The Minnesota Twins look to be sellers at the trade deadline as a once-promising season has been anything but.
Following a Wild Card berth during the 2017 season, the Minnesota Twins felt good heading into the off season. Paul Molitor and company were confident they could repeat their success in 2018. The Twins made a number of moves in the off season to try and shore up their ranks. They threw a ton of money at the pitching staff. Among the off season moves saw Lance Lynn and Jake Odorizzi joining the team in starting roles to compliment 2017 All Star Ervin Santana. They also brought in closer Fernando Rodney and relievers Addison Reed and Zach Duke.
In the field, the Twins were excited to have Brian Dozier and his bat back. Eduardo Escobar finished 2017 on a high note as did Byron Buxton and All Star Miguel Sano. The Twins were looking to capitalize on the momentum and were optimistic that their new pieces would only add to their success. Then the season started.
Optimism quickly turned to disappointment as the Twins’ playoff chances took hit after hit.
Buxton has spent more time on the Disabled List than off of it this season. He has spent a good portion of his time in the minors when he has been healthy. He’s currently in Rochester, rehabbing a broken hand. Which came after a fractured toe, which came after migraines. Here’s to hoping that Buxton can rebound and get healthy. The Twins could use the human highlight reel in center.
It has been much the same with Sano. He struggled mightily in Minneapolis, prompting Molly to send him all the way down to Single A Fort Meyers. Now that he’s had some time to get things back in order, Sano is back in Rochester and will hopefully rejoin the Twins soon.
Starter Ervin Santana started the season on the Disabled List with a broken finger. His first game back was just last night against the Blue Jays where he looked nervous initially, but settled down in a hurry. He went five solid innings and allowed 3 hits.
Phil Hughes is a story all his own this season. After fighting through bicep tendinitis and thoracic outlet syndrome for several seasons, Hughes earned a spot in the starting rotation. After 2 starts, 7 appearances and a 6.75 ERA, the Twins cut their losses. They designated Hughes for assignment, later trading him to San Diego for cash and a draft pick. The Twins, who paid dearly for Hughes, have had a revolving door in their rotation for much of the season.
Now, we’re in late July and the team has struggled. The Twins are 2nd in the AL Central, which isn’t saying much. There’s a chance they could catch Cleveland, but it’s unlikely. They’re 13.5 games back from Seattle, who holds the 2nd Wild Card spot. Which brings us to trade talk.