Final Countdown: Twins' Must-Do Deals Before the Deadline

[Ted Schwerzler]

Just 30 hours remain for the Minnesota Twins to make moves prior to the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline. Only a few games out of the top spot in the division, they can’t afford to stand pat. There are a trio of needs they need to meet.

Image courtesy of © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After the most successful postseason in decades, Rocco Baldelli and Derek Falvey were told payroll was going to be slashed. Despite that decision from the top, internal talent has kept the franchise relevant and now they can grab some reinforcements.

There are more than a handful of names available on the open market. Sizable moves have already taken place with Randy Arozarena, Danny Jansen, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. all having been moved. Regardless of who Minnesota brings in, there are three imperative realities to take care of prior to Tuesday’s deadline.

1. A Left-Handed Reliever
This move is front and center for a multitude of reasons. It’s arguably going to cost the least amount in the form of both prospect and dollar compensation. It’s also a barebones decision to add relief help for a talented team, and that’s exactly what the Twins are. There is also the reality that Minnesota currently doesn’t employ a capable option.

Caleb Thielbar looks like the pitcher he was after his career resurgence. Kody Funderburk is on the injured list due to a strained oblique. Steven Okert, acquired for Nick Gordon this offseason, has been mostly mediocre continues to trend downwards. It was about the time Detroit’s Colt Keith took Okert deep on Saturday night that reality set in: Minnesota doesn’t have a single trustworthy southpaw in the bullpen. That has to change, and there isn’t an internal option.

2. A Starting Pitcher
When Sonny Gray departed this offseason it was fine because Minnesota was never going to pay an aging arm that sort of freight for that time period. The assumption was that they would add a playoff-caliber starter through trade, but they turned from that premise as well. Pitching is expensive, in one form or another, and ownership isn’t interested in finding out how much.

At this point, it would be sheer negligence not to add something. Simeon Woods Richardson has been a saving grace for ownership, but he's approaching a career-high innings mark. Chris Paddack is dealing with a forearm strain. Will the team want to rely on Louie Varland, David Festa , a meteoric rise for Zebby Matthews, or promoting Randy Dobnak to catch Cleveland? 

The Twins very likely aren’t going to add a top two starter, though they should. Finding someone to eat innings and contribute, with a higher ceiling than Dallas Keuchel last season, should be seen as a must. If they can be around next year as well, great.

3. A Payroll Boost
Tying into both of the aforementioned moves, spending some money needs to be part of the showing. It is well established that ownership won’t be adding $10 million. Despite taking a terrible (but most lucrative) television deal and thwarting fans, investing in the product doesn’t appear to be an integral part of the strategy.

Still, the Twins can’t add talent by subtracting from the group they already employ. Shipping out a big-league asset, or trying to skimp out of taking on dollars while increasing the prospect haul, would be incredibly shortsighted. That has been the blueprint for months now, and at some point, some forward-thinking common sense should factor in.

The hours continue to tick away. Go get it done.

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[bean5302]

Blake Snell + Taylor Rogers + Cash = Eduoard Julien + Marco Raya

[twinstalker]

I can't imagine the Twins doing anything good here.  Their track record as buyers is abysmal, and they've never been in this bad of $$$ shape before.  This all seems to add up to hugely overpaying for a really mediocre return that won't be better than what they have or what they could promote.  Just to say they were trying.

 I don't know whether they could get this done, but I'd try to trade Raya for Quantrill.  Colorado is one of the few organizations I can imagine accepting Severino as filler.  Get it done.

[CRF]

They're gonna do nothing...and then give us a sob story about how they REALLY tried to make a couple deals, but they didn't pan out. 

[DJL44]

If payroll is really a problem they need to attach a prospect to Randy Dobnak and send him to a bad team who is willing to try him in the MLB rotation (Rockies, White Sox, Marlins).

[Karbo]

26 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Blake Snell + Taylor Rogers + Cash = Eduoard Julien + Marco Raya

never happen

[Jocko87]

Quote

It is well established that ownership won’t be adding $10 million.

Is this just one of those thing that gets repeated often enough it becomes established or do we actually have some reporting on it?

My sources, err Doogie, is saying in multiple tweets that there is room to spend for a true improvement.  

[Jocko87]

I'm almost more interested in an off the radar piece, I don't know who but I've got a type.  I'm thinking a left handed AAA starter that they think will be a legit bullpen piece this year and still has starter potential.  Someone we've never heard of is right up their alley.

Or just Tanner Scott. I'm easy. 

[bean5302]

3 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

Is this just one of those thing that gets repeated often enough it becomes established or do we actually have some reporting on it?

My sources, err Doogie, is saying in multiple tweets that there is room to spend for a true improvement.  

Passan reported the Pohlads are keeping money tight to their chest.

[Patzky]

11 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm almost more interested in an off the radar piece, I don't know who but I've got a type.  I'm thinking a left handed AAA starter that they think will be a legit bullpen piece this year and still has starter potential.  Someone we've never heard of is right up their alley.

Or just Tanner Scott. I'm easy. 

Again, Blackburn is the guy

 

[Dman]

I'm not begging them to do anything at the deadline but I do find it curious that money is suddenly such a big deal.  They were willing to go to around 150M last year and while I get the TV revenue went south you'd think they could go over budget a year or two or three if needed to support the club just like us fans do.

I get that it's a business and you don't run them at a loss at least not for long it just kind of makes you wonder what changed on the commitment level from ownership?  Last year it felt like money was virtually no object.  This year there is no money for anything.  A bit Jekyll and Hyde for me, but I don't see profit and loss statements and if there is no reserve fund then maybe they are up against it this year.

It just makes me wonder if this is a philosophical shift and the FO needs cover so ownership is playing big bad Dad or with all other expenses they are just at the absolute limit. I don't know, but the whole thing is a bit odd to me without more info.

[Road trip]

56 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

If payroll is really a problem they need to attach a prospect to Randy Dobnak and send him to a bad team who is willing to try him in the MLB rotation (Rockies, White Sox, Marlins).

I mean, sure, but Dobnak is owed about 500k for the remainder of the season.  MLB minimum for a full year is 740k, so savings gained are tiny.  If the Twins are that desperate for cash flow that they need to throw away a prospect to save 500k (and I find it hard to believe that they are) then things have gone terribly wrong.

 

[Mike Sixel]

18 minutes ago, Dman said:

I'm not begging them to do anything at the deadline but I do find it curious that money is suddenly such a big deal.  They were willing to go to around 150M last year and while I get the TV revenue went south you'd think they could go over budget a year or two or three if needed to support the club just like us fans do.

I get that it's a business and you don't run them at a loss at least not for long it just kind of makes you wonder what changed on the commitment level from ownership?  Last year it felt like money was virtually no object.  This year there is no money for anything.  A bit Jekyll and Hyde for me, but I don't see profit and loss statements and if there is no reserve fund then maybe they are up against it this year.

It just makes me wonder if this is a philosophical shift and the FO needs cover so ownership is playing big bad Dad or with all other expenses they are just at the absolute limit. I don't know, but the whole thing is a bit odd to me without more info.

I really think they weren't planning on that budget last year, and the CC thing happened.....and they decided to have that budget for one year. Note they didn't really ADD at the deadline last year, so I think money WAS an issue last year.

[Jocko87]

55 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Passan reported the Pohlads are keeping money tight to their chest.

He did not.

[DJL44]

9 minutes ago, Road trip said:

I mean, sure, but Dobnak is owed about 500k for the remainder of the season.  MLB minimum for a full year is 740k, so savings gained are tiny.  If the Twins are that desperate for cash flow that they need to throw away a prospect to save 500k (and I find it hard to believe that they are) then things have gone terribly wrong.

Dobnak is owed $3M for next season that they would want to get out from under.

[Jocko87]

51 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Again, Blackburn is the guy

 

From the As?  Wrong handed for me. 

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Jim Pohlad's worth almost $4 billion. More than Hal Steinbrenner. This isn't about being a small market team. It's not about a lack of TV revenue. Some owners take pride in their product and invest in it. Others cry poverty. We know what group the Pohlad's fall into as of today. If they want to change the narrative, they'll make a trade that moves the needle. If they truly don't give a crap, and I suspect they don't, we'll hear about internal reinforcements and saving prospect capital.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Also, if they added a player of substance, whatever money they take on in salary, they're getting it back and then some from a rejuvenated fan base that will show up over the next 2 months as well as from an extended playoff run.

[DJL44]

Noah Miller to the White Sox in the Fedde trade.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

Noah Miller to the White Sox in the Fedde trade.

Heyman's since said that Miller isn't in the deal.

[Dman]

9 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I really think they weren't planning on that budget last year, and the CC thing happened.....and they decided to have that budget for one year. Note they didn't really ADD at the deadline last year, so I think money WAS an issue last year.

That makes sense.  Heck they could be over budget right now for all i know it's just such a different feeling from the top down this year that I agree with others that it is a downer.  Maybe I am incredibly naive, but I still trust that ownership is interested in doing the right things for the business as a whole. This is a challenging time though as the optics do look bad.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Of note. Per Dan Hayes, Dodgers called the Twins to check on Duran. Twins were asking for 'too much'.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

Is this just one of those thing that gets repeated often enough it becomes established or do we actually have some reporting on it?

My sources, err Doogie, is saying in multiple tweets that there is room to spend for a true improvement.  

Dan Hayes yesterday:

"Team sources say the Twins aren’t in a position to add significant salary at the trade deadline, which is why the front office is targeting starting pitchers in a thin rental market...One club source described finances as tight and suggested an opposing team might need to absorb salary in a deal, which would likely cost the Twins a better prospect in exchange."

[Karbo]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Dan Hayes yesterday:

"Team sources say the Twins aren’t in a position to add significant salary at the trade deadline, which is why the front office is targeting starting pitchers in a thin rental market...One club source described finances as tight and suggested an opposing team might need to absorb salary in a deal, which would likely cost the Twins a better prospect in exchange."

They should just cut Rocco's salary in half.

[ashbury]

40 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Of note. Per Dan Hayes, Dodgers called the Twins to check on Duran. Twins were asking for 'too much'.

As is fair. A trade should make the team better, not the same.  We're 2 games behind the Dodgers in the loss column.  They have no right to expect any favors.

Meanwhile I see on MLBTR that Diego A. Castillo has been outrighted.  That has been the case since Friday.  There's your rumor mill to work from.

[Doctor Gast]

Cards just fleeced LAD & CWS! Why can't the Twins do that?

Cardinals

70

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Erick Fedde	31	Majors	SP			1.4	29.2	10.2	19	15.2	19	22.8
Tommy Pham	36	Majors	OF		Medium	0.4	2	0.9	1.1	0.9	1.1	1.3

Total Value:

20.1

Dodgers

23

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Tommy Edman	29	Majors	2B	SS	Low	1.4	14.6	12	2.6	2.1	2.6	3.2
Michael Kopech	28	Majors	RP	SP	Low	1.4	0.3	1.1	-0.7	-0.9	-0.7	-0.6

Total Value:

1.90

White Sox

14

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Miguel Vargas	24	Majors	1B	3B	Low	4.4	14.6	7.5	7	5.6	7	8.5
Alexander Albertus	19	Minors	2B	SS		0	0	0	2.5	2	2.5	3
Jeral Perez	19	Minors	2B			0	0	0	1.9	1.5	1.9	2.3

Total Value:

11.4

[Doctor Gast]

48 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

Cards just fleeced LAD & CWS! Why can't the Twins do that?

Cardinals

70

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Erick Fedde	31	Majors	SP			1.4	29.2	10.2	19	15.2	19	22.8
Tommy Pham	36	Majors	OF		Medium	0.4	2	0.9	1.1	0.9	1.1	1.3

Total Value:

20.1

Dodgers

23

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Tommy Edman	29	Majors	2B	SS	Low	1.4	14.6	12	2.6	2.1	2.6	3.2
Michael Kopech	28	Majors	RP	SP	Low	1.4	0.3	1.1	-0.7	-0.9	-0.7	-0.6

Total Value:

1.90

White Sox

14

NAME	AGE	LEVEL	P1	P2	AVAILABILITY	YEARS	AFV	SALARY	SURPLUS	LOW	MEDIAN	HIGH
Miguel Vargas	24	Majors	1B	3B	Low	4.4	14.6	7.5	7	5.6	7	8.5
Alexander Albertus	19	Minors	2B	SS		0	0	0	2.5	2	2.5	3
Jeral Perez	19	Minors	2B			0	0	0	1.9	1.5	1.9	2.3

Total Value:

11.4

LAD greatly values Edman's flexibility & glove & overlooks the average bat, & they figure that they unlock Kopech. LAD aren't strangers to 3-way trades. LAD gave up on those players they gave up.

CWS I can't explain their actions.

[KirbyDome89]

3 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

Is this just one of those thing that gets repeated often enough it becomes established or do we actually have some reporting on it?

My sources, err Doogie, is saying in multiple tweets that there is room to spend for a true improvement.  

What's "true improvement?"

It's going to be awfully easy to spin deadline moves as not meeting such a moving target and subsequently let this ownership group off the hook.

[Guest]

4 hours ago, CRF said:

They're gonna do nothing...and then give us a sob story about how they REALLY tried to make a couple deals, but they didn't pan out. 

And I for one will be glad they did not overpay for a marginal upgrade, injured pitcher, or any other desperate move.

Hope they keep their prospects for long time improvement!

[mrtwinsfan]

4 hours ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Of note. Per Dan Hayes, Dodgers called the Twins to check on Duran. Twins were asking for 'too much'.

Twins said you guys pick up Ohtani,s salary then we can give ya Duran, for him --- har-har