As of Wednesday morning, the Twins (41-46) are just three games back of the third AL Wild Card spot and 5 1/2 games back of the Chicago White Sox for first place in the AL Central. It's unclear which direction the Twins will take at the trade deadline. Controlling owner Tom Pohlad has suggested the team could add to the club, but there are many reasons to believe selling is the right move. After Tuesday's slate of games, the Twins led the American League in runs scored (421), but also ranked 28th in MLB in runs allowed (452). The team's offense has been outstanding, but the bullpen has been awful, and injuries have depleted the starting rotation.
If the Twins end up selling, two St. Paul Saints outfielders would likely benefit from the decision.
Matt Wallner, Alan Roden would benefit from Twins selling at trade deadline
Wallner and Roden have both been dominating Triple-A pitching lately. Wallner, whom the Twins optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on May 14 after a rough start to the year, has slashed .277/.361/.574 (134 wRC+) with 12 home runs and 37 RBI over 37 games for the Saints this season.
Trying to close June like the way he started it. @Matt_Wallner smashes a two-run HR to right-center, his 12th of the season. It's his 11th in the month of June, one shy of the single month record by a Saints player held by...Matt Wallner in June of 2024 pic.twitter.com/VcVXb9Ueo4
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) July 1, 2026
Meanwhile, Roden missed roughly seven weeks with a shoulder injury earlier in the season but has absolutely raked when healthy, slashing .297/.422/.568 (153 wRC+) with eight home runs and 24 RBI across 29 games for St. Paul.
While it may seem obvious the Twins should call up Wallner and Roden, there isn't room for them to play consistently. It's not like the Twins need an offensive boost, as they're arguably the best offensive team in the American League.
The Twins' starting outfield mainly consists of Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton (who is day-to-day with a hip injury) and Luke Keaschall. Josh Bell, who has been swinging the bat well lately, has the designated hitter position locked down. And the Twins can't just have Bell play more first base, since that's where Royce Lewis plays. Additionally, Kody Clemens, Ryan Kreidler and Brooks Lee have been playing well enough to keep their spots in the infield.
But if the Twins sell at the trade deadline, it could clear space for Wallner and/or Roden on the big-league roster. Larnach, who has broken out this year with a .284/.376/.428 (128 wRC+) slash line, would likely be gone if Minnesota sells, as he is only under team control through next season. The Twins would also likely deal Bell, who is on a one-year contract. Therefore, a sell-off would allow the Twins to use Wallner and Roden in the lineup consistently.
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