Twins trade deadline 2024: Winners and losers from AL Central

Most Minnesota Twins fans have heard what happened at the trade deadline — or maybe they haven’t since it was so uneventful.

Just like the offseason, Minnesota had a quiet trade deadline and failed to make any meaningful moves. The Twins did make a trade, but it barely moved the needle and didn’t really do much to address two of the team’s biggest needs.

Carlos Correa rightfully pointed out that the roster is still talented and shouldn’t be written off. It’s still tough to get Charlie Brown’d twice in once season when it comes to hearing the team might make moves only to see them do the bare minimum.

That wasn’t the case for other teams in the AL Central, though.

As the dust settles on the deadline and everyone’s vision narrows on the home stretch of the season, let’s assess some winners and losers and see just where the Twins fall.

AL Central winners and losers from this year’s trade deadline

Winner: Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians annoyingly have the best record in baseball.

They aren’t one for a blockbuster deal, and although they easily could have added a couple arms to their rotation, they went out and got two legitimate MLB players to add to the fold. Lane Thomas is one of my favorite gets of the deadline. Thomas is a good hitter with good speed. He feels like the perfect Guardian. He's had four straight seasons of above average OPS+ and hit 28 home runs last season. His 28 steals and elite sprint speed make him a weapon on the base paths. With another year of control, Thomas is a great get for Cleveland.

Alex Cobb has battled injuries recently and hasn’t pitched yet this season. But he’s ready to get back, has thrown rehab outings, and is fresh. He has recent success, with an All-Star appearance in 2023 and three consecutive seasons with a sub-four ERA. Getting a fresh starter with legitimate big league success for a small package to add to the rotation for the best team in baseball… sign me up.