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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.
- Dman and Cory Engelhardt
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