Minnesota Twins: 5 potential trade chips ahead of the MLB trade deadline
By Chris Schad
![FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: (EDITOR'S NOTE:SATURATION WAS REMOVED FROM THIS IMAGE) Nick Gordon #1 of the Minnesota Twins poses for a portrait during Minnesota Twins Photo Day on February 22, 2019 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: (EDITOR'S NOTE:SATURATION WAS REMOVED FROM THIS IMAGE) Nick Gordon #1 of the Minnesota Twins poses for a portrait during Minnesota Twins Photo Day on February 22, 2019 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fpuckettspond-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1131422852-850x560-385cd5b1a48d42b096d120d91043a61b.jpg)
Jordan Balazovic – SP
The ideal scenario for the Twins is that they deal a couple of prospects that they can see the bottom falling out of. However, if the Twins can see it, it’s likely that a trade partner’s scouts have seen the bottom fall out as well. With that in mind, the Twins may have to part with an intriguing, lesser-known prospect such as Jordan Balazovic.
Balazovic is starting to generate some buzz in the Twins organization thanks to a stellar year between Low-A Cedar Rapids and High-A Fort Myers. The right-hander has compiled a 6-2 record with a 2.63 ERA between the two levels and has become a strikeout machine racking up 87 strikeouts in just 61 2/3 innings.
What might be more impressive about the 6-foot-4 Canadian is his control on the mound. Balazovic has walked just 15 batters this season and that’s helped keep his WHIP down to a microscopic 0.95 ratio this season.
For his performance, Balazovic is starting to get national recognition as he was selected to take part in this year’s MLB All-Star Futures Game. It would be tough to give up the promising 20-year old, but sometimes you have to give something to get something.