DocBauer

While the Twins need a spark, I'd still keep Julien down a but longer to see if what hes doing is sustainable. I want them to really be confident he's made good adjustments. Noah Cardenas doesn't really have that much power, unless he's begining to unlock something. But don't dismiss him as a solid #2 backstop with a decent bat, good eye, good bat control, solid defense, and a good arm. Sorry, but a brief fantasy indulgence on my part: A 2026 INF of Lewis, Correa, Keaschall, Lee, and Sabato with Culpepper and Schobel at some point, and Clemens as a fill in. (Sigh) OK, back to reality. Honestly, if GG keeps hitting like this, does he get a month at St Paul to finish the season? Really happy to see E Rod and Martin healthy and back playing again. Still have a whole 2nd half of the season for them, and Jenkins to produce.

While i don't expect much of Gasper, it would be nice to have him available to see if his next opportunity might have him take a step forward and possibly provide some spark. Just hard to believe someone can hit that well at AAA and just be able to contribute some at the ML level. But the injury hits just keep coming! Don't look now, but if he keeps doing what he's been doing the past few weeks, Julien might be the next man up.

To be fair, i should answer my own questions. While there's hardly a move they've made that doesn't look solid to me, I think i might be most excited about CENTER Ryan Kelly. In the history of the Vikings, they've had some really good players there, and even some solid temporary options there. But ever since Sullivan went down with injuries a decade ago, they've struggled to find a quality pivot who could really LEAD the OL and provide quality work in both the run game and pass game. I'm still trying to remove nightmares of watching Bradbury get overrun by DL while trying to set a pass block. I know he's 32yo, but he's still really good. I don't know that his successor is on the roster or not currently...I kinda like Jurgens and would love to see Brandel get some work there...but he might be my favorite signing. Im also excited, with some consternation, about Rogers at CB. The talent and speed are undeniable. His PFF numbers, for what they're worth, have been good for his career. Flores seems to LOVE the kid. That's enough for me. My dark horse, under the radar signing is WR Rondale Moore. I know he's coming off an injury, and has had his career derailed some by injuries, but I've watched this kid since he was a freshman. He's explosive! If he's healthy, he's a dynamic option as a #4 or co #3 option, depending on formation and play, etc, who can also be explosive in the return game. He's a bit of a wild card, but man could he be a nice addition. My biggest concern? Well, I'm a tad worried about SAFETY depth, as I've stated, just to get through the preseason and not having anyone in the development pipeline. But really, my biggest worry, which might sound strange, is the 3rd RB spot. Chandler just hasn't developed the way I hoped he would. And while Jones was mostly healthy all of 2024, and has Mason to split time with him, the running game has been a priority. And I just don't know if Chandler is going to ever take that step forward and show his early career flash on a regular basis.

To be fair, I'm not exactly worried about the SAFETIES as I think Jackson has been groomed as a Bynum replacement and is ready for a breakout. (No slight to Bynum). If Ward takes a step forward in his 3rd season as the #4 option, we'll be just fine, though I expect a SAFETY to be selected next draft for sure. I agree with your assessment of the way DB's are handled in the Flores defense. A lot of disguises used. That makes me wonder about a guy or two on the current roster that might cross train some at SAFETY. But like you, never opposed to adding more talent. I think there's a slight chance they add another body back there, but I'm begining to think they are set.

1] Honestly, Howell wasn't my 1st or 2nd choice. But I really like the move to get him. He wasn't really on my radar initially as I just didn't see him being an available target. He's athletic, and he has a live arm, and while his experience hasn't been on great teams or with great results, the year he spent as the starting QB for a bad Washington team is still NFL battle experience. There's a good chance he could have a Darnold type of progression, albeit as a backup. 2] I think we're all very excited about the additions to both lines. That's not to say it's an easy choice...it is...but those have seriously been, probably, the biggest areas of concern for a few years now. 3] I also can't believe Asamoah hasn't taken a step forward. He was drafted with a different D coordinator in charge, but he seems a PERFECT fit for a Flores defense! Where is the disconnect? I was surprised they didn't bring back Grugier-Hill as I thought he played pretty well in a reserve role. But I liked Wilson when he was with the Vikes previously, snd am kind of excited about his coming back. Comments about his play and contributions and leadership in camp are excellent. Maybe they like him better in coverage as a backup to Cashman? I think the rookie King might be a solid downhill kind of LB similar to Pace, but not sure what to expect from him as a rookie. I could see an off the ball LB being a selection next draft.

In his career, MILB and at the ML level he's certainly had rough streaks. Then again, everyone does. At every stop we've watched him grow, develop, produce and advance. I'm very encouraged about his lower K rate this season. But his timing is definitely off. And when we watch the offense...hell the entire team right now...struggle it magnifies anyone having a bad go. I think he's going to be just fine. The question remains how long before he gets in a groove and gets comfortable again. I hope it's not long because we really need him right now. The entire team needs a spark right now.

I make it a habit to generally not comment on DSL prospects, though I appreciate getting to know them. It's just such a long haul before possible ML appearances that I sort of "ignore" them before they come state side. It's NOT a slight, it's just so hard to know what you might have until they at least hit the FCL, if not low A ball. J Rodriguez is a recent example. Still waiting to see him come close to replicating the potential he showed. But please keep bringing these kids to our attention. Despite limited velocity, and being more of a control pitcher, I was really surprised Ohl didn't climb to AAA following his 2023 season. But his 2024 was mediocre at best, and I was disappointed. I'm very pleased about his 2025 results so far, and his recent promotion to AAA. In today's game, I think it's becoming optimal to have roster flexibility in you 8th spot in the pen, and maybe even in your last 2 spots. In this area...as has been discussed in a different OP a couple weeks ago...I believe the Twins are ahead of the curve in future thinking. Why not a TOP 6 in the pen that are your dominant arms, and 1 or even 2 guys who are really good quasi-starters who have good enough stuff to be really good for a turn, or two, through the lineup to bridge the gap to the top 6? NOT just throw away, churn and burn inning eating options who might be sent down or DFA and recycled, but a couple guys who aren't set up and closer types, but who you can actually RELY on to be good for a couple 2-3 IP ever 3 days? The Twins are starting to develop that type of option with Adams, as well as Ohl. Suddenly a mediocre starter might be a really good middle option that you can actually trust vs some sacrificial IP lamb. I like this idea and am encouraged about the idea, as well as Ohl taking a step forward. As far as Winokur is concerned, you won't find a bigger fan or believer in his ability and potential! I recall the Futures Game where he made a great play to his right at SS and then threw an off target to 1B. Later in the game, he made as difficult grab and threw a perfect missile to the 1B to get an amazing out. Even still, I doubt his future is at SS despite being an amazing athlete for his size. Too much growth potential, IMO. His potential is enourmance. If you were to rank prospects only on athletic ability and potential, he's easily in the Twins top 10. While there are absolutely contact and K and OB% worries, he got better as his 2024 season went along. Despite a rough start to 2025, the 20yo has continued to grow and adapt and get better as the season goes along. (Reminds me somewhat of Wallner). He's got the frame to handle more muscle/weight, without losing speed. He's got not only a powerful bat, but reportedly a good arm as well. With a need to continue to harness his bat and decision making at the plate, I'm still thinking he's probably 3yrs away from MLB. While he's still super young and really raw, you just can't deny the tools and the fact that he's growing and producing as a 20yo at A+. Defensively, I see him as the Twins best CF prospect in the system in a couple of years, provided no major weight gains, which he doesn't really seem to need. Offensively, I see him as a RH version of Wallner, with more speed. At worst I see him as a young Gallo type, again with more speed, and a better CF. He OBVIOUSLY needs to continue to work on contact and laying off poor pitches. What 20yo doesn't? He's still got a long way to go. He could easily flame out. But he could also continue to work hard, develop, improve, and harness all that athleticism and be a really good and dangerous player. IMO, he's the most INTRIGUING prospect in the entire system. It's not hard to squint just a little bit and see a Twins OF of Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Winokur in a couple 2-3 seasons. At the very least, his speed starts to escape him, he could be a hell of a 1B!

1] Agree on the cap $ left. I wouldn't be surprised for a SAFETY floating out there to be brought in, but thr $ should be reserved for emergency, and for next season. 2] Agree on Mason. He makes a difference. Chandler needs to step up! He's flashed at times, but has shown no consistency. PS Scott seems to have been of a receiver than RB. Am I nuts to think the smallish, small school kid Tre Scott might surprise, especially after a tremendous 1 season at a lower level D1 program? I wonder about a final cut down RB from another team being brought in before the season starts? 3] With the FA that have been available at CB, and those that still are, I also think they are quietly very content at CB. They LOVE Rogers. Blackmon looked a possible steal as a rookie and seems 100%. I think it's a quietly undersold room of talent and potential. 4] I like the Blackmon addition at SAFETY on what I'd expect to be a cheap deal at this point. Not sure there's anyone out there younger as a potential "let's take a look" option at this point. But again, even if Ward is looking good, you can't go through camp, scrimmages, and 3 preseason games with only 5 options, maybe 6 with veteran Tavierre Thomas listed as DB.

1] Agreed on Mason. I think he really helps. He's one of my favorite additions, though he doesn't get a lot of ink. 2] I really like the DL. I'm excited about the potential behind the starters, even if they all just turn out to really solid role players. OLB has a top 3 to be envious of. How good might Richter be with a year under his belt? How good might Murphy be 100% healthy? He barely played once he was back in 2024, but he flashed a couple plays and has a lot of potential. Wouldn't be surprised if UDFA Batty didn't make things interesting. Despite his age, I'm hoping he can be a PS stash.

I also agree on going with the youth. And I also agree on SAFETY. They have to have more bodies just to get through camp. Possible a CB or 2 gets some time there im guessing. I think Theo Jackson has been groomed for this moment and will surprise. Read somewhere Ward was having solid camps as the #4. If that's true, I feel pretty good about the 4 we have.

In modern baseball, teams seldom draft a 1B only player. The primary reason is you'd better be damn sure hes going to be a difference maker with the bat, because other than DH, there's nowhere else to play them. To my recollection, Hrbek was always a 1B, drafted late, 17th round. I believe Mientkiewicz was either a 3B or OF when drafted, though he did play briefly as a catcher in MILB. Morneau was selected as a catcher. We all know Mauer's journey. Last season's 1B, Santana, was a catcher moved to 3B and then 1B. And that's just a few examples of the Twins history of 1B, not to mention countless others across baseball. 2020 was a bizarre season, year, and draft. And we all know why. But when you pick so late in the draft, you just look for value. Right or wrong, the Twins saw a RH 1B with a good bat, a good eye and OB%, and tremendous power potential. So the Twins took a shot on a 1B only player late in the draft who offered perhaps the best pure hit/power production in the entire draft, coming out after his sophomore season. We all know the results to this point. I am absolutely not willing to put a lot of faith in a just turned 26yo FINALLY figuring it out. Still, there are injuries to consider and mental maturity for a ballplayer. And I don't mean that as an insult. I'm saying that as a PLAYER, there may have mental roadblocks or a self imposed stubbornness that told him privately "I can do this" without realizing he couldn't and needed to change his approach. But what if a few injuries affected him or caused any self doubt when he struggled? Did he become frustrated? Was he over anxious to just prove himself with power rather a more balanced approach? His comments seem to be a "baseball player" maturity where he began to reflect and realize what he had been doing simply wasn't working. Again, not a lot of faith in a former 1st round pick at 26yo suddenly growing in to a quality ML player. But the hitter we're seeing this season is SO DIFFERENT than the one we've seen the past 4 years that you have to wonder and hope a little bit don't you? If he continues to be this NEW hitter in AAA, you'd have to take a look at him come September wouldn't you? It's a good story of perseverance and adjustments and not giving up. It would be an even better story if he maintains this new approach and reaches MLB as a late bloomer who just took longer than expected. Think, maybe, Rooker as an example?? Again, not planning on him being a great MLB player, but it sure would be great if he could settle 1B for the next few years as a surprise development story.

So we've got a ways to go before training camp opens, and other than some promotions within the FO, and speculation about a Metellus re-sign, there's not much news coming out about the Vikes these days. But they haven't been immune to signings, or trades, just before training camp, or just after it starts. While I really like the roster as a whole, one thing I find interesting is that while the team signed some veterans, generally speaking, most of the backups are all rather young. I believe the oldest CB in the room is 27, the backups to both lines are mostly in their 1-3 seasons, and WR and TE aren't exactly old at all. Even the top 2 QB are 25yo and younger. I think that bodes well for the future. There are a handful of interesting FA options still on the market, however, if the FO feels like there's an opportunity or need to add with some of the approximately $18-20M they have left to spend. I'd fully expect them to keep some $ in reserve for contingency plans, but is there anyone you'd like to still see added? One Vikings website recently stated they think 30yo TE Gerald Everett would be a smart add, rather than go with rookies for the 3rd spot. They also suggested 30yo RB Gus Edwards, a bruising 240lb TD machine as a good option. Right or wrong, some pundits have clamored for the team to add another veteran CB. Elder statesmen such as the 34yo Gilmore, 31yo Rasul Douglas, and 31yo blitz specialist Mike Hilton are all available. And so is 25yo Asante Samuel, with the whole world waiting on medicals it appears. If they want to add a veteran SAFETY for depth and competition, 31yo Justin Simmons and 27yo Julien Blackman are available. There's also a handful of over 30yo OLB/EDGE options. I have 2 questions for you all: 1] Who are your favorite additions to the roster at this point? 2] Is a position group that concerns you? Are there any names you'd still like to see them add? Or are you content with the roster as is? Just something to occupy our time.

(Sigh) Glad I didn't watch this one, or any of this series. (Working, still a fan)! Do we give any credit to the team fighting until the end and not giving up? Or do we lament missed opportunities? Lee is WAY better than that! Festa is WAY better than that! Sim actually tosses a solid game but is let down by both his defense and his offense. I think the hope is get to the break at .500. We get some guys back in July, SOMEONE or multiple SOMEONES wake up and we have a solid 2nd half. We still have an entire half season to play, so I'm not giving up at this point, despite mounting frustration. Absolutely NO to any thought of trading Buxton!

I don't know that the ABS is coming soon. There's still a lot of bugs in the system to be worked out. But personally, I love the challenge system. I watched several ST games this season and was impressed how quickly and easily the system played out. I was also very impressed when Jeffers and Vazquez proposed a challenge. I honestly don't recall a single time they were wrong in their challenges. That shouldn't be surprising since they are both experienced and quite smart. While it's true that the bench COULD just call the game, there remains an ebb and flow to the game, and the interactions between the pitcher and catcher as to what's working, and what's not. So I don't know that that's necessarily true, or at least entirely accurate. And a catcher still needs to receive the ball well, within any system, and block the plate. He also needs to be able to throw reasonably well to prevent teams from running too successfully. I still believe the relationship between the catcher and staff is of great importance. A good catcher works with the pitcher based on all pre-game meetings and overviews. That's not going away. The catcher will see things someone in the dugout might miss. It's not just a video game of what pitch to call next. Again, I like the challenge system as I feel it gives a good catcher the ability to get calls correct. And for now, at least, I think that's a huge improvement. Of course, it works the same for BOTH teams. I completely understand having a young catcher like Harper, athletic and a huge bat, and moving them elsewhere to save on their bodies and be able to play that special bat on a daily basis. There are only many Rodriguez's, Mauer's, and Posey's who can stay behind the plate for 100 games and be special hitters. I just don't see the ABS completely changing the overall value of what a catcher needs to do, and their importance to working with the staff. So I don't see some sort of revolution where teams just suddenly place good hitters behind the plate who are limited in other tasks. I like the Twins approach of sharing duties with a pair of good catchers, knowing they can DH once in a while. I like finding the best combination of defense and offense I can find, unless I find one of those SPECIAL guys to be the primary, undisputed #1. The Twins did pretty well with Mauer as the #1 and Redmond as a solid #2. But then again, Mauer was a special player. They haven't been so lucky with Vazquez as a compliment to Jeffers in an offensive way. But as a GM, unless I find that SPECIAL #1, I'm looking for the best combo I can find for defense and offense. Because even when and if the ABS comes in to play, and the idea of pitch framing would seem to disappear, the responsibilities of the catcher calling a game, playing solid defense, throwing decently, and working with the staff aren't going to change.

A BAT. Look, Festa has great potential and SWR HAS shown previously he can be solid. And Sims is also young enough to still hold potential. But if they falter badly, or another injury happens before Matthews comes back...Lopez in August...it's not going to matter. Despite all their inconsistency this season, the Twins have the potential still for a decent lineup. Correa and Wallner need to find themselves. Jeffers is fine, but could be better. Castro has been great. I still feel Larnach is solid, but I sure like him better lower in the lineup. Lewis and Keaschall back in July can make a real difference. (Keaschall is not as good as his debut, but hes still really talented). The Twins have enough flexible pieces, despite some poor bench options, where they can fit a BAT in almost anywhere. Other than Catcher, CF, or SS, there isn't a spot they can't work a hitter in to the lineup. A better 1B? France has been solid and dependable, but not irreplaceable. A DH or OF? Bader and Larnach move around. A 3B? Lee plays mostly at 2B. (Further development from Lee doesn't hurt either). Add a BAT that can settle in to the heart of the order, a couple guys step up, Lewis and Keaschall come back in July, I can still see a top 10 offense. But the lineup needs a SPARK from SOMEWHERE.

Well, the last depth piece is removed for the moment. And I've been fairly impressed with Morris, despite some inconsistency this season. Next up would be Adams, I assume, at least as a 3-4 inning opener. I'm betting they begin to stretch him out. After that, who knows? The recently promoted Baker, having a good AA season after coming over from St Louis, McCaughan, or old friend Dobnak? Matthews can't get back soon enough.

I've been pleasantly surprised by France's defense. But agree with @JD-TWINSthat it's really hard to believe Buxton would only rank in the middle of CF defensive rankings. While he doesn't play as "fully abandoned" as he did earlier in his career, the guy is still outstanding in CF. But then again, there are so many different forms for how defense is measured, and so many different variances, that I take all defensive metrics with a grain of salt.

I really enjoy the updates and the conversation about the individual players, regardless of what exact order they are in. Really pleased by the early development of Culpepper. I was lukewarm about his selection, but he's a better SS than scouting reports stated, and he's got a good mix of pop and speed. A good rest of the season at AA for him, and Jenkins, could have them potentially both at AAA next season. Hill has been outstanding! But is he ready for CR yet? Keep in mind he's still building up his body AND his arm. I don't see him throwing more than 70 pitches at any time this rookie season. I don't mind some patience with him. But then again, if he can replicate close to how hes throwing now, 3-4 IP at A+ would be an added positive. I'm just not as high on Olivar as some people. He can hit and seems to have good zone control. But he doesn't have much power or speed. His arm doesn't play behind the plate, even if he improves his game calling and defense there. I think he's a RH bench bat/platoon OF who can be your 3rd catcher. On the other hand, I think Diaw is the top catching prospect in the system, though raw. Hes got bat potential and is a much better athlete than you normally see at catcher. I think he's a guy who you just groom to stay behind the dish and end up with at least a decent catcher with a better than average bat. IMO, Cardenas is probably the #2 option in the system right now, or potentially tied with another young option in Ferrer, similar to Diaw. Except for a horrible 2024, he's reportedly to be a solid backstop and his CS% is solid. Not much power, but he makes decent contact and has a good eye, resulting in a solid pro OB% so far. I'm not down on Soto, and I personally wouldn't drop him due to his injury. He's absolutely one of the best arms in the system, hes just out right now. He flashed real potential in 2024 and was off to a great start here in '25. He just needs to get back on the mound for the 2nd half. Based on what hes done previously, I'm not completely "down" on Lewis, but he sure isn't looking like the pitcher he was previously. Here's hoping it's just mechanical issues and not something more. But he clearly deserves a slip down in the rankings. At not yet 23yo, and reportedly possessing some nasty secondary stuff, they're going to keep Raya in a starting role as long as possible. (I've never thought he'd be up this season despite being on the 40 man). His command/control is still an issue. But if the light comes on? I keep hearing his FB, despite good velocity, is annoying issue. Can they change the shape of the pitch? Does he need an arm slot adjustment? I can definitely see a move to the pen at some point where he might surprise. But for now, he's a work in progress who will probably remain in the rotation to begin 2026, but definitely a downgrade in rankings based on his performance so far. I don't think Eeles is just a good story with a single, magical year. But hes only just got back to AAA about a week ago. He needs time to get timing and swing back, as well as flash some of the pop he's flashed. (POP, not power). A couple guys not mentioned that I've been intrigued by are Rosario and G Gonzalez. Rosario got off to a terrible start but has really picked it up the last month or so. And GG has been pretty great all year. They aren't proven yet, and each has some warts to work through, but they might be better RH OF options over Olivar. Lastly, a quick shout out...and I can't believe I'm saying this...to Aaron Sabato. The one time prospect and recently turned 26yo looks like a completely different player this season. He's only got 7 games at AAA so far, SSSS, but he's off to a great start. We often talk about a prospect's development not being linear. And it's true. But is there even a chance he was just a late bloomer who finally figured out how to hit at a professional level? It would be a great and rewarding story if possible.

In regard to the OP, the answer is YES and NO. I've been a rather strong advocate for seeing what you have at AAA when someone is doing well. You might catch lightening in a bottle, MAYBE you get a good role/bench player out of it. When Wallner and Buxton were both hurting and McCusker was brought up he got 6! PA in his stay. And they were scattered. And just recently we faced a large group of LHP. He should have been given opportunities over the past 2-3 weeks to see if he could hit maybe .230 and hit some doubles and run in to a couple HR bombs. But with the OF healthy again, im not sure I currently see an opportunity for him to play much. Granted, Castro doesn't HAVE to play only OF, he can slide to the INF and McCusker can play some OF, in addition to DH. I keep wondering what Eeles might be doing now had he not had his offseason surgery? Would be be a sparkplug for the team? Or would he be languishing for St Paul? And if he keeps doing well, and some of the pop we saw from him last season cones back, do they give him a shot? Or do they keep him down just waiting for Keaschall and that's it? My point is Castro was more or less a cast off, as were Clemens and Bride. Castro has turned out great, Clemens has made real contributions, will hopefully get hit again, and I guess Bride can at.least field a little bit and toss an inning in a blowout. (Yipee). Yes to giving shots to guys when your offense is struggling because you have nothing to lose and might gain something. But im not sure I see a fit with McCusker NOW, unless they just move on from Bride, or someone else gets hurt.

It's a fair question that doesn't necessarily have an easy answer. I'm referencing opportunities in general. For instance, Lewis is out now. Buxton missed time with his concussion. Wallner was out for quite a while. Can Bride not hit? Or does he not hit because he doesn't play? If he can't hit, then why is he rostered? So when the offense is struggling, when guys are out, I just don't understand not giving players in your own system a shot when they're doing well at AAA. Totally agree that the team doesn't win if Correa, Wallner, and others don't produce.

Really interesting that the Vikes have been tied to Alexander for months. He signed for $4M on a 1yr deal. I'm surprised by the deal, despite missing half of each of the past 2 seasons. It's a huge win for Baltimore if he's healthy. This tells me they not only don't trust his health, but more importantly, it tells me how much the coaching staff trusts in the CB on hand. But you're talking about adding from cuts and PS players. My point is you can't go to camp, scrimmage, and play 3 preseason games, and have only 5 SAFETIES on the roster. You aren't going to play Smith, Metellus, and Jackson more than a few quarters in games. So all scrimmages and all 3 preseason games you're going to play mostly Ward and rookie FA Powell and that's it? Unless the plan is to move some of the CB depth to SAFETY for camp and the preseason, you've got to have depth and bodies to get through all of that to get ready for the season. I mean, Ward might get a TON of time in his 3rd year to continue his development, but you will only have a rookie FA as the 5th SAFETY? That screams overuse of your potential roster players to me. I just think they have to bring in a body to provide camp depth at worst, a potential depth piece with potential at best.

I can do math, but I was an English major. LOL. kudos to you

Going to begin by echoing some early comments that what the team really needs is Correa and Wallner to get hit again, and the return of Lewis and Keaschall in July. That changes a lot of the complexion of the offense. Getting Matthews back relatively soon....fingers crossed...adds to the rotation depth/options as well. 3 points: 1] It appears myself, and others, may have been wrong about Keirsey as a potentially "decent" hitter. He provides defense and speed off the bench, and there's usefulness there. Now, to be fair, he hasn't had much of anything close to regular playing time, but he sure hasn't seized any of the opportunities afforded him. MAYBE Clemens is on a slump and will break out of it and be a solid/decent contributor again. Bride was actually pretty good in 2024. But what blows me away is having injuries, and a struggling offense, and they are rostering 3 complete non factors on the bench, 2 of which never play more than a couple innings a week, and one who HAS made contributions but remains a question mark. Meanwhile, there's virtually nobody at AAA to save the day. Martin and Rodriguez are out with injuries, and both Miranda and Julien haven't done anything to warrant a promotion. Who IS producing at AAA? Gasper, who you thought enough of to trade for, and McCusker and Eeles, who you thought enough of to sign and develop, who have crushed at every level since. There's a good chance Gasper is just a AAAA player and that's all. But he's only had 39 PA with the Twins. McCusker might also just be a AAAA quality player. He certainly has limitations. But he gets 6 PA before being sent down. 6! Eeles is literally getting his legs under him, and so far in SSS hasn't shown the pop he did previously. So maybe he's still a ways away from possibly contributing, to be fair. But MAYBE Gasper can hit a little and get OB a little. MAYBE McCusker only hits .220 with a bunch of K's, but also stokes some doubles and parks a few HR. At least they MIGHT contribute. What are Keirsey and Bride doing on the roster other than getting splinters and a couple AB a week? With an offense stuck in neutral, why not TRY something different, and hope for some hot streaks? For the upteenth time, what do you have to lose? Just STOP obsessing about depth! Your depth pieces aren't doing anything to help the offense or helping to win games. 2] The Twins could still use a BAT regardless of what position. SOMEONE who could deepen the lineup and produce. IDK who, and don't care what position, you figure that part out. But is there a rental you can grab for a cheap, lower level prospect or two? If so, make the deal, help your offense. 3] You DON'T trade ANYONE listed in the OP unless you are getting someone who is controllable for AT LEAST another year, if not two. While this FO hasn't always succeeded in trades, the Cruz, Petty, and Arraez moves have been excellent. EXTRA: I have no problem making trades of talent for talent. It's part of baseball, and part of having prospects to trade. But the LIFEBLOOD of a mid market team is developing your own talent. Not every prospect makes it. But the more talent you have, the greater your chances of finding those that DO make it increase. I'd rather stick with what we have and get ready for 2026 and beyond unless there's a "cheap" BAT add to be had. I'd ONLY trade any top prospects if we get a talented, young, controllable player. But who's trading a player like that?? This isn't a BAD team. It's a team with injuries and underperformance from the talent on hand. I'd grab a BAT on the cheap if available. Otherwise, sorry to say, I'd trust in what we have, and coming back, for a solid/strong 2nd half, and see what happens. But I'd ALSO take a gamble or two on the options I've listed. Again, what do you have to lose?

I don't know enough about his defense and game calling to know if he's worth looking at. Maybe he's solid considering the plan WAS for him to be the #1 for Boston when the season started. His CS% is around 20%. That's not great, but it's not completely awful either. Offensively, he was productive in MILB. And his 2023 numbers were solid, especially for a catcher. His 2024 was even better. Potentially, he's somewhere between those seasons, which is fine for a #2 if he's actually solid behind the plate. He's also pre-arbitration at this point, and won't reach FA until 2029. So he won't be very expensive. My concern is A] just how good is his defense/game calling, B] as a late bloomer, is his bat closer to his MILB and 2023-24 numbers, or closer to his poor 2025 season? If those 2 questions are answered in the positive, he'd be a solid #2 backstop that won't cost much $, is controllable for the next few years, and could be a smart add if the trade cost is a lower level flier prospect or two. If the answer to those 2 questions is negative or questionable, they should probably look elsewhere.

It's my understanding that the $425M in debt is not operating costs for the Twins, but rather, it's debt incurred by the Pohlad's borrowing against the franchise. At least, I've heard it explained/speculated as such. With the Rays sale setting the bar, I don't think the Pohlad's asking price of $1.7B is out of line. But the debt isn't the responsibility of a new buyer. The $425M should be included in the $1.7B sale price. That means the Pohlads walk away with a clear $1.65B. I don't know exactly HOW the $425M is paid off, as in who exactly writes the check, but it's part of the purchase price.