Rumor: MLBTR Twins Rumor Roundup

[Brock Beauchamp]

Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors rounded up the latest Twins trade deadline rumors
. Give that a click for more details but here are the major talking points:

• The Twins are willing to listen to offers on pending free agents Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda but the price is steep, as it will do serious damage to their postseason hopes
• Dallas Keuchel is dealing in AAA St Paul and can opt out on August 1st, trade interest in him has been minimal
• The Twins are receiving interest on their stockpile of left-handed corner outfielders
• A deal with the Mets may make sense, as the Mets are selling hard and have a few right-handed options that should interest the Twins

What are your thoughts? Sell, buy, or both?

View full rumor

[JD-TWINS]

Don’t need any RH bats from Mets before we try to get LH reliever……..my opinion is we need Pen help more than anywhere else.

If we face a LH pitcher in the Playoffs:

CC - SS

Castro - LF

Lewis - 3B

Solano - 1B

Jeffers - C

Farmer - 2B

Buxton - DH

Kirilloff - RF

Taylor - CF

Don’t see a problem with this line-up.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Just now, JD-TWINS said:

Don’t need any RH bats from Mets before we try to get LH reliever……..my opinion is we need Pen help more than anywhere else.

If we face a LH pitcher in the Playoffs:

CC - SS

Castro - LF

Lewis - 3B

Solano - 1B

Jeffers - C

Farmer - 2B

Buxton - DH

Kirilloff - RF

Taylor - CF

Don’t see a problem with this line-up.

A close approximation of that lineup scored one run today against a lefty who throws approximately 74mph.

[JD-TWINS]

Just now, Brock Beauchamp said:

A close approximation of that lineup scored one run today against a lefty who throws approximately 74mph.

Watched the game. Lewis is a big piece not involved today……,Vazquez doesn’t compare to Jeffers at this point……..two big changes out of 9 batters.

Who do we take off the roster when we add a RH outfield bat to play “corner” …..can still only carry 13 guys. 70 plus percent of pitching is RH. I don’t see the “perfect roster” coming to be.

Also, I watched us score 7 runs - 5 runs - 7 runs in 3 games prior to this afternoon and our bullpen sucked and precluded us from winning each game. We can’t/won’t get any starter help other than Kuechel potentially providing some rest here & there. With that being the case we desperately need to strengthen the PEN!

[CRF]

Some of both would be fine, if they're the right moves. Not crazy about Keuchel going into the rota, if Gray or Maeda are moved. No doubt we need a righty bat and maybe another BP arm. Would love to see them somehow get Hader here, but that's probably not gonna happen. I hope that Kirilloff going on the IL doesn't make the FO keep Gallo around to play 1b...he needs to go. Like NOW! Only a couple days left to see what they're going to do. I still believe they won't do much of anything. 

[JD-TWINS]

20 minutes ago, CRF said:

Some of both would be fine, if they're the right moves. Not crazy about Keuchel going into the rota, if Gray or Maeda are moved. No doubt we need a righty bat and maybe another BP arm. Would love to see them somehow get Hader here, but that's probably not gonna happen. I hope that Kirilloff going on the IL doesn't make the FO keep Gallo around to play 1b...he needs to go. Like NOW! Only a couple days left to see what they're going to do. I still believe they won't do much of anything. 

It seems they will slow roll things with various IL stints (maybe one of his own) to keep Gallo around through August - then 2 guy roster expansion in September. My assumption is they don’t want to punt - have some circumstance come up and we need him.  I agree, he should just go so we don’t have him come to the plate and have to watch another feeble strikeout!!!!

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

34 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Don’t need any RH bats from Mets before we try to get LH reliever……..my opinion is we need Pen help more than anywhere else.

If the Twins were looking to trade with the Mets, they could get both - Brooks Raley should be available in addition to Canha and Pham.

[specialiststeve]

If there is a market for Sonny, Kenta, Max or Gallo we should act on it. We may back into the playoffs but getting assets for the future is the smart big picture move. 

[insagt1]

Gallo has 17 HR's but how many have come in crucial spots over the past 4 or 5 weeks? His defensive abilities can't remotely compensate for his terrible plate appearances. How hard is it to find an major league ballplaer who can hit more than .175 and not strike out once every 2 AB's or worse. If Twins do nothing else (and I hope thats not the case) they must part ways with Gallo and open up the roster spot.

[jdgoin]

I believe they will try to be "creative" and do a little bit both. Brad Steil and the pro department has been and will be busy analyzing multiple scenarios trying to maximize value. They are in a similar situation to 2017 when I was the acting pro scouting director. It's a tough spot for a pro director to be in because you have no real direction or focus. Brad is VERY smart and is up for the task is there is something that make sense for him to present to the group.

[terrydactyls]

Sell Sell Sell

[D.C Twins]

"as it will do serious damage to their postseason hopes"

Therein lies the problem.... hopes of making the postseason or hopes of accomplishing anything in the postseason?

My heart says buy, but my head says sell (seller's market with 2 SP on expiring contracts and too many LF OF to count)

[tony&rodney]

What does San Diego want for Hader? Larnach and Headrick? Add Winder? Maybe that is nor enough.

Will the Twins commit to Julien long term at second base? Royce Lewis at third base? What about Brooks Lee? Can any of these three (or Kirilloff) bring a pitcher like Logan Gilbert from Seattle? Wallner, Polanco, and Raya for Gilbert and Brash?

San Diego has shortstop locked down for years. What do they want for Jackson Merrill? Is Sonny Gray plus someone like C. J. Culpepper enough?

I don't know what direction the Twins are heading at this moment. There are teams willing to trade and the status quo is not good enough right now. The Twins need to hit better and they need some help in the bullpen. Adding a strong starter with years of control remaining at the expense of one of their top young hitters along with a top young pitcher works too. The Twins need a little shaking up. I'm not discouraged by the sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals as much as the manner of the Twins play. Strikeouts and eschewing all avenues to score (stolen bases, sacrifice bunts, cutting down on swings, hitting behind a runner, etc.) while hoping for the long ball have not been too magical thus far in 2023. I still think that 82-87 wins are probably enough to win the AL Central, but recent losses put an increased importance on the games versus Cleveland.

I would like the Twins to make a few trades. I don't see anyone but Walker Jenkins as untouchable.

[strumdatjag]

If they trade Sonny Gray, the Twins have more depth than just Dallas Keuchel (Varland, Winder, and more).   

[cmoss84]

I would rather bring up our prospects than trade for mediocre players. 

If we are going to trade...make big splashes.

[Nashvilletwin]

58 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I would like the Twins to make a few trades. I don't see anyone but Walker Jenkins as untouchable.

Yeah, let’s continue to decimate our prospect lists in order to prop up this clearly mediocre team and mortgage the future for an 0.500 team hoping to catch lightning in a bottle during the playoffs.  Sorry, but it would take more than one trade (and therefore giving up a lot of future talent) to make this team even a decent long shot bet to make any sort of impact in the playoffs. It’s not the smart move - some years it might be, but this year it is not. 

Having said that, anyone who is not currently in the running to be an impact player on this team starting as early as ‘24 and possibly running through ‘26 and beyond should be on the block. If we can move those players AND make this season’s team stronger, than that would truly be a win-win,  However, we should be satisfied if these types of moves set us up for greater success next season and beyond.  Besides, if we trade some of the players who won’t be here next year, it’s likely that the team won’t be overly negatively impacted this season given how the team has played to date.  

Let’s not give up this season, but let’s certainly not mortgage a brighter future.

[freshinthehouse]

11 hours ago, specialiststeve said:

If there is a market for Sonny, Kenta, Max or Gallo we should act on it. We may back into the playoffs but getting assets for the future is the smart big picture move. 

I'd add Polonco to that list too if we can get solid value for him.  I have no problem making moves for this year, but only if it doesnt involve any top prospects (maybe pick up a mediocre reliever and a RH OF bat on the cheap) but I want the Twins to be more sellers than buyers.  My realistic best case scenario would be for the Twins to get some quality prospects for Gray, Kenta, Gallo, Polonco, etc, while still sneaking into the play-offs and ending this dang playoff losing streak.  

[Mike Sixel]

If Gallo survives, fire the FO. 

[Peter]

Buy!!! We just need to get our guys healthy and back on team. Bring kuechel up!! This will be huge. He’s former CY young winner. Definitely need Stewart back in bullpen/as well Lewis in lineup as twins need him. Gallo needs to go but wouldn’t be shocked if he’s still on team. If we can get something great for Sonny do it! What about brining up brooks lee? He’s been tearing in up in AA. These last 2 months will be intense playoff baseball as games with Cleveland will be huge. I’m not giving up on them as they will win division.

[TwinsDr2021]

8 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yeah, let’s continue to decimate our prospect lists in order to prop up this clearly mediocre team and mortgage the future for an 0.500 team hoping to catch lightning in a bottle during the playoffs.  Sorry, but it would take more than one trade (and therefore giving up a lot of future talent) to make this team even a decent long shot bet to make any sort of impact in the playoffs. It’s not the smart move - some years it might be, but this year it is not. 

Having said that, anyone who is not currently in the running to be an impact player on this team starting as early as ‘24 and possibly running through ‘26 and beyond should be on the block. If we can move those players AND make this season’s team stronger, than that would truly be a win-win,  However, we should be satisfied if these types of moves set us up for greater success next season and beyond.  Besides, if we trade some of the players who won’t be here next year, it’s likely that the team won’t be overly negatively impacted this season given how the team has played to date.  

Let’s not give up this season, but let’s certainly not mortgage a brighter future.

So 24,25,26 have a better chance of catching lightning then 23, were they are in first place on 7/31?

Yes the magic of the unknown future is more alluring than the present. Been pretty consistent for quite a while in Twins Land.

I don't believe anybody has said mortgage the future, to be honest beside Lee not really sure who the future in the minors leagues is? The guys that are good in the minors are older and the young guys are far away. Also when is the last time the Twins did a mortgage the future trade? I would say never, last year they probably traded more than ever, but lets be honest they didn't mortgage the future.

[tony&rodney]

If the Twins are to be a team of Bundy, Archer, Farmer, and Gallo types now and into the future, they will never need to part with desired players. All of those guys are or have been good professional baseball players. There are many other examples.

The trade for Pablo Lopez was controversial for both teams because very good players changed uniforms. I would argue that Pablo Lopez and Luis Arraez have more value for their current team than they did for their former squads.

Encarnacion-Strand is going to be a strong bat and Spencer Steer has come on way more than expected. Despite these two developing in such a positive manner, I have to wonder who is stepping aside in the infield for either guy.

The Twins do not need to trade top prospects to have a successful trade deadline or improve their roster. They do need to decide on positions for their younger players. The team also needs to have a more clear direction on the general philosophy of baseball that the team desires for their roster.

[Brock Beauchamp]

12 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Watched the game. Lewis is a big piece not involved today……,Vazquez doesn’t compare to Jeffers at this point……..two big changes out of 9 batters.

Who do we take off the roster when we add a RH outfield bat to play “corner” …..can still only carry 13 guys. 70 plus percent of pitching is RH. I don’t see the “perfect roster” coming to be.

Also, I watched us score 7 runs - 5 runs - 7 runs in 3 games prior to this afternoon and our bullpen sucked and precluded us from winning each game. We can’t/won’t get any starter help other than Kuechel potentially providing some rest here & there. With that being the case we desperately need to strengthen the PEN!

Your lineup is definitely better than what played yesterday but it's not enough better, IMO.

[mnfireman]

7 hours ago, freshinthehouse said:

I'd add Polonco to that list too if we can get solid value for him.  I have no problem making moves for this year, but only if it doesnt involve any top prospects (maybe pick up a mediocre reliever and a RH OF bat on the cheap) but I want the Twins to be more sellers than buyers.  My realistic best case scenario would be for the Twins to get some quality prospects for Gray, Kenta, Gallo, Polonco, etc, while still sneaking into the play-offs and ending this dang playoff losing streak.  

Seller's/make play-offs/end play-off drought = good/fast/cheap = you may have 2 but not all 3

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

I'd be totally fine with trading Sonny Gray. Everyone moves up a spot in the rotation and the 5th spot goes to either Keuchel or Varland. I don't think there's much of a drop-off.

[SteveLV]

I have heard absolutely no news that the Twins have tried to extend Gray.

So the trade off is 9 more starts from Gray and a sandwich comp pick when he rejects the QO (and potential playoff start(s))

VS.

Trade value return.

I would submit that better be a pretty strong trade value to make that trade.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

10 minutes ago, SteveLV said:

I have heard absolutely no news that the Twins have tried to extend Gray.

So the trade off is 9 more starts from Gray and a sandwich comp pick when he rejects the QO (and potential playoff start(s))

VS.

Trade value return.

I would submit that better be a pretty strong trade value to make that trade.

You also have the possibility that Gray is retiring at the end of the season 9 (I think that possibility is small but it is there).  Gray has done everything we should have expected in the trade and then some.  Wish he would have just had more support from the bats.  

[Cris E]

27 minutes ago, IA Bean Counter said:

You also have the possibility that Gray is retiring at the end of the season 9 (I think that possibility is small but it is there).  Gray has done everything we should have expected in the trade and then some.  Wish he would have just had more support from the bats.  

There is no way he is retiring after this season. No chance. He's going to get a 3-4 year deal worth $15-20m per season, he was in the all star game a couple weeks ago, he's having a fine year and he's (knock on wood) been healthy for quite a while.  Let it go, it was an off-hand remark that's never been mentioned a second time.

[big dog]

And I don't see how he would want to come back the Twins. However, the extra draft pick plus the decent chance that he would get a playoff start is worth keeping him, at least to me. He's a very good five inning pitcher right now, that's it.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

21 minutes ago, Cris E said:

There is no way he is retiring after this season. No chance. He's going to get a 3-4 year deal worth $15-20m per season, he was in the all star game a couple weeks ago, he's having a fine year and he's (knock on wood) been healthy for quite a while.  Let it go, it was an off-hand remark that's never been mentioned a second time.

“Wouldn't shock me if I didn't play any more after this year," Gray told Twins MLB.com reporter Do-Hyoung Park. "Wouldn't shock me. Do I want to? Do I think I can? Absolutely. And I can at a very, very high level. It's not about the money. It's whether you still enjoy it, and does your family still enjoy it."  

Look I think we can all agree Sonny is a different breed.  Both good and bad.  He is very analytical, tweaking ect.   Even though this has been one of his best years, I think he is having a personal struggle of knowing his stuff is beginning to wane a bit and trying to maintain being an elite pitcher.  Even myself and my wife had have conversations about at what time could we either cut back on work or retire due to just the daily stress.  Sonny doesn't make that statement unless he is serious.  I still think he comes back to play,  however I am not going to just push that statement to the side.   All the money pales into comparison to your family.  If he feels he has a large enough next egg, I could see him retiring.  If not then yes he could sign a 2-3 year contract.  

 

[LA Vikes Fan]

To me there are two evaluative facts that really help determine what the Twins should do. First, it's becoming more and more obvious that this team is not a WS contending team in 2023 and they are not one or two decent vets away from being a contender. Second, they have some interesting/exciting younger players that need MLB time and ABs to improve our chances of being a contender in 2024 and beyond. 

If you start there, the approach should be pretty obvious. Sell vets that don't factor in next year, both those that have value and those that are blocking guys you think really can help in 2024 and beyond. Do - Sell Gallo immediately. Trade Gray if you think the return is better than pick 35-40 in next years draft. Sell Maeda if you aren't planning on a new contract or don't think you can re-sign him. Trade for prospects preferably high minors pitching.  Don't - trade prospects for vets on expiring contracts or trade prospects like Wallner, Larnach, etc. Don't give up much for a veteran middle reliever. 

Last weekend showed that this team just doesn't have the chops to be much of a contender. Live or die with the guys that will help you next year - Wallner, Kirilloff, Julien, Larnach, Williams, Castro, Balazovic, Varland (if you trade a starter). To me, that's how you get out of this .500ish cycle and create a potential winner, not by trading for another Floro, promoting Kuechel, giving Gallo and Solano time at 1B while Kirilloff is out, keeping Larnach in AAA so MAT can get ABs, etc.....