Why Another Twins Trade Deadline Selloff Doesn’t Make Sense

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is shaping up to be another pivotal moment for the Minnesota Twins. Sitting in the thick of the American League Wild Card race at the All-Star break, the front office faces a familiar question: buy, sell, or stand pat After last year's franchise-altering selloff, however, the equation has changed dramatically. The Twins already cashed in many of their most valuable trade assets, replenishing one of baseball's top farm systems in the process. If they decide to sell again, there simply isn't enough remaining on the major-league roster to dramatically reshape the organization. That's not to say Minnesota has nothing to trade. It just means the return is unlikely to mirror the prospect haul the club received a year ago.

Joe Ryan is the Only Franchise-Altering Trade Chip

If there is one player capable of bringing back a transformational return, it's Ryan. A front-line starter with another season of club control would be one of the most coveted pitchers available—if, indeed, the Twins made him available. Diamond Centric currently ranks him as the second-most valuable trade candidate, behind Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. Any Ryan trade package would have to include multiple top prospects and/or a controllable big-leaguer.

The problem isn't finding interested teams. Every contender would line up for Ryan. The issue is whether trading him makes any sense. There have been no indications the Twins are interested in moving their ace, and doing so would effectively wave the white flag on a season that has exceeded expectations. Minnesota has remained in the playoff picture largely because of its clubhouse chemistry, resilient offense, and a belief that it can compete despite last year's roster turnover. Trading Ryan would send the opposite message. Even if the return looked fantastic on paper, it would tell the clubhouse that the organization is already looking toward 2027, instead of trying to capitalize on a legitimate postseason opportunity.

Ryan Jeffers Could Help a Contender

Jeffers is another of the more interesting trade candidates on the roster. He recently returned from a broken hamate bone and is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. Catching depth is always at a premium in July, and several contenders could use another bat behind the plate. Diamond Centric currently ranks him as the 29th-best trade candidate. 

The Twins also learned they could survive without him. Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson handled the workload admirably during Jeffers's absence, giving Minnesota confidence that it has enough depth to finish the season if necessary. However, there's no guarantee that duo can continue to produce at that high of a level. 

Still, Jeffers isn't likely to command an overwhelming return. A realistic package could include a borderline top-100 prospect, along with a lower-level lottery ticket. That's a respectable return for a pending free agent, but it doesn't dramatically elevate an already improved farm system. Considering Minnesota is unlikely to retain Jeffers this winter, moving him would be understandable from an asset-management perspective. It just wouldn't be the type of deal that changes the organization's long-term outlook.

Josh Bell's Value Doesn't Match His Production

Throughout his career, Bell has been one of baseball's familiar deadline rentals. After another slow April, he has quietly turned into one of Minnesota's most productive hitters and played a significant role in the Twins leading the American League in runs scored. His bat certainly has value. The problem is that his defensive limitations negate it. Diamond Centric currently ranks him as the 41st-best trade deadline candidate. 

Bell is essentially a designated hitter, and contenders rarely pay premium prospect prices for DH-only bats. Even if Minnesota found a willing trade partner, the return would likely consist of lower-tier prospects, rather than impact talent. Bell probably won't be back next season, making him a logical trade candidate on paper. In reality, his value to Minnesota's lineup may outweigh whatever modest return another club is willing to offer.

Trevor Larnach Has More Value in Minnesota

Larnach has surfaced in trade rumors before. The Twins have previously explored moving him, but either opposing clubs weren't interested, or Minnesota didn't receive an offer matching its valuation. Diamond Centric has Larnach ranked as the 48th-best trade candidate. 

Now, Larnach is doing exactly what the Twins hoped he would. Alongside Bell, he has helped anchor one of the American League's best offenses, giving Minnesota another top-of-the-order threat as it chases a playoff berth. Could the Twins revisit trade discussions? Certainly. Would the return justify subtracting an everyday contributor who remains under team control through next season? Probably not.

Unlike Bell or Jeffers, Larnach still offers value beyond this season. Unless another organization significantly raises its offer compared to previous discussions, there's little incentive for Minnesota to move him. Even in the worst-case scenario where Larnach cools off and the team misses the postseason, they should be able to get at least a fringy prospect for him at the non-tender deadline this November.

Selling Again Would Send the Wrong Message

The Twins could trade Ryan, Jeffers, Bell, Larnach, or any combination of those players before the deadline. The bigger question is what those moves would accomplish. Outside of Ryan, none of those players are likely to return the type of impact prospect package that materially changes the farm system. Minnesota already completed that work during last year's deadline. What's left are complementary pieces whose value is greater to a club chasing a postseason berth than it is on the trade market.

More importantly, another selloff would send a clear message to the clubhouse. After fighting their way into contention and entering the All-Star break fueled by confidence and momentum, dealing away productive veterans would suggest the front office no longer believes this team is capable of making a run.

The Twins may not be aggressive buyers at this year's deadline, but they also don't have much reason to become sellers. The organization's biggest replenishment has already happened. Now, the focus should be on seeing just how far this surprising group can carry itself in October—or even on bolstering the team for that stretch run.

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Does it make sense for the Twins to hold on to all these players? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[Mike Sixel]

A top 100 prospect always makes the farm stronger. That's got to be the worst take you've ever posted. This is exactly how they got Ryan in the first place. 

Larnach is really valuable, but only to this team? How can he be super valuable then?

[LyleCole]

It actually does make a lot of sense.

First, this team is mediocre at best.  It isn't a real contender and it will not be if the ownership maintains their usual roster budgeting.  

Second, several of the players trade values are about as high as they will ever be, while the risk of injury or play set back remains.   Joe Ryan with a full year of team control will create a huge potential market and bring back significant value.  A player like Larnach, whom just about everyone wanted gone before the season starts, has a year of team control left and is hitting better than ever.  I would add Buxton to that list because for a real contender he is on a budget salary vs. his value although his salary is a mountain to the Minnesota ownership.   THe trade value of these players will never be greater, and all of them will be more than 30 years old next season.

Third,  players like Larnach etc will cost even more money next season and they are blocking the paths of several prospects.  I would add Jeffers here with the drafting of Lackey, to a lesser extent Tilley.  

So, unless this ownership group has had a change in heart and is willing to spend market rates for free agents and potential trade acquisitions i.e. players wit $20 and even $30 million annual contract value, the absolute best move is to trade these high value players at their peak value to set up the prospects for the next rebuild around Jenkins, Lackey, Rodriguez, Culpepper, etc.   

[Mike Sixel]

I'm not sure I disagree about messaging, but I'm not sure anyone is buying tickets this year no matter what, other than an unreal run..

[shimrod]

Materially changing the farm system? That's a mighty high bar for any trade; a straw man argument against trading.

I'll settle for adding talent to the system, ideally at positions of weakness. No more left handed outfielders. 

The team has outperformed my expectations but that doesn't make them playoff contenders. There's still a large talent differential between MN and the top teams. Working to reduce that gap by trading pending free agents is smart baseball.

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

If they do start losing and flip to selling instead of buying because of it, trading guys that are in their last year of their deal or have one remaining is perfectly normal. Arguably they have a ton of guys at AAA who are ready for their spots anyway, which is also perfectly normal. 

It doesn't mean they would have 11 trades like last year IF that is the case. But IF that is the route they do go, it's perfectly reasonable to expect some additions to their organization via trade.

That absolute worst case scenario is both not buying or selling. That would be a disaster. Hopefully they pick a lane and go down that lane. My optimistic view is they continue to play well and do add instead of sell. But I'd be perfectly fine if they can move a few pieces who won't be with the team in 2027 while also buying some help for this year in positions of need.

[mnfireman]

Ryan - Should not be traded, too many question marks in next year's rotation, Lopez, Abel, and Festa will be coming off of injuries, Matthews and Prielipp have had mixed results, and there isn't anybody I see at AAA knocking the door down (or even knocking on the door, for that matter).

Jeffers - If they get the offer they want, trade him, if not keep him. Do not trade him just for the sake of trading him. He's not blocking anyone, there is no C at AAA or AA that should be called up.

Bell - Same as Jeffers, if you get an acceptable offer, take it. The team can't really afford a DH only type player, but Shelton seems to have figured out the defensive alignment, and sits Bell only if he feels Buxton needs a day off in the field. As long as he is producing, keep him here.

Larnach - Should be made available, but only if the team falls out of contention over the next 2 1/2 weeks. He's producing as the strong side platoon bat, and his fielding is passable right now. He won't bring back a big return, probably a High A or AA player, but could be an interesting add-on in a Jeffers or Bell trade.

Buxton - NOT GOING ANYWHERE, he's said it, the team has said it....

[Dman]

I think you first need to determine is this team a playoff team, because that sets the trade calculus.  If they fall behind and what they did previously looks unsustainable why not trade what assets you have for future value?  At the very least getting something for Jeffers and Bell who won't be on the team next year would make sense. They could hang onto Ryan if they think this team will be more complete next year.

If they are a wild card team or within a game or two then sure I can see keeping Bell around because he is the kind of deadline bat you pick up when you are going for it.  Same for Larnach as it's hard to find an .800 OPS bat even if only against righties.  

Jeffers is a very odd case scenario even if going for it as it seems they will need to keep three catchers on the roster or give up on the value in years and dollars they got with the Jackson trade.  Someone has to go and while Jeffers is a big bat it seems like they should try and get some future value from him before he leaves.  If they can get a solid deal it makes sense to trade him regardless IMO.

Ryan will never have a higher trade value than at this deadline.  If you want a haul this would be the time to do it.  If you want go for it then you need to keep him.  I will say with Rodriguez, Roden and Jenkins ready for the outfield and Culpepper and Houston on the way I'm not sure how much the Twins need more infield or outfield prospect depth.  And I'm not sure what teams would want to give up multiple good arms or have the requisite arms to make a Ryan trade worth it. Trading him certainly would restock the farm with young talent, but losing him is a big hole for this teams chances this year and next.  

So yeah I can see hanging onto most of these guys or trading all of them.  It just depends on how you see the present and the future of this team.

[Linus]

I categorically disagree with this whole piece. The Twins are in this race simply because the AL is a mess. Winning organizations have the courage to make decisions that improve the long term ability to compete by maximizing their trade assets instead of chasing poor odds  to get swept out in the first round of the playoffs. Don’t worry though the Twins are likely to follow your plan ensuring more mediocrity for several more years. The idea that the farm system can’t be improved is flat out ridiculous. 

[TL]

I agree on pretty much everything in the article, except I’d probably (though reluctantly) trade Larnach. There seems to be several teams that could be interested and it feels like Jenkins/Keaschall/Roden trio could about replicate his offense with much better defense. You can then trade those prospects or others from your system for more pitching help (would not surprise me to see Zoll go semi-big for a starter).

Jeffers could certainly help a contending team - us! It will be a huge benefit to keep two productive catchers rested, plus Caratini can sub in for Lewis against tough righties. 

And as long as they are in contention Ryan is untouchable. Reconsider a trade in the offseason if you must, but for now he’s our shot at a playoff berth and a series win. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

Another thought; when Buxton comes back, it's very much a numbers game. Even if they trade Larnach (for example) the outfield then is Roden/Martin, Buxton and Keaschall right now. That's perfectly fine, right? But IF Jenkins comes up (which I do think happens at some point) then you do have to think about the idea of moving Bell to ensure that the outfield mix can all take turns dh'ing right? Not that they have to move Bell, but I could see the idea of it depending on the return.

Anyway, lots of moving parts too, so trading some guys with the intention of making room for players that are ready also makes sense.

 

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, LyleCole said:

First, this team is mediocre at best.  It isn't a real contender and it will not be if the ownership maintains their usual roster budgeting.  

FWIW, the same exact thing was stated about the 1987 Twins. No, i am not comparing the two rosters, just saying that mediocrity turns into roses sometimes. The questioning of the roster is legitimate but stuff happens.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

1 hour ago, LyleCole said:

It actually does make a lot of sense.

First, this team is mediocre at best.  It isn't a real contender and it will not be if the ownership maintains their usual roster budgeting.  

Second, several of the players trade values are about as high as they will ever be, while the risk of injury or play set back remains.   Joe Ryan with a full year of team control will create a huge potential market and bring back significant value.  A player like Larnach, whom just about everyone wanted gone before the season starts, has a year of team control left and is hitting better than ever.  I would add Buxton to that list because for a real contender he is on a budget salary vs. his value although his salary is a mountain to the Minnesota ownership.   THe trade value of these players will never be greater, and all of them will be more than 30 years old next season.

Third,  players like Larnach etc will cost even more money next season and they are blocking the paths of several prospects.  I would add Jeffers here with the drafting of Lackey, to a lesser extent Tilley.  

So, unless this ownership group has had a change in heart and is willing to spend market rates for free agents and potential trade acquisitions i.e. players wit $20 and even $30 million annual contract value, the absolute best move is to trade these high value players at their peak value to set up the prospects for the next rebuild around Jenkins, Lackey, Rodriguez, Culpepper, etc.   

I must disagree. Winners do not trade their best players at  the trade deadline. Losers and mediocre teams do that.  Oh, you may say that "the Twins are already a loser this season, so why not trade for the future.?" My answer to that is it ain't over til the fat lady sings. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Jeffers is the difficult decision. It’s a position of strength that we have 2 competent catchers here if we trade. If you get a kings ransom I’m sure they will consider it. The downside is it could cause issues and lose the clubhouse moral. If it’s used to improve the team I think it would go over fine. There is the possibility a qualifying offer and comp pick could extract value as well but there is lots of calculations in that. 
 

As to Ryan- again unless Kings ransom my honest opinion is let him finished the season and re-evaluate after the new bargaining agreement is agreed to. Valuations could be slightly depressed saying he fades and also uncertainty over next year. My base case is we have a full season. He could have a valuation that isn’t drastically lower since last trade deadline. Last years calculated he had a value of 56- last I checked it was 42.  Then decide if the window opens next year or you want a younger player to have more resources for a run from 28-30. 

[LyleCole]

4 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

FWIW, the same exact thing was stated about the 1987 Twins. No, i am not comparing the two rosters, just saying that mediocrity turns into roses sometimes. The questioning of the roster is legitimate but stuff happens.

1987 was a whole different playoff regime and the 1987 team was much better than this team.   It had a true established closer and a good setup guy.   A top 2 starters in the rotation.  And quality players at 3B, SS, 1B, LF, CF, and RF.  And good DH platoon. 

Sure, everything is possible, but not probable.  We need to deal with probable.

[tony&rodney]

23 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Another thought; when Buxton comes back, it's very much a numbers game. Even if they trade Larnach (for example) the outfield then is Roden/Martin, Buxton and Keaschall right now. That's perfectly fine, right? But IF Jenkins comes up (which I do think happens at some point) then you do have to think about the idea of moving Bell to ensure that the outfield mix can all take turns dh'ing right? Not that they have to move Bell, but I could see the idea of it depending on the return.

Anyway, lots of moving parts too, so trading some guys with the intention of making room for players that are ready also makes sense.

 

If Bell continues to be the adult in the dugout, that veteran is carrying a piece of wood I want around. Tell me he can return a useful player and I'm good with that but who is that player. Bell stays in my book.

Jenkins is the paper-rocks-scissors winner of a outfield position at the expense of whomever was holding the spot warm. 

I believe Jenkins becomes a regular some time in August. Buxton will still hold his position. The hot player or a platoon of sorts carries the day for the other corner roster position. The team will be better, stronger, deeper.

[LyleCole]

2 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I must disagree. Winners do not trade their best players at  the trade deadline. Losers and mediocre teams do that.  Oh, you may say that "the Twins are already a loser this season, so why not trade for the future.?" My answer to that is it ain't over til the fat lady sings. 

Again, this is a mediocre team, not a real competitive team.

Regardless, the underlying reason to me is that the ownership of the Twins will never budget the roster to be competitive.  If they intend on signing Ryan Jeffers to a market rate contract, then keep him.  But if they are not willing to pay him $20 million a season then get the best offer for him.   ANd if they willing to pay Joe Ryan $30+ million, the same.   And if they have that standard, why keep Byron Buxton if we can find a good trade candidate for him.  Either do it all one way, or the other.  

[tony&rodney]

3 minutes ago, LyleCole said:

1987 was a whole different playoff regime and the 1987 team was much better than this team.   It had a true established closer and a good setup guy.   A top 2 starters in the rotation.  And quality players at 3B, SS, 1B, LF, CF, and RF.  And good DH platoon. 

Sure, everything is possible, but not probable.  We need to deal with probable.

Only in retrospect were the 1987 Twins so good. The 1986 Twins finished 71-91. Only the Texas Rangers and Florida Marlins faced longer odds than the '87 Twins. Virtually nobody picked them. Was it different? Yes, 1987 was in the 20th Century. The government had NASA and now in the 21st century NASA has been largely privatized to become SpaceX (making a blatantly/openly illegal immigrant quite wealthy), which is the new normal. Yes, things are different. You know that and so do we all. Change happens. Let's just try to enjoy the rest of the current season. It's all good.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, mnfireman said:

Jeffers - If they get the offer they want, trade him, if not keep him. Do not trade him just for the sake of trading him. He's not blocking anyone, there is no C at AAA or AA that should be called up.

There’s 3 catchers on the 26 man roster. Jackson and Caratini are under contract next year. One of the three must be removed from the active roster, preferably for value in trade

[mnfireman]

24 minutes ago, LyleCole said:

Again, this is a mediocre team, not a real competitive team.

Regardless, the underlying reason to me is that the ownership of the Twins will never budget the roster to be competitive.  If they intend on signing Ryan Jeffers to a market rate contract, then keep him.  But if they are not willing to pay him $20 million a season then get the best offer for him.   ANd if they willing to pay Joe Ryan $30+ million, the same.   And if they have that standard, why keep Byron Buxton if we can find a good trade candidate for him.  Either do it all one way, or the other.  

2023 Diamondbacks were 84-78, stumbled their way into the play-offs and wound up losing in the WS. They had 2 decent starters, acquired their closer at the trade deadline and were led by ROY Corbin Carrol - mediocre teams can and have done well in the play-offs, you just have to get there...

Jeffers is not getting $20 MM a year in any reality.

The market will dictate what Ryan gets, if the team feels he worth what that market dictates, they will make an offer.

Again, Buxton is not going anywhere....

[LA Vikes Fan]

Okay, I will be outlier; the lone voice calling in the wilderness. Cody is absolutely right. Trading Jeffers is the only one that makes sense, the only one where we have a replacement in-house AND we might get a return that could potentially help us in the short to medium term. Trading Ryan is waving the white flag on 2026 and probably 2027. All you get when you trade at the deadline is prospects to replenish your farm system, untested prospects at that, only a select few of which can provide you short term help at the MLB level. We just did that last year. We do not need to do it again and I am firmly convinced that evidence shows that we can get just as much for Ryan in the off-season as we can at this year's trade deadline. We might even be able to get more since you can pick up actual MLB talent in the off-season and what do you get at the deadline? Prospects. The looming lockout may compress the off season trading season but it won't eliminate it. The looming deadline is a red herring that really has very little to do with this decision. Let's not over-think this.

Trade Bell and Larnach? Sure, if you can get a late inning reliever, an MLB experienced or ready pitcher that can step in to the rotation as at least the #3 starter, or a smooth fielding, good hitting shortstop. Can you get that for either or even both together? Not a chance. Trade one or both of them to open up ABs for someone at the AAA level who may or may not eventually be as good and certainly is not going to be anywhere near as good in 2026 or 2027? Why? Because fans are thirsting to see the AAA guys? Don't think so. Because we need to once again reset the core and play for 2028 and beyond? C'mon now, we're better than that. We don't have to tear everything down and rebuild again. Those two players are worth more to us than they are to anyone else and they provide us with the real value. Cody is right, they provide more value to the Twins on the team than they can generate in a trade. Makes very little sense to trade them.

Jeffers is the guy to trade. I'd love to see them re-sign Jeffers and trade Caratini or Jackson, but the chances of that have to be less than 25-30%. I agree that it makes more sense to trade him and get value then lose him for nothing. Still, that value probably will be prospects, not major leaguers, prospects. Again with the prospects. Maybe we can get prospects that actually help us next year but even that might be a pipe dream.

Maybe I'm unique or it's because I live in California and can't go to Saints games, but I'm getting a little tired of always playing for the future and always trading veterans for, dare I say it, prospects. No one cares how good the St. Paul Saints are, at least I don't. Restocking that team does very little for me unless the players on it can come up and help the MLB team.

This year is strange. Nobody is any good or at least hasn't been so far so an average team that gets a couple additions and some luck could be an above average team that actually has a shot to make the playoffs and win a series or even two. Once in, who knows maybe we're that team that wins a series or even two. Teams in any sport don't come from nowhere to the playoffs as seasoned, championship contenders. Teams typically have to make the playoffs for a year or two and get bounced out before they have the experience and know what it takes to actually get to a championship. We might actually have a chance to get to the playoffs and start the process this year. I say we try to do that instead of dreaming about how all of these prospects are going to come up, immediately make the All-Star team, and turn us into an instant championship contender. Just my two cents.

[GNess]

Trades don't take place in a vacuum. - they always have some impact. even if it's just a matter of trying to influence your fan base in some direction. MLB teams make trades - they are part of the process, but trades are inherently risky and sometimes (many times?) don't turn out favorably.

Consider that many on TD say the Twins aren't "real" contenders in 2026. What if they hadn't traded away one or both current all star relievers (Duran, Varland) which would go a long ways in bolstering a Twins bullpen which has been shaky and a significant reason the team is trailing by 3 games rather than possibly being in the lead in the division - that might change the narrative around contender status.

 

[LA Vikes Fan]

Just one addition to my rant above. What we should be doing is looking to TRADE prospects for guys that can help us now and in the next year or two, not trade the guys we have that can help us now and in the next year or two for more prospects. We got prospects. We don't need more prospects. What we need is a few more better MLB players. Getting more prospects doesn't satisfy that need, at least in the short term and probably not in the medium-term as the returns at the deadline tend to be guys at the AA level or lower. I don't think Jeffers is going to get us multiple AAA players ready to join a big league club.

I hope the FO is on the phone trying to make deals for guys that have multiple years of control remaining, at least 1.5 This would be guys like Soriano, Detmer, and Bachman of the Angels, Mason Miller, Bradgley Rodriguez, or Jhony Brito of the Padres, Luke Weaver of the Mets,  Daniel Lynch, Lucas Erceg, or Alex Lange of the Royals,  Jeff Hoffman of the Blue Jays, Trevor Rogers or Shane Baz of the Orioles, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, or even Spencer Steer of the Reds. I think every prospect we have should be available for the right deal except for Jenkins and Culpepper. We can replace those prospects with the prospects we get when we trade Jeffers.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Hypothetical - if Red Sox offered Tolle for Ryan heads up do you take it?

[LA Vikes Fan]

13 minutes ago, GNess said:

Trades don't take place in a vacuum. - they always have some impact. even if it's just a matter of trying to influence your fan base in some direction. MLB teams make trades - they are part of the process, but trades are inherently risky and sometimes (many times?) don't turn out favorably.

Consider that many on TD say the Twins aren't "real" contenders in 2026. What if they hadn't traded away one or both current all star relievers (Duran, Varland) which would go a long ways in bolstering a Twins bullpen which has been shaky and a significant reason the team is trailing by 3 games rather than possibly being in the lead in the division - that might change the narrative around contender status.

 

You're right, but they did. Bitching about it now ain't going to change that. Hey, we did get some good prospects in return. I have an idea, why don't we trade some of these great prospects we have for good relievers with some controllable years left and reverse what we did last year? A lot people seem to love to hate last year so let's do the opposite this year. There's guys like that out there who are rumored to be available. Let's trade some of our prospects not named Jenkins or Culpepper for guys like Soriano, Detmer, or Sam Bachman of the Angels, Mason Miller, Bradgley Rodriguez, or Jhony Brito of the Padres, Luke Weaver of the Mets,  Daniel Lynch, Lucas Erceg, or Alex Lange of the Royals, Jeff Hoffman of the Blue Jays, Trevor Rogers or Shane Baz of the Orioles, or Hunter Greene or Nick Lodolo of the Reds. I'm sure there are more maybe even better guys that could be had for some of the talent we have in the minors. Let's do it.   

[nova_twins]

I would just add to the pitching staff and not deal away anyone, unless an org made a crazy offer for Jeffers. 

The value of prospects is not a big mystery, it can be put in financial terms. Fangraphs just had a big article with the latest numbers. Maybe $15-20 million for Jeffers, that's two solid but not elite prospects. 

Can someone explain to me like I'm 5 why saving the Pohlads $15-20 million that otherwise they have to sign in free agency someday is important? Like why do I need to support that instead of preferring to try to win?

[HarmonK03]

54 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Only in retrospect were the 1987 Twins so good. The 1986 Twins finished 71-91. Only the Texas Rangers and Florida Marlins faced longer odds than the '87 Twins. Virtually nobody picked them. Was it different? Yes, 1987 was in the 20th Century. The government had NASA and now in the 21st century NASA has been largely privatized to become SpaceX (making a blatantly/openly illegal immigrant quite wealthy), which is the new normal. Yes, things are different. You know that and so do we all. Change happens. Let's just try to enjoy the rest of the current season. It's all good.

You don't need to interject politics to make your point.

[LA Vikes Fan]

7 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Hypothetical - if Red Sox offered Tolle for Ryan heads up do you take it?

Hard Pass. That trade substantially favors the Red Sox. Tolle might someday be what Ryan is now but he isn't that yet and nothing is guaranteed. To even that out, Boston would either have to include a proven MLB hitter like Abreu or Rafaela, or a young rising pitcher like Early, plus a prospect. A package deal both ways like Tolle, Abreu and Joshtnyxson Garcia or Gabriel Arias for Ryan and a Twins prospect in the 15-30 range could work. Substitute Raffaela for Abreu and remove the Twins prospect going back to Boston might also work. But Tolle alone for Ryan, not something the Twins should even consider.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

If Bell continues to be the adult in the dugout, that veteran is carrying a piece of wood I want around. Tell me he can return a useful player and I'm good with that but who is that player. Bell stays in my book.

Jenkins is the paper-rocks-scissors winner of a outfield position at the expense of whomever was holding the spot warm. 

I believe Jenkins becomes a regular some time in August. Buxton will still hold his position. The hot player or a platoon of sorts carries the day for the other corner roster position. The team will be better, stronger, deeper.

I get this. I also HOPE that Buxton's hip will allow him to still play CF. Hypothetically if he can't play defense as well, who's bat do you want in the lineup more; he or Bell? I guess that was my line of thinking here. That's without looking at the number of other outfielders they have.

[FlyingFinn]

Do MLB teams ever do 3 way trades - Twins trade Jeffers, team B gives prospects as listed in the article for Jeffers, team C gets those prospects (or maybe different prospects) and gives the Twins a quality bullpen guy. Jeffers for a quality bullpen guy probably is overpay so maybe the Twins get a prospect somehow as well.