The Twins and Brewers Are Perfect Trade Partners

[Cody Schoenmann]

The Brewers have a surplus of young, cost-controlled outfielders, any of whom could immediately slot in as a high-level insurance policy for the oft-injured Byron Buxton. Should the Twins look to "the good land" for a cheap successor to Michael A. Taylor?

Image courtesy of © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Michael A. Taylor, the Twins' primary center fielder during the 2023 regular season, has unexpectedly become one of the most talked-about names during the first wave of Major League Baseball free agency. Having already been linked to the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers, Taylor figures to sign soon, and the chances that it's a return engagement in Minnesota feel remote.

Taylor, 32, hit .220/.278/.442 with 21 home runs and 14 doubles in 2023, generating a 96 wRC+ and 1.7 Wins Above Replacement at FanGraphs (fWAR) over 388 plate appearances. He mixed his roughly average offensive numbers with impressive defense, evidenced by 9 Outs Above Average (OAA) and elite arm strength, to become an above-average role player.

Internal candidates to replace Taylor's production in center are Willi Castro, Nick Gordon, DaShawn Keirsey, and Austin Martin. Though Castro and Gordon will likely occupy 26-man roster spots in 2024, they are better utilized as nomadic utility players, used flexibly at multiple positions instead of being penciled in at the same position game-in and game-out. Keirsey and (most notably) Martin are young, talented prospects who garner optimism yet are unlikely to be handed significant roles on an American League Central title-seeking team out of spring training. 

Martin, the Twins' seventh-ranked prospect, could make the Twins' Opening Day roster, but his skill set would be best utilized as a utility player, especially if the team trades from its infield depth to shore up the pitching staff. If he hits well and shows the necessary defensive tools to occupy center, then transitioning him to a full-time role could make sense. Until then, planning for Martin to be that player is merely wishful thinking, and not yet an appropriate course of action for a franchise attempting to make the playoffs for the second straight season. 

Free-agent options Kevin Kiermaier, and Harrison Bader are enticing succession options for Taylor. The Twins were said to have expressed interest in Kiermaier, whose impending contract is expected to be within the organization's budget, in early November. Bader, who has struggled the past two seasons, is an intriguing low-risk, high-reward target. Yet, like with Keirsey and Martin, opting for a steadier successor would be in the organization's best interest.  

So, what is the best course of action the front office could take? Signing Kiermaier to a one- or two-year deal feels like the wisest choice, but if he elects to sign elsewhere, the front office should search the trade market. Upon first glance at the trade market, one will find that Jake Meyers (Houston Astros), Johan Rojas (Philadelphia Phillies), Leody Taveras (Texas Rangers), and Jack Suwinski (Pittsburgh Pirates) are attractive options who might not require hard-to-swallow packages to acquire.

Although the four players listed are alluring trade candidates, their respective teams could easily elect not to trade them. Each provides valuable depth, while being affordable and possessing starting potential. Though the state these four franchises find themselves in makes it less likely they will part ways with young and inexpensive center-field talent, what if there was an organization that had a surplus of cost-effective young outfielders and an adequate amount of organizational depth to soften the blow of losing a young, starting-caliber outfielder?

Enter the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 414's professional baseball club finds itself in a unique predicament. On Dec. 4, the club officially announced they had extended 19-year-old prized prospect Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82-million contract, effectively cementing him as the team's starting center fielder and a franchise cornerstone.

Not only is Chourio's extension a beacon for the Brewers organization, their fans, and Major League Baseball as a whole, but it also provides General Manager Matt Arnold the unique opportunity to ship off one or more of the team's other young outfielders (Garrett Mitchell, Tyrone Taylor, Joey Wiemer, or Sal Frelick) in exchange for an infielder who could immediately contribute to the big-league club. Coincidentally, the Twins have a surplus of infielders who would slot in as day-one starters for the Crew, in Jorge Polanco, Edouard Julien, Kyle Farmer, Jose Miranda, and potentially Brooks Lee. 

The only infield position at which the Brewers have a clearly satisfactory option for 2024 is shortstop, with Willy Adames. The club's projected first, second, and third basemen are Jake Bauers, Brice Turang, and Andruw Monasterio, respectively. During the 2023 season, the three players generated a combined 0.1 fWAR over 1,035 total plate appearances. To contextualize their struggles, consider that Farmer, whom many perceived as having a down year in 2023, generated 1.6 fWAR over 369 plate appearances.

So, what would an ideal trade look like? Well, there are different tiers of trades, depending on how significant of a contributor each team wants to acquire.

Tier III Trade

• Brewers receive: Farmer - .256/.317/.408, 369 plate appearances, 11 home runs, 101 wRC+, 1.6 fWAR
• Twins receive: Taylor - .234/.267/.446, 243 plate appearances, 10 home runs, 88 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR

The first hypothetical trade scenario is a veteran one-for-one swap. The 33-year-old Farmer, with his $6.6 million projected 2024 salary, is the member of the Twins' crowded infield assortment most likely to be traded this offseason, even with recent news of the team receiving increased trade interest in Polanco.

Trading Farmer for Taylor would be a relatively simple swap for both franchises, and each player could seamlessly insert themselves into better-defined roles for their new club. Farmer could become the full-time second or third baseman if Turang or Monasterio struggle, or be utilized as an all-encompassing infield utility, as he did for the Twins in 2023. Taylor, who is under team control for three more seasons, could replace Taylor as Buxton's insurance policy, as he has logged 709 innings at the position over the past two seasons. A Farmer-for-Taylor swap would be a low-risk, moderate-reward swap that would benefit both franchises. 

Tier II Trade

• Brewers receive: Polanco - .255/.355/.454, 343 plate appearances, 14 home runs, 118 wRC+, 1.5 fWAR
• Twins receive: Mitchell - .246/.315/.446, 73 plate appearances, three home runs, 103 wRC+, 0.4 fWAR

This move involves the longest-tenured active Twin and a former Brewers first-round pick. As noted earlier, the Brewers intend to compete in 2024, so going out on a limb and sending Mitchell to Minnesota for an All-Star-caliber, switch-hitting top-of-the-lineup cog could make sense as a "win-now" proposition. 

Although parting with Polanco would be a blow to the Twins' culture and their fan base, netting a young, talented, cost-effective player like Mitchell under control through the end of the 2028 season would be a coup for the Twins. Along with Polanco, the Twins would likely have to part ways with a young pitcher with upside, like Cole Sands, Josh Winder, or Simeon Woods Richardson, to balance the deal, but parting with one of these young arms is a sacrifice most would be willing to make.

The speedy Mitchell would slot in as a long-term platoon partner and replacement for Buxton, depending on Buxton's health. Polanco would instantly become the Brewers' best offensive infielder and, barring injuries, could be a driving force toward their second consecutive National League Central title.

Tier I Trade

• Brewers receive: Julien - .263/.381/.459, 408 plate appearances, 16 home runs, 136 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR
• Twins receive: Frelick - .246/.341/.351, 223 plate appearances, three home runs, 92 wRC+, 1.4 fWAR

Admittedly, this would be brutal to come to terms with, as Julien is one of my favorite current Twins. Regardless, a Julien-for-Frelick swap could significantly benefit both franchises from a short- and a long-term perspective. To begin, both players, who were rookies in 2023, are young, cost-effective, potentially star-caliber players who are under team control through 2029. Julien, who improved defensively toward the end of last season, could become an above-average, potentially elite offensive second base/first base/designated hitter in the Brewers' presently unintimidating lineup. Frelick, on the other hand, could slot in as an elite defender and high-OBP center fielder who, like Mitchell, could eventually become the Twins' long-term answer there.

Julien and Frelick are two young players on the precipice of breaking out during their first full seasons at the major-league level. Though the Twins and Brewers are exhilarated by Julien and Frelick, respectively, if they were to exchange them, both franchises could benefit from each player's high upside at positions of greater need.

Moves like these sometimes make baseball executives (a conservative bunch, by nature) too nervous. The Brewers might prefer to stick with their young options around the horn, and the Twins might stay hopeful on Buxton's defensive future and let their utility men stop any gaps. Nevertheless, these neighbors have inverse team needs and are in a unique situation, where each organization could benefit from the other's surplus.

Should the Twins and Brewers execute an infielder-for-outfielder swap? Which hypothetical trade interests you the most? Join the conversation and comment below.

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[JD-TWINS]

Brewers are adverse to spending, particularly in ‘24, per reports of a handful of core players available in trade. List starts with Burnes & goes through most everyone on the roster that’s paid much more than the minimum.

Polanco’s salary won’t play there. They may accept him in trade to then flip him for prospects from elsewhere?

Gordon hit .272 in ‘22 with 9 HR & 28 doubles. Started slow, very slow in ‘23 & soon after showing 2-3 weeks of some normalcy he broke his leg & was out for balance of the year. He would have played a minimum of 80 games in CF last year against RH pitching. In ‘22 (Buxton was an All-Star) he was in CF 40 plus starts. His .743 OPS over 405 AB’s & .272 BA with 28 doubles trumps any of the maybe options the Brewers have.

Castro showed he has no problems with the position with decent range, good speed, & a great arm. He hit .257 over 358 AB’s with 32 XBH & 33 stolen bases with a .750 OPS. 

These guys are inexpensive, and have all the ability needed to cover CF, particularly with Austin Martin as another option (don’t forget Byron for 10-20% of the starts) by June/July. To me the guys from the Brewers off little if anything over Martin at this point in their histories.

Trade Polanco (to flip for prospects) - Sands - E. Rodriguez - AA prospect to the Brewers for 2 years of Devin Williams at $6.25M. This would be helpful to both Team’s short-term goals.

Keeping Farmer as the best alternative ($6.5M v. Polanco’s $10.5M) for depth at all 3 glove positions in the infield minimizes the need for Castro or Gordon to be saved for Utility work.

[Karbo]

The 1st trade is an OK type, but I would say no to the others.

[MGX]

For me the only one of those options to consider is Farmer in a deal for Taylor. I think the Twins would need a little more to make this deal work though.

The other options I wouldn't want the Twins to do. We should trade Polanco if & only if he is part of a deal that gets us a quality SP. I'd plan to have Julien as my starting 2B unless we get an offer that can't be refused. 

[roger]

Don't see the Twins trading for any center fielder until late in spring when they know more about the status of Buxton for 2024.  If he can play some/a lot in center, they don't need anyone with Castro/Gordon on the roster.  

As for your trades, sure glad you aren't in the Twins front office.  The Farmer trade isn't a good one, the Polanco trade an outright disaster and the Julien trade even worse.  

 

[TopGunn#22]

I have been suggesting a Polanco for Mitchel trade for some time.  There would be no need to include a Winder or Sands, an even up trade is fair to both teams.  The Brewers, even though they are cutting payroll wouldn't have any problem fitting Polanco and his $10 million into their 2024 budget.

I believe the Twins are looking to leverage Polanco for pitching.  But if they wanted to secure a top level prospect at an incredible bargain, getting Mitchell would be tremendous.  He's fast and athletic.  He's also 6:3 and 225 pounds.  He's got power and it will continue to develop.  He's a former #1 pick from UCLA who could be considered a poor man's Walker Jenkins.  A future OF of Rodriguez, Mitchell and Jenkins would be pretty darn good. 

There's no way I would trade Julien for Frelick.  I wouldn't deal Farmer for Taylor as I see Taylor as a #4 OF at best.  The Brewers are loaded with prospects in the OF and have a dearth of them in the IF.  The post pointed out who their projected starters at 1B, 2B and 3B are, it's UGLY.  If the Twins can't leverage Polanco for pitching, the next best deal is to trade him to Milwaukee for Mitchell.  Buxton, no matter what we're reading now in December cannot be counted on for anything.  Having a guy like Mitchell and signing someone like Adam Duval would allow the Twins to leverage Kepler in a deal for pitching.

We KNOW the Twins are going to make a trade for a pitcher.  Whether that deal involves Polanco, Kepler, Farmer, two of the three, who knows?  But the next biggest need is someone who can play 100-120 games in CF.  I think Castro could do it.  Castro could make a Cesar Tovar like transition to full time position player.  But if the Twins want to keep Castro in that multi-positional utility role, then Garrett Mitchell would be an excellent full time CF for 2024 and beyond.    

[old nurse]

2 teams looking to cut payroll are not trading less expensive players for more expensive one. 

As mentioned, the Twins do have options in the outfield. They still have noy given up on larnach

Taylor is drawing interest as an inexpensive fill in outfielder. He has value as a defensive outfielder on a contract similar to what he signed for with the Twins.. Somebody may think they can fix the strikeouts and offer a little more., but I wouldn’t expect a $10 million deal

[DJL44]

I don't see the Twins as short on outfielders. They're short on pitching. I would trade Nick Gordon for Tyrone Taylor because I think Taylor is a better fit for the Twins roster.

[darin617]

None of those trades look good. 

The trade target should be Chaz McCormick if Houston is willing to trade him. 

[JD-TWINS]

6 minutes ago, darin617 said:

None of those trades look good. 

The trade target should be Chaz McCormick if Houston is willing to trade him. 

Seems unlikely the Astros would trade a helpful piece to the team they just faced in the playoffs & as unlikely the Twins would trade someone of value to Houston - right?

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

Trade Polanco (to flip for prospects) - Sands - E. Rodriguez - AA prospect to the Brewers for 2 years of Devin Williams

Everyone likes Devin Williams and his changeup is a thing of beauty. The Twins are not going to trade Emmanuel Rodriguez for Devin Williams straight up. I love your commitment to getting Williams. Polanco and Williams both have two years left on their contracts. That might work.

[tony&rodney]

The Brewers do have a surplus of young outfielders, similar to how many view the infield group of the Twins. Pitching remains a key focus in any trades, which clouds how these two teams match up right now.

I wonder if there is any way for the Twins to work a trade with Milwaukee that brings Jeferson Quero to Minnesota. Is Quero off limits? What would it take to acquire him?

[Matthew Trueblood]

30 minutes ago, darin617 said:

None of those trades look good. 

The trade target should be Chaz McCormick if Houston is willing to trade him. 

They're not. :) 

[saviking]

Throw out Mitchell and Fralick. We don't need more lefthanded-hitting outfielders. I'd rather put Gordon or Castro as backup centerfielders while Buxton is still healthy and after he goes down (I pray he doesn't butttt) then bring up Martin or Keirsay. 

The last thing I want is to sign another Joey Gallo that we hang onto all year long because they don't have options left. That is so painful. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I would rather hang on to Polo and Farmer to use them to trade for pitching. While I understand the possible need for a CF backup for Buck, I don't feel that need is as critical as the need for a top line starting pitcher to replace Gray. Better hang on to all the trading chips until the Twins solve the biggest problem first, which is a really good, #2 starting pitcher.  

[Matthew Trueblood]

In a perfect world, Mitchell would bat right-handed. Haha. That's the combination of profile, team control, and roster fit that would be ideal for the Twins. I like the possibilities with Joey Wiemer, as @Sherry Cerny wrote a week ago or so, but Mitchell could make a lot of sense, too. If they do follow through with a Kepler trade, or even if Kepler just walks next winter, the years-old narrative that they have too many left-handed outfield bats will fade pretty fast.

[Otaknam]

The Farmer for Taylor makes some sense, as does Polanco for Mitchell. A strong NO in trading Julien for Frelick. Julien has demonstrated his power and patience at the plate, and has shown defensive improvement. Frelick hasn’t done anything statistically, showing little power, but can steal a base here and there. Apparently he is an elite defender but he hasn’t shown the legitimate offense Julien has. Julien looks like a 25-30 home run, high OPS guy.  Are we so desperate for a Buxton backup that we’d trade a young, proven Julien for someone who hasn’t proven anything offensively? Makes no sense to suggest this.

[Otaknam]

5 minutes ago, saviking said:

Throw out Mitchell and Fralick. We don't need more lefthanded-hitting outfielders. I'd rather put Gordon or Castro as backup centerfielders while Buxton is still healthy and after he goes down (I pray he doesn't butttt) then bring up Martin or Keirsay. 

The last thing I want is to sign another Joey Gallo that we hang onto all year long because they don't have options left. That is so painful. 

Not to mention that the FO would have to admit to a huge mistake if they released Gallo and his $11 million during the year, which they should have done.

[Jocko87]

They are the perfect partner but none of these 1 for 1s work.  Julien plus low prospects gets Burnes and Weimers.  Off-season done, basically. 

I prefer Weimers only for being right handed as well.  No idea if he can play, that’s their job.  The Brewers have what we need and we have what they need.  It will come back up in January though, no hurry. 

[Ricky Vaughn]

If they intend to keep Gorden and Castro They don't need a backup. Unless they are willing to spend some money I doubt they can get anyone better than those two for a couple million.

[Jeff K]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Brewers are adverse to spending, particularly in ‘24, per reports of a handful of core players available in trade. List starts with Burnes & goes through most everyone on the roster that’s paid much more than the minimum.

Polanco’s salary won’t play there. They may accept him in trade to then flip him for prospects from elsewhere?

Gordon hit .272 in ‘22 with 9 HR & 28 doubles. Started slow, very slow in ‘23 & soon after showing 2-3 weeks of some normalcy he broke his leg & was out for balance of the year. He would have played a minimum of 80 games in CF last year against RH pitching. In ‘22 (Buxton was an All-Star) he was in CF 40 plus starts. His .743 OPS over 405 AB’s & .272 BA with 28 doubles trumps any of the maybe options the Brewers have.

Castro showed he has no problems with the position with decent range, good speed, & a great arm. He hit .257 over 358 AB’s with 32 XBH & 33 stolen bases with a .750 OPS. 

These guys are inexpensive, and have all the ability needed to cover CF, particularly with Austin Martin as another option (don’t forget Byron for 10-20% of the starts) by June/July. To me the guys from the Brewers off little if anything over Martin at this point in their histories.

Trade Polanco (to flip for prospects) - Sands - E. Rodriguez - AA prospect to the Brewers for 2 years of Devin Williams at $6.25M. This would be helpful to both Team’s short-term goals.

Keeping Farmer as the best alternative ($6.5M v. Polanco’s $10.5M) for depth at all 3 glove positions in the infield minimizes the need for Castro or Gordon to be saved for Utility work.

I love this response.  I would add that unless the Twins know by the end of January that Buxton is a no go for CF, they should stay internal for Centerfield.  If this proves to be a failed strategy, then the Twins can make an in season trade to strengthen the position.

[Doctor Gast]

Buxton is our main CF, Castro & Gordon could help us get there. Like Julien, Martin should make an impact when he comes up plus an added impact with his glove. As of right now we look pretty set if something comes up then we can take a look at our options, Although I like Julien as our 1B man, they say that Kiriloff will be limited to 1B so that makes Julien more dispensible but I'd rather use him to trade him for a front line SP

[Blyleven2011]

Finally an article that gives keirsey some respect ....

Martin had a great AFL in 2022 , had he not injured himself early in 2023 , he most likely would have been on the 26 man roster at some point during the 2023 season  and if he performed well we wouldn't be having this conversation  , Martin if he has a good spring has a great chance at making the roster if Buxton isnt ready to go in centerfield ...

Like others have mentioned , trade for pitching first , then fill a position with a right handed bat ...

Will larnach be on the team , sure hope he went to driveline to work on identifying  pitches and can learn to hit the offspeed  stuff , it's his last chance to wear a twins uniform  ....

[Ghost_Of_Sid_Hartman]

If a backup for CF is necessary (and I'm not sure it is, given the presence of Castro/Gordon/Martin), how come no one is talking about old friend Aaron Hicks? After leaving New York, he slashed .275/.381/.425 for a 127 OPS+ with Baltimore in 236 PA. More than half of his appearances in Baltimore were in CF, so someone must think he can still man the position. Signed with the Orioles after his release for the league minimum, now an unrestricted free agent (Yankees are still on the hook for the vast majority of his ~$10M/year through 2026)...how much could he possibly cost???

[DocBauer]

Yes, both teams match up well for a wide variety of trade possibilities. But...bad timing?

Firstly, isn't a quality SP still the #1 priority to be added? Seems to me there's a pretty good chance Polanco...possibly Julien, but that's a different discussion...is involved in that move. And if that happens, the Twins could afford to keep Farmer, probably will, and probably should. So there go the trade scenarios presented here, more than likely.

Secondly, while I don't believe anyone can say/predict what Byron's health is going to be in 2024, he's WAY ahead of where he was this time last year. That offers up both optimism and questions as to whether we might get another 80-100 games from him in CF so done really want/need to trade for a priority option in CF? Or should we just assume something bad is going to happen to Buck and we should just make believe he's not in the picture and another CF option IS a priority? That takes us back to the first point, yes?

Thirdly, Martin had himself a fine end to 2022, a great AFL, and a great 1/2 season of AAA in 2023. But last year was still half a season, and he wasn't in CF daily. So while the FO has stated previously they think he's a natural OF, and has flashed there so far, is he really ready offensively and defensively for a extended play? Not sure we know yet. I liked what I saw of Castro in center last year, but I don't know that I want him as my daily, #1 option there. Ditto for Gordon, who might not even make the roster unless someone is injured as Larnach. Miranda, Martin, Helman, and even an I expensive late trade or FA signing for a RH bat might happen like last year. So if we're not really sure, positive, in Castro and/or Gordon/Martin for CF if Buxton is down...and I'm still including Helman in this discussion as over 1/2 of his milb OF play has been in  CF, as well as Keirsey who I don't think should be dismissed as a functional possibility at least...then do we again look to add? And who gets moved when a SP still seems to be the  #1 priority. Or, do we hope for the best from Buxton, mix and match, and just see what works until someone steps forward?

As I said, it's really bad timing right now. A lot of questions on the one side, numbers and hope and depth with potential on the other.

Ideally, they could sign Taylor back, or snag Kiermaier...which I like even better...and move on from Gordon. Kiermaier is, at worst, the #4 OF who probably plays almost daily. You don't trade any more prospects away as the addition only costs $$, maybe $7-8M??? Castro continues in his role. Martin isn't pushed, and can get a little more AAA to polish his game before getting his shot. 

[darin617]

12 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Seems unlikely the Astros would trade a helpful piece to the team they just faced in the playoffs & as unlikely the Twins would trade someone of value to Houston - right?

Why not? We are not division rivals or rivals of any kind. 

You make a trade that helps your team out. If Houston got an offer they liked they would do it. I doubt they would trade with Texas.

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Yes, both teams match up well for a wide variety of trade possibilities. But...bad timing?

Firstly, isn't a quality SP still the #1 priority to be added? Seems to me there's a pretty good chance Polanco...possibly Julien, but that's a different discussion...is involved in that move. And if that happens, the Twins could afford to keep Farmer, probably will, and probably should. So there go the trade scenarios presented here, more than likely.

Secondly, while I don't believe anyone can say/predict what Byron's health is going to be in 2024, he's WAY ahead of where he was this time last year. That offers up both optimism and questions as to whether we might get another 80-100 games from him in CF so done really want/need to trade for a priority option in CF? Or should we just assume something bad is going to happen to Buck and we should just make believe he's not in the picture and another CF option IS a priority? That takes us back to the first point, yes?

Thirdly, Martin had himself a fine end to 2022, a great AFL, and a great 1/2 season of AAA in 2023. But last year was still half a season, and he wasn't in CF daily. So while the FO has stated previously they think he's a natural OF, and has flashed there so far, is he really ready offensively and defensively for a extended play? Not sure we know yet. I liked what I saw of Castro in center last year, but I don't know that I want him as my daily, #1 option there. Ditto for Gordon, who might not even make the roster unless someone is injured as Larnach. Miranda, Martin, Helman, and even an I expensive late trade or FA signing for a RH bat might happen like last year. So if we're not really sure, positive, in Castro and/or Gordon/Martin for CF if Buxton is down...and I'm still including Helman in this discussion as over 1/2 of his milb OF play has been in  CF, as well as Keirsey who I don't think should be dismissed as a functional possibility at least...then do we again look to add? And who gets moved when a SP still seems to be the  #1 priority. Or, do we hope for the best from Buxton, mix and match, and just see what works until someone steps forward?

As I said, it's really bad timing right now. A lot of questions on the one side, numbers and hope and depth with potential on the other.

Ideally, they could sign Taylor back, or snag Kiermaier...which I like even better...and move on from Gordon. Kiermaier is, at worst, the #4 OF who probably plays almost daily. You don't trade any more prospects away as the addition only costs $$, maybe $7-8M??? Castro continues in his role. Martin isn't pushed, and can get a little more AAA to polish his game before getting his shot. 

Buxton - under 70 games per year over 9 years………absolutely no reason to think he’ll play near a 100 games in CF…….he’s done that once in his previous 9 years.

I don’t get the reluctance of many on Castro’s ability to play CF every day. He hit .257 last year in 358 AB’s. IMO, he can either play CF or he can’t………makes no sense that he. a play CF only 50 games well……..the critique has to be offensive consistency based - right?

If Gordon didn’t get hurt last year he would have been penciled in for 80 or more games v. RH pitching. Now here’s a wildcard for offensive consistency! Gotta see what they think about his bat in Spring Training.

Between Buxton (35 games) - Castro (75 games) - Gordon (30 games) - Martin (20 games)……….some combination like this w/o leaning on Buxton too much potentially keeps him healthy for playoffs. Gordon may not be involved? If he is and has some success, Martin might not be involved?

I just don’t like spending $$$ on some OK veteran FA and displacing guys we have rostered and can afford. Definitely don’t need to waste trade capital for some other team’s young outfielders with no pedigree producing in the Show ………we have those types of players with nice potential in St. Paul.

[Jim wyllie]

As I have said multiple times before I feel the best option for the twins is to work out a trade with Houston for Chas Mccormick, he has some team control left, making him financially affordable,  he can play anywhere in the outfield, is a solid hitter and defender, and he's right handed. Also the Astros have shown interest in Vasquez, so putting in a package with say Emmanuel Rodriguez and sands might be too good for them to pass up.

[umterp23]

Can't figure out the love affair or given roster spot for Gordon as he is one of the last roster spots on this team and with no options is clogging up the roster.  He isn't a very good base-runner, has a very week arm to play CF, hasn't done much at the plate and bats L which doesn't help us.  Castro trumps Gordon hands down.  Farmer as insurance to play some SS to give Correa days off is worth him on the roster.  

Moving Polanco should be for pitching only if we even move him should be the target return.

[Metrodome Kid]

Frelick is a left-handed Austin Martin, so I would be out on that one. Would also want more than Mitchell for Polanco, but even then trading for an upside, left-handed OF seems misguided. Farmer for Taylor would be no-brainer.