Minnesota Twins: 4 potential trade fits for OF Max Kepler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 9: Minnesota Twins' Max Kepler hits a double against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning during their baseball game on September 9, 2018, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 3-1. (Photo by Andy King/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 9: Minnesota Twins' Max Kepler hits a double against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning during their baseball game on September 9, 2018, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Royals 3-1. (Photo by Andy King/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins
ANAHEIM, CA – JUNE 23: Marcus Stroman #6 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the first inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays at first glance may not be in desperate need for an outfielder like Max Kepler. With rumors swirling all over about players available via trade off of the Blue Jays roster it makes sense for the Twins to at least see what could maybe happen.

If the Blue Jays did become successful in trading away long tenured center fielder Kevin Pillar that would only make a Twins-Blue Jays swap make that much more sense. The Blue Jays have a few players that would be of interest to the Twins.

Most notably is Marcus Stroman who is under team control for two more seasons. 2018 wasn’t a great season for Stroman who struggled with injury and was only able to be on the mound for 102.1 innings and had a less than impressive 5.54 ERA. The positive is that he did have a 3.91 FIP which suggests he did pitch much better than his ERA suggests. That 3.91 FIP is also much more on par with how he has performed in previous seasons.

Aaron Sanchez is another starter that the Twins could covet on the Blue Jays roster who also seems available this offseason. Sanchez also has two years of control left but would be a clear step down from Stroman in quality. Sanchez did have his incredible 2016 All-Star season in which he logged 192.0 innings and had a 3.00 ERA  as well as 161/63 K/BB. What is concerning is in limited innings over the past two seasons Sanchez has had an ERA over 4.00 and a FIP even higher.

Next. How the Twins and Mets match up as trade partners. dark

Clearly, none of these are complete deals, but is there one that you prefer over the others? Any fits that we missed? Let us know in the comments!