The Twins Should Capitalize on Carmen Mlodzinski’s Awkward Standoff with Pittsburgh Pirates

[GNess]

Nice article advocating an opportunistic approach. However, how do the Twins improve by trying to obtain a SP who can't hold down a spot in the Pirates rotation? At best he is their # 6 starter.. 

It is clear to me the Pirates at long last are positioned to have an above .500 record, but they are still the Pirates and the thought of there being a surplus of SP doesn't seem to add up.

[Western SD Fan]

This could be a good low-wattage trade for the Twins.  Especially for this year, where you're on the fringes of competing, but don't want to screw up whatever process the Twins are currently under.

From the Twins perspective, even as a bulk pitcher, he is currently a more effective bulk pitcher than anyone else we currently have on the 40-man roster.  As reported by Dan Hayes yesterday, Abel is cleared to face live batting practice on Thursday, and he is the pitcher closest to coming back from the IL.  When Abel comes back, the move would allow Prielipp a chance to go back to St. Paul and work on some things, like his control.  If the Twins continue to fade, they can still trade Ryan and Mlodzinski will still give bulk innings for a team that will need pitchers to get through the season.

From the Pirates perspective, you are able to rid yourself of what appears to be a disgruntled player and likely pick up a low-level prospect as I'm not sure there is anyone currently on the team that the Pirates would want.  Maybe Larnach as he could replace Ozuna as DH.  I don't think the Pirates would want either Lewis or Wallner as neither one would fit into their short- or long-term plans.  

Now for the warts.  He has never thrown over 99 innings in a season.  His ERA and WHIP has been increasing every year including this one.  His hard-hit rate for 2026 is over 50% and his ground ball rate is 43.2%.  Not exactly encouraging for a shaky defense with limited range and a below average K-rate.  It's possible that Pete Maki and the coaching staff could tweak his pitch mix and get some more out of him.

Ultimately, you need arms to get through the season, and the Twins need arms if they want to stay competitive.  If there is a low-level trade that can be worked out, I think it would work out for both teams.

[JD-TWINS]

39 minutes ago, mickster said:

For a team that has a shot - a lot more than a 5th starter

Who is the Yankees 5th starter - the 5th starter for the Braves - the 5th starter for the Phillies ? Do any of these teams or the other current 9 playoff teams trade that guy for a 2 month rental? …… and you want more than the 5th starter.

Also, the Twins won’t trade for anyone that currently makes a decent salary. Limiting.

There’s a difference between what one wants - what one hopes for - & what one can get.

How many contending Teams are going to add a “starting catcher” or need to add one? Not getting Jeffers via deadline trade to sit as a depth piece.

20 Teams may be interested at the end of the year but I don’t see a strong market for two months……… coming off a BROKEN BONE.

[TheLeviathan]

Why would a contending team deal from their all important pitching depth because a 27 year old is a bit sad he lost his spot?

I know it's the Pirates but there is absolutely zero reason for them to move this guy for anything but an overpay.

[Nshore]

If the Pirates are smart, they'll do everything they can to patch things up with Mlodzinski and hang on to him.  The Twins are exhibit A of how quickly pitching can fall apart just when you think it's looking good.

[jkcarew]

“…Mlodzinski would be all but guaranteed a rotation spot with Minnesota for the rest of the 2026 season, potentially playing an integral role in the club’s ability to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.”

Oh, most definitely YES! It makes all the sense in the world for the Twins to be buyers this year! 🙄 Let’s ask them which prospects they want.

[mickster]

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

Who is the Yankees 5th starter - the 5th starter for the Braves - the 5th starter for the Phillies ? Do any of these teams or the other current 9 playoff teams trade that guy for a 2 month rental? …… and you want more than the 5th starter.

Also, the Twins won’t trade for anyone that currently makes a decent salary. Limiting.

There’s a difference between what one wants - what one hopes for - & what one can get.

How many contending Teams are going to add a “starting catcher” or need to add one? Not getting Jeffers via deadline trade to sit as a depth piece.

20 Teams may be interested at the end of the year but I don’t see a strong market for two months……… coming off a BROKEN BONE.

Those that have the need, will want to add one.    The level of a 5th starter is accurate by you, as each teams 5th is different.   Getting something instead of nothing is obviously better - I just don't want to part with him.  That is a want, yes

[Linus]

9 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

“…Mlodzinski would be all but guaranteed a rotation spot with Minnesota for the rest of the 2026 season, potentially playing an integral role in the club’s ability to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.”

Oh, most definitely YES! It makes all the sense in the world for the Twins to be buyers this year! 🙄 Let’s ask them which prospects they want.

I love the snarkiness!  Sounds like me. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

26 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

“…Mlodzinski would be all but guaranteed a rotation spot with Minnesota for the rest of the 2026 season, potentially playing an integral role in the club’s ability to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.”

Oh, most definitely YES! It makes all the sense in the world for the Twins to be buyers this year! 🙄 Let’s ask them which prospects they want.

1 1/2 games out from the third wild card spot. 

[bean5302]

Lots of hard contact? Check
Low K rate? Check
Medium/high walk rate? Check
Below average stuff across the board? Check

Yeah, I'll pass on SWR #2

[strumdatjag]

3 hours ago, thelanges5 said:

Disgruntled guy for disgruntled guy. Everyone gets a change of scenery.

Except Twins fans get the guy with a name that’s impossible to spell and pronounce.   It took me almost a year to spell and pronounce Keaschall and it will take another year to figure out how to spell and pronounce reliever Gomez’s first name.