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The Minnesota Twins have officially established themselves as buyers at this upcoming MLB trade deadline. There had been some buzz for several days that the Twins could be looking to go all in on this hot streak and make a bid for the playoffs.
That was confirmed on Thursday when Minnesota struck a deal with the New York Mets to land left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter via trade. Minter was one of the best relief pitchers available on the trade market, particularly from the left side, and he lands with a Minnesota club looking to not only earn a playoff spot, but potentially win the American League Central division that has been paced by the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians for most of the year.
In recent seasons, especially last year, the Twins were in a much different position at this portion of the season. They sold off much of their roster at last year’s trade deadline, particularly the bullpen, which did not sit well with many fans. But now being back at an even .500, the Twins will be keeping their top players and building around them.
This is bad news for several MLB teams who are currently bidding for a smaller group of available players than what would be typical at the trade deadline. With so many teams in striking distance of a playoff spot, there are fewer sellers, which means the pool of available players is smaller, and the price is likely higher.
Minnesota was a team that projected to have several key pieces available, like catcher Ryan Jeffers, starting pitcher Joe Ryan, and potentially even Byron Buxton if the Twins cornerstone decided to waive his no-trade clause. Instead, all of these players will be staying put, leaving rival teams to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
The Jeffers situation is one that is especially difficult for rival teams, as he projected to be arguably the best catcher available on the market. At a premium position that often has few good options available, this leaves teams in need of catching help in a difficult spot. For the Twins, they are not worried about the rest of the league, and are instead focused on bettering themselves in pursuit of an October berth.
The MLB trade deadline is on August 3, and until then teams will be busy trying to either reinforce their current rosters or build for the future.
Continue reading...
That was confirmed on Thursday when Minnesota struck a deal with the New York Mets to land left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter via trade. Minter was one of the best relief pitchers available on the trade market, particularly from the left side, and he lands with a Minnesota club looking to not only earn a playoff spot, but potentially win the American League Central division that has been paced by the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians for most of the year.
In recent seasons, especially last year, the Twins were in a much different position at this portion of the season. They sold off much of their roster at last year’s trade deadline, particularly the bullpen, which did not sit well with many fans. But now being back at an even .500, the Twins will be keeping their top players and building around them.
This is bad news for several MLB teams who are currently bidding for a smaller group of available players than what would be typical at the trade deadline. With so many teams in striking distance of a playoff spot, there are fewer sellers, which means the pool of available players is smaller, and the price is likely higher.
Minnesota was a team that projected to have several key pieces available, like catcher Ryan Jeffers, starting pitcher Joe Ryan, and potentially even Byron Buxton if the Twins cornerstone decided to waive his no-trade clause. Instead, all of these players will be staying put, leaving rival teams to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
The Jeffers situation is one that is especially difficult for rival teams, as he projected to be arguably the best catcher available on the market. At a premium position that often has few good options available, this leaves teams in need of catching help in a difficult spot. For the Twins, they are not worried about the rest of the league, and are instead focused on bettering themselves in pursuit of an October berth.
The MLB trade deadline is on August 3, and until then teams will be busy trying to either reinforce their current rosters or build for the future.
Continue reading...
