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 already explored possibilities with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Oakland Athletics. Next up is the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates made an attempt last season to be contenders but fell short of their goal finishing 82-79 for 4th in the NL East. With the trade of Gerrit Cole many had thought the Pirates were going to rebuild but instead they decided to contend acquiring Chris Archer and adding a couple of other players.
The Pirates have said that this season they will try to contend as well but aren’t expected to make many moves and just roll with their current roster as many of their players are rather young much like the Twins.
Trade Proposal #1
Twins trade RHP Kyle Gibson to the Pirates for RHP Luis Escobar and LHP Brandon Waddell.
The Pirates could look to add one veteran starter after trading Ivan Nova to the White Sox. The Twins have a couple of veteran starters the Pirates would be interested in if the Twins decide to push-off contending one more season.If that is the case, the Twins should consider cashing in on Gibson before he could possibly leave the Twins in free agency this offseason.
Escobar is an up and coming pitcher that just became a full time pitcher after coming into professional baseball as an infielder. Waddell is an almost ready LHP that profiles as a reliever that the Twins could definitely use as there isn’t much behind Rogers, Moya, and Vasquez.
Trade Proposal #2
Twins trade 2B/SS Ehire Adrianza and OF Akil Baddoo to the Pirates for RHP Keone Kela.
The Twins need another reliever and while there are still a lot of free agents available the Twins might find Kela or someone similar to their liking in a trade like this. Adrianza could be expendable with the signing of Ronald Torreyes and the Pirates have a need for a SS or someone to be a backup on the bench.