In Buyer Mode, Could the Twins Trade a Catcher But Retain Ryan Jeffers?

[Peter Gravett]

8 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

I think every trade is a crap shoot.  Injuries happen.  Arms fall off.  Your new hero falls on an icy step and blows his knee out (Southerners should not be outside in winter-like weather conditions).

Then there's the carrying a case of water injuries...

[tony&rodney]

The statements by Zoll that the Twins plan to add at the deadline do not preclude transactions that send away currently rostered players. The Twins are in a tough place though. Currently, only Jeffers and Larnach are much of a threat at the plate, at least consistently. So, classic catch 22.

Most people on Twins Daily have their thoughts on this and have shared them on many discussions threads. It will be interesting to see how the next five days play out.

[terrydactyls]

2 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

If you are content with the Twins NOT being in the playoffs that's great.  For YOU.  Many of us are NOT.

THANK you for ALLOWING me to BE content.  That's very BIG of you.  (The use of all caps is sarcastic.)

[JD-TWINS]

15 hours ago, umterp23 said:

When writing an article, how hard is it to look up the correct stat line? As for trading caratini, nice thought but if Jeffers doesn’t come back, Jackson and who else is catching next year? Please don’t say Lackey as he won’t be ready till ‘28 at the earliest unless you want growing pains right away

No Jeffers & no Caratini in ‘27…….. don’t see the big deal. I’ve thought for a few weeks that Caratini’s flexibility on defense (+1B) and his switch hitting - with control for next year - makes him a Catcher that could bring back as much or more than the upcoming Free Agent, Jeffers.

Twins can figure out how to sign or trade for a Catcher before the start of next season - just don’t see this as a problem, particularly after realizing they’ll owe Caratini $10M for 1 year.

Trade Caratini & Bell with prospects for at least a single reliever and make a big play for Arraez. Solidifies line-up and 2B, while allowing Clemens to play Corner Outfield with Larnach and Keaschall/Buxton platooning at DH……. Arraez will off-set some of the sting with moving a Catcher & Bell in the Clubhouse as well.

[Cody Christie]

15 hours ago, umterp23 said:

When writing an article, how hard is it to look up the correct stat line? 

Articles can be written two to three days before they are edited and posted on the site. Sometimes the stat lines change from when an article is written and when it is posted. 

[JD-TWINS]

14 hours ago, DataNerd said:

If we trade a non-Jeffers catcher, my money is on Alex Jackson.  Someone will view him as a cheap backup improvement, and we can find a replacement in the offseason pretty easily for him.

Is Caratini worth $10M next year is the question to me? I don’t see it - I trade him with all his “flexibility” as the headline in discussions, along with Team control.

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

The statements by Zoll that the Twins plan to add at the deadline do not preclude transactions that send away currently rostered players. The Twins are in a tough place though. Currently, only Jeffers and Larnach are much of a threat at the plate, at least consistently. So, classic catch 22.

Most people on Twins Daily have their thoughts on this and have shared them on many discussions threads. It will be interesting to see how the next five days play out.

Trade Bell - Caratini - Wallner - prospects for a reliever. Larnach is DH 75% & Keaschall or Buxton v. LH pitching.

Gotta trade for a bat! To me, Team needs to fight through competition and get Arraez from Giants.

Jeffers & Larnach remain on the roster.

Note: Twins paid Vazquez $10M/year for 3 years ……… Caratini costs $10M next year including his buyout. Take Caratini’s ‘27 cost & add Jeffer’s salary and pay Jeffers the total of $16M, next year and for 2 more years. Youth arrives in ‘28 and very little cost with the young, developing depth guy. Worth a shot!

[jmlease1]

I think there's a real possibility the twins deal a catcher before the deadline; the system is as healthy as it's ever been with prospects at the position (Lackey, Tait, Diaw, and Jimenez) along with the 3 in MLB, but it's really hard to predict which one might go?

I'd be happy to keep Jeffers and worry about him being a free agent after the season and try and go for a playoff run, but the Twins might get blown away by an offer, and Caratini & Jackson have held up when Jeffers was gone. If they keep Jeffers, I kind of feel like the most likely to go is Jackson, which won't bring a lot in return, but would be better than carrying three catchers down the stretch or losing him on waivers. I just don't see a team like the Yankees offering much for Caratini; they're more likely to want a rental rather than take on his 2027 salary so I have to wonder if the return on Jackson would be similar to what we'd get for Caratini; I certainly don't want to eat any of Caratini's 2027 salary!

But since the Twins are looking to be buyers it wouldn't surprise me if someone like Diaw was part of a trade deal either. I think Tait is more likely to stay: while his value should be high, I think the Twins are going to be more modest buyers and unlikely to give up a top 100 prospect for a rental reliever.

[Linus]

10 hours ago, Rosterman said:

Can Jeffers play first base? That would be the ultimate move. I would do it if you can reach a $$$ figure. Twins gave Vasquez $30. The gave Caratini $15. Moving Jeffers to first base means you MIGHT just want to have him around for 4-5 years an an option. What would that cost? $15m a year? Would you give Jefers $60-75m to stay with the Twins? Would he consider taking it?

I’ve had the same thought. Jeffers has turned himself into a fine, professional hitter regardless of position. He’s not a particularly good defensive catcher so it would be interesting to see if he could be decent at first. His hitting would maybe get even better as his body wouldn’t be beat up. They really don’t have any first baseman coming up either. We’ve got Royce but, at this point, I would say Jeffers will be the far better hitter. 

[twinfan]

I think this week has told us we just don't have a very good team. There are some like Clemens having an ok year but they can't be counted on going forward. Clemens would be good utility but NOT a cleanup hitter. Time to make some deals and shoot for next year and beyond. Let's not kid ourselves any longer. Keep the starters we have and let's get some good players. Let's also bring up the top kids to see what they can do. Yuck!

[LyleCole]

The danger for the Twins is if Jeffers ACCEPTS the QO.   Then they have a $23 million catcher on a one year contract with all the risk.   Then they either have to pony up on an extended contract or have him leave for nothing in 2028 with each year adding to the risk of injury, etc  as he gets older and more expensive.  

The real problem with what I see as the Twins approach is it is going to be more of the same half way stuff we have seen.  If they "BUY" they will add a cheap relief pitcher and call it a day.  Then in the offseason they will not be able to retain Jeffers (unless he offers a significant home town discount) and will add the same bottom end replacement players as they have done in years past.

GO in all the way one scenario or the other.  IF we are not adding at least a middle of the rotation starting pitcher and a quality relief pitcher, plus perhaps a right handed bat,  with the full intentions of signing Jeffers in the offseason and Joe Ryan the next, along with perhaps another quality free agent where we are weak, then why bother.  We would just be competing for a weak playoff spot.

If not, then trade everything that has value that will not be part of the future rebuild for players that will be part of the future rebuild.

[darin617]

18 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

So who cares if you trade Caratini and go back to square one.  He's a dime a dozen player.  Would you rather pay HIM $10 million or Jeffers $15 million for 2-3 years until on of the kids is ready?

Jeffers will command at least 4 years in free agency. 

Remember how people were so upset when Mitch Garver left.  I forgot all about him and the same could happen with Jeffers.

[Mike Sixel]

I'll bet almost any amount of money they keep Jeffers and deal Caratini or Jackson for almost nothing.

[Mike Sixel]

Someone above brought up first. That is my dream scenario for the rest of the year. He plays first, and they deal Lewis.....