Trade rumors are buzzing around Target Field once again on Friday less than 24 hours after the Minnesota Twins traded their only All-Star, shortstop Eduardo Nunez, to San Francisco.
This time the focus appears to be on a pair of Twins relievers – left-hander Fernando Abad and righty Brandon Kintzler.
According to the Star Tribune’s LaVelle E. Neal, interest in Abad and Kintzler has “picked up considerably over the last 24 hours.”
Kintzler took over as the Twins closer for the struggling Kevin Jepsen in June. He has been a perfect 8-for-8 in save opportunities this year. In his 32 appearances, Kintzler has a 1.99 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 31.2 innings.
#Twins Brandon Kintzler attracting considerable interest from teams in relief market. Not a big strikeout guy, but having a nice season.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 29, 2016
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, he’s being eyed by several clubs that are looking for bullpen help.
Abad has been nearly as good. Neal notes that a number of contending teams need left-handed relief. He’s 1-3 with a 2.53 ERA in 37 games for the Twins.
Both Abad and Kintzler were non-roster invitees to spring training for the Twins.
But don’t expect to see the Twins ship off their younger talent, with Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline on Monday. Earlier this week, Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters he expects the Twins to keep their younger core intact.
“I think the whole idea of moving younger players is something you want to avoid if you can, unless you find a way to fill a bigger hole,” Molitor told reporters. “I’m not too concerned about losing any young players that are vital to our future.”
We’ll update this information later, if either is dealt this evening.
