Trade Targets for the Minnesota Twins
By Brennen Rupp
The Minnesota Twins were the feel good story during the first half of the season. They have stumbled out of the gates after the All-Star break. With the trade deadline approaching the Twins could be buyers.
They are currently 50-43 and 6.5 games back of the Kansas City Royals for first place in the American League Central. They have a three game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays for the second Wild Card spot in the American League.
As the Twins try to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010. They have a few positions they may look to upgrade at the deadline.
The Twins bullpen is far from horrible, but if they are going to make a playoff push they will need to solidify their bullpen.
Jul 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins (32) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Coors Field. The Rockies won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Joaquin Benoit, the veteran setup man for the San Diego Padres has been linked to the Twins. Benoit would provide the Twins with a reliable setup man for closer, Glen Perkins. He owns a 2.43 earned run average and has given up just six earned runs over his last 29.2 innings pitched.
How about a reunion with LaTroy Hawkins? The 42-year old is still getting it done. He’s 2-1 with a 3.38 earned run average for the Colorado Rockies.
Anybody have Nick Punto’s number? But, seriously the Twins need an upgrade at shortstop.
A name that has been thrown around a lot the past few days is, Troy Tulowitzki, the Rockies shortstop. Trading for Tulowitzki would be complex and likely cost the Twins a few prospects.
Tulowtizki may not be the player he once was, but he can still get it done at the dish and has an exceptional glove.
During the last 30 games Tulowitzki is hitting .327 with five home runs and 20 RBIs. On the season he’s hitting .316 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs.
If the Rockies were willing to take on part of his contract in a trade, the Twins should do what they can to acquire the veteran shortstop, as long as Jose Berrios, Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are not part of that package.
A cheaper veteran option would be Jimmy Rollins. Would he be an upgrade over what the Twins currently have? Probably not, but the 36-year old shortstop could be a stopgap until Jorge Polanco is ready for the big stage. He is hitting .204 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs. There is always the possibility that the 2007 National League MVP could find the fountain of youth during the final months of the season. Why not take a crack at it?
After being an All-Star a year ago, Kurt Suzuki has fallen flat on his face. He is hitting .225 on the season with three home runs.
Another Rockies player that the Twins have been linked to is Nick Hundley. He is hitting .300 with six home runs and 30 RBIs. Hundley is a career .245 hitter and is reliable behind the plate.
Why not a possible reunion with veteran catcher, A.J. Pierzynski? The veteran catcher is hitting .277 with six home runs and 30 RBIs for the Atlanta Braves. Pierzynski, like Rollins, Pierzynski would come cheap.
Will the Twins make a blockbuster deal at the deadline? Unlikely. They won’t risk their future for a short-term fix. But, they will likely look to upgrade the bullpen and make moves that won’t cost them an arm and a leg.