Minnesota Twins: Why It’s Time to Trade Suzuki
With Jonathan Lucroy off the market and there still being some time left to make August waiver deals (since the month just started after all), it may be time for the Minnesota Twins to move Kurt Suzuki.
I say this as someone who has been pretty adamant in my desire to see the Minnesota Twins hold onto the veteran catcher.
But without any talks of an extension as of yet, it’s becoming abundantly clear the team may be looking at a different backstop in 2017.
With Juan Centeno proving to be a capable catcher with a solid bat, this may be the motivation behind the team’s reluctance to resign Suzuki.
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Which is why the team should really look into moving him sooner rather than later.
They may not be able to get anything overly substantial in return due to Suzuki’s expiring contract but a move for another bullpen arm could be good enough for the Twins.
Suzuki has been hitting well this season with an average of .283 with six home runs and 35 RBI’s.
Would there be a team willing to trade for the catcher?
Which teams in the postseason race need a catcher?
The Houston Astros could be a potential option as they feature a duo of Jason Castro and Evan Gattis as their catchers.
Neither one have performed that well with Castro hitting just .207 and Gattis hitting .223.
The Astros were one of the teams mentioned as a possible landing spot for Lucroy before the Texas Rangers snagged him from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Other potential suitors include the Cleveland Indians and Colorado Rockies.
The Indians make the list only because of their failed attempt to trade for Lucroy. However, they may be reluctant to trade any significant piece for what would essentially be a rental player.
Especially since said trade would be within the division.
With Lucroy now off the market, Suzuki should now be considered a top trade target.
The Rockies would be an interesting suitor just because they feature the young Tony Wolters who is in his first season with the big league club.
What Suzuki could bring is a mentor to Wolters as well as being a backup catcher with a steady bat.
I’m sure the Rockies would have no issue trading Trevor Story to the Minnesota Twins for Suzuki.
If only.
But in all seriousness, there should be a market among contending teams for Suzuki due to his offensive ability and veteran leadership.
With Lucroy now off the market, Suzuki should now be considered a top trade target.
Hopefully, the Minnesota Twins will be able to part ways with him before potentially losing him for nothing after the season.
Rob Antony has done a good job in maximizing value and in some cases stealing a player – see the Ricky Nolasco trade – so a good trade involving Suzuki would go a long way regarding Antony’s future with the Minnesota Twins.