beat out a wild card team that might have a better overall record.

My trade conditions would be to sell only if there is value otherwise just leave things as they are.

I would only trade Gray if they were sure they are not gong to be able to resign him and they get a top 100 prospect back in return as he is a sure thing to get them a supplemental 1st rounder when he rejects the qualifying offer.

If they are not going to extend Maeda then I would do everything I can to get some kind of return by trading him at the deadline.

Here is hoping that Kepler and Gallo get hot in July.  They need to trade at least one of them and ideally both of them.  I would not DFA Kepler if no trade happens as he could still gain value and be a trade asset at the end of the year.  Gallo has been good enough to be useful but would look hard to trade him and he may be the one player I would take a sub optimal return on.

Solano is having a good year and might be a tough sell as 1st basemen DH ( I think he can still play 2nd) but if he keeps hitting like he has been getting some value back in prospects would be good.

Pagan hasn't been bad in low leverage but again if they are not extending him get value while you can.

Unless extending,  Michael Taylor would be another player I would try and get a return on.  He is elite defensively.  Has some pop in his bat. Can bunt and could be a huge get for a playoff team that needs extra depth. Get a good return while you can.  Celestino can take that spot the rest of the year.

I hesitate to include Polanco as when he is healthy he is a pretty elite bat but with Jullien right now and others coming up it feels like they could afford to move him if the price was right.  I wouldn't just trade him to trade him though.

If it is possible to trade Gordon I would.  Castro does everything Gordon does only better.  Neither player walks much and they both are streaky hitters but Castro feels like the better fit and they don't need both.  Not sure they can find a taker at the deadline for Gordon but maybe they can get something done in the offseason.

So yeah pretty much anyone on a one year deal and or players with option years I would try and trade.  They won't be able to trade all of those players anyway but they should listen and try to get some value back while they can.  This team just doesn't feel like it is going anywhere this year so get rid of what you can, get the young guys some experience for next year and see what you have in Celestino, Larnach, Wallner etc the rest of the year. That is my two cents.

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

I don't see any way that they are out of it come the end of this month. I'm expecting a reliever and probably a bat to add, depending on how players perform between now and then. 

I don't see selling as an option. 

[Vanimal46]

Just for fun, I fired up Out of the Park Baseball and did a live start season on July 4th. Simmed up to 7/25 so Polanco and Thielbar could return from the IL. Trade difficulty set to the most difficult level… Here’s what the game is offering for some of these players:

Sonny Gray has 2 compelling offers. The game had Oakland and St Louis offering up trades with higher potential lottery tickets, but that isn’t too realistic of an outcome. 

Houston offered 24 year old C Korey Lee, who our scout Sean Johnson evaluates as a 40/80 overall with 60/80 potential. As well as 25 year old RHP Forrest Whitley, who our scout evaluates as a 30/80 overall with 40/80 potential. 

Milwaukee offered 24 year old LHP Robert Gasser who is doing well in AAA and evaluated at 40/80 overall, 55/80 potential and 23 year old RHP Cam Robinson - who is struggling in AA but is evaluated at 40/80 overall 55/80 potential. 

To no one’s surprise, we didn’t receive any offers for Emilio Pagan… Even when the Twins retain 100% of his salary.