Minnesota Twins: 5 Most Untouchable Players in Trade Talks

No. 2: Minnesota Twins’ Jose Berrios

Reasons for Untouchable Status: Contract, Value, Position

Seeing Jose Berrios in this spot may come as a surprise to some people, as he isn’t a truly elite starter. He may have been named as an All-Star in each of the previous two seasons, but some Twins fans often discount his value to the team.

The former first-round pick has become, without a doubt, the Twins No. 1 starter. Berrios is nothing if not reliable. In each of the past three seasons, he has been a model of consistency, posting very similar stat lines:

• 25 GS, 14-8, 3.89 ERA, 1.229 WHIP, 139 K
• 32 GS, 12-11, 3.84 ERA, 1.144 WHIP, 202 K
• 32 GS, 14-8, 3.68 ERA, 1.223 WHIP, 195 K

In addition, Berrios also won’t become a free agent until 2023, making him very valuable. Very good starters are rarely ever moved unless it’s for prospects, and because the Twins aren’t looking for prospects, Berrios will stay put for the foreseeable future.

No. 1: Minnesota Twins’ Josh Donaldson

Reasons for Untouchable Status: New Contract

The Minnesota Twins just signed star, free agent, third baseman Josh Donaldson to a 4 year/$92 million contract that includes a five team no-trade clause. Does that sound like a player that will be playing anywhere else, any time soon? I didn’t think so.

Donaldson had an excellent season with the Atlanta Braves last season, helping him to become one of the best free agent hitters available. The Twins clearly liked what they saw, handing out the franchise’s largest contract in team history.

That contract alone makes Donaldson nearly impossible to move. If he lives up to the contract, then the Twins will not want to move him under any circumstances. If he doesn’t, then no one will want to take on the deal.

Because of the contract (and Donaldson’s skills and leadership abilities), Donaldson and the Minnesota Twins will be tied together for at least four years. I’m sure both the Twins and Donaldson are hoping it works out well.