Dodgers, Twins in Trade Talks Over Prized Bullpen Assets

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

With the All-Star Break in the rearview mirror, the Minnesota Twins took the field this weekend with 12 games left before the trade deadline. They need to go at least 7-5 during that stretch, in order to end the month at .500.

Unfortunately, they didn’t get off to an ideal start, losing two of three in Colorado during their first series of the second half. Now 47-51, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to see the Twins buying between now and July 31. Short of Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan’s stellar season, this team cannot find any consistency.

To what extent the MN Twins sell remains to be seen. They have a few expiring contracts that would be easy to move. Beyond that, however, there are some controllable arms that are sure to draw interest. In fact, they already are.

Minnesota Twins relievers piquing interest of Los Angeles Dodgers

The Minnesota Twins have one of baseball’s best bullpens. That’s largely because of their high-leverage arms. The combination of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax provide the Twins with one of the best late-inning combinations league-wide.

It’s also a duo that, no matter which way Minnesota goes at the deadline, will be up for auction to the highest MLB bidder. And wouldn’t you know it, USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale is reporting that the Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers have already been talking about both..

The Dodgers, who swore up and down all winter and spring that they were going to stay out of the trade market, now have no choice but to get another reliever… It leaves the Dodgers scouring the market, talking with the Minnesota Twins about Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles, Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals, David Bednar of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.

Bob Nightengale – USA Today

It’s not surprising that the Minnesota Twins are getting calls about their top relievers. Even if the Twins wind up buying or standing pat next week, they’re reportedly willing to deal their two best relievers, just given the haul they’d likely get back. Remember, this is not an organization that’s been interested in paying relievers.

Griffin Jax, 30, has a 3.92 ERA (1.88 FIP) and a career-best 14.4 K/9. Despite some bad luck that inflated his ERA, the FIP is reflective of the stuff, and he might be the most overlooked relief arm in baseball.

Duran, 27, has a 1.66 ERA (2.14 FIP) and 49/16 K/BB in 43 1/3 innings. He has been the best version of himself and was worthy of an All-Star selection.

Related: Secret High Roller Emerges to Anchor New MN Twins Ownership Group

Both relievers are under team control through the 2027 season, so there is no rush for the Twins to move them. If other teams aren’t willing to overpay, there should be no reason for Derek Falvey & Co to make a deal.

With the Phillies calling too, however, it’s possible someone like the LA or Philly makes an offer that forces Minnesota’s hand. If Falvey and Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll were to move either Duran or Jax, it would be their best chance to get real value back, without losing an anchor talent for the team’s future.

MN Twins blockbuster incoming?

Neither Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa are going anywhere at the trade deadline. It seems tough to imagine the front office moving Matt Wallner or Royce Lewis at a depreciated value. Getting something for a veteran on an expiring contract has a limit in terms of a real return.

At some point the Minnesota Twins front office must decide a path forward. For the past two years they have largely done nothing, which is what has them in this situation in the first place.

Mentioned in this article:

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