Will the Minnesota Twins Trade Joe Ryan or Bailey Ober This Offseason?

[tony&rodney]

8 minutes ago, beckmt said:

Twins do not have a lot of needs, just some players to grow into roles. 

This might be a fundamental difference of opinion among Twins fans.

There are those who feel the talent level is there and the roster can find success with internal improvement plus a few additions, largely through minimal expenditures. 

Whenever I look over the roster (the current one minus the FAs), I see weaknesses. I don't dislike any specific player but admit to favoring more athletic players who can field their position. Right now, the Twins have two players who hold their own on defense: Correa and Buxton.

I respect the idea that the current rostered players cn improve and did well for a long stretch last summer. However, I'm ready to see some change in the approach.

Either way, it is Falvey at the helm and he is completely unpredictable for me.

[bean5302]

24 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Does that happen? Do teams trade young, cheap pitching for other young, cheap pitching? Do you trust that the Twins would get the better end of the trade? 

The A's and Rays trade expensive for cheap. The Yankees and Dodgers trade for talent and don't worry about the cost. Challenge trades of my cheap starting pitcher for your cheap starting pitcher are really rare. Those are the trades that get one of the two general managers making the deal fired.

The White Sox traded Chris Sale as I recall. It all depends on the situation.

[jjswol]

You never have enough pitching..... If you want to trade somebody then trade some hitters that don't play everyday and are often injured. I will let you determine who they might be. That said, why do people think the Twins have payroll concerns? Yes they have some dead weight but that will be hard to move. The payroll is OK for now and the future always has a way of working itself out.

[AKTwinsFan]

Offload some of the players dragging down the team. I say re-sign most arbitration players but trade those who are not contributing. If they never signed Correa then they'd have more flexibility. 

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

The White Sox traded Chris Sale as I recall. It all depends on the situation.

That was an expensive star for top prospects deal. They didn't trade him with 3 years of cost control remaining. I could see the Twins trading Ryan or Ober after the 2026 season.

Since we're talking about the White Sox, Garrett Crochet is one of the few cheap ace pitchers who might be available in trade. Luis Robert is expensive but is actually a great fit for the Twins roster (RH hitting outfielder who can field). Adding those two players would be a blockbuster that could make the Twins a contender. The Twins would need to clear $15M and send one of their own big talents (Lewis, Lee, Jenkins, Rodriguez) in return. That's a gutsy trade, especially within the division. That's the kind of risk that gets someone fired if it doesn't work out.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

<Ctrl> C   <Ctrl> V

The only reason to do this trade is if the Twins go complete rebuild.  That is not going to happen this winter.

The vitriol after a trade like this would be insane.

[Muppet]

45 minutes ago, tony&amp;rodney said:

This might be a fundamental difference of opinion among Twins fans.

There are those who feel the talent level is there and the roster can find success with internal improvement plus a few additions, largely through minimal expenditures. 

Whenever I look over the roster (the current one minus the FAs), I see weaknesses. I don't dislike any specific player but admit to favoring more athletic players who can field their position. Right now, the Twins have two players who hold their own on defense: Correa and Buxton.

I respect the idea that the current rostered players cn improve and did well for a long stretch last summer. However, I'm ready to see some change in the approach.

Either way, it is Falvey at the helm and he is completely unpredictable for me.

I don't think it is a difference of opinion, I think it is a desperation. This team has no chance to replace a majority of their underwhelming underperforming players.  All of their prospects are up, and there's nothing left for the next few years.  For me, I don't think the talent level is there. They will ONLY win if most of the current roster steps it up several notches. 

They might get some good almost-ready prospects by trading away Ober and Ryan, but I don't think those prospects would lead to winning seasons in a few years unless they have big name players to replace Correa and Buxton when their contracts are up. 

It's a tight spot. Even with new owners they probably can't afford to buy a winning team. 

[Mike Sixel]

The most click bait article ever on TD? I refuse to even read this.

[tony&rodney]

1 minute ago, Muppet said:

I don't think it is a difference of opinion, I think it is a desperation. This team has no chance to replace a majority of their underwhelming underperforming players.  All of their prospects are up, and there's nothing left for the next few years.  For me, I don't think the talent level is there. They will ONLY win if most of the current roster steps it up several notches. 

They might get some good almost-ready prospects by trading away Ober and Ryan, but I don't think those prospects would lead to winning seasons in a few years unless they have big name players to replace Correa and Buxton when their contracts are up. 

It's a tight spot. Even with new owners they probably can't afford to buy a winning team. 

Falvey has his ideas of what type of team he prefers, so what we think is largely irrelevant.

However, I would suggest that the Twins have a number of good baseball players on their roster and some decent talent in the minor leagues as well. There should be some interest in any number of players. It isn't like there will be a whole transformation of the roster but there will be opportunities for Falvey this offseason just as there was last winter. 

My view is that the roster is a mishmash that needs some alignment and I believe that other teams would benefit from acquiring some of the Twins players while the Twins benefit from the exchange. I'm mostly thinking of players already in MLB and a couple that are ready right now. 

The Twins are also sitting on a couple of really good prospects that should not be moved because they are close to claiming lineup spots. So 2025 is a bit of an unknown, most specifically because we have no idea what direction/thoughts Falvey has in his head.

[Tiantwindup]

A trade of any of these pitchers should be based on whether or not it is a good baseball trade and not on salary considerations. With the team for sale, there is a good chance we have new owners a year from now. If new owners want a low payroll trading these guys in a year can accomplish that. If they want to invest in payroll, the expected payroll crunch goes away and we retain some very good young pitching. 

[Craig Arko]

If any of the SP gets traded, it will be Paddack.

[TopGunn#22]

First off, I will say there is nothing "ridiculous" about this article.  We may not agree with the premise of trading either Ryan or Ober (I'm in this camp) but this is what TD exists for during our off season...speculation about what moves the Twins might make.

I'm sure there were zero Twins fans expecting a trade of Rod Carew following the 1978 season.  He had won an MVP in 1977 and followed it up with another batting title in 1978.  But it happened.  

I wouldn't be against the Twins exploring what Ryan and Ober could bring back.  But I would make a different suggestion than dealing Ryan or Ober because I want the Twins to be contenders next season and they won't be without either of these guys.  How about trading Simeon Woods-Richardson?  I would certainly explore what I could get for him.  

I would replace him in the rotation by giving Griffin Jax a crack at joining Lopez, Ryan, Ober and the winner between Festa and Matthews.  Could we get a solid catching prospect for SWR?  Someone who could make Jeffers or Vasquez trade worthy?  Could we get a serious RH bat for our outfield?  Or a First Baseman?  It's certainly something that should be considered.

I would also disagree with Nick that Buxton should not be a trade candidate.  He finally played 100 games for just the 2nd time in his career.  But his power numbers were down and with Rocco's aversion to stealing bases his base stealing prowess is a non-factor with the Twins.  Off loading a $15 million dollar contract for the Twins would be tremendous.  To a team that needs a CF like the Dodgers it would be a drop in the bucket.  

This off season changes will be made.  Some of them might be big changes.  We should not rule anything out until the possibility has been explored.  I wouldn't trade Ryan or Ober.  I have shared some other ideas I would consider.  But NOTHING should be off the table this off season.  

[TerwilligerBuntsOne]

While recognizing that any discussion about possibly trading either Ober or Ryan will involve payroll issues, what if a potential trade could simply be about maximizing value?  

I love Ober. But he's older and both Ryan and Pablo. Ober has also been seemingly on an innings count and had his spot in the rotation pushed back a time or two in an effort to keep him fresh. Ober turns 30 years old next summer. Can the Twins really expect that his value will increase after he turns that magical age? Possible, but we have seen many pitchers turn back into a pumpkin in their early 30s. The decline can happen fast.....and often does.

It would leave a gaping hole in the rotation, but could it be the best long-term play?

[bean5302]

40 minutes ago, Craig Arko said:

If any of the SP gets traded, it will be Paddack.

No doubt the front office is going to aggressively shop Paddack and his 4.82 ERA over the past 3 injury riddled seasons with the Twins.

The question is whether or not they can find any partner willing to eat a significant portion of Paddack's salary despite his poor results, pedestrian K rates despite not being a ground ball pitcher, and his complete lack of historical reliability when there are guys available on MiLB contracts or close to league minimum reclamation projects available for far less.

[Woof Bronzer]

3 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

This premise is insane. So much of the angst with the Pohlads come from creating fanatical scenarios like this and acting like it's something they would do rather than our imagination.

I mean, didn't the Pohlads do the exact same thing last offseason with Polanco?  I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.  

[Jocko87]

2 minutes ago, Woof Bronzer said:

I mean, didn't the Pohlads do the exact same thing last offseason with Polanco?  I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.  

Quality starting pitchers in early arbitration vs an expiring contract on the back end of usefulness? 

Yeah, basically the same.

[Fred]

1 hour ago, TopGunn#22 said:

First off, I will say there is nothing "ridiculous" about this article.  We may not agree with the premise of trading either Ryan or Ober (I'm in this camp) but this is what TD exists for during our off season...speculation about what moves the Twins might make.

I'm sure there were zero Twins fans expecting a trade of Rod Carew following the 1978 season.  He had won an MVP in 1977 and followed it up with another batting title in 1978.  But it happened.  

I wouldn't be against the Twins exploring what Ryan and Ober could bring back.  But I would make a different suggestion than dealing Ryan or Ober because I want the Twins to be contenders next season and they won't be without either of these guys.  How about trading Simeon Woods-Richardson?  I would certainly explore what I could get for him.  

I would replace him in the rotation by giving Griffin Jax a crack at joining Lopez, Ryan, Ober and the winner between Festa and Matthews.  Could we get a solid catching prospect for SWR?  Someone who could make Jeffers or Vasquez trade worthy?  Could we get a serious RH bat for our outfield?  Or a First Baseman?  It's certainly something that should be considered.

I would also disagree with Nick that Buxton should not be a trade candidate.  He finally played 100 games for just the 2nd time in his career.  But his power numbers were down and with Rocco's aversion to stealing bases his base stealing prowess is a non-factor with the Twins.  Off loading a $15 million dollar contract for the Twins would be tremendous.  To a team that needs a CF like the Dodgers it would be a drop in the bucket.  

This off season changes will be made.  Some of them might be big changes.  We should not rule anything out until the possibility has been explored.  I wouldn't trade Ryan or Ober.  I have shared some other ideas I would consider.  But NOTHING should be off the table this off season.  

If Buxton starts stealing bases he won't play 100 games.

[Cap'n Piranha]

In 2022, the Twins traded for Sonny Gray, whom they paid $22M for two years, and then got a QO opportunity.  They gave up a late first round pick in Chase Petty, who last year as a 21 year old had a 4.4 ERA and 1.35 WHIP while striking out about a batter/inning in AA.

Both Ryan and Ober would likely command more than that, given the additional year of control, the ability to still do a QO, and the 3 year cost of maybe $30M.

If Faley is confident in some combination of SWR, Matthews, Festa, Morris, and Raya (along with potentially Paddack, or another reclamation project) to fill out the rotation, he should absolutely trade at least one of the two (what if Philly agrees to give us Painter and Cabrera?  The Mets have 4 pitchers in their top 11 prospects as well).

Since there is almost no possibility to add impact players to the 2025 roster, the only two paths forward are the following

1. Hope for better health, and better performance from the current roster
2. Sell high on assets you'll need to shed prior to 2026 and 2027 anyways, and have a possibly great wave of talent in 2026 with Jenkins, Keaschall, Raya, Emma, etc.

[USAFChief]

First off, the idea of trading from two effective starters who will make around $8M combined, in an effort to save money, is pretty odd. 

Trading either should only be part of a complete tear down and rebuild. 

Second, how do Correa, Buxton and Lopez go from the core of a championship team in paragraph 2 to not being worth anything in trade in paragraph 3??

 

Not your best work, Nick.

[TopGunn#22]

Fred, that's why Buxton should be heavily considered for a trade.  What good is a player if he's as fragile as blown glass and you will never see the fullest application of his 5-tool ability??  At least in a Twins uniform.   

I think Buxton would waive his no-trade clause if it was a trade to a perennial contender.  The #1 team I could see him being traded to is the Dodgers.  He's a Georgia native, but with Harris, I don't think the Braves would be interested.  Maybe the Padres, maybe the Cubs, there would be interest from some of the deeper-pocketed teams.   

I don't see anything etched in stone for the Twins this off-season.  There are endless questions about the potential sale of the team, new leadership and new philosophies.    

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

Second, how do Correa, Buxton and Lopez go from the core of a championship team in paragraph 2 to not being worth anything in trade in paragraph 3??

Well, it did happen in the blink of an eye in real life, too,..

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

First off, the idea of trading from two effective starters who will make around $8M combined, in an effort to save money, is pretty odd. 

Trading either should only be part of a complete tear down and rebuild. 

Second, how do Correa, Buxton and Lopez go from the core of a championship team in paragraph 2 to not being worth anything in trade in paragraph 3??

 

Not your best work, Nick.

Joe Ryan or Bailey Ober... not both.

None of those 3 are worth as much as Ober or Ryan (because of team control and low costs for Ryan and Ober)

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Again, there is another piece to a trade like this everyone is ignoring:  perception.

You have a team the should have been in the playoffs last year, even basically every young player failing miserably (SWR being the exception).  You go and trade any of the Lopez, Ober, Ryan, (and I am sure we will see coming articles about trading Lewis, Jeffers, Wallner, Miranda, and anybody else productive with a pulse) and the already tenuous relationship with the fanbase takes another nosedive.  Not a great look when your new broadcast deal requires fans to actually want to watch the team to make an y money.

Sure, all these guys can be moved.  Just ask the White Sox.

[USAFChief]

2 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Joe Ryan or Bailey Ober... not both.

 

That's what I said.

And one of those two is one too many. 

 

 

[farmerguychris]

I hate these threads that talk about trading proven players under control, who are being underpaid for their value -  just because the rich owners aren't rich enough (in their minds) so they need to save money and make fans unhappy.  

I know its the reality of where we are with these owners, but i really just dislike it even has to be discussed.  What a bunch of crap.

[Craig Arko]

1 hour ago, farmerguychris said:

I hate these threads that talk about trading proven players under control, who are being underpaid for their value -  just because the rich owners aren't rich enough (in their minds) so they need to save money and make fans unhappy.  

I know its the reality of where we are with these owners, but i really just dislike it even has to be discussed.  What a bunch of crap.

They gotta do something to fill the dead space.

[MGM4706]

This article totally ignores the fact the Twins are for sale! The Pohlads bought the Twins for 44 million. Sales price is 1.5 - 2 BILLION dollars!! So there is no reason to expect they will be in another cost saving mode. They are about to get a huge windfall profit. So payroll can go up some and transferred to the new owner!

[tony&rodney]

42 minutes ago, Craig Arko said:

They gotta do something to fill the dead space.

Actually, the Twins need to do something to improve their roster or fourth place will be theirs once again in 2025. The Twins finished the year pretty much where their talent and play put them, behind Cleveland, Kansas City, and Detroit. I guess everyone can hope that all of those teams crater next season but those are long odds. Change needs to occur and the discussions are reasonable on everyone.

Falvey should be in conversations with multiple teams assessing where and how to add to the talent for next year. Yes, those talks would involve nearly every name, including those whom some may see as must haves for the team. The public will support a good team. In fact a team that is fun to watch will draw better than the past year's team. 

The question is does Falvey know the team needs some change?

[JD-TWINS]

8 hours ago, tony&amp;rodney said:

The  rough estimate for 2025 using the current roster is $135 million. The larger issue in my opinion is a need for the Twins to improve their defense. Falvey was quite happy with the team he put together for 2024 and the Twins were good until they weren't. A big part of their demise (many other elements) was shoddy glove work. The question is whether Falvey believes the team needs change.

Ryan is unlikely to draw as much interest as Ober. Our big dude has improved steadily and looks like he is capable of getting even better. Ober is underrated in my book. The articles on Twins Daily explore ways to massage the roster for one reason or another. The idea of trading Ober (or Ryan) works if the return is a plug for the Twins current roster. I would suggest that further moves could be made as well. Looking at the Twins roster, it seems like some change is needed.

Just spitballing, would the Red Sox be interested in trading Jarren Duran for Bailey Ober and a couple of other players. This ignores a premise of the article, which is to reduce salary now and in the future, but strengthens a big weakness in the outfield and buys time until a few Twins prospects are ready for playing time.

Would you trade Jarren Duran, at all, period? Seems like a pretty low % move for the Boston FO.

Not personal here…..,Nick has written an article for all to discuss - that’s it. He’s not representing the Twins. No way, with 3 years of control, are Ryan or Ober getting traded. They are inexpensive, veteran arms that have been steadily improving. They both fall in the Top 40 starters in baseball.

Lopez may be a guy one could look at trading at the deadline - very doubtful in ‘25, better potential in ‘26 with one plus years of control remaining for trade partner. His salary makes more sense to move if $$ are a terribly big need. With the Team being up for SALE, I don’t see any talented, high profile players getting dealt……,.moving him would not be a good look for a new regime either.

Morris - Lewis - Matthews - Raya (one or two) need to really show something special at AAA for any of the core rotation guys to start being discussed as potential trade pieces.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, farmerguychris said:

I hate these threads that talk about trading proven players under control, who are being underpaid for their value -  just because the rich owners aren't rich enough (in their minds) so they need to save money and make fans unhappy.  

I know its the reality of where we are with these owners, but i really just dislike it even has to be discussed.  What a bunch of crap.

The owners didn’t write the article. A fan wrote it with the intent of generating debate.

The ownership is selling the Team and has no reason to sell assets that are affordable and are talented on a “League Level”, not just Twins talented.

The last thing a “seller” needs to do is alienate the current customer base they and NEW owners want to grow, nor reduce the value of the asset they are selling!!