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.