Twins trade for Tristan Gray..,

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/twins-to-acquire-tristan-gray.html

Why?

[nicksaviking]

There was a time when rostering a no-name, ageing, journeyman player was quaint and interesting and people could cheer for the feel good story. 

But when that's the only kind of player you bring in, you're just going to get everyone to cheer against them.

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

I guess between Gray, Arcia, Brujan, Kreidler, if they all make it to spring training, they have covered themselves for the inevitable injuries to Lewis and Lee. 

[Riverbrian]

Interestingly... He was a member of the 40 man folks in Boston so he comes to Minnesota requiring a 40 man spot or a trip through the waiver wire. 

The Red Sox were at 41... this brings them to 40. 

The Twins were at 41... this brings them to 42.  

So... if my math is correct. Two players will have to be moved off the 40 man. 

Just my opinion but I'd guess that Gray, Brujan and Kriedler are the top considerations to be designated for assignment. 

Jackson could also be a consideration with the addition of Caratini. 

42 on the 40 man could also be a strong indication of a trade in the very very very near future.

However... if the team is trying to set up for a run at the AL Central title in 2026. Any legitimate trade value that we send elsewhere would probably bring back a major league ready talent that also requires a 40 man spot. 

The off-season churns along. 

 

[LewFordLives]

I always wonder how these kinds of trade happen.  Why Tristan Gray?  Did the Twins just really want him based on the recommendation of one of their scouts?  Did the Red Sox tell the world he was about to be DFAd, so send your best offer if interested?

[bunsen82]

 

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

Interestingly... He was a member of the 40 man folks in Boston so he comes to Minnesota requiring a 40 man spot or a trip through the waiver wire. 

The Red Sox were at 41... this brings them to 40. 

The Twins were at 41... this brings them to 42.  

So... if my math is correct. Two players will have to be moved off the 40 man. 

Just my opinion but I'd guess that Gray, Brujan and Kriedler are the top considerations to be designated for assignment. 

Jackson could also be a consideration with the addition of Caratini. 

42 on the 40 man could also be a strong indication of a trade in the very very very near future.

However... if the team is trying to set up for a run at the AL Central title in 2026. Any legitimate trade value that we send elsewhere would probably bring back a major league ready talent that also requires a 40 man spot. 

The off-season churns along. 

 

Brujan is 1 corresponding move.   Pereda, Julien, Kriedler, Outman and Gray are all 5 pretty fringy 40 man spots.  Pereda is still likely our 3rd catcher since he still has options.   

[bunsen82]

45 minutes ago, LewFordLives said:

I always wonder how these kinds of trade happen.  Why Tristan Gray?  Did the Twins just really want him based on the recommendation of one of their scouts?  Did the Red Sox tell the world he was about to be DFAd, so send your best offer if interested?

My guess is Twins had shown interest prior.   Red Sox were over so were going to DFA  - in this case they put it out there to see if there was anything they could get for him,  effectively worth more than a DFA but not much.  For the Twins they see a player with options that can be utility depth for AAA.  For this year that has value - and its more than Baez.  We also as of now have more Catching depth,  so AAA was going to be squeezed for C opportunities as currently constructed.   Baez also appeared to not have the defensive chops playing more at 1st base recently.  

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, bunsen82 said:

 

Brujan is 1 corresponding move.   Pereda, Julien, Kriedler, Outman and Gray are all 5 pretty fringy 40 man spots.  Pereda is still likely our 3rd catcher since he still has options.   

Agreed on all. 

However... We still have training camp yet to be identified injuries that will influence the need of a Julien for example. 

I assume that... If everyone is healthy... a decision will need to be made between Clemens and Julien. I just don't assume that everyone will be healthy come opening day. 

That should keep Julien, Outman and Jackson out of the immediate mix.  

[NotAboutWinning]

Begs the question: How much activity can you generate without actually doing anything? 😝

[ashbury]

6 hours ago, NotAboutWinning said:

Begs the question: How much activity can you generate without actually doing anything? 😝

My managers back before I retired could point to my weekly reports as good evidence the limit can be zero.

[lecroy24fan]

10 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

The Twins were at 41... this brings them to 42.  

So... if my math is correct. Two players will have to be moved off the 40 man. 

Caratini has not officially been signed yet so he's not on the 40 man. 

[Riverbrian]

That is true but... 

well... his arrival is imminent and I can't wait for them. 😉

[Irishman]

Another stupid trade!

[stringer bell]

Adding Gray with the reported Rogers and Caratini signings means that two have to come off the 40-man roster. So far, they have cut position players exclusively since adding the minors leaguers to prevent Rule V claims. Could they move a pitcher at this point? I really don't see it TBH.

On the position player side, guys without options are Kreidler, Outman, Clemens, Julien and Jackson. It would appear to me that one or both of the DFAs will come from that group. I don't know if whoever they DFA will clear, they haven't had much success getting guys through and then outrighting them.