Edinson Volquez is a name worth paying attention to as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline draws nearer.
Twins Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey told the One Hunnit Podcast recently that he’s not willing to mortgage the future by trading top prospects for rental players, and a report Tuesday from MLB.com says Falvey hasn’t swayed from that approach.
“A source said the Twins are scouring the market for controllable players, staying away from any impeding free agents who are available. Minnesota doesn’t appear to be close to making any deals, but the club remains engaged with several teams about potential trades.”
MLB Trade Rumors speculates that Minnesota could have eyes for Volquez, who fits the bill as a controllable starting pitcher who wouldn’t cost the farm. He’s due $13 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
The 34-year-old tossed a no-hitter for the Marlins against Arizona on June 3 but has been bothered by a twisted ankle and knee tendonitis ever since, and he might not be ready to pitcher for a couple more weeks, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
On the season he’s 4-8 with a 4.19 ERA and he’s struck out 81 batters in 92.1 innings.
The Twins weren’t supposed to be a game-and-a-half out of first in the AL Central this late in the season, but they are thanks to an unwavering ability to bounce back from adversity coupled with the Indians’ inability to distance itself from the pack.
Volquez would give the Twins a nice one through three with Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios while a combination of Adalberto Mejia, Kyle Gibson and Bartolo Colon fill out the fourth and fifth spots.
