Former GM Calls for Twins to Complete Blockbuster

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is less than a week away and the Minnesota Twins are expected to act as sellers, at the least taking calls on their impending free agents.

Rental players won’t warrant much of a return for the Twins, but if Derek Falvey puts the organization’s high-end controllable talent on the table, that changes significantly. The most logical names, if Minnesota does decide to trade any of its rumored star pitchers, whether it be Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax.

Most league eyes are on the Minnesota bullpen. Postseason-bound teams need more high leverage arms in their bullpens, and the Twins currently roster the cream of this trade deadline’s reliever crop, in Duran and Jax.

It’s possible neither guy is dealt, if the Minnesota Twins aren’t blown away by an offer. Expiring contracts like Willi Castro, however, have a much higher likelihood of being traded.

Jim Bowden wants Minnesota Twins to package relievers

It’s even possible, according to former general manager turned The Athletic columnist, Jim Bowden, that we see a big blockbuster that includes multiple key Twins. In fact, he’d like to see both Duran and Willi Castro shipped to LA as part of the same package.

When they constructed this roster, the Dodgers probably didn’t think they’d need to improve the bullpen at the trade deadline. They spent the offseason loading up on relievers, but their plans were foiled by injuries. So, with an opportunity to go back-to-back as World Series champions, perhaps they push their chips in for two impact relievers in one deal.

Duran has 15 saves and a 1.94 ERA over 46 appearances thanks to his overpowering triple-digit fastball. He would immediately become the Dodgers’ closer. Jax has 68 strikeouts in 44 innings with a 4.09 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, after logging a 2.03 ERA and 0.87 WHIP last season. Both are under team control through 2027.

In addition, the Dodgers would land Castro, a valuable utilityman who can play all over the field and protect them against future injuries. Los Angeles always looks to acquire positional flexibility. Castro has a 112 OPS+ and will be a free agent after this season.

Jim Bowden – The Athletic

Not only would Jax and Duran go to the Dodgers in this situation, but Los Angeles would get another utility type in Castro. That trio is arguably the best assets Minnesota is realistically looking to move, and it would generate a significant return.

Duran and Jax are two of the best high-leverage arms in baseball while Castro is coming off an All-Star season in 2024. Although he didn’t earn that nod this time around, his .257/.346/.429 is actually representative of a career-best mark.

Related: Dodgers, Twins in Trade Talks Over Prized Bullpen Assets

The Dodgers needed relief help before Tanner Scott went down with an injury. Now that he is out, it’s beyond necessary. This trade would address the Dodgers’ backend bullpen issues nicely.

Significant haul coming back to MN Twins

Of course if Bowden is suggesting the Minnesota Twins send that much to Los Angeles, he is more than aware the price will be steep. The prospect capital in return is massive, and it should be.

“In return, the Twins would land a haul. They’d get a future middle-of-the-order impact bat in De Paula, who needs a lot of work defensively but has a chance to develop into an All-Star bat with power. De Paula, 20, is No. 17 in Keith Law’s new ranking of the game’s top prospects.

They’d also get Ferris, who profiles as a mid-rotation starter but is still a couple of years away, and Miller, 26, a reclamation project who could benefit from a change of scenery. Elkins, a 20-year-old outfielder at High A, would be a throw-in to close the deal. But the key to the trade for the Twins would be De Paula, who has slashed .262/.409/.416 with 10 homers and 28 steals this season in High A.”

Jim Bowden – The Athletic

De Paula is a legitimate top prospect that checks in not far from Minnesota’s own Walker Jenkins. He played in the Futures Game during the All-Star Break, and his three-run homer earned him MVP honors.

Josue De Paula three-run dinger!

108.5 mph off the bat for the @Dodgers' No. 1 prospect.

Watch LIVE: https://t.co/P7RekP7G4k pic.twitter.com/lqKMEJHAWo

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 12, 2025

The inclusion of Miller is interesting. He posted a 3.76 ERA (3.51 FIP) as a rookie in 2023, but has thrown just 61 innings in the big leagues since. Now 26 and with a 5.58 ERA at Triple-A Oklahoma City, he could add to Minnesota’s pitching depth but presents a higher ceiling than some of the other options.

Miller won’t hit arbitration until 2027 and that level of cost control is something that the Minnesota front office can build around.

Related: Another Coveted MN Twin Open to Being Traded

It’s a big move to give up that much major league talent. The Twins could shift some of the additional prospects in the deal, but getting De Paula is a great starting point. It wouldn’t be the first time Los Angeles grabbed a high-octane MN Twins reliever either. Brusdar Graterol paved this path in 2019.