The MLB trade deadline looms on July 30, and the Minnesota Twins, who have posted an impressive 45-26 record since April 22, are poised to be a team closely watched in the pitching market. Despite their offensive prowess, the Twins recognize a need to bolster their pitching staff, which has shown inconsistency throughout the season.
On a positive note, the Twins anticipate reinforcements with the return of Royce Lewis and Brock Stewart from the injured list. Stewart, particularly, had been a dominant force in the bullpen before his injury, and his imminent return is expected to fortify the team heading into the critical stretch of August and September.
While the Twins boast a formidable bullpen featuring names like Griffin Jax and Jorge Alcala, the quest to strengthen their pitching for the playoffs remains a priority. Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson have been reliable starters, but others like Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober have had inconsistent performances. Chris Paddack, returning from injury, has also been shaky, making the need for pitching reinforcements even more pressing.
In the trade market, several teams are rumored to be sellers, presenting potential opportunities for the Twins. The Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Texas Rangers are among those reportedly open to dealing pitchers. Yusei Kikuchi, Patrick Corbin, Nathan Eovaldi, Zach Eflin, and Jack Flaherty are notable names that could potentially bolster Minnesota’s rotation.
Nathan Eovaldi, an experienced arm with All-Star credentials, stands out as a viable option. Despite being a potential rental, Eovaldi’s postseason experience and current form make him an attractive target for a team eyeing a deep playoff run. His addition could provide a significant boost to the Twins’ postseason aspirations.
However, acquiring top-tier pitchers like Eovaldi won’t come without a cost. The Twins possess a wealth of talented prospects, although they are unlikely to part with elite names such as Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez. Instead, they may consider packaging players like Luke Keaschall, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, or Gabriel Gonzalez, along with potential major league assets like Max Kepler or Matt Wallner.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Twins find themselves at a crossroads—balancing the desire to strengthen their roster for a championship push against the cost of parting with valuable prospects. With a robust lineup and a revamped bullpen, Minnesota’s focus now turns to securing the pitching depth necessary to solidify their status as contenders in the American League.