When Jeff Passan shares his MLB trade deadline intel, as speculatory as it may seem, it bears paying attention as the ESPN insider is among the most plugged-in reporters in all of baseball. During his latest rumor roundup, Passan mapped out the approach that the Minnesota Twins' front office should have as the deadline approaches.
"But if they do try to (A) cash in on a relief arm, (B) deal Brock Stewart, (C) move Castro -- a free-agent-to-be who since mid-May is slashing .280/.379/.495 while playing second base, third base, left field and right field -- and (D) get something for Edouard Julien or Jose Miranda, the future could look a whole lot brighter."
In recent weeks, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Joe Ryan have come to the forefront of Twins rumors. About Duran and Jax, Passan mentions that the Twins are seeking a godfather-type package, suggesting the front office is looking for two Top-100 prospects. Ryan, an All-Star starting pitcher under control until 2028, likely carries an even higher asking price.
Even if the Twins have their asking price met for just one of those pitchers, the deadline would be an instant success. Success that Passan believes would have the team ready to contend again as early as 2026.
Jeff Passan reveals deadline plan that could define Twins’ season
Passan's intel is the first we heard that relief pitcher Brock Stewart may get moved at the deadline. Another cost-controlled relief pitcher who doesn't fit free agency until 2028, Stewart has an ERA of 2.51 through 37 appearances this season. Stewart doesn't have the same track record as Duran or Jax, but his success this season will have teams interested as they look for bullpen help.
The Twins trading Willi Castro feels like a foregone conclusion, considering the team has already made it clear that they will be moving rental players at the deadline. Harrison Bader is another player who can be included in this conversation.
The Twins may not be the Baltimore Orioles and have a dramatically different-looking roster after the deadline, but they could be one of the more active teams. With the right moves, the Twins can return to the AL Central discussion next season.