4 players Twins could target if the Mets have a fire sale at the trade deadline
It's offically trade deadline season and the Twins should look at the Mets for reinforcements.
With the MLB Trade Deadline just over a month away, teams around the league are going to start checking the pulse on potential deals with teams that are selling.
The Minnesota Twins might want to do that with the Mets, a team that hasn't yet started a fire sale everyone knows is coming but probably will soon. New York desperately needs to hit the reset button, and this could benefit the Twins as they push for the postseason.
First, it’s important to look at where the Twins need to improve.
Minnesota could absolutely use a boost offensively. Things have started to turn around as of late, but we've seen this story before. The Twins have been one of the streakiest teams in baseball and that extends to how they've performed at the plate.
Their team batting average is just .237, which ranks near the bottom of MLB. The Twins could also use the running game more, with only 34 stolen bases on the year. Finally, competitive teams could always use more bullpen arms.
As much as the Twins have struggled this season, they have been able to keep the ship afloat, sitting just a few games out of first place in the AL Central. A couple of smart trades could be the difference between getting back to the playoffs and a long offseason.
One place the Twins could look for that is out east and to Queens.
Starling Marte
Marte was the first name that jumped off the list. Looking at the Twins' current roster, the glaring need seems to be the corner outfield.
Manuel Margot has had a rough start to his time in Minnesota. He is only batting .228 and has shown very little power, with only one home run and seven extra-base hits on the year.
Marte could immediately come to Minnesota and give the Twins a solid bat, speed and a veteran presence.
So far in 2024, the 35-year-old has turned back the clock, hitting .284 with added power, including six home runs, two triples, and eight doubles. Along with his prowess at the plate, when Marte reaches, he is a threat to steal, swiping 10 bases in as many tries.
Marte would give the Twins an instant jolt in the lineup and a much-needed threat on the bases.
Potential cost
Despite his high-level production this season, Marte is 35 and has an expensive contract. It shouldn't cost the Twins more than a higher mid-tier prospect (someone between 12-20) to acquire his services from the Mets, and this should be a no-brainer.
J.D. Martinez
Not long ago, the Twins had an aging veteran who could no longer play in the field, but could still hit the ball with incredible success, that player was Nelson Cruz. Much like Cruz, Martinez offers similar attributes.
Martinez has been a solid hitter his entire career and is still producing at 36. He is hitting .267 with five home runs, eight doubles, and a triple.
Martinez would be a great addition and upgrade the designated hitter spot. He would also benefit the Twins with his playoff experience. Martinez has played in 33 postseason games and is a player Twins manager Rocco Baldelli could turn to in high-stress moments.
Potential cost
A couple of factors are working in the Twins' favor when it comes to acquiring Martinez. He is 36 and on a one-year deal, the Mets are looking to trade him, and he doesn't provide any value in the field.
Due to these factors, Martinez shouldn’t cost more than a low to mid-tier prospect, someone between 20-30. If this is the going rate, the Twins should jump at the chance to bring in a bat of Martinez's caliber, who also provides much-needed experience.
Harrison Bader
Last season, one of the Twins' unsung heroes was Michael A. Taylor. Taylor offered the Twins the ability to play the outfield well, and despite his .220 batting average, he hit 21 home runs.
Right now, the Twins are missing that piece but could acquire someone similar from the Mets.
Bader is a former gold glove winner with a competent bat and some ability to steal bases. Bader is currently hitting .263 and has stolen eight bases. If he could add a little bit of power, he could be an invaluable piece to the Twins’ roster.
Potential cost
This is an interesting one. Bader is on a one-year contract and 30 years old, but given his production and fielding ability, the Mets might look for a mid-tier prospect between 15-25 in return. If this is the case, the Twins should certainly make a call.
Adam Ottavino
The Twins' bullpen hasn’t been bad this season, players like Griffin Jax, Jorge Alcala, and Steven Okert have been solid. The Twins will also eventually get Brock Stewart back. However, contending teams can never have too many bullpen arms.
This is why it would be a good move for the Twins to go after someone like Ottavino. In 2024 Ottavino has had a tough time in New York, posting a 5.79 ERA.
However, despite his struggles, Ottavino has done well keeping the ball in the park, only surrendering three home runs, and has pitched well against right-handed batters, holding them to a .226 batting average.
At 38 years old, Ottavino wouldn't be in Minnesota for the long haul but could be a nice arm to bring out of the bullpen occasionally.
Potential cost
Ottavino is aging and on a one-year contract, this is someone the Mets will most likely want to get whatever they can for as they start rebuilding. Ottavino shouldn’t cost the Twins more than a low-tier prospect around 25-30 and is worth a look.
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