If the Twins trade Brian Dozier, he’s probably going to wind up playing in the National League. Not a single report has linked Dozier to an American League team, with the latest information saying the Cardinals, Dodgers, Nationals and Giants are jockeying for trade position.
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson says the Dodgers and Cardinals are “very much in it,” while the Nationals and Giants are in “dialogue” with the Twins.
Dozier update: told LAD still very much in it. Here's the new wrinkle: STL very much in it, + Nats & Giants remain in dialogue. #MNTwins
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) December 26, 2016
Braves apparently not in on dozier. Dodgers, cards (as wolfson said), giants, nats (reportedly) are known teams.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 27, 2016
The Dodgers have been believed to be the frontrunner since they have the prospects to part with, including top pitching prospect Joe De Leon. More on his potential right here.
But there’s little to no information about what the Cardinals would give up for Dozier.
Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch thinks a trade between the Twins and Cardinals is unlikely. But if something gets done, it’ll likely include Minnesota demanding Cardinals top prospect Alex Reyes, according to Frederickson. MLB.com’s Prospect Watch said this about the right-handed starter.
“The big right-hander has serious swing-and-miss stuff, with a fastball that touches the mid-90s consistently and can hit triple digits to complement a devastating power curveball. Unlike some young pitchers, Reyes is willing to throw his changeup and understands the value of having it to make his two plus offerings better. Though it’s behind the other two, it should be Major League average in time.”
Reyes has struck out 12.1 hitters per nine innings in his four years as a minor leaguer, according to Baseball Reference.
Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post says the Nationals haven’t made any serious inquiries to the Twins about Dozier.
A person familiar with Nationals' thinking said they haven't made any serious inquiries on Twins' Dozier. No natural fit there.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) December 27, 2016
Dozier is scheduled to attend TwinsFest in late January.
