I expect the FO to make ONE major trade of prospects for a player. Do you agree with me?

[DocBauer]

What else do we have to talk about other than speculation, right?

The new TV deal with MLB is lower, fluid, and unknown foe the future, even though a form of streaming...and possible deals with other streaming networks is a possibility...we are left with lower revenue and a current ownership that feels a few millions is not worth sacrificing for the good of the franchise despite a potential windfall in the HOPEFULL future for a change. 

We COULD be surprised/stunned by the FO making a major deal. I'm just not expecting that. Falvey, to his credit, has always tried to play the long game and never wanted to dismantle the system for major returns. Though he has traded prospects for additions at times.

But with a system that ranks in the top 5-ish from most publications and pundits, a limited payroll means Falvey, and the rest of his FO, needs to be creative to make changes/additions to the 2025 club.

Enough preamble.

My speculation is the Twins will look to trade a collection of prospects for A] a powerful, difference making bat who is young and controlled for 2-3 years. B] a young catcher to pair with Jeffers for the next few years. 

The problem with my theory is, what team has a young, powerful bat in the OF, or 1B, that is controllable that they are willing to sell for a collection of top prospects? Do the A's, Nationals, Marlins, etc, rebuilding teams have someone they would be willing to move for more options?

So I'm kinda stuck on the idea that maybe the target should be a young catcher who can team with Jeffers for the next few years and ease the loss of Vazquez for a low level prospect and some $ to be spent elsewhere. I'm sure there are other options out there, but I'm wondering about Teel from the Red Sox, or Rushing from the Dodgers.

Because the Twins and Dodgers have a recent history, and other factors, I'm going to use Rushing as a primary trade idea. Plus, he's potentially a great fit.

The Dodgers currently have a good catching duo with more prospects on the way. They also have a great team, and the $ to buy what they want, more or less. But they also have a good MILB system, and do a good job of developing talent to use, and also to trade.

Rushing is not a finished backstop yet, but offers promise, and a potentially good bat from the left side. And the Twins MILB catching prospects ALL had down 2024 seasons. 

The Dodgers have a keen eye for talent. So they may target players I'm not even thinking of in a trade proposal here. And Rushing, a top 100 prospect, won't come cheap. But I'm thinking any pitcher not named Matthews or Morris is on the table. Next comes any OF not named Jenkins or E Rodriguez, which means Rosario, Gonzalez, Mercedes, J Rodriguez, or Beltre. Lee, Keaschall, or recently drafted Culpepper are on the table as well. OR, they could surprise with someone as part of the trade options. 

Maybe I'm offering up too much with a potential 3 of the Twins top 20. But when it HURTS to give up so much for a top prospect, it starts to feel about right. 

I'm not so sure a trade with Boston for Teel might not include some of the same names.

Assuming the FO makes a trade of this nature, it makes moving Vazquez easier from a roster standpoint, frees up $ for another addition, and sets the Twins catching position up for another 2-3 years. 

Or am I all wet? Is there a better option to trade 2-3 top prospects for a better alternative position player bat? Is there a rebuilding team out there that might be ready to trade a good young position player for a prospect haul?

Tell me if I'm on a right path or if you have a better idea.

[jctwins]

I'd consider it more likely they move a veteran to add prospects rather than trade prospects for a veteran.

 

 

[Parfigliano]

18 minutes ago, jctwins said:

I'd consider it more likely they move a veteran to add prospects rather than trade prospects for a veteran.

 

 

If if they trade for/sign a veteran it will be a Margot type.  This guy will block a younger better AA-AAA player.

[RpR]

If Santana moves on, they will sign a better than average Veteran to replace him.

They badly need a 2nd baseman , could pick-up one there as right now only Martin does not look incompetent there.

Right now their defense looks the worst it has been for years for 2025, I am sure the FO sees this.

[tony&rodney]

The problem with Rushing is defense, which is one reason he has been used often in the outfield. Dodgers take Keaschall straight up but that would be a big mistake by the Twins. The Dodgers want future stars or someone for their current roster. They ask for Jhoan Duran, which should be a no. I'm not keen on Rushing if the package is large. Rushing for K. Culpepper and Gonzalez is ok. 

The Twins should target Jeferson Quero and Harry Ford, both good athletes and fine defenders. Milwaukee is hard to deal with because they have a tighter budget than the Twins. Possibly Julien, Varland, and $2M  of international bonus pool money (MIL might try for Sasaki). Maybe Ford can be acquired as part of a larger deal with Seattle.

[dxpavelka]

Sure.  I agree with you.  Especially if they can get that veteran to play for free.  Think Butch Wynegar late 70s.

[Parfigliano]

10 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

Sure.  I agree with you.  Especially if they can get that veteran to play for free.  Think Butch Wynegar late 70s.

Haha

[mnfireman]

Well, according to the payroll tool the team is already $4-5 MM over the target of $130 MM, so unless the team is willing to bump payroll to around $150 MM, who they have is who they have.

Also, no one is taking Vazquez or Paddack's salary - put those with Dobnak in the dead money column.

[tony&rodney]

Paddack certainly has value to a number of teams. The Twins will not receive very much in return though.

Vazquez also has value. It is the job of management to find solutions to financial problems at the same time as attempting to strengthen the team. Before any consideration of trading Vazquez (or Jeffers), the Twins need a catcher in return. Once this has been accomplished, a trade is possible. Vazquez, Soto, and Mercedes for Diaz is a possibility in a deal with Tampa.

Milwaukee is a possible partner as well. Again, who knows but Castro, Woods Richardson, Rosario for Quero, Williams is at least a question worth asking.

Seattle wants corner infielders. Lewis, Miranda, Topa for Miller, Ford makes some sense. 

Arizona wants a DH and doesn't have much money. Julien, Alcala, Gonzalez, K. Culpepper for Lawler.

It's easy to despair but there are options, hundreds of options. Nothing above is out of control and you all may have way better exchanges in mind or just want to keep everything exactly as it is. I am interested in improving the defense and offense and pitching. Plus, in a time when the team is for sale, I'm willing to take a few gambles. My suggestions of all iterations always come in below $130 million.

[thelanges5]

5 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Paddack certainly has value to a number of teams. The Twins will not receive very much in return though.

Vazquez also has value. It is the job of management to find solutions to financial problems at the same time as attempting to strengthen the team. Before any consideration of trading Vazquez (or Jeffers), the Twins need a catcher in return. Once this has been accomplished, a trade is possible. Vazquez, Soto, and Mercedes for Diaz is a possibility in a deal with Tampa.

Milwaukee is a possible partner as well. Again, who knows but Castro, Woods Richardson, Rosario for Quero, Williams is at least a question worth asking.

Seattle wants corner infielders. Lewis, Miranda, Topa for Miller, Ford makes some sense. 

Arizona wants a DH and doesn't have much money. Julien, Alcala, Gonzalez, K. Culpepper for Lawler.

It's easy to despair but there are options, hundreds of options. Nothing above is out of control and you all may have way better exchanges in mind or just want to keep everything exactly as it is. I am interested in improving the defense and offense and pitching. Plus, in a time when the team is for sale, I'm willing to take a few gambles. My suggestions of all iterations always come in below $130 million.

Like the trade for Diaz. Let’s go FalZoll!

[Rod Carews Birthday]

On 12/2/2024 at 10:38 PM, DocBauer said:

Maybe I'm offering up too much with a potential 3 of the Twins top 20. But when it HURTS to give up so much for a top prospect, it starts to feel about right. 

I say search the MLB top 100 for any catchers in AAA -- like Rushing.  I start with the list and offer the 3 for 1 swap.  I think somebody bites.  We get what we need and it isn't going to kill our system.  I do think it will take Lee or Keaschall (but not both) as part of the deal, but that's OK.  We are keeping our best hitting prospects and our best pitching prospects. 

Then we trade Vasquez to whatever team will take on the most salary and/or add a prospect until someone does. 

[DocBauer]

20 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I say search the MLB top 100 for any catchers in AAA -- like Rushing.  I start with the list and offer the 3 for 1 swap.  I think somebody bites.  We get what we need and it isn't going to kill our system.  I do think it will take Lee or Keaschall (but not both) as part of the deal, but that's OK.  We are keeping our best hitting prospects and our best pitching prospects. 

Then we trade Vasquez to whatever team will take on the most salary and/or add a prospect until someone does. 

I appreciate the effort. And that's what I'm asking for and looking at. It doesn't HAVE to be Rushing. There's Teel from Boston and a few other young catchers out there that might be available.

Personally, I'd rather hold on to both Lee and Keaschall and would rather trade Culpepper, who I've decided I like, but is a couple years away, but MIGHT be as good or better than Lee or Keaschall. 

It depends on the team in question. Mercedes, Gonzalez, and even J Rodrigez and Rosario could be of major interest to certain teams for an OF/BAT player. And while I'd hate to give up Soto, Raya, and other arms, you can at least see the path I'm looking at.

Trading for a young catcher to team with Jeffers makes more sense to me than someone trading a young, powerful 1B with performance and control, or similar OF. 

*Not sure the Twins need an OF with Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Rodriguez and Jenkins on the way.

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Paddack certainly has value to a number of teams. The Twins will not receive very much in return though.

Vazquez also has value. It is the job of management to find solutions to financial problems at the same time as attempting to strengthen the team. Before any consideration of trading Vazquez (or Jeffers), the Twins need a catcher in return. Once this has been accomplished, a trade is possible. Vazquez, Soto, and Mercedes for Diaz is a possibility in a deal with Tampa.

Milwaukee is a possible partner as well. Again, who knows but Castro, Woods Richardson, Rosario for Quero, Williams is at least a question worth asking.

Seattle wants corner infielders. Lewis, Miranda, Topa for Miller, Ford makes some sense. 

Arizona wants a DH and doesn't have much money. Julien, Alcala, Gonzalez, K. Culpepper for Lawler.

It's easy to despair but there are options, hundreds of options. Nothing above is out of control and you all may have way better exchanges in mind or just want to keep everything exactly as it is. I am interested in improving the defense and offense and pitching. Plus, in a time when the team is for sale, I'm willing to take a few gambles. My suggestions of all iterations always come in below $130 million.

I like the idea of Diaz from the Rays. I agree we won't get much back for Paddack, but I believe he's got value to clear his $. 

My issue with your example is the Twins make these moves AFTER they trade for a young catcher to replace Vazquez. That implies trading additional prospect assets to do so. Then you propose trading Vazquez and additional prospects for other players.

So I'm guessing 4 to 5 top 20 prospects to gain a catcher and Diaz?

I think that's too rich for Falvey and the system to risk.

[tony&rodney]

8 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I like the idea of Diaz from the Rays. I agree we won't get much back for Paddack, but I believe he's got value to clear his $. 

My issue with your example is the Twins make these moves AFTER they trade for a young catcher to replace Vazquez. That implies trading additional prospect assets to do so. Then you propose trading Vazquez and additional prospects for other players.

So I'm guessing 4 to 5 top 20 prospects to gain a catcher and Diaz?

I think that's too rich for Falvey and the system to risk.

There is slim chance that the Twins do much. They seem intent on repeating their 4th place 82 win season to me, but I have zero idea what the front office plan is for 2025.

The deals I threw out may give way to far superior ideas, but the prospect cost is relatively slim in my moves. FWIW, I do these in reverse order. Teams may laugh at the suggestions as well. Julien (DH/infield), Alcala (rhrp), and two good prospects (Gonzalez-of, K. Culpepper-if) to Arizona for Jordan Lawler. R. Lewis, Miranda, and Topa (no prospects) all have solid value for Seattle, while Bryce Miller and Harry Ford return. Milwaukee receives Castro, SWR (controlled starter), K. Rosario (rh-of/DH) for Jeferson Quero and Devin Williams. The Twins might need to add here. Then the deal with Tampa (Vazquez, C. Soto (rhsp), Mercedes (of) for Yandy Diaz. 

Impossible to know what other teams value but I'm targeting gloves with high ceilings, a controlled sp, and a rh bat. 

I agree that the Twins are not likely to take any chances.

[Riverbrian]

I think this off-season will be about as boring as it could possibly get

or

It will be a breath taking juggling of personal.  

Due to assumed financial limitations... I don't think it will be anything in between. 

If I had to place a bet... I would bet on as boring as it could possibly get. 

 

[Greglw3]

On 12/3/2024 at 11:42 AM, Parfigliano said:

If if they trade for/sign a veteran it will be a Margot type.  This guy will block a younger better AA-AAA player.

Falvey surely learned his lesson on Gallo and Margot, right? A 7 year old GM could do better than that!