TopGunn#22

Josh Bell is not "fine" at 1B. He's been a severely poor fielder at 1B his entire career. His only real value is as a switch hitting bat at DH. The Twins would be better off with Clemens or even Julien "fielding" at 1B. Josh Bell is THAT BAD. Nathaniel Lowe at maybe a couple million dollars more would have been a clear roster upgrade. Miguel Andujar would have been "slightly" better at 1B and would have made more consistent contact. This is the FO's FIRST move of the off season and they made a $7 million mistake. The Twins will be lucky to get anybody to show any interest in acquiring Bell at the trade deadline.

If, as the company line is now, the Twins actually DID want to "build around their core stars" there would be no consideration of a $95-$110 million dollar payroll. The payroll would be in the $135-$140 range. A competent Closer would have been signed (let's just say Ryan Helsley as an example). A clear upgrade at 1B would already have taken place. Another solid BP option would have been added as well. And a solid veteran bat would have been added in an outfield with questions everywhere other than Buxton. Instead, they drafted a Catcher in the Rule 5 (Susac) and immediately traded him to the S.F. Giants for a 17 year old Catcher. That is clearly what a rebuilding team does...trades an asset that could help them now for a future asset that could help in, say, 4 years. This team lost over 90 games last year with Buxton having a career year and Joe Ryan having his best season. There are a lot of smart guys on TD and I don't think any of us expect the Twins to compete for the division this year or even challenge for a Wild Card spot. The A.L. East is loading up for war. It's quite possible 2 of the Wild Cards come from there, in addition to the division winner. The other teams in the A.L. Central (not counting the White Sox) have already made moves to strengthen their teams. For a team that says their going to build around their "stars" the Twins haven't even gotten off the starting blocks yet. If they truly WERE going to compete, they'd have been aggressive and secured a couple of valued assets already. Instead, it's business as usual, waiting for the dust of activity to settle and then scrounging in what's left in the bargain bins. The Twins ownership and FO has always left fans frustrated by this kind of behavior, or "strategy" if you could call it that. They would be better off just being honest and informing the fans that a rebuild is coming. Buxton is 32. He is fragile. He's coming off a career year. He's willing to waive his no-trade clause. He won't be around in 2027 or 2028 when the young talent begins to settle in. Ryan and Lopez are 30 year old pitchers, who while talented, probably aren't going to shine with a poor defensive, 90-loss team. Trading them now, during this off season would bring more talent than at the deadline, when the risk of injury or less than stellar stats would hurt value. Ober is still a decent asset but should be moved to allow young pitchers a chance to find their footing. An Ober (20.4 value) to the D-backs for Jordan Lawler (19.4 value) is just the type of trade this team should have already made. Lawler could play SS, 2B, 3B and even CF. He'd be a perfect young player to take a chance on, who, with regular AB's could take a big step. He's stuck behind a couple of All Stars in Marte and Perdomo. Attendance was the lowest in years last year. The ownership is despised. The FO not trusted and reviled. The roster is that of a 90-loss team. When the Twins get off to a slow start things will get worse (if you can believe they will get worse) quickly. When the eventual selloff happens as the Twins are trying to hold the White Sox off from falling into last place, the fans will get even more angry. A rebuild, with fresh faces and a modicum of hope for the future could get them through 2026. But with the current "hopium" the team is selling now, and with a projected payroll or $95-$110 million, there isn't any "real" plan to build around their core. It's just lip service.

I think Mountcastle could bounce back. He's a reliable glove at 1B which is also a plus. Guys on TD who think Wallner or Larnach can just pick up a 1B glove, take a few throws and field a couple grounders and be good to go just don't understand the intricacies of playing the position. Teams put guys that don't move well, don't cover much territory well at 1B. But infielders KNOW how valuable a GOOD 1B is. The player the Orioles have that I really like is Jordan Westburg. He's young (26) can play a good 2B or 3B. He hits, and he hits with power. My trade with Baltimore would be Jordan Westburg 50.2, Mountcastle -3.4 (that's a negative value) and either CF Enrique Bradfield 9.3 (24 y/0) or 22 year old Catcher Caden Bodine (MLB RTA 2028) Total 56.1 For Joe Ryan 52.5. I still like signing Nathaniel Lowe for $5-$6 million, I think it's a value with upside. But if the Twins FO doesn't like that, then the above deal works for me. The Orioles are desperate for SP and Ryan would be their Ace. They SHOULD overpay to some degree. The Twins add a starting 1B (Mountcastle) a starting 2B (Westburg) and a near future CF (Bradfield) or a future Catcher (the switch hitting Bodine). Westburg hits #2 thru #5 for years to come. Keaschall can settle in as the LF with 2B/1B flexibility. Bradfield or Bodine adds a quality prospect. I'm still not sure the Twins aren't going to unload one or two SP's. My order of preference for what the talent they could bring to the Twins is Ober (20.4) Ryan 52.5 and then Lopez 16.5 (I think Lopez is far too low so I wouldn't trade him unless I was blown away). If I can bring back a 1-2 year starting 1B, a young hitter/good fielder who becomes part of my core lineup for the next 10 years, and a solid CF or C prospect for Ryan, I make that deal. It would be the same kind of deal I'd make with the A's in a Ryan trade for a young, good hitting position player like 24 year old Tyler Soderstrom. A young, ascending hitter/fielder for a 30 year old All Star SP.

I'm not interested in any of the 3 mentioned in the article. Two of them (Bell and Hoskins) are practically unplayable at 1B and would probably be below average DH's. Colby Mayo is intriguing. He's 24 years old and 6:4 230 pounds. A big, strong RH power hitting 1B (in theory). But the price point for a player with Nate Lowe's track record (and glove) is just a better move. The Orioles are desperate for SP and for the life of me, I can't understand the need to trade a promising, young SP like Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward. If I was to trade with the Orioles, after I signed Nathanial Lowe to play 1B, the player I covet is Jordan Westburg. He's young and talented, can play 2B or 3B, hits and hits with power. His hitting and defensive flexibility allows the Twins to consider Keaschall in LF to begin the year. A trade of Joe Ryan 52.5 and Mickey Gaspar 7.9 and Henry Mendez 8.6 (Total: 69.0) for Westburg 50.2 Catcher Caden Bodine 9.3, and CF prospect Enrique Bradfield 9.3 (Total: 68.8) could work. Ryan is 30 years old and would bring a premium. Westburg is just 26 years old, Bradfield 24, and Bodine is just 22 and was Baltimore's #1 pick (#30 1C) out of Coastal Carolina. He's an excellent Catcher with a below average throwing arm but an exceptionally quick release who, as a switch hitter, has elite contact skills but needs to add more power. His MLB ETA is 2028. Westburg is cost controlled for several years and would fit in with the core the Twins should want to build going forward. With all the young pitching we have, this is the type of trade for an All Star caliber pitcher like Ryan the Twins should consider. By the way, in reviewing some of the trades on BBTV I saw that Taj Bradley is now valued at 43.1. Considering Griffin Jax was valued at 24 or 25 at the trade deadline, despite my disappointment in seeing Jax traded, I have to salute Falvey/Zoll and company on that trade. That's significantly more value coming back, beyond just the SP valued more than a RP.

I'm not going to criticize the article because it's the beginning of winter and we've got MONTHS to talk about stuff just like this. That said, I appreciate whoever included the Baseball Trade Values numbers for Abrams and Lewis. I always qualify this by saying it's not the be all, end all for value measurement, but at least it's SOMETHING that isn't as random as trading baseball cards on the front porch on a steamy summer day. Abrams has accomplished a lot more than Lewis in their short careers. First, he's stayed healthy. Second, he's hit more HR's and stolen more bases by a wide margin. Both have questions about their defense but the potential to improve. Maybe Abrams IS being shopped by the Nat's. Maybe they'd just give him away (but I doubt it). But a trade with the Twins and Nat's just isn't a good fit right now. The Twins need at least half of 2026 to see if Brooks Lee is up to the task of "starting MLB SS". By then, they should have an idea if Culpepper is ready to make the jump or not. Marek Houston needs this year to demonstrate offensive improvement. We didn't win the draft lottery so Roch Cholowsky isn't in the mix. But the Twins have Lee and some potential solid SS candidates either in 2026 or 2027. It's just too early to give up on Lee. And this is kind of make or break for Lewis this season. Is he a part of the future? Or will he be traded for a bag of baseballs at the conclusion of 2026? I think the Twins need to make several trades this off season to re-balance the roster and open pathways for younger, talented players to ascend to the majors. While I enjoyed reading the article and everybody's comments and opinions, this trade scenario is probably not going to happen.

I agree that I would start with Ober and Larnach. Ober (20.4 value) for a young catcher makes sense. The White Sox and Brewers could use a SP that would settle in #3-#5 and each have young catchers they could afford to deal. Edgar Quero CWS (17.8) or the Brewers Jefferson Quero (20.8) match up value wise. Failing on the catcher front, I'd also be enthused to see the Twins trade Ober to the Diamondbacks for SS/3B/2B Jordan Lawler (19.4). The D-Backs are losing Zac Gallen and have a big need for a veteran SP. I'd love to see Brooks Lee get some real competition at SS and Lawler could provide that. Yes we still have Culpepper and Houston, and the hope of Roch Chowlosky, but Lawler is versatile and has tremendous potential. He's scalded AAA pitching but struggled against MLB pitching in a SSS. With all the young pitching we have, the time to trade Ober is now, while he still has decent value. With the possibility of Buxton getting traded, I'd like to inquire with the Phillies about their on the verge of MLB CF Crawford in a deal for Jeffers. I still think getting Susac in the Rule 5 and Williams could be our catching tandem in 2026. (if we don't get one of the above named catchers from CWS or Brewers).

Jeffers is not going to be a member of any future twins team after the 2026 season. I just don't see the current ownership and FO signing him to a 3-year contract extension prior to opening day, 2026. And certainly, his agent (Scott Boras) wants to see Jeffers hit FA. I could see selecting Susac in the Rule 5 draft and having Susac and Jackson as the catching tandem with Pereda and Cardenas providing minor league depth. If the Twins want to realize any benefit with Jeffers, they need to trade him during the Winter Meetings or shortly after. Odds are overwhelmingly stacked AGAINST the Twins contending in 2026. Jeffers is a luxury that the Twins, under the current leadership cannot afford.

This has been fleshed out on a couple other articles but the premise makes perfect sense. What are the realistic expectations for this Twins team if they essentially keep Ryan, Buxton, Lopez and Jeffers and add around the fringes with bargain basement players (who just happen to be a little bit better than the ones they currently have? A third place finish at best probably. Ahead of the White Sox and one other A.L. Central team. And what will the outlook be with this Twins team once they start playing games sometime in 2027? Probably not good. The idea of a total housecleaning and rebuild is starting to make more sense to me as the days go by. It's not that I WANT it. it's more that I just kind of feel that's the way the wind is blowing. Once Buxton said he'd be willing to waive his no-trade clause, that probably has to shove the front office's thinking in that direction. There would be quite an impressive haul of near major league ready prospects if the Twins traded Buxton, Ryan, Lopez, Jeffers, Ober, Wallner and Larnach. Bring on the kids !!

I'm with you Doc Bauer. Andujar is a worthwhile discussion. The Twins, as constructed now are pretty LHH centric. Andujar is a pretty solid bat. He makes consistent contact, doesn't strike out a lot and has a little pop. Maybe he's overcome his injury issues since he debuted with the Yankees. He's best suited to be a DH but the fact that he can play a little 1B is a nice little option. Actually, the suggestion of signing Nathaniel Lowe is also a good idea. At this point, I'm in favor of any move that gives the Twins a better bat at 1B with someone who has played the position with confidence for a few years.

When Byron Buxton let it slip that he's open to being traded it really shifted what the post season plan should be. On one hand, we add at the fringes and try to run it back for a team that looked horrible in August and September. On the other hand, a complete tear down and dive into a full rebuild seems more likely now. It's going to be hard to sell fans on the idea that the Twins are an actual contender in the A.L. Central with one of Ryan or Lopez being traded and Cody Clemens/Eddie Julien at 1B, and with tons of other question marks around the diamond. So with the idea TD has put out, that the Mets have interest in Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton and possibly even Pablo Lopez, let's create a trade scenario that gives them everything they need and hastens the Twins rebuild. As MGX said, the Twins need to set the price for Ryan (and Buxton and Lopez for that matter) to every team that inquires. Falvey should realize he's holding all the cards. How bad do the Mets want to win in 2026 and for a sustainable window beyond? Mets Get: Ryan 52.7 Lopez 16.5 and Buxton 19.0 Zebby Matthews 17.8 Total Value: 106 Twins Get: Nolan Mclean 40.5 Jonah Tong 25.3 Mark Vientos 19.8 Jett Williams 20.3 Total: 105.9 It's a fair trade on the paper of BBTV. Not the be all/end all of trade value but at least some kind of measuring stick. The Mets would have a starting staff of Ryan, Lopez, Manaea, Senga, David Peterson and Clay Holmes with Buxton starting in CF. Batey steps in for Vientos at 3B. The Twins rotation would consist of McLean, SWR, Bradley, Ober, Tong, Abel, Prielipp. The Twins lose Buxton's glove and bat in CF but gain a 26 year old power bat in Vientos who could play 1B/3B/DH, along with Jett Williams, who can either push Brooks Lee for SS or possibly battle E-Rod or Jenkins for CF by mid-June/July 1st. The Mets have a mandate to win NOW. This trade sets them up with proven veterans who can put them over the top in an extremely competitive N.L. East with the Braves and Phillies, and a super competitive National League with the Dodgers ever lurking. If the Mets want to compete, and get the bitter taste out of their mouths from last season's collapse, they need to be BOLD. The Twins shave a lot of payroll. Maybe $40 million. That's a drop in the bucket to the Mets. Maybe this allows the Twins to sign a real closer and shore up some other areas. And as long as the full rebuild has begun, look to deal Larnach, Ober, Wallner and Jeffers. Get that young, MLB ready catcher (Edgar Quero, Harry Ford). Let the youth movement begin. Let fans grow into the youth and make 2026 a "finding our footing" season. Whatever becomes of the 2027 season, guys like Walker Jenkins, K. Culpepper, E-Rod, Prielipp, Raya and Gabe Gonzalez will either already have been up in 2026, or would certainly be knocking on the door in 2027...whenever baseball starts playing games that year that count. I could get a little excited about a kick start to a rebuild like that.

I think it does make more sense to split the national revenue, primarily media money evenly in 30 equal shares, and let the teams keep all their LOCAL revenue. I'm not sure why that wasn't the business model from the beginning. That "national" revenue is LEAGUE revenue. What the Twins, Dodgers, Pirates, Yankees, Royals and Mets are able to generate LOCALLY should 100% be theirs. So I agree with that idea DJL44, but Hambino makes a good point about certain teams that just don't spend. I'm not saying the NBA is perfect because their system is REALLY complicated, but similar to "Bird Rights" I'd like to see teams that have stars like Skubal, Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. have a fighting chance to retain their stars. Hambino talks about the need to establish a "floor" and I think that's more important than imposing some kind of "cap." We will never have to worry about the Twins exceeding any kind of cap. But a floor of $120-$130 million would prevent teams like the Twins and others from choosing not to be competitive. The Twins have a gaping hole at 1B. I'm not saying this would make Pete Alonso a Twin. But a trade for someone like Yandy Diaz would or could become more possible. The fact that a Minnesota team like the T-Wolves CAN exceed the regular cap and bump up against the 1st or even the 2nd apron shows that a team from Minnesota CAN spend at that level in some kind of different arrangement than MLB. The fact that we as Twins fans have never seen the Twins even come close to a T-Wolves spend level in comparison is an MLB business model failing. You can't just blame the Pohlad's because Glen Taylor was just as bad an owner as them.

Good points Hambino. I don't know what the best solution would be? Does the NBA employ a salary floor?

Yes, I am of an age to have graduated college right around the time Ronald Reagan took office. This isn't so much a disagreement about how "baseball economics" should be as much as a philosophical political discussion of capitalism vs. communism. I will say that it's fascinating to see how the current democratic party, which has embraced the communist model, has completely lost the middle class, which the Republican party now owns. So it's safe to say you and I will never be on the same page. This is not the forum to debate the pros or cons of either system so I will respect the general tenor of TD by refraining to comment further. I am a retired middle class guy who's 3 children, middle class as well, all own their own homes and are realizing the American Dream as their families grow. Communism would cap their earning potential, which I don't want and they don't want. It would also severely limit their freedom. From America's inception, we were based on Judeo-Christian principles and free market capitalism. It's the best system the world has ever employed.

DJL44, thanks for making that distinction, I didn't do a good job of that, but you cleaned it up. It's not a salary cap that's needed. It's a better form of revenue sharing.

NYCTK, the people that can't afford a house are the college grads that are in debt up to their eyeballs and have a degree that isn't conducive to getting a job that would pay them a decent wage. The factual average age for a first time home buyer is 40. For a repeat buyer it's 56. (according to the National Association of Realtors). You and I will simply be on opposite sides of this argument. I'm more pro management (in the baseball sense, pro-owner) because my background is in sales management. You are more pro-union. It doesn't make either of us 100% right or 100% wrong. We just have different perspectives. But you're being disingenuous if you're trying to frame it that the Tigers "CHOOSE NOT" to compete with the Dodgers from a financial standpoint. The Pistons, Lions and Red Wings CAN compete with the Lakers, Rams and Kings in their sports because each of those leagues HAS a salary cap of some sort. The average payroll in MLB in 2024 was $151 million dollars. The Dodgers-$310 million+ Mets-$333 million+ and Yankees $310 million+ were the highest. The Athletics were lowest at $64 million. The Tigers in 2024 spent in the $106-$110 million range. Their 2025 payroll is projected to be $146 million to begin with and with luxury taxes factored in finish at about $181 million. That's quite an increase year to year. And that doesn't factor in trying to fit a $50 million dollar annual salary for Tarik Skubal. The resources that the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees (along with a couple other teams) HAVE, just don't exist for a team like the Tigers (or the Pirates and Royals for that matter) under the present MLB business model. Sure, those teams could throw hundreds of millions of dollars at their star player, but they'd cripple their team's ability to put any kind of team around those stars and someday, Skenes would like to pitch in a World Series. The last time the Pirates played in a World Series was 1979. They won it. How old were you then?? As I said, you and I can respectfully disagree on pro union, pro worker, pro management, pro "whatever" philosophy. I'm fine with that. But you cannot simply dismiss the current economic landscape of Major League Baseball by claiming the Pittsburg Pirates are on the same economic footing as the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they "choose not" to compete with them.

I think you make good points Trov. From a "fan perspective" the biggest thing that needs to be "fixed" by baseball owners and players is a way for small/mid-market teams to keep a STAR. Exhibit A: Tarik Skubal and in the near future, Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. Under the present system and business model, the Tigers really should trade Skubal THIS off season, before he becomes a FA in 2027. The expected outcome is that the usual suspects, Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, Cubs...will eventually be bidding for Skubal. The Tigers realistically cannot compete with those teams from a purely financial standpoint. It would be extremely detrimental for the Tigers to lose Skubal and get nothing back in return. As a Twins fan, I should be happy the rival Tigers and Royals could get clobbered by this. Instead, I hate it. Is there anybody on TD who thinks the Pirates have a snowballs chance in Hell to retain Paul Skenes when he's ready to hit free agency. Or Bobby Witt Jr. with the Royals? Skubal is first in line this winter. Major League Baseball has always had a "rich team takes advantage of poor team" dynamic. The Yankees used the Kansas City Athletics as a mini farm team for years (hello Roger Maris). The advent of Free Agency is what ultimately broke up Charlie Finley's Oakland Athletics dynasty. Any "negotiation" breaks down when one side or the other decrees something is "non-negotiable." Pro Union guys have never run their own business. They say Rule #1 is never give a penny back, won through negotiation. But when market forces bring a business to it's knees, you see automobile manufacturing plants and jobs flee American cities, destroying jobs that should never have gone to foreign countries. A hardline stance is what ended a good paying job with good benefits. That's a shame. Baseball players are not assembly line workers. You can't just say "I'm moving my team to El Salvador" when you're a baseball owner. I can see this being a bitter, long, drawn out conflict that might make the recent government shut down look like a game of checkers. Both baseball owners and the players association have proven to be stubborn in the past. Baseball needs a modern business model for modern times. They also need people negotiating a deal where each side GIVES.

It's almost impossible to do this exercise, given that none of us have any idea what the Twins FO is actually planning. Complicating things is the news that Buxton would waive his no-trade clause. That could indicate a massive selloff. I'd like to believe that the Twins could ride Ryan and Lopez and show some improved offense from Lewis, Wallner, Lee and Jeffers, and get healthy years and production out of Buxton and Keaschall. See Festa emerge as a closer and Jenkins/Em-Rod join the roster and shine. And trade Ober for someone like Jordan Lawler who realizes his potential and steps in at SS. Unfortunately I know that is probably not probably going to happen. We have nobody who can reliably close out a game. We are talking about Cody Clemens as our 1B. We have lumbering RF and LF who strike out...A LOT. I agree whole heartedly that the Twins, as an organization, need to choose a lane. Either go all in on competing in 2026, or go all in on the rebuild. Maybe this Winter meetings will be quiet for the Twins. But I see the handwriting on the wall. Buxton is willing to be traded to a team of his choice. As only the Twins could do, they see Lopez as over-paid, a salary to be cut, money to be saved. With Scott Boras as the agent for Jeffers does anyone really think Jeffers is signing an extension with the Twins? NO WAY. Boras gets his clients to free agency and then he relishes "selling" his client to the highest bidder. With Jeffers becoming a FA in 2027 the Twins need to trade him. Joe Ryan will only get more expensive. With a lockout/strike expected in 2027 the Twins really should trade Ryan. Wallner and Larnach have had their chance. Auction them off for useful pieces and prepare the way for Jenkins, Em-Rod and Gabe Gonzalez. Let the rebuild begin with hope pointing toward 2028.

Winokur is very interesting because he still gets a lot of time at 2 very premium positions (SS & CF). The kid is a legit 5-tool player. Because he runs so well, I'd like to see him make more consistent contact. He's got the size and frame that his power will hopefully get even better. Charlie Soto is an excellent addition. Without the injury we would probably be speaking about him and Dasan Hill in the same sentence. I love the inclusion of Jimenez but I'm a little shocked he's only ranked 27th. I agree that he's got a chance to rocket up the boards and advance quickly is his power is real, because the defense, by all accounts is impressive. And Weitz, I really like your inclusion of Marek Houston. Yes, he was a #1 draft pick. But there seems to be an inordinate amount of skepticism about his hitting. I've seen enough highlight reels of him in college and in the Twins system to agree that he can be an elite defender. it seems like a lot of people think any offense by him will be a bonus. I would love to see it be more than just a "bonus."

Spot On Riverbrian. We should all feel better about Martin for what he showed last season, albeit in a small sample size, it was the best stretch of baseball that Martin has ever played for the Twins. I was very disappointed that the Twins tried to "Change" or "Fix" Austin Martin as a hitter. Nothing about him coming out of Vandy or in his time in the Blue Jays system (or ours) indicated that there was untapped POWER in his profile. He made contact, had a good eye and could steal you a base. As a bottom of the order hitter that's fine. I've always believed that every major league team should have room somewhere on their roster for a player "like" Martin. And maybe back in the 60's and 70's and even early 80's, the way they played the game that was the case. I think Martin belongs on the major league roster to start the season. But in today's game, you need sluggers in LF and RF unless that player brings "Elite" skills like Steven Kwan. Still, with his and Roden's superior defense, our OF in the corners should be far superior than anything Wallner or Larnach provided. Roden's sample size is just too small for me. he's got my benefit of the doubt. But his lease is not endless, especially with guys like Walker Jenkins, Em-Rod and Gabe Gonzalez on the way as well as whatever may come in any future off season trades. There's nothing wrong with a platoon, as long as it WORKS. The Pirates had a couple of excellent platoon combos in the early 1970's...Gene Clines & Vic Davalillo. Al Oliver and Bob Robertson. Martin has EARNED something, but he shouldn't be gifted anything. LF has a chance to be BETTER than last season. It also has a chance to be worse. A few thoughts: Martin should keep his IF glove oiled and ready. He can play a passable 2B. Keaschall may flop next season, but I liked what I saw about his approach at the plate, the way he was able to consistently put the ball in play, and by his aggressive baserunning. I'm thinking Keaschall will do well next year. Willi Castro was a good Utility player, but he was not a great fielder at any of them. They award a Gold Glove to Utility players now and while Willi was average at 2B, 3B and LF he was below average at SS & CF. I'm not convinced that the Red Sox trading for Sonny Gray means the Twins will hang on to Joe Ryan. Here are 2 possible trades that were proposed on BBTV: Dodgers get: Jarren Duran 49.5 (Total) Twins Get: Dalton Rushing 36.9 24 y/o C Jackson Ferris 12.7 25 y/o SP and Luis Peroles 17.3 23 y/o SP for a total of (66.9). Red Sox get: Joe Ryan 52.7 30 y/o SP and Ryan Jeffers 12.7 29 y/o C. Total (65.4) OR... Giants get: Jeffers 12.7 Joe Ryan 52.7 and Trev Larnach 3.3 (29 y/o). Total Value (68.7). Twins get: Patrick Bailey 39.7 27 y/o C Casey Schmitt 10.5 27 y/o 3B/1B Hayden Birdsong 8.7 24 y/o SP/RP and Carson Whisenhunt 7.1 25 y/o SP. Total Value (66.0). All these players spent time on the Giants major league roster last year. I could live with either trade. Each one adds a guy who would be our primary Catcher of the future (especially with Jeffers not being here in 2027) and additional pitching to allow a trade of Ober, Matthews, SWR or any of the above acquired pitchers to add other pieces.

You are not wrong chpetitt19. I'm also very surprised by the Fangraphs 82-80 win projection. They have the Guardians falling off a cliff with 78 wins as well. Some other things I might consider for an off season: If we DO trade Joe Ryan, the best outcome would be to get an accomplished major league hitter who also fields his position well. Jarren Duran straight up for Joe Ryan does that. However, Duran is signed for $7.8 million in 2026 and his future salaries will only go up. The Twins gain a top of the order hitter and a good fielder but do not gain any advantage on the salary side. In fact, they take a significant step backwards. So how about Wilyer Abreu, a younger, Gold Glove winning OF who wouldn't be a FA until 2030? Abreu will earn $800,000 in 2026. This is an excellent start, but Abreu mashes RH pitchers but struggles mightily against LH pitchers. He would need a RH platoon option like Boston had with Rob Refsynder. By the way, Refsnyder is available, but we have Austin Martin. The Red Sox would have to include one of Kristian Campbell 2B/CF, Franklin Arias SS or Payton Tolle LH SP. Abreu and one of the 3 is a better deal than Jarren Duran straight up. I would actually expand that deal to be Ryan 52.7 and Jeffers 12.7 (65.4 Total) for Abreu 26.2, Tristan Casas 13.5, Connor Wong 2.6 and Payton Tolle 22.7 (65.0 Total). I wouldn't ask for Campbell, they need him to play 2B so Rafaela can remain in CF. The Twins now have a Gold Glove slugger OF in RF, a slugging 1B in Casas and another young SP to compete for a rotation spot. The other trade I make is Zebby Matthews (17.8) to the White Sox for Edgar Quero (17.8). Young pitching is the hardest commodity to find. Catching or SS probably comes in 2nd. The values equal and the White Sox could certainly use young pitching and the Twins could role with Edgar Quero and Connor Wong behind the plate (Quero the primary, Wong the backup) and Williams can toil for St. Paul. In this scenario, the lineup and the defense is much better and would improve as soon as Culpepper earned a promotion and made lee the Utility Man. The rotation would take a hit but that's the price we have to pay to improve the lineup and defense. Lopez, SWR, Bradley, Tolle, Ober and Abel. I might start Prielipp out as a long reliever with the potential to either slide him into the rotation or move to a higher leverage role out of the pen depending on how he does as a long man getting his feet wet. Festa is certainly in the pen. I don't mind Kenley Janson at all at $9 million. They HAVE to have a true Closer to have any hope of actually closing out games. If I had the financial ability after trading Jeffers, I'd sign Ryan Helsley to 2-years, $16 million per year. After all that, I'd be more interested in watching the Twins. But for them to actually contend a LOT of things would have to break their way. HEALTH for Buxton, Lopez, Keaschall and Lewis at the top of the list.

I have no doubt the kid has some talent. But how "talented" he is has to be tempered with the fact he was dominating kids 2-3 years younger. I'm reminded of the kid named Danny Almonte, a LH pitcher in the Little League World Series years ago from (I think) the Bronx. He absolutely dominated 11 and 12 year olds and it looked like the Bronx was going to cruise to the Championship until it was discovered that he was 14 years old. I'm not aware of what happened to his baseball career after his fame in the Little League World Series. And I agree with Ace Wrigley, these kids have "handlers" from the moment they show any kind of talent. It's quite possible he was strong armed, heavily influenced, (whatever you want to call it) by the adults who "handled" him. But, in the end, "talent is talent." Maybe this will work out for the Twins and the kid as well.

Thumbs up for Doc Bauer on his reasoned rant on the 40-man roster. Great points. I want to return to the Wallner vs. Casas argument. They are very similar. Neither one is "clearly" better than the other at anything, with one HUGE difference...Casas, can at least play an acceptable 1B. Wallner will never be a 1B. Wallner has accumulated 826 MLB AB's. Casas 816. Wallner has struck out 314 times, Casas 253 (in 10 fewer AB's). Advantage: Casas. Wallner has 51 career HR's. Casas 46. Slight advantage: Wallner. Wallner will be 28 years old on December 12th. Casas will be 26 years old about a month later. Advantage: Casas. And Casas can actually play 1B. He's not a Gold Glove candidate and never will be. I'm predicting with confidence that Wallner never plays an inning at 1B. Do the Twins have a glaring need at 1B? YES. Do the Twins have an amazing glut of LH hitting OF? YES. With all due respect to those that think Wallner is the better hitter. No. Better player? No. Better fit on the current Twins MLB roster and 40-man? No. Casas has had a couple of freak injuries these last 2 years, but his 2023 season displayed his potential. He's also hit more HR's in a single season than Wallner has to date (23). Having BOTH on the team and in the same lineup would be a disaster. Having one, who is 2 years younger and can play 1B would be a desired outcome. The Twins are VERY weak at Catcher. Jeffers is a poor defensive catcher and an above average hitter. For the sake of pitching staffs worldwide, I say a better defensive catcher is better for the TEAM. With Jeffers being represented by Scott Boras he's never signing an extension with the Twins. The thought of an extension is DOA. Maybe the Twins trade Jeffers (12.7 BBTV) to the Red Sox for Tristan Casas (13.5). Red Sox get a catcher to pair with Narvaez and the Twins get a 1B for the now and the future. It also opens up the possibility of trading Ryan (52.7) to the Red Sox for an All Star OF like Jarren Duran (49.5) or a promising SS (who could also play 3B) Marcello Meyer (51.2) in a one-for-one swap for Ryan. Or, if you want to go full rebuild, you could look at the Mets for a blockbuster trade of Ryan 52.7 and SWR 12.3 (65.0 Total Value) for Nolan McLean 39.2, Mark Vientos 19.8 and Lefty SP David Peterson 8.6 (Total Value of 67.2). I'd throw in Julien (2.6) as a deal clincher. The Twins add Mclean and Peterson (who is on a very favorable 2026 contract of $7.6 million before hitting FA for 2027). Rotation is Lopez, McLean, Peterson, Bradley, Matthews and Abel (listed 6 because you'll need at least that). They could still trade Wallner 22.5 (and should) for a Catcher (Edgar Quero 17.8, Harry Ford 21.0 or Jefferson Quero (20.8). If Wallner is as good as some here on TD think he is, the catching rich teams we would offer him to should jump at the chance to add a LH Power Bat. Let's just say we acquire Edgar Quero from the CWS for Wallner in a one-for-one trade for the sake of argument. You see what the rotation looks like. Here's the 2026 lineup. C Quero/Williams 1B Casas 2B Keaschall 3B Lewis SS Lee/Culpepper LF A. Martin/E-Rod CF Buxton RF Roden/Jenkins DH Vientos (who can also play 3B/1B). There are 3 guys with 25- 30 HR power and Royce Lewis makes a 4th. The OF defense is much better. The IF defense has the potential to be better, and the catching defense is MUCH better (Quero is an EXCELLENT catcher). At this point the BP is a HUGE question mark. I would go against current Twins FO attitude toward the BP and sign Ryan Helsley to a 2-year $32 million dollar contract ($16 per) to have an established Closer and add a LH like Coulombe or Thielbar at an affordable price and fill out the pen with Topa, Funderburk, Festa, Ohl, Klein, Raya and Prielipp. This doesn't make the Twins the favorite to win the division. Far from it. But it would re-order the talent on the team far better than currently aligned. It would give the Twins an excellent replacement for Ryan (Mclean) while still retaining Lopez to head the rotation. It adds 2 semi-young power bats (Vientos 27 and Casas 26) and it allows for Jenkins and Em-Rod to ascend to the major league roster. It established a "Catcher for the Now and Future" in Quero giving Tait and Jimenez ample time to develop. Are there flaws in my plan? Certainly. But these are moves that could take place without having to fret over what the budget would be. The biggest stretch being signing Helsley for 2 years at $16 million per year. But clearing Ryan and Jeffers allows for that. I know of one particular TD poster who will rebel at the idea the Mets would give up McLean in a deal to acquire Ryan. We differ on our opinion, but if the Twins don't ask, they will never "get." Some sort of deal could be worked to sub Tong 24.0 in place of Mclean 39.2 but that's 15.2 more points of value the Mets would have to make up. Would that mean Jett Williams or Brandon Sproat in place of David Peterson ?? Probably. I apologize for the long post and that it took me this long to comment on a very interesting topic. With all I've said above, I'll offer one more take on the 2026 rotation and lineup. Simplify everything by switching out the Mets Joe Ryan trade and make a Red Sox trade adding Jarren Duran to our OF/lineup or Marcello Meyer. I would go for Duran. That way, if Buxton demands a trade, I've got an All Star CF. I also don't block Culpepper, Marek Houston or hopefully Roch Cholowsky from SS and I give Brooks Lee at least until June 1st next year to prove he can be a MLB SS and hitter.

I agree that extending Jeffers makes a lot of sense, but I'm going to take an opposing view...because when was the last time Falvey has done something that made sense?? I could also argue that a viable plan would be to cut some of the dead weight from our current 40-man roster and select catcher Daniel Susac the Athletics #11 prospect in the Rule 5 Draft. He's just completed a season in AAA and hit .274/.349/.483. He did this in a hitters park, but still very respectable numbers. With Jeffers value at a solid 12.7 (BBTV) one could make an effective argument with only the 2026 season of control remaining and a Lockout/Strike looming for 2027, the time to trade him is NOW, and go with a Susac/Jackson tandem with Noah Cardenas at AAA for depth. What would Falvey add in a trade involving Jeffers? Possibly someone like Tristan Casas to dig us out of the Black Hole of a possible Clemens/Julien 1B in 2026? Possibly packaged with Joe Ryan to ensure a bigger haul from the Mets? Or with Bailey Ober (20.4) in a package? With Falvey, we have little confidence but the chance is there for a deal that HELPS the Twins. A lot is made about Jeffers offensive ability as a catcher. But he ranks 18th in MLB for catchers. That's middle of the pack to me. Defense is his biggest shortcoming and both Susac and Jackson appear to be much better "catchers." So while an extension "seems" like a good idea, I'm leaning toward a smart Rule 5 selection like Susac and going with Susac/Jackson for 2026 and monitoring the development of Cardenas, Tait and Jimenez (and even Olivar).

A sobering but very astute article Cody. We all would love to see the Twins have a competitive season in a division that year after year is win-able. Unfortunately, we are all stuck in purgatory with the same ownership and same FO. They fired the manager and most of his coaching staff is gone, which was a move that needed to happen. But their actions will speak louder than any words and I have very little confidence for 2026. I will take solace in the hope that Buxton is not traded and stays healthy. If he's healthy, he will produce and be entertaining. That Keaschall will continue to progress and have a healthy season. This Lewis will be 2nd half of 2023 Lewis, and that some of our anxiously awaited prospects (Jenkins, E-Rod, Prielipp and Culpepper) eventually make it to the majors and give us hope for a future Twins team. Along with that, no matter who remains from the rotation, I will hope (all we really have is hope) that Matthews, Bradley, SWR and Abel take big enough steps forward that we can actually believe we could have a solid future rotation and that Festa has a smooth transition to the bullpen and eventually earns our Closer role (as there is currently NO ONE who possesses the talent to do so on the roster). Yup...I'm an addict. And I'm addicted to HOPIUM.

Culpepper is generating a lot of Buzz, and it is earned and understandable. He will almost certainly be a Minnesota Twin at some point next year. Amick came from a very high profile college program that got him a lot of exposure in the College World Series. I think his wrist injury hampered him terribly over the last half of the season and especially in the AFL. I would give him an INCOMPLETE. But he needs to really show something this season. I like that he's getting reps at 1B and that his defense at 3B is showing marked improvement. Dasan Hill is and always has been the guy that sticks out to me. I loved watching video of him when we first picked him. A lanky, 6:4 lefty SP with a smooth delivery. And now it appears his fastball is hitting 99 and his sweeper has shown tremendous improvement. As always, command and control are the keys, but he looks to me to be a guy that could jump a couple levels next year. A true "HIT" on a talented southpaw High School pitcher.