RJM96

Names?

This might be the offseason where Terry Ryan finally decides to do his job. The Twins have a plethora of talent at some positions, while having gaping holes at others. Catcher seems to be the biggest hole as there is little to no minor league depth. Shortstop and bullpen are other needs but there will be options at the minor league level in the future. I expect this to be the busiest offseason by the Twins in a long time. Here are some trade candidates: Trevor Plouffe Plouffe is currently one of the best players on the Twins roster. However, the third baseman is currently blocking the way for future all-star Miguel Sano. People have been talking about a Plouffe trade for years and it seems the time is finally now. I could see the Twins possibly waiting to trade Plouffe until the 2016 deadline, just to make sure Sano is ready at third with his glove. Plouffe seems the most likely player to be traded. Oswaldo Arcia The slugging lefty outfielder is coming off a very disappointing 2015 campaign. He is out of minor league options and must remain in the majors going forward. Whether or not that is with the Twins is still unknown. It seems as if there is no longer room for him in the Twins outfield. He could possibly have a future as a DH. The Angels could be a good fit. Danny Santana The shortstop was expected to regress a bit following his stellar rookie season. It's safe to say he did just that, and much more. After hitting leadoff for the Twins on opening day, the athletic speedster has spent much of 2015 between the bottom of the Twins order, and triple A. He could have a future with the Twins as a super utility player; having spent time at shortstop, second base, and the outfield. A trade could be more likely. Kyle Gibson After putting up great numbers in the first half of 2015, Gibson has finally shown he is capable of being a quality bottom of the rotation starter. He will never be an ace, and he will always be a below average strikeout pitcher. However, Gibson has shown a great ability to get ground ball outs. The Rockies showed interest in Gibson before the 2015 trade deadline. Tommy Milone Milone has put up decent numbers in 2015. He has excellent controll, but don't expect him to overpower anyone. He could be the odd man out if the Twins decide some of their starting pitching prospects are ready for the majors in 2016. Ricky Nolasco At this point, his trade value is zero. His contract is just horrendous and he looks to be shut down for the rest of 2015. The only way the Twins could possibly unload him would be to take on a worse contract. The were rumors at the deadline that the he might possibly be included in a package for James Shields. Kennys Vargas Like Danny Santana, Vargas was also expected to regress a bit following his terrific rookie season. He was a unanimous pick for DH of the future. Unfortunately, he fell tremendously short of expectations, and he is now back at Double A; right where he started in 2014. The Twins will have to sell Vargas on his potential alone, not his 2015 production. Trevor May The Denard Span trade might have finally have paid off. Well, half of it anyways. May has had a terrific 2015 season following a disappointing 2014. Although bright, his future with the team is unknown as he could be a great bottom of the rotation starter, or dominant setup man. He was moved to the bullpen following the return of Ervin Santana. He could be a great sell high candidate in the coming offseason. Rosario/Kepler/Hicks It is thought that eventually one of these players will be traded to set up the outfield of the future. I think it is more likely that the Twins opt to go into 2016 with all three on the roster. They could excel in some sort of platoon system, at least for 2016. What are some realistic examples of trades you guys see the Twins making this offseason? Who do the Twins give up? Who do they get in return?

He excells at producing above average defensive metrics.

He has vastly improved this year. He is still lacking in his pitch blocking and pitch framing skills, but Fangraphs ranks him as a top ten defensive catcher. I would definitely still prefer Hedges though.

I absolutely love this trade but I have trouble believing San Diego would be anywhere close to accepting it.

Well then what happens to guys like Arcia, Vargas, and (in the future) Walker? I could potentially see this work out in the short term, but not long term.

Mauer could always sit against good lefties, and pinch hit later in the game when they bring in a righty reliever.

I'm thinking (and hoping) that Mauer plays first for 100 games, and ends up at DH for another 20. This would be ideal IMO. The 40 games he misses might or might not be injury related.

Assuming the Twins decide to keep Plouffe around for another year or two, how will playing time likely be divided up at third, first, and DH? Plouffe is the most flexible as he is the only one who can play all three positions. I'm thinking Mauer will sit against most good lefties. This will open up the DH spot for someone else on those days. How often will Sano get to play third? Will he ever get any reps at first?

Is a Trevor Plouffe for Derek Norris trade realistic? Would the Padres want more in return? I know they have shown interest in Danny Santana in the past.

Is Christian Bethancourt a realistic option? He is in a situation similar to where Aaron Hicks was in years past. It would definitely be a high risk, high reward trade. Although the Braves do not have a legitimate third baseman, I'm not sure the they would be interested in Plouffe as they are currently in a rebuilding phase. Who would we have to give up to get him? http://www.minorleagueball.com/2015/7/9/8891949/is-there-hope-for-braves-catcher-christian-bethancourt

I'm thinking Sano will be playing first base when Mauer's contract is up in 2018.

Assuming the Twins finish out the year with Plouffe at third and Sano at designated hitter, this offseason it will be time for the Twins to move Plouffe to make room for the future all star. I've seen enough of Sano's defense this year to convince me that he can be an average defensive third baseman. (At least until the Twins can move Mauer off of first) It's no secret, we have a glaring hole at catcher. The Twins are going to need a good catcher if they expect to be competitive in the coming years. I'm not talking about A.J. Pierzynski. I'm talking about Andrew Susac or Kevin Plawecki. The Twins need a catcher of the future, and they have nobody right now. Will it be too late for a Trevor Plouffe for Andrew Susac trade? Will the Mets have any interest in Plouffe after David Wright returns from injury? Plouffe could also play first base. Other ideas? Names? Who else might we have to give up? Who is our most realistic option?