Core or Out the Door: Twins Trade Away Candidates, 6-10

As the Minnesota Twins gear up for the 2025 season, the focus shifts to their core group of players who form the backbone of the roster. Some players have cemented their place as long-term building blocks, while others could be valuable trade assets. In this article, we rank the Twins' most important pieces at the big-league level, considering their impact and the likelihood of them being traded before the 2025 season.

10. Brooks Lee, IF
Pros: Lee has shot up the prospect rankings and made his major league debut late in 2024. His bat-to-ball skills and mature approach at the plate make him one of the most promising hitters in the Twins’ system. Lee’s future as a middle infielder or third baseman gives the Twins flexibility, and his potential to develop into an impact hitter at the big-league level is sky-high.

Cons: Lee is still unproven at the MLB level, and the team will need to see how he adjusts to major-league pitching. He showed signs of struggling during his rookie season (64 OPS+), but he might have also been playing through an injury. His defensive position is also unclear, as he could end up at third base if Royce Lewis moves to a different position.

Trade Likelihood: Low 
Lee is one of the team’s top young players, and it’s unlikely they will part ways with him before seeing how he develops in 2025.

9. Matt Wallner, OF
Pros: Wallner’s power potential makes him a compelling piece for the future. His left-handed bat gives the Twins a middle-of-the-order threat, and his defense in the corner outfield is serviceable, especially with an elite throwing arm. Wallner’s combination of power and athleticism gives him a high ceiling, especially with Max Kepler likely departing in free agency.

Cons: Strikeouts are a concern, and his consistency at the plate needs to improve. Minnesota sent him to Triple-A after a brutal start to the 2024 campaign, but he was resilient as he hit his way back to the big-league level. He’s still developing, and the Twins will need to see if he can avoid prolonged slumps in 2025.

Trade Likelihood: Medium
Wallner is under team control and could be a core outfield player, but his trade value is high enough that the Twins could consider moving him in the right deal.

8. Bailey Ober, SP
Pros: Ober was one of the Twins' most consistent starters in 2024 (104 ERA+). His imposing height and ability to locate his pitches make it difficult for hitters to square up. He set a career-high with 9.6 K/9. Ober’s durability improved in 2024 with a career-high 178 2/3 IP, and he’s proven himself as a solid mid-rotation starter with upside.

Cons: While Ober has been effective, he has had workload concerns as recently as 2023. The Twins might be cautious about relying on him long-term, especially given the depth of their young pitching prospects.

Trade Likelihood: Medium 
Ober’s breakout makes him an attractive trade piece, especially if the Twins want to add an impact bat. His high value could lead the Twins to explore moving him.

7. Jhoan Durán, RP
Pros: Durán is one of the most electric relievers in baseball. His triple-digit fastball, devastating off-speed pitches, and ability to close out games make him an essential part of the bullpen. During his career, he has posted a 2.30 ERA with a 12.3 K/9 in save situations. As a young, cost-controlled closer, Duran is a player the Twins can build their bullpen around for years.

Cons: Durán showed some kinks in his armor last season, and his velocity dropped on all his pitches. Relievers can be volatile, and there is always the risk of overuse or injury with such a hard-throwing pitcher.

Trade Likelihood: Medium to High 
Durán seemed untouchable as a trade candidate last winter. However, the Twins may want to capitalize on his remaining trade value before he gets more expensive through the arbitration process. 

6. Griffin Jax, RP
Pros: Jax was arguably the Twins’ best pitcher during the 2024 season. His ability to handle high-leverage situations and get key outs made him a valuable part of the Twins’ bullpen. In 72 appearances (71 innings), he posted a 2.03 ERA with a 0.873 WHIP and a 34.4 K% (Top 3% of MLB). With his mix of pitches, Jax has the potential to solidify himself among baseball’s top relievers next season. 

Cons: Like all relievers, long-term success can be fleeting, especially in limited sample sizes. It’s hard to imagine him having a better season than he did in 2024. Like Durán, he will begin to cost more through arbitration and the front office has stayed away from investing in bullpen arms. 

Trade Likelihood: Medium to High 
Jax might be one of the most valuable trade assets on the roster. It seems likely for the Twins to try to move either him or Durán this winter before either loses value through injury or ineffectiveness. 

The Twins have a strong core of building block pieces for 2025, but that doesn’t mean they won’t explore trades to reshape the roster. Lee and Wallner are young, foundational players the team will likely build around, while others like Ober, Duran, and Jax could be moved to fill other needs. The offseason will be critical as the front office balances improving the team without disrupting its future success.

Will any of the players above be traded this winter? Which player is the most critical building block? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.