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With the Minnesota Twins leading the way in the AL Central, there are bound to be plenty of Twins trade rumors in 2022 as the trade deadline approaches. However, with the Guardians and White Sox close behind them, Minnesota can’t afford to stand pat at the deadline.
But what are the Twins roster needs and who are the Twins trade targets as the deadline approaches?
Twins trade rumors 2022
Surely, the Twins will have several needs they’d like to address before the deadline. But how do the Minnesota Twins trade deadline needs match up with the best players available at the trade deadline?
Also, how aggressive will they be in addressing those needs?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Twins trade rumors in 2022 and the positions they might try to address before the trade deadline.
Starting Pitcher
Given all of the injuries to Minnesota’s starting rotation this season, there have to be several starting pitchers among the Twins’ trade targets heading into the deadline. To be fair, the Twins are still in first place amidst all of those injuries. The likes of Chris Archer, Sonny Gray, and Joe Ryan have all pitched well with Chris Paddack and Kenta Maeda unavailable. But because of all of the injuries that have hit the Minnesota rotation in 2022, the Twins can’t afford to sit back and hope for the best. They will need to add reinforcements to the rotation.
The only question is whether Minnesota will be shopping at the top of the market or add back-end pieces with the hope that Gray and Ryan can continue to pitch like aces. If the Twins go all-in, Cincinnati’s Luis Castillo would give them a bonafide ace who could help make them a team to be reckoned with in the postseason.
Oakland’s Frankie Montas would be another good option if the Twins want a potential difference-maker. Madison Bumgarner is another interesting name to watch, although he’s a little past his prime and doesn’t give the Twins a frontline starter despite his vast postseason experience.
Arizona’s Merrill Kelly and Colorado’s Chad Kuhl could also help to solidify Minnesota’s rotation and protect against further injuries.
Reliever
The Minnesota bullpen is middle of the pack this year, perhaps putting the Twins a little behind compared to the top contenders in the American League. That being said, there are some solid pieces, including Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran, Jharel Cotton, and Joe Smith. But the pitchers who are supposed to be Minnesota’s best relievers like Tyler Duffey and Emilio Pagan have underperformed. That means the Twins will likely need at least one or two relievers, particularly experienced relievers who have pitched in big games.
If the Tigers are willing to trade within the division, Gregory Soto, Joe Jimenez Andrew Chafin, and Michael Fulmer could all be good candidates.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have both David Robertson and Mychal Givens. Both could be available and give the Twins just what they need. Washington’s Steve Cishek and Colorado’s Alex Colome also fit Minnesota’s need for a veteran presence in the back of the bullpen.
Designated Hitter
The Twins have survived this year on the backs of all-stars Byron Buxton and Luis Arraez, as well as Carlos Correa. But they’re going to need more offensive firepower in order to be a serious threat in the postseason.
In fact, the Twins might need more punch just to win the AL Central. Outside of Buxton, Minnesota’s lineup doesn’t have a ton of power, which is why a bonafide DH would be a great addition. Granted, that would mean that Gary Sanchez would have to spend more time behind the plate. But Sanchez has an OPS under .700, so the Twins shouldn’t worry too much about sacrificing his playing time.
The obvious trade candidate would be Nelson Cruz, who had some great years in Minnesota before signing with the Nationals last offseason. The Twins could also ask the Nationals about Josh Bell, who could play a little first base and move Arraez to second base or third base on occasion.
Of course, after trading with the Yankees for Sanchez over the winter, perhaps the Twins can work out a trade for disgruntled slugger Miguel Andujar, who could spend time as a DH and maybe see time in left field. Joey Gallo would also fit that description if the Yankees are willing to part with him.
Utility Player
While the Twins could look to make a big splash, a more modest trade is a more likely option for Minnesota. Specifically, a versatile utility player who can play multiple positions and split time between the infield and the outfield could be a useful piece for the Twins.
Brandon Drury is one name to watch, as the Reds will likely trade him and get something in return with Drury having a bounce-back season. He’s played mostly third base and second base this year, although Drury has played the corner outfield in the past and could give the Twins a boost there.
Cincinnati’s Donovan Solano also provides versatility and a veteran presence that could give the Twins a subtle boost.
Catcher
The tandem of Sanchez and Ryan Jeffers isn’t knocking anybody’s socks off. There’s been a little power from the duo but not much in terms of average.
Plus, Sanchez can be a liability defensively. That puts the Twins in the market for a catcher, especially since Willson Contreras of the Cubs is available.
Outside of Contreras, there is no catcher the Twins should bother looking at. But the National League’s All-Star Team’s starter behind the plate would be a difference-maker in Minnesota.
He would surely become the primary catcher while also leaving the door open for the Twins to add a DH. Plus, the Twins showed by signing Carlos Correa last winter that they can compete for top free agents, so Contreras wouldn’t necessarily be a rental player for them.
