The Twins Should Target This Cardinals Outfielder at the Trade Deadline

Please please trade for Lars Nootbaar! That name just screams Minnesota.

Seriously though, I think Carlson would be a better fit than some of the names I've seen thrown about. That said, I don't see a package that would get it done. The Twins organization is not deep in pitching, and they will probably have to add another arm in the off-season. The Twins should be clinging to young controllable arms like Varland and SWR, and I don't see the Cardinals taking more outfielders in return.

37 minutes ago, goulik said:

Another Lefthanded bat? Rather give Walner and Larnach more chances. If we’re gonna trade for an outfielder it needs to be a righty.

Carlson is a switch hitter, with stronger numbers as a right handed hitter. 
 

In addition he’s a capable center fielder. 

If they trade for an OF, who is going to get cut or demoted? I personally would rather see maybe Martin get a shot? But again, this management team won't get rid of any veteran players, even though that's what needs to be done.

Here is Lewis/Krilloff/Julien/Larnach/Wallner combined statistics in a Twins uniform this year ..

AB 634

Hits  179

Runs 95

HR  28

RBI  97

BA  282

OBP  372

SLG  465

Why the hell would we trade one of these guys to pick up another veteran? They are the foundation of the future. Trade your veterans away if you want but leave the young guys alone.  

39 minutes ago, Verified Member said:

I have never seen anyone with negative reputation points.  I gotta say in all honesty, I'm a little jealous.

Just to be contrary, I am not downvoting this post of yours. 

Switch hitting is great, if it provides proficiency against lefty and righty pitchers alike.

If not, then it's no better than being a platoon bat.  But the Cardinals will be expecting full value for him in trade, making him not much of a value.

In 2019, his most recent season with any significant playing time in the minors, he was a force from both sides of the plate.

As a major leaguer, he's been less than average against right-handed pitchers.  That trend has continued in 2023.

If he can't step up his production batting as a lefty, then he's just another platoon bat covering the smaller '"half" of the workload.  Another "lefty killer" bat like Garlick and a parade of others, albeit with apparently better defense.

If we're confident David Popkins can unlock the missing potential, where the mighty Cardinals braintrust has failed, then sure, trade away valuable assets for him.  I'm skeptical.

Two step analysis. First, is the player additive to the team this year and beyond? I would say Carlson definitely is. Remember, no Gallo and maybe no Kepler or MAT next year. I'm not sanguine that Wallner AND Larnach will be solid MLB players next year. Maybe one, but probably not both, and maybe neither. Carlson could really help in 2024 and is controllable through 2027. Would be a good get. 

The second step is the tough one; the cost. St. Louis is clear that they want at or near MLB ready pitching. Wallner or Larnach alone will not be near enough. Nor would Varland or SWR alone. I am not willing to trade Varland because I think he's part of next year's rotation. 

Here's a trade thought - Twins get Carlson and reliever Jordon Hicks. Cardinals get SWR or Matt Canterino, Wallner or Larnach, and Headrick or Henriquez. BTV says Carlson and Hicks for Canterino, Wallner, and Headrick or Henriquez is about even. I'll change it to Carlson and Hicks for Canterino, SWR, and Larnach. That trade I would make. If you change out Wallner for Larnach, I then would want a prospect in addition from St. Louis but then I would make the trade. Would you?

I think the decision for the Twins will be affected by the status of Buxton. If he is a DH until he isn’t the Twins need for a CF is pretty strong and adding a major league center fielder becomes a necessity. Losing pitching isn’t ideal, but I think the system can handle it.