Five Trades to Add a Starting Center Fielder

When the Twins front office gave Byron Buxton his $100 million deal, they did so knowing the discount due to his limited ability was baked in. That never became more prominent than in 2023, when Rocco Baldelli was forced to use his best outfield defender solely as a designated hitter. As his aching knee never improved, the defensive position became that of Michael A. Taylor.

At this moment, Taylor is still a free agent and is far from a lock to find a re-up with his recent team. Buxton is coming off yet another knee procedure, and what he can provide coming into the year has never been more murky. Needing a legitimate starting-caliber option, it’s an area to be addressed. Cody Bellinger isn’t a realistic free agent target, and while either Harrison Bader or Kevin Kiermaier may be, the trade market could also work.

Jack Suwinski - Pittsburgh Pirates
Easily the most unlikely of the options here, Suwinski is just 25 years old and doesn’t enter arbitration until 2026. However, he plays for the Pirates, and how soon Pittsburgh believes they can contend could make him expendable. They have Paul Skenes coming, and talents like Oneil Cruz, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Henry Davis, and Endy Rodriguez make them intriguing. If Suwinski is seen as part of that core, he will stay.

Should Pittsburgh make him available, Suwinski would give the Twins both an immediate and long-term option as a starter. He’s come into his own as a power hitter, but his defensive value is uncertain. He posted ugly DRS (defensive runs saved) numbers this year but did show well by outs above average. As a left-handed player, he’d fit in between Matt Wallner and Max Kepler.

Proposed trade: Suwinski for Emmanuel Rodriguez, Brent Headrick, and Josh Winder (Trade Value Simulator says: Slight disadvantage PIT)

Tommy Edman - St. Louis Cardinals
This one is fun for a couple of reasons. Minnesota has looked into at least a few outfielders with Cardinals ties during recent seasons, and Edman’s brother, Johnny, works as a Data Quality Engineer in the Twins front office. Traditionally an infielder playing shortstop and second base, he was a defensive dynamo in those spots last year. Defensive analytics don’t love him as much this year, but he added centerfield to his repertoire for the first time consistently this year.

Similar to Taylor, Edman is about league average offensively at his best. He has hit double-digit homers during all of his full professional seasons. He also steals a bunch of bags, which would help that aspect of Minnesota’s game. There is a lot to like here, and while he will keep getting more expensive in arbitration (he made $4.2 million in 2023), he is under team control for the next two years.

Proposed trade: Edman for David Festa and Jordan Balazovic (TVS says: Slight disadvantage STL)

Dylan Carlson - St. Louis Cardinals
If the price for Edman is too steep, another center fielder from St. Louis could be the fit. Carlson has faded since finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2021. Injuries kept him out of action for a good portion of the season last year, but this is still a former consensus top-20 prospect. He is under team control through 2026, so there is ample opportunity to get him right if the Twins think they can do that.

During 2022, Carlson posted six defensive runs saved and was worth four outs above average. He ranked well by Statcast’s metric last year, but obviously, the sample was much more limited. This would be an upside play for Minnesota, and by starting him every day, they’d certainly be looking for the guy who drew rave reviews as a prospect.

Proposed trade: Carlson for Simeon Woods Richardson and Keoni Cavaco (TVS says: Essentially neutral)

Jo Adell - Los Angeles Angels
Last season, Adell played in the fewest games of his pro career at the major league level. After 88 games and a lackluster 78 OPS+ in 2022, the Angels are forcing Adell to prove he has it before committing to him yet again. Although Mike Trout will eventually move away from center field, it doesn’t seem now is the time for Adell.

As a former top-five consensus prospect, Adell’s name is well known. He has struggled to replicate minor league success for Los Angeles, though, and he may benefit from a change of scenery. He’s under team control through 2027, and seeing better K/BB rates at Triple-A Salt Lake last season may be enough to warrant someone giving him some real run. As the Opening Day starter, Adell would be a gamble, but the Twins could strike gold if things click.

Proposed trade: Adell for Nick Gordon and Christian MacLeod (TVS says: Slight advantage LAA)

Mickey Moniak - Los Angeles Angels
The first overall pick in the 2016 Major League Draft, the Twins could add a third such player to their active roster. Joining Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa, Moniak seeks to substantiate his 2023 as a late-blooming breakout. He played in just 85 games for the Angels, but it resulted in a 113 OPS+. The sample sizes are small, but that’s lightyears better than the 35 OPS+ he posted over 66 games in his first three major league seasons.

Moniak is probably considered part of the Angels' future plans, but the front office has been largely inept for some time. He was strong defensively in center and would give the Twins another young addition to the roster. Moniak is only 25 and doesn’t hit arbitration until after the upcoming season. Should the resurgence be believed, his addition would be nice for Minnesota.

Proposed trade: Moniak for Yasser Mercedes and Trevor Larnach (TVS says: Significant advantage LAA)

Which of these names do you feel most excited about? Is there a return that would make you uncomfortable to get one in return?