Twins Could Thread the Needle at the Trade Deadline by Dealing From Their MLB Roster

[Cody Christie]

The Minnesota Twins remain squarely in the middle of the American League postseason race, leaving the front office with one of the more intriguing decisions before next Monday's MLB Trade Deadline. A strong finish to July could cement Minnesota as a buyer, but that doesn't necessarily mean the organization will only deal prospects.

If the Twins choose to add, the priorities are obvious. Their rotation could use another reliable starter, and the bullpen has been one of the club's biggest weaknesses throughout the season. The challenge is finding impact pitching without sacrificing too much of the organization's future.

According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Minnesota could solve that problem by trading from its major league roster instead of relying exclusively on prospects.

Buying Doesn't Mean Keeping Everyone

Hayes believes the Twins will ultimately acquire major league pitching, but the price may come from the current roster rather than the upper levels of the farm system.

"In an effort to bolster their long-shot odds, the Twins will trade someone with experience off their 40-man roster - perhaps Matt Wallner, Ryan Jeffers or Trevor Larnach - to acquire major-league pitching help. The club also will dip into its farm system, though not at an all-in level, to add useful pieces to Derek Shelton's big-league bullpen and perhaps the rotation."

It's a fascinating prediction because it doesn't fit the traditional buyer-or-seller mold. Rather than standing pat with the current roster or sacrificing premium prospects, Minnesota could improve by swapping from areas of relative strength.

At 53-54, the Twins aren't in position to mortgage the future, but they also aren't far enough out of contention to wave the white flag. That makes creative roster construction more important than ever.

Ryan Jeffers Headlines the Trade Candidates

Jeffers has been connected to multiple clubs in recent weeks, including the Yankees and Rays. Catching is one of the more difficult positions to fill across baseball, which gives the Twins leverage if they decide to move him.

The question is whether the return outweighs what Jeffers brings behind the plate. If Minnesota can acquire a meaningful upgrade for either the rotation or bullpen while remaining confident in its catching depth, it's a move worth considering.

Trevor Larnach's Value May Never Be Higher

Larnach is enjoying the best offensive season of his career (134 OPS+), making him one of the Twins' most valuable trade assets. His production, combined with another season of team control, would appeal to clubs looking for middle-of-the-order offense beyond 2026.

Trading one of the lineup's best hitters would certainly be difficult, but controllable bats often bring back value. If the Twins believe they can replace Larnach's production internally (Perhaps with top prospect Walker Jenkins), his value on the market could be difficult to ignore.

Matt Wallner Could Be a Change-of-Scenery Candidate

Wallner doesn't carry the same trade value as Jeffers or Larnach after spending much of the season at Triple-A. Even so, his power potential and previous major league success could intrigue a rebuilding organization willing to bet on a change of scenery.

While Wallner likely wouldn't headline a blockbuster, he could still be part of a package that helps Minnesota address its pitching needs.

An Aggressive But Balanced Strategy

The Twins don't have to choose between buying and selling. Hayes' prediction outlines a middle path that could improve the major league club without emptying the farm system.

Jeffers would likely command the strongest return, while Larnach could bring back a controllable impact arm. Wallner represents more of a secondary asset, but each player gives Minnesota flexibility as it explores different trade scenarios.

If the front office can turn a position player surplus into much-needed pitching, the Twins could strengthen their chances of reaching October while maintaining much of their long-term foundation. It's a difficult balancing act, but it may be the most realistic path toward improving this year's roster without compromising the future.

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[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

If the Twins traded any of the 3 you mentioned about Jeffers, Larnach, Wallner or even Lewis to supplement the big league roster I don't think anyone would blink an eye.   

Edit: 3 article in 4 hours is impressive LOL.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

I saw Dan Hayes wrote that. It is a good way to look at this deadline if they are going for it, by trading guys at the height of their value who aren’t core for the 2027 season, as well as adding without trading Jenkins/Lackey/Culpepper at the top. It’s a bold strategy Cotton, let’s see if it plays out for em.

[Dman]

Have to get the right value back to make it worth it, but yeah I'm for trading Larnach and Jeffers.  I might be the only one but am a little stuck on Wallner.  If they were to trade Larnach they could have some room for Wallner to build his trade value back.  He was a near .900 OPS bat in 23 and 24 even 2025 as bad as that year was he has a .776 OPS.  You generally don't throw away .800 OPS bats.  

He gets to those numbers in a tough way via K and Home runs so can be a rally killing bat at times.  Still there is value there.  I get moving on with Jenkins and Rodriguez in the wings along with Roden.  Still Wallner does have that Rooker potential to make you regret giving up on him.  If someone gave the right return I could see it otherwise I'd just hang onto him.  He could DH next year and play the outfield if needed.  it's nice to have a guy that can win the game with one swing at the end of a game.

[Cory Engelhardt]

11 minutes ago, Dman said:

Have to get the right value back to make it worth it, but yeah I'm for trading Larnach and Jeffers.  I might be the only one but am a little stuck on Wallner.  If they were to trade Larnach they could have some room for Wallner to build his trade value back.  He was a near .900 OPS bat in 23 and 24 even 2025 as bad as that year was he has a .776 OPS.  You generally don't throw away .800 OPS bats.  

He gets to those numbers in a tough way via K and Home runs so can be a rally killing bat at times.  Still there is value there.  I get moving on with Jenkins and Rodriguez in the wings along with Roden.  Still Wallner does have that Rooker potential to make you regret giving up on him.  If someone gave the right return I could see it otherwise I'd just hang onto him.  He could DH next year and play the outfield if needed.  it's nice to have a guy that can win the game with one swing at the end of a game.

I get this, but he isn’t young and I don’t want him in the outfield again. Roden and Jenkins both are stronger defensively, let alone others. I’m ready to move on for any value