Passan: Ryan Jeffers Could Be Traded in a Big League-for-Big League Deal

[Cody Christie]

The Minnesota Twins continue to insist they plan to improve their roster ahead of Monday's MLB trade deadline, but that doesn't necessarily mean only adding players. ESPN insider Jeff Passan believes Minnesota could still move one of its most valuable trade chips if the right major league return is available.

General manager Jeremy Zoll reiterated before Tuesday's game that the Twins intend to add, with bullpen help remaining the organization's top priority. That stance hasn't changed, but Passan believes the front office is prepared to be flexible if a deal strengthens the current roster.

Jeffers is the Twins' Top Trade Asset

In his latest deadline preview, Passan identified catcher Ryan Jeffers as Minnesota's best trade asset. While Jeffers has spent months at the center of trade speculation, Passan doesn't believe the Twins are interested in moving him simply to add prospects.

"Jeffers still could go, but just not necessarily for prospects," Passan wrote. "If there's a big league-for-big league trade to execute, Minnesota won't hesitate."

That distinction is significant. The Twins have repeatedly emphasized that they expect to compete this season. Rather than subtracting from the major league roster, dealing Jeffers for an established bullpen arm (or multiple major league contributors) would allow Minnesota to address a weakness without taking a step backward.

Bullpen Remains the Clear Priority

Passan listed two of Minnesota's biggest needs as adding a swing-and-miss reliever and another hard-throwing bullpen arm. That aligns with what Zoll has said publicly.

Despite an encouraging stretch to begin the second half, the Twins' bullpen has spent much of the season near the bottom of baseball. While the overall ERA has started trending in the right direction, Minnesota still lacks the type of dominant late-inning arms that contenders often acquire before the deadline.

With several clubs expected to shop proven relievers over the next few days, the Twins appear focused on finding upgrades that can make an immediate impact.

Why Jeffers and Larnach Still Make Sense

Passan also noted that Jeffers and Trevor Larnach remain logical trade candidates because of Minnesota's organizational depth.

"Jeffers and outfielder Trevor Larnach... remain in play," Passan wrote. "Minnesota won't trade anyone just for the sake of trading them."

The Twins have one of baseball's deepest collections of young position players. Walker Jenkins is waiting in Triple-A and projects to become an everyday corner outfielder in the near future, while Victor Caratini gives Minnesota another experienced catching option if Jeffers were moved. That depth gives the front office flexibility to deal from positions of strength if it means addressing a more pressing need.

The Balancing Act

Passan also acknowledged the difficult position Minnesota finds itself in. With half of Major League Baseball hovering around .500, every loss carries extra weight. A short losing streak can dramatically alter the standings and change how aggressive a front office chooses to be.

Rather than making moves simply because ownership wants the team to compete, Passan believes the Twins will remain disciplined. They'll pursue upgrades, but only if the value is right.

That approach could ultimately lead to one of the more intriguing possibilities of trade deadline season, a rare big-league-for-big-league swap centered around Jeffers. If the Twins can turn a position of organizational strength into immediate bullpen help, they may accomplish both goals at once: improve the 2026 roster while avoiding mortgaging the future.

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[nicksaviking]

A reliever? They better not.

It's already clear this team has zero clue what to look for in other team's relievers. Multi-year track record, with multiple teams, good velocity, good strikeout and good walk numbers. They always zero in on some flash in the pan, small-sample-size hero and think that a few dozen innings of results this year are any kind of reflection of the players ability.

[Mike Sixel]

22 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

A reliever? They better not.

It's already clear this team has zero clue what to look for in other team's relievers. Multi-year track record, with multiple teams, good velocity, good strikeout and good walk numbers. They always zero in on some flash in the pan, small-sample-size hero and think that a few dozen innings of results this year are any kind of reflection of the players ability.

Agreed. Get great prospects. Make trades in the off-season from prospect depth. 

[Coach]

One Team's inessentials can become another team's essentials.  Jeffers and Larnach should bring back a quality pitcher or two and possibly some prospects thrown in.  Ya listening Yanks?