Minnesota Twins 2018-2019 Offseason Trade Partner Profile: Baltimore Orioles
The Minnesota Twins 2018-2019 offseason is here. Here we explore if the Baltimore Orioles could be a trade partner for the Twins.
With the Minnesota Twins looking to contend next year they are looking to upgrade the roster. While there is plenty of options in the free agent market there is also plenty of players available in trade. The Baltimore Orioles are on the opposite end of the spectrum in they are just beginning their rebuild. While many of their main targets have been shipped out already there is still a few players that the Twins might be interested in. In this post we are going to highlight 3 players on the Orioles roster that the Twins might be interested in.
Starting Pitcher
Alex Cobb– While he just signed last offseason to a rather large contract the Orioles would be very willing to clear Cobb’s $14 Million per season contract from their books. While Cobbs numbers were awfully rough (5-15 4.90 ERA) there is a lot to like if you look closer, including a 2.56 ERA in the second half of the season. Much like Lance Lynn who also signed very late in the offseason neither player got much of a spring training so the rough start could be very well attributed to a late start.
Potential Trade– Twins trade Zack Granite and John Curtiss to the Orioles for Alex Cobb. Granite is probably off the 40 man roster this offseason anyway so might as well use him in a trade. Curtiss is expendable as well with other potential upgrades to come.
1B/DH
Mark Trumbo– A power hitting 1B/DH is one of the needs for the Twins this offseason. Much like Cobb Trumbo has a rather large salary for his pedestrian numbers. His is only signed for 1 more season at $13.5 Million so it could be a short term solution while awaiting either full time for Tyler Austin or possibly Brent Rooker. While he hasn’t performed the last 2 seasons after leading the league in home runs in 2016 a change of scenery might be what he needs.
Potential trade– Twins trade Andrew Bechtold to the Orioles for Mark Trumbo.
Relief Pitcher
Mychal Givens– The Twins are in need of multiple relievers and the Orioles happen to have a fairly good one in Givens. While his numbers aren’t the prettiest he also pitched on one of the worst teams in major league history. Givens would be a nice addition to the back of the bullpen as either a set up man for a proven closer or Givens could even step into the closer role as he had 9 saves last year.
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Potential Trade– Twins trade Luis Arraez, Zack Granite and Tyler Jay for Mychal Givens. Givens will cost significantly more than either Trumbo or Cobb due to a better contract and stats last season.