Twins Have More Money to Spend Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

For years, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline wasn't whether they would make a move—it was whether they were willing to spend the money necessary to improve the roster. This deadline feels different.

Less than 24 hours after strengthening the bullpen, the Twins addressed another glaring need Friday night by acquiring Baltimore Orioles starter Dean Kremer in exchange for a rookie-level outfielder. It wasn't the splashiest addition available, but it provided the rotation with badly needed depth as Minnesota continues its push toward an American League Wild Card spot.

The move came on the heels of Thursday night's trade for left-handed reliever A.J. Minter from the New York Mets. Rather than limiting the financial commitment, the Twins assumed the remainder of both contracts, taking on approximately $5 million combined between Minter and Kremer. If sources are correct, the spending may not be finished.

According to Dan Hayes and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:

“Though they’ve already been one of the more active teams at the deadline, the Twins next want to add a right-handed, late-inning reliever before Monday’s trade deadline, a Twins source said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the team’s thinking. The source said Twins chairman Tom Pohlad has authorized general manager Jeremy Zoll to add even more payroll if necessary.”

Those developments back up what chairman Tom Pohlad said in the middle of July when he spoke about taking a more aggressive approach. After consecutive trade deadlines left both the clubhouse and fan base frustrated, the organization appears determined to change the narrative. Whether it's adding talent for the stretch run or demonstrating a greater willingness to increase payroll, the Twins are making moves that haven't traditionally been associated with this front office.

While Kremer won't generate the same excitement as a frontline starter, his value shouldn't be overlooked. Minnesota's rotation has quietly been stretched thin, particularly with rookie Connor Prielipp entering uncharted territory. Between Triple-A St. Paul and the major leagues, Prielipp has already logged 91 innings this season. That's a significant workload for a pitcher who threw only 112 2/3 innings combined over his first four professional seasons.

Adding Kremer gives manager Derek Shelton another dependable arm capable of absorbing innings, allowing the Twins to better manage Prielipp's workload over the final two months. Even if Kremer slots into the back of the rotation, his presence could prevent Minnesota from overextending one of its most important young pitchers. There is also a chance the Twins could move Prielipp or another starter to the bullpen. 

The Twins have already checked two major boxes by adding a late-inning left-hander and rotation depth. If Hayes and Rosenthal's reporting proves accurate, another bullpen addition could be coming before Monday's deadline.

For the first time in several years, the biggest story isn't just that the Twins are buying. It's that they're spending like they mean it.

What else do the Twins need to add before Monday? Leave a comment and start the discussion.