Dodgers Coming for Twins Outfielder

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
Harrison Bader, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

On Saturday night the Minnesota Twins dropped a contest against the Washington Nationals. Byron Buxton made his mark on the game with a spectacular catch as has become customary for him. Unfortunately he was removed later in the game with left side soreness.

On Sunday Rocco Baldelli is starting outfielder Harrison Bader in centerfield with Buxton on the bench. Bader has been arguably the Twins best free agent pickup of the season. He’s certain to have value at the trade deadline. That means the time in which he can cover for Buxton or be part of the lineup is coming to a close.

The Dodgers have been rumored as a suitor for multiple Minnesota Twins trade candidates, and now they’re interested in Bader too.

Los Angeles Dodgers Interested in Minnesota Twins Harrison Bader

If the Los Angeles Dodgers want to pull the trigger on a trade for bullpen help in the form of Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran it’s going to cost them handsomely. They would need to part with much less to get Harrison Bader as a rental and Bob Nightengale is reporting they are considering it.

“The biggest surprise at the trade deadline would be if the Dodgers don’t come up with another closer. They have checked in with virtually every team for bullpen help. They also are looking to upgrade their outfield with Michael Conforto’s season-long struggles and have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader and Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan.”

Bob Nightengale – USA Today

There has been plenty of discussion regarding the Dodgers and relievers. Tanner Scott just went on the injured list with an elbow injury that occurred while playing the Minnesota Twins. Kirby Yates has been mediocre, and a team wanting to repeat as World Series Champions needs certainty in high-leverage spots.

Interest in Bader isn’t unexpected, but this is the first we have heard by Los Angeles. In 92 games this season Bader is batting .250/.332/.435 with 12 home runs. His 109 OPS+ is well above the 93 OPS+ career average, and not far from his career-high 114 OPS+.

Bader, like Buxton, is also a standout defender. He has transitioned to left field seamlessly and looked like a star there too. He plays centerfield when Buxton is not in the lineup, and he could play either of the spots for the Dodgers.

Former general manager Jim Bowden proposed the Twins completing a blockbuster with Los Angeles. That included both Jax and Duran as well as utility man Willi Castro. Bader could be the inclusion instead, and a substantial return would still be logical.

Related: Former GM Calls for Twins to Complete Blockbuster

Bader should have suitors beyond just Los Angeles, but that swap would bring him back to the National League where he has spent the majority of his nine-year career. It’s been fun watching him lose his cap as he patrols the Target Field grass. It will be fun to see him get a chance to go win elsewhere the rest of the way.

Duran expected to be moved by Minnesota Twins

Nightengale also mentioned that teams expect Duran to be traded. While the Twins have yet to execute on anything, time is ticking with Thursday’s deadline quickly approaching. They absolutely have to sell on the trio of talented free agents, of which Bader is included (along with Castro and Danny Coulombe). How far they dip into their controllable assets is where the sizable prospect return could truly happen.

Teams are treating Duran as one of the top three bullpen arms expected to switch teams. Griffin Jax is not among that group according to Nightengale. The other two names included are the Pittsburgh Pirates David Bednar and the St. Louis Cardinals Ryan Helsley.

There has been so much smoke regarding Duran it’s almost unfathomable to think that he can be pulled off the table at this point. The hope would be that Derek Falvey is able to execute a deal that brings back a return worthy of moving on from the elite close.

Buxton’s status unknown for MN Twins

Beyond just moving Bader, the Minnesota Twins are still awaiting an update on Byron Buxton. He left the game on Saturday night, but is now headed for an MRI.

Buxton has been incredible for the Twins this season. He earned a trip to the All-Star Game and has a .282/.343/.561 slash line. His 23 home runs put him in striking distance of his career-high 28. He has also played in 85 games and been healthy outside of an unfortunate collision with Carlos Correa.

Last year was the first season Buxton has played 100 games (102) since 2017 (140), and just the second time in his career. There is plenty of time for him to get there this season, but that requires him to remain healthy.

Hopefully the MRI reveals nothing of significance and Buxton is simply seeing a reflection of the Minnesota Twins utilizing an abundance of caution.

Mentioned in this article:

More About:
0What do you think?Post a comment.