Minnesota Twins: Ranking the 5 Most Valuable Trade Chips to Move

Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins bats during the fifth inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins bats during the fifth inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Twins shortstop Andrelton Simmons throws to first base for the out during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins Trade Chip No. 3: Andrelton Simmons

Return: A pair of mid-level prospects

Our third most valuable trade chip on the list is someone who we’ve mentioned before. The Twins would benefit greatly from shipping out Andrelton Simmons as soon as possible, especially with Nick Gordon lighting it up. Gordon, who boasts a .370/.393/.481 slash line with a homer and three steals in just nine games, deserves more playing time.

If Simmons were to be moved, it would clear up more playing time for Gordon, even with Luis Arraez on the way back too. It would also benefit the Twins a significant amount in terms of compensation.

Since we originally talked about Simmons as a trade candidate, he has stepped up his game, bringing his slash line a little closer to his career averages and posting better defensive numbers than he did last year (though he has a few more errors).

Several contenders could benefit from Simmons on a playoff run, as he would be a solid starter for a playoff contender. Cleveland, Oakland, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and even the Yankees (Gleyber Torres would be much better at second base) all could stand to use an upgrade at short.

This could lead to a decent return for Simba, possibly a pair of mid-level prospects. He’s only a rental, and his bat leaves something to be desired when compared to other shortstops like Fernando Tatis Jr. or Bo Bichette, so I wouldn’t expect much, but I still think a buyer could be intrigued by the greatest defensive shortstop of all time.