Twins Listening On Trade Inquiries About Pablo Lopez

[Brock Beauchamp]

It felt almost inevitable to hear this, didn't it?

Jeff Passan of ESPN recently wrote that the Twins front office has been receiving calls inquiring about the availability of starting pitcher Pablo Lopez, who is under contract for the next three seasons.

Lopez, entering his age-29 season in 2025, is owed $21.75 million per season for the next three seasons. The Twins need to remove approximately $10 million from their payroll before Opening Day to meet budget expectations. They could probably meet that number by trading both Christian Vazquez ($10 million) and Chris Paddack ($7.5 million), or they could get under the number in one fell swoop by trading one of their two large contracts in Pablo Lopez or Carlos Correa.

The Twins aren't in a rush to trade Lopez but the recent sky-high prices for pitching may cause them to change their minds.

View full rumor

[Mike Sixel]

I don't see how receiving calls is bad, or news even

[LambchoP]

Trading our ace away would make it impossible for ownership to keep up the fascade of trying to be competitive this year . Plus, it would be just one more slap in the face to our already used and abused fanbase.

[nicksaviking]

Removing Vazquez arguably improves the team. removing Lopez greatly injures it.

If they trade Lopez, they might as well just throw in the towel and trade all the contracts they don't like. I've got no interest watching the Pohlad's last middle finger to the fans. The new owners can try to win me back.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I think you'd have to be blown away to trade Pablo. If they do get blown away with an offer, then you listen.

For people that like looking at baseball trade values, think at least double of what Pablo is valued at. That's what I mean. Not equal value, double. I don't know what he is currently, but it's a kind of deal that you would have to say sounds interesting to do it.

I don't want to trade him, I don't. But it's good to listen on everyone.

[mnfireman]

The ol' Hot Stove is very cold this year....Falvey has stated multiple times he gets asked about the availability of all players and, in good faith, listens to the other teams pitch. 

I look at TD everyday for one reason or another, but lately its just been the same series of articles (i.e. the Ishbia's, trade player X, extend player X) only written by each writer/contributor. However, some of the  Payroll Blueprints give me a good chuckle...

[mnfireman]

6 minutes ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

Do you actually trust this incompetent front office to make a half way decent trade?

You are asking this question in an article about a player THIS front office acquired in a half way decent trade.....LOL

[BiggestRoccoFan]

Just now, mnfireman said:

You are asking this question in an article about a player THIS front office acquired in a half way decent trade.....LOL

Look at the Paddock trade, Tyler Mahle trade, Yanier Cano trade. Do you want me to keep going?

[nicksaviking]

26 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Comments like this are always super fun to answer. Just the best. Awesome.

 

I agree. That comment was childish, contributed nothing to the discussion and provided zero substance, thought or evidence to support it.

But I will phrase it differently. I don't want the outgoing regime to be making grand decisions about the long term make up the franchise. If the new owners want to dump payroll, let them do the dirty work. And the prospects/players Falvey wants, may not be a fit for what the next leadership group envisions for the team. I do not want him and Joe Pohald making these decisions. Let them make the little decisions, the routine maintenance kind like trading Vazquez.

[nicksaviking]

1 minute ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

Look at the Paddock trade, Tyler Mahle trade, Yanier Cano trade. Do you want me to keep going?

Gray, Maeda, Odorizzi, Ryan, SWR, Duran. 

Knock off the trolling.

[nicksaviking]

*****Moderator Note******

Enough with the name calling and immature whining. Feel free to be critical, but do it like an adult. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

9 minutes ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

Look at the Paddock trade, Tyler Mahle trade, Yanier Cano trade. Do you want me to keep going?

I'd do the Paddack trade again, and I'd 100% do the Mahle trade again. Just because the results didn't work out doesn't mean the process wasn't fine. 

You have the power of hindsight saying these things. At the time of the trades people were fine with them.

[Cory Engelhardt]

5 minutes ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

It's not trolling dude. It's my opinion and that is what forums are supposed to be for. SWR? That dude is terrible. The Berrios trade has been horrible.

Woods Richardson earned 1.8 WAR via fangraphs in 2024, getting paid the minimum. Berrios earned 1.0 WAR making 21 million. And you are saying that's terrible?

[Yips Knoblauch]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Woods Richardson earned 1.8 WAR via fangraphs in 2024, getting paid the minimum. Berrios earned 1.0 WAR making 21 million. And you are saying that's terrible?

Not gonna lie I think WAR is one of the most misleading statistics… I get it… but I think it is a highly overused analytic.

[Cory Engelhardt]

13 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I agree. That comment was childish, contributed nothing to the discussion and provided zero substance, thought or evidence to support it.

But I will phrase it differently. I don't want the outgoing regime to be making grand decisions about the long term make up the franchise. If the new owners want to dump payroll, let them do the dirty work. And the prospects/players Falvey wants, may not be a fit for what the next leadership group envisions for the team. I do not want him and Joe Pohald making these decisions. Let them make the little decision, the routine maintenance kind like trading Vazquez.

I don't know for sure if the Ishbia brothers (if they are going to buy the team) won't want Falvey around. But I will say, Falvey and Zoll (side note, if Falvey and Lavine were Falvine, are we going to try out FalZoll?) are in charge right now, and they are listening on Pablo or anyone, they will have to decide on baseball decisions today right? And I'd be totally fine having them make baseball decisions instead of ones that would just be for cost cutting.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, Yips Knoblauch said:

Not gonna lie I think WAR is one of the most misleading statistics… I get it… but I think it is a highly overused analytic.

It's not perfect, and definitely shouldn't be the only one used. But I grabbed it quick just to compare and show that it wasn't "terrible."

[mnfireman]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Woods Richardson earned 1.8 WAR via fangraphs in 2024, getting paid the minimum. Berrios earned 1.0 WAR making 21 million. And you are saying that's terrible?

Even if you used Baseball Reference, SWR had 2.0 WAR compared to Berrios 2.2 WAR - literally a wash and still a huge cost savings. Plus SWR isn't a FA until 2031.

[nicksaviking]

22 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

It's not perfect, and definitely shouldn't be the only one used. But I grabbed it quick just to compare and show that it wasn't "terrible."

I also don't care for WAR, but mostly because of the defensive involvements. It's better for pitchers.

But I'd rather look at it this way. If you traded them both now, who gets a better return? The 31-year-old with declining strikeout numbers and an 84M guaranteed contract? Or the 24-year-old making peanuts and six years of control? I think SWR gets a better return. If not, it's negligible.

[tony&rodney]

There were a few comments on this topic (trading Lopez) last night on a previous Lopez thread. The underlying issue with the Twins has two angles from my viewpoint. The money factor continues to be real or at least it seems to be a factor in completing the 2025 roster. Reducing to $130 million should not be difficult whatsoever though as there is likely quite a bit of interest in Chris Paddack. The return for Paddack would not be of much interest except to rid the team from worrying about payroll.

Another angle is the view of Falvey & Sons regarding the players currently rostered. It is entirely possible that the Twins are satisfied with the players on board now. We read a ton of comments on Twins Daily regarding "the core", which often includes nine position players. So the roster may be already set, minus a few minor league free agent signings with an invite to Ft. Myers.

Pablo Lopez is a very good starting pitcher and his contract is looking really good. Kudus to the Twins for the extension. It is entirely possible that the Twins can get a load of value from a trade. A couple of teams will not have a chair to sit on once Burns signs. Pablo Lopez is probably the least risky pitcher in MLB who could be traded. So it is wise to listen. If Boston gets major angst they may be willing to discuss Jarren Duran. Every player should be available and there are opportunities for improving the talent on the Twins team, but only if the Twins are not already satisfied with their current roster.

[Brock Beauchamp]

1 hour ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

Just look at the trades this FO has botched over the last few years and tell me I am wrong.

This is a topic about Pablo Lopez, a trade they pretty much nailed.

So, yeah.

[Vanimal46]

Trading Lopez will bring back the most value and relieve the most amount of cash. Baltimore would be the first team I call when Corbin Burnes signs elsewhere. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, Vanimal46 said:

Trading Lopez will bring back the most value and relieve the most amount of cash. Baltimore would be the first team I call when Corbin Burnes signs elsewhere. 

I'd also be happy that we got our new hitting coach from them. He could totally give positive insight on what players to make a focus if we are talking trade, especially on the hitting side.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Comments like this are always super fun to answer. Just the best. Awesome.

 

I just block people that can't even be bothered at this point.

[tony&rodney]

Pablo Lopez has huge value and there is less reason to consider trading him right this second than there was this morning. With Lopez traded, the Twins might have had room to sign Christian Walker to a 5 year/ $70 miilion contract or at least engage on the topic. Now Walker has signed with Houston. The continued and total inaction by the Twins tells me the team is largely already completed. We shouldn't have to worry about a trade of Lopez. 

[dxpavelka]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Pablo Lopez has huge value and there is less reason to consider trading him right this second than there was this morning. With Lopez traded, the Twins might have had room to sign Christian Walker to a 5 year/ $70 miilion contract or at least engage on the topic. Now Walker has signed with Houston. The continued and total inaction by the Twins tells me the team is largely already completed. We shouldn't have to worry about a trade of Lopez. 

Walker at $14 Million per sounds lovely.  Of course he signed for $20 million per.  So you're saying we could have traded away our best SP for a slightly above average 1B? Sign me up.

 

[Twodogs]

6 hours ago, BiggestRoccoFan said:

Pohlads please leave and fast. They have just ruined this franchise over the last 2 offseasons.

 

 

I mean I am by no means Pohlad fans, but do people think the Pohlads are sitting by the phone trying to trade away arguably their best pitcher?  This is Falvey's job, so if there is someone to be pissed at it would be Falvey.  I'm thinking the Pohlads said, "hey get the payroll around this number." and now it's Falvey who gets to make the decision on how it gets there.  That's just my thoughts.  

[Twodogs]

5 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Woods Richardson earned 1.8 WAR via fangraphs in 2024, getting paid the minimum. Berrios earned 1.0 WAR making 21 million. And you are saying that's terrible?

I mean, I see what you're saying but since the trade, Berrios has started 108 games, 44 wins, 620 innings, 570 strikeouts.  Now granted, I hope and pray SWR wins 20+ for the next 5 - 6 years in a row.  You know what I'm saying, I mean I want SWR to do great things, and in 5 years from now we could bring up real good arguments as to why SWR is better than Berrios.  But right at this moment, to say these things is probably a little bit out of line, even with the WAR statistic.  That trade is definitely not over with, but I'm pretty sure Berrios would have made the Twins better for the last 3 seasons than SWR has.  I mean how long will it take for SWR to even throw 620 innings as a Twins starter?  I hope not long, but his track record so far says it'll take awhile.  

[nicksaviking]

14 minutes ago, Twodogs said:

I mean I am by no means Pohlad fans, but do people think the Pohlads are sitting by the phone trying to trade away arguably their best pitcher?  This is Falvey's job, so if there is someone to be pissed at it would be Falvey.  I'm thinking the Pohlads said, "hey get the payroll around this number." and now it's Falvey who gets to make the decision on how it gets there.  That's just my thoughts.  

Very much disagree. Falvey is tied to this ownership. He knows the only way he keeps his job with new ownership is by catering to their whims. At this time we have no clue what the new owners want as we don't even know who they are, so Falvey's path to keeping this job will almost certainly lie either in putting together a winning team now, or putting together a cost efficient team now. He may have to blindly pick one of those two very different lanes, but he's still only going to do what the billionaires want. He may have to deal with the inconsistent and indecisive owners, but none of this mess is his, it's the past and future owners.

And if he picks the cost efficient lane and deals Lopez, Correa or Buxton, that should probably give us a good expectation for where the wind is blowing with any potential new owners. He's not dealing Lopez if he thinks his best shot at keeping his job is putting together a competitive team this year.

[Twodogs]

3 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Very much disagree. Falvey is tied to this ownership. He knows the only way he keeps his job with new ownership is by catering to their whims. At this time we have no clue what the new owners want as we don't even know who they are, so Falvey's path to keeping this job will almost certainly lie either in putting together a winning team now, or putting together a cost efficient team now. He may have to blindly pick one of those two very different lanes, but he's still only going to do what the billionaires want. He may have to deal with the inconsistent and indecisive owners, but none of this mess is his, it's the past and future owners.

And if he picks the cost efficient lane and deals Lopez, Correa or Buxton, that should probably give us a good expectation for where the wind is blowing with any potential new owners. He's not dealing Lopez if he thinks his best shot at keeping his job is putting together a competitive team this year.

Yes I agree that their best shot at trading away someone would be to trade away a position player before their arguably best starter.  I mean the Twins have shown a great ability to develop position players over the years.  They have largely struggled to develop pitching.  Ryan and Lopez came in trades, hey they developed Ober but SWR came in a trade also.  So they should probably ride Lopez and trade a position player.  Anyway, we absolutely have no influence, so fingers crossed 🤞 I guess?

[Twodogs]

10 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Very much disagree. Falvey is tied to this ownership. He knows the only way he keeps his job with new ownership is by catering to their whims. At this time we have no clue what the new owners want as we don't even know who they are, so Falvey's path to keeping this job will almost certainly lie either in putting together a winning team now, or putting together a cost efficient team now. He may have to blindly pick one of those two very different lanes, but he's still only going to do what the billionaires want. He may have to deal with the inconsistent and indecisive owners, but none of this mess is his, it's the past and future owners.

And if he picks the cost efficient lane and deals Lopez, Correa or Buxton, that should probably give us a good expectation for where the wind is blowing with any potential new owners. He's not dealing Lopez if he thinks his best shot at keeping his job is putting together a competitive team this year.

Yeah, new ownership might get rid of Falvey regardless.  I mean, I'm sure most people that buy a new company or whatever is going to bring in their own people to run stuff?