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    Whom Could Minnesota Twins Trade This Offseason?

    Ranking Minnesota’s most likely (and valuable) trade chips.

    Cody Christie
    Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

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    It’s easy for fans to read into the Twins' trade deadline sell-off and assume that payroll is headed in the wrong direction this winter. If the front office wants to get creative, they’ll need to balance talent retention with a willingness to shake up the roster. 

    Some players hold more value on the trade market than others, whether it’s tied to contract status, performance, or overall fit with the franchise’s uncertain competitive window. Here’s a look at five players the Twins could move this offseason, ranked from least likely to most valuable trade chip.

    5. 3B Royce Lewis
    Team Control Through 2028

    Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, Lewis has struggled to find consistency at the plate. His 80 OPS+ this season underscores the offensive regression that started late in 2024. Still, there have been glimmers of life in recent weeks. Since August 17, he's batted .250/.308/.521, with four home runs in 52 plate appearances.

    Trading him now would be selling low, but it could also serve as a “jolt to the core” move, the kind that signals Minnesota is trying to reshape its future heading into 2026. His value may rise or fall drastically based on how he closes the year.

    4. OF Matt Wallner
    Team Control Through 2029

    Wallner’s left-handed power has been one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise bleak lineup. Behind Byron Buxton, he’s arguably been the Twins’ most consistent offensive force, with a 120 OPS+. The catch? He’s still pre-arbitration eligible and comes with four full years of team control. That’s precisely the kind of profile front offices drool over. 

    However, he is the type of player who can age poorly when he starts to lose bat speed. Minnesota would have no urgency to move him, but if another team makes an aggressive offer, they’d have to listen. Like Lewis, trading Wallner could signal a true shake-up of the team’s identity. 

    3. C Ryan Jeffers
    Team Control Through 2026

    Catching depth always carries trade value, and Jeffers offers more than most. His 105 OPS+ in 2025 proves he’s no slouch with the bat, and he’s steady behind the plate. With just one year of team control left, though, the clock is ticking. If the Twins don’t deal him this offseason, he’s almost certainly gone by next July’s deadline. 

    A playoff contender desperate for an upgrade at catcher would be willing to pay a premium. From the Twins' perspective, there are no clear options ready to take over big-league catching duties, so it might be a tough sell if the Twins want to be in contention in 2026. 

    2. RHP Pablo López
    Team Control Through 2027

    The Pablo López era in Minnesota has been a mixed bag. At his best, he’s looked like a frontline starter, but injuries (most notably, a shoulder issue this year) have dimmed some of the shine. 

    López is set to make $21.75 million in 2026, the highest salary on the books for a team that has already signaled its intent to slash payroll. If he can prove he’s healthy to close out 2025, López becomes an obvious candidate to be shipped to a club looking for a rotation upgrade with some upside.

    1. RHP Joe Ryan
    Team Control Through 2027

    At the top of the list sits Ryan, who has emerged as one of the American League’s most reliable arms in 2025. He’s under team control for two more years through arbitration, making him both affordable and highly attractive to pitching-needy contenders. 

    Rival teams reportedly checked in on him at the trade deadline, with some social media sites claiming that he had been dealt. It's safe to assume those calls will come again this winter. While trading Ryan would be painful, he’s the Twins’ most valuable chip if the front office decides to lean wholly into a retool.

    Twins Upcoming Free Agent Classes

    Following 2026

    Following 2027

    Following 2028

    Following 2029

    Ryan Jeffers

    Pablo Lopez

    Byron Buxton

    Taj Bradley

    Justin Topa

    Bailey Ober

    Royce Lewis

    Kody Clemens

    Michael Tonkin

    Joe Ryan

    Cole Sands

    Matt Wallner

     

    Trevor Larnach

       

    The Twins enter the offseason facing difficult decisions. Do they cling to their remaining controllable talent and hope for a quick turnaround, or do they cash in some of their most valuable pieces to reset the franchise timeline? If nothing else, the winter months promise to be as intriguing off the field as they are on it.


    Do you agree with these rankings? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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    Lots of analysis, trepidation, and, of course, the mandatory Trade Rocco or Trade Falvey comments.  But any trades that might be made are totally dependent on what the return is.  If the return exceeds the perceived value (by the Twins, not BTV or MTV or whatever your favorite tool might be).  Everyone should be available for the right price.

    Trade all of them and just close up shop. Hang the out of business sign at target field.

    A far better idea would be to build around them, Buck, LK, Jenkins and Gabby. Throw in some Erod when healthy and K Culpepper and a few more in ‘27.  Plenty of young studs will pass up the hot mess roster of late ‘25. 

    17 hours ago, ashbury said:

    The reason I would not put Larnach on this list is I seriously doubt he has any trade value whatsoever.  We could trade him for someone similarly lacking in trade value, whether that be a low-ranked prospect/suspect or a major leaguer with similar arbitration salary issues, and that's about it.  He's not someone to base off-season planning around, at all.

    I wouldn't expect Larnach to bring in a ton either. I'm more comparing to, they got Steven Okert for a less valuable (than Larnach) Nick Gordon. I think they move Larnach for a middle reliever type coming off a down year and that pitcher PROBABLY has a salary a smidge less than Larnach would earn in 2025. Not expecting a ton, but I also don't expect any of the other players listed to be traded this offseason

    For what it's worth, Trevor Larnach has a BBTV of 5.1.  Former top prospect for the D-Backs, Jordan Lawler has a value of 2.2.  I'd trade Larnach even up for Lawler despite the overpay.  Both players could probably use a change of scenery.  Lawler can play SS, 3B & 2B.  He's clobbered AAA pitching but has struggled against big league pitching.  But he could push Lee for SS or be a contender for 3B/2B.  I'd love to take a chance on Lawler.

    Larnach isn't going to bring back a top prospect, but I think there's no chance he's non-tendered.  A guy with a .765 OPS against RH pitching who is showing small, but steady improvement will have value to quite a few teams.  At $5 million, he's overpriced for the Twins, but VERY affordable to the Phillies, Yankees, Seattle, Red Sox etc...  Heck, if the Cubs don't re-sign Tucker, THEY could be interested.

    The 2 most important players are Lopez and Ryan.  With them heading the rotation and if the Twins spend $20-$30 million in FA to add a bat or two and fill out the back end of the BP with a proven closer and 8th inning guy, they just might contend.  However, I think you can count on one of Ryan or Lopez to be dealt, and I'd be working on a Bailey Ober trade and replace his #3 spot in the rotation with Matthews, Bradley or Festa.  I would trade Ryan for the superior haul he could bring back.  Possibly an All Star OF like Jarren Duran.  I'd retain Lopez to lead the staff.  

    Jeffers is a tough call.  The Twins are desperate for better catching, so how could they get better by trading their only good catcher?  They would need to trade for Major League catching themselves, and I wouldn't consider trading Jeffers until I had one or two catchers on the roster.  Kyle Teel is valued at 24.8.  Fellow White Sox Catcher Edgar Quero is valued at 18.8.  

    Matt Wallner, with 4 years of control has a value of 29.5.  I would offer him straight up for Kyle Teel.  With all the LH hitting OF the Twins have, even people who are trying to compare Wallner to Kyle Schwarber would agree he's expendable if you can get a young catcher, capable of being a full time catcher who can handle 100-120 games behind the plate.  If the Twins could secure Teel, you are one step closer to moving Jeffers.

    I believe the White Sox would have some interest in a power hitting, cannon armed RF to add to their lineup.  And they would still have the talented Edgar Quero to become their "full time catcher."  Bailey Ober has a BBTV of 18.9.  That's quite a lot to work with if you were trying to match up on a trade.  Seattle catcher Harry Ford has a 19.1 value, almost a perfect match.  But Seattle already has plenty of pitching. even if Ford is buried behind Cal Raleigh.  

    I just don't trade Royce Lewis yet.  I have to give him 2026 to show me he can hit 30 HR's.  If he does, the Twins will have an interesting situation on their hands with Lewis being a Scott Boras client.  Best case scenario, Lewis has a good 2026 and Boras is open to an extension (Boras and "extension" rarely are seen in the same sentence).  Next best, Lewis is good and the Twins are able to trade him for a haul.  I can't see Lewis staying in Minnesota if he rebuilds his value.  Boras will price him out of our comfort zone.

    There are a host of other guys I just don't see returning who could be fringe, throw-in guys to round out a trade.  Julien and Miranda immediately come to mind.  Walker Jenkins and E-Rod may be coming soon.  Gabe Gonzalez is pushing.  Guys like Connor Prielipp and Marco Raya could be promoted. 

    I see a lot of trades and roster re-jiggering for 2026.  Each trade should be made with another trade (or two) in mind, like the Teel trade auguring a possible Jeffers trade.  Or, they could just pair Teel with Jeffers for 2026, although I think getting what you can for Jeffers would be better.

     

    The only way you trade both Ryan and Lopez is if you decide next year is just about development.  I do not think that is the path the team wants too go.  We may have starter depth of possible guys, but no one has ran with their chances this year.  I doubt either are traded in off-season and either or both could be traded at deadline, assuming health.  Both would still net a good return at that point.

    Jeffers to me is most likely to be traded, unless the team has no plan at catcher.  He would be the type of guy that if a team needed an offensive catcher away from getting them over the hump teams could overpay. 

    Wallner, is interesting because he has power will be a good platoon fit for teams.  He is the type that could take off in power, or he could be Joey Gallo and take off in strike outs. 

    Anyone besides Buxton is a candidate to be traded. It’s hard to know how this plays out going forward in the offseason. But some team makes them an offer they can’t refuse for Ryan or Lopez, I think they will do it, especially Lopez to save money. I wonder about Larnach’s future with this team because he an Wallner are redundant players with the same offensive and defensive profiles, and Wallner’s power elevates him above Larnach, IMO. Clemens has shown some power and versatility, so hopefully they retain him. Martin gets the rest of the season to proves he belongs in the conversation.

    The only one I can see them trading on your list is Jeffers. However we supposedly have no catcher ready to step in. The front office will probably trade Pablo to save money but that could put us in a bind for pitching if he is healthy. As for Larnach-whom everyone is pointing to-he can be a decent hitter in the .260 range with 15-20 homers. While that is not great, it is better than some of the .220 hitters out there.

    Lewis:  10% chance.  They don’t have a replacement.  He is relatively cheap and has considerable upside.

    Jeffers:   25% chance.  They are already very thin in catching and the return would not be an impact type prospect.  A lot depends on how they view his work with young pitchers.

    Wallner:  25% chance.  He still has four years of control.  He is cheap and his career stats are pretty darn good.  However, they are very deep in OFers and they would probably be inclined to deal if the return was really good.  Larnach is much more likely to be traded.  Only two years of control and he is more expensive.

    Pablo:  60% chance.  It all comes down to the return.  Will teams question his health.  If so, the return will be marginal, and they could hold onto Pablo until the deadline.  Ober could get dealt in his place.  Pablo is also the better mentor for all of our young pitchers.

    Ryan  90% chance.  Ryan will bring back two really good prospects and one of them should be an impact type player.  This kind of trade needs to contribute to the next core.  
     

    On 9/1/2025 at 2:03 PM, ashbury said:

    The reason I would not put Larnach on this list is I seriously doubt he has any trade value whatsoever.  We could trade him for someone similarly lacking in trade value, whether that be a low-ranked prospect/suspect or a major leaguer with similar arbitration salary issues, and that's about it.  He's not someone to base off-season planning around, at all.

    I agree that Trevor’s trade value is indeed limited due to his arbitration status and middling numbers. I do believe a trade partner can be found that lacks LH hitting and power. Trading Larnach for someone with a similar arbitration and service time situation who offers a different skill set (speed and defense and probably an infielder) could improve both the team acquiring Larnach and the Twins. Another possibility would be acquiring a bullpen arm. 

    16 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

    I agree that Trevor’s trade value is indeed limited due to his arbitration status and middling numbers. I do believe a trade partner can be found that lacks LH hitting and power. Trading Larnach for someone with a similar arbitration and service time situation who offers a different skill set (speed and defense and probably an infielder) could improve both the team acquiring Larnach and the Twins. Another possibility would be acquiring a bullpen arm. 

    I am rooting for Larnach to finish the year strong.  His August was good with a 138 wRC+.  It would sure help if he did the same or better in September.  Maybe they could get a back-up catcher or for him or perhaps even a 1B prospect.

    3 hours ago, Major League Ready said:

    Lewis:  10% chance.  They don’t have a replacement.  He is relatively cheap and has considerable upside.

    Jeffers:   25% chance.  They are already very thin in catching and the return would not be an impact type prospect.  A lot depends on how they view his work with young pitchers.

    Wallner:  25% chance.  He still has four years of control.  He is cheap and his career stats are pretty darn good.  However, they are very deep in OFers and they would probably be inclined to deal if the return was really good.  Larnach is much more likely to be traded.  Only two years of control and he is more expensive.

    Pablo:  60% chance.  It all comes down to the return.  Will teams question his health.  If so, the return will be marginal, and they could hold onto Pablo until the deadline.  Ober could get dealt in his place.  Pablo is also the better mentor for all of our young pitchers.

    Ryan  90% chance.  Ryan will bring back two really good prospects and one of them should be an impact type player.  This kind of trade needs to contribute to the next core.  
     

    There should be a ton of chatter in November and December onwards. I'm hoping for change. The deadline was a bit much and seemed hurried. Hopefully the design is solid in the next flurry.

    Lewis - trade him. Maybe the Twins can add a guy like Charlee Soto and Alan Roden to get Tyler Soderstrom. 

    Jeffers - trade him .... but better get a catcher or two first. Would Boston deal Franklin Arias for Jeffers?

    Wallner - call Pittsburgh and see if they will send Jared Jones in an exchange.

    Pablo - keep him unless the offer is great.

    Ryan - I wish he could be extended but it seems very unlikely. I think he is gone. There should be some great options and offers if Jow finished the year on a strong note. Heck, call the Tigers and see if a Max Clark deal works.

    We have zero idea of the value other teams place on Twins players and their propsects and we also have no idea what lengths they will go to to acquire a player. There should be a few simple change of scenery transactions but it is nearly impossible to guess. So we spit into the wind.

    I've said it before and will say it again Ryan would have been gone in July but for his fiance being with child. He will be traded at the winter meeting. Lopez has made his money at this point and his easy going personality might stay. That of course depends on if they want to blow up the SP like they did with the BP. Why would they trade Jeffers with no one ready to catch. Lewis is someone that needs to go now that he is healthy and would bring something in return. Larnach won't bring much in return because he is a bench player or leftside DH only.

    Lewis has not played a full season of games since 2019. He is suddenly going to be healthy and speedy again?  He is core and doesn’t play a full season.  That would be a stretch to call him core. Be careful when you stretch Royce. You might hear a pop.  Larnach is below average in hitting for a starter, and does not play defense well. He has a career bwar of 3.5. A career fwar of 2.9. Why would anyone think he is going to get a 5 million contract?  What comparable player has received that?  As far as trade value, maybe a little something in spring training if another team’s outfielder gets injured and the prospects are too far away from ready. Ryan and Lopez are in the same boat. 2 years of team control. Falvey wanted a lot for Ryan at the deadline. Nothing has changed. 

    There may be more players lost at the end of the year due to DFA and minor trades than trades off this list

    The only real value you’re going to get back is from Joe Ryan. Pablo is damaged goods now. Jeffers is a good player in my opinion, but not great defensively. So what are you looking to get back for Joe? Pitching prospects? We have an abundance of outfield and shortstops in our system. If it’s not elite pitching prospects I wouldn’t pull the trigger. And even then I think your taking a big risk.




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