Part of the Core, or Out the Door? Ranking Minnesota Twins Trade Candidates, 1-5

Cody Christie · November 20, 2025

Image courtesy of © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Some of the names at the top of this list are returnees from last year, but the core of the team took on a very different feel after last season’s trade deadline. On paper, the Twins can roll out the same group and be somewhat competitive in the AL Central. However, there are no guarantees that every piece of the core will still be on the roster when the team reconvenes in Fort Myers.

As the Minnesota Twins gear up for the 2026 season, the focus shifts to the core group of players who form the backbone of the roster. Some players have cemented their place as long-term building blocks, while others could be valuable trade assets. In this article, we rank the Twins’ most important pieces at the big-league level, considering their impact and the likelihood of them being traded before the 2026 season.

5. C Ryan Jeffers
Pros: Jeffers emerged as one of the best offensive catchers in the American League over the last three seasons, with his 115 wRC+ ranking behind only Cal Raleigh and Yainer Diaz. His blend of power, improved contact ability, and comfort handling the pitching staff made him a vital part of Minnesota’s lineup. His leadership behind the plate and familiarity with the pitching core add intangible value that is difficult to replace. He has continued to show growth in game-calling and preparation.

Cons: His defensive metrics remain inconsistent, which could lead to questions about his long-term fit as the everyday catcher. He's a below-average framer and blocker of pitches in the dirt. With only one season of team control remaining, his future in Minnesota becomes more complicated. The Twins have to weigh the risk of losing him for nothing against extracting value at a position where strong offensive performers are rare.

Trade Likelihood: High
He is only under team control for the 2026 season. The Twins will probably trade him this winter, or before July’s trade deadline.

4. 2B Luke Keaschall
Pros: Keaschall’s stock soared in 2025 as he showcased a well-rounded offensive profile and MLB Pipeline named him to their 2025 All-Rookie Team. His bat-to-ball skills; aggressive but controlled approach; and knack for squaring the ball up (to get the most out of his below-average bat speed) quickly made him one of the most productive young hitters on the roster. His versatility gives Minnesota flexibility as they attempt to build a lineup with fewer weak spots. As he gets further away from Tommy John surgery, he can likely start playing the outfield again, too.

Cons: His breakout season is based on a relatively small sample at the major-league level. Teams will want to see whether he can maintain his approach once the league adjusts. His ability to stick at one position is still in question, and while versatility is valuable, it can also create uncertainty about where he fits into future lineup plans. If another team sees him as an everyday player at a premium spot, Minnesota could be tempted.

Trade Likelihood: Low
Keaschall has too much upside and too many years of control for the Twins to seriously consider moving him—unless an overwhelming offer comes along.

3. OF Byron Buxton
Pros: Buxton reminded the organization how valuable he can be when healthy. His defense in center field stabilizes the entire outfield, and his power-speed combination remains one of the most electric blends in the league. He won his first Silver Slugger and finished in the top 12 for the AL MVP. His leadership and presence in the clubhouse continue to matter, especially as the roster transitions to a younger core. When he is on the field, Buxton completely changes what the Twins are capable of doing.

Cons: Health uncertainty remains the defining issue. Even though he made strides in staying on the field last season, Minnesota cannot ignore the years of injuries that have altered his long-term outlook. His defense took a step back in 2025, and he may need to move to a corner outfield spot with top prospects on the horizon. With a no-trade clause in place, any deal would require his approval, and his future becomes complicated if the club continues its shift toward youth.

Trade Likelihood: Medium
He has a no-trade clause, but rumors began swirling that he would be open to a trade if the Twins continue trading veteran players.

2. SP Pablo López
Pros: When López is locked in, he remains one of the most reliable starting pitchers in the American League. He ranked in the top sextile of the league in limiting hard contact and inducing batters to chase pitches outside the zone. His strike-throwing, his ability to pitch deep into games, and the swing-and-miss sweeper (30.1% whiff rate) that has become his signature make him a legitimate top-of-the-rotation arm. He brings consistency and leadership to a staff that needs both during the transition to a younger core.

Cons: He was limited to under 80 innings last season, after averaging over 186 per season from 2022-24. He returned at the end of the year and performed well, but Minnesota must determine whether the ace version of López will return. His contract, while reasonable for a frontline starter, represents a significant portion of the Twins' payroll. With multiple young arms nearing the majors, the front office may view this as the right time to reallocate resources.

Trade Likelihood: High
The Twins are on a limited budget and will need his $21 million for other parts of the roster.

1. SP Joe Ryan
Pros: Ryan has developed into one of the most dependable and efficient starters in the rotation. His elite command, deceptive fastball, and growing secondary mix give him the tools to pitch near the top of a competitive staff. He was an All-Star for the first time in 2025, after multiple years in which he performed at an All-Star level. With two years of team control remaining, he remains one of the most valuable assets in the organization.

Cons: As Ryan moves through his arbitration years, his salary will steadily rise, and Minnesota must decide whether they are willing to invest long-term in his profile. While effective, he does not possess overwhelming velocity (93.6 MPH on the fastball), and teams may question how his style will age. His value is substantial, and the Twins could maximize their return if they believe his ceiling has already been reached.

Trade Likelihood: Medium-High
Ryan remains a core piece, but his combination of performance, affordability, and projection makes him one of the most valuable trade chips in the organization.

As Minnesota enters a pivotal offseason, decisions regarding these core players will shape not just the 2026 roster but also the franchise's trajectory for years to come. The front office must balance financial limitations, timelines for emerging prospects, and the desire to remain competitive in an ever-changing division.

Some of these players figure to anchor the next contending Twins team, while others may ultimately bring back the pieces needed to build it. Whether Minnesota chooses stability or a bold reset, this winter will reveal precisely how the organization views its core and how committed it is to reshaping the roster for a more sustainable future.

Will any of the players above be traded this winter? Which player is the most critical building block? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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Cory Engelhardt · November 20, 2025

I'd love to hear what an overwhelming offer for Keaschall would be. Truly. I don't think one actually exists for the current version of this team.

Basically, he's not getting traded.

DJL44 · November 20, 2025

I anticipate there will be enough demand for Joe Ryan this offseason that they will receive an offer they can't refuse. I am not sure that is true for Lopez, so they may hang onto him for another year. They may even hang onto Lopez for two more seasons and give him a qualifying offer. That is making an assumption that the next CBA has similar rules for qualifying offers. If the QO goes away, they need to trade Ryan, Lopez and Ober before 2027.

My guess is

Ryan is traded this offseason

Ober is traded at the July trade deadline

Lopez is traded next offseason or the following July deadline

Then we can all discuss which one of the Twins still remaining in 2027 is next to be traded. Lather, rinse, repeat.

tony&rodney · November 20, 2025

The return in any trade needs to be a player with potential.

Jeffers seems like a guy to keep but if Tampa Bay wants to trade Brody Hopkins or Yandy Diaz plus something (Cleavenger), that works. I think the Twins need to add a catcher or two before losing Jeffers. Catchers are rarely traded during the season.

Keaschall has too much promise and way too many questions to bring back a fair return. He is athletic and so the Twins should keep him unless something far out emerges as an option.

Buxton has so much value despite the past injuries that he should bring back a top player/prospect. Centerfielders who can field, run, throw, hit, and hit for power are pretty rare.

Lopez is a value at his salary but the Pohlads love their money so he could be traded. If traded he should return a guy of high value (ignore BBTV). I think Boston will push for Ryan or Lopez.

Ryan is on an enviably low contract and thus his value is sky high. Any team with hopes of appearing in the 2026 World Series should be offering a strong package of players. I want the Twins to get inventive seeking the best player possible if Ryan is traded.

GNess · November 20, 2025

Trading Lopez or Ryan might cause Buxton to waive his no trade clause. I imagine the return if MLB ready players / pitchers could keep Buck in place.

weitz41 · November 20, 2025

With out anything to go on from the FO or ownership it's kinda hard to say core or out the door. If you're looking at max value, you trade Jeffer and Ryan this winter. Also, Buck if he wants out after those moves. I think Pablo will have as much or more value at the trade deadline. Same for Ober.

Keaschall IMO doesn't belong on this list. It's just way too early for him to be considered. Could be our next Polanco or our next Miranda. Another season then he may belong on the list.

amjgt · November 20, 2025

It's kind of odd to frame this article as a "Ranking Minnesota Twins Trade Candidates, 1-5" but then have their trade likelihoods go:

High

Low

Medium

High

Medium-High

I understand it's more of a "value of core guys who might get traded" but if we go off of that premise, trading Wallner and Lewis would almost certainly fetch more than Jeffers and I think they are both more likely to be traded that Keaschall

Nashvilletwin · November 20, 2025

Predictions from the cheap seats:

5. Jeffers - traded between the all-star break and the deadline.

4. Keaschall - no chance he’s traded. He gets every chance to be part of the new core in ‘28.

3. Buxton - if he wants to win, he’s gone He might hang around to see if the team is competitive. Alas, his value will probably never be higher than right now. He okays a trade before the deadline at the latest.

2. Lopez - might be kept for a while to prove he’s okay, help tutor the youngsters (expensive coach), and be a hedge if the team actually is contending. He’s traded by the deadline at the very latest, but possibly very soon if the offer is compelling.

1. Ryan - he’s gone by Christmas.

LA Vikes Fan · November 20, 2025

I think you guys are too itchy on the trigger finger for a trade of Lopez or Ryan. The smart time to trade them is at the 2026 deadline more so than now. There isn't a "need" to trade them given our current payroll. the expert speculation is just that; speculation without really any backing. I think teams are calling and Falvey is listening on both but the required return is sky high. He'll get more at the deadline so why move now?

I think the more likely scenario is that you are looking at the 2026 team right now except that I could see us signing 1 or 2 low wattage relief types, a backup catcher (Heim or even Vasquez back?) and maybe a 1B. The rotation is set 1-4 with Bradley and Matthews fighting for #5, Bradley winning. The bullpen is the 3 we still have, three from Festa, Prielipp, Raya, and Ohl, and 2 FAs or 1 plus Adams. The lineup is what we trotted out in September except that Larnach is gone, replaced by Roden, Fedko, or GG, in that order. I know that makes for a boring offseason but I think that's the plan.

rdehring · November 20, 2025

I was looking at this a bit different. Would replace Keaschall with Larnach/Wallner. Don't believe Keaschall should be traded for anything. Rather, build the next team around him. In his place I see the most likely to be traded some combination of Larnach and/or Wallner. With the very good corner outfielders on the verge, one of this duo needs to be gone come February. Maybe both?

tony&rodney · November 20, 2025

26 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I think you guys are too itchy on the trigger finger for a trade of Lopez or Ryan. The smart time to trade them is at the 2026 deadline more so than now. There isn't a "need" to trade them given our current payroll. the expert speculation is just that; speculation without really any backing. I think teams are calling and Falvey is listening on both but the required return is sky high. He'll get more at the deadline so why move now?

I think the more likely scenario is that you are looking at the 2026 team right now except that I could see us signing 1 or 2 low wattage relief types, a backup catcher (Heim or even Vasquez back?) and maybe a 1B. The rotation is set 1-4 with Bradley and Matthews fighting for #5, Bradley winning. The bullpen is the 3 we still have, three from Festa, Prielipp, Raya, and Ohl, and 2 FAs or 1 plus Adams. The lineup is what we trotted out in September except that Larnach is gone, replaced by Roden, Fedko, or GG, in that order. I know that makes for a boring offseason but I think that's the plan.

55-70 win team. 63 wins would be the over/under. You could be correct. It does seem like some signals are there.

LA Vikes Fan · November 20, 2025

3 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

55-70 win team. 63 wins would be the over/under. You could be correct. It does seem like some signals are there.

I would say a 65-75 win team with 70 as the over/under, but I am the eternal optimist.

Parfigliano · November 20, 2025

4 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

The return in any trade needs to be a player with potential.

Jeffers seems like a guy to keep but if Tampa Bay wants to trade Brody Hopkins or Yandy Diaz plus something (Cleavenger), that works. I think the Twins need to add a catcher or two before losing Jeffers. Catchers are rarely traded during the season.

Keaschall has too much promise and way too many questions to bring back a fair return. He is athletic and so the Twins should keep him unless something far out emerges as an option.

Buxton has so much value despite the past injuries that he should bring back a top player/prospect. Centerfielders who can field, run, throw, hit, and hit for power are pretty rare.

Lopez is a value at his salary but the Pohlads love their money so he could be traded. If traded he should return a guy of high value (ignore BBTV). I think Boston will push for Ryan or Lopez.

Ryan is on an enviably low contract and thus his value is sky high. Any team with hopes of appearing in the 2026 World Series should be offering a strong package of players. I want the Twins to get inventive seeking the best player possible if Ryan is traded.

Ryan is a quality starting pitcher. If traded TC needs to receive best possible quality players in return.

tony&rodney · November 20, 2025

17 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Ryan is a quality starting pitcher. If traded TC needs to receive best possible quality players in return.

Totally agree.

Doctor Gast · November 21, 2025

Keaschal is the type of hitter we need as a core. If we keep Ryan, Lopez & Buxton, we can compete. I don't want us to trade anyone. If Boras gets his way, Jeffers is gone next season. Twins have blown it for not getting a young, promising catcher to be mentored to take over for Jeffers. Even so, instead of letting Jeffers go for nothing, he should be traded for someone who can help. IMO, Jeffers isn't the one who is calling the game; it's the coaches. I want my DH & the corners to hit well, I want my catchers to catch well 1st.

twinstalker · November 21, 2025

I know, let's take our only good player besides Buxton, one who has only six years of team control, and trade him!

It would be the star on the tree, though. The tree of not knowing in the least what we're doing.

JADBP · November 21, 2025

6 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I know, let's take our only good player besides Buxton, one who has only six years of team control, and trade him!

There is one and ONLY ONE plan this off-season: Cut Costs!!!

True story: when an unprofitable company, no matter how rich the owners are, owes the bank $500 million, something’s gotta give. The banks have been putting immense pressure on the Pohlads to make good on the loan. There is no other way this could have went. Period.

They suckered some “investors” to buy some equity in the team to keep the banks from foreclosing on the team.

The other problem that the Pohlads have is that a large portion of their family wealth has been in commercial real estate. That industry took an immense hit during Covid and it still has not recovered. Like all real estate investors/managers/owners, they are most likely sitting on a lot of unprofitable inventory. Some large commercial buildings in Minnesota have sold for a fraction (5-10%!) of their pre-COVID value. The Pohlads have been in financial hell for a few years now (hence the $500 million in loans against the Twins and their attempts to sell the team).

So while we can dream of competing, it just is not going to happen. With the almost certain strike/lockout in 2027, the Pohlads will be losing $$$ every day (no revenue but continued expenses). They need to put away as much $$ as possible or else the Team will just go bankrupt some time in 2027.

They should have already but they chose the alternative: sell off the Team. But, they inanely thought new owners would pay $1.5 Billion for the team while taking on the debt . . . AND at the same time allow baby Joe to still run the team!

So these idiots have no choice but to tank the payroll and save as much as possible. I will wave a gracious goodbye to Buck, Lopez and Ryan. Probably 2-3 others like Larnach, Wallner or Jeffers. This will be a AAAA team next year.

What the idiot owners don’t seem to understand, is that if the team loses 3 outta 4 games with AAAA skill level, the fans will abandon the Twins. Revenue will tank and there will be little money to sock away.

They will wish they had sold the team. They can’t fix this.

Major League Ready · November 21, 2025

4 hours ago, JADBP said:

There is one and ONLY ONE plan this off-season: Cut Costs!!!

True story: when an unprofitable company, no matter how rich the owners are, owes the bank $500 million, something’s gotta give. The banks have been putting immense pressure on the Pohlads to make good on the loan. There is no other way this could have went. Period.

They suckered some “investors” to buy some equity in the team to keep the banks from foreclosing on the team.

The other problem that the Pohlads have is that a large portion of their family wealth has been in commercial real estate. That industry took an immense hit during Covid and it still has not recovered. Like all real estate investors/managers/owners, they are most likely sitting on a lot of unprofitable inventory. Some large commercial buildings in Minnesota have sold for a fraction (5-10%!) of their pre-COVID value. The Pohlads have been in financial hell for a few years now (hence the $500 million in loans against the Twins and their attempts to sell the team).

So while we can dream of competing, it just is not going to happen. With the almost certain strike/lockout in 2027, the Pohlads will be losing $$$ every day (no revenue but continued expenses). They need to put away as much $$ as possible or else the Team will just go bankrupt some time in 2027.

They should have already but they chose the alternative: sell off the Team. But, they inanely thought new owners would pay $1.5 Billion for the team while taking on the debt . . . AND at the same time allow baby Joe to still run the team!

So these idiots have no choice but to tank the payroll and save as much as possible. I will wave a gracious goodbye to Buck, Lopez and Ryan. Probably 2-3 others like Larnach, Wallner or Jeffers. This will be a AAAA team next year.

What the idiot owners don’t seem to understand, is that if the team loses 3 outta 4 games with AAAA skill level, the fans will abandon the Twins. Revenue will tank and there will be little money to sock away.

They will wish they had sold the team. They can’t fix this.

How are you getting financial information on a private company? It would be great if you could post a link to the source of this information.

mikelink45 · November 21, 2025

I once thought Arraez could not be traded! I make no predictions - bold or otherwise. So I will just say we have five guys to build around and I would trade none.

amjgt · November 21, 2025

2 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

How are you getting financial information on a private company? It would be great if you could post a link to the source of this information.

Some people just like to vent, whether it makes actual sense or not. Their default mode is unadulterated negativity. It feels safer to them than hope and positivity.

That's one of those posts I get to the second paragraph and just say to myself "no need to read the rest, it's just going to be complaints based in, at best, half truths"

TopGunn#22 · November 21, 2025

I would have swapped Keaschall out for Wallner. I know the sample size is small, but Keaschall certainly looks like a foundational piece going forward.

Buxton is the Wild Card in this list. If he wants out, it will be hard to mollify him and keep him in the fold. They will never get anything close to value for a Superstar caliber player at $15 million per year. Teams like Atlanta, Philly or the Dodgers would look at that as a drop in the bucket. However, I agree with the idea that WHAT we get back in a trade involving Ryan or Lopez could meet with Buxton's approval.

Ryan and Lopez are certainly both high possibility trade candidates. I trade Ryan NOW with his value at a high level and try to bring a solid major leaguer back. Jarren Duran even up? Duran would be a top of the order hitter providing excellent defense and baserunning (and Buxton Insurance).

So how about a trade of Ryan 52.7 and Jeffers 12.7 (65.4 Total) to the Red Sox for Duran 49.5, Tristan Casas 13.5 and Connor Wong 2.4 (65.4 Total). Wong takes over as the primary backstop (he hit .280 with an OPS of .758 while catching 106 games in 2024). Noah Cardenas can back him up. Duran upgrades the OF defense tremendously and Casas moves in as the 1B with 30-HR potential.

Or how about: Ryan and Jeffers (65.4 Total) for Wilyer Abreu 26.2, Tristan Casas 13.5 Wong, 2.4 and one of either Payton Tolle LH SP 22.7, Kristian Campbell 24.2 (2B/CF) or Franklin Arias 22.1 (SS). Accepting Abreu instead of Duran allows for the addition of either Tolle, Campbell or Arias.

The Red Sox do this because it gives them an All Star #2 SP behind Crochet and a catching tandem if Jeffers/Narvaez. The Twins do it because Jeffers would be gone after this season and Ryan no longer fits their window with young SP's knocking on the door for opportunities. Abreu is a Gold Glove OF who alongside Buxton improves the OF defense immensely and who has 30-HR potential. Casas is your 1B and Wong your primary Catcher.

The extra player the Twins get comes down to a young, promising LH SP in Tolle who could also allow the Twins the opportunity to trade another SP (possibly Ober). Campbell gives the Twins a 2B/CF candidate if they want Keaschall to play some 1B and/or LF. Arias is a talented 21 year old SS who is blocked by Trevor Story and Marcello Meyer.

I'm trading Matt Wallner this off season. Getting Duran or Abreu with Jenkins, Em-Rod and Gabe Gonzalez on the way makes trading Wallner a lock. I'd look at Seattle for Harry Ford (#2 catcher candidate in 0226, future #1 Catcher) or use Wallner for either one of the White Sox young Catchers, OR, Jefferson Quero of the Brewers (stuck behind William Contreras).

So let's imagine the Twins trade Ryan and Jeffers to the Red Sox for Abreu. Casas, Wong and Payton Tolle and they trade Wallner to the White Sox for Edgar Quero. The Twins lineup could look like this:

C E. Quero/Wong 1B Casas 2B Keaschall SS Brooks Lee (Culpepper) 3B Lewis RF Abreu CF Buxton LF Em-Rod/Walker Jenkins DH Rotating Players. Admittedly, LF is not ideal as I see Em-Rod and Jenkins as Mid-May additions. I could see a trade of Ober filling LF.

Rotation: Lopez, Bradley, (Ober)? Tolle, SWR, Matthews, Abel, possibly Prielipp.

This lineup is younger, more athletic and much better defensively, especially if Culpepper progresses and takes the job from Lee. The payroll also falls giving the Twins the space to add a proven closer like Ryan Helsley to anchor the BP at $10 million.

This type of off season plan would allow the team a chance, however slim, to compete in the A.L. Central while building a promising future with a future lineup with Abreu, Casas, Edgar Quero, Keaschall, Culpepper, Walker Jenkins, Em-Rod and MAYBE Roch Cholowsy!! With a young rotation full of potential led by a sage veteran.

TopGunn#22 · November 21, 2025