Twins Rumors: New deadline intel sparks fears of full-on fire sale

Fire sale alert as new deadline chatter heats up
Minnesota Twins v Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins v Detroit Tigers | Duane Burleson/GettyImages

When The Athletic first introduced their MLB Trade Deadline big board, listing 30 players who could be moved ahead of the deadline, there wasn't a single Minnesota Twins player to be found. This was about three weeks ago, when the Twins were still feeling the high of going 18-8 in May. However, since then, the Twins have stumbled, and the impression is that they could be a seller at the deadline.

With the deadline at the end of the month, The Athletic has updated its big board, listing 40 players who could be moved at the deadline. With the update and the shift in how the Twins are viewed across Major League Baseball, there are now four Twins players listed as potential trade candidates.

Sell-off scenario now firmly on the table after latest buzz

  • Jhoan Duran, RHP

Duran is among the first 10 names listed by The Athletic. The reasons why the Twins would get a haul of prospects if they traded Duran are the same reasons why they are likely to keep the 27-year-old. Duran is one of the best closers in baseball, and under control through the 2027 season. Short of the Twins conducting a fire sale at the deadline, it's hard to imagine that Duran will be on the move.

  • Griffin Jax, RHP

Like Duran, Jax is one of the best relief pitchers in the American League and under control through the 2027 season. The Twins are far more likely to stand pat than they are to sell controllable talent. There would be a market for Duran and Jax, but it feels like too big of a move for this front office to make.

  • Harrison Bader, Outfielder

Bader was an unsung addition to the Minnesota Twins' roster for 2025, but he is the exact trade chip who likely has a new home by August 1. Bader inked a one-year deal last winter, and for teams in need of a fourth outfielder, he is a clear answer.

  • Chris Paddack, RHP

Nearly every contender will be in the market for a starting pitcher ahead of the deadline. Given how few sellers there are, the Twins could likely get a decent return for Paddack despite his mediocre results in recent seasons.

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