Current starters that could be moved to the bullpen in 2026.

[darin617]

Lets just start this with the hope/dream there is a new owner by the end of the World Series and there's not a fire sale the Twins have 8 possible starters for 2026 so they could take a couple of them and move them to the pen like they did with Varland and Jax.

1. Pablo Lopez

2. Joe Ryan

3. Baley Ober

4. Zebby Matthews

5. SWR

6. David Festa

7. Taj Bradley

8. Mick Abel

I know they might be better off trading them over converting them to a bullpen arm. They could easily start to fix this bullpen moving a couple of them to the pen.  David Festa would be the leading candidate for sure and could become a great RP knowing he's only going to go one inning.  I don't think they know what to think of Bradley & Abel until they see more of them. Bradley has been a decent starter at times and maybe a change of scenery may do wonders for him. 

[Chembry]

Bradley had a sub 4 ERA through May of this year.  He had about 4 not so great outings in June/July.

We also have Marco Raya and Andrew Morris at AAA that could be included on the list, but may want to see what they have as starters before we move them to the bullpen. 

The track record of converting fringe starters to high leverage bullpen arms is well known in the Twins organization as well as others. 

Raya may be a good candidate for a bullpen arm.  He doesn't have great overall numbers at AAA, but had several good starts in a row.  Time will tell, but I hope we convert a couple of these guys to bullpen arms. Could shore up the bullpen faster while taking advantage of our SP depth.    

[chpettit19]

I'd be very surprised to see any of these 8 shifted to the pen before 2027. Travis Adams, Pierson Ohl, Corey Lewis, Andrew Morris, Darren Bowen. Those are the types of guys I expect to see getting shifted to 1 inning roles next year to see if they can build some back end relievers out of them.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd move Horn to the bullpen right now, put him in high A, and hope to have him up middle of next year. 

I think Ohl and Lewis and Morris will move to the BP, if there are no trades. I'd likely move Raya if there are no trades. Adams is nearly a lock, IMO. 

[The Great Hambino]

I'm thinking that at least two of three of Lopez/Ryan/Ober are gone by the start of next year.  I tend to the more pessimistic viewpoint of a quick rebuild.

If it turns out that way, then they need to devise some ways to get all these guys turns in the major league rotation.  In this situation it's a true evaluation year, so treat it that way.  They shouldn't be locked into a traditional 5 man rotation in that case.  Get creative - 6 man rotation, cycle between AAA and the majors in some systematic way, piggyback - the best thing they can hope to get out of the 2026 season is information, so use it accordingly.   And let them fail, let them learn.  Stretch out the guys showing promise as a starter.  Find back-of-the-bullpen quality traits and develop them in the guys that aren't.  And if they show neither?  Let them marinate in AAA if it makes sense, or give them a chance to show value in long relief depending on stuff, age, options, etc.  For the guys you've been evaluating in your system, maybe you've already earmarked them as relief material (Raya?) and you can put them in the bullpen from the get go.  Hopefully by the end of the year you can see both a rotation and an actual bullpen starting to form.  

Whatever's left of Sands and Topa can keep the bullpen afloat with what I'd assume will be a DFA conga line of Jay Jackson-type signings.  But get them out of the way as soon as some young guys are showing bullpen promise.  A noncompetitive season doesn't have to be a wasted one if they treat it right

[thelanges5]

Adams and Ohl have been better in short stints (although Adams looked good through 5 yesterday)

Dont forget about Prielipp. I’ve read they view him as a starter, but he’s only been pitching 2 to 3 innings per outing at AA.  

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, thelanges5 said:

Adams and Ohl have been better in short stints (although Adams looked good through 5 yesterday)

Dont forget about Prielipp. I’ve read they view him as a starter, but he’s only been pitching 2 to 3 innings per outing at AA.  

So, if this FO is in charge, he'll be in MN in 27 or 28..... (ya, I'm done with them and exaggerating).

[darin617]

1 hour ago, The Great Hambino said:

I'm thinking that at least two of three of Lopez/Ryan/Ober are gone by the start of next year.  I tend to the more pessimistic viewpoint of a quick rebuild.

If it turns out that way, then they need to devise some ways to get all these guys turns in the major league rotation.  In this situation it's a true evaluation year, so treat it that way.  They shouldn't be locked into a traditional 5 man rotation in that case.  Get creative - 6 man rotation, cycle between AAA and the majors in some systematic way, piggyback - the best thing they can hope to get out of the 2026 season is information, so use it accordingly.   And let them fail, let them learn.  Stretch out the guys showing promise as a starter.  Find back-of-the-bullpen quality traits and develop them in the guys that aren't.  And if they show neither?  Let them marinate in AAA if it makes sense, or give them a chance to show value in long relief depending on stuff, age, options, etc.  For the guys you've been evaluating in your system, maybe you've already earmarked them as relief material (Raya?) and you can put them in the bullpen from the get go.  Hopefully by the end of the year you can see both a rotation and an actual bullpen starting to form.  

Whatever's left of Sands and Topa can keep the bullpen afloat with what I'd assume will be a DFA conga line of Jay Jackson-type signings.  But get them out of the way as soon as some young guys are showing bullpen promise.  A noncompetitive season doesn't have to be a wasted one if they treat it right

I did say with there being a new owner. So I can't see a new owner continuing to sell off even more. It wouldn't make sense to spend 1.7 billion and not want to win right away.

[The Great Hambino]

5 minutes ago, darin617 said:

I did say with there being a new owner. So I can't see a new owner continuing to sell off even more. It wouldn't make sense to spend 1.7 billion and not want to win right away.

I will  believe there is a sale taking place when the agreement is signed.  I think people are putting waaaay too much stock in vague rumors of “momentum” - whatever that means - and the word of an untrustworthy commissioner.  The rumors were much more concrete when they said a sale would be done by opening day.

You can believe it’s happening if you want.  I don’t have to and won’t without actual evidence

[Doctor Wu]

15 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Dont forget about Prielipp. I’ve read they view him as a starter, but he’s only been pitching 2 to 3 innings per outing at AA.

I think he's actually pitched 4 innings a few times too! But yeah, I think he's ready for bullpen  duty NOW. Then again, I also like his potential as a starter. But why not bring him up and try him in the bullpen first, seeing as how he's on an innings limit? Yeah, yeah, the old service time issues pop up, but Prielipp is already 24 and I think we need to take advantage of his arm as soon as possible. 

[Doctor Wu]

13 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

You can believe it’s happening if you want.  I don’t have to and won’t without actual evidence

I'm very skeptical about an imminent sale of the Twins. 

[Doctor Wu]

As far as potential bullpen arms, what about SWR? He can't seem to get over the 5 innings hump, so is the bullpen a better place to use him? I honestly have no strong opinion, but what do others think? 

[Cory Engelhardt]

15 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

I'm thinking that at least two of three of Lopez/Ryan/Ober are gone by the start of next year.  I tend to the more pessimistic viewpoint of a quick rebuild.

If it turns out that way, then they need to devise some ways to get all these guys turns in the major league rotation.  In this situation it's a true evaluation year, so treat it that way.  They shouldn't be locked into a traditional 5 man rotation in that case.  Get creative - 6 man rotation, cycle between AAA and the majors in some systematic way, piggyback - the best thing they can hope to get out of the 2026 season is information, so use it accordingly.   And let them fail, let them learn.  Stretch out the guys showing promise as a starter.  Find back-of-the-bullpen quality traits and develop them in the guys that aren't.  And if they show neither?  Let them marinate in AAA if it makes sense, or give them a chance to show value in long relief depending on stuff, age, options, etc.  For the guys you've been evaluating in your system, maybe you've already earmarked them as relief material (Raya?) and you can put them in the bullpen from the get go.  Hopefully by the end of the year you can see both a rotation and an actual bullpen starting to form.  

Whatever's left of Sands and Topa can keep the bullpen afloat with what I'd assume will be a DFA conga line of Jay Jackson-type signings.  But get them out of the way as soon as some young guys are showing bullpen promise.  A noncompetitive season doesn't have to be a wasted one if they treat it right

I keep seeing people say they are certain that both Lopez and Ryan are getting traded. Other than the trade deadline happening a few days ago, I struggle to see why people are so certain of this.

That said, let's play it out. Let's say one of them is traded. I'll say Ryan because he is having the better year and isn't injured. What is coming back in that scenario? It's not like we trade him and then nothing is in return.

What do you think a return for Ryan would be? How would trading him help the 2026 and 2027 team? And how would that help the team more than trading him would?

[Doctor Wu]

15 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I keep seeing people say they are certain that both Lopez and Ryan are getting traded. Other than the trade deadline happening a few days ago, I struggle to see why people are so certain of this.

I'm a bit puzzled by this sort of thinking too,. Sure, if you think the Twins are truly in some sort of rebuild mode, that makes some sense. But to me it makes more sense to keep ace pitchers like Lopez and Ryan, rebuild the bullpen, and be ready for another playoff run in another year or two. We still have enough good pieces in play, and prospects ready to contribute, that it's not beyond the realm of possibility. Then again, the potential sale of the team puts any sort of off-season strategy into limbo. 

[The Great Hambino]

32 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I keep seeing people say they are certain that both Lopez and Ryan are getting traded. Other than the trade deadline happening a few days ago, I struggle to see why people are so certain of this.

Speaking for myself, I'm working off the assumption that a sale is not imminent.  I do not envision them reinvesting the savings if this is true.

I look at what they have, and I just don't see a lineup that can seriously compete in the next two years without some real free agent investment.  There are some promising elements that could be key parts of a competitive lineup, but I'm not seeing that middle-of-the-order high level production that a competitive lineup needs.  Jenkins or ERod could eventually be that, but not in the next two years without some incredibly wishful thinking.  I think the ship has sailed on Wallner and Royce (especially Wallner) being that - too inconsistent.  And who catches in 2027?  They're not extending Jeffers in this scenario.  Nothing they've received in this round of trades will meaningfully help in this window on the position player front (Roden ain't that guy). There's just too many holes to rebuild in-house in that short of a timeframe. 

And the bullpen ... you're basically starting from scratch.  The quality bullpen they just shipped off wasn't built overnight.  They may have the elements of one on hand, but they have to work out what the future rotation is first.  The guys that don't make that cut might be quality bullpen pieces, but do we really think they can get that all sorted out in less than two years?  You're banking on winning a lot of coin flips for that to be true.

So, if a return to contention isn't realistic by 2027 without free agent investment, and that investment isn't going to meaningfully happen, then 2026/2027 isn't really a contention window.  In that case, there's no reason to keep any of Lopez/Ryan/Ober into next year unless they have health issues dragging their value down to the point they're better off waiting until next trade deadline to see if they can rebuild that value

This is all rooted in the assumption that they're not reinvesting the salary savings (both Correa and the arb raises they now don't have to give out) they got this trade deadline.  I'd love to be proven wrong, but I'll believe it when I see it.  Reasonable minds can differ about the returns they got in trade, but the fact is every single move they made was something you'd do if you were planning on cutting payroll to the bone for the next few years (maybe not Varland so much, but that move certainly didn't cost them more money).  It's not the only reason for the trades, but it's certainly a reason.

[Cory Engelhardt]

6 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

Speaking for myself, I'm working off the assumption that a sale is not imminent.  I do not envision them reinvesting the savings if this is true.

I look at what they have, and I just don't see a lineup that can seriously compete in the next two years without some real free agent investment.  There are some promising elements that could be key parts of a competitive lineup, but I'm not seeing that middle-of-the-order high level production that a competitive lineup needs.  Jenkins or ERod could eventually be that, but not in the next two years without some incredibly wishful thinking.  I think the ship has sailed on Wallner and Royce (especially Wallner) being that - too inconsistent.  And who catches in 2027?  They're not extending Jeffers in this scenario.  Nothing they've received in this round of trades will meaningfully help in this window on the position player front (Roden ain't that guy). There's just too many holes to rebuild in-house in that short of a timeframe. 

And the bullpen ... you're basically starting from scratch.  The quality bullpen they just shipped off wasn't built overnight.  They may have the elements of one on hand, but they have to work out what the future rotation is first.  The guys that don't make that cut might be quality bullpen pieces, but do we really think they can get that all sorted out in less than two years?  You're banking on winning a lot of coin flips for that to be true.

So, if a return to contention isn't realistic by 2027 without free agent investment, and that investment isn't going to meaningfully happen, then 2026/2027 isn't really a contention window.  In that case, there's no reason to keep any of Lopez/Ryan/Ober into next year unless they have health issues dragging their value down to the point they're better off waiting until next trade deadline to see if they can rebuild that value

This is all rooted in the assumption that they're not reinvesting the salary savings (both Correa and the arb raises they now don't have to give out) they got this trade deadline.  I'd love to be proven wrong, but I'll believe it when I see it.  Reasonable minds can differ about the returns they got in trade, but the fact is every single move they made was something you'd do if you were planning on cutting payroll to the bone for the next few years (maybe not Varland so much, but that move certainly didn't cost them more money).  It's not the only reason for the trades, but it's certainly a reason.

Ok, but let's play it out with a cup that's even near half full.

Barring health, let's say Lewis and Wallner both do get back to their expected seasons. Wallner carrying an .800 OPS and Lewis being closer to 2023. He doesn't even have to top what he did, just not the shell of himself to start this year. With Buxton playing the way he can, and Lee getting more footing along with Keaschall, those are 5 bats that can be at the top of an order.

I do think they need a 1B. They'll certainly have money to give a 1 or 2 year deal to someone like Ryan O'Hearn or Josh Naylor.

I don't know what the plan is with Jeffers. I could see him play out in 2026, or I could see a small extension with him since he hasn't been traded. But they do need a co-catcher with Vazquez moving on. I did see they were interested in Yankees backup JC Escarra around the deadline but nothing materialized. I think for 2026 they need to find someone who can produce at least as well as Vazquez did, and I don't think you need to trade Ryan to acquire that player.

After that, they do have a rotation. Yes they will need to bring in some 1 year free agents. And I'm not going to say it'll change overnight, but Varland and Jax and Duran and Stewart were all failed starters, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that they can piece together a bullpen between April 2026 and the trade deadline. It's also not at all a guarantee that any of Jax/Duran/Stewart/Varland stay both A) Healthy and B) as productive in 2026 as they did in 2025.

Outside of that, figuring out the outfield could be a chore, or it could become Buxton and Jenkins with Roden or Outman in short order. Or maybe someone else, like Austin Martin? Gabriel Gonzalez in left? 

Anyway, I am an optimist by choice. But I don't think the cupboard is bare for 2026. Even if they do trade Ryan (and if they do, I'd imagine they would get back either a starting level catcher or a middle of the order bat along with another prospect and probably a good reliever) and then you still have Lopez/Ober/Zebby/Abel/Bradley/SWR/Festa and then will move some guys from fringe starter to bullpen no?

But yeah, with all of this, what would you think Ryan would bring?

[Chembry]

42 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I keep seeing people say they are certain that both Lopez and Ryan are getting traded. Other than the trade deadline happening a few days ago, I struggle to see why people are so certain of this.

That said, let's play it out. Let's say one of them is traded. I'll say Ryan because he is having the better year and isn't injured. What is coming back in that scenario? It's not like we trade him and then nothing is in return.

What do you think a return for Ryan would be? How would trading him help the 2026 and 2027 team? And how would that help the team more than trading him would?

I am also puzzled by that line of thinking.  I don't think there is any incentive to trade Lopez.  He is a veteran presence that can really mentor young up and coming pitchers like Abel, Bradley, Raya, Morris, Prelipp, etc... A clubhouse presence like that is invaluable.  

If we go under the premise that one of Lopez/Ryan/Ober will be traded in the offseason, my guess is it will be Ryan.  He has the highest upside and controllable through 2027.  The Red Sox wanted Ryan really bad.  From what I read, the Twins wanted Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu, but the Red Sox weren't willing to part with them right now.  The Red Sox have a logjam of OF currently with Durran, Abreu, Anthony, and Rafaela.  They also have Jhostynxon Garcia at AAA who is also MLB ready, but don't have a spot for him.   They may revisit those conversations in the offseason and try to get Durran who is under team control through 2028.  

Or the Twins may pivot to try trading Ryan for a true 1B.  They tried to get Christian Walker from the Astros for Correa.  That tells me they are trying to compete in 2026 with a younger, more athletic core.  

I don't think the Twins trade Lopez/Ryan/Ober unless Abel/Bradley show they can step into that role.  Even then, I think it's a long shot. If they do, I believe they only move 1 of those 3.  Those words may come back to bite me.      

1 hour ago, Doctor Wu said:

As far as potential bullpen arms, what about SWR? He can't seem to get over the 5 innings hump, so is the bullpen a better place to use him? I honestly have no strong opinion, but what do others think? 

SWR along with a few others may be a good fit for the bullpen.  I have stated, along with others, that a few of our SP should be converted to bullpen roles.  Raya seems like he could be a good fit, maybe Festa, Morris, etc...

[The Great Hambino]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Ok, but let's play it out with a cup that's even near half full.

Barring health, let's say Lewis and Wallner both do get back to their expected seasons. Wallner carrying an .800 OPS and Lewis being closer to 2023. He doesn't even have to top what he did, just not the shell of himself to start this year. With Buxton playing the way he can, and Lee getting more footing along with Keaschall, those are 5 bats that can be at the top of an order.

I do think they need a 1B. They'll certainly have money to give a 1 or 2 year deal to someone like Ryan O'Hearn or Josh Naylor.

I don't know what the plan is with Jeffers. I could see him play out in 2026, or I could see a small extension with him since he hasn't been traded. But they do need a co-catcher with Vazquez moving on. I did see they were interested in Yankees backup JC Escarra around the deadline but nothing materialized. I think for 2026 they need to find someone who can produce at least as well as Vazquez did, and I don't think you need to trade Ryan to acquire that player.

After that, they do have a rotation. Yes they will need to bring in some 1 year free agents. And I'm not going to say it'll change overnight, but Varland and Jax and Duran and Stewart were all failed starters, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that they can piece together a bullpen between April 2026 and the trade deadline. It's also not at all a guarantee that any of Jax/Duran/Stewart/Varland stay both A) Healthy and B) as productive in 2026 as they did in 2025.

Outside of that, figuring out the outfield could be a chore, or it could become Buxton and Jenkins with Roden or Outman in short order. Or maybe someone else, like Austin Martin? Gabriel Gonzalez in left? 

Anyway, I am an optimist by choice. But I don't think the cupboard is bare for 2026. Even if they do trade Ryan (and if they do, I'd imagine they would get back either a starting level catcher or a middle of the order bat along with another prospect and probably a good reliever) and then you still have Lopez/Ober/Zebby/Abel/Bradley/SWR/Festa and then will move some guys from fringe starter to bullpen no?

But yeah, with all of this, what would you think Ryan would bring?

I would hope for a return like you described for Ryan.  If they're not looking at 2026 as a competitive year, it would open up the possibilities of getting someone a little further away but more highly regarded.  But that's in the ballpark of what I'd hope to get for him.

I think that they do have the elements of a quality bullpen, I just don't think they'll have them identified and developed by any time next year.  I think - in fact, I hope - it takes them longer than April 2026 to sift through their pile of young fringe starters and figure out the future rotation.  And I think that has to happen before they can really develop they guys that don't make the cut as back-end bullpen stalwarts.   And I don't see that happening over the course of 2/3rds of a season.  If they have a quality bullpen by the end of 2027, they will have done an impressive job.

I don't think extending Jeffers is an option because I don't know why he or Boras would agree to one without it being very lucrative, and I just don't see current ownership doing that.

Just because they have the funds to spend on an O'Hearn doesn't mean they will.  In fact, I'd be shocked if current ownership did.  Same with any meaningful bullpen reinforcements.  I think they're shopping in the Jay Jackson clearance rack.

The outfield you've described is not a contending outfield, at least not right away.  I'm very excited for Jenkins, but I think it's wishful thinking to think that he'll be the kind of player they need him to be to contend right away, certainly not in 2026.  Gonzalez is even less likely to be that kind of contributor in that timeframe.  Roden to me is a less powerful Larnach with the bat.  Outman and Martin?  Come on, man...

Ultimately, the timing of their window depends on their willingness to reinvest their salary savings in the roster.  Under this ownership, I just don't see that happening.  They just don't seem like the type to put money into an asset they don't want.  But all bets are off if there's new ownership in place anytime soon.

I will say this, though:  I think they've positioned themselves well to be able to pivot in either direction.  If they do choose to go for a quick turnaround, they have the opportunity to make real upgrades through free agency, especially if the only starter traded is Lopez (more immediate cash available).  But they're also in a position to complete a full teardown this offseason if that reinvestment isn't happening.   They haven't picked a lane, but they are in a position to decisively pick one this offseason

[Cory Engelhardt]

31 minutes ago, The Great Hambino said:

I would hope for a return like you described for Ryan.  If they're not looking at 2026 as a competitive year, it would open up the possibilities of getting someone a little further away but more highly regarded.  But that's in the ballpark of what I'd hope to get for him.

I think that they do have the elements of a quality bullpen, I just don't think they'll have them identified and developed by any time next year.  I think - in fact, I hope - it takes them longer than April 2026 to sift through their pile of young fringe starters and figure out the future rotation.  And I think that has to happen before they can really develop they guys that don't make the cut as back-end bullpen stalwarts.   And I don't see that happening over the course of 2/3rds of a season.  If they have a quality bullpen by the end of 2027, they will have done an impressive job.

I don't think extending Jeffers is an option because I don't know why he or Boras would agree to one without it being very lucrative, and I just don't see current ownership doing that.

Just because they have the funds to spend on an O'Hearn doesn't mean they will.  In fact, I'd be shocked if current ownership did.  Same with any meaningful bullpen reinforcements.  I think they're shopping in the Jay Jackson clearance rack.

The outfield you've described is not a contending outfield, at least not right away.  I'm very excited for Jenkins, but I think it's wishful thinking to think that he'll be the kind of player they need him to be to contend right away, certainly not in 2026.  Gonzalez is even less likely to be that kind of contributor in that timeframe.  Roden to me is a less powerful Larnach with the bat.  Outman and Martin?  Come on, man...

Ultimately, the timing of their window depends on their willingness to reinvest their salary savings in the roster.  Under this ownership, I just don't see that happening.  They just don't seem like the type to put money into an asset they don't want.  But all bets are off if there's new ownership in place anytime soon.

I will say this, though:  I think they've positioned themselves well to be able to pivot in either direction.  If they do choose to go for a quick turnaround, they have the opportunity to make real upgrades through free agency, especially if the only starter traded is Lopez (more immediate cash available).  But they're also in a position to complete a full teardown this offseason if that reinvestment isn't happening.   They haven't picked a lane, but they are in a position to decisively pick one this offseason

I do agree that new owners are needed asap. And I do agree that they have a path to choose once that happens.

If Ryan does go back to Boston, I'd imagine they could get Tristan Casas as DH/1B along with a starting outfielder and a good prospect or 2. Barring health that wouldn't hurt either. Casas or O'Hearn or Naylor or someone, I think the focus to get a middle of the order bat would solve a lot of issues with the lineup as a whole.

And if Roden (or Outman) could be Larnach with improved defense, that's a good thing too no? 

I do think you are selling Jenkins a little bit short with his potential, but we'll have to see results when he does come up.

Otherwise, fun talking baseball. Thanks!

[Mike Sixel]

9 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I do agree that new owners are needed asap. And I do agree that they have a path to choose once that happens.

If Ryan does go back to Boston, I'd imagine they could get Tristan Casas as DH/1B along with a starting outfielder and a good prospect or 2. Barring health that wouldn't hurt either. Casas or O'Hearn or Naylor or someone, I think the focus to get a middle of the order bat would solve a lot of issues with the lineup as a whole.

And if Roden (or Outman) could be Larnach with improved defense, that's a good thing too no? 

I do think you are selling Jenkins a little bit short with his potential, but we'll have to see results when he does come up.

Otherwise, fun talking baseball. Thanks!

Why would you trade for Casas? If you are giving up Ryan, you aren't competing (most likely) in 26. He's hitting like Vazquez this year. I really don't get the obsession with this guy. He wasn't even all that good last year. Really, why? Why do people want him?

Roman Anthony or bust. There isn't a minor league prospect anyone should LOVE in that system.

[Cory Engelhardt]

16 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Why would you trade for Casas? If you are giving up Ryan, you aren't competing (most likely) in 26. He's hitting like Vazquez this year. I really don't get the obsession with this guy. He wasn't even all that good last year. Really, why? Why do people want him?

Roman Anthony or bust. There isn't a minor league prospect anyone should LOVE in that system.

Roman Anthony just signed an 8 year 130 million dollar deal. He isn't going anywhere.

I only mention Casas because I know the Twins have had interest in him in the past. He has shown real power in the past and is coming off an injured year. He wouldn't be the centerpiece in a Ryan trade, but I do think they need a middle of the order bat for this line. If he is healthy, I think he has that type of production in him. That's all.

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

Roman Anthony just signed an 8 year 130 million dollar deal. He isn't going anywhere.

I only mention Casas because I know the Twins have had interest in him in the past. He has shown real power in the past and is coming off an injured year. He wouldn't be the centerpiece in a Ryan trade, but I do think they need a middle of the order bat for this line. If he is healthy, I think he has that type of production in him. That's all.

Didn't know about Anthony. I have zero interest in trading Ryan to Boston. Casas isn't a middle of the order bat.

He's just not all that good. He's 25 with a 56 wrc+ and negative .6 fwar this year. He wasn't good last year. He was mediocre the year before. 

I just don't get it.

[Cory Engelhardt]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Didn't know about Anthony. I have zero interest in trading Ryan to Boston. Casas isn't a middle of the order bat.

He's just not all that good. He's 25 with a 56 wrc+ and negative .6 fwar this year. He wasn't good last year. He was mediocre the year before. 

I just don't get it.

Then if they are trading Ryan it isn’t to Boston. Seattle and other teams probably would have interest. It’s not like it has to be just to Boston for whatever Boston would decide to trade

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

Then if they are trading Ryan it isn’t to Boston. Seattle and other teams probably would have interest. It’s not like it has to be just to Boston for whatever Boston would decide to trade

The Mets have 4 players in the top 65 on Fangraphs prospect list, two SP and two CF. That's the organization, imo, they should be dealing with. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The Mets have 4 players in the top 65 on Fangraphs prospect list, two SP and two CF. That's the organization, imo, they should be dealing with. 

I like Jonah Tong a lot actually. But with them getting Abel and Rojas and Bradley last week, along with the other starting pitchers they have and are close, I don't know that I'd prioritize another AA/AAA type starting pitcher for a return like this. I'd want to look at trading a strength to fill an area of need. Especially with the idea that I THINK they have real options in the rotation once that gets sorted out.

I also like their centerfield prospect options. Do I like them more than Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez? No. And their options and Jenkins will all debut around the same time, in the next year or so at some point.

How about Tampa? They've made lots of trades with them over the years. Tampa has a number of hitters who are already either in the majors or who are close who would very much help the 2026 club.

I guess that's what I'm saying. I THINK if Ryan (for example) is traded, it would be to help an area of need for next year and 2027. I wouldn't see the point to adding to an area that they already have volume. AA/AAA starting pitching is a spot in the organization right now that they have quite a bit of depth. I know you can never have enough pitching, but if they are trading Ryan I think the focus could be elsewhere.

[The Great Hambino]

42 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I do agree that new owners are needed asap. And I do agree that they have a path to choose once that happens.

If Ryan does go back to Boston, I'd imagine they could get Tristan Casas as DH/1B along with a starting outfielder and a good prospect or 2. Barring health that wouldn't hurt either. Casas or O'Hearn or Naylor or someone, I think the focus to get a middle of the order bat would solve a lot of issues with the lineup as a whole.

And if Roden (or Outman) could be Larnach with improved defense, that's a good thing too no? 

I do think you are selling Jenkins a little bit short with his potential, but we'll have to see results when he does come up.

Otherwise, fun talking baseball. Thanks!

I appreciate the convo as well.  

I like to think my pessimism is realism, but that might be a defense mechanism - expect the worst, hope for the best. (Except for Outman.  That I'm full-blown pessimist.  Meaningful pieces of a contender don't need time at AAA to work on things at age 28)  Ultimately my entire viewpoint hinges on their willingness to reinvest in payroll, which will or won't happen regardless of my opinion

[Mike Sixel]

8 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I like Jonah Tong a lot actually. But with them getting Abel and Rojas and Bradley last week, along with the other starting pitchers they have and are close, I don't know that I'd prioritize another AA/AAA type starting pitcher for a return like this. I'd want to look at trading a strength to fill an area of need. Especially with the idea that I THINK they have real options in the rotation once that gets sorted out.

I also like their centerfield prospect options. Do I like them more than Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez? No. And their options and Jenkins will all debut around the same time, in the next year or so at some point.

How about Tampa? They've made lots of trades with them over the years. Tampa has a number of hitters who are already either in the majors or who are close who would very much help the 2026 club.

I guess that's what I'm saying. I THINK if Ryan (for example) is traded, it would be to help an area of need for next year and 2027. I wouldn't see the point to adding to an area that they already have volume. AA/AAA starting pitching is a spot in the organization right now that they have quite a bit of depth. I know you can never have enough pitching, but if they are trading Ryan I think the focus could be elsewhere.

It's hard to see Tampa trading for a guy that's about to get expensive. 

Jenkins isn't a CF. Emma is never healthy. 

Also, no such thing as too much pitching, especially if you are dealing Ryan.

If you don't think they need OF or P, what are you even trading for? They likely don't trade for a SS, given Culpepper and Houston. There is no 1B prospect worth a pitcher. I'd guess catcher is the best option if you aren't going for SP or OF. So, Seattle or Baltimore.....(the obsession with Duran also makes no sense if you are dealing Ryan, imo).

[Cory Engelhardt]

15 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

It's hard to see Tampa trading for a guy that's about to get expensive. 

Jenkins isn't a CF. Emma is never healthy. 

Also, no such thing as too much pitching, especially if you are dealing Ryan.

If you don't think they need OF or P, what are you even trading for? They likely don't trade for a SS, given Culpepper and Houston. There is no 1B prospect worth a pitcher. I'd guess catcher is the best option if you aren't going for SP or OF. So, Seattle or Baltimore.....(the obsession with Duran also makes no sense if you are dealing Ryan, imo).

That’s a very good question to be honest. Catcher or middle of the order type bat (and figure out position later) is what I would lean towards

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

That’s a very good question to be honest. Catcher or middle of the order type bat (and figure out position later) is what I would lean towards

I don't think Baltimore is going to trade Basallo , but that's a guess of course.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

I don't think Baltimore is going to trade Basallo , but that's a guess of course.

Then another team will offer something they like, right? Of course, they could just keep Ryan too.