After an impressive 18-8 record during May, the Minnesota Twins have placed themselves directly in the American League Wild Card conversation. The Twins may be seven games behind the Detroit Tigers for first place in the American League Central, but they currently would be the third American League Wild Card team if the postseason started today.
Despite being viewed as a potential seller at the start of the season, if the Twins continue their hot play, there is no question that they will be buyers at the Major League Baseball trade deadline next month.
If the Twins are indeed buyers at the deadline next month, there is no shortage of targets who would boost their playoff chances.
The Twins must keep an eye on these trade targets
Bailey Falter, Pittsburgh Pirates LHP
No, the Pittsburgh Pirates won't be trading Paul Skenes at the Trade Deadline, but just about everyone else on their roster can be had in trade talks. Assuming the Twins will be looking to bolster their starting rotation at the deadline, one name to keep an eye on is Pirates' left-handed starting pitcher Bailey Falter.
Through his first 12 starts of the season, Falter has been a rare success story for the Pirates. With an ERA of 3.14, he likely will be a pitcher that garners trade interest over the next two months. Falter may not be a pitcher who the Twins can slot at the top of their rotation, but he would be a competent fourth starter, given the boost in offensive support he would also receive in going from the Pirates to Minnesota.
Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks RHP
The injury to Corbin Burnes could potentially push the Arizona Diamondbacks closer to being sellers at the Trade Deadline. If that is the case, the Diamondbacks' pitching staff would be prime picking for the Twins to address the backend of their starting rotation.
Right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson could be an ideal target for the Twins. Nelson was pushed to the Diamondbacks' bullpen to open the 2025 season, but has posted a respectable 3.43 ERA in 13 appearances this season. Nelson, who could take Burnes' spot in the Diamondbacks' rotation, would give the Twins a dependable starter to close out their rotation.
Mike Tauchman, Chicago White Sox OF
The Chicago White Sox remain far away from being a contender in the American League Central division, and for that reason, likely are not opposed to making deals within the division.
The Twins could turn to their division foe to address their need in the outfield. No, the idea of the Twins pursuing Luis Robert Jr. can be ruled out, but veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman would be a great addition to Minnesota's outfield mix. Injuries have limited Tauchman to 12 games this season, but now healthy, his 221 wRC+ is reminding teams that he could be a valuable trade target. Since returning to Major League Baseball in 2023, Tauchman has yet to post a wRC+ under 105.