The Minnesota Twins have talked to the Texas Rangers about starter Mike Minor, but his no-trade list may throw a wrench into a potential deal.
The Minnesota Twins’ search for starting pitching continues and as the trade deadline now sits a little over three days away, more names are starting to pop up as potential targets. Over the weekend, the latest rumor came from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, who says the Twins have talked to the Texas Rangers regarding left-hander Mike Minor.
Acquiring Minor from the Rangers would make sense on the Twins end thanks to his strong 2019 season and his contract situation. On the field, Minor has been strong for an overachieving Texas Rangers team, compiling a record of 8-6 record with an ERA of 3.00 in 21 starts.
Off the field, Minor is signed through the 2020 season at $9.5 million next season, making him a great option for a team that has Jake Odorizzi, Kyle Gibson, Martin Perez and Michael Pineda all tabbed for free agency after this season.
Both sides of the equation signal that bringing in Minor would be an ideal move for the Twins, but the bigger issue could be whether the feeling is mutual. Minor reportedly has a ten-team, no-trade clause in his contract and it’s unknown whether the Twins are on that list. If they are, it could be a tough sell to bring the 31-year old to Minnesota based off his comments he made regarding trade rumors over the weekend.
"“It does make us mad,” Minor said to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. “We’ve played well all season, then we lose a couple of games and we’re supposedly ready to deal guys when we have 2 1/2 months left in the season. But that’s the job we have.”"
In any event, the Twins have three days to orchestrate a potential deal and then might have to sell Minor on why Minnesota would be a better chance to win a ring. If they’re unable to do that, it might be another trip back to the drawing board that has already captured one upgrade and is looking for more.