Twins reportedly bidding against Dodgers and Astros for a top trade target

With just days to go before the MLB Trade Deadline arrives, things are starting to pick up as the winds of the rumor mill blow faster and harder.

The Minnesota Twins have been mentioned in more than a few deadline whispers, but those rumblings are growing louder. A few different names and scenarios have been tossed out, including Minnesota standing pat due to money concerns, but one name remains consistent.

For the last few weeks, the Twins have been mentioned alongside rumors involving Yusei Kikuchi. It appears that interest remains the same regardless of the less than ideal updates that have popped up recently, which implies Minnesota might indeed be active when the deadline arrives on Tuesday.

Twins remain interested in trading for Yusei Kikuchi

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Twins are among four teams trying to trade for Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard that Minnesota has Kikuchi on its radar, but it’s notable that things remain that way with the deadline so close.

Interest in Kikuchi goes back to this winter when the Twins sold the fan base some snake oil about trying to trade for a front line starter. That never happened, and now the team finds itself in a situation where it might need to make a move at the deadline and turn top prospects into currency rather than fork over money in free agency.

To be fair, Kikuchi would have always been a trade candidate, so he doesn’t fall under the category of players the Twins missed out on during the offseason. It really could end up being a situation that’s similar to what would have happened back in December, as Max Kepler was reportedly been talked about in trade discussions that Minnesota has listened to, and he was someone rumored to be on the move over the offseason.

This time around, though, it’s far more likely that the Blue Jays want prospects rather than a corner outfielder. They’re not in a position to compete this year and dipping into Minnesota’s deeply talented farm system is something that will appeal to more than a few teams looking to sell.

Whether or not the Twins want to part ways with those guys is the catch here. Two years ago Minnesota traded some top prospects in deals that blew up in the front office’s face, so there’s a natural hesitence to make another splash.

Bowing out of the bidding might be where this is headed. It was one thing to hear the Twins were interested but the Dodgers and Astros getting involved might create a situation where Minnesota gets asked for more than its willing to give up.

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