Three Trade Targets If The Twins Are Willing To Spend

[Cody Pirkl]

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A surprisingly potent offense, paired with a weak American League as a whole, has the Twins positioned to make a run in the second half of the season. Perhaps it’s not the best team to invest significant prospect capital into trade assets, but that shouldn’t stop the team from making big improvements. Tom Pohlad has repeatedly expressed a willingness to invest in this roster if given a reason. The team has done its part, and if ownership is true to its word, there are some high-impact trade candidates the Twins can get for a reasonable price if they’re willing to spend some money.

Sonny Gray

A reunion with Sonny Gray could be in the cards if the Twins are serious about a playoff push. The teams’ lack of depth in the rotation is an underdiscussed red flag for the stretch run. Pablo Lopez isn’t coming back this season, and Mick Abel looks unlikely as well. Meanwhile, Connor Prielipp is about to surpass his career high in innings pitched, and Mike Paredes remains in the rotation. It’s hard to imagine this group holding up throughout the rest of the season.

Gray has remained a playoff-caliber starting pitcher since leaving Minnesota and has posted a sub-3.00 ERA so far this season. He’ll have just under $15m left on his contract this year, with a $10m buyout on a $30m mutual option for 2027. It’s a high price to pay, and it's difficult to envision given the level of investment we’ve seen since 2023. The Red Sox have also reentered the playoff hunt in recent weeks. Things would have to come together perfectly, making Sonny Gray more of a dream target, but if it lines up perfectly for a Twins team that’s willing to spend, the prospect capital shouldn’t take a bite out of the team’s future.

Kevin Gausman

Should the Blue Jays sell, Kevin Gausman presents another option for the Twins to solidify their rotation depth. A free agent in 2027, Gausman has a bit over $10m left on his contract. Given the price of starting pitchers and the fact that his cost doesn’t reach into 2027, Gausman will still command a decent prospect package in return. Not every team can afford to take on his salary for just a few months, however.

A few factors, such as stranded runner rate, HR/FB rate, and BABIP, have led to a rockier year than usual for Gausman. Overall, he still looks like the same playoff-caliber starter he’s been for years now. He would be a rock for the rotation for the remainder of the season, and would slot nicely into the number two spot of a playoff rotation if the Twins can find their way into the October mix. If the Twins ownership is willing to pay for the rest of Gausman’s deal, they’d be able to acquire him without including any top-tier prospects.

Pete Fairbanks

The bullpen is the obvious weak spot on the Twins roster, and relievers always carry an inflated price tag at the trade deadline as every contender could use an extra arm or two. There will likely be bidding wars on affordable names such as Luke Weaver, who’s posting a career year. The Twins should certainly be involved in any and all relief arms at the deadline, but if they’re willing to spend money gambling on the most volatile position in baseball, they could strike gold.

Peter Fairbanks is still averaging 97.4 on his fastball at age 32, and while his peripherals are a bit inflated from years past, he’s looked like a much better pitcher than his ERA just under 7.00 indicates. An inflated BABIP and HR/FB rate have hurt him, but he’s striking out over 30% of opposing hitters. He’ll be due roughly $6m on the rest of his contract, an amount that even a competitive Marlins team may be happy to dump with little prospect capital in return. Fairbanks has plenty of setup and closing experience, and gambling on him at this cost could pay off in a big way.

The Twins being big spenders at the deadline still seems like a pipe dream, but what if Tom Pohlad’s comments about investing in this team turn out to be sincere? The Twins have done a great job of hanging around in the playoff picture, but they need help to finish the job. Impact additions at the trade deadline can cost a ton, but if they’re willing to invest financially, they can hold onto their top prospects and maintain their future. Are there any expensive trade candidates you’d like to see them acquire? Let us know below!

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[DJL44]

I wouldn’t mind having Kenley Jansen in the bullpen.

[weitz41]

Well let's see here. The red Sox have won 15 or they're last 20 games... The Marlins have the 3rd Wild card in the NL and the Bluejays are 1/2 game behind the Twins...Gonna have to aim lower. I'd suggest Robbie Ray instead of Kevin Guasman.

[Colbeh]

The Red Sox are rumored to be looking for a catcher, if they like Jeffers enough to extend him long term I could see a Gray / Jeffers trade happening. Gray might be a little expensive for the twins liking.

I like Trevor Rogers with the Orioles. He was elite late last year coming back from injury. Looked really good to start the year but fell off hard for a bit and has looked better as of late. He did hit the IL with an illness during his rough stretch that may have caused those struggles. He'd be cheaper salary and prospect wise as he is also a rental.

If the Twins plan on shopping Joe Ryan this summer instead of the deadline, Rogers could be a nice extension canidate.

[D.C Twins]

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