MLB Insider: Twins “Look Increasingly Unlikely to Sell”

[Cody Christie]

Just a couple of weeks ago, it felt inevitable that the Minnesota Twins would spend the trade deadline moving veteran pieces for future assets. Hovering below .500 and struggling to gain ground in the American League Wild Card race, Minnesota looked like a team headed toward another disappointing finish. Then the script changed.

A series victory at Yankee Stadium, Minnesota's first since 2014, continued a stretch of improved baseball that has put the Twins squarely back in the postseason conversation. They aren't leading the division, but they're close enough to the final Wild Card spot that selling no longer feels like the obvious path.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, that's exactly how the Twins are approaching the deadline.

"The Minnesota Twins... look increasingly unlikely to sell. They are only 1 1/2 games back in the race for the third AL wild card, and their new control person, Tom Pohlad, is motivated to win over his players and win back fans."

That represents a significant shift from where things stood just days ago. Minnesota has played itself back into contention, and with roughly three weeks remaining before the trade deadline, every win makes it more difficult to justify subtracting from the major league roster. Even so, standing pat doesn't necessarily mean every veteran is untouchable.

Ryan Jeffers Still Makes Sense as a Trade Chip

Rosenthal also noted that catcher Ryan Jeffers remains one player who could be moved regardless of where Minnesota sits in the standings.

"One player the Twins could move regardless of their standing is catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is on a rehabilitation assignment as he works his way back from a left hamate fracture. Jeffers is a potential free agent who could bring back bullpen help, and the Twins could replace him with Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson."

That possibility has become much more realistic over the past month. When Jeffers went down with a fractured hamate bone, Minnesota turned to Victor Caratini for an increased workload. Rather than simply filling in, Caratini has become one of the club's most productive hitters while continuing to provide quality defense and veteran leadership behind the plate.

His emergence has changed the equation. Earlier this season, trading Jeffers would have left a significant hole at catcher. Now, Caratini has shown he is capable of handling everyday duties, while Alex Jackson gives Minnesota another defensive-minded option to round out the catching tandem.

The Market Could Work in Minnesota's Favor

Rosenthal also identified two clubs that continue to monitor the catching market.

"Speculation persists that the New York Yankees will pursue Jeffers. The Tampa Bay Rays are another team interested in catching help, creating the possibility of an AL East bidding war."

That's encouraging news if Minnesota ultimately decides to move Jeffers. Quality catching is always difficult to acquire in July, and multiple playoff contenders searching for upgrades could drive up the asking price. Rather than simply receiving a lower-level prospect, the Twins could target an area of greater need.

The Twins no longer appear headed for a traditional sell-off. If they continue to play winning baseball, adding complementary pieces may become just as likely as subtracting veterans. But that doesn't eliminate the possibility of making calculated moves that improve both the present and the future.

The next few weeks will determine whether the Twins become buyers, sellers, or something in between. Based on their recent play, the most likely outcome is a club that tries to thread the needle by competing for a postseason berth while taking advantage of opportunities to improve the roster.

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[Possumlad]

Trade Jeffers, keep the rest. We're not trading Buxton (can't), and no on else outside Ryan is gonna net enough return to make much difference one way or another. I don't think anyone's giving up much for Larnach. Ryan would net a huge return, but you've lost a lot of fan goodwill in the meantime.. which is touch going in to what will already be a tough offseason & potentially locked-out 2027. 

 

[Dman]

It feels like a tough spot for the Twins to be in.  I'd still want to see them at .500 or better at the deadline before not selling.  If they trade Jeffers the only other expiring player contract would be Bell.  The rest they could trade in the offseason if they want to,

It sounds like the players really like the clubhouse vibes so shaking that up might not be a good thing. Especially after what happened last year.  It seemed to affect several players emotionally with so much unexpected movement.

Still they will likely lose value on Ryan, Larnach and Bell if they wait, but if they hang onto these guys it feels like they could have a strong team next year. They just need to keep their starters healthy and build a better pen.

[clone52]

Cool, I like this news.  Go the Rays route.

Move Jeffers if you can get a good deal that helps now and you don't know you can sign him.

Move Larnach if you get a decent deal that helps now.  I think he regresses big time.

I'd keep Bell just for the power punch.

Use depth to add where applicable.  Any of these guys on their own are not untouchable if it brings back something that helps now.  Martin, Clemens, Keaschall, any minor leaguer not named Jenkins, Culpepper or Tait.  Trading 1 major leaguer and a couple of Top 15 minor leaguers is not going to destroy chances this year or in the future.