3 potential trade targets for the Minnesota Twins

1 of 3

The Minnesota Twins have essentially alternated strong seasons with mediocrity since 2015. After struggling in 2021, the Twins have been right on script thus far as they currently lead the AL Central.

However, the division is not the cakewalk that it was last year. While the White Sox are struggling, the Guardians keep finding ways to win, having pulled to within two games of the Twins entering Friday. The Twins are going to need some help to remain atop the division.

Three trade targets for Minnesota Twins

That is especially the case considering that the Guardians do not appear to be going away any time soon. The White Sox could also be a factor again if Tony La Russa can put down the beer and focus on the game, or if he gets fired. Chances are, the Twins will have their work cut out for them if they are going to hang on.

The Minnesota Twins need some pieces if they are going to remain atop the AL Central. Let’s take a look at three possible trade targets.

Frankie Montas

Frankie Montas is going to be a popular name in trade rumors with plenty of teams being interested. Count the Minnesota Twins amongst them.

The Twins were already involved in Montas rumors before the season began. Minnesota was heavily rumored to be interested in both Montas and Sean Manaea, with Manaea eventually ending up in San Diego. The A’s, meanwhile, had put Montas on the back burner, seemingly waiting until the trade deadline before looking to make a deal.

He certainly has not hurt his trade stock. Montas had posted a 3.40 ERA and a 1.043 WHiP over his 76.2 innings entering Friday, striking out 80 batters with 17 walks. That production would be a great fit atop the Twins’ rotation, especially as they look to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division.

There is another reason to be interested in Montas. He is averaging nearly six innings per start and ranks sixth in the AL. His 187 innings last year ranked third in the league. As Joe Ryan is the only one of their starters who is averaging over five innings per game, getting someone that can alleviate the pressure on the bullpen would make a major difference.

Plenty of teams are going to be after Frankie Montas at the trade deadline. Considering the state of the Minnesota Twins rotation, they desperately need to bring him north.

Joe Mantiply

Joe Mantiply is not going to be an easy buy from the Diamondbacks. He still has five years of team control left and is a couple of years away from reaching arbitration. As the Diamondbacks are eyeing contention in 2023, Mantiply is the type of arm they would theoretically want to keep.

But there are caveats. Mantiply may have barely over one year of service time, but he is already 31 years old. He is also in the midst of a career year and his trade value may never be higher. If the Diamondbacks do put him on the block, they could end up getting far more back in return than they would have expected.

That is because Mantiply has been utterly dominant this season. He has posted a 0.37 ERA and a 0.904 WHiP in his 24.1 innings, issuing just one walk while striking out 22 batters. Mantiply has yet to allow an extra base hit thus far, and his 61.8% ground ball rate is a major reason why that is the case.

The Twins could desperately use another lefty reliever. Caleb Thielbar has been solid over the years, but has run into bad luck in 2022. The other lefty options they have attempted have struggled with command, with Thielbar the only left hander in the bullpen currently. Adding another strong option to the bullpen could make a big difference, especially considering how few innings they have gotten from the rotation.

Joe Mantiply is in the midst of a career year. He could be that missing piece in the Minnesota Twins bullpen.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Duffy

The Minnesota Twins do not have much in the way of depth in their infield. While multiple players can play different positions, they have a total of five infielders on the major league roster at this point as Nick Gordon has been needed far more in the outfield.

That is especially notable given their latest injury news. Jorge Polanco has been placed on the Injured List, with Alex Kirilloff returning to the majors. While this gives more plate appearances to Jose Miranda, who is capable of playing around the infield, and Kirilloff can make appearances at first, the Twins desperately need more depth.

Matt Duffy could be the answer. He is now the Angels’ primary third baseman since Anthony Rendon is lost for the year, but is better served as a utility infielder. Although he has primarily been a third baseman in his career, he does have experience at second and short as well, two areas that the Twins need someone for depth.

Duffy’s availability could entirely hinge on the next couple of weeks. If the Angels fall further out of contention, they would have no reason to hang on to him, especially if they can land a decent enough prospect in return.

Next. Twins latest to take chance on Aaron Sanchez. dark

The Minnesota Twins need depth pieces for their infield. Matt Duffy could be a solid option on their bench.

Home / Minnesota Twins