Ranking Minnesota Twins' Expiring Contracts on the MLB Trade Deadline Big Board

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Following the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade, a trio of writers from The Athletic created the first MLB Trade Deadline Big Board of potential players who could be traded in the next month and a half. The top five players on the list are Boston’s Jarren Duran, Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins, Miami’s Sandy Alcántara, and Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. 

In MLB’s expanded playoff format, there are more buyers than sellers at this point in the season. However, there will likely be more separation in the standings as the deadline looms closer. Minnesota has walked a fine line between contender and pretender this season, with a 13-game winning streak sandwiched between two terrible stretches of baseball. The team’s upcoming schedule will dictate whether they are buyers or sellers before the deadline. If things go south, here is where the team’s players on expiring contracts would rank on the Big Board. 

UTL Willi Castro
Big Board Rank: 9
Castro has quietly become one of Minnesota’s most valuable and versatile players over the past two seasons. A switch-hitter with experience all over the diamond, Castro brings positional flexibility that is hard to find in today’s game. His bat has also started to warm up lately. Over the last 28 games, he is hitting .342/.416/.595, with five home runs, three doubles, and 14 runs scored. For a player in a contract year, he seems to be putting it all together at the right time. 

Why would other teams call?
Contenders love Swiss Army knife types for playoff runs, and Castro’s ability to seamlessly bounce between infield and outfield spots makes him an ideal bench upgrade or injury insurance piece for clubs in the postseason hunt. His cost won’t be as high as some other players at the trade deadline, but his versatility will be hard for contenders to ignore.

RP Danny Coulombe
Big Board Rank: 20
Coulombe was brought in to be the Twins’ only left-handed reliever, and he has provided a steady presence in the bullpen mix since joining the club. He pounds the zone with cutters and sinkers, keeping hitters off-balance while rarely issuing free passes. His ability to get both lefties and righties out in leverage spots gives him value beyond the traditional "LOOGY" role, which has mostly disappeared under the three-batter minimum rule.

Why would other teams call?
Left-handed relief is always a hot commodity in July, and Coulombe’s track record, strike-throwing ability, and affordable contract make him a low-risk, high-reward option for teams trying to shore up their bullpen depth for a stretch run. He might be the second-best left-handed reliever who is traded before the deadline, behind Aroldis Chapman. 

SP Chris Paddack
Big Board Rank: 27
Paddack has been a roller coaster in his Twins tenure, but the stuff remains intriguing. After recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Paddack has shown flashes of his old form. He has two blow-up starts this season where he allowed 8+ ER, but between those appearances, he posted a 2.51 ERA across 12 starts. His control can waver, but teams could add him in hopes that he can take the ball every fifth day and eat innings for a rotation that has needed stability.

Why would other teams call?
Rotation depth is always in demand, and Paddack offers potential value as a back-end starter with upside—or even as a bullpen weapon down the stretch. Some contending teams will run into injury issues, and Paddack can be a buy-low opportunity for the season’s final two months. 

OF Harrison Bader
Big Board Rank: 30
Signed as a free-agent gamble this past offseason, Bader has delivered more than what was expected: excellent outfield defense and more than enough offensive punch to stay in the lineup. He ranks third on the team in rWAR, behind Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton. His glove remains elite, saving runs in the outfield and offering playoff-caliber defense up the middle, a skill set that becomes even more valuable in October when every run matters.

Why would other teams call?
For contenders looking for a late-inning defensive replacement or fourth outfielder with speed and playoff experience, Bader is an ideal target. He can pinch-run, provide elite defense, and give a starting center fielder a breather, all tools that championship-minded clubs covet when building out postseason rosters.

1B Ty France
Big Board Rank: N/A
The Twins brought in France to serve as a veteran presence and a capable bat in Minnesota’s right-handed DH/1B mix. He has provided some clutch hits, but his overall power numbers have dipped from past seasons with a 95 OPS+. He doesn’t make the Big Board, because few clubs are looking for a below-average first baseman. 

Why would other teams call? France could appeal to clubs seeking right-handed bench depth, especially those that require a steady hand against left-handed pitching or want insurance at first base. His contact-oriented profile could also fit clubs tired of strikeout-heavy lineups as they make a push for October.

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How would you rank these players on the Big Board? Who is too high? Who is too low? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[stringer bell]

The Twins need to decide whether they are selling. All of the above players have pretty good value for this club. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

Paddack would be way higher 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Without seeing the overall board, the ranking list looks about right from a Twins POV.

That 27th ranking for Paddack... where does he rank among SP? It feels like he may be higher. With Festa getting an extended audition and SWR looking shaky, it will be interesting to see if the Twins try to resign/extend him. 

I think Castro is more an extension candidate than a "dump" candidate. He is quietly having another borderline all-star season. The flexibility he brings is obviously coveted by the Twins and I do not believe the contract would be uber-expensive.

 

[Mike Sixel]

38 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Paddack would be way higher 

Agreed

[DJL44]

34 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

I think Castro is more an extension candidate than a "dump" candidate. He is quietly having another borderline all-star season. The flexibility he brings is obviously coveted by the Twins and I do not believe the contract would be uber-expensive.

They should trade him if they get the right offer. If he can be brought back on a reasonable contract, they should do that when he's a free agent. He is sure to test the market.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

They should trade him if they get the right offer. If he can be brought back on a reasonable contract, they should do that when he's a free agent. He is sure to test the market.

Well, Castro has hit very well recently and his numbers look superior to either 2023 or 2024. Unfortunately, it appears 2023 was an outlier for defense and base running as Willi hasn’t approached his contribution in those areas since.

The Willi Castro of this year, with negligible base running value and below-average defense is still valuable, but not as much as ‘23. 

[DJL44]

Brock Stewart and Justin Topa could have more demand from teams than Ty France.

[Doctor Gast]

I think anyone of these plus Vazquez could be interesting for teams that need help in those positions. But I doubt we could receive anything much more than a lotto ticket for any of those. Yet w/o some of these players we could really tank if this is what they want. IMO we don't need anymore lotto tickets, We need players that can impact this club sooner rather than later. I have conceded that we won't compete this season so  I don't mind if we are going to trade all of them if we are going to lose them anyway.

[mikelink45]

I say keep Castro, Coloumbe, and Bader.  We do not have adequate replacements for any of them and I hope we still think we can compete for the rest of the Correa contract. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Trade any of them or combination of them and bring in two good young catchers. I know young catchers are expensive, but the Twins need one badly. The Twins should be sellers this season. This team is a mess. It started with Royce Lewis's injuries, resulting in Bride's playing way too much, and poor Matt Wallner's inconsistency, and the team's stubborn failure to advance runners ( just bunt the damn runner over in extra innings) and then Pablo's injury, which just sunk this ship. However, I realize that just when I think I am out, they will reel me back in. Gloom, despair and deep, deep misery. 

[RpR]

16 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Trade any of them or combination of them and bring in two good young catchers. I know young catchers are expensive, but the Twins need one badly. The Twins should be sellers this season. This team is a mess. It started with Royce Lewis's injuries, resulting in Bride's playing way too much, and poor Matt Wallner's inconsistency, and the team's stubborn failure to advance runners ( just bunt the damn runner over in extra innings) and then Pablo's injury, which just sunk this ship. However, I realize that just when I think I am out, they will reel me back in. Gloom, despair and deep, deep misery. 

Two good young catchers   😅 -  define good, not wishful thinking, who are these GOOD catchers; where are they sitting untouched.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

14 minutes ago, RpR said:

Two good young catchers   😅 -  define good, not wishful thinking, who are these GOOD catchers; where are they sitting untouched.

Good defense, few passed balls, strong accurate arm, baseball knowledge of what constitutes pitching success, pitch calling ability, a motivator of pitchers, a team leader. Hit .240 or above with 15 HR's and the ability and inclination to lay down a bunt when I feel it is necessary and to hit behind the runners. Finally, a 3 time batting champion would be nice, but that would fall under your term of "wishful thinking". I can sum up my description of a good catcher in two words: "Joe Mauer". I don't know where they are, but I know where they are not...in Minnesota. Ryan Jeffers is a good catcher, but next year there is no one to catch besides Jeffers and Jeffers alone is not enough. That is my whole point.

[dxpavelka]

None of these guys are bringing back anything that will help this team in the next year or two or maybe even ever.  There is no Nelson Cruz for Joe Ryan scenario on the horizon.  Just hope to God there is also no Jose Berrios for a couple of AAAA guys either.

[Doctor Wu]

7 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Trade any of them or combination of them and bring in two good young catchers. I know young catchers are expensive, but the Twins need one badly. The Twins should be sellers this season.

Yes, to all of that. I don't see this team contending at this juncture. Try and trade as many of those players as you can, although we need to be realistic about any sort of value we get in return.

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Good defense, few passed balls, strong accurate arm, baseball knowledge of what constitutes pitching success, pitch calling ability, a motivator of pitchers, a team leader. Hit .240 or above with 15 HR's and the ability and inclination to lay down a bunt when I feel it is necessary and to hit behind the runners. Finally, a 3 time batting champion would be nice, but that would fall under your term of "wishful thinking". I can sum up my description of a good catcher in two words: "Joe Mauer". I don't know where they are, but I know where they are not...in Minnesota. Ryan Jeffers is a good catcher, but next year there is no one to catch besides Jeffers and Jeffers alone is not enough. That is my whole point.

Couple responses:  Not sure how important it is to have a catcher who can "lay down a bunt when YOU feel it is necessary.  2:  You are correct in that Joe Mauer is NOT walking thru that door.  And, actually, I'm OK with that.  I'm 61 years old and, truth be told, the prospect of spending my "golden years" listening to Twins fans bitch about one of the best ever at his position not being able to hit for power is not one I relish.

[Blyleven2011]

Trades before or at the deadline  :

Castro and paddack from the list OP ,, Castro has plenty of value to a contending team as utilility player , paddack has value as a starting pitcher if he stays healthy can eat some innings as a back end starter and then in the playoffs move to the bullpen .. 

teams look for relief pitchers to strengthen their roster at the deadline , I don't think the twins will trade coloumbe , but there is a chance of the twins getting a offer for Stewart , Sands or Duran they may find hard to turn down  ...

France on cheap contract will stay  but could be needed as a bench player for some team ...

every team values defense in centerfield so Bader has a little value at deadline  ...

In my opinion on expiring contract candidates to be traded would be Castro and paddack  , I also see Stewart,  Duran and Sands  as possible trade candidates with some team control ...

We'll just have to wait and see how the team plays going forward , im sure we will be sellers or should be sellers ...

[LambchoP]

What will it take to acquire either a young controllable SP or a young controllable 1b/3rd baseman? We also need a viable MLB catcher to pair with Jeffers next year. I'm hoping we get what we can for these guys on expiring contracts. Letting them walk for nothing at the end of the year is a complete waste. Some of these guys like Castro, Paddack, Coloumbe and Bader should have some real value, especially if packaged together with a prospect or two....

[D.C Twins]

sell baby sell....

[mikelink45]

When you are desperate to sell, but have weak products to offer the results are not what everyone would want.  We have needed strategic thinking from this FO for the last few years. 

[Linus]

I feel like the Twins are like the Wild - a team stuck in mediocrity.  Not good enough to go deep in the playoffs but not bad enough for high draft picks. I’m skeptical that any of the players listed will fetch much in return but I guess lottery tickets can payoff. 
The lineup needs a real jolt this off-season. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

When you are desperate to sell, but have weak products to offer the results are not what everyone would want.  We have needed strategic thinking from this FO for the last few years. 

I'm guessing that the ownership is the bigger issue.....

[Major League Ready]

We have quite a few free agents at the end of the year that could bring back a good prospect but I don't see any 55 FV prospects coming back and probably not even 50FV guys.  While we would like to bundle a couple guys for a high value prospect, that's a bad strategy for the buyer so it's unlikely.  They would be better off splitting the transaction between two teams and keeping the high value prospect.

Hopefully, they go on a run the next six weeks against some good teams and prove they are worthy contenders.  If not, establish players like Keaschall, Rodriquez, and maybe Eeles / Cardenas.  Give McCusker a shot.  Morris and Adams could get an audition.  I would continue to watch most games if some young guys get a shot.

[Blyleven2011]

7 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

When you are desperate to sell, but have weak products to offer the results are not what everyone would want.  We have needed strategic thinking from this FO for the last few years. 

Just think what a haul we could get from a buxton trade , he's healthy and playing some very good baseball of his career  , time to sell when value is high ....

Won't happen though ...

[NotAboutWinning]

The Twins need to be sellers. The team is not good. With the expanded playoffs, the trade deadline is a seller's market. But I suspect Falvey & Sons are as poor at trade negotiations as they are at team construction. We'll hear again how there were no good offers. Has no one in the FO ever bought a used car, for Pete's sake!!