5 Reliever Trade Targets for the Twins

[Cody Christie]

Minnesota's starting pitching has been among baseball's best in the first half, but bolstering the bullpen might be necessary at the trade deadline. Here are five players the team can target to add to the relief core.

Image courtesy of John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Twins targeted Jorge Lopez on the trade market because he came with multiple years of team control and had performed tremendously well in the first half. He was one of the best available relievers on the market, and the Twins had to give up significant value to acquire him. So far, this trade hasn't worked out in the team's favor, but it shouldn't stop the front office from trying to improve the 2023 squad. 

Recently, MLB Trade Rumors released their ranking of the top 50 deadline trade candidates. As part of this ranking, they try to balance a player's trade value and the likelihood of that player being dealt. Shohei Ohtani is a pending free agent and could fetch the Angels a king's ransom on the trade market. However, he isn't ranked first on their list because there is no guarantee the Angels will move him. Let's explore five reliever trade options for the Twins.

RHP Scott Barlow, Kansas City Royals
MLBTR Ranking: 3
Barlow became the top available reliever after the Royals dealt Aroldis Chapman to the Rangers. He is an intriguing option because an acquiring team can control him via arbitration for the 2024 season. Barlow was one of baseball's best relievers in 2021-22, combining for a 2.30 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 10.2 K/9. His 2023 numbers could be better, which might be one reason Kansas City wants to move him before the deadline. He has posted a 4.22 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP, but his 3.32 FIP is almost a run lower than his ERA. As the top available reliever, it seems likely for another team to make a more significant offer than Minnesota. 

RHP David Robertson, New York Mets
MLBTR Ranking: 7
The Mets have fallen short of their lofty preseason expectations, so that the club might become sellers before the deadline. Robertson is one of the best relievers of this generation, and he's rediscovered his All-Star former over the last two seasons. In 102 innings, he's posted a 2.21 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 11.9 K/9. The Mets have used Robertson as the team's primary closer since Edwin Diaz suffered his knee injury. In his age-38 season, Robertson likely wants another shot at a World Series ring, which won't happen in Queens. He's only under team control through the end of the season, but that might bring down his asking price to one the Twins are willing to pay. 

LHP Brooks Raley, New York Mets
MLBTR Ranking: 15
Raley didn't pitch in the big leagues from 2013 to 2020, but he's rebuilt himself into a reliable option in his mid-30s. Raley is the top-ranked left-handed reliever according to MLBTR, and he's under team control through 2024. Both of these traits make him a more likely trade target for the Twins. His club option for next season is $6.25 million, which is a little high for the Twins' budget. In 2023, he has a 2.35 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 10.0 K/9. His 4.01 FIP is significantly higher than his ERA, so this might point to some regression in the second half. He has plenty of late-inning experience and might cost less in prospect capital than the players ranked ahead of him. 

RHP Jose Cisnero, Detroit Tigers
MLBTR Ranking: 28
Cisnero has posted strong numbers over the last three seasons for the Tigers. From 2021-23, he posted a 2.71 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and 9.1 K/9. He is an impending free agent, and some peripheral numbers indicate an even better performance. His average exit velocity, barrel %, xBA, and xSLG all rank in the 75th percentile or higher. The Tigers are in third place in the AL Central, so there is no guarantee that the team will be sellers at the deadline. 

RHP Michael Fulmer, Chicago Cubs
MLBTR Ranking: 31
Minnesota traded for Fulmer at last year's trade deadline, but he left in free agency last winter. His Cubs tenure started slowly with a 7.84 ERA and an .894 OPS through his first 23 appearances. Over his last 16 appearances, he has only allowed two earned runs while batters have hit .158/.254/.263 (.517) against him. There was some indication the Twins didn't want to bring Fulmer back entering the 2023 season, but their opinion might have changed based on his more recent performance. 

Which reliever is the best fit for the Twins? Do any of the other relievers on MLBTR's list seem like fits in Minnesota? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

David Robertson would be great to have here. Sign me up.

[mikelink45]

Only Robertson looks like an improvement.  

[TopGunn#22]

I'm hearing persistent rumors that the Padres may be sellers and that Josh Hader could very well be on the block.  Using Baseball Trade Values this is a trade that works "value wise" between the Twins and Padres:

Padres Get:  Jose Miranda 3B/1BD/H 8.9 value and Jorge Polanco 2B 7.3 value.  Total Value 16.2.

Twins Get:    Josh Hader RP 8.3 value and Blake Snell SP 7.4 value.  Total Value  15.7.

Padres need to upgrade at 2B from Croenenworth.  Also need a DH with their release of Cruz.  Miranda could also play some 1B.  San Diego also off loads salary (they have been spending like drunken sailors with Machado, Darvish, Soto and Bogaerts just to name a few).  

Twins need another stud in the back end of their BP and Hader is the ultimate stud.  The Twins could certainly use a lefty in the rotation and Snell has been outstanding lately.  Acquiring Snell could allow the Twins to trade Sonny Gray for a nice return in either prospects or a current player who could help the offense.  The Twins are taking on salary here but the return they are getting would be an immediate boost to an already solid pitching staff and possibly open up opportunities to make a deal of two to improve the offense. 

In a short series, having to face Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Blake Snell and Bailey Ober would not be something other teams would look forward too.  Add in Hader and Duran at the end of games and it could be downright miserable.  Games would need to be won 2-1 and 3-2 but that's what dominant pitching can accomplish in a shorter, playoff series.  

[Brandon27]

This does need need bullpen help but also needs some offense help in this lineup

[farmerguychris]

No thanks.  Not a big fan of giving up anyone to help the pen.  We can improve the pen without letting anyone important go by just letting Pagan walk.

[DJL44]

Buy cheaply, focus on pure rentals.

[Beast]

This team is in no position to dealing future assets for a short-term reliever.  This team has a good chance of missing the playoffs altogether.  They certainly aren’t winning a series.

They’re better served going to forward to start cleaning house now vs. trying I cobble together some hapless attempt at winning.

[Clear Lake Twinsfan]

I'd like either or both of Robertson and Raley from the Mets.  (While not a reliever under this topic, I'd also be open to Tommy Pham from the Mets.  He could take Miranda's spot on the roster since he has apparently fallen behind Farmer, Solano and Castro on the depth chart for 3B.) 

[Guest]

Can any of those five hit?  

[Mike Sixel]

I'm not buying unless they are fixing the O......you can't score 2 or less runs in 40% of your games and expect to win any playoff games. So, no to all these unless it is the third thing they do.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

No problem if they decide to make a relatively low cost move for a guy like Robertson.  But the bullpen is nowhere near the top of the priority list for this team right now.

Gotta find some offense somewhere.

[terrydactyls]

4 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I'm hearing persistent rumors that the Padres may be sellers and that Josh Hader could very well be on the block.  Using Baseball Trade Values this is a trade that works "value wise" between the Twins and Padres:

Padres Get:  Jose Miranda 3B/1BD/H 8.9 value and Jorge Polanco 2B 7.3 value.  Total Value 16.2.

Twins Get:    Josh Hader RP 8.3 value and Blake Snell SP 7.4 value.  Total Value  15.7.

Padres need to upgrade at 2B from Croenenworth.  Also need a DH with their release of Cruz.  Miranda could also play some 1B.  San Diego also off loads salary (they have been spending like drunken sailors with Machado, Darvish, Soto and Bogaerts just to name a few).  

Twins need another stud in the back end of their BP and Hader is the ultimate stud.  The Twins could certainly use a lefty in the rotation and Snell has been outstanding lately.  Acquiring Snell could allow the Twins to trade Sonny Gray for a nice return in either prospects or a current player who could help the offense.  The Twins are taking on salary here but the return they are getting would be an immediate boost to an already solid pitching staff and possibly open up opportunities to make a deal of two to improve the offense. 

In a short series, having to face Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Blake Snell and Bailey Ober would not be something other teams would look forward too.  Add in Hader and Duran at the end of games and it could be downright miserable.  Games would need to be won 2-1 and 3-2 but that's what dominant pitching can accomplish in a shorter, playoff series.  

I'm not sure that Trade Values is a good resource for moves made at the trade deadline.  IMHO, buyers tend to overpay at the deadline to add the "one last piece" that will make them a World Series contender.

[SotaSports in NM]

The only trades we should be thinking about are for next year's offense.

[Bodie]

39 minutes ago, SotaSports said:

The only trades we should be thinking about are for next year's offense.

Hopefully done by a new front office.   

[gman]

This team is a more of addition by subtraction position. I think any addition needs to come from the minors. Plenty could be subtracted from the major league roster. So I guess that would technically leave the team as sellers.

[D.C Twins]

Naw... We're good... no need to waste prospects trying to right this sinking ship

[ashbury]

Topic: Bullpen trade possibilities

Discussion: Fix the offense but first fire everybody in charge.

[JD-TWINS]

23 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I'm hearing persistent rumors that the Padres may be sellers and that Josh Hader could very well be on the block.  Using Baseball Trade Values this is a trade that works "value wise" between the Twins and Padres:

Padres Get:  Jose Miranda 3B/1BD/H 8.9 value and Jorge Polanco 2B 7.3 value.  Total Value 16.2.

Twins Get:    Josh Hader RP 8.3 value and Blake Snell SP 7.4 value.  Total Value  15.7.

Padres need to upgrade at 2B from Croenenworth.  Also need a DH with their release of Cruz.  Miranda could also play some 1B.  San Diego also off loads salary (they have been spending like drunken sailors with Machado, Darvish, Soto and Bogaerts just to name a few).  

Twins need another stud in the back end of their BP and Hader is the ultimate stud.  The Twins could certainly use a lefty in the rotation and Snell has been outstanding lately.  Acquiring Snell could allow the Twins to trade Sonny Gray for a nice return in either prospects or a current player who could help the offense.  The Twins are taking on salary here but the return they are getting would be an immediate boost to an already solid pitching staff and possibly open up opportunities to make a deal of two to improve the offense. 

In a short series, having to face Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Blake Snell and Bailey Ober would not be something other teams would look forward too.  Add in Hader and Duran at the end of games and it could be downright miserable.  Games would need to be won 2-1 and 3-2 but that's what dominant pitching can accomplish in a shorter, playoff series.  

I assume the values you have shown for players are accurate but I have to wonder how they are derived? The Padres wouldn’t trade either Hader nor Snell (singularly) for Miranda & Polanco. If they would, we should jump on it immediately!

How can Polanco be rated less than Miranda? Miranda has performed terribly in ‘23……..don’t get the player rating system? Polanco has played maybe 35% of the games over the past 12 months……Miranda is just OK in AAA this year…..these guys for 1 or 2 pitching stars seems like a non possibility.

[JD-TWINS]

Fixing the Pen…..adding to Pen:

Robertson - Brad Hand - Kid from Cubs……would take most guys with experience. No need for Fulmer - he’s just a mild improvement over Pagan.

Still think Headrick is a real option……Sands does not appear to be an option…….Crossing fingers on Stewart & Thielbar - they could both be big additions!

[KBJ1]

I would take Snell & Hader in a heartbeat for Polanco & Miranda. We have arguably the best utility player group in the league with Castro, Farmer & Solano. Problem is the starters are always hurt or suck. We have a stud in Lewis, multiple options at 2B and Correa we are stuck with. 

Lose Kepler & Gallo, bring up Lanarch & Walner and get a good hitting right handed outfielder. If Buxton can't fill that role, he should go on the IR and we trade for a starter there.

That will be the best solution we have for offense and a top notch World Series pitching staff!

[John Belinski]

Twins need hitters that play every day.  If the Twins do not score runs why would they waste money on pitchers who may pitch every 4 or 5 days. Without better hitters the Twins will be a losing team. Twins have good overall pitching, but just can not score runs. Rocco's plan of wishing or hoping players will hit better in second half will lead to a losing record. Wishing and hoping is not really a plan.

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[Blyleven2011]

This front office has tried and tried to build the twins  , they have  really failed , they fix the starting rotation  , but fail to fix the bullpen  ....

They trade a great hitter ( spark plug of the team ) and lineup falters in 2023 ...

They are not good in free agency ( adding below quality arms )  because they dont want to spend big money and they haven't done to well in the trades ( some good during the off season ,  but most trades have been a disaster especially the deadline acquisitions  ) ...

We should be sellers at the deadline  , the twins can't right the ship by August 1st to be contenders because they can't score runs  ...

Last night's allstar game the players all had fun and laughing. , something I have not seen from our club  the past 3 seasons  ...

Yes a change is necessary  , for some players but mostly  the coaching philosophy  on their interpretation of baseball needs to change  ....

TIME FOR DIFFERENT VOICES  ...

[Minny505]

14 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

Naw... We're good... no need to waste prospects trying to right this sinking ship

It might not take prospects. See the Sam Dyson trade, in which the Twins traded away a couple of minor league depth players. 

Sam story with the Sergio Romo trade. A minor league depth player. 

Trading minor leaguers does not equal trading prospects.

[Minny505]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I assume the values you have shown for players are accurate but I have to wonder how they are derived? The Padres wouldn’t trade either Hader nor Snell (singularly) for Miranda & Polanco. If they would, we should jump on it immediately!

How can Polanco be rated less than Miranda? Miranda has performed terribly in ‘23……..don’t get the player rating system? Polanco has played maybe 35% of the games over the past 12 months……Miranda is just OK in AAA this year…..these guys for 1 or 2 pitching stars seems like a non possibility.

They have a podcast and have mentioned that they do major charnges in values after the all-star break, to prep for the trade dealine, then again in October, in preparation for the offseason. 

As such, Miranda is essentially valued on the site as if this disappointing season hasn't happened yet.

[Doctor Wu]

21 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I assume the values you have shown for players are accurate but I have to wonder how they are derived? The Padres wouldn’t trade either Hader nor Snell (singularly) for Miranda & Polanco. If they would, we should jump on it immediately!

How can Polanco be rated less than Miranda? Miranda has performed terribly in ‘23……..don’t get the player rating system? Polanco has played maybe 35% of the games over the past 12 months……Miranda is just OK in AAA this year…..these guys for 1 or 2 pitching stars seems like a non possibility.

I got to agree with your assessment. I can't imagine the Padres giving up both of those pitchers for only Miranda and Polanco. Hey, if that's the deal, I'd jump on it if I were the Twins, but I think such a swap would be highly unlikely.