The MLB trade deadline is next week, and there still isn't a clear sense of the direction the Minnesota Twins will take. The Twins, along with the rest of the AL Central, have become an afterthought in the division race, considering the Detroit Tigers have flirted with being the best team in baseball for most of the season. However, the Twins are part of a crowded picture in the American League Wild-Card race, and that could be what is preventing them from being a seller at the deadline.
The only certainty is that there will be changes to the 40-man roster before August 1. As the Twins map out their roster for the closing months of the season, there are several players who likely will be off the 40-man roster once the deadline passes.
Front office may boot these 4 guys from the 40-man soon
- Edouard Julien
Despite injuries to Royce Lewis this season, the Minnesota Twins haven't been in a rush to give Edouard Julien another chance at the Major League level. Regardless of whether they buy or sell, Aaron Gleeman suggests that the Twins may be ready to move Julien, who could have an interest as a change-of-scenery guy for either contending teams or teams looking to complete their roster beyond this season.
- DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
If the Twins are going to be buyers at the deadline, chances are they will be interested in adding a corner outfielder. Such a move would all but signal the end of DaShawn Keirsey Jr.'s time on the 40-man roster. Hitting under .200 in each of last season and this season, Keirsey hasn't made a strong case for a future with the Twins at the Major League level. Even if the Twins don't buy, Keirsey could be an early DFA candidate in August if the Twins look to promote some of their other outfield prospects.
- Connor Gillispie
Despite flashing some potential with the Cleveland Guardians last season, posting a 2.25 ERA in 3 abbreviated appearances, Connor Gillispie wasn't good with the Miami Marlins to start this season, and hasn't been good since joining the Twins' organization. Gillispie has an ERA of 12.34 in 3 appearances with Triple-A St. Paul this season.
- Danny Coulombe
Considering how strong the Twins' bullpen is, the front office could still thread the needle between moving a rental reliever like Danny Coulombe at the trade deadline and still hope to contend for a Wild-Card spot. With an ERA of 0.65 on the season, Coulombe would be a clear answer for any team in need of bullpen help.