Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins Should Match Up on This Low-Wattage Trade

[Cody Pirkl]

Image courtesy of © Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cubs are poised to make some significant additions at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, with a competitive 26-man roster and a farm system rich with solid position players in the upper levels of the minors. They’ve been consistently linked to some of the most impactful players who are potentially being traded, both because of their place in the standings and because they have the currency to make it happen.

For the Twins, who sit two games under .500, it’s hard to envision leaning too far into a complete fire sale at the moment. Fortunately, the Cubs have one player in particular whom the Twins can target, regardless of which direction they choose.

The Twins have a long-term problem at first base. Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien haven’t taken to the position as the team had hoped, and Ty France is an impending free agent who may not make it through the entire 2025 season with the team if his struggles persist. Kody Clemens is the only player on the 40-man roster under medium-term team control who can be considered anything close to a first baseman. Aaron Sabato is having a resurgent season for the Saints at age 26, after the former first-round pick’s prospect status has tanked, but his future remains in question.

The Twins have very little reliable depth long-term at one of the lowest positions in the defensive spectrum, and as we’ve seen in 2025, completely winging it at such a premium offensive position has consequences. This is where the Twins and Cubs can mutually benefit. 

No, the Twins should not trade for budding superstar Michael Busch—he's unavailable, anyway. Rather, the first baseman who’s stuck behind him makes a good target. Buried in Triple-A, Jonathon Long has earned a call-up, but is unlikely to get it in Chicago. The right-handed slugger is currently slashing .323/.401/.514 for the Iowa Cubs, with 14 homers and a sub-20% strikeout rate. The worst season-long OPS of his minor-league career is .851, and he’s never walked less than 10% of the time.

Long is far from a perfect prospect. He’s likely limited to first base, where he isn’t a standout defensively. He isn’t considered to be particularly fleet of foot. There are questions about his ability to make impactful contact when he reaches the majors consistently, but the power is real. His profile is very similar to that of Sabato, but Long is three years younger and has never struggled offensively in his professional career. 

Long’s profile makes him acquirable for a relatively reasonable price, especially from a team with a long-term first baseman in place and who are looking to win now. The Cubs will likely at least inquire about players such as Willi Castro and Danny Coulombe, each of whom could make up a significant portion of the package the Twins would need to offer to get Long to Minnesota. Most outlets rank him in the 11-20 range of Cubs prospects, so even if the Twins had to throw in a bit more, it wouldn’t be much.

Acquiring Jonathon Long is a deal the Twins could make to thread the needle. They’re missing offense at the first base position, and Long could immediately step in to at least create potential improvement in that area. Whether they’re planning to acquire more, sell off bigger pieces, or otherwise stand pat, Long can get his feet wet in the majors down the stretch with minimal downside, and the Twins would have a full docket of team control over him for future seasons.

Perhaps the Twins still do believe in Sabato, but if the asking price on Long is as reasonable as one should expect, there’s nothing wrong with adding some competition. After all, the rest of the organization is devoid of any up-and-coming options at that position. Long has plenty of upside, and that’s exactly what the Twins need at first base.

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[Mike Sixel]

They should get more than that for either based on previous years deals. Throw  in more?

[Blyleven2011]

 

You praise him up and then rip him down  , might not hit consistently but the power is real , power is 30 homers or more a season  ...

If he is blocked at first base and the cubs believed he could hit well , they would find some spot in the lineup  like DHing  ...

No thanks , sounds like an over pay to me and remember we already have a line up full on non-consistent hitters ...

And also we are sellers and we are not the ones that should be over paying  ...

[High heat]

I could see Coulombe for Long as a good deal for both sides.  
 

Ummm Wille Castro even for a 1/2 season is going to cost more in prospect capital then Long.

[tony&rodney]

The Cubbies are interested in some of the Twins players no doubt. There is a chance, small as it may be given that the MN FO isn't likely doing deals.

I'm going to suggest Castro, Paddack, and Yasser Mercedes for Kevin Alcantara. PCA is set in CF and the Cubs will do all they can to sign Tucker. Alcantara is an iffy albeit athletic prospect that may not get the roster time needed to bloom with the Cubs. Would he in MN?

[Sjoski]

A younger version of Clemens,  Miranda,  Julien and Sabato we need not. 

Just pick him up when he's DFA'd in a few years. 

[twinstalker]

I don't see anything special in Long, but I don't see any glaring weaknesses either (though from the report I understand speed and defense are not good).  Also, he had a really bad Cape Cod in 2022 (33% K rate) that doesn't really fit with most of his minor league level/seasons, so I don't really get that.  

Coloumbe for Long is correct for three years ago when less teams thought they had a chance.  Now it's not enough for Coloumbe.  Maybe if the Cubs add a 2023 Zebby-type.  That's if Coloumbe is healthy, but...

The other thing to consider in a Coloumbe trade is that Coloumbe might not pass a physical.  So maybe it's something like Long and PTBNL where the unknown depends on appearances or days on the roster.

[Vanimal46]

27 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I'm going to suggest Castro, Paddack, and Yasser Mercedes for Kevin Alcantara

Man your edibles must be strong tonight. I bet if we kick in Randy Dobnak they’ll process the paperwork immediately. 

[tony&rodney]

29 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Man your edibles must be strong tonight. I bet if we kick in Randy Dobnak they’ll process the paperwork immediately. 

Having seen all these players and considering the Cubs position right now, it isn't far-fetched at all.

I'm sorry you were triggered badly. The guesses are nothing personal. Don't use edibles myself but have nothing against them. My only advice at large would be to not drive while distracted (if you drive).

[Vanimal46]

3 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Having seen all these players and considering the Cubs position right now, it isn't far-fetched at all.

I'm sorry you were triggered badly. The guesses are nothing personal. Don't use edibles myself but have nothing against them. My only advice at large would be to not drive while distracted (if you drive).

So you’d trade Keaschall for a utility player and a SP with a 5 ERA on expiring contracts and a 20 year old flaming out in low A. Good trade 👍

[DocBauer]

The entire roster needs to be examined and contemplated in the offseason. But based on current roster construction and pending FA the team projects to need replacements at catcher, 1B, 4th OF, and Super Utility. Adding a AA pen arm or a struggling starter that they see transitioning to the pen.

So if they DO sell, or do a sell/buy option as presented here, someone like Long might be a smart move. I don't know if he's the right player to target or not, but the idea is a sound one.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, Blyleven2011 said:

 

You praise him up and then rip him down  , might not hit consistently but the power is real , power is 30 homers or more a season  ...

If he is blocked at first base and the cubs believed he could hit well , they would find some spot in the lineup  like DHing  ...

No thanks , sounds like an over pay to me and remember we already have a line up full on non-consistent hitters ...

And also we are sellers and we are not the ones that should be over paying  ...

Trading a MLB rental for a AAA prospect is exactly what sellers do.

[TheLeviathan]

I like the target and the Twins really do need another option there, but for Castro?  I'm hoping for a bit more.

[DJL44]

The Mets have one of the top 10 prospects at 1B and he's definitely blocked.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

The Mets have one of the top 10 prospects at 1B and he's definitely blocked.

You mean he is not good enough to make the Bigs.

[dxpavelka]

8 hours ago, RpR said:

You mean he is not good enough to make the Bigs.

Could mean he might not hit 40 home runs a year.......

[Jeff K]

I'm not against trading for a first baseman, but I think long term, the Twins should convert one of Wallner, Larnach or Royce Lewis to first base.  Tell them at the end of the season to buy a first baseman's glove and be prepared to work.

[NYCTK]

10 hours ago, DJL44 said:

The Mets have one of the top 10 prospects at 1B and he's definitely blocked.

Pete Alonso is a free agent again next season. 

But I also wouldn't want Ryan Clifford. I think he's a certain bust candidate. 

[jorgenswest]

Would a comp be Ty France? France’s power in the minors was better with his partial season in AAA with 27 home runs and a 1.247 OPS before being called up but before that had moderate power that might not translate to the majors well. Perhaps Ty France lite when comparing their minor league numbers. France also played 3B and 2B. Ty France was moved at the Covid season deadline for Austin Nola when he was a .300 hitting catcher. Andres Munoz and two others also went to Seattle.

I think I would make the trade Coulombe if the Twins are sellers. If the Cubs need more I would add Ty France to the deal.

[twinfan]

I believe that the Cubs need bullpen help and would like either Duran or Jax so they had better give us more than just Long. Maybe a minor league starter or two. Colombe is possible but not high on a list. I agree with moving Larnach or maybe Wallner to first but keep Lewis at third.

[jmlease1]

I guess my concern on Long is trying to judge whether he's a) just a younger version of Sabato, and b) what that really means? Is he clearly better than Sabato? I don't know; he's got a better track record overall in pro ball, bit lesser in college, and advanced faster...but is he actually better or just younger? I feel like for hitters where there's a concern about what their contact rates will look like in MLB...it's just really hard to know if they can get it done until you actually see it. That last step is a treacherous one.

I'd feel better if I had a better grasp on whether Sabato was more like Brent Rooker (needed time to figure it out) or just a guy having a good minor league season at 26.

[LambchoP]

I think we can do better. The Twins have needed a legit everyday first baseman for years now. If they can't sign one this off-season then they need to trade for one. If not,maybe try Lewis out at first, if he can find his power swing again....

[RpR]

3 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

Could mean he might not hit 40 home runs a year.......

In the AAA. 😊

[RpR]

3 hours ago, Jeff K said:

I'm not against trading for a first baseman, but I think long term, the Twins should convert one of Wallner, Larnach or Royce Lewis to first base.  Tell them at the end of the season to buy a first baseman's glove and be prepared to work.

Wallner is slow and awkward in the outfield, First Base needs quick reaction.

Lewis, has had some good moments, but more  of what the heck was that at Third Base,  and at First Base, Santana and France  made plays that Lewis could not do, ever.

[D.C Twins]

3 hours ago, Jeff K said:

I'm not against trading for a first baseman, but I think long term, the Twins should convert one of Wallner, Larnach or Royce Lewis to first base.  Tell them at the end of the season to buy a first baseman's glove and be prepared to work.

Yes! More specifically Royce.... maybe he can stay healthy there and get back to peak hitting form if he is able to stay healthy

[RpR]

2 minutes ago, D.C Twins said:

Yes! More specifically Royce.... maybe he can stay healthy there and get back to peak hitting form if he is able to stay healthy

Yeah, maybe that is what Margot needed. 😆

[Trov]

I would not say no to having him come in as part of a trade, but I agree that you can get better return for even a rental lefty arm than a right handed first baseman that is weak defender. Maybe he can be a good hitter, but that is his only shot.  

[DJL44]

3 hours ago, NYCTK said:

Pete Alonso is a free agent again next season. 

But I also wouldn't want Ryan Clifford. I think he's a certain bust candidate. 

It makes you wonder about whether there are any more first basemen when a guy like Ryan Clifford is supposed to be the 8th best 1B prospect in the minor leagues. That said, he ranks higher than the subject of the article.

[Cody Pirkl]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

I guess my concern on Long is trying to judge whether he's a) just a younger version of Sabato, and b) what that really means? Is he clearly better than Sabato? I don't know; he's got a better track record overall in pro ball, bit lesser in college, and advanced faster...but is he actually better or just younger? I feel like for hitters where there's a concern about what their contact rates will look like in MLB...it's just really hard to know if they can get it done until you actually see it. That last step is a treacherous one.

I'd feel better if I had a better grasp on whether Sabato was more like Brent Rooker (needed time to figure it out) or just a guy having a good minor league season at 26.

That's the kind of risk/reward profile I'd want for a rental player who will otherwise be gone for nothing. Especially one like Coulombe who is solid but doesn't push the Cubs bullpen into elite territory.

[Cody Pirkl]

3 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Would a comp be Ty France? France’s power in the minors was better with his partial season in AAA with 27 home runs and a 1.247 OPS before being called up but before that had moderate power that might not translate to the majors well. Perhaps Ty France lite when comparing their minor league numbers. France also played 3B and 2B. Ty France was moved at the Covid season deadline for Austin Nola when he was a .300 hitting catcher. Andres Munoz and two others also went to Seattle.

I think I would make the trade Coulombe if the Twins are sellers. If the Cubs need more I would add Ty France to the deal.

I'll be honest, I don't think Ty France has any value to a competing team. The other 29 organizations didn't even want him for the $1m the Twins gave him, and they've been proven correct in their assessment since then.