Minnesota Twins 2018-2019 Offseason Trade Partner Profile: Angels
By Ian Stoever
The Minnesota Twins 2018-2019 offseason is here. Here we explore who could be their trade partners as they look to return to the playoffs.
With the Minnesota Twins looking to re-tool their roster this offseason, there are many moves to be made. The Twins could go in two different directions, either try to contend this year or trade away some players to gear up for a run next season.
We have been going through every team in the majors here at Puckett’s Pond trying to find some trade fits for the Twins. We have already taken a look at the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and the Houston Astros. Next up, the Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels are coming off a disappointing season and need to make some serious moves to contend before they waste their shot with Mike Trout. In this article, we will highlight 3 different deals for the Twins one for a contending Twins team and two for a one season rebuild.
Trade Proposal #1
Twins trade SP Stephen Gonsalves, 2B/3B Travis Blankenhorn and 1B Lewin Diaz to the Angels for Justin Upton and $10 million.
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While Justin Upton is not the same player he once was Upton is a solid bat first OF that would slot in nicely to the DH spot for the Twins. The Twins will definitely want the Angels to pay down some of Upton’s salary as he is under contract through the 2022 season at $18 Million in 2019, $21 Million in 2020, $23 Million in 2021, and $28 Million in 2022.
The Angels are in need of some payroll space for the future to add some major talent so they can take advantage of some generational talent in Trout and Ohtani. Gonsalves gives the Angels another arm in which they are always running short on. Blankenhorn and Diaz give the Angels a couple of lottery ticket type players.
Trade Proposal #2
Twins trade C Jason Castro to the Angels for OF D’Shawn Knowles.
The Angels need an upgrade at catcher this offseason. If Castro is a big enough upgrade for them is debatable but it’s still a step up from last season. Knowles is only 17 so he is a major play on upside but is still a good lottery ticket type. Castro’s at bats can go to either Willians Astudillo or a free agent catcher like Robinson Chirinos who has been connected to the Twins.
Next. Non-Tendered Free Agents of interest for the Twins. dark
Trade Proposal #3
Twins trade SP Kyle Gibson and C Jason Castro to the Angels for LHP Jose Suarez and SS Livan Soto.
Gibson is a free agent at season’s end so if the plan is to punt this season to next then maybe the Twins need to cash in on his value this offseason. Castro is sent to help on the catcher position for the Angels.
Suarez is a 20-year-old lefty starter that is on an upward trajectory as he gains velocity and control. Soto is an 18-year-old SS that is also on the upward trajectory as he begins his 2nd season of pro ball.