Deadline Day: Where Things Stand for the Minnesota Twins

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

One year ago, the Minnesota Twins front office conducted arguably the biggest deadline firesale in the history of Major League Baseball. It was brutal to witness: 10 players traded, as an organization admitted failure on what it had spent years trying to build. The declaration of a reset.

The Twins followed through with more sweeping changes in the offseason — they fired Rocco Baldelli, parted ways with Derek Falvey, and ushered in Tom Pohlad as new ownership chair. With fan morale circling the drain, the franchise hoped to get across a message that things were going to be different. For real this time.

I counted myself among the skeptics. Jeremy Zoll was unproven, and Derek Shelton was one of the losingest managers of all time. Why believe Tom would really be any different than Joe, or Jim, or Carl?

That skepticism remains, to some extent. But I'm starting to let my guard down. Shelton's got these guys playing inspired, resilient ball. The front office is re-earning confidence with an adaptive nature and solid pickups such as Yoendrys Gómez. 

I hesitate to give ownership too much credit for adding to one of the league's lowest payrolls, but, they're adding. That's rarely been the case around this time in years past. This deadline feels decidedly different, and there are multiple reasons for that: unusual buy/sell dynamics, Tom looking to stake a claim, a potential impending lockout. 

Oh yeah, and the fan morale. Twins decision-makers haven't' exactly ben shy in saying that rejuvenating fan interest is a major motivator, perhaps to the point of superceding strategic wisdom. That's one of the reasons I have a feeling things might get weird at this deadline.

Now that the day is upon us arrived, here are X key storylines to keep an eye on leading up to the 5:00 PM CT MLB trade deadline:

Ryan Jeffers: Can the Twins Really Trade Their Best Hitter?
The strangest name on the board. Jeffers is an impending free agent, the hottest catching commodity likely available, and arguably the best offensive catcher in baseball this season. Under normal circumstances, a contender doesn't trade that player. But normal circumstances also don't involve a club carrying three catchers while facing the likelihood of losing Jeffers for nothing this winter. If a bidding war materializes, the Twins have to listen. Trading your best hitter while trying to make the playoffs would be bizarre. That's what makes this deadline so fascinating.

Trevor Larnach: A Deal Already Nearly Happened
It already sounds like Larnach was almost gone once. Reports indicate a deal sending him to Houston collapsed at the finish line, suggesting the Twins are very much willing to discuss one of their most productive everyday bats. Like Jeffers, it's an odd contradiction: Larnach has settled into the leadoff spot and is having the best offensive season of his career. Yet with organizational outfield depth and bullpen needs, he remains one of Minnesota's clearest avenues to acquiring impact help, and clearing a path for the next wave.

Joe Ryan: The Biggest Decision They Probably Won't Make
If the Twins truly want to contend in 2026 and 2027, Ryan shouldn't be going anywhere. Still, his name won't disappear until 5:00. Frontline starters with another year of control almost never become available, and if the Twins entertained offers, the return could be franchise-altering. Recent arm fatigue and a couple of uneven outings probably cool the speculation more than anything. Unless someone completely overwhelms Jeremy Zoll, Ryan still feels much more likely to headline a playoff rotation than another organization's deadline haul.

Byron Buxton: His Health Looms Over Everything
Any lingering fantasy about a Buxton trade should be over. The organization has repeatedly made clear he's part of its future, and his latest hip injury doesn't change that. What it does change is the calculus for the rest of this season. If the hip limits him into September, the Twins' playoff odds take a significant hit. More broadly, every recurrence raises the same question we all hate to ask: how much can the organization realistically count on him over the final years of his contract?

Emmanuel Rodriguez: A Prospect Crunch Just Got More Complicated
Rodriguez looked like one of Minnesota's most intriguing trade chips: elite upside at a position where the organization suddenly has enviable depth. Then came soreness in his surgically repaired thumb, an unfortunate development that likely makes a deal much harder to execute. With Walker Jenkins, Vahn Lackey and Kaelen Culpepper essentially untouchable, and Rodriguez was easily the team's best piece to dangle at this deadline. Especially because he'lls be out of options next spring, opening up a whole bag of worms from a planning perspective. Whether that gets resolved now or this winter remains one of the organization's biggest long-term questions.

Selling Low: Could Familiar Names Benefit from a Change of Scenery?
Could the Twins capitalize on another club believing in a rebound? Matt Wallner has become an awkward fit, buried at Triple-A with little path back to consistent at-bats in Minnesota. Royce Lewis presents an even tougher call. His talent remains undeniable, but injuries, defensive uncertainty and a crowded infield have complicated his future. If another organization still sees an All-Star waiting to emerge, the Twins may at least entertain the conversation rather than risk watching his value continue to erode.

A Well-Stocked System: How Much Prospect Capital Are They Willing to Spend?
Unlike last summer, the Twins don't have to choose between buying and protecting a barren farm. The system is in excellent shape after last year's selloff and a draft class plucked near the top of every round. They've already shown a willingness to dip into that prospect capital with their early additions. The real question is how aggressive they'll become. Do they stop at patching holes, or leverage organizational depth to chase a true difference-maker before the clock strikes five?

The rumors are about to become reality. Before the phones stop ringing at 5:00, drop your predictions below: Who gets moved, who stays put, and what grade would make this a successful deadline for the Twins?

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[mikelink45]

I am not sure that the team is willing to dip into its prospect pool.  I have been one of Roden's biggest detractors and I have no idea why Gray is on the roster.  At least put a CF on the team - Fedko did not get a Roden chance and can play the field and is on the roster.  Jenkins is the obvious call up and has earned the chance.  Mendez is looking good - we do not need a trade to give these players a chance.  I expect Fedko will not be in MLB for long so I am not equating him with Jenkins.  I also think Wallner has earned another chance.  And I am not sure that Martin should block any of them. 

[LeatherAntenna]

13 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I am not sure that the team is willing to dip into its prospect pool.  I have been one of Roden's biggest detractors and I have no idea why Gray is on the roster.  At least put a CF on the team - Fedko did not get a Roden chance and can play the field and is on the roster.  Jenkins is the obvious call up and has earned the chance.  Mendez is looking good - we do not need a trade to give these players a chance.  I expect Fedko will not be in MLB for long so I am not equating him with Jenkins.  I also think Wallner has earned another chance.  And I am not sure that Martin should block any of them. 

Some story on this website yesterday said the Twins should sell if they can’t be sure they contend or be able to sign their growing stars or future solid players.  Well, when will they ever be able to do that if not now, is there some guarantee in the future that can resign their Ryan’s and their Jeffers?  If you can’t or won’t sign you’re growing stars or future solid playersthen you resign yourself to mediocrity

[Coach]

I sure would like to read that Marek Houston is untouchable.

[TJSweens]

I would still prefer the Twins make moves to clear the decks for Jenkins and Culpepper. They need to get the future core players up to the majors. Adding just to build a team good enough to swept in the first round doesn't interest me.

[Peter]

they won’t make any moves- Jeffers/larnach/ryan will be released off season 

[Patzky]

33 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I am not sure that the team is willing to dip into its prospect pool.  I have been one of Roden's biggest detractors and I have no idea why Gray is on the roster.  At least put a CF on the team - Fedko did not get a Roden chance and can play the field and is on the roster.  Jenkins is the obvious call up and has earned the chance.  Mendez is looking good - we do not need a trade to give these players a chance.  I expect Fedko will not be in MLB for long so I am not equating him with Jenkins.  I also think Wallner has earned another chance.  And I am not sure that Martin should block any of them. 

Fedko got hurt at the end of yesterday's game, not sure the severity but that means 1) Roden Remains, likely Martin a bit less secure 2) Gray is replaced by Wallner or Jenkins if Larnach goes. 

[Whitey333]

Twins are in a tough spot.  Are they contenders in a watered down American League?  Or are they contenders only because the league is so watered down?  Even with trades it's questionable if they make the playoffs or even advance past the first round if they do.  They must also plan for the future.  If these prospects we have are so great then get them up here and see what they can do.  Everyone assumes Jenkins, Culpepper, Rodriguez etc are going to be mainstays on the team.  Get them up here and have them prove it. We have plenty of dfa material to demote.  And Buxton can't be counted kn AGAIN!

[TopGunn#22]

The injury issues of Buxton (he was never going anywhere, but he's vital to Twins success) and the "tired arm" of Joe Ryan have really messed up the Twins deadline.  So far, they've added a solid RP in Minter and a SP in Kremer who has struggled the entire season, but has shown to be a competent #4 or #5 in past seasons.  

It certainly seems like something bigger is coming, but finding out about E-Rod being hurt AGAIN takes a tantalizing prospect off the table for the Twins.  Not trading Jeffers to either the Yankees, Cubs or Dodgers/Red Sox would be FO malpractice.  With Joe Ryan off the table, Jeffers is clearly their best trade chip.  It's too bad the Larnach for Bryan Abreu trade fizzled.  Abreu, even though he's having a down year, would have been a great arm to have in the bullpen.

Jeffers and Larnach remain the Twins best chance to bring something good back by dealing from organizational strength.  Maybe the trade of Larnach for Abreu can be revived.  I expect both Jeffers and Larnach to be traded today.  To fail to do so would be disappointing.  2026 is slipping away with no Buxton in the lineup and Joe Ryan has to get right for the Twins to have any chance of a playoff spot.     

[Heiny]

I don't know why, but I get a feeling that Royce is going to be traded.  What an up and down career he has had.  For years he was going to be our next superstar.  But the injuries he's had to overcome, plus the streaky good and then streaky bad stretches are very uncomfortable.  I still very much like Royce and hope he is a Twin and becomes a more reliably good player, but I just see a change of scenery for both him and the Twins is about to happen.  Gut feeling.

[bean5302]

25 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Fedko got hurt at the end of yesterday's game, not sure the severity but that means 1) Roden Remains, likely Martin a bit less secure 2) Gray is replaced by Wallner or Jenkins if Larnach goes. 

Fedko? Are we still talking about him? 

[bean5302]

The state of things right now is the Twins have stood pat. The absolute worst case scenario for a fan like me, but today will be a busy trades day. We'll see.

[bean5302]

I'm not pleased at all about Gausman not being on the Twins if that's what he cost the Cubs. Two PTBNL guys. An outfielder and an infielder.

[ziggy]

4 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I'm not pleased at all about Gausman not being on the Twins if that's what he cost the Cubs. Two PTBNL guys. An outfielder and an infielder.

I agree, the Jays should have given Gausman to the Twins as a bonus on the Varland deal.

[rdehring]

Best news. Nick, is that we will all know what they did (or didn't do) in 8 hours and 34 minutes. Enjoy the day! 

[Patzky]

9 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I'm not pleased at all about Gausman not being on the Twins if that's what he cost the Cubs. Two PTBNL guys. An outfielder and an infielder.

Wonder if a no-trade clause showed up.

[Dman]

Never says never, but it feels like Jeffers is off the market as several teams that were looking for right handed bats went out and got them.  Seemingly indicating they know Jeffers is off the market.  I mean since the Twins have the QO to fall back on it will take a hefty price to pry Jeffers loose and he is also a rental.

The Yankee's seem like the only team desperate enough to pay a high price and be able to sign him in the offseason so you never know, but it seems it would take a blockbuster type deal probably somewhat similar to Skubal to get Jeffers.  I just don't know that a team would do that or not. Especially if they don't think they can sign him.

A little surprised on Larnach as he has been such a big part the offense, but if they think Jenkins is ready it makes some sense.  It was a MLB for MLB offer so the Twins don;t seem inclined to move him unless it helps this years team in some way. We'll see if someone gives them an offer they can't refuse, but I doubt it.

Ryan just isn't as tradable with his poor second half stats and the fact he hasn't pitched well leading up to the deadline.  For what it would cost to get him I just don't see a team feeling comfortable doing that right now so I think he stays.

Not much else to trade unless from the farm.  I have Gonzalez, Diaw, and Mercedes as movable at the deadline for the right deals.  Gabby doesn't really have a place to play other 1st base\DH. Lewis is there now and he has more versatility and athleticism.  I don't see a spot for him in the outfield.  He is still a major league bat IMO so there is plenty of value there which leads me to thinking he could be dealt for the right piece not a throw away rental.

Diaw still has a chance to be a catcher though he has had trouble staying healthy back there.  It's a really good bat with some serious questions about power, but that typically comes in time.  I'd think there is good value there and the Twins invested heavily in Lackey and Tinney who likely aren't that far behind and better defensively anyway.  He could be moved.

Other players they could move would be Kyle DeBarge,KALA'I ROSARIO, Ricardo Olivar, Enrique Jimenez, Dameury Pena, Yassar Mercedes, Adrian Bohorquez, Jose Olivares.

Guys I'd like to keep but again for the right deal I'd be willing to move are Hendry Mendez, John Klein, Ben Ross, Quentin Young,, Marco Raya, CJ Culpepper.

[Coach Wheels]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I am not sure that the team is willing to dip into its prospect pool.  I have been one of Roden's biggest detractors and I have no idea why Gray is on the roster.  At least put a CF on the team - Fedko did not get a Roden chance and can play the field and is on the roster.  Jenkins is the obvious call up and has earned the chance.  Mendez is looking good - we do not need a trade to give these players a chance.  I expect Fedko will not be in MLB for long so I am not equating him with Jenkins.  I also think Wallner has earned another chance.  And I am not sure that Martin should block any of them. 

Keaschall in LF is one thing but does not have the arm to play CF. I support a real OF coming up if Buxton can't heal.

[tony&rodney]

Roster builds are not easy. The Twins are much improved on defense from April/May but one can objectively argue that there is ton of changes still necessary to field an average to above average defensive-fielding team. Take yesterday's lineup as an example. Kody Clemens and Ryan Kreidler are both good utility players who provide solid average, sometimes even plus defense. Brooks Lee has improved enough at third base to be an average fielder. That is it though. Jeffers at C, Lewis at 1B, 2B, or 3B, Larnach in LF, Keaschall in CF, and Roden in RF are all below average defenders. Caratini at 1B, Gray at SS, and Martin in RF off the bench are also below average fielders. To be fair, many of the players are somewhat reasonably close to average. Nevertheless, the Twins have holes to fill and while the team really needs to find good bats there is also a need to improve the work of the gloves. Building a roster is not an easy task. Hopefully the Twins are narrowing their focus towards more athletic players. There may be some promise in players like EmRod, Jenkins, Houston, and later Winokur to hit at an acceptable level while playing good defense. I have been encouraged that the Twins moved away from Bell-1B, Keaschall-2B, Lewis-3B, and Lee-SS. Sometimes little steps provide hope.

[Andy MacPhail]

I had a lot of hope in this team after they canned Falvey. Although they had the worse team on paper for years, I believed the problem wasn't the players. And under the right administration they could do something. 

Yet, I had my doubts if Shelton was the right manager for the the job & if he was his own man. So far, he has won me over. I liked Zoll but not neccessarily as a GM. Would he draw from his experience in LA or his mentorship under Falvey? I can't blame Zoll for not taking care our needs in the offseason, because he wasn't in charge, Falvey was.

I'd really liked if they had landed a #3 SP to slot behind Bradley & Ryan, more than anything. That would also improve  our BP because we could transfer Prielipp & Zebby there. I like the Minter trade & was happy that the HOU nixed the Larnach trade but I hated the Kremer trade. Now, I'm all in favor of dipping into our farm to clear out some over-hyped prospects for legit targets but, Reyes is a fast rising prospect with a lot gas & Kremer wasn't impressive as a SP. 

Maybe, they saw something in Kremer that they could unlock to be that #3 SP? & all prospects are lotto tickets, Reyes is a long ways off & maybe he doesn't make it to the MLB? I'm willing to give Zoll the benefit of the doubt. I value the ability to trade in a GM. Trading is something very difficult & IMO, most GMs are poor at it. Zoll job is under evaluation. Like I  said I like Zoll & hope he draws from the good management of the LAD, they do things right.

[bean5302]

38 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Wonder if a no-trade clause showed up.

• Cincinnati Reds

• Milwaukee Brewers

• Detroit Tigers

• New York Mets

• Athletics

• Chicago White Sox

• Pittsburgh Pirates

• Seattle Mariners

That was his list.https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/video/2026/07/22/rosenthal-confirms-gausmans-eight-team-no-trade-list/

[JD-TWINS]

How about Emma, Martin, & C.J. Culpepper & one of the ‘26 draftee arms to Miami for Sandy Alcantara? (package to Miami is just an example……..maybe it’s Wallner mixed in?)

Saves Miami a bunch of $ - maybe not of interest to them?

Sounds crazy! He makes $21M in ‘27. He can be bought out for $2M.

He’s a frontline horse of a pitcher. Solidifies staff for ‘26! He can stay in ‘27 and make $8M more than what is owed to Ryan next year & Twins can trade Ryan for a similar prospect package that was given up for Alcantara.

Nathan Eovaldi from Texas is a similar move. They definitely want to move salary. Less of an asset package to them!

Robby Ray - Mize - May ……. lots of possibilities!

Alcantara - Bradley - Ryan - (blend of Ober/Prielipp/etc. as 4th option in playoffs)

[Patzky]

18 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

• Cincinnati Reds

• Milwaukee Brewers

• Detroit Tigers

• New York Mets

• Athletics

• Chicago White Sox

• Pittsburgh Pirates

• Seattle Mariners

That was his list.https://www.tsn.ca/mlb/video/2026/07/22/rosenthal-confirms-gausmans-eight-team-no-trade-list/

So they just said 'Chicago' and he said 'Yeah!' I guess you can get good food on the North side toom

[Patzky]

35 minutes ago, Andy MacPhail said:

I had a lot of hope in this team after they canned Falvey. Although they had the worse team on paper for years, I believed the problem wasn't the players. And under the right administration they could do something. 

Yet, I had my doubts if Shelton was the right manager for the the job & if he was his own man. So far, he has won me over. I liked Zoll but not neccessarily as a GM. Would he draw from his experience in LA or his mentorship under Falvey? I can't blame Zoll for not taking care our needs in the offseason, because he wasn't in charge, Falvey was.

I'd really liked if they had landed a #3 SP to slot behind Bradley & Ryan, more than anything. That would also improve  our BP because we could transfer Prielipp & Zebby there. I like the Minter trade & was happy that the HOU nixed the Larnach trade but I hated the Kremer trade. Now, I'm all in favor of dipping into our farm to clear out some over-hyped prospects for legit targets but, Reyes is a fast rising prospect with a lot gas & Kremer wasn't impressive as a SP. 

Maybe, they saw something in Kremer that they could unlock to be that #3 SP? & all prospects are lotto tickets, Reyes is a long ways off & maybe he doesn't make it to the MLB? I'm willing to give Zoll the benefit of the doubt. I value the ability to trade in a GM. Trading is something very difficult & IMO, most GMs are poor at it. Zoll job is under evaluation. Like I  said I like Zoll & hope he draws from the good management of the LAD, they do things right.

If Kremer can give us what Mahle or Paddack actually did that's a win.

[Patzky]

57 minutes ago, Coach Wheels said:

Keaschall in LF is one thing but does not have the arm to play CF. I support a real OF coming up if Buxton can't heal.

Gotta be Jenkins internally, right?

[S Bart]

Wallner.. uugghh... 😞 sorry...Wallner fans. I guess he has been doing okay in St. PAUL LATELY. One more chance...This MTS shuttle with players seems so rampant this year. I hope that I am wrong, but not sure if the magic wand has enough gusto to produce a playoff team. As much as I want them to keep Jeffers, it is the biggest trade value on the block and question if they will pay him the desired number in the off season. Buxton receiving shots in his hips is not an encouraging sign. Brewers, Phillies ahead...fingers crossed. Good additions this year with Shelton and Hawkins. Good team positive notes include Royce with and his ever present smile. ...Kody and his hustle.

[Vanimal46]

I would make a bold, aggressive move for one of Hunter Greene, George Kirby, or Emerson Hancock. I am aware it's going to cost a lot in prospect capital, but they all have multiple years of control. 

I don't really expect that to happen... So more realistically, I think 1 more pitcher such as Dustin May or Brady Singer as rentals. Then figure out if things are good with Larnach after the leaked report, or if he wants to be moved now that he was a part of a rejected trade 2 days ago. 

[Danchat]

2 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

At least put a CF on the team - Fedko did not get a Roden chance and can play the field and is on the roster. 

It's kinda stunning how often this team has failed to have a CF to back up Buxton in the past 10 years.

[S Bart]

2 minutes ago, Danchat said:

It's kinda stunning how often this team has failed to have a CF to back up Buxton in the past 10 years.

It is even more stunning to view the amount of days that he has missed over the last ten years as well as the multitude of types of injuries.

[LA Vikes Fan]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Fedko? Are we still talking about him? 

Agreed. I just don't get the fascination here with this guy. He did get an admittedly very short shot. Not only was he very unproductive with 8 strikeouts and no hits with 2 walks in 18 PAs/16 ABs, those statistics accurately capture the way he looked at the plate. He was very overmatched. He never really had much of a chance of getting a hit. This kind of tracks his minor-league career; very mediocre until the last two seasons. His chances for MLB success with the Twins are somewhere between zero and 10%. Roden, on the other hand, has hardly been spectacular but at least he has a fighting chance at the plate to hit a line drive. Roden's chances for MLB success are probably less than 50/50 but at least you can see the possibility there.

Fedko also has no trade value other than as a additional throw in as part of a bigger trade. I actually hope that happens because I'd love to see him get an opportunity with a bad organization like the Angels see if he can find something he wasn't finding in Minnesota. Frankly, I'd kind of like to see Roden traded as part of a package for pitching gave him the same opportunity elsewhere. A trade like that would help clear the decks so we can get Jenkins and Culpepper up to the Bigs for the stretch run. We need some hitting and it doesn't look like we are going to be able to trade for it.