Twins Trade Rumors: Yankees Want Willingham

The Minnesota Twins have made it clear that they will be sellers at this years trade deadline, and while they have already moved Kendrys Morales, other pieces are still available.  Josh Willingham and Kurt Suzuki both are at the top of the Twins asset list, and it looks like there may be a market for both.

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Willingham, the Twins left fielder and more often, designated hitter, finds himself once again in the middle of the trade rumors in 2014.  While not his best statistical year with Minnesota, or of his career, he does still present a decent power bat option for a contender.  With the Reds and Pirates having both previously been mentioned to be interested, it looks like an American League team may want him most.

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman is reporting that the New York Yankees are showing significant interest in the power hitting right hander.  While noting that Marlon Byrd and Alex Rios are also options, Willingham appears to be who they covet most.

While Rios and Byrd are both significantly better options at this stage in their careers, and based on their current season slash lines, Willingham would only be a few month rental as he is a free agent following this season.

Willingham is hitting only .215 this year, and has 10 home runs to his credit.  However, Target Field is the same type of pitcher’s ballpark that he has played in for much of his career.  A move to Yankee Stadium, where the fences are a short throw away from home plate, would be a significant boost to his power.  The Yankees could also use the added run support in their lineup.

The Twins don’t stand to get much back from the Yankees in return for Willingham, however, with multiple teams interested, they could get a bit more than they should.  Look for a low-level prospect to come back to Minnesota.  The talks are sure to heat up in the coming days.