Twins Eyeing Starting Pitching Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

[Cody Christie]

The countdown to Monday's MLB Trade Deadline is underway, and the Minnesota Twins continue to signal they're looking to improve rather than stand pat.

Minnesota has already addressed one of its biggest weaknesses by adding veteran left-hander A.J. Minter and right-hander Tommy Nance to the bullpen, giving manager Derek Shelton two more experienced options for a relief corps that has struggled for much of the season. But with the club firmly in the postseason race, the front office appears to be keeping its options open.

According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins may not be done making moves. While Minnesota has already completed a pair of trades, Hayes reported that a team source, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding trade discussions, indicated additional moves remain a possibility before Monday's deadline.

One area drawing increasing attention is the starting rotation.

“Not only could the Twins use additional bullpen depth,” said Hayes. “But the team is also potentially seeking rotation help as rookie Connor Prielipp has never pitched more innings in his injury-plagued career.”

That possibility isn't surprising considering how Minnesota has approached the deadline publicly.

Earlier this week, general manager Jeremy Zoll made it clear the Twins view themselves as buyers, even as many clubs around baseball continue to weigh whether they'll buy or sell. Minnesota's willingness to act early reflects the organization's confidence that this roster is capable of making a postseason push.

It's also consistent with comments chairman Tom Pohlad made earlier this month. After last summer's deadline selloff frustrated both fans and players, Pohlad said the organization needed to be aggressive if the team remained in contention. Adding talent before the deadline would represent an opportunity to regain credibility in the clubhouse while showing fans the organization is committed to winning.

Adding another starter would also provide valuable insurance for a pitching staff that has absorbed more than its share of injuries this season.

Connor Prielipp has exceeded expectations as a rookie, but workload management is becoming a legitimate consideration. The former second-round pick has battled injuries throughout his professional career, making it unlikely the Twins will simply let him throw deep into uncharted territory over the final two months.

Beyond Prielipp, Minnesota has already lost several key starters at various points this season. Pablo Lopez, David Festa, and Mick Abel are out for the year,  testing the organization's starting pitching depth. That makes another dependable arm an attractive addition, even if it's not a headline-grabbing acquisition.

The Twins don't appear to be a logical fit for the biggest names expected to be available, such as Tarik Skubal or Reid Detmers. Acquiring pitchers of that caliber would likely require an enormous prospect package and would run counter to Minnesota's recent strategy of supplementing an already competitive roster rather than reshaping it.

Instead, the more realistic path is targeting a reliable back-end starter who can stabilize the rotation, absorb innings, and lessen the burden on a staff that has already endured plenty of attrition. It may not generate the same excitement as landing a frontline ace, but adding quality depth could prove just as important if the Twins plan to extend their season into October.

What starters should the Twins target? Leave comment and start the discussion.

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[howeda7]

Freddy Paralta seems like a reasonable fit and wouldn't cost too much. Dasan Hill and Matt Wallner should get it done. If Robby Ray can be had for the same return, I'd prefer him.

[DJL44]

I still like Gausman

[DJL44]

Singer has been pitching well for the Reds. He could be this year’s Tyler Mahle trade.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I like all the names mentioned in this thread already. I’ll add Casey Mize as another option. Gausman may be my favorite, but it’ll be really good to add some help

[amjgt]

41 minutes ago, Cody Christie said:

The Twins don't appear to be a logical fit for the biggest names expected to be available, such as Tarik Skubal or Reid Detmers.

Don't forget about the biggest bats available such as Yordan Alvarez or Lars Nootbaar

[Cody Christie]

2 minutes ago, amjgt said:

Don't forget about the biggest bats available such as Yordan Alvarez or Lars Nootbaar

Alvarez for Walker Jenkins. Who says no?

[weitz41]

I'd settle for Hunter Green

But if I have to limit it to reasonable chances of getting...

Any of Mize, Ray, Gausman and Peralta would be my. YES!

Singer, Springs or Mahle would be my polite hand clap...

[amjgt]

11 minutes ago, Cody Christie said:

Alvarez for Walker Jenkins. Who says no?

[reviews Yordan's contract status]

2 more years at 26M each.

I'd say yes. 

I think it's possible both teams would say no. Twins because of money and Astros because they could get a bit more for him.