Cory Engelhardt

I worry about injuries. I don’t know at all that Paddack will be back, so I could see a depth move (like Paxton) just in case. I just don’t see him as someone who id feel comfortable starting a playoff game, so I’d still want to pursue someone along those lines.

I’d be ok with this if he isn’t the only starter they acquire between now and next tuesday

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5649385/2024/07/22/mlb-trade-deadline-player-position-ranking/ Tim Britton and our Aaron Gleeman made a top 50 list of players who could potentially be traded prior to next Tuesday (6/30/2024, 6pm central) trade deadline. It's coming up quick. How they laid it out was having a green (likely) yellow (possibly) or red (not as likely) color next to each of the 50 players, and they listed best fits for each of them. Typically each player had 3 teams listed next to each that were a fit, and the Twins were listed next to 5 of them. Here are the names associated with the Twins... 1) Vlad Guerrero Jr..I don't know that I see it with our our 1b/dh options are doing just fine right now. But really, if Miranda is going to be out a while, or Santana gets hurt, I could see being interested in a 1b type. Guerrero would be fun in this lineup, but like the next guy listed, I don't know that I see the Twins using prospects to bring in what isn't a problem with the current roster (outside of injuries, of course.) Vlad has probably 8 million left on his deal for this year and would be in arbitration for the last time in 2025, probably making north of 23 million or more next year. Salary wise I don't see it here. 2) Pete Alonso (see description next to Guerrero Jr.) Pete should have about 4 million (give or take) left on this season's contract before he becomes a free agent. 3) Nathan Eovaldi...This would be my number 1 target if Texas is open to trading him. He is a bulldog and has a lot of strong playoff success in his resume. He most likely is a rental (if he pitches 62 more innings this year he would have a vesting option for next season, but he most likely only picks that up if he gets hurt and won't pitch next year.) But man, he would be fun to have for a game 1 or game 2 starter. He most likely has about 7 left on his deal for this year, so the price isn't bad unless he gets hurt and opts in to next years contract. 4) Yusei Kikuchi...If Texas doesn't listen, I'd love to go after Kikuchi as a fallback to Eovaldi. His stuff is really good, he is left handed, and he is also a rental. Plus, he has good experience against the Yankees both this season and during his career, which wouldn't hurt in a potential playoff series. I think I read he has maybe 3-4 million left on his deal for this season, so he certainly would be the most affordable listed here. 5) Jordan Montgomery...I know he has playoff experience, but this season has been mostly pretty terrible for him. I don't know that I see it. He is making 25 million this year, and he has a conditional player option for next year that certainly the Twins wouldn't pick up, so probably a salary dump for Arizona. IF he comes back looking healthy over the next few weeks I wouldn't hate taking a flier, but I'd prefer Eovaldi. I'd imagine he has about 11 million left in salary for this year, so maybe the Diamondbacks would even cover some of the salary to get out of that deal? Who are you manifesting to be a Twin come next Tuesday evening? For me it's Eovaldi with a bullet, but we'll see what takes place.

Gotta say, his next few starts will be interesting to follow. If he gets his typical velocity back he will be a huge potential trade target for everyone

Just throwing it out, I would LOVE the idea of Kikuchi, but I think I'd love the idea of Eovaldi if Texas sells even more. It is exciting knowing they will add, or at least I believe they will.

Just curious if anyone knows when Zebby's first start will be in AAA? I don't see a listed starter for Sunday, so maybe it's that day. Anyone able to confirm?

I hope Festa can stick as a starter. I do have more confidence in Zebby being a starter. But reliever Festa has 2 elite pitches at minimum, and I do think as a 2 inning guy he could be lights out. But if he can stick as a starter, even better. He led AAA in strikeout percentage, so his stuff is not a fluke.

That'd be up to coaching staff to make sure whoever they get doesn't produce like he is a bum right?

I like the idea of him in some ways. I guess I'd prefer to add someone who can slot into the top 3 right now, more than someone who would slot in at 4. But I'd absolutely be intrigued with adding someone with this many years of control.

I'd be all aboard getting Kikuchi. Flaherty's price tag will be a LOT higher, and I'm not in love with Heaney. I'd also be open to some guys who could be controlled through 2025 as well. Erik Fedde would be awesome, as would Nathan Eovaldi if Texas sells. I do think they will add, I'm pretty certain of it.

Dan Hayes mentioned him by name today too. I have a feeling there is some smoke here regarding Kikuchi. Also curious what the ask would be. Playoff wise, he seems like a really good option for a starter or for a bulk innings option.

This is about where I'm at. I could also see Keaschall above Festa and Matthews at 4, and really I see Zebby as a better starting pitcher prospect than Festa, even if I also think Festa's stuff is legit. The top 7 in that order I agree with in some capacity.

Gotta say, I have a really hard time having Raya in the top 10 at all anymore. I'm also not super high on Gonzalez anymore either. Zebby and Keaschall, to me, are easily above either of those 2, and I'd almost make a case for both of them being ahead of Festa, or at least they are very close. Frankly, I may even put Culpepper (Kaelen) ahead of Raya too. Fun to read.

I am open to the idea of making trades. I don't see the Twins selling on someone that they deem to be at a low point. I don't know that I see a fit like this happening.

Yup, but he'll have to earn it right? Injuries are always a thing. I could also see Keaschall not being far away from getting to AAA too if that time comes. But maybe that's more an August thing.

Thielbar has to be up there for me. And no mention of Topa and Stewart with injuries being out completely, as well as not having Descalfani for depth. I do see turnaround happening for Lopez. His secondary numbers are too solid to have an ERA that high all year. Julien and Kirilloff have to show they can do it at AAA to be considered again.

My guess is infield depth at Saint Paul more than for the major league club.

He has certainly earned it. One step away… strib_bobby 4m Twins pitching prospect Zebby Matthews was promoted to AAA. He started in High-A this year, and he posted a 1.95 ERA in 55 innings at AA with 63 strikeouts and six walks.

I too am pretty interested as to who will be their 11th round pick.

Willi Castro should be on this list in my opinion.

I do think, regardless of winning the division or not, having something to play for and legit competition will help prepare Minnesota better for the playoffs compared to a number of years where the Twins basically had the division wrapped up by August 1st. Both of these teams are fun, and I’m hopeful the Twins add a piece or two before the deadline. Baseball is fun this year

*2024 :) Any thoughts for what today will bring? Probably a lot of pitching. But any handle on who the 11th rounder will be?

Today should be fun too. I'd imagine it's a LOT of pitchers today in these 8 picks, and maybe a catcher too. Anyone you are hoping to snag at 96? Curious if Oakie will still be available.

Are any of us privvy to specific details to any of the allegations? No, and certainly mlb and their lawyers have more information to go off of than anyone in the general public would. There is a reason teams do not wanting him in their clubhouses, and they would absolutely have the intel for that no? If you think otherwise, I don't know what to tell you.

Just as legit. And Mookie isn't a decision maker right? And to that point, the Dodgers would want to add starting pitching as much as any team out there right? If Mookie is the one guy you know of that is saying they should bring him back, why hasn't he had a chance in LA? It's done. He isn't coming back. Let's move on and talk about potential players that could be options.