Minnesota Twins: 4 players the Twins should have traded for at the deadline
By Chris Schad
The Minnesota Twins were able to upgrade their bullpen, but there were a couple of other players that could have helped their playoff push.
The Minnesota Twins’ performance at the trade deadline could be characterized in two ways. On one hand, they added a pair of solid relievers to their struggling bullpen. On the other, two of their biggest competitors, the Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros, upgraded their biggest weaknesses by making blockbuster trades.
While the Twins’ deadline deals could be considered a success, they also missed a major opportunity to make a statement and really go all-in for 2019. With a roster that leads the major leagues in home runs and is in the mix to claim home-field advantage in the American League, a blockbuster deal could have put this team in pure contender mode. Instead, we’re still sitting here wondering if they can play David among a bunch of Goliaths.
Some deadline deals were just not going to happen. Zack Greinke wasn’t going to waive his no-trade clause even if he were kidnapped and waterboarded with the waters of Lake Minnetonka. The Twins weren’t going to trade Byron Buxton and prospects to the Mets for Noah Syndergaard. The Giants were keeping Madison Bumgarner after climbing back into contention for a National League wild card spot.
However, there were some deals that could have separated the Twins from the pack and now the pressure is on Minnesota to take another step forward.