How the Minnesota Twins can trade for Nolan Arenado
By Chris Schad
How can the Twins pull it off?
The Twins are on the opposite end of the spectrum as they have a loaded farm system that checked in at seventh on Baseball America’s list and a team that won 101 games last year. While many prefer that missing piece to get them over the hump be a pitcher, it’s tough to remember that the Bomba Squad went MIA in the postseason as well against the Yankees along with the pitching staff.
Using Rogers’ logic, the Twins would likely have to dangle Byron Buxton as a dynamic center fielder that’s an established MLB player. The issue is that Buxton has been too important for the Twins with Minnesota recording a 62-25 record when he plays. If Buxton gets over his health issues, he could take another step in 2020, which would cause Twins fans to lament what could have been.
A more realistic major league piece could be Eddie Rosario, who avoided arbitration on a one-year deal last week but has been dangled earlier in the offseason for pitching help. Adding Rosario’s 32 HR into the Coors Field atmosphere could see that number go up and continue the power that the Rockies would be conceding by shipping out Arenado.
In terms of prospects, the Twins have several to offer. If the Twins don’t want to include Buxton, they could toss in Royce Lewis, who experimented with a move to center field in the Arizona Fall League. Other outfielders such as Trevor Larnach and Gilberto Celestino could be tossed around as well as 2019 first-round pick Keoni Cavaco, who could develop into a long-term answer at third base.
Where it gets murky is the Rockies never-ending search for pitching as they’ve inquired about St. Louis’ Dakota Hudson. The Twins do not have much depth in that scenario, but perhaps a piece such as Jhoan Duran or Jordan Balazovic could be a deal that puts them over the top.
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A scenario in which the Twins actually pull a deal off for Arenado is extremely unlikely but is also one worth exploring. By adding Arenado’s overall ability, the Twins would have a legitimate superstar that could both improve their lineup and give the pitching staff some defensive help when things don’t go right. In a case of shooting your shot, it’s at least worth giving the Rockies a call.