The Twins are engaging in significant fire sales, and it’s leaving team members feeling frustrated.
“If they sell like this now, no one wants to stay,” a player shared with Athletic’s Dan Hayes, just as the MLB trade deadline looms this Thursday.
This remark comes on the heels of Minnesota trading star shortstop Carlos Correa to the Astros, along with Joan Duran and outfielder Harrison Bader being sent to the Phillies, and also a trade involving Chris Paddack and others headed for the Dodgers. It’s been a pretty hectic few days.
After Hayes tweeted the player’s thoughts, Minnesota also traded utility man Willicastro to the Cubs, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Additionally, reliever Griffin Jacks was dealt to the Rays just before the deadline hit at 6 PM.
The Twins currently stand at 51-57, placing them fourth in the American League Central and 5½ games behind the final AL wild card spot.
By trading away Bader (2.0), Duran (1.3), Paddack (1.2), and Willicastro (1.1), the Twins have effectively parted with four of their leaders in WAR metrics.
Star pitcher Joe Ryan was also circulating in trade rumors before the deadline but wasn’t too thrilled about it.
Following a rough 13-1 loss to the Red Sox at Target Field, Correa mentioned to reporters he would “see how it goes” as the deadline approached.
“You listen to the rumors and all of them… it feels like every year,” he commented. “You have to play it… my goal has always been to be here and win here, and I’ve been talking about it with [executive vice president Derek Falvey] and [manager Rocco Baldelli].”
Interestingly, Correa had a no-trade clause with Minnesota, which allowed him to give the green light for the deal with Houston.
The Twins have only recently been removed from winning the AL Central in 2023, having lost to the Astros in the ALDS. Last season, they ended up fourth in their division, and the current trajectory suggests they might be conceding this season as well.
