4 Under-the-Radar Twins Trade Candidates

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, much of the conversation surrounding the Twins centers on the biggest names on the roster. If Minnesota decides to sell, teams will undoubtedly call about Joe Ryan. Ryan Jeffers could draw interest from clubs looking for help behind the plate, and Byron Buxton's name will continue to generate speculation even if a deal remains unlikely.

However, trade deadlines are often shaped by more than just blockbuster moves. Contending teams are constantly searching for complementary pieces that can improve a roster's depth, strengthen a bullpen, or provide matchup advantages down the stretch. Those players rarely generate headlines, but they can still become valuable trade chips.

If the Twins find themselves moving pieces at the deadline, these four under-the-radar players could emerge as realistic trade candidates.

UTL Kody Clemens

Few waiver claims have worked out as well for Minnesota as Clemens. Since joining the organization last season, Clemens has carved out an important role as a versatile bench player capable of contributing on both sides of the ball. In 112 games with the Twins last year, he posted a 96 OPS+ while accumulating 1.2 rWAR. This season, he has taken another step forward with a 112 OPS+ and 0.8 rWAR through 51 games.

His value extends beyond the batter's box. Clemens has provided strong defense at first base and has produced some of the best Defensive Runs Saved totals among players at the position. Add in his ability to move around the diamond, and he becomes an attractive option for a contender seeking a left-handed bat with defensive flexibility.

The return would likely be modest, but utility players who can fill multiple roles often become valuable deadline additions for playoff contenders.

LHP Taylor Rogers

Rogers returned to Minnesota, hoping to finish his career where it started, but there is a scenario where he ends the season elsewhere. The veteran left-hander may be entering the final season of his career, and contenders are always searching for experienced bullpen help in July. While Rogers has not completely stabilized Minnesota's relief corps, some underlying numbers suggest he has pitched better than his traditional statistics indicate.

His 4.63 ERA stands in sharp contrast to a much stronger 3.10 FIP. He has also been more effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .736 OPS compared to an .898 OPS allowed against right-handed batters.

A team looking for a veteran left-handed specialist or matchup reliever could view Rogers as a worthwhile addition. His postseason experience and long track record may hold more value to a contender than they do to a Twins club focused on the future.

OF Trevor Larnach

Larnach spent much of the offseason surrounded by trade speculation. Minnesota reportedly explored moving him during the winter but ultimately held onto the former first-round pick. Instead of seeing his value decline, Larnach has reestablished himself as a productive major league regular.

Through his first 52 games, he owns a 113 OPS+ and 0.6 rWAR. He continues to thrive against right-handed pitching, posting an .809 OPS in those matchups. His struggles against left-handed pitchers remain evident, however, as he has managed just a .446 OPS against southpaws.

That profile may actually increase his appeal to contenders. Many playoff teams look for platoon bats capable of maximizing favorable matchups. Larnach's left-handed power and success against righties could make him a valuable piece for a club seeking additional offense from a corner outfield spot or designated hitter role.

RHP Yoendrys Gómez

Few players have boosted their stock more dramatically over the last couple of months than Gómez. The Twins acquired Gómez from the Rays for cash considerations earlier this season, and the move has quickly paid dividends. Since arriving in Minnesota, he has posted a 0.68 ERA, 1.98 FIP, and 0.825 WHIP while striking out 18 batters and walking only five in 13 1/3 innings.

Minnesota has utilized a closer-by-committee approach throughout the season, but Gómez became the first Twins reliever to reach three saves. His combination of swing-and-miss stuff and affordable team control could make him attractive to organizations looking for bullpen help.

The timing will be important. If Gómez continues pitching at this level throughout June and into July, Minnesota could find itself in a position to sell high on a reliever they acquired for virtually nothing. Even a modest prospect return would represent a strong piece of business for the front office.

Trade deadline discussions often focus on stars and headline-grabbing names, but roster depth can be just as valuable for teams chasing a postseason berth. Clemens, Rogers, Larnach, and Gómez each bring a specific skill set that could appeal to contenders looking for affordable upgrades.

Whether the Twins ultimately move any of these players remains to be seen. Much will depend on where Minnesota sits in the standings as the deadline approaches. Still, these are the types of players who frequently change uniforms in July and quietly help shape the playoff race.

Will the Twins trade any of the players mentioned above? What kind of trade value exists for these lower-tier players? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

 

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[IndianaTwin]

If Gomez proves himself legit, don't trade him. With his years of control, that's exactly the kind of guy they should be trading for. 

 

(Also, if he's legit and gets traded for prospects, I'm not sure I can handle another bazillion "I can't believe we traded Gomez for nothing" articles and comments on TD.)

[IndianaTwin]

And if Rogers reaches a point of being sought after, I'd actually consider going the opposite direction and giving him a modest one year extension. He's only getting $2M this year, and he'll be a year older. I suspect the same amount would get it done and have a spot filled for 2027.

(Emphasis is on "reaches a point of being sought after.")

[Permanent Twins Fan]

Do not trade Gomez. He has a lot of team control and we need all the bullpen help we can get. 

[thelanges5]

Kody - rather keep him and use him in a utility role, not the everyday player that he’s become. But if somebody calls, I’m picking up the phone.

Rogers - doubt there is a market for him but if somebody calls, I’m picking up the phone. 

Larnach - yes, he will make upwards of $7 to $8 million next year and is not worth that, trade him for whatever you can get. 

Gomez - do not trade him, he’s got some team control and is one of the only good parts of the current bullpen.

[DJL44]

Bailey Ober should be on the trade market as well.

[JBK]

How can you blow up something that was already blown up?

[tony&rodney]

Every player can be traded if the return makes sense.

Who exactly are people targeting? Is it DSL, GCL, and FSL lotto tickets?

I'm all ears for specific ideas. 

A month a go I floated a Wallner for a Comp Pick to Arizona. I don't know if that works. 

Talk to everyone, but trade only if the transaction makes sense.

[Sampson5]

Personally I'd just keep Clemens & gomez the others id trade for whatever same with over but controllable good players should be kept when you have no prospect ready to take those spots seems like bad business to move them for a minimal return when they can help the twins for multiple more years without blocking a top prospect 

[um_stevenel]

Why on earth would they trade Gomez? Unless somebody comes offering an overwhelming package, he’s exactly what the team should be adding (younger relief pitchers with many years of team control and considerable upside). As they’ve demonstrated, you don’t rebuild a bullpen overnight in the manner they’re likely to try. So why immediately get rid of the pieces that could make them competitive in the near future and for several seasons?

[mikelink45]

Good article for generating comments and distract us from the Twins actual record.  No to trading Gomez.  Questionable to trade Clemens.  

The players who might have value to other teams more than us include Larnach, Martin, Bell, Caratini, Lewis, Wallner, Ober, Rogers, Gray... In other words almost everyone.  Some I would not list because who wants Lawrence besides us?  

[karcherd]

5 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

Some I would not list because who wants Lawrence besides us

Falvey would so lets hope he gets hired somewhere real soon.

[Cris E]

Rogers, Larnach, Gomez are all no-brainers (sure, sure, no)  but what is with all these folks wanting to keep Clemens? This is a roster that suddenly has an extra Royce Lewis bouncing around, a pile of outfielders stacked up in AAA, more infielders on the way, and you want to keep Clemens? He's at best an average hitter, a meh fielder and a Great Guy. Sweet, happy for his wife, trade him. 

The role that Clemens fills doesn't exist on a team with nine decent starters. He's there because we only have a handful of hitters and he happens to be an average bat so they are wedging him in where ever he sort of fits. But he's not a CF any more than he's a good option at 1B. It's been so long since this team had a good 1B that it seems we've forgotten what one looks like, but it's not Kody Clemens (or Ty France or the resting catcher or your mom.)  You want another below average CF then just ask around. There are a bunch of guys that would be willing to run around out there for you. That's where Kreidler came from, for example, and Lewis was game until he wasn't. 

Here's a plan: get something for Clemens and promote your youth until enough stick that you have a team. Regardless of what Tom Pohlad said this was not supposed to be a winning season, it was a season of measurement and evaluation in a weak division. Don't get distracted by the wild card, keep trying to improve this team. Clemens is just a younger, more personable* Arcia: a fill-in holding a place until more capable players arrive. 

* EDIT: That's unkind to Arcia. Clemens is a good interview with nice hair and a famous dad who hit 3HR in one game early in his Twins career, whereas no one knows anything about Arcia. He started in St Paul and hasn't gotten the exposure that Kody has. But they are the same: placeholders until the future arrives.

[Cris E]

28 minutes ago, um_stevenel said:

Why on earth would they trade Gomez? Unless somebody comes offering an overwhelming package, he’s exactly what the team should be adding (younger relief pitchers with many years of team control and considerable upside). As they’ve demonstrated, you don’t rebuild a bullpen overnight in the manner they’re likely to try. So why immediately get rid of the pieces that could make them competitive in the near future and for several seasons?

I liked your comment because I agree with it, but to answer your initial question you trade him if someone offers you something stupid and far more valuable than Yoendrys Gómez. Chances are good that won't happen, but never say never.

[Dman]

For the right deal I'd think about moving Clemens, Larnach and Gomez.  Still, they all could easily be retained for next year as well.  I don't know that I'd have Larnach in Left, but he could take on the Bell role if there were no palatable deals offered. The Twins have too many outfielders and Wallner and Larnach don't play good defense out there either.  Time to look at Roden, Rodriguez and maybe Jenkins if he can ever stay healthy long enough.

Clemens if he brings a return better than Castro did last year I could see moving him.  He'll need to keep hitting into July to bring back something worthwhile though.  If he drops to his typical low 700 OPS not sure the return would be worth moving him unless they don't plan on playing him much next year.

I'd be hesitant to trade Gomez given the state of the pen, but if someone if going to offer an Abel, Rojas or Bradley type arm then I'm fine moving on from him.  There's a lot of years of control and the Twins have a weak pen so it would take something significant to move him IMO.

If a team has world series aspiration's I don't know why they would be adding Rogers.  I'd think they would be aiming higher than that, but if they could get something for him then sure go ahead.

[LastOnePicked]

It'll be an interesting seven weeks ahead for Zoll. This team is years away from competing, so it'll be important to take offers on a large portion of the roster. Gomez might be great, but if you won't need a strong reliever for a few years yet, see what you can get that might be even better.

[CRF]

I'll paint any car, any color, for only $29.95! No ups, no extras! OOPS...sorry bout that. The dementia kicked in again. No one...and I mean NO ONE...on this team should be off the table. If some GM is delusional enough to want one of our supremely talented, stellar individuals...by all means, engage in trade talks with the mor...uh, genius...and see if a deal can be reached. After all, there's only so many DFA dumpster finds we can dig up over the course of the season. Book em Danno...murder one! 

[Major League Ready]

50 minutes ago, Cris E said:

Rogers, Larnach, Gomez are all no-brainers (sure, sure, no)  but what is with all these folks wanting to keep Clemens? This is a roster that suddenly has an extra Royce Lewis bouncing around, a pile of outfielders stacked up in AAA, more infielders on the way, and you want to keep Clemens? He's at best an average hitter, a meh fielder and a Great Guy. Sweet, happy for his wife, trade him. 

The role that Clemens fills doesn't exist on a team with nine decent starters. He's there because we only have a handful of hitters and he happens to be an average bat so they are wedging him in where ever he sort of fits. But he's not a CF any more than he's a good option at 1B. It's been so long since this team had a good 1B that it seems we've forgotten what one looks like, but it's not Kody Clemens (or Ty France or the resting catcher or your mom.)  You want another below average CF then just ask around. There are a bunch of guys that would be willing to run around out there for you. That's where Kreidler came from, for example, and Lewis was game until he wasn't. 

Here's a plan: get something for Clemens and promote your youth until enough stick that you have a team. Regardless of what Tom Pohlad said this was not supposed to be a winning season, it was a season of measurement and evaluation in a weak division. Don't get distracted by the wild card, keep trying to improve this team. Clemens is just a younger, more personable* Arcia: a fill-in holding a place until more capable players arrive. 

* EDIT: That's unkind to Arcia. Clemens is a good interview with nice hair and a famous dad who hit 3HR in one game early in his Twins career, whereas no one knows anything about Arcia. He started in St Paul and hasn't gotten the exposure that Kody has. But they are the same: placeholders until the future arrives.

What is the basis for you Clemmons opinion.  He is in the 78th percentile for batting Run Value and the 68th percentile for fielding.  That's a pretty valuable player on any team when I guy can play that many positions.  I would love to see the day when we get to a point where we have 8 position player that are so good that Clemmons can't contribute.   Until then, Clemmons has a role on this team.  Would In trade him for the right deal?  Sure, but that's true for pretty much any player.

[hitterscount]

52 minutes ago, Dman said:

For the right deal I'd think about moving Clemens, Larnach and Gomez.  Still, they all could easily be retained for next year as well.  I don't know that I'd have Larnach in Left, but he could take on the Bell role if there were no palatable deals offered. The Twins have too many outfielders and Wallner and Larnach don't play good defense out there either.  Time to look at Roden, Rodriguez and maybe Jenkins if he can ever stay healthy long enough.

Clemens if he brings a return better than Castro did last year I could see moving him.  He'll need to keep hitting into July to bring back something worthwhile though.  If he drops to his typical low 700 OPS not sure the return would be worth moving him unless they don't plan on playing him much next year.

I'd be hesitant to trade Gomez given the state of the pen, but if someone if going to offer an Abel, Rojas or Bradley type arm then I'm fine moving on from him.  There's a lot of years of control and the Twins have a weak pen so it would take something significant to move him IMO.

If a team has world series aspiration's I don't know why they would be adding Rogers.  I'd think they would be aiming higher than that, but if they could get something for him then sure go ahead.

Larnach is making plays in  LF where Wallner would be running to the wall to get the ball in hopes of holding runners to a double.... Larnach is no gold glove, but nowhere as bad defensively as Wallner. 

[Cris E]

35 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

What is the basis for you Clemmons opinion.  He is in the 78th percentile for batting Run Value and the 68th percentile for fielding.  That's a pretty valuable player on any team when I guy can play that many positions.  I would love to see the day when we get to a point where we have 8 position player that are so good that Clemmons can't contribute.   Until then, Clemmons has a role on this team.  Would In trade him for the right deal?  Sure, but that's true for pretty much any player.

This 200Ab stretch is the first time in his career he's been above average. He's been on a heater for the last week, but seven days ago his OPS was 65 points lower. Lets pump the brakes on 78th percentile hitter.