Minnesota Twins 2025 Trade Deadline Primer

[Nick Nelson]

The MLB Trade Deadline falls on Thursday, July 31st at 5:00 PM CT. The Minnesota Twins find themselves at the center of attention as a team with plenty of attractive talent — including arguably the most coveted target on the market — but whose contention hopes have faded to a fantasy. In the following primer you'll find a rundown of the latest rumors and buzz, as well as an overview of the overall deadline landscape and how the Twins fit into it. Bookmark this page and check back often this week, as we'll be updating it frequently!

The Latest Twins Trade Deadline News

Harrison Bader joins Jhoan Duran on Phillies, Twins get back two prospects (7/31): The Twins got back 21-year-old outfielder Hendry Mendez and 16-year-old righthander Geremy Villoria in exchange for the two-month rental.

Twins send Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia in exchange for top catching prospect, talented young arm (7/30): The Twins received highly touted 18-year-old catcher Eduardo Tait and hard-throwing 23-year-old right-hander Mick Abel in exchange for Duran.

Twins trade Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak to Tigers for rookie-ball catcher Enrique Jimenez (7/28): Minnesota will take any organizational catching depth it can get at this point, but this looks like pretty much a salary dump, shaving $3.5 million from the 2025 payroll by unloading their remaining commitments to Paddack and Dobnak.

Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in Harrison Bader (7/27): Bob Nightengale lists Bader alongside Cardinals utilityman Brendan Donovan as a player whom the Dodgers have eyes on (via USA Today).

Willi Castro drawing attention from New York Yankees (7/25): Chris Kirschner reports that the Yankees "had interest in Castro last offseason, and that interest remains" (via The Athletic).

Industry belief that one of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax will be traded (7/23): Alden Gonzalez of ESPN shared that his "sense" is one of Minnesota's big relief arms will move before Thursday's deadline, although he acknowledges asking price is very high (via ESPN).

Quick Resources

• Twins Rumors: Find and discuss the latest trade rumors in real time.
• Top Prospect Tracker: Get up to speed on the state of the system, pre-deadline.
• Trade Deadline Blueprint Tool: Create your own plan to shake things up.

Key Twins Trade Deadline Stories

The Minnesota Twins are firmly in the "seller" category.
For a while, it was up in the air and up for debate. But by going 3-6 in their first nine games out of the All-Star break, including series losses against two very bad last-place teams, the Twins players essentially sealed their fate. Their increasingly long postseason odds and continually listless play on the field give the front office little choice but to turn their focus to the future. The question is: how far into the future?

Read more: The Twins Could Be Sellers and Still Make the Playoffs. (They've Done It Before!) 

Sell the present, or sell the future? That is the question.
It is now a given that the Twins will unload at least one of their players with expiring contracts, and probably several of them. The big question that looms is how open they will be to trading players with one or more years of team control remaining beyond 2025, because that's where future plans start be impacted and disrupted. With the Twins on track to miss the playoffs for a fourth time in five years, a significant shakeup is arguably warranted, but the question is whether you trust this front office — potentially living on borrowed time — to oversee it. 

Read more: Should Derek Falvey Be Trusted to Make Trade Decisions on Jax, Duran and Ryan?

Ownership situation in flux adds layer of decision-making complexity.
The Twins franchise has been publicly up for sale dating back to the end of last season, and following a start-and-stop with Justin Ishbia, it sounds like momentum is building toward completion of a sale with a new buyer. This adds another complicating dynamic for the Twins and their front office: Do they really want to make a drastic move that affects the future product this new ownership is inheriting? Are they allowed to?

Read more: Manfred Expresses Confidence in Sale of Twins, Which Could Be Drawing Near 

Twins Top Trade Candidates
(Listed in order of likelihood to be moved, per this writer's humble opinion.)

1. Harrison Bader, CF
TRADED TO PHILADELPHIA ON 7/31 FOR OF HENDRY MENDEZ AND RHP GEREMY VILLORIA

• Why trade him: Having one of the best seasons of his career on a one-year contract. Ownership will surely appreciate unloading a couple million in remaining salary owed.
• Why he's in demand: Can clearly help a lot of teams as a solid right-handed bat with renewed power stroke and elite outfield defense.
• Likely return: 1-2 mid-level prospects, likely ranking in the 15-20 range for another organization at best.

2. Danny Coulombe, LHP

• Why trade him: Why not? Veteran reliever due for free agency at year's end. Unlikely to factor into Minnesota's plans beyond 2025.
• Why he's in demand: Trusted bullpen help is always highly sought at the deadline. Coulombe has proven skeptics wrong by staying (mostly) healthy and (very) effective at age 35. 
• Likely return: Nominal. Probably either a high-ceiling longshot young prospect or a low-ceiling minor-leaguer who is closer to readiness.

3. Willi Castro, UTIL

• Why trade him: Castro is set to become a free agent this offseason and unlikely to be retained. He also hasn't shown convincingly that he's going to be helpful toward whatever aspirations of a miracle resurgence the Twins might hold.
• Why he's in demand: The versatile utilityman profile is one that a whole bunch of different teams could use, which is why his name has been popping up frequently in rumors. He's having his best season offensively with a 110 OPS+.
• Likely return: Maybe somewhere between Bader and Coulombe, I would think. A mid-level prospect or two but nothing special. 

Read more: Three Under-the-Radar NL Teams That Could Trade for Willi Castro

4. Brock Stewart, RHP

• Why trade him: Opportunity to capitalize on an unprecedented healthy season for Stewart, whose high-octane late-inning arsenal has obvious appeal to contending teams.
• Why he's in demand: Aside from the big stuff and strikeout numbers, Stewart has two more years of remaining control after 2025, making him a long-term bullpen acquisition instead of a mere rental.
• Likely return: Unspectacular. Opposing teams are well aware of the factors that might make Minnesota apt to trade Stewart — his injury history and his age, turning 34 in October. It feels like you could maybe get a really interesting years-away prospect for a big ceiling, and that might be the kind of move worth making.

Read more: How One Twins Reliever Is Under-the-Radar Before the MLB Trade Deadline

5. Jhoan Durán, RHP
TRADED TO PHILADELPHIA ON 7/30 FOR C EDUARDO TAIT AND RHP MICK ABEL

• Why trade him: First name on this list capable of bringing back a package that would meaningfully upgrade the Twins' farm system. Durán hasn't really shown signs of slowing down on the field and he's been remarkably healthy, but his slowly diminishing fastball velocity offers one small motivator to sell high. 
• Why he's in demand: All the requisites of a marquee deadline pickup for a contending team: dominant stuff, excellent current numbers, consistent track record, postseason experience. Under team control through 2027, Durán can become a bullpen cornerstone for any team willing to pay the price. The Athletic ranks him as the sixth-best player available.
• Likely return: Big. The Twins are said to be seeking two top-100 caliber prospects in exchange for Durán, and they have the leverage to hold out for such a package. They shouldn't be compelled to move him for anything less.

6. Griffin Jax, RHP

• Why trade him: Same reasons as Durán. Taking advantage of desperation for bullpen help at the trade deadline can be a savvy strategy for selling teams. 
• Why he's in demand: Same reasons as Durán. He's a dominant late-inning reliever who has done it on the big stage, with two remaining years of team control after this. 
• Likely return: Similar to Durán. Maybe a little lower because he's not having the greatest season and doesn't have the "closer" clout (for whatever that's worth anymore). But the Twins have reportedly set the same price: multiple top-100 prospects.

Read more: The Pressly Paradox: Why Selling Relievers Is a Precarious Path

7. Christian Vázquez, C

• Why trade him: Zero reason not to, if there's any kind of receptive market. 
• Why he's in demand: He's probably not, which is why he isn't higher on this list despite being on an expiring contract. Perhaps someone will opt to bring him in as a veteran backup, valuing the experience and defensive chops. The Red Sox have supposedly shown some interest.
• Likely return: Nothing of substance beyond financial relief. 

8. Chris Paddack, RHP 
TRADED TO DETROIT ON 7/28 WITH RHP RANDY DOBNAK FOR C ENRIQUE JIMENEZ

• Why trade him: Much like with Vázquez, there isn't much reason not to trade Paddack if you can find a taker. He has a 4.95 ERA and is headed for free agency in the offseason.
• Why he's in demand: He's a veteran pitcher who finally seems to have shaken off the injury bug and there have been some flashes of excellence at times, like his most recent start. 
• Likely return: Minimal. Like with Vázquez, the biggest benefit of a Paddack trade is salary relief for the owners, which does nothing to excite me. 

9. Joe Ryan, RHP

• Why trade him: Opportunity to bring a transformative infusion of talent into the system. The Athletic ranks him as the #1 player available at this year's deadline. Painful of a loss as it would be for the 2026-27 teams, choosing to trade Ryan would mean the Twins got blown away by an overwhelming package that drastically elevates their future outlook. 
• Why he's in demand: He's the best starting pitcher realistically on the market, performing at the level of a true ace, and he's under control for two years after this. It's somewhat rare that contending teams have access to an asset of this caliber at the trade deadline. 
• Likely return: Massive. In order to be tempted into making a trade like this, the Twins would need to be getting back either one of the very best prospects in the game or a budding young star in the big leagues, and then some.

Read more: These 4 Phenom Prospects Could Convince the Twins to Trade Joe Ryan

10. Trevor Larnach, OF

• Why trade him: Larnach is stagnating in his fifth year as a Twin, and moving him would present the opportunity for a relatively low-wattage shakeup the core.
• Why he's in demand: His underlying hitting talent is not hard to see, and he still has two remaining years of control at a reasonable cost. 
• Likely return: Maybe a solid pitching prospect or two, but probably no more than a secondary arm in another system. 

Others To Watch: Ryan Jeffers (C), Pablo Lopez (RHP), Cole Sands (RHP), Ty France (1B), Louis Varland (RHP)

Where do you stand on the Twins and their approach the deadline? Who should go and who should stay? Got any outside-the-box ideas for getting this wayward franchise back on track? Sound off in the comments and feel free to share the latest rumors and rumblings you come across for discussion.

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[In My La Z boy]

That was a great re-cap of present circumstances! I do hate to see Joe Ryan as the Athletics #1 available. If that happens we definitely had an unspoken "system wide failure" again... Let's see what happens I guess. Thanks!

[CRF]

Crickets. Does anyone actually believe that this F.O. will do anything? Sorry, I don't. 

[SoDakTwinsFan]

We need to make moves that makes us a WORLD SERIES contender.  Not a PLAYOFF contender.  I don't see is competing for a WORLD SERIES in the next few years so IMO everyone should be on the block.  Sacrifice the next couple years in hopes of putting together a monster in the next 5 years.  I think too often the FO and fans want to build a roster to make the playoffs.  That should not be the goal.  World Series is the goal and I don't see one while during Joe Ryan's final 2.5 years.

[Nashvilletwin]

There is one most obvious and easiest to accomplish trade deadline move that not only preserves/enhances our dwindling chances of making the playoffs this year, but also does the absolute most to put the franchise on the path to rebuilding as a contender:

Fire Rocco and Falvey.

It’s as obvious as the noses on our faces.

Simple to enact.  Keeps our controlled pitching studs.  Gives someone else a chance to see what they can do with this underperforming roster.  Hell, it might even facilitate a transaction/price increase for the Pohlads. 
 

One easy and blatantly obvious move to best improve this franchise.

Enough said.  I’m going back to watch the Brew Crew - a really well run mid market team effecting a well thought out strategy to the utmost. 

[FlyingFinn]

Most everyone knew we would be "stuck" with Correa's contract by the end of his deal, meaning he was no longer putting up #'s to support it. I certainly didn't think it would this soon. He has slowed noticeably in the field and turned into a singles hitter who can't hit in the clutch.

The relevance to this topic - no way you can tear everything down because you can't get rid of Correa. Therefore, can't trade Ryan because he's hard to replace. You can trade Duran and get assets that will help you in 2026 though. The Twins are good at developing and finding bullpen guys. And sell any pending free agent. If we really want them for next year, they will be available in a few months.

Retool for 2026 and at least have a faster team on the field.

[Bodie]

22 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

There is one most obvious and easiest to accomplish trade deadline move that not only preserves/enhances our dwindling chances of making the playoffs this year, but also does the absolute most to put the franchise on the path to rebuilding as a contender:

Fire Rocco and Falvey.

It’s as obvious as the noses on our faces.

Simple to enact.  Keeps our controlled pitching studs.  Gives someone else a chance to see what they can do with this underperforming roster.  Hell, it might even facilitate a transaction/price increase for the Pohlads. 
 

One easy and blatantly obvious move to best improve this franchise.

Enough said.  I’m going back to watch the Brew Crew - a really well run mid market team effecting a well thought out strategy to the utmost. 

Agree 102%.  Except the gibberish masquerading as a final paragraph...

 

BUCK The FREWERS!!!

[Dman]

Wondering if the Twins could package Stewart and Castro in a bid to get the catcher Janek from Houston?  With all their injuries they might be fairly desperate to land Castro and.Houston doesn't want to cross the luxury tax threshold. Both players would come cheap enough to keep them under the threshold. 

They also are looking for lefty bats so maybe they prefer Larnach to Stewart hard to say, but if the Twins could get a legit catcher in the system that would be nice. 

[tony&rodney]

Good synopsis Nick.

Wonder why you did not include Wallner, Lee, and Ober?

The Twins need talent. They must think outside the box.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

Good synopsis Nick.

Wonder why you did not include Wallner, Lee, and Ober?

The Twins need talent. They must think outside the box.

All 3 would be considered selling low.  Ober for the most part other than this year has been as good or a better pitcher for the Twins than Ryan.   

[DJL44]

9 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Good synopsis Nick.

Wonder why you did not include Wallner, Lee, and Ober?

The Twins need talent. They must think outside the box.

It's going to strain their resources to deal 6 players in a matter of days. Better to wait until the offseason to address the rest of the roster. Plus, what playoff team would have any interest in Wallner, Lee or Ober based on how they have performed this season?

On the list above, I certainly hope they find a buyer for Paddack. He has real value as a 5th starter for a playoff team and as a reliever on their playoff roster. I would rank him as #4 in most likely to be traded.

[tony&rodney]

10 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

All 3 would be considered selling low.  Ober for the most part other than this year has been as good or a better pitcher for the Twins than Ryan.   

Similar to Julien and Miranda?

[tony&rodney]

4 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Better to wait until the offseason to address the rest of the roster. Plus, what playoff team would have any interest in Wallner, Lee or Ober based on how they have performed this season?

I actually agree with this, but also remember that we might be wishing hard to expect change from the past practices of waiting until February and March to sign those players left without contracts.

I may be alone, but I see the FO as aimless for the most part.

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

The relevance to this topic - no way you can tear everything down because you can't get rid of Correa.

It's really too bad he isn't just SLIGHTLY better this year. The Yankees have grown incredibly impatient with Volpe and had no 3B a week ago. Correa would have been a great match for them. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

14 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Similar to Julien and Miranda?

Wallner may have more upside,  Lee is likely still considered young and transitioning to MLB.  Julien Miranda and Wallner have all had significant amount of bats at the MLB level.  There isn't a high probability either of the 3 have something click and really blossom.  

[cjm0926]

As much as I hate to say it, I think it would be wise to trade one of Duran/Jax, with a heavy preference towards Jax. He has proven he may never be a "closer," but is one hell of a setup man. Fortunately for us, we have Varland and Stewart who could also step into that setup role. Therefore I propose trading Jax to Seattle for Harry Ford and Tyler Locklear. Not quite the two top-100 prospects such as the original ask, but you are getting two legit prospects that are major league ready, at the Twins 2 biggest positions of need. 

[MinnInPa]

IMO..clean house..Larnach, Wallner, Vasquez, Castro, Julien, Miranda, Martin, Topa, Funderburk, anyone at AAA....probably only get a couple bags of Chips...but then bring along Keashall, Culpepper, Jenkins, Amick, Prielep, Gonzalez fast track..get some ball players up here !!!

[tony&rodney]

21 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Wallner may have more upside,  Lee is likely still considered young and transitioning to MLB.  Julien Miranda and Wallner have all had significant amount of bats at the MLB level.  There isn't a high probability either of the 3 have something click and really blossom.  

Guess I should have clarified that a few people, myself included, felt that Julien was ripe to trade after the 2023 season. Miranda had a significant hitting streak at one point and was ripe to trade. Of course they both cratered and then the saying was that their value was too low to trade them. Now, neither has any value. I felt Wallner and Lee were ripe to trade last winter. Why? Because their talents are limited. I'm aware that the possibilities include that none of these players ever had any market from another team. So maybe Falvey tried.

Brooks Lee after a year of reworking his swing at AAA and finding discipline at the plate could be a decent third baseman. However Royce Lewis is a darling and it is very unlikely he is moved off the corner. Lee cannot be a utility player because he lacks speed or power and really only fits on the left side of the infield. Last however .... that is not how the Twins view Lee apparently. I'm left to just accept what is in front of me

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

2 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

 

Brooks Lee after a year of reworking his swing at AAA and finding discipline at the plate could be a decent third baseman. However Royce Lewis is a darling and it is very unlikely he is moved off the corner. Lee cannot be a utility player because he lacks speed or power and really only fits on the left side of the infield. Last however .... that is not how the Twins view Lee apparently. I'm left to just accept what is in front of me

Brooks Lee is the only one who could be an all star talent.  Its hard to see right now,  which is why I would not want to trade him.  Surprisingly he has been a bit more of a free swinger than in college.  He has untapped power and I do expect better defense as he continues to get better.  I do think you would be selling low on Lee.  The others,  Wallner and Julien have a slimmer of hope.  I don't see Miranda ever being good enough at the MLB level.   

[LA Vikes Fan]

Thanks, Nick. Very good synopsis. I am a little troubled that the projected return for Castro, Coloumbe, and Bader is so minimal. I'm hoping for a little more but I suspect that you're right.

I go back to what I blogged 10 days ago - trade all of the expiring contracts. Those players are of no value to us when the WS ends and their contracts expire and their value for the rest of this season is becoming more and more irrelevant given we stink. I wanted to re-sign Castro but I now see him as a great UTL on a contending team and a mediocre starter on a mediocre team. We are the latter, not the former. I'm also now persuaded to trade Jax if we can get the kind of return suggested, not because I don't like Jax as a player but because we need talent and he's most likely to get it.

So in sum, on August 1:

Gone for real value if there, if not keep - Jax and Larnach.

Gone if you can get any value- Castro, Bader, Coloumbe, Paddack, France, Stewart, Vasquez.

Replaced by for rest of 2025 (in order) - Hitters: Keaschall. Martin, Julien, Eeles, Sabato. Pitchers: Ober (back from IL), Ohl, Trent Baker, Tonkin. Add Gaspar or Noah Cardenas if you trade Vasquez.   

Replaced to see talent whether or not trades made - Eeles for Lee, Martin for Kiersey

Do NOT Trade - Duran, Lopez, Ryan, Jeffers.

This is the way to see what we have for 2026 play during the rest of 2025. Then a new FO can decide which way to go in the offseason, go for it by adding FA MLB talent, stay the course with what you have, or tear it all down for a rebuild. The ownership situation is hopefully resolved by then so you should have things in place to start a new era. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I would trade Duran to Seattle for Harry Ford, the fifth ranked catcher in the minors, who is 22 and in AAA and is blocked by Raleigh who is "all world" at  catcher. 

[tony&rodney]

2 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

I do expect better defense

At second base? Or does Royce move? Or Correa? Lee is right with Jeffers for foot speed and he could get slower. Correa and Larnach are both faster than Lee. Speed makes a difference on defense as well as offense. Cuddyer was quite a bit faster than Lee and also played second base. Lee would really need to raise his offense to be acceptable as a second baseman.

In any event, despite my own thoughts, I do hope Lee becomes a perennial all star. I keep thinking hope is not a plan.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Throw Tonkin into any trade proposals. He's had his chances.

[BrokenCompass]

Sell sell sell. 

This team needs a complete overhaul. Our prospects that have reached the MLB level have been underwhelming: Martin never worked out. Larnach and Waller are all clearly not everyday players and need to be replaced. Due to the horrific failings on offense, and with no expectations that any current players are going to get much better, the Twins will indeed have to part with Duran, Jax, and Ryan in order to bring anything of value back to this team. 

This means guys like Zebby and Festa are on the clock and rotation spots are theirs for the taking. Royce Lewis is a great unknown. The Twins will have Pablo Lopez and Byron Buxton as veteran leaders to lay the foundation for the new look team. 

It would be great if the Twins could jettison Correa but I don't think that's happening. 

Twins need to grab at least 4 young MLB ready players for Jax, Duran and Ryan who can make their debuts this year or early next year. Throw in a bunch of lottery tickets for Castro and anything we can get for Paddack, Bader, etc. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

4 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

At second base? Or does Royce move? Or Correa? Lee is right with Jeffers for foot speed and he could get slower. Correa and Larnach are both faster than Lee. Speed makes a difference on defense as well as offense. Cuddyer was quite a bit faster than Lee and also played second base. Lee would really need to raise his offense to be acceptable as a second baseman.

In any event, despite my own thoughts, I do hope Lee becomes a perennial all star. I keep thinking hope is not a plan.

Baseball is more about anticipation that foot speed,  and I think you are understating Lee's speed.  Lee will never be a speed demon.  However he plays a solid short and 3rd base,  and is still learning 2nd base.  Its not his fault that the Twins hadn't played him much there and suddenly and a dearth of players for 2nd base.  He is still getting a feel of how the ball comes on that side of the turf.  My son can immediately know the ball path when he plays right field,  he prefers 2nd base and RF and really has quick reactions.  When put in LF, it is much more reactionary.   Yes the ball can have more spin, but there is a significant difference in how quickly he can react.   I still expect him to trend between a .280 to .300 hitter with solid pop.   

[Mike Sixel]

11 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Baseball is more about anticipation that foot speed,  and I think you are understating Lee's speed.  Lee will never be a speed demon.  However he plays a solid short and 3rd base,  and is still learning 2nd base.  Its not his fault that the Twins hadn't played him much there and suddenly and a dearth of players for 2nd base.  He is still getting a feel of how the ball comes on that side of the turf.  My son can immediately know the ball path when he plays right field,  he prefers 2nd base and RF and really has quick reactions.  When put in LF, it is much more reactionary.   Yes the ball can have more spin, but there is a significant difference in how quickly he can react.   I still expect him to trend between a .280 to .300 hitter with solid pop.   

Lee played all of 15 games at second in the minors. He's literally learning the position right now. Because they insist that everyone play short in the minors and can move later easily, like Martin........

As to the topic, I think we're all going to be disappointed at the lack of action. 

[AKTwinsFan]

I think if any Castro, Coulumbe, Bader (still a year left on a 2 year!), and maybe Jax or Duran. No Ryan, we should only look to extend him.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

17 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Lee played all of 15 games at second in the minors. He's literally learning the position right now. Because they insist that everyone play short in the minors and can move later easily, like Martin........

As to the topic, I think we're all going to be disappointed at the lack of action. 

I have the over/under on 2.5 trades.   Bader will be traded.   Castro is a near lock as well.  Coloumbe you think would be traded, but so far have heard little. If all you are going to get is a lotto,  might be worth keeping just in case we do go on a run.   Jax has the highest probability of the big 3 on being traded, I would put this one at 50%.  I don't think its a high probably but I would say its a 1/3 chance Ryan gets traded which is higher than most have current prognosticated.  There always seems to be someone who is desperate for starting pitching,  and Ryan is the best available.  Falvey will want premium value,  but it wouldn't shock me if someone meets his price.  

[mickster]

58 minutes ago, MinnInPa said:

IMO..clean house..Larnach, Wallner, Vasquez, Castro, Julien, Miranda, Martin, Topa, Funderburk, anyone at AAA....probably only get a couple bags of Chips...but then bring along Keashall, Culpepper, Jenkins, Amick, Prielep, Gonzalez fast track..get some ball players up here !!!

?Sounds line you want the 2026 version of this team to be the Rockies of the Midwest

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

He has untapped power and I do expect better defense as he continues to get better.

This is something I see often here, and it should be the opposite. Players don't age into becoming a better fielder. They're typically the best they will be when they come up. The rare exception is a player that is quite literally learning a completely new position, but that's not really the case with a SS playing 2B.  

This was most when it was an excuse used by Austin Martin supporters in the OF, a position that was in no way new to him. 

35 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's literally learning the position right now.

Good defensive baseball players don't have any real issues when moving from SS to 2B. It happens literally all the time with very little learning curve. 4 games? Sure, give some leniency. He's at 40 games now? And he still isn't very good? I'm over the excuses, he's just not great.

He's better than him, but it's not really any less eye rolling than when people were optimistic that Julien was improving his glovework at 2B last season. I'm not giving up on Lee, but I am giving up on him as a defensively gifted player. 

These excuses are just so exhausting man.