Rumor: In A Market With No Sellers, Twins May Trade Away MLB Players

[tony&rodney]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's been better than Julien at every level. Why don't people believe in Wallner?

They have both been very good at every level. They both have good eyes at the plate and can run. They both look/are awkward in the field, although they each make most of the plays. Teams have not run on Wallner and third base coaches are well aware of his arm even if his release is a tad slow. I'll double down - Why don't people believe in Wallner and Julien?

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

16 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's been better than Julien at every level. Why don't people believe in Wallner?

Is this revisionist history???  Other than AA Julien has had better OPS numbers than Wallner at every level.   Julien beat Wallner in OBP handedly at every level which would be expected.  

Its scary how consistent Julien has been at about every level other than A+.  A .290/.440/.490   OPS of .930.  Just crazy how good he is and continues to be.  No decrease even facing better quality pitching.  

However that doesn't mean Wallner has not had a very good bat and I am hoping continues at the MLB level.  He just has a lot more swing and miss than Julien.  

 

 

[DJL44]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's been better than Julien at every level. Why don't people believe in Wallner?

If the Twins add a RH hitting OF bat he should take playing time away from Kepler anyway. If Wallner fails in a platoon RF role they can try Larnach or Kirilloff or Gordon or more Willi Castro.

[Parfigliano]

28 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's been better than Julien at every level. Why don't people believe in Wallner?

I believe

[Kenny Powers]

I hope they can move a couple of under performing vets to keep spots for up and coming guys including:

*  Royce Lewis (24)

*  Edourd Julien (24)

*  Matt Wallner (25)

Those three guys are literally currently the top three on the team in OPS.  Add in a couple of other younger guys like:

*  Kirilloff (25)

*  Jeffers (26)

Suddenly - we have a very nice young core of guys - all of which are performing as well (or better) than the older vets.  I don't want to see any of those young guys going anywhere.  I know it's age discrimination (you can report me to HR), but the only guys I want move are all age 29 or older.

 

[Brandon]

The Twins need a complementary RH bat for the line up and a reliever.  They are getting callls on their LH OF bats and starting pitchers.  It they trade from this depth its more likely for prospects to help add to our farm system.  Maybe trade a LH bat for a reliever but unless you are trading Keuchel, you want a strong package of prospects as you are dealing from our playoff pitching staff.  

[Squirrel]

2 hours ago, cmoss84 said:

Is now not a good time to trade Polanco? Logjam?

You're going to be hurt if we trade or DFA Kepler or Gallo?

If Buxton wants to start fresh somewhere else and a team is willing to take a risk, you say no?

I am not saying all of these happen in the next few days. But it seems like a prime time to reshape the current roster to make an improvement or 2.

You would rather keep Correa than have Lee/Lewis at SS?

There are moves that need to be made if we want to do anything in playoffs. I am not satisfied getting there and getting our butts kicked.

Polanco - no, I don't think it is. We'd be selling low if we did. He can play 3rd for the short term. Who knows when Lewis will return. But his bat will be nice to have.

I have been saying for weeks to trade or DFA one or both of them, so no, I won't be hurt, and that's not at all what I said. However, Kepler's bat has been good of late, so he still has some value to us. But Gallo? I have never said to keep him. My initial comments about 'disappointed' was trading Larnach or Kepler.

Buxton isn't being traded anywhere. I wish people would get that out of their heads.

Correa at SS, absolutely. Have you seen him play? Good Lord, it would be foolish to move him off SS this year and probably the next couple of years. Lee will be at 3rd and Lewis will be in the OF or 2nd base, in coming years. But we are talking about this year. Correa is the SS this year. Lee will not see the majors this year. Has he even been moved up to AAA yet?

And nowhere have I ever stated that it's just good enough to get to the playoffs. But we are a playoff team, thanks to a weak division. But we have the pitching to do well. And I think with a rh bat and another GOOD reliever, we can win some games. Will we win it all? Doubtful. But I don't think we will get our butts kicked in round 1, either. We will if we trade away half the team and move Correa off SS.

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, bap3141 said:

Come on people, do you really think the M's are giving up Gilbert or Kirby for the names y'all have thrown out here?

Trades cannot happen without conversations. Right?

Names like Larnach, Wallner, Lewis, and various others may be of interest to Seattle. They lost a tough 18 inning playoff game last year by a 1-0  score. They want to get back to the postseason. Their fan base is outstanding. Seattle has a bunch of good pitchers and need hitting. Their minor leagues are not showing anyone likely/ expected to contribute in any major way in a few years. It does make sense for Seattle to see what is out there in exchange for one of their young guys on the mound. St. Louis has a couple of players of note but both have had their struggles. Tyler O'Neill has 1+ years before free agency and Dylan Carlson has three years left of control. Meanwhile Gilbert has four years left and the other Seattle pitchers still have six years of control. I think the Mariners would be more interested in some equal exchange of value in years as well as player talent. The Cardinals are not listening on Jordan Walker. Maybe the Twins can find an exchange, maybe not.

[cmoss84]

1 hour ago, Squirrel said:

Polanco - no, I don't think it is. We'd be selling low if we did. He can play 3rd for the short term. Who knows when Lewis will return. But his bat will be nice to have.

I have been saying for weeks to trade or DFA one or both of them, so no, I won't be hurt, and that's not at all what I said. However, Kepler's bat has been good of late, so he still has some value to us. But Gallo? I have never said to keep him. My initial comments about 'disappointed' was trading Larnach or Kepler.

Buxton isn't being traded anywhere. I wish people would get that out of their heads.

Correa at SS, absolutely. Have you seen him play? Good Lord, it would be foolish to move him off SS this year and probably the next couple of years. Lee will be at 3rd and Lewis will be in the OF or 2nd base, in coming years. But we are talking about this year. Correa is the SS this year. Lee will not see the majors this year. Has he even been moved up to AAA yet?

And nowhere have I ever stated that it's just good enough to get to the playoffs. But we are a playoff team, thanks to a weak division. But we have the pitching to do well. And I think with a rh bat and another GOOD reliever, we can win some games. Will we win it all? Doubtful. But I don't think we will get our butts kicked in round 1, either. We will if we trade away half the team and move Correa off SS.

Was referring to Correa being traded in the off season...

[Squirrel]

4 minutes ago, cmoss84 said:

Was referring to Correa being traded in the off season...

Well, I was referring to trade deadline as I thought that's what this thread was about. Makes for a confusing discussion when some are talking about trade deadline and some talking about the off-season. I took your comments to be about trade deadline. 

[KirbyDome89]

5 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

How well is Wallner regarded in Seattle? Is there a package to be built around him that brings back one of their young arms? Seattle has arms to move in return for a bat, but they'll want a controllable bat since their arms are controllable for years still. Can a package built around Wallner, and Polanco maybe, bring back Gilbert, Kirby, or Miller? I'd certainly be calling Seattle. I'd guess we can't meet their asking price, but it's worth a call.

Seattle's view of Wallner would have to be wildly different than MN's. I get that this is an "ideal," swap, but this seems like a landslide W for the Twins, which means there's basically no chance it would happen.

Seattle is trying to upgrade Hernandez's spot right? Why would they lock themselves into what many of us see as a younger version of that player?

To put it another way, if we're Mariners fans, we're pissed if George Kirby and his years of control are being shipped out for a 30 year old 2B on the decline and what Wallner profiles as. 

[KirbyDome89]

7 hours ago, Vanimal46 said:

I like this development. If there are that many buyers, then the Twins should zag the other direction. There is no other team to fear in the AL Central. 

I would call every team in the AL East and SEA/HOU/TX. See who is starving for pitching and willing to overpay for Gray or Maeda. 

Who's taking his spot in the rotation? Ober has matched his career high in IPs and they still need another 2+ months from him. Does Kenta hold up for the rest of the year? There's nobody in AAA that we should feel good about.

I don't fear anybody in the ALC either, but the Twins haven't exactly built themselves a cushion, and there's really no SP depth beyond what they're currently rolling out. 

[tony&rodney]

13 minutes ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Seattle is trying to upgrade Hernandez's spot right? Why would they lock themselves into what many of us see as a younger version of that player?

To put it another way, if we're Mariners fans, we're pissed if George Kirby and his years of control are being shipped out for a 30 year old 2B on the decline and what Wallner profiles as. 

Oh I think the Twins would add a pitcher like Marco Raya/ David Festa as well as players like Noah Miller and Tanner Schobel to add to something like Wallner and Polanco. The names can be different, less or more. It is really all about whether Seattle feels the Twins actually have the players in their system that are worthwhile to pursue while offering one of their guys. Once a discussion starts, many names can be thrown around.

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, ToddlerHarmon said:

If Max Kepler has any trade value, do you trade him now?

Need the “for sure defense” & the appearance of a resurgence at the plate. He sees good pitches hitting in front of Wallner. That will continue when Lewis gets back & drops in behind him as well.

He’s above average hitter for last month & it feels like he gets to 22 HR for the year if he stays in the line-up.

I’d keep him because hoping Larnach can hit “as well” and know his defense would be inferior is not a good move! Larnach strikes out more - not as good of a defender - very little HR pop.

He can just be traded this winter if we think we should move on from Max.

[JD-TWINS]

37 minutes ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Who's taking his spot in the rotation? Ober has matched his career high in IPs and they still need another 2+ months from him. Does Kenta hold up for the rest of the year? There's nobody in AAA that we should feel good about.

I don't fear anybody in the ALC either, but the Twins haven't exactly built themselves a cushion, and there's really no SP depth beyond what they're currently rolling out. 

Why would we trade him in “the AL?”…,,,NL teams need pitching and have relief assets…..,& we don’t have to play them in the playoffs.

Every 5th day we could toss Kuechel out there or Varland or both in same day with a piggyback approach for 8 weeks. Contrasting styles - turn a line-up around with LH/RH approach.

What can we get if Gray is only a rental? May be more advantageous to just hang on and get what we can from him every 5th day.

[insagt1]

next few days (heck hours) should be fun! For me, injuries have played a big role in what may or may not happen. Lots of key guys are out or can't play to the level expected. So if you unload Kepler now, who realistically takes his place and makes THIS YEAR'S team better. If you feel you can get to post season now, you go for it. (nobody on this planet expected the lowest seed Florida Panthers to upset the NHL's best team in history in round one) Play to get in and you just never know..except possibly the Twins who haven't won a playoff GAME in years!🙄 But I digress.

Twins lineup always seems to be just one trip, stumble, tweak or sprain away from losing guys for long stretches. So its good to have replacements ready to go. Other than dumping Gallo, I'll be surprised if Twins do much of anything at the deadline. And of course, I won't be surprised if I'm totally wrong!

So--what will be have with Polanco when he returns? Will Buxton ever snap out of his season long malaise? Will Lewis and Gordon contribute? Can Kirilloff stay healthy the rest of the season? Can we expect Julien to hit like he has? Will Larnach continue to be yo-yo'd. FO has a lot on their plate.

[KirbyDome89]

35 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Oh I think the Twins would add a pitcher like Marco Raya/ David Festa as well as players like Noah Miller and Tanner Schobel to add to something like Wallner and Polanco. The names can be different, less or more. It is really all about whether Seattle feels the Twins actually have the players in their system that are worthwhile to pursue while offering one of their guys. Once a discussion starts, many names can be thrown around.

Sure, I just feel like this is a very quantity for quality swap. A good, young, cost controlled SP is the most valuable asset in baseball. Idk why if I'm Seattle I'm letting that go for what amounts to spare parts. 

[KirbyDome89]

4 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Why would we trade him in “the AL?”…,,,NL teams need pitching and have relief assets…..,& we don’t have to play them in the playoffs.

Every 5th day we could toss Kuechel out there or Varland or both in same day with a piggyback approach for 8 weeks. Contrasting styles - turn a line-up around with LH/RH approach.

What can we get if Gray is only a rental? May be more advantageous to just hang on and get what we can from him every 5th day.

It doesn't matter which league you're sending him to, my point is that you're creating a hole without the resources to plug it. 

Hard pass on Keuchel for any amount of time, let alone 2 months. Varland is getting blown up in AAA right now and he struggled with the Twins earlier this year. There's a massive drop off from Gray to that duo. MN only has a 1.5 game lead right now, even in a weak division moving Gray is a pretty big gamble.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Seattle's view of Wallner would have to be wildly different than MN's. I get that this is an "ideal," swap, but this seems like a landslide W for the Twins, which means there's basically no chance it would happen.

Seattle is trying to upgrade Hernandez's spot right? Why would they lock themselves into what many of us see as a younger version of that player?

To put it another way, if we're Mariners fans, we're pissed if George Kirby and his years of control are being shipped out for a 30 year old 2B on the decline and what Wallner profiles as. 

I honestly don't know what MN's view of Wallner is. It's entirely possible they don't think he's that good, and that's why they haven't cleared a spot for him more aggressively, but they're also really, really slow to make in season adjustments/dump vets so I don't know if this is just a situation where they refused to move on from Gallo/Kepler and give him a spot even if they believe he can somewhat maintain his AAA numbers in the bigs. He's had 2 pretty elite years in the high minors back to back now so it's entirely possible other teams see a plug and play masher. 

I don't think they'd do a Wallner and Polo for Kirby, Miller, or Gilbert, straight up deal, but is it close enough to start a real convo? Polo is a massive upgrade over, and younger than, Kolton Wong, and has 2 more years of control left. I'd think if you called them and told them you'd start with those 2 they'd at least talk with you. I absolutely don't think the Twins get any of their pitchers, but I think it's worth a call to see if Seattle says "add Brooks Lee" or "add Noah Miller."

[jkcarew]

Have no problem selling mlb players. None.

[JD-TWINS]

9 minutes ago, KirbyDome89 said:

It doesn't matter which league you're sending him to, my point is that you're creating a hole without the resources to plug it. 

Hard pass on Keuchel for any amount of time, let alone 2 months. Varland is getting blown up in AAA right now and he struggled with the Twins earlier this year. There's a massive drop off from Gray to that duo. MN only has a 1.5 game lead right now, even in a weak division moving Gray is a pretty big gamble.

Agreed on Gray, that’s why I said we should hang on to him. I just commented on a post stating we should shop Gray to the AL East and the other AL Playoff teams……the specificity to AL is what I didn’t understand.

I do think they have given Kuechel a runway in St. Paul to prove he can get guys out. Seems to be positive.

Our starting 5, particularly Ober & Ryan need some rest if at all possible. A possible solution is optioning those two because they are young enough, or place them on IL with minor ailment. Kuechel is the path for this. Better running him out for 4 or 5 starts and see what we have v. burning up one or two guys that have been effective to date. Ryan & Gray are fading. Ober is near his historical high in innings. This gets Ober - Ryan - Gray - Lopez a skipped start or maybe 2 starts in a couple cases. Could help re-set them.

[JD-TWINS]

Our guys (starting 5) need rest!

There’s a drop-off between Kuechel and Ryan or Gray or other 3. When they’re at their best, granted, that’s correct. I think Maeda is fine with his repaired arm and his limited innings to date in ‘23.

The drop-off between Ryan of July v. Ryan of first 3 months is big. The difference between Gray of April/May v. last 2 months is vast. They need to freshen up……….I don’t care if it’s Kuechel, or Winder as a 3 inning starter or whatever……….we need a plan in August to give guys a break.

My contention is that potentially a guy with Kuechel’s experience and new found confidence (0.69 ERA in St Paul) could have a handful of starts on the par or better than Gray & Ryan have been lately. Can he throw 5 plus innings and give up 4 or less runs. That’s the realistic bar needed to be met to get these guys rest.

Seems worthwhile to run him out there a couple times, at least, to see what happens. Worst case we still get to skip a start or two by 2 of the other guys.

[MABB1959]

First off I wouldn’t trust this FO’s ability to recognize talent.  They have traded away many, many good players for nothing.  I think Wallner and Larnach should stay for the rest of the season.  Way too early to toss them aside.  Polanco coming back may improve this team but not enough to make me believe they will win the ALC.  After the easy July schedule they should be way over .500.   We don’t have a date for Lewis’ return but I am starting to think he is as injury prone as Buxton and wouldn’t bank on his return.  Of course we should still hopeful for the rest of the season with what we have.  These next 3 games will be a good way to forecast the rest of the season. If they can’t sweep the Royals I think they will be in a world of hurt.  Cleveland is the same boat, they also need to sweep this weekend.  If one team does and the other doesn’t we should be able to tell more. Basically saying no single addition is going to move the needle unless they get rid of or sit some of the guy’s barely batting over .200.  

[dxpavelka]

Twins won't move a big major league piece unless they're BLOWN AWAY with an offer.  Don't see that happening.

[Fred]

7 hours ago, IA Bean Counter said:

Is this revisionist history???  Other than AA Julien has had better OPS numbers than Wallner at every level.   Julien beat Wallner in OBP handedly at every level which would be expected.  

Its scary how consistent Julien has been at about every level other than A+.  A .290/.440/.490   OPS of .930.  Just crazy how good he is and continues to be.  No decrease even facing better quality pitching.  

However that doesn't mean Wallner has not had a very good bat and I am hoping continues at the MLB level.  He just has a lot more swing and miss than Julien.  

 

 

Actually Julien has a higher SO% than Wallner does this season.

[TL]

22 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Rambling. Farmer does have another year of control. The Twins should be looking to see what team is interested in Farmer though. Taylor is a better defender by quite a bit than Castro but your point is valid. Castro has real value to the Twins now and next year too. He is a little stretched as a regular. I think he would be best 4-5 times per week. While i did not think Brooks Lee would be in the picture until later in 2024, he has looked more in control of everything in the last month and i expect him to open next year with the Twins. Does this make Royce Lewis or Eddie Julien available? I don't know about that, but there may be a mutually beneficial market out there. I remain a big fan of Julien since last year. The return for either Kepler or Polanco versus their potential value in a Twins jersey doesn't seem to warrant a trade.

Brooks/Julien/Lewis could also make Kirilloff expendable

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, TL said:

Brooks/Julien/Lewis could also make Kirilloff expendable

What?

[Vanimal46]

After the week the Twins just had, they left Falvey no choice but to trade away these MLB players. Let’s see it happen. 

[Linus]

On 7/28/2023 at 10:59 AM, stringer bell said:

Here's my opinion(s): 1) Gallo would bring back nothing of value. The choice is whether to keep him on the team or DFA him. I say DFA. 2) Kepler has value, but he is probably worth more to the Twins than any other team, so he stays. The big question that will probably be determined by August and September production, is whether the Twins will pick up his option for 2024. 3) Wallner is less than a year younger than Larnach and has only 127 plate appearances in the majors, but he shows more upside (particularly power) than Larnach. 4) Larnach has nearly 700 major league plate appearances and has failed to establish himself as a major league regular. He's shown enough to interest other teams, particularly rebuilding teams, and is the logical choice to be traded for someone who can help the club this year. 

If I'm the Twins FO, I would DFA Gallo (swing and a miss on that signing), trade Larnach for the best relief pitcher or RH hitting outfielder they can find and put Byron Buxton on the IL.

Done. I nominate this plan over anything else.