Ranking Twins Trade Candidates If They Sell At MLB Trade Deadline

The American League remains a mess. Despite an inconsistent first half, the Minnesota Twins have played better over the last week and continue to hang around the Wild Card race. Entering the middle of June, Minnesota sits just 1.5 games behind the final playoff spot, which is close enough to dream about a second-half run.

The problem is that simply staying close may not be enough. The Twins will likely need to play well above .500 baseball over the final three months and finish somewhere in the mid-80s in wins to secure a postseason berth. Given the current roster, ongoing injury concerns, and a lack of impact reinforcements arriving soon, that path feels increasingly difficult.

Jeremy Zoll and the front office still have time before making any final decisions, but if Minnesota ultimately chooses to sell at the trade deadline, these are the players most likely to be involved.

Definitely Traded

SP Joe Ryan

Team Control: Through 2027
2026 Stats: 15 G, 2.89 FIP, 22.9 K-BB%, 2.4 fWAR

Ryan was one of the few core players who survived last year's deadline selloff, but that may not be the case this summer. The right-hander is putting together another All-Star caliber campaign and would immediately become one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the market. With another full season of team control remaining after 2026, Ryan offers contenders something most deadline acquisitions do not: certainty beyond October.

If Minnesota decides to move him, the return could rival or exceed any prospect package the organization has received in recent years.

C Ryan Jeffers

Team Control: Through 2026
2026 Stats: 37 G, .411 wOBA, 163 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR

Before suffering a broken hamate bone, Jeffers was in the middle of the best offensive stretch of his career. Over the last three seasons, he has established himself as one of baseball's most productive offensive catchers, a profile that always attracts interest at the deadline. Catching remains one of the thinnest positions in the sport, and contenders are constantly searching for upgrades behind the plate.

As a pending free agent, Jeffers is exactly the type of player rebuilding or retooling teams often move.

1B Josh Bell

Team Control: Through 2026
2026 Stats: 72 G, .300 wOBA, 87 wRC+, -0.3 fWAR

Bell followed a familiar script this season. He struggled through the first two months, posting a .609 OPS over his first 53 games before catching fire recently. Over his last 19 contests, Bell owns an .883 OPS and has looked much closer to the productive hitter many expected when he signed.

At 33 years old and headed toward free agency, Bell does not fit Minnesota's long-term plans. If he continues swinging the bat well, he could become a useful depth addition for a contender seeking lineup help.

LHP Taylor Rogers

Team Control: Through 2026
2026 Stats: 32 G, 3.39 FIP, 12.5 K-BB%, 0.4 fWAR

Rogers' return to Minnesota has gone about as expected. The veteran left-hander continues to generate weak contact and provide quality innings against difficult matchups. Contending teams always search for bullpen upgrades in July, and left-handed relievers are among the most sought-after commodities.

Given his age and place in the Twins' competitive timeline, Rogers appears like a logical trade candidate if Minnesota pivots toward selling.

RHP Yoendrys Gómez

Team Control: Through 2031
2026 Stats: 29 G, 4.73 FIP, 11.0 K-BB%, 0.2 fWAR

This may be the most intriguing name on the list. After acquiring Gómez for cash considerations from Tampa Bay, Minnesota helped unlock another level by making mechanical adjustments. The results have been significant enough that he has worked his way into the closer's role.

Relievers are notoriously volatile, and Gómez's value may never be higher than it is right now. If the Twins believe his current performance has maximized his trade value, cashing in could make a lot of sense.

Possibly Traded

OF Trevor Larnach

Team Control: Through 2027
2026 Stats: 60 G, .343 wOBA, 117 wRC+, 1.0 fWAR

Minnesota quietly explored Larnach's market during the offseason but never found a deal worth making. His 2026 season looks a lot like the previous few years: solid offensive production, quality at-bats, and enough defensive limitations to create questions about his long-term fit. Still, left-handed power remains valuable, and there are always contenders searching for lineup upgrades.

A move would not be surprising, but neither would a decision to keep him.

UTL Kody Clemens

Team Control: Through 2029
2026 Stats: 62 G, .350 wOBA, 121 wRC+, 1.2 rWAR

Clemens has become one of Minnesota's most important role players. He has provided production at the plate, competent defense at multiple positions, and the type of clubhouse presence every contender values. The challenge for the Twins is determining whether his current production represents a peak value opportunity.

With three additional years of control after this season, Minnesota has no urgency to move him. However, his versatility and affordability could make him attractive to a wide range of playoff hopefuls.

LH RP Anthony Banda

Team Control: Through 2027
2026 Stats: 34 G, 4.16 FIP, 9.7 K-BB%, 0.1 fWAR

Banda's overall numbers do not jump off the page, but his recent performance certainly does. After a difficult start to the season, the left-hander has posted a 0.56 ERA in 18 appearances since May 5. Teams looking beyond traditional statistics will notice the improvement.

The additional year of team control only increases his appeal and gives Minnesota flexibility when evaluating potential offers.

UTL Royce Lewis

Team Control: Through 2028
2026 Stats: 41 G, .295 wOBA, 83 wRC+, 0.1 fWAR

Lewis may be the toughest player on this list to evaluate. His struggles earlier this season resulted in a reset at Triple-A, but he has looked considerably better since returning to the major leagues. The talent that once made him the organization's top prospect is still present.

At the same time, the fit has become more complicated. Injuries, position changes, and inconsistent production have created uncertainty about his long-term role. If another organization believes it can unlock Lewis' star potential, Minnesota could listen. A change-of-scenery trade remains a possibility.

Unlikely To Be Traded

CF Byron Buxton

Team Control: Through 2028
2026 Stats: 63 G, .397 wOBA, 153 wRC+, 2.9 fWAR

Buxton's name has already surfaced in national trade speculation, which is understandable given the season he is having. The problem is that a trade remains highly improbable.

Buxton possesses full no-trade protection and has repeatedly stated his desire to remain in Minnesota. More importantly, the Twins are under no pressure to move him. He remains the face of the franchise and is arguably putting together the best offensive season of his career. Unless Buxton initiates those conversations himself, expect him to stay exactly where he is.

C Victor Caratini

Team Control: Through 2027
2026 Stats: 53 G, .287 wOBA, 78 wRC+, 0.2 fWAR

Caratini's offensive production has been disappointing, but that alone makes a trade difficult. Minnesota signed him to a two-year contract with the expectation that he could help bridge the transition if Jeffers eventually departed in free agency. That need still exists today.

The Twins would almost certainly be willing to move the second year of his contract if another team expressed interest, but finding that team could prove difficult. For now, he looks more likely to remain in Minnesota than leave.

The Twins have done enough recently to keep their postseason hopes alive, which is why the next few weeks are so important. A strong stretch could push Minnesota firmly into the buyer category. Another extended slump could force the front office to continue the organizational reshaping that began last summer.

If that happens, Ryan and Jeffers stand out as the most likely headliners. Beyond them, the Twins have a collection of veterans, relievers, and intriguing controllable pieces who could generate significant interest around the league.

For now, Minnesota remains stuck between buying and selling. The standings will determine which direction Zoll ultimately chooses.