4 Under-the-Radar Twins Trade Candidates

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, much of the conversation surrounding the Twins centers on the biggest names on the roster. If Minnesota decides to sell, teams will undoubtedly call about Joe Ryan. Ryan Jeffers could draw interest from clubs looking for help behind the plate, and Byron Buxton's name will continue to generate speculation, even if a deal remains unlikely.

However, trade deadlines are often shaped by more than just blockbuster moves. Contending teams are constantly searching for complementary pieces that can improve a roster's depth, strengthen a bullpen, or provide matchup advantages down the stretch. Those players rarely generate headlines, but they can still become valuable trade chips.

If the Twins find themselves moving pieces at the deadline, these four under-the-radar players could emerge as realistic trade candidates.

UTIL Kody Clemens

Few waiver claims (or, as is technically the case, cash deals in lieu of letting a DFA'd player hit waivers) have worked out as well for Minnesota as Clemens. Since joining the organization last season, Clemens has carved out an important role as a versatile bench player capable of contributing on both sides of the ball. In 112 games with the Twins last year, he posted a 96 OPS+ while accumulating 1.2 rWAR. This season, he has taken another step forward with a 118 OPS+ and 0.9 rWAR through 55 games.

His value extends beyond the batter's box. Clemens has provided strong defense at first base and has produced some of the best Defensive Runs Saved totals among players at the position. Add in his ability to move around the diamond, and he becomes an attractive option for a contender seeking a left-handed bat with defensive flexibility.

The return would likely be modest, but utility players who can fill multiple roles often become valuable deadline additions for playoff contenders. Clemens also has great makeup, which would give an acquiring team extra incentive to target him as a role player on a could-be champion.

LHP Taylor Rogers

Rogers returned to Minnesota hoping to finish his career where it started, but there is a scenario where he ends the season elsewhere. The veteran left-hander may be in the final season of his career, and contenders are always searching for experienced bullpen help in July. While Rogers has not completely stabilized Minnesota's relief corps, some underlying numbers suggest he has pitched better than his traditional statistics indicate.

His 4.97 ERA stands in sharp contrast to a much stronger 3.58 FIP. He has also been more effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .684 OPS compared to an .967 OPS allowed against right-handed batters.

A team looking for a veteran left-handed specialist or matchup reliever could view Rogers as a worthwhile addition. His postseason experience and long track record may hold more value to a contender than they do to a Twins club focused on the future, though he'd fetch even less in a deal than Clemens.

OF Trevor Larnach

Larnach spent much of the offseason surrounded by trade speculation. Minnesota reportedly explored moving him during the winter, but ultimately, they held onto the former first-round pick. Instead of seeing his value decline, Larnach has reestablished himself as a productive major-league regular.

Through his first 55 games, he owns a 110 OPS+ and 0.6 rWAR. He continues to thrive against right-handed pitching, posting an .801 OPS in those matchups. His struggles against left-handed pitchers remain evident, however, as he has managed just a .427 OPS against southpaws.

That profile may actually increase his appeal to contenders. Many playoff teams look for platoon bats capable of maximizing favorable matchups. Larnach's left-handed power and success against righties could make him a valuable piece for a club seeking additional offense from a corner outfield spot or designated hitter role, and at this point, he can't reasonably expect to play every day. That experiment has failed.

RHP Yoendrys Gómez

Few players have boosted their stock more dramatically over the last couple of months than Gómez. The Twins acquired Gómez from the Rays for cash considerations earlier this season, and the move has quickly paid dividends. Since arriving in Minnesota, he has posted a 0.64 ERA, 2.24 FIP, and 0.86 WHIP while striking out 18 batters and walking only six in 14 innings.

Minnesota has utilized a closer-by-committee approach throughout the season, but Gómez became the first Twins reliever to reach three saves. His combination of swing-and-miss stuff and affordable team control could make him attractive to organizations looking for bullpen help.

The timing will be important. If Gómez continues pitching at this level throughout June and into July, Minnesota could find itself in a position to sell high on a reliever they acquired for virtually nothing. Even a modest prospect return would represent a strong piece of business for the front office.

Trade deadline discussions often focus on stars and headline-grabbing names, but roster depth can be just as valuable for teams chasing a postseason berth. Clemens, Rogers, Larnach, and Gómez each bring a specific skill set that could appeal to contenders looking for affordable upgrades.

Whether the Twins ultimately move any of these players remains to be seen. Much will depend on where Minnesota sits in the standings as the deadline approaches. Still, these are the types of players who frequently change uniforms in July and quietly help shape the playoff race.

Will the Twins trade any of the players mentioned above? What kind of trade value exists for these lower-tier players? Leave a comment and start the discussion.