Minnesota Twins: Unlikely Lineup Trade Chips as July Continues

If we’re being real, the Minnesota Twins just don’t have the depth on the mound to win a pennant. The bullpen is beginning to let leads slip and the tail end of the rotation has been inconsistent at best. To help remedy this, Minnesota may have their eye on some quality relief and starting pitching options as the August 2nd trade deadline nears.

What assets do the Twins have to bring in some quality arms? To make a move you have to give something to get something. As Twins fans we’re certainly hoping the Twins can make a pitching move that could make us legit playoff contenders.

We rank four unlikely, but possible Minnesota Twins trade chips for before the July deadline.

Most trade chips are prospects, but for this list, we’re going to take a look at a few current Minnesota Twins hitters that the team likely won’t move but would bring back a big return. We get started with Carlos Correa.

Carlos Correa: If the Twins truly want an impact arm Correa will bring the most. He’s a proven commodity and could bring on the top flight arm the Twins need. He’s on a 3 year opt out deal after each season, so there’s no guarantees he’ll be back.

There’s no getting around the fact his departure would hurt the Twins lineup and infield defense. Even still, a playoff series a top quality arm could win 2-3 games. Jorge Polanco could move to short with Luis Arraez being used as the everyday 2nd baseman. It would hurt, but it might bring the Twins as close to a legit contender as they could be. Likeliness of a Trade: 30%

Jorge Polanco: Again it would hurt to see Jorge go, but for the quality of player he is, his contract is very nicely priced. He has one more affordable year on his contract for 2023. Jorge could bring in an impact arm in the bullpen or a solid No. 3 starting pitcher. He certainly is an attractive option. Likeliness of a trade: 30%

Max Kepler: Max could bring a No. 3 or No. 4 starter or a quality reliever. To me, Max is the most tradable player who would have the least impact on the Twins. He’s a nice outfielder who adds a little power to your order, but his batting average and slugging % could be absorbed. Nick Gordon, Trevor Larnach and/or Alex Kirilloff would offer viable options in right field. Likeliness of a trade: 35%

Miguel Sano: Miguel Sano only finds his name on the list as he would be a relatively low cost, high reward option. His guaranteed contract runs out with the Twins at the end of this year and Minnesota has an option or buy out for next year.  I highly doubt they’ll exercise the option.

Some team might be willing to give a usable reliever in return for a Sano reclamation project. There’s plenty of youthful sluggers that can fill the void. Likeliness of a trade: 20%

Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton, Alex Kirilloff and Jhoan Duran are off the table. The rest of the roster could be packaged (like a Gio Urshela or Tyler Duffey) could be an add on for depth. Truth be told, I doubt the Twins will make a lot of noise at the trade deadline. But these 4 certainly have to be considered.