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Has Max Kepler been mentioned enough in trade scenarios to pass Brian Duensing as the default sweetener to any hypothetical our-side-wins deal from now on?

The bigger thing for them this year appears to be resetting the luxury tax and staying under the first tier mark, where the are barely under after Bauer money kicked in. That is why the were going with Lux in the first place. 

It’s just a joke, and a play on the religious dedication to this philosophy by fans/media more than what the FO may actually be doing.
I do agree that they have been more aggressive in regards to winning the division now (not a World Series)…Although, I don’t think it’s the FOs decision at all.  I think ownership has loosened up a bit in reaction to cratering fan interest.  They haven’t committed fully, which is why it seems like the FO is stuck in the middle.  They want to invest just enough to tip fan interest back the other direction,  but not dip too deeply into the coffers (overall payroll hasn’t exactly ballooned).
But, hey, beggars can’t be choosers.  They signed a superstar shortstop.  They traded a good, but largely overrated player for some quality pitching.  Both things I wanted to see.  Much better than what I’ve seen for most of my life as a Twins fan.  I’ll take it and gladly watch.

Start getting Brooks Lee some time at 3b in camp and AA immediately.  He's 22 (not unheard of) and has the "it" factor; all can see it.  Unload Farmer to the Dodgers or another team later in the year and ramp up Lee at 3B.  Early in the season you bring Lee up and rotate the 3B/1B/SS/DH rotation with Correa, Miranda, Kiriloff, Lee and Royce.  Start phasing Royce into some time at 2B as well.
2024 Lineup:
1B:  Miranda/Kiriloff
2B:  Royce
SS:  C4
3B:  Brooks Lee
LF:  Gallo/Larnach/Wallner
CF:  Buxty
RF:  Gallo/Larnach/Wallner
DH:  Miranda/Kiriloff/Anyone
Twins Country, Let's Ride.

We’re never in a win now mode.  There’s always some year in the distant future, 3-4-5 years from now that is priority.
The prophesies say that’s when all of our prospects will turn into stars.  That’s when we can finally take on a contract without anguish over whether that player will be worth slightly less than his AAV in year 8.  A new age will dawn, and the Twins will ascend to their rightful seat at the contender’s table of the most high.
Only once you understand that will you truly achieve enlightened “ball guy” status, and take your place at the right hand of Lavelle E. Neal.

The Dodgers know Farmer well, as they drafted him, farmed him starting in 2013, and he was up and down from AAA in 2018, and filled in at third mostly. He had a homer in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs in one of the games during the streak that the Dodgers won like 40 out of 45 or something like that, and somebody new every night was the hero keeping the amazing run happening. He was in the organization for 6 years. He was traded to the Reds that off season in December as part of a massive salary dump. 
"December 21, 2018Los Angeles Dodgers traded RF Yasiel Puig, LF Matt Kemp, LHP Alex Wood, C Kyle Farmer and cash to Cincinnati Reds for RHP Homer Bailey, SS Jeter Downs and RHP Josiah Gray."

Look up what the Twins gave up to acquire Farmer. They aren't much in return.
Good teams have starter quality backups. Farmer is a perfect fit for this team right now and the Twins can always reevaluate at the trade deadline.

You could be correct, but I'm not seeing the Dodgers in a panic mode where they trade something of worth for a utility player. LAD did just sign Rojas to an extension, indicating some trust in his value going forward. Additionally, the Dodgers have a few guys to slide into the shortstop position from time to time. A lineup with Betts, Freeman, Smith, and Martinez is going to cause a headache for any team and they also have a good pitching staff. Expectations will not look for 100 wins, but the team will almost certainly be in the picture for a division crown or playoff spot. 
Falvey has purposely added players to ensure the Twins have depth this year.  The Twins eagerly await the time when several of their younger players and prospects come into their own, forcing their way into the lineup. Until then, maybe July, I expect the Twins to see how this roster competes.

Thanks for the comments. I think the real issue behind whether this is even an option is the value of Farmer. The Dodgers don't have much in the SS pipeline ready for this year. I went to MLB trade values and a Farmer plus Kepler for Caleb Feguson and Andre Jackson deal is about right. There, Famer and Kepler almost equals Ryan Pepiot and does if we throw in Cavaco or Schobel. All a fantasy, but it would be interesting to know if the FO is reaching out to the Dodgers or, even better, if the Dodgers have reached out to us. It would  have to be a multi player trade to get much though. You're right, Farmer isn't worth much on his own. 
Any way, my thinking is this could be a trade from surplus to help positions of need - LH hitting OF and starting caliber SS, in return for bullpen help or younger SP on the way up. 

Interesting. Make a roster spot for Julien. And also, with Kepler gone, Larnach is back in the mix. Julien is still unproven but, y'know, I always pictured Polanco moving into the infield backup role as he ages...not necessarily with the Twins, but if he isn't ready out of spring training, he may find his role dimnishing if other step up to the plate.
Julien can also be in the future first base mix, depending on the outcomes of Lewis, Martin and Lee. But those three MIGHT not make more than an appearance with the Twins in 2023, depending on injuries.
 

I like the thought behind this, but I think you are over estimating the value of Farmer and Kepler. To get most of those players the Twins would have to add prospects, IMO.

Dodgers are not going to overpay for a guy like Farmer who will just be a little upgrade over what they have, if an upgrade at all.  Could they have interest in Kepler, but gain will not overpay.  There will be other options for them to improve without overpaying.  

Very interesting. Farmer is superfluous now that the Prodigal Son has returned. Not many teams would carry a starting quality shortstop for a "spare" and doing so blocks a couple of our Pipeline Shortstops from getting a taste of the Bigs filling Farmer's spot on the bench. I'd say make a deal; Farmer and maybe one of our retread outfielders (Hello Gallo) for LA's best catcher prospect.

I mean, I'd be good moving him, would the Dodgers really view Farmer as a better option than free agent Jose Iglesias + a prospect? Maybe.
I don't see them having interest in Kepler though. I'd much rather have the versatile and more offensively sound Chris Taylor. Both had down seasons last year, but Taylor has been productive much more recently than Kepler.

Very interesting idea, I imagine you have a good view of the LAD talent, LA. I love LAD #9 catching prospect Dalton Rushing's bat & arm but I'd like him to be more agile & closer to MLB ready.
Even if LAD are desperate, we won't get much for Farmer. Furthermore, Farmer's immediate INF depth especially at SS is crucial for the Twins. Who knows after Lewis rejoins the Twins and the opportunity is still there, I'd be all in.

I like Solano overall, I’m just concerned with who gets shoved out of the starting 26 to make room for him. Kirilloff or Polanco due to injuries? Larnach to AAA?

Thank you!
 
Totally agree! I love more depth, and not having to rush guys, like you said, is really nice! 

That's a great breakdown! Thanks for the information!
Yes, just from a batting perspective, Gurriel would at least project as a bit better overall, assuming he comes back close to his previous career numbers after a down 2022. Can he at his age? Well, he was still pretty good in 2021, IIRC. I would have been fine adding him. But Solano had a re-birth with the bat a few years ago, offers very similar numbers, and obviously provides a great deal more versatility.
In an ideal world, everyone is healthy and playing/hitting to expectation and there is no room for Solano on this team, despite being a good, solid player. I mean, I'd rather have a 100% and productive Larnach and/or Kirilloff in his place. But how often is the roster 100% healthy at any time? So solid bat, solid glove, experienced, and versatile. And if Farmer is pressed in to extended starting time at any spot, Solano is a nice utility player where the Twins don't have to make room for a AAAA player, or rush any of the kids.
I good signing that I like the more I reflect on it.
 

I always wondered if that tarp was better to jump into or if Hunter was just that good at taking the impact in a way that kept him from getting hurt. It's been a while but I can't say I remember him ever having any sort of impactful injury from that wall.

Specifically with the Twins stadium I think it might be a good idea to get rid of the gaps filled with chain link in front of the bullpens. As a fan its kind of nice to have the extra visibility, but every time I see an outfielder run into that section of wall and an arm or leg gets hooked on it weird it's terrifying. 

To truly emulate Wrigley, you need some critters living in the ivy, too ... along with the rats in the other areas.

I find it kind of amazing this hasn't happened yet. It feels like it could almost be a liability issue. 

Maybe they could move in the wall like DET did, while they're at it.?

You never know, I hope so. Maybe he'll end up in the BP.

Maybe we dodged the bullet , I sure hope he shows he's more capable and stronger after surgery this year , some say the second year after surgery tge player gets his feel and rhythm back ..... 
Time will tell , if he doesn't perform he will be released  ...