Although the Minnesota Twins season hasn’t gone as planned, they are in a tremendous position heading into the trade deadline.
The Minnesota Twins have multiple trade assets to dangle on the open market. Brian Dozier has struggled during the final year of his contract. However, Dozier is a notoriously slow starter, and his bat is just heating up.
It also helps that the Manny Machado saga is FINALLY over, so other teams will now focus on other trade targets. Minnesota, and Dozier specifically, will be a popular destination. In fact…
Among the players the #Brewers are expected to target now that they have lost Machado: #Twins 2B Brian Dozier. Team also will explore pitching upgrades as well.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2018
If Mr. Ken Rosenthal says it’s happening, I tend to believe it. The Brewers are a perfect fit for Dozier. However, the question remains, should the Minnesota Twins trade Dozier?
This is the tricky part…
For this trade to make sense for the Twins, they’ll have to get a player with solid potential. Milwaukee has a solid Minor League system and Minnesota has nothing to lose by trading Dozier.
More from Puckett's Pond
- Minnesota Twins: After signing with the Mets, Correa spurns Twins again
- Minnesota Twins: You Spin Me Right Round, Right Round
- Minnesota Twins: What happens next at Shortstop?
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: 4 Possible Trade Chips not named Kepler or Arraez
However, trading Dozier will definitely signal the end to this season for Twins fans. Although that’s not necessarily something an organization concerns themselves with, this situation is different. Not only did Dozier previously express interest in a contract extension, he is also a fervent believer that the Twins 2018 season isn’t over quite yet.
On top of that, Minnesota still has over a week and a half to make a move. There is no reason for them to rush into any deal. For Milwaukee to get this deal done quickly they’ll have to blow away the Twins brass. Unfortunately, that’s unlikely to happen.
Dozier is hitting only .230 with a .314 on-base percentage across over 400 plate appearances for Minnesota. The second baseman has a respectable 16 home runs and this is where his true value is. He has combined to hit 49 home runs during the second halves of the 2016-17 seasons.
Minnesota has the motivation to keep Dozier as well. They’re only a hot stretch of wins away from being right back in the AL Central race. Dozier’s bat can help them get hot. Derek Falvey and Co. Get paid the big bucks to make these tough decisions.
Next: Twins prospects gaining recognition
If this trade happens, Minnesota is certain to bring back a solid prospect, or two. Personally, I stand with Dozier in saying that this season is far from over, and it’s too soon to start selling.