The Twins have to start winning more games if they want to be buyers at the trade deadline. If they end up wanting to add more major league talent at the expense of some prospects, there are a couple of players that should be on the market that could help put Minnesota in a better spot to make the playoffs.
Here are two possible trade targets for the Twins according to MLB’s Mark Feinsand
Angels left-handed starting pitcher Tyler Anderson
It has become clear that Minnesota likely needs another starting pitcher if it wants to make the postseason after the injuries to Pablo López and Zebby Matthews, Bailey Ober’s recent struggles and the likely future regression of Chris Paddack.
Feinsand pointed out that while Anderson has struggled this month with a 9.00 ERA in three outings, he had a 3.39 ERA in his first 11 starts this season. Overall, Anderson, who will be a free agent after this season, has a 4.44 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 1.37 WHIP while posting 1.0 bWAR.
As it stands, the Twins and Angels have the same record at 36-37, 1 ½ games behind Boston for the third American League Wild Card spot. For the Twins to acquire Anderson, 35, they need to improve their performance, and the Angels, who just won three in a row against the New York Yankees, have to start losing more games.
Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon
McMahon, 30, would be a more costly option for the Twins to acquire than Anderson, as the Colorado third baseman is under contract through 2027 at $12 million this year and $16 million each of the next two seasons. Worth 1.7 bWAR with a .222/.333/.411 (101 OPS+) slash line this year, McMahon can also play second and third base. His defense at third is among the best in the league, as he has five outs above average (96th percentile). Since May 7, McMahon has an .855 OPS with seven home runs in 37 games.
The Twins would have to give up some promising prospects to acquire McMahon, who played above replacement level from 2021-24 and is already on the verge of reaching the 2.0 bWAR mark this year. But with Royce Lewis struggling to stay on the field, it may be time for the Twins to add a veteran infielder who has remained relatively healthy in past seasons.