Could the Twins Hook a Big-Name Starting Pitcher From Out West?

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins have needed to add a starting pitcher since the offseason. They opted against doing so, and that has left them in something of a predicament. With the postseason on their minds, finding someone to bolster the rotation down the stretch and into October is a must.

 

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

So far this season, Pablo López has not been the pitcher he was in 2023, and even if he is able to sort things out down the stretch, he will need help. Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober have looked the part of capable rotation pieces, and Simeon Woods Richardson has stepped up in such a massive way. Rocco Baldelli needs more though.

Calling Jorge Polanco trade throw-in Anthony DeSclafani a starting pitching addition would be doing a disservice to what Minnesota needed to accomplish. Of course, the front office was hamstrung by an ownership group unwilling to invest in their product, but maybe that will change, given the results thus far.

The Twins should be expected to nose around in the pitching market, and there will be a plethora of options out there. Two future Hall of Famers, at the end of the line and with AL Central familiarity, could be a lot of fun.

Max Scherzer
Playing for a reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers team, Scherzer is one of three pitchers who have spent the majority of the season on the injured list for the club. Now back, and having made his season debut (though he'll need to prove his health), Scherzer is pitching for a club under .500 and in third place in the AL West.

The Seattle Mariners haven’t been a juggernaut, and maybe the Houston Astros or Rangers catch them, but the Texas team could sell instead. If they do, Scherzer is in the final year of his massive deal, and he will certainly be eyeing a chance to return to October baseball.

Arguably, the biggest hurdle here is dollars. Though Scherzer is being paid $43.3 million this year, $20.83 million is already being taken care of by the Mets. Minnesota could approach ownership and ask them to foot the additional bill, or have the Rangers pay it down to increase the level of return they get.

Scherzer has made 30 postseason appearances. He hasn’t been the greatest postseason pitcher, but I don’t think the Twins are in a spot to scoff at his résumé. It would be a pretty fun full-circle moment to see him come back to the AL Central and take another team to the World Series, as he nears the end of his career.

Justin Verlander
Speaking of players who could come full circle, Verlander played the first 13 years of his career with the Detroit Tigers. Unlike Scherzer, he is currently dealing with an injury, having recently been placed on the injured list with neck discomfort. Having come back from Tommy John surgery in 2021 to win the Cy Young in 2022, though, he has shown an ability to rebound even in the late stages of his career.

Like Scherzer, Verlander was part of a New York Mets team that spent a bunch of money and did nothing. Also like Scherzer, he is in the American League West and playing for a currently underperforming team. There is reason to believe a franchise looking for yet another trip to the American League Championship Series won’t sell, but Verlander could be a target if they do.

The stuff isn’t what it once was, as he currently owns a 3.95 ERA with a 4.97 FIP, but he has a ton of postseason pedigree and is looking to add another World Series ring to his shelf. Verlander is making a whopping $43.3 million this season, with $25 million being paid by the Mets. He has a $25-million vesting option for 2025, and that becomes guaranteed with 140 innings this year. It’s unlikely he hits that number, but Minnesota’s rotation wouldn’t be worse with him in it for 2025, either.

At some point the Pohalds will need to decide if they are going to care about their baseball investment. It didn’t happen this offseason, and with television revenues set to decline next year, it’s not going to happen then, either. Getting creative and taking on a big contract while not parting with key farm pieces could be a way to capitalize on a team that should still be riding momentum from a postseason run a year ago. Much more likely, perhaps, they could pay a higher price in terms of young talent and ask either Texas or Houston to hold onto much of the money attached to Scherzer and Verlander, in the bargain.

The hurdles are well substantiated, but Scherzer or Verlander being among Baldelli’s top group does a lot for any dreams of ending the Twins' 32-year championship drought.

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[mickster]

I say no to adding either of them.   The both would cost both dollars and significant capital.  They both are in the twilight of their careers.   As much as I want the Twins to take home a title, I don't believe a deal for either of them gets us there and the cost would be substantial.   If you were to deal, who are you giving up?   It is going to cost you most likely two or more of Julien, Larnach, AK, Wallner,Martin, Lee, SWR and giving up young pitching to get old pitching with our current roster to me just doesnt' make sense.

[Guest]

Ahhhhh, no.

[Karbo]

I don't see either one as a possibility. As mickster said the cost the twins would have to pay for a half year just doesn't seem wise. I also can't see the Pohlads spending that much on the salary side.

[Whitey333]

This is a fairy tale.  First just the finances don't fit the direction this club is headed.  Mor importantly is they don't have enough in the tank to help this club.  They should be pitching for the geriatric team at the nursing home.  Get serious

[CRF]

Not hap nin.

[DJL44]

Paddack is the best trade bait in the Twins rotation and the spot that needs to be upgraded. I like the idea of sending Paddack to Texas in exchange for someone.

[Bodie]

Verlander seems right up Falvey & Cos. alley: just finished his first start off the IL and says that it was painful.  Gotta get in there before his return to the IL!!!!

[JD-TWINS]

First, if they pitch nearly up to speed - neither of these clubs is incapable of catching the Mariners - not selling arms, either team!

Relying on either of these plus 40 guys in “must perform” situations is good & BAD. Their talent and experience are huge but their propensity to breakdown is way too much in play!!

The “move” is for the Twins to take out the D-Backs the next few days, softening their record & them on a potential trade of Montgomery at the Deadline or sooner. Their recent history (last year) getting to the Series with a blah record in regular season makes this a stretch but it could be a nice fit for player & Twins! …….will D-Backs consider selling????

[LambchoP]

Twins won't take on these kind of contracts, nor should they. If we do get a SP which I really hope we do, it should be a younger starter with another year or more of control. We've got the AA and AAA talent, not to mention some major league guys who may be positionally blocked. I'm thinking a package of AK/Larnach/Wallner, Severino and another minor leaguers doing well this year should get us some pitching. Maybe work Kepler into that deal since he's gone this year anyways.

[nicksaviking]

I'll let others lay out the facts about the salary impossibilities. 

So instead I'll just point out that Justin Verlander needed his arm twisted, and only accepted at literally the last minute to be traded from an abysmal Detroit team to Houston, who was head and shoulders the best team in the league in 2017. Even if there isn't a no-trade clause (without looking, I bet there is), I'd bet he'd be resistant to being traded. I also doubt Houston sells being only 5.5 games back.

[Patzky]

I'd rather look longer, Pivetta or Fedde, or rental like Flaherty. 

[TwinsDr2021]

As for Scherzer, I don't get the worry about cost, it would be about 11 million (unless I am missing something), and there is chance with enough starts here at home they could make up most of the money. Also he would instantly be the best Twins pitcher. I get the concern about prospect capital.  I would not be for Verlander.

I also agree with others that it is very unlikely either gets trade since both teams aren't out of the playoff hunt.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Houston has a run left in them. I don't think they will be sellers.

Texas likely is a seller but I could see someone (Yankees?) making a much bigger offer than the Twins. And honestly, rightfully so. At this point in his career, Max is more likely to be on the IL in October than he is winning playoff games.

[old nurse]

There would have t be further falling by either team for them to give up. That is the first reason why the idea is a very slim reality.  For them to sell while giving up millions in salary would involve prospects of the top 100 varsity, or potentially top 100 variety. The Twins giving up a valuable prospect really has hurt them more than helped them.  That further makes this type of trade less likely to happen.  In the end you have a pitcher with recent injury issues. That would be counting on a lot of good luck strike three.

[bighat]

No need. 

Bring up Zebby and bring up Zebby NOW.

[TFRazor]

42 minutes ago, Patzky said:

I'd rather look longer, Pivetta or Fedde, or rental like Flaherty. 

I think this is the most likely move, and of the 3, flaherty the most likely outcome

[Heiny]

If the Twins were looking for starting pitching,  they would probably be looking at all other teams injured lists.  Thats where we find our SP free agents.  LOL.

[chpettit19]

They both fetched a top 100 prospect type guy last year with the Mets eating a bunch of money to upgrade the prospect return. I don't think it'd cost the Twins a top 100 guy this year, but it'd still have to be a pretty solid prospect if they want those teams to eat money. That being said, I still don't think these guys are even on the Twins radar. They don't like trading for rental starters. They want arms with control. These guys are not the type of guys the Twins chase.

[LA Vikes Fan]

Hard No. Both too old, both too expensive for what they now bring to the table. AND both are likely to cost at least and perhaps two of our top 10 prospects.  

It's going to be hard to find a starter in trade with Luzardo now out and the prospect cost is going to be very high. Lots of contending teams need/want starting pitching. I would look at Tyler Anderson but I read out here that the Angels are hoping to get a Top 100 prospect  or borderline Top 100 plus a good secondary prospect for him because he's pitching well, his salary is affordable ($13m per year), and he is signed through 2025.  Their emphasis is on pitching rather than position players. For the Twins, that would be some combination like Festa, Raya, or Soto plus a Luke Keaschall or Tanner Schobel type. A very high price indeed. 

I doubt if we will be trading for a starter. I really doubt if we will be trading for a rental starter. 

[Patzky]

46 minutes ago, Heiny said:

If the Twins were looking for starting pitching,  they would probably be looking at all other teams injured lists.  Thats where we find our SP free agents.  LOL.

It's going to be weird actually seeing Mahle pitch for Texas when he finally gets healthy. 

[Patzky]

The Twins put Chris Paddack on the IL this afternoon and recalled Rony Henriquez. Paddack had been scheduled to start Thursday at Arizona.

 

So.. assuming a bullpen game, it's interesting to guess who might be involved and who won't be available meantime.

 

I'd kick off with Thielbar and get him out of the way.. a possible Dobnak callup?

 

[USAFChief]

There might be multiple reasons the Twins shouldn't pursue either of these starters, but money isn't one of them.

 

 

[Doctor Gast]

If the Twins hadn't thrown money away on positions that were sufficiently filled with in-house players. along with Pohlads throwing in a few million & I wouldn't mind trading away Gonzales for Scherzer & having TEX throw in a few million, it'd be nice to have a healthy Scherzer going into the postseason. It's a fine line & blown money in the offseason, blows our chances of getting a Scherzer.

[mickster]

37 minutes ago, Patzky said:

The Twins put Chris Paddack on the IL this afternoon and recalled Rony Henriquez. Paddack had been scheduled to start Thursday at Arizona.

 

So.. assuming a bullpen game, it's interesting to guess who might be involved and who won't be available meantime.

 

I'd kick off with Thielbar and get him out of the way.. a possible Dobnak callup?

 

IF Henriquez if used for multiple innings in either of the first two games he will head back to SP for another bullpen arm or a spot starter

 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

43 minutes ago, Patzky said:

The Twins put Chris Paddack on the IL this afternoon and recalled Rony Henriquez. Paddack had been scheduled to start Thursday at Arizona.

 

So.. assuming a bullpen game, it's interesting to guess who might be involved and who won't be available meantime.

 

I'd kick off with Thielbar and get him out of the way.. a possible Dobnak callup?

 

Dobnak's not on the 40 so someone would have to get the boot. There's a couple of names that readily come to mind, lol, but not sure the Twins would do it for Dobnak.

[Schmoeman5]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Paddack is the best trade bait in the Twins rotation and the spot that needs to be upgraded. I like the idea of sending Paddack to Texas in exchange for someone.

Paddack on the IL. The old arm fatigue. Translation. He's been getting pummeled.

[Schmoeman5]

2 hours ago, bighat said:

No need. 

Bring up Zebby and bring up Zebby NOW.

He's going to make Walter Johnson look like a tee ball pitcher. 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

These guys are not the type of guys the Twins chase.

Unfortunately. I'd rather they chased pure rentals. They cost a lot less and have less future injury risk.

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Patzky said:

I'd rather look longer, Pivetta or Fedde, or rental like Flaherty. 

Pivetta pitches for the Red Sox - they are currently a game behind the Twins and are in line for the Playoffs - not happening.

Fedde would cost a fair amount because of control in ‘25 and I doubt the Twins want to give the Sox a head-start on a re-build …..,.same situation with Detroit and Flaherty. she is only on a one year deal so they are a possibility - I think some Team in the market will give more than Twins would.

I’m still in love with Montgomery from off-season. Could be easier dealing with AZ as they are in the N.L. and they might want to save the $$$ - a third of his $25M????