With the Twins still over .500 and in contention for the division lead into July, Minnesota could make a splash at the trade deadline at the end of the month.
Here’s what general manager Thad Levine said to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com:
“We’re probably not going to be inclined to spend lavishly on short-term assets, but we would be very open to spending aggressively on assets that we could use to propel our team forward this year and for years to come. I think it leaves us contemplating buying, and that’s how the season has impacted our decision-making.”
In other words – the Twins aren’t going to acquire a rental player that would be a free agent by the end of the season. Instead, they’d want a player they can control beyond the 2017 season.
Who could they target?
Oakland A’s ace Sonny Gray is arguably the biggest name that could be moved at this year’s deadline, but Oakland would likely want a haul for him – and he also won’t be a free agent until the 2020 season.
Jose Quintana of the Chicago White Sox is having a “down” season, but his strikeout rate would fit in nicely with a rotation that’s starved for strikeouts. Plus, he wouldn’t cost as much as Gray.
Then there’s the Twins’ bullpen, which has allowed the second-most runs in baseball this season. David Robertson, Pat Neshek and Addison Reed are all relievers Minnesota should look at.
The MLB trade deadline is July 31, and currently the Twins are 1.5 games back of the division lead. They’re also in AL Wild Card picture.
If the team still find themselves in the position they’re in now at the end of the month, Minnesota would be wise to supplement their roster by adding a few key pieces.
