May 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Jose Tabata (31) hits a double in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be targeted:
1. Jon Jay
As much as Jay could bring some value to the table for many organizations, he doesn’t seem to have a role – let alone a future – in St. Louis. The Cardinals were believed to be shopping him at one point earlier in the season and the Twins were rumored to have interest at that time, so could the two sides engage in talks? It wouldn’t be out of the question. Jay can handle any of the three outfield positions defensively, he’s just 29, has at least two years of team control remaining, and can get on base. He won’t offer much power, but he would be an upgrade over the team’s in-house outfield options.
2. Jose Tabata
It’s a bit outside the box, but could Tabata make sense for the Twins now that he clearly doesn’t figure into the Pirates’ plans? The cost to acquire him likely won’t be significant. It’ll be even less if the Twins are willing to take on the remaining salary that he’s owed. Tabata won’t offer much power production, but he swings a decent bat and can handle any of the outfield positions. It’s still unclear what exactly prompted the Pirates to outright him off their 40-man roster (some sort of clubhouse issue, perhaps?) but it’d be a low risk pickup with a potentially solid reward that may benefit the Twins.
The Braves acquired Walden with the intent of installing him towards the back of their bullpen, but he’s spent more time in a middle relief role. He’s missed some time with injury but is back and throwing the ball well again. The Braves have multiple other options in their bullpen, however, which means that someone like Walden could be expendable in the right move. All he cost Atlanta was a struggling Tommy Hanson, but he’s likely bring back something of more value should the team make him available now. With his arbitration years ahead of him, he could appeal to a team looking ahead to next year like the Twins.