Which Minnesota Twins Could Receive More Opportunities After the Trade Deadline?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

As MLB's trade deadline slowly consumes the collective consciousness of the baseballsphere, your 2025 Minnesota Twins will likely become significant sellers. Monday saw the team ship veteran pitchers Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak to the Detroit Tigers. Fellow half-season rental veterans Willi Castro, Harrison Bader, and Danny Coulombe should soon depart Minnesota, too. However, star players like Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Joe Ryan, and (quite shockingly) Carlos Correa could also be on the move.

That being the case, a significant number of holes could open on Minnesota's 26-man roster, leading to opportunities for younger players with cost-friendly contracts and multiple years of team control. Which players could be the recipients of extra opportunities post-trade deadline? Let's take a look.

Harrison Bader
Bader has received significant interest from contending teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and others, signaling that the right-handed hitting outfielder will no longer be a Minnesota Twin come Aug. 1. The 31-year-old's expected departure from Minnesota would create a significant gap in the club's outfield depth. Twins cornerstone and center fielder Byron Buxton is presently on the 10-day IL with costochondritis. Yet, his stay on the IL should be fairly short, meaning he should soon be able to return to patrolling center field at a full-time capacity.

Thus, Bader's departure would most significantly impact left field, the position he has primarily occupied. This season, Matt Wallner has started exclusively in right field or at designated hitter, so the power-hitting 27-year-old likely wouldn't figure into the left field mix once Bader departs. Fellow corner outfielders Trevor Larnach and Dashawn Keirsey Jr. could receive the bulk of opportunities in left field, with Larnach receiving the majority of starts.

Keirsey would take over as Buxton's primary backup. The 28-year-old should also blossom into a role that permits him more than one start a month. That said, given his substantial offensive shortcomings, there is reason to believe team decision-makers will go to significant lengths to keep Keirsey out of the lineup, even though he sports plus range at all three outfield positions. Austin Martin, oft-injured top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Carson McCusker could also find time as the Twins trudge further into autumnal irrelevancy.

Willi Castro
The switch-hitting utility player has rightfully received significant interest on the trade market. Sporting a plus bat and extensive defensive versatility (despite being a poor defender), Minnesota should net a significant package for the 28-year-old's services. However, his departure would leave a significant hole on Minnesota's 26-man roster, which would take a number of players to patch.

Spending significant time in left and right field recently, Larnach, Wallner, Keirsey and the three aforementioned Triple-A players (Martin, Rodriguez, and McCusker) would also be the primary candidates to replace his production in the corner outfield. Yet, his departure would also leave significant holes at second and third base. On a rehab assignment in Triple-A, top prospect Luke Keaschall is a strong candidate to take Castro's spot on the 26-man roster once the Twins finish their trading. Keaschall could play second base, while also blending into the corner outfield mix.

Other infielders residing in Triple-A should receive opportunities at the major-league level once Castro goes, too, with Edouard Julien being the most likely beneficiary. Despite significantly struggling at the major-league level, the 26-year-old French Canadian has excelled in Triple-A of late, posting a 136 wRC+ over 291 plate appearances this season. Julien deserves another opportunity at the major-league level, and Castro's departure would create an opening for him to receive playing time at second base. After extended opportunities at first base with St. Paul this season, Julien could also factor into that mix, alongside Ty France (who likely won't be traded) and Kody Clemens down the stretch.

Danny Coulombe
Coulombe has been a revelation since rejoining the Twins, posting a 1.16 ERA and 1.96 FIP over 31 innings pitched and asserting himself as one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball. The 35-year-old should net a rich return package for Minnesota. His departure would leave a significant hole in the club's bullpen, especially considering how thin the organization's left-handed pitching depth presently is. At first glance, Kody Funderburk would become the club's primary left-handed reliever. Yet, given Funderburk's struggles this season (7.41 ERA and 4.80 FIP over 17 innings pitched), there is reason to believe the 28-year-old could yet again get demoted to Triple-A shortly.

Rapidly, it becomes clear that the team just needs to find the best available arm to backfill whenever they make a trade from their middle relief corps. Triple-A pitchers on the 40-man roster (like Travis Adams, Pierson Ohl, and Marco Raya) could receive extended opportunities as low- to medium-leverage relievers down the stretch, with the gallimaufry of Daniel Duarte (recovering from injury), Christian MacLeod, Erasmo Ramirez, Jaylen Nowlin, and others also potentially figuring into the mix.

High-Leverage Relievers
Twins closer Jhoan Duran and primary set-up reliever Griffin Jax have become popular names on the trade market, with it becoming increasingly likely that at least one of the high-leverage relievers gets moved at the deadline. If Durán were to get moved and Jax stayed with Minnesota, Jax would likely transition into the primary closer role, with Brock Stewart and Louis Varland becoming the club's primary set-up relievers.

Yet, if Jax were to get traded, Durán would remain the club's closer, with Stewart and Varland replacing Jax as the club's primary set-up reliever. If both Durán and Jax were moved, Stewart and Varland would likely become closers by committee, with Cole Sands transitioning into a high-leverage reliever. Also, if Stewart and one of Duran and Jax are moved (which is becoming more possible, however unlikely, by the minute), Varland and whoever isn't moved between Duran and Jax would become the club's primary high-leverage relievers. There are still a huge number of potential outcomes. Still, Varland is set to take on a bigger role, assuming one of the club's three other high-leverage arms is moved.

Carlos Correa
The most recent and shocking development to manifest this trade deadline season is the Houston Astros' interest in a potential reunion with Correa. If Correa is moved (which is very unlikely, mind you), Brooks Lee would become the club's primary shortstop for the rest of the 2025 season, with him seemingly having a short-term grip over the position. Assuming Castro will also depart Minnesota, the club would be stretched for a backup shortstop after Lee. However, Ryan Fitzgerald (who possesses a 40-man roster spot) would likely step in as the club's primary backup shortstop.

Again, Minnesota trading Correa to Houston is an extremely far-fetched proposition, especially given that Astros decision-makers would reportedly demand that the salary-restricted Twins eat a significant portion of his contract. Still, if the 30-year-old were to be part of a blockbuster trade back to his original franchise, Lee would step in as Minnesota's primary shortstop, with recent first-round selections Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston becoming the most likely long-term solutions at the position.

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One of the subtle benefits of a July fire sale is the extra space it opens for testing and evaluating young players. As the Twins head in that direction, these players are the key options at whom they might want a longer look.

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[Cory Engelhardt]

JUST for fun; how far away is Walker Jenkins in this scenario? Not saying he is mlb ready, but I'd very much be excited to see him too.

[TwinsDr2021]

I don't care to see any player older than 25 be brought up (unless they are a pitcher). Erod, Jenkins, GG, Culpepper, Keaschall, Schobel, Rosario (maybe somebody I missed) these are the types of guys that should be given a chance in a lost season. Not the Julien's, Miranda, McCusker and other players that don't seem to have a future beyond back up, bit player or injury replacement. 

 

[Guest]

Gallimaufry.  Well done!  A fair one-word description of the state of the entire organization currently.

[NYCTK]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

JUST for fun; how far away is Walker Jenkins in this scenario? Not saying he is mlb ready, but I'd very much be excited to see him too.

He could be called up to AAA at any time if they wanted to be aggressive with him, but I wouldn't expect to see him as a September callup. He's not on the 40 man yet and there's no real value in doing so for the rest of the season. 

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, NYCTK said:

He could be called up to AAA at any time if they wanted to be aggressive with him, but I wouldn't expect to see him as a September callup. He's not on the 40 man yet and there's no real value in doing so for the rest of the season. 

 

Yeah really all of this and selling at the deadline, and possibly including Correa being moved is towards 2026 and 2027. That's all I meant.

[NYCTK]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Yeah really all of this and selling at the deadline, and possibly including Correa being moved is towards 2026 and 2027. That's all I meant.

I'd still be surprised to see him in the first couple months of 2026, but I would be shocked if he doesn't get a real chance next year.

I want to be as forgiving to all of Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Culpepper as they continue their development so I have very low expectations for them next season. But I really can see this being a much more dynamic, exciting team and a real challenger in 2027. Much like we saw in their transition in 2000 and 2001. 

[In My La Z boy]

I like the Astro's news. There is no way to re-tool or re-build this team without shedding the $37M dollar player. Nothing against Correa, but we have no business having a $37M dollar player in my opinion.

[AceBee]

Any chance they would flirt with the idea of seeing Prielipp in short bullpen bursts later this year or would they play conservative with his injury history? 

[old nurse]

The Buxton injury is the reminder that the Twins do need a competent backup centerfielder. The 10 million option is not that far off from what a 32 year old outfielder would get. The Twins might have a higher asking price for Bader as they do need him next year. While the Yankees and Mets have an alleged interest, he played for both teams at not a high level. I don’t think their memories are that short 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

JUST for fun; how far away is Walker Jenkins in this scenario? Not saying he is mlb ready, but I'd very much be excited to see him too.

There is basically zero chance that Jenkins gets called up this season. The Twins don’t need to add him to the 40-man roster until next year.

There is a non-zero chance they call up Gonzalez. He is Rule 5 eligible in December and is a must-add for the 40-man roster.

[DJL44]

25 minutes ago, old nurse said:

The Buxton injury is the reminder that the Twins do need a competent backup centerfielder. The 10 million option is not that far off from what a 32 year old outfielder would get.

MLB hasn’t had a mutual option accepted by both sides in a decade.

[Fatbat]

36 minutes ago, AceBee said:

Any chance they would flirt with the idea of seeing Prielipp in short bullpen bursts later this year or would they play conservative with his injury history? 

It cant be safer pitching in Wichita vs. MPLS. Send him up!

[TwinsDr2021]

52 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

I'd still be surprised to see him in the first couple months of 2026, but I would be shocked if he doesn't get a real chance next year.

I want to be as forgiving to all of Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Culpepper as they continue their development so I have very low expectations for them next season. But I really can see this being a much more dynamic, exciting team and a real challenger in 2027. Much like we saw in their transition in 2000 and 2001. 

The good thing is if it isn't until 27, you will have you pick of seats at Target Field, because if next year is anything like the last two, the place will be close to empty. 

[farmerguychris]

58 minutes ago, In My La Z boy said:

I like the Astro's news. There is no way to re-tool or re-build this team without shedding the $37M dollar player. Nothing against Correa, but we have no business having a $37M dollar player in my opinion.

Under this ownership you are correct.... BUT.... long term what if under new owners who understand you need to invest in a team?

[AceWrigley]

1 hour ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

I don't care to see any player older than 25 be brought up (unless they are a pitcher). Erod, Jenkins, GG, Culpepper, Keaschall, Schobel, Rosario (maybe somebody I missed) these are the types of guys that should be given a chance in a lost season. Not the Julien's, Miranda, McCusker and other players that don't seem to have a future beyond back up, bit player or injury replacement. 

 

Julien has been hitting pretty good and has his numbers back up to his minor league career averages. If he can be a hitter that can draw a walk instead of being a walking guy that tries to get a hit sometimes I wouldn't mind if they stuck him at 1B for the rest of the year.

[NYCTK]

37 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

The good thing is if it isn't until 27, you will have you pick of seats at Target Field, because if next year is anything like the last two, the place will be close to empty. 

A sale of the team would help, and we underestimate how dynamic baseball is way more fun to watch than THIS. This Twins team is just so hard to watch. 

I'm reminded of the 2001 Twins. They weren't quite ready to compete with the top teams, but they were so fun to watch compared to the late 90s Twins. 

[rdehring]

Curious where this Correa talk is coming from.  Doesn't Houston have a young stud who replaced Correa when he signed with the Twins?

If they could get out from that huge contract, they could be a much better overall team.  At least in my opinion.

[TwinsDr2021]

4 minutes ago, AceWrigley said:

Julien has been hitting pretty good and has his numbers back up to his minor league career averages. If he can be a hitter that can draw a walk instead of being a walking guy that tries to get a hit sometimes I wouldn't mind if they stuck him at 1B for the rest of the year.

So what is the cost of putting Julien at 1B? Who sits if CC is still on the team? Lee, Lewis, Keschall?  Sure if the option is France or Julien I am taking Julien. But that shouldn't be the question. 

[AceWrigley]

Just now, TwinsDr2021 said:

So what is the cost of putting Julien at 1B? Who sits if CC is still on the team? Lee, Lewis, Keschall?  Sure if the option is France or Julien I am taking Julien. But that shouldn't be the question. 

Kind of assuming Twins will offload Correa to the Astros. Around the infield = Lewis-Lee-Clemens-Julien with Keaschal and Martin to mix in. Or Keaschal at 2B with Clemens to take Willi Castro's swiss army knife position since I think Castro will also be traded.

[SteveLV]

Astros lost their 3B for the season.  Correa has, reportedly, agreed to waive his no trade clause and play for the Astros.  However, sides are reportedly "far apart" on the terms of any deal.  The Astros owner is also reportedly a "big fan" of Correa, which might help the financial end.

I want Janek, C, from the Astros as part of any such deal.

Next 27 hours will be interesting to watch unfold!

[old nurse]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

MLB hasn’t had a mutual option accepted by both sides in a decade.

True, but the 10 million option is probably about a million and a half more than what he would get and less than what it would cost to replace him with someone better 

[P Meyer]

46 minutes ago, SteveLV said:

Astros lost their 3B for the season.  Correa has, reportedly, agreed to waive his no trade clause and play for the Astros.  However, sides are reportedly "far apart" on the terms of any deal.  The Astros owner is also reportedly a "big fan" of Correa, which might help the financial end.

I want Janek, C, from the Astros as part of any such deal.

Next 27 hours will be interesting to watch unfold!

I think the Twins will get about a ham sandwich for Correa if Houston agrees to pay his salary (which is the only sticking point). Janek is not even in the talks IMO.

[Dawgzilla]

Sad state of affairs!!!  MLB needs a salary cap (floor and top end)....and Harper can eat it.  Baseball isn't fair to over half the clubs right now!  

[Bodie]

19 hours ago, In My La Z boy said:

I like the Astro's news. There is no way to re-tool or re-build this team without shedding the $37M dollar player. Nothing against Correa, but we have no business having a $37M dollar player in my opinion.

All that has to be done to finalize the deal is for the Twins to agree to eat his contract as he plays it out elsewhere.   Seriously!  

Every report (report, not analysis) say the only hangup right now is that HoustonHoustons him back for free.  The trade will cost them prospects/players/bag of balls, but they actually expect the Twins to keep signing his paychecks.

 

So... Correa ain't leaving for Houston until the season ends.  It is where he and his family live.  But anyone expecting this team to eat $30M a year just hasn't been paying attention!  He is our Pottery Barn project- we bought him and Pottery Barn doesn't do refunds on broken stuff.  Especially s××t from the discount and distressed bin we plucked him from 

[Nshore]

It seems like just yesterday I was yelling "Let's Go Twins" with a packed Target Field crowd while they beat the Blue Jays in the playoffs.  It's shocking how fast it has all fallen apart to the point of back filling positions with anybody they can find.

[TopGunn#22]

The Correa situation is interesting, but the only way I agree to a trade is if the Astros take on ALL of his salary.  I'd take the paltry prospect return to realize the financial freedom it would give me as a new owner allowing my new FO to determine how they would like to utilize the additional $37 million dollar annual payroll flexibility.

An extension for Ryan?  Two FA's signed for $18 to $20 million per year?  Yandy Diaz at 1B and an upgraded catcher or RH hitting OF ??  But this is only if Houston takes on ALL the remaining salary.  What good is it to dump Correa's salary if you're not dumping ALL of it??

This envisions an infield of Lewis at 3B, Lee at SS and Keaschall at 2B.  I don't think Julien has any future with the Twins, but if it were up to me for the rest of the season, I'd give France his release and stick Julien at 1B to give him ONE LAST CHANCE to either win the position or at least build SOME value back to be included in an off season trade.  Otherwise, Cody Clemens is the 1B the rest of the way.  If Clemens plays some 2B, Keaschall can log some time in LF as the RH complement to Larnach, Kiersey or E-Rod.

Bader and Castro MUST be traded.  I agree with the idea of bringing guys like Austin Martin and E-Rod up to give them 2 months of playing time at the MLB level.  I'd also consider bringing up Prielipp and Raya for bullpen cameos if I got what I wanted in a trade involving Coulombe and/or Stewart.  I wouldn't necessarily call it "tanking."  More like seeing what some of those guys could do at the major league level while I further assess what we HAVE and what we NEED.  

[JD-TWINS]

On 7/30/2025 at 12:22 PM, Cory Engelhardt said:

JUST for fun; how far away is Walker Jenkins in this scenario? Not saying he is mlb ready, but I'd very much be excited to see him too.

As of 6:00 Eastern Thursday night the Twins had 17 guys on the active 26 Man Roster……..there’s room for Walker!

Traded Louie Varland, innings leader in PEN & improving ………under control through ‘30. What’s up with that?

[tony&rodney]

In both November of 2023 and 2024 the Twins faced the same problems as they did one week ago. The team as a whole was slow, affecting both base running and defense. The team had too many DH only players. The defense was poor, which is not good for the pitchers because they feel that the only sure out is a strikeout. The team lacked extra base power, The team needed a better offense.

After a historic round of trades, the problems remain. The strength of the team was pitching. So 7 pitchers were added after subtracting the top 5 bullpen arms. Only one decent far away from seeing the majors catcher was added. The other four bats are repetitive to those currently in the system. Really, the teardown happened quickly. The rebuild has yet to be started. Who goes after this season from among Lopez, Ryan, and Ober? Traditionally teams do not keep players with less than 3 years of control who make money above the minimum.

For now it looks like the Twins will need some amazing emergences from players already in the system. What can the Twins expect next year from Noah Cardenas, Luke Keaschall, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Walker Jenkins? Can Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis become consistently decent every day baseball players? Can Buxton continue as a decent centerfielder and remain healthy? Can Wallner learn to hit and be a fair DH only? Can players like Martin, Keirsey Jr., and Julien make reasonable contributions as part time players?

[Mike Sixel]

On 7/30/2025 at 9:22 AM, Cory Engelhardt said:

JUST for fun; how far away is Walker Jenkins in this scenario? Not saying he is mlb ready, but I'd very much be excited to see him too.

At least a year.