4 Twins Prospects Who Could Provide a Second-Half Boost

[Dman]

15 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Bader, Castro, Paddack, and Coulombe are all playing well right now. They will be free agents in November. If the Twins think these players are needed for the future they can talk contract at that time. 

The real question is whether or not any team will trade actual  prospects for these guys. Would the Cubs trade Kevin Alcantara for Paddack and Castro or Coulombe? 

I have been looking at last years deadline and rental players don't return much unless they are unique in some way.  Position players generally return quite a bit less than starting pitching.

If Castro keeps his OPS up I'd argue he could get something decent. If and it's a big if Bader gets his OPS up around .800 he could be in demand as well  They need to be a ways above replacement level to get anything decent at the deadline.

There is likely so much starting pitching available I think it will be hard to even trade Paddack let alone net a decent return.

Coulombe might  bring back something good as one of the better lefties out there.  He's been used sparingly this year so not sure what other teams will think about that, but he has been a stopper.

If those players keep looking good to the deadline they could get anywhere from top 10 to 15 player in someone's system. If they regress with the bat then top 15 to 30.  Maybe two lower end prospects or lottery tickets.  Teams only really pay for more elite players and only so many of them get traded.  We'll see what happens.

[Dman]

46 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

I think ownership is going to keep things status quo until they sell the team (while normally I would think they might push some contract dumps, they won't do anything that gives ammo to a prospective buyer saying "this team ain't worth what you're asking, especially after you dumped the roster!") and that's not great for this trade deadline. Until the team is sold, things are going to be a bit directionless.

Outside of Keaschall, I don't know how much impact any of the options on this list will have the opportunity to make, absent more injuries in MLB. Keaschall is likely to take Kiersey's spot (thank god), but Rodriguez isn't going to get a chance unless someone gets hurt...and he stays healthy himself. And frankly, Martin is much more likely to get a call-up right now.

Raya might get a shot if the Twins can't patch it up until Zebby comes back, but I wouldn't expect him to stick right now and he wobbled enough early on that I'm sure the team wants to see more consistency from him before bringing him into MLB. Prielipp certainly has the stuff to pitch in MLB in the bullpen right now (and is likely better than Wentz from the jump) but I just don't see this front office going that direction absent another injury to Coulombe and Funderburk looking unacceptable.

The lineup is basically healthy right now, the bullpen is healthy, and I'm not seeing the Twins excited about jumping Raya into the rotation, which is the only area where health is an issue right now. Absent some moves at the deadline I just don't see a lot of roster space. If they sell off Castro (which is complicated: he's likely gone next season under this ownership, but has good value right now. he'll have plenty of suitors, but is also one of the Twins better performing hitters right now.) it opens up the door for someone to come up and play...but it still seems more likely they'd drop Martin in. Moving France would open up time, but they seem to love France, hate losing veteran depth, and he costs little and brings back less.

I think Gleeman & Bonnes are right: until the team is sold, we're caught in limbo, and it sucks unless the team goes on another big winning streak.

I can see not moving a Jax or Duran type player before new ownership comes into play.  They still have years of control and it seems a year too early to be trading them anyway. I guess I fail to see the logic of not trading guys on one year deals at the deadline?  Unless they plan to extend them they won't be back. The team saves some money this year and they hopefully get something of value for players they were not going to retain.  If they are out of it what's the difference?  1 win? 2 wins? It also might set the team up better for next year to give some younger players MLB time.

If that is the way they operate I would definitely want a new FO.  All the other teams in our division make deadline deals to get better all the time.  Detroit sold everything they could last year.  KC did when they were out of it and Guardian's trade whether they are in the race or not.  White Sox are lining up to trade already. Seems like that would be malpractice as a team to not trade players if you are out of it. IMO. 

 

[LambchoP]

I hope they trade off all expiring contracts and get all the minor league talent they can. Then let a lot of these young guys play out the rest of the year, kind of like an audition for next year. See if Sabato is a legit option at first, see if Gonzalez, E Rodriguez and Martin look good enough for the majors, see if Eeles can replace Castro as our infield utility guy. I'd rather see Prelipp, Raya or Morris get a shot in the pen over Wentz ...that guy needs to go.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

18 hours ago, DJL44 said:

4 games under .500 and 8th in the wild card race is underwater, not treading water.

In today's game, the record is not really relevant, it has to do with the WC standings. I agree with most in the belief that the Twins are out of the playoff race. The reality is they are still not truly out. If the Twins org. feels like they have a chance with the players coming back or (more realistically) ownership needs to make it look like they are trying to win for the sake of a sale, not much is going to happen.

I would rather they don't tread water on the edges of the playoffs. Either win a ton of games and make a run, or lose a ton of games and make the trades look acceptable

[DocBauer]

I think Falvey will have the best interst in the team and its future. The question will be in a couple weeks if this team actually has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs vs just a mathematical chance. But reinforcements or not, they won't be in contention...thus not being sellers...unless some arms get healthy and continue improving, and bats like Lewis and Wallner suddenly right themselves.

If they DO sell, I think they've got a handful of interesting options available that could bring back some half way decent returns. I don't see any non pending FA being moved at this time however.

As far as the reinforcement options:

KEASCHALL appears to have a bright future and there's room for him on the roster right now. No way he's as good as he looked in his debut, but he's quite talented. In fact, we may have a small embarrassment of INF/utility options to join him fairly soon.

RODRIGUEZ just needs to stay healthy....for once...and he'll get his shot. If he is brought up I'd like to see him play daily and grow and learn. 

I don't agree on RAYA debuting unless things get desperate. Despite being on the 40 man, I've always thought the plan was for him to be ready in 2026. Of course, a rash of injuries this season could alter that idea. He's got a ways to go, but his last few starts are encouraging. 

If they are going to monitor PRIELIPP'S innings, he could definitely be a factor for an inning at a time. But if they aren't in the playoff picture, I'd just keep him on the current progression plan.

I'm going to say no way on JENKINS. How about just keeping him healthy and productive for the rest of this season and get him ready for 2026?

[Dman]

1 hour ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

In today's game, the record is not really relevant, it has to do with the WC standings. I agree with most in the belief that the Twins are out of the playoff race. The reality is they are still not truly out. If the Twins org. feels like they have a chance with the players coming back or (more realistically) ownership needs to make it look like they are trying to win for the sake of a sale, not much is going to happen.

I would rather they don't tread water on the edges of the playoffs. Either win a ton of games and make a run, or lose a ton of games and make the trades look acceptable

If the Twins do go on a run here you are right they could get right back in it as a lot of teams are hovering around .500 ball.  They are only 4 games in back of the last Wild Card spot. If they are more than 5 games back by the deadline that is a tall order to overcome.  They would likely have to win at a .600 or better clip to sneak in and they haven't been that kind of team so far this year.

They will get reinforcements with Pablo and Keaschal and Matthews on the way back.  Still no guarantee those players are back to form right away either and no guarantee they won't have more injuries along the way. It is going to be an interesting next three weeks.

[JD-TWINS]

On 7/8/2025 at 3:51 PM, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Currently 4 games out of a playoff spot and you think the Twins are going to run out a AAA for the rest of the season? I have a hard time seeing that...

Agreed - if they win current series and next two against Pirates & Rockies they can be at .500 and 3 games (or so) out of Playoffs on July 20. Lewis - Wallner - CC - Lee get going, with addition of Keaschall (for Kiersey) they can go 41-29 free m July 20 forward.

Complete left turn here - how is Randy Dobnack or somebody in St Paul not a better option than Joey Wentz?????? His ERA is comparable to Jonah Bride.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, Dman said:

If the Twins do go on a run here you are right they could get right back in it as a lot of teams are hovering around .500 ball.  They are only 4 games in back of the last Wild Card spot. If they are more than 5 games back by the deadline that is a tall order to overcome.  They would likely have to win at a .600 or better clip to sneak in and they haven't been that kind of team so far this year.

They will get reinforcements with Pablo and Keaschal and Matthews on the way back.  Still no guarantee those players are back to form right away either and no guarantee they won't have more injuries along the way. It is going to be an interesting next three weeks.

I agree - no guarantee with guys coming back!

IF Lopez is what everyone expects - IF Matthews is just League average - IF Keaschall does 80% of what he did in his first 7 games - IF Royce Lewis - Wallner - CC play to their capabilities (not out of their minds - just at a minimum of expectations) it’s very plausible for Team to go 42-29 from here on out……that’s still only 86 total wins……borderline Wildcard.

Ober needs to bounce back & Paddack needs to hold up with health!

[Linus]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

I agree - no guarantee with guys coming back!

IF Lopez is what everyone expects - IF Matthews is just League average - IF Keaschall does 80% of what he did in his first 7 games - IF Royce Lewis - Wallner - CC play to their capabilities (not out of their minds - just at a minimum of expectations) it’s very plausible for Team to go 42-29 from here on out……that’s still only 86 total wins……borderline Wildcard.

Ober needs to bounce back & Paddack needs to hold up with health!

You think they are going to play 13 games over 500 the rest of the season?  Thats a full season pace of 107 wins. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

On 7/8/2025 at 1:58 PM, SF Twins Fan said:

Nice to see Rodriquez activated.  Hopefully he can stay healthy and get an opportunity this season with the Twins.

I'm sorry Severino did not live up to the potential he showed as a very young and power hitting 2B at Elizabethton 6 or 7 years ago. The GM at Elizabethton told me about his power by showing me a light pole, over which Severino had hit a homer. I wish him well, but I understand the Twins' decision.

[JD-TWINS]

12 hours ago, Linus said:

You think they are going to play 13 games over 500 the rest of the season?  Thats a full season pace of 107 wins. 

They won 13 straight at one point - right? That’s 162-0 pace. Lots of things are possible and not worth betting your house on………..Winning 4 in a row 3 times and .500 the rest …..plausible, to me. 3 games out of Wildcard as of this morning.

Don’t understand the continual pessimism by what seems to be the majority. Is it just a drive to be “right” if things go wrong and silent if things go right? There’s a whole bunch of teams that aren’t happy with their season at this point ……. 18 of 30. Alcala & Jax both had double digit ERA’s & 4 big losses around May 1. Ober has sucked for most of half dozen outings - Lopez has been out. Lewis & Wallner have contributed almost zero. Going into season if these things were known to be facts & Team was 2-3 games out of Playoffs at All-star break, most would be optimistic - right?

I get the Twins are not in prime position to be in the Playoffs but the teams behind and just ahead aren’t very confident either.

[tony&rodney]

The Twins do have an opportunity to get back in the Wc race. Despite the inconsistent and often poor play, there is a lot of baseball left on the schedule.

Although I doubt it is under consideration, I have wondered if Kaelen Culpepper is an option this year. He has been hitting the ball hard all year.

[Linus]

39 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

They won 13 straight at one point - right? That’s 162-0 pace. Lots of things are possible and not worth betting your house on………..Winning 4 in a row 3 times and .500 the rest …..plausible, to me. 3 games out of Wildcard as of this morning.

Don’t understand the continual pessimism by what seems to be the majority. Is it just a drive to be “right” if things go wrong and silent if things go right? There’s a whole bunch of teams that aren’t happy with their season at this point ……. 18 of 30. Alcala & Jax both had double digit ERA’s & 4 big losses around May 1. Ober has sucked for most of half dozen outings - Lopez has been out. Lewis & Wallner have contributed almost zero. Going into season if these things were known to be facts & Team was 2-3 games out of Playoffs at All-star break, most would be optimistic - right?

I get the Twins are not in prime position to be in the Playoffs but the teams behind and just ahead aren’t very confident either.

I would define your “continual pessimism “ as being realistic. 

[RpR]

16 hours ago, Linus said:

You think they are going to play 13 games over 500 the rest of the season?  Thats a full season pace of 107 wins. 

The Twins had 3 four game win streaks in 2016 and that was a far worse team.

[Linus]

53 minutes ago, RpR said:

The Twins had 3 four game win streaks in 2016 and that was a far worse team.

How many losing streaks?  I’ll put you down for 42-29 the rest of the way. 

[jorgenswest]

If they are sellers I wouldn’t add anyone to the 40 unless they are rule 5 candidates this off season. 40 man flexibility is important in the winter. If they are competing for a playoff spot and Jenkins can help add him.

[RpR]

34 minutes ago, Linus said:

How many losing streaks?  I’ll put you down for 42-29 the rest of the way. 

So says the Wet Blanket.

[DJL44]

22 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

it’s very plausible for Team to go 42-29 from here on out……that’s still only 86 total wins……borderline Wildcard.

In the near-term they need to win 9 of their next 15 games just to reach .500 by the trade deadline.