The Twins Could Look Completely Different After the Trade Deadline

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

We're already counting down the days until the MLB Trade Deadline on August 3, but there's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding what exactly the Minnesota Twins should do. Depending on who you ask, you'll get a completely different answer.

A lot of people think the Twins should be sellers once again. At the same time, there's still a sizable group that believes Minnesota should be an aggressive buyer, especially considering how underwhelming the AL Central has been this season. This time of year always makes things difficult. We're just over halfway through the season, but the standings remain incredibly tight. It's hard to know exactly where teams stand when one good week can completely change the outlook of a division race. There's still time for the Twins to gain some clarity, but the pressure is about to ramp up in a hurry.

So, what should the Twins do at this year's trade deadline? And what would each path mean for the rest of the roster? A lot of that answer, obviously, depends on where they sit in about two weeks. The Twins currently own a 39-44 record, but they're still only 4.5 games behind in the AL Central. That's close enough to keep hope alive, but far enough back that another rough stretch could all but end any realistic postseason aspirations.

The next 12 games should tell us a lot. Minnesota has three-game series coming up against the Rockies, Astros, Yankees and Guardians. If they somehow manage to go 8-4 during that stretch, the conversation around this team could look drastically different than it does today. On the flip side, if they go 4-8, the front office may not have much of a choice. Regardless of what happens over the next couple weeks, though, I still think the likeliest outcome is that the Twins end up as sellers.

If that's the route they take, several names should immediately jump to the top of the trade market. Ryan Jeffers, Josh Bell, Trevor Larnach, and Kody Clemens all make a lot of sense. Larnach, in particular, feels like someone who should be moved regardless of where the Twins are in the standings. Minnesota simply has too many young corner outfielders knocking on the door in Triple-A, and eventually they're going to need everyday opportunities. Beyond that, all four players represent guys who are either in the prime of their careers or short-term pieces that probably aren't going to move the needle much for the Twins beyond this season.

If those four players are traded, though, the lineup would suddenly look dramatically different. Four of the five hitters that typically occupy the top of Minnesota's lineup would be gone. The Twins would need a new catcher, a new primary left fielder, a designated hitter, and someone capable of filling the many different roles Clemens has handled this season. That creates opportunities for younger players.

Alan Roden feels like one of the biggest beneficiaries. He has the defensive versatility to play either corner outfield spot, and his offensive production at Triple-A has looked more than deserving of a promotion. This would also be the perfect opportunity to finally see exactly what Aaron Sabato can offer at the major league level. The former first-round pick from the 2020 MLB Draft may never become the Twins' long-term answer at first base (and realistically probably won't), but when a player has produced 35 extra-base hits and a .927 OPS in Triple-A, it's worth finding out if there's something there before completely moving on.

Catcher probably wouldn't change much immediately. Jeffers is already sidelined with a fractured hamate bone, so the Twins have already begun adjusting behind the plate without him. The biggest winners, however, would likely be the organization's wave of outfield prospects. Assuming he returns healthy, Emmanuel Rodriguez should receive even more opportunities down the stretch if the Twins pivot toward evaluating young talent. Walker Jenkins, Hendry Mendez, and Gabriel Gonzalez could all benefit as well, especially if multiple outfield spots suddenly become available over the final two months of the season.

Of course, the Twins probably wouldn't stop at trading only four players. Taylor Rogers is another obvious candidate. He's an experienced left-handed reliever, and contenders are always looking to add bullpen help in July. Even Yoendrys Gomez could generate interest despite arriving less than two months ago. The Twins showed at last year's deadline that they aren't afraid to aggressively move relievers, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them take a similar approach again if they decide to sell.

Then there are the two names everyone always talks about. Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan have been connected to trade rumors for what feels like years now. Buxton's situation is a little different because he owns a no-trade clause. If the Twins agreed to a deal, he would still have the ability to veto it. Ryan doesn't have that luxury. So how far out of the playoff picture would Minnesota need to be before seriously considering moving one of them? Or even both? And if they did, what kind of return could they realistically expect?

The answer is probably a massive one. Both players have multiple years of team control remaining, both are among the best in baseball at their respective positions, and both would instantly become one of the most sought-after players available at the deadline.

The Twins wouldn't simply be acquiring prospects in return. A trade involving Ryan or Buxton could realistically bring back major league-ready talent, along with one or more premium prospects capable of impacting the organization's future. I've been pretty vocal about my belief that the Twins should trade Joe Ryan–I don't necessarily feel that same way about Byron Buxton. But there's no denying the type of return either would command. 

That's what makes the trade deadline so fascinating every single year. It's one of the most exciting times on the baseball calendar. Unfortunately for Twins fans, that excitement probably won't come from adding talent this summer. Instead, there's a very real chance the roster we see today looks nothing like the one we'll be watching just a little over a month from now.

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[MMBoys93]

14-23 vs teams better than .500, good for 24th in baseball, 13th in the AL and worst among the division.

Comes out to a 61-101 pace against winning baseball teams.

Aggressively buying would be a giant mistake. Hope the Pohlad’s don’t force that because they finally realized they made a giant mistake 3 years ago by dropping payroll by 30m.

Trade expiring contracts like Jeffers and Bell

Trade Clemens and Larnach

Jeffers hasn’t played in weeks and the Twins can replace the other 3 internally without losing much offensive ability.

If they play decent baseball before the deadline, they can add 2-3 cheap expiring contract decent relievers and you’ll still come out ahead on the farm system while giving a chance at a wild card spot allowing everyone to be happy. 

[Mike Sixel]

Unless I'm blown away, I keep Clemens. I also keep Gomez unless there is a ridiculous offer. 

Jeffers, Ryan, Larnach, Wallner, Bell all available. Jeffers and Bell should be dealt for sure. Same with Wallner if you can get anything. I'm 99 percent in on dealing Larnach, but if they keep him that's also ok. 

[Linus]

They have to sell. This organization needs upgrades at every position except CF. A couple of spots might be upgraded from the farm but nowhere near what’s needed. Buck stays and maybe Clemens if we can’t get good value. He would be a useful bench guy. But everyone else goes including Austin Martin if he will return anything. We have to quit the Falvey dilly dallying and start moving on from mediocre players unless a mediocre team is what you are shooting for. 

[MMBoys93]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Unless I'm blown away, I keep Clemens. I also keep Gomez unless there is a ridiculous offer. 

Jeffers, Ryan, Larnach, Wallner, Bell all available. Jeffers and Bell should be dealt for sure. Same with Wallner if you can get anything. I'm 99 percent in on dealing Larnach, but if they keep him that's also ok. 

I love what Clemens has brought to the team but he’s 30 and players typically start the decline at 32, he has control which other teams would like and Kreidler has absolutely shown he can take his super utility spot. Absolutely hilarious that this marks the 3rd really good super utility guy the twins have nabbed from Detroit in the last 5 years for nothing 🤣🤣🤣

Martin could even be the super utility guy down the road as well. 
As for Wallner I’m definitely super down on the guy as well but I’m of the opinion that you don’t trade guys when their value has never been lower.

Give him the rest of the season and then make your decision in the offseason. 

[MMBoys93]

16 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Unless I'm blown away, I keep Clemens. I also keep Gomez unless there is a ridiculous offer. 

Jeffers, Ryan, Larnach, Wallner, Bell all available. Jeffers and Bell should be dealt for sure. Same with Wallner if you can get anything. I'm 99 percent in on dealing Larnach, but if they keep him that's also ok. 

Agree on Gomez, he’s under control till 2032, a couple months of success isn’t going to net much of anything. Another case of don’t trade someone with control if the value isn’t there for me. 

[Brandon]

So your saying the Twins are the minor leagues of the Yankees and other contenders every year cause we need to strip down to the studs every year.  Trade everyone cause we are not where you think we should be.  If we win the next two against the Rockies then go 6-6 should we trade everyone then?  That would have us at 57-60.  If we are less the 5 games and 3 teams from a wild card spot, we should probably go for it.  What prospects do you think we will get that will help immediately?  

[Blyleven2011]

43 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Unless I'm blown away, I keep Clemens. I also keep Gomez unless there is a ridiculous offer. 

Jeffers, Ryan, Larnach, Wallner, Bell all available. Jeffers and Bell should be dealt for sure. Same with Wallner if you can get anything. I'm 99 percent in on dealing Larnach, but if they keep him that's also ok. 

Will agree , Clemens and Gomez all have cheap team control  yes remaining and look likelate bloomers got the remainder oftheseasonto figure it out ...

Larnach has had a decent showing , power may be coming back , Phillies and a few other contending teams have need for outfielders ...

Jeffers if healthy , don't trade to Yankees,  we are doing okay with out him and we need some value in return .

 

 

[Major League Ready]

For me, assuming a good return, the list of guys I want most to trade, the order goes something like this .....

Joe Ryan

Ryan Jeffers

Trevor Larnach

Bailey Ober

Anthony Banda

Kody Clemmons

Byron Buxton if it's an enormous haul.  Of course, he has to waive his NTC.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

For me, assuming a good return, the list of guys I want most to trade, the order goes something like this .....

Joe Ryan

Ryan Jeffers

Trevor Larnach

Bailey Ober

Anthony Banda

Kody Clemmons

Byron Buxton if it's an enormous haul.  Of course, he has to waive his NTC.

I could get behind dealing Ober.... But I think moving him to the bullpen also makes sense. Sure, Banda if you can get a 40 for him.

[LA Vikes Fan]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Unless I'm blown away, I keep Clemens. I also keep Gomez unless there is a ridiculous offer. 

Jeffers, Ryan, Larnach, Wallner, Bell all available. Jeffers and Bell should be dealt for sure. Same with Wallner if you can get anything. I'm 99 percent in on dealing Larnach, but if they keep him that's also ok. 

Agree Mike, except on Ryan. Have to trade Jeffers and makes sense to trade Larnach, Bell, and Wallner (if anyone will trade for him). Bell and Wallner can be traded for prospects, but I do expect at least one MLB ready reliever for. Larnach or I don’t trade him. Someone floated Larnach and a 20-30 prospect to the Padres for 22 year old reliever Bradley Rodriguez plus maybe an A ball lottery ticket. That’s the kind of deal you want for him and I would do that deal in a heartbeat.
 

Im not trading Ryan unless blown away by MLB talent coming back. We can trade him for high-end prospects in the off-season, no need to do it now. The return isn’t gonna be much better at the deadline for someone at his level. I say keep him and then if he cannot be resigned, trade him this the off-season. Also, I’m not trading Clemens. He has a lot of control years left, has value because of his versatility, and you’re not gonna get much for him at the deadline. He’s worth more to us than he is to other teams. Other than that, I’m with you.

[jkcarew]

Let’s hope so. Sell, sell, sell. I love Ryan, and Buxton’s hitting better than he ever has. Everyone and anyone would want the bat right now…and the contract is now attractive, and the defense is still at least average at a premium position. These are the guys that will bring the return you’re looking for. Buxton, I can squint and see as a part of the next actually competitive group if this next wave proves good. But I have to squint…(can’t ignore the real chance of decline and/or injuries around the corner). Ryan is not extending/signing with the Twins. For these reasons, I’d be OK with those two going. (Obviously moot in Buxton’s case if he doesn’t want to go.)

Incremental moves aren’t going to move the future needle much…but you still have to make them to make room for the impending wave, and to improve the balance of the roster.

Operating the same old way and expecting anything other than the same old results…at best, mediocrity…is insane, dumb, sad, hopeless, futile…pick your adjective. Way past time to break the pattern, even if it means first taking a step backward.

[Linus]

14 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

Let’s hope so. Sell, sell, sell. I love Ryan, and Buxton’s hitting better than he ever has. Everyone and anyone would want the bat right now…and the contract is now attractive, and the defense is still at least average at a premium position. These are the guys that will bring the return you’re looking for. Buxton, I can squint and see as a part of the next actually competitive group if this next wave proves good. But I have to squint…(can’t ignore the real chance of decline and/or injuries around the corner). Ryan is not extending/signing with the Twins. For these reasons, I’d be OK with those two going. (Obviously moot in Buxton’s case if he doesn’t want to go.)

Incremental moves aren’t going to move the future needle much…but you still have to make them to make room for the impending wave, and to improve the balance of the roster.

Operating the same old way and expecting anything than the same old results…at best, mediocrity…is insane, dumb, sad, hopeless, futile…pick your adjective.

This. It’s mind boggling to me that some people want to keep scuffling along with this same pattern of players and player usage and suddenly expect we are going to have a legitimately good team. 

[Czelgert]

The Twins blew this season when they did nothing to shore up a decimated bullpen in the offseason.  An investment of $25M would’ve made a huge difference while still keeping the Twins in the bottom third of payroll.

The Twins should mostly stand pat and learn from their mistakes.  It makes no sense to trade assets for rental bullpen talent.  On the flip side, I’d rather take the comp picks for guys like Jeffers unless the Twins are absolutely blown away by an offer.

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, Czelgert said:

The Twins blew this season when they did nothing to shore up a decimated bullpen in the offseason.  An investment of $25M would’ve made a huge difference while still keeping the Twins in the bottom third of payroll.

The Twins should mostly stand pat and learn from their mistakes.  It makes no sense to trade assets for rental bullpen talent.  On the flip side, I’d rather take the comp picks for guys like Jeffers unless the Twins are absolutely blown away by an offer.

They won't offer Jeffers the QO. Zero chance. It night not even exist. 

[LastOnePicked]

If this team is ever to become a "big boy" of the MLB again, it's going to have to overhaul the roster. 

They gave up eight runs(!) in the final two innings of regulation against the Rockies. After being swept by the Dodgers. We may have had some hope, but this team is still exactly what we thought they were. Not at all ready for prime time baseball.

Rebuild the roster. Now.

[h2oface]

That’s a 100 loss season plan. With last year’s bullpen, and the same runs scored by this team, this Twins” team would be comfortably leading the division right now. Sell out and make the team better? Fat chance. Can the bullpen be improved enough to dynamically save this team at this juncture? Fat chance. Falvey and last year’s Pohlad built this seemingly inescapable inevitable impending doom, regardless. 

[Motherhen]

1 hour ago, MMBoys93 said:

I love what Clemens has brought to the team but he’s 30 and players typically start the decline at 32, he has control which other teams would like and Kreidler has absolutely shown he can take his super utility spot. Absolutely hilarious that this marks the 3rd really good super utility guy the twins have nabbed from Detroit in the last 5 years for nothing 🤣🤣🤣

Martin could even be the super utility guy down the road as well. 
As for Wallner I’m definitely super down on the guy as well but I’m of the opinion that you don’t trade guys when their value has never been lower.

Give him the rest of the season and then make your decision in the offseason. 

 

[Motherhen]

1 hour ago, MMBoys93 said:

I love what Clemens has brought to the team but he’s 30 and players typically start the decline at 32, he has control which other teams would like and Kreidler has absolutely shown he can take his super utility spot. Absolutely hilarious that this marks the 3rd really good super utility guy the twins have nabbed from Detroit in the last 5 years for nothing 🤣🤣🤣

Martin could even be the super utility guy down the road as well. 
As for Wallner I’m definitely super down on the guy as well but I’m of the opinion that you don’t trade guys when their value has never been lower.

Give him the rest of the season and then make your decision in the offseason. 

They nabbed Clemens from Philly.

[Vanimal46]

57 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

For me, assuming a good return, the list of guys I want most to trade, the order goes something like this .....

Joe Ryan

Ryan Jeffers

Trevor Larnach

Bailey Ober

Anthony Banda

Kody Clemmons

Byron Buxton if it's an enormous haul.  Of course, he has to waive his NTC.

Yep I completely agree with this list. Joe Ryan and Jeffers are going to fetch the most talent in return. I’ll add a couple others to the list…

I would slot Wallner above Larnach. Not because I think the return is better, but because I don’t think he is a priority here anymore. 

Where would I slot Royce Lewis? Probably between Larnach and Ober. I think we should keep him, but I could see a surprise trade coming just like Varland’s trade last year. 

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Yep I completely agree with this list. Joe Ryan and Jeffers are going to fetch the most talent in return. I’ll add a couple others to the list…

I would slot Wallner above Larnach. Not because I think the return is better, but because I don’t think he is a priority here anymore. 

Where would I slot Royce Lewis? Probably between Larnach and Ober. I think we should keep him, but I could see a surprise trade coming just like Varland’s trade last year. 

It wouldn't totally shock me if they deal Lewis, if they really have the truth of this roster, but I don't think they will. Trading Lewis allows Keaschell or Mendez to go to first..... As I said in another thread, if someone makes a great offer for Keaschell, I trade him, but I doubt it. That's because I'm done with guys that can't play defense....

[SteveLV]

Ryan:  Only if it is a terrific offer.  They don't have to move him.

Jeffers:  Yes.

Ober, Larnach, Bell.  Sure, if someone is buying.

Clemens:  Why?  He is under control for years and is dirt cheap.  If someone offers something good, sure, but no reason to shop him.

Wallner:  Maybe, if the offer is decent.

Rental bullpen pieces:  Sure, if anyone wants them.

[Vanimal46]

Me and others have said this for many months. This season was already decided on July 31, 2025 when they decimated the bullpen. The roster needs to be turned over because a bad bullpen and bad defense won’t win squat. 

I’ve been waiting for this organization to turn it over to the next wave of prospects. As soon as Culpepper is healthy get him up here. Walker Jenkins and Alan Roden. 

The Twins have no choice but to keep picking up waiver wire relievers and rolling the dice on them. I’d just prefer they’re under 28 with an option or 3 left. 

[Glorybound]

I am for upgrading the roster anyway possible. Having Varland on this years team might very well have them in first place in their division today. So with that said there has to be a plan or all the trades in the world will likely put you back to square one. I think last years trade deadline plan was written on a napkin and it got so smudged no one could read it. Have a plan and execute it.

[MikeNC]

Trying to inject some realism here.  Jeffers is a UFA at end of season, Twins won’t pay him, yes trade him.  Joe Ryan is a UFA after 2027 season, so keep for 1 more year unless someone offers a boatload, then yes trade him (pay attention, Joe absolutely wants out).  Love Clemens, but he is 30, and baby daddy wants him in prime time, I’m thinking he’ll ask out at some point, and we have young guys to bring up.  Larnach is 4th from the bottom of MLB of worst defense in LF, and cannot hit lefties.  Yes trade him, we can do better.  Wallner probably has little value, everyone needs to see if he is really a MLB player.  Keaschall dead last defensively at 2B, and it is hurting them.  Where to put him?  And where to play Lewis. Both have too much potential upside to let go for cheap now it seems.  Byron is awesome when healthy, but he gets hurt - every season.  His trade value likely will never be better than right now, and next week he might be hurt again.  Hate to say it but if he wants to play in a Series he should go.

[SarasotaBill]

The upcoming MLB -MLPA battle will influence everything. Do the owners cave after listing their demands? Do the players cave because there's more money just not more for the stars?

If the owners finally stick to their guns, 2027 will probably be washed away.

If the owners eventually win then the minimum team payroll will be over $170 million.

1. Try to extend Ryan. If not, trade him.

2. Try to resign Jeffers. If not, trade him.

3. Trade Larnach

4. Trade Bell

5. I would not bring up anyone not the 40 man already. There's going to be a strike to start next year and let the minor league players keep developing during the strike.

 

[Major League Ready]

38 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

Yep I completely agree with this list. Joe Ryan and Jeffers are going to fetch the most talent in return. I’ll add a couple others to the list…

I would slot Wallner above Larnach. Not because I think the return is better, but because I don’t think he is a priority here anymore. 

Where would I slot Royce Lewis? Probably between Larnach and Ober. I think we should keep him, but I could see a surprise trade coming just like Varland’s trade last year. 

I knew I was missing someone.  Walner is somehow out of sight out of mind right now even though I watch a lot of Saints games.  Anyway .... I agree.  Good catch.