Minnesota Twins: Top 5 Trade Candidates for the 2022 Offseason
By Otto Johnson
Minnesota Twins Trade Candidate No. 2: Josh Donaldson
Now we’re into the guys who are probably going to be moved. Josh Donaldson has been one of the Twins’ best hitters this season, sitting at third in batting average, on-base percentage, homers, and RBI while landing second to Nelson Cruz in slugging percentage and OPS. He also leads the team in walks.
Why would a player that’s helping drive the offense be someone you want to move? Well, his contract would be a start. Donaldson is the highest paid Twin, making $42 million over the next two years. That’s an acceptable number for a contender to be paying, but for the team in fifth place in the American League Central, it’s an albatross.
The second reason to trade him would be to free up innings. Jose Miranda has nothing left to prove in the minors and could easily step into an everyday role. Luis Arraez could add some innings there too. The Twins aren’t lacking for players to take up his innings.
The third reason would be to benefit Donaldson. Donaldson should be on a contender as he enters the twilight of his career (he’s nearly 36). A trade would allow him to compete for the next two years, a position the Twins may not be in for a while.
Let me be clear. I like Donaldson a lot. I think that he’s provided exactly what the Twins thought they were getting when they offered him that contract. But the Minnesota Twins as a team aren’t built to compete right now, so an offseason trade might be the smartest fit for the team.