The MLB trade deadline on July 30 looms large for the Minnesota Twins, who have surged with a 45-26 record since April 22 in the American League. While their offense has been formidable, their pitching staff has been inconsistent, prompting speculation about potential moves to bolster their rotation.
The return of Royce Lewis and Brock Stewart from the injured list could provide internal reinforcements. Stewart, a hard-throwing right-hander who was effective out of the bullpen before his injury, is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A St. Paul. The Twins anticipate his return shortly after the All-Star break, offering a boost to an already strong bullpen featuring names like Griffin Jax, Jorge Alcala, Caleb Thielbar, and Jhoan Duran.
Lewis, known for his hitting prowess, is recovering from a strained groin. His return could fortify the Twins’ infield alongside stars like Carlos Correa, Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda, and Ryan Jeffers, complemented by a potent outfield lineup including Byron Buxton, Willi Castro, Max Kepler, Matt Wallner, and Manuel Margot. With the offense firing on all cylinders, Minnesota appears set in that department.
However, the focus remains on starting pitching. Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson have emerged as reliable options, but Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober have struggled with inconsistency. Chris Paddack recently returned from injury but has yet to regain his top form, raising concerns about the rotation’s reliability in high-stakes games.
The Twins are reportedly eyeing potential trade targets from teams looking to sell before the deadline. The Toronto Blue Jays might part with impending free agent lefty Yusei Kikuchi, while the Washington Nationals could offer Patrick Corbin, also nearing free agency. The Texas Rangers feature Nathan Eovaldi, a right-hander with a hefty option but potential for free agency after the season. The Tampa Bay Rays’ Zach Eflin, known for his exceptional control, could also be on Minnesota’s radar.
Recent reports suggest the Detroit Tigers might consider trading right-hander Jack Flaherty, though divisional dynamics and his impending free agency complicate matters. Similarly, the Chicago White Sox could dangle left-handed All-Star Garrett Crochet, demanding a significant return due to his team-friendly contract and impressive strikeout rate.
Among these options, Eovaldi stands out as a potentially cost-effective choice for the Twins. Despite being 34 years old and possibly a rental, his postseason experience and consistent performance make him an attractive addition for a team eyeing a deep playoff run. The Twins possess a wealth of prospects, including six players in Baseball America’s latest top-100 list, providing ample trade assets to negotiate deals without compromising their long-term prospects excessively.
The decision hinges on whether the Twins are willing to part with promising talents like Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, or others further down the prospect rankings like Luke Keaschall, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, or Gabriel Gonzalez. Players such as Wallner or Eddy Julien could also be included in potential trade packages to secure a seasoned starter capable of solidifying their rotation for a postseason push.
Ultimately, the Twins find themselves at a crossroads, balancing the immediate need for pitching reinforcement with the desire to maintain a competitive edge in future seasons. As contenders in the AL, they understand the significance of making prudent moves at the trade deadline to maximize their chances of capturing a World Series title in 2024. The front office’s approach in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory both for this season and beyond.
