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Many evaluators looked at the Twins' 2022 trade deadline with a positive view. Minnesota had clear needs at the deadline, and the team addressed those needs by trading for one of the top available starting pitchers, two late-inning relievers, and a back-up catcher. The Tyler Mahle and Jorge Lopez trades have not fared well over the last calendar year, but that should deter the front office from making other moves in 2023.
Entering the 2023 trade deadline, the Twins have multiple directions the team can follow. Some big names have the potential to be available, including Shohei Ohtani, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Juan Soto. There's no indication the team will be willing to surrender the prospect capital needed to acquire one of those superstars. However, the club can address weaknesses by trading for specific pieces with a lower acquisition cost.
The Twins have struggled against left-handed pitching for multiple seasons, so a solid right-handed bat can supplement the team's offense. Minnesota's easiest way to address this weakness is to get better production from the other significant right-handed bats on the roster, including Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton. Many contending teams need bullpen help, and the Twins will likely add at least one reliever before the trade deadline. It will be up to the front office to balance the quality of players being acquired and the prospects the organization will need to surrender.
If the Twins want a perfect 2023 trade deadline, these are the players the team should target.
Right-Handed Bat: Teoscar Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
Multiple teams are on the cusp of being buyers or sellers before the deadline, and the Mariners are part of this group. Minnesota has seen a lot of Seattle recently, so the front office has gotten a close-up look at Hernandez. He destroys left-handed pitching and is a free agent at the season's end. Over the last three seasons, only two players have a higher OPS versus lefties than Hernandez. His defense could be better in the outfield, but the Twins might only need him for specific match-ups down the stretch.
Back-Up Option: Hunter Renfroe, Los Angeles Angels
Late Inning Bullpen Arm: David Robertson, New York Mets
Minnesota hopes to add Caleb Thielbar and Brock Stewart back to the bullpen mix in August, but there are no guarantees with their age and injury histories. Robertson is one of the top available relievers that comes with extensive playoff experience and no signs of slowing down. His cost will be significantly higher than other bullpen options, but he might provide the most considerable potential boost. Relievers on expiring contracts are limited in the amount of innings they can pitch down the stretch. However, the Twins hope to play into October when Robertson can have an even more significant impact.
Back-Up Option: Jordan Hicks, St. Louis Cardinals
Left-Handed Reliever: Brooks Raley, New York Mets
The Mets have multiple relief arms likely to be dealt before the deadline, and in this perfect scenario, the Twins acquire their top two relief arms before the deadline. Raley is under team control through the 2024 season so that he can help the team next season. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 2.45 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP and a 99-to-30 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 88 1/3 innings. Raley has held left-handed hitters for his career to a .546 OPS with 104 strikeouts and 17 walks in 313 PA. Jovani Moran is the only lefty currently on the active roster, and there is no guarantee that Thielbar will be at 100% before the season's end. The Twins need to add a lefty, especially for crucial match-ups in October.
Back-Up Option: Brad Hand, Colorado Rockies
How would you plan Minnesota's perfect trade deadline? Do they need to be in the market for one of the big names? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
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