Minnesota Twins need to address outfield logjam

There is one given when it comes to the Minnesota Twins outfield. Byron Buxton will be on the diamond as much as his health allows. As he signed a seven year extension and is the most important piece of their lineup, there is no question as to his place with the Twins.

The same cannot be said for the rest of the outfield. Max Kepler had signed an extension of his own, a five year deal worth just over $32 million with a $10 million team option in 2024. Meanwhile, the Twins have highly touted prospects Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach ready for a starting role in the majors.

Minnesota Twins have outfield logjam

Then there are the prospects. Austin Martin is expected to make his major league debut in the upcoming season, with Matt Wallner also expected to be ready by the end of the year. Derek Fisher had been signed to a minor league deal. The Twins have plenty of options in their outfield.

The problem is that the Twins cannot play them all. Kepler has plenty of value as he can also play center in the event of the inevitable Buxton injury. However, given the state of their rotation, it makes sense for Minnesota to explore trades with at least one, if not more, of the other options.

Martin is already viewed as a potential trade candidate. Buxton is locked in as the Twins’ long term answer at center while Royce Lewis is still regarded as the future at short. Kepler may be a possibility to be dealt as well, but it might make more sense to trade Kirilloff or Larnach, given Kepler’s versitility.

At the same time, there are plenty of teams looking for help in the outfield. The Marlins, in particular, are looking to upgrade their lineup, especially in the outfield, and have pitchers available. A trade could easily come together between the two sides as both look to contend.

The Minnesota Twins have a logjam in their outfield. It would not be a surprise to see a trade or two once the lockout comes to an end.