Many expect Minnesota to sell ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. With a 36-41 record, -21 run differential and arguably the worst bullpen in baseball, the Twins understandably don't appear to be playoff contenders to many. However, Minnesota is still in the postseason race, trailing the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians by 4 1/2 games and the third AL Wild Card spot by 2 1/2 games. While ESPN's latest trade candidates article suggests Minnesota will likely sell based on the large number of Twins players mentioned, former MLB GM Jim Bowden believes the team plans to improve its big-league roster at the deadline.
According to Bowden, the Twins' most pressing need ahead of the deadline is bullpen help, which isn't surprising. Bowden added that Minnesota believes it can stay in the postseason race all season if stars such as Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis stay healthy.
It's difficult to decide whether the Twins should be sellers or buyers this summer. Obviously, it depends on how the club is doing closer to the Aug. 3 deadline, but if the team is in a similar position to where it's at now, Tom Pohlad and Jeremy Zoll will have to make a difficult decision.
The Twins have had a strong offensive season, ranking second in the American League in runs (368). The team has produced when it matters, ranking third in MLB in wRC+ (122) with runners in scoring position.
Unfortunately, the team's strong offense hasn't been enough to lead the club to a winning record.
The starting pitching hasn't been terrible, but not great either, ranking 19th in ERA (4.51). However, with Mick Abel likely returning this weekend, the rotation will be in a much better spot.
Starting pitching hasn't really been an issue for the Twins this year. What's held the team back is its awful bullpen, which ranks last in MLB in ERA (5.18), and poor defense.
Twins need to improve bullpen, defense to make playoffs
The Twins are 29th in MLB in Defensive Runs Saved at -27. Matt Wallner has played a big part in that, with -8 DRS in right field this year despite spending over a month in Triple-A. The club's worst defensive position has easily been shortstop, posting -8 DRS there. Brooks Lee recorded -9 DRS before moving to third base, while Tristan Gray has posted -8.
To make the playoffs, the Twins shouldn't have to worry about improving their offense or starting pitching. As Bowden noted, targeting bullpen help should be the club's top priority. As for the club's defensive woes, giving Ryan Kreidler more starts at shortstop than Gray until Kaelen Culpepper, who is on the IL with a hip strain, is ready to assume the position is one way Minnesota can drastically improve.
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