There is also fear that the front office may blow it up and trade starting pitchers Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan. Even if that doesn’t happen, they could be intrigued by resetting the roster and starting over at the catcher position. That means moving on from Ryan Jeffers.

Minnesota Twins could reset catcher position with Jeffers trade

Ryan Jeffers is among the longest-tenured Minnesota Twins having spent six seasons with the team. With one more year of team control, he is projected to get $6.6 million in arbitration. That may be too expensive for Minnesota and represent an opportunity to cash in. The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman sees that a possibility.

It’s also possible the Twins trade Jeffers, who will be a free agent after next season. In that scenario, they would be in desperate need of catching depth, but also far less motivated to spend money on it, which could lead them on a different path back to the 35-year-old, light-hitting Vázquez.

Aaron Gleeman – The Athletic

Effectively, Jeffers is the only catcher on the Twins 40-man roster. Christian Vazquez will be a free agent, and neither Mickey Gasper or Jhonny Pereda should be expected back. It’s also not a position of strength in the minors. Eduardo Tait is the only real potential long-term answer, and he’s a 19-year-old at High-A.

Jeffers played in 119 games this season, making it the second straight in which he surpassed the century mark. In 2023 Jeffers owned a career-best 133 OPS+ with a .490 slugging percentage. Then he dropped to a 103 OPS+ last season before the 109 OPS+ mark in 2025.

Ryan Jeffers has an .877 OPS against left handed pitching this season. pic.twitter.com/lUZkecD0LB

— Twins Ribbies (@TwinsRibbies) September 24, 2025

The problem for Minnesota is that Jeffers can’t be a building block piece as currently constructed. He’s not a guy you extend while barely hitting above league average. It’s not just that his power bat has disappeared, but that combined with poor defense behind the plate is a problem.

It would still be tough for Jeffers to be a guy that the Minnesota Twins simply move on from due to his modest salary. If they can find a quality offer though, then now may be a better time to move him rather than waiting until the trade deadline.

How could the MN Twins replace Ryan Jeffers?

Pereda and Gasper are not real major league catchers. They played out the string in that role for Minnesota, but no even casual big league team can run with that tandem. Taking Jeffers out of the mix means you need two new players assuming a catcher isn’t included in a swap.

As Gleeman noted, that could put Christian Vazquez back in the Twins plans. He was incredibly well-liked in the clubhouse, and is still an above-average defender. He was awful at $10 million, but you can stomach his 52 OPS+ at $4 million just because of the defense.

You would then need to sign another catcher, probably at the major league minimum, to round out the battery. That outlay would be just shy of $6 million total though, and at that point, did you benefit by moving on from Jeffers at all?

It’s difficult to think the Minnesota Twins could be better constructed without Jeffers, but he is another part of a once-assumed core that has flamed out. If the intention is to turn over that group, then the though process makes sense.

That doesn’t mean the final week of games can simply be skipped over though. Though the Texas Rangers will miss the playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies are vying for the National League’s top seed.

Minnesota is going to put its best foot forward to end the year from a talent perspective, and that means returning both of their starting catchers.

Vazquez and Jeffers return for Minnesota Twins

Christian Vazquez has been out since early August after undergoing emergency surgery due to an infection. Ryan Jeffers hit the concussion injured list just over two weeks ago. Now both are back to handle the final six games of the season.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/ZDW10IVanz

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 22, 2025

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/varBKUJ1Rw

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 23, 2025

The Vazquez move, made on Monday, seemed logical for at least a week now. He had trended towards returning, and spent the final games of Triple-A St. Paul’s season with the team in Memphis on a rehab assignment. Jeffers returning from his concussion was less certain.

For the past two seasons the Minnesota Twins exclusively used Jeffers and Vazquez behind the plate. It wasn’t until this year, when both Jhonny Pereda and Mickey Gasper assumed catching duties at times, was there a different backstop. That level of continuity is largely unprecedented at such a physically demanding position. Now the tandem will get to end the season together.

On Tuesday night against the Rangers both Jeffers and Vazquez are in the lineup. The former is playing as the designated hitter and batting third, while the latter catches and bats ninth. As they have done the majority of their time with Minnesota together, the expectation should be that the pair rotates the final games evenly.

Vazquez has played in 61 games this season and owns a .174/.251/.247 slash line. His 39 OPS+ is a career-low, and he has provided next-to-nothing offensively over the course of his three-year $30 million deal. He has been a clubhouse asset and a good defender behind the dish. Showing a level of health during this final stretch could land him suitors for a new deal over the offseason.

“Are you thinking sac bunt here?” – Cubs broadcaster right before the Ryan Jeffers home run pic.twitter.com/KAtERXnCoS

— Twins Dingers (@TwinsDingers) July 9, 2025

While Jeffers has a better .262/.353/.394 slash line across 114 games, his power was sapped to the tune of just nine home runs this year. His 107 OPS+ is well off the career-best 134 OPS+ in 2023, and he may be a trade candidate for Minnesota this offseason.

Both players returning to the lineup and active roster is more about finishing the season on a positive note, rather than any reason to worry about production. It’s good to see both get clearance to be back, and their presence can at least help a sagging lineup during the final six games.

Ryan Jeffers has been on the concussion injured list and looks like he’ll end his season there. Christian Vazquez developed an infection from a cut and needed emergency surgery to address the issue.

Over the last couple of weeks it has been the Mickey Gasper and Jhonny Pereda show. That appears as though it will change in the coming days.

Christian Vazquez starts rehab assignment for Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins season is all but over. At 66-86 they are 20 games below .500 for the first time since 2021. The team has just four home games left, and ten in total. That isn’t stopping veteran backstop Christian Vazquez from wanting to return.

Christian Vazquez is batting second as the DH today for @StPaulSaints to start his Twins rehab assignment.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 18, 2025

Triple-A St. Paul is on the road in Memphis. They have a day game on Thursday and then just three more contests to follow. Whether Vazquez gets behind the plate for any of them remains to be seen, but he should have a week with Minnesota if he can prove ready. It would be his first big league game action since August 5.

Across 61 games this season Vazquez owns a paltry .174/.251/.247 slash line. He has just nine extra-base hits, of which two are homers. His 38 OPS+ is a career low.

Related: Size of MN Twins’ New Limited Partners Confirmed

Vazquez is in the final year of a three-year, $30 million contract with the Twins. This offseason, at 35 years old, he will again be a free agent. It’s possible someone gives him a guaranteed deal due to his defense and veteran presence. If they do though, it will be substantially less than he was paid by Minnesota.

Tale of Vazquez tape not pretty for MN Twins

It’s admirable that Vazquez wants to finish his Twins tenure on the field. Given the state of their play, there’s little reason to believe he can drag them down further. Not to mention, both Pereda and Gasper have looked horrendous behind the plate.

As a whole, the Vazquez contract will go down among the worst in Twins history. In three season with Minnesota he has batted .212/.262/.305 across 256 games. After posting 1.6 fWAR in his first two seasons, he has been worth -0.1 fWAR this year.

C Christian Vazquez had the best FRAA (framing runs above average) in MLB yesterday vs @Marlins

FRAA: 1.33🔥
CSAA: 5.08

HP Umpire: Mike Estabrook
•6 of 50 called strikes were true balls 🔥🚨

📊Data by @MLBFrameJobs @Christian_7_7_ #mlb #baseball #catcher pic.twitter.com/RykU0te3x3

— Carlos Muñoz (@Carlos96munoz) April 4, 2023

Each season Vazquez has been worth positive DRS (defensive runs saved) while profiling positively in framing, blocking, and caught stealing.

The defensive value alone hasn’t been enough to save the contract though. He was worth $6.9 million in 2023, $5.9 million last year, and -$1.1 million this season. The $30 million outlay will have generated just $11.7 million in value.

Related: MN Twins Axe Scouting Department

Minnesota has more questions than answers behind the dish next season. Vazquez won’t be back. Gasper and Pereda are likely good as gone as well. That leaves Jeffers, assuming he’s not traded, and a whole lot of nothing. Derek Falvey has plenty of work to do on that front, and he’ll need a better answer than another boat anchor of a contract.

While the coaching staff is making due with what the front office has provided them, no position has been a bigger black hole then catcher. After Ryan Jeffers hit the concussion list, Rocco Baldelli has been forced to work with Mickey Gasper and Jhonny Pereda.

That may not be the case much longer if Christian Vazquez can get back up to speed.

Christian Vazquez nearing return for MN Twins

It has been over a month since Christian Vazquez played in a game for the Minnesota Twins. The veteran backstop needed emergency surgery for a cut that got infected, and he has been out since. The majority of that time was spent at his home in Florida, but he is now back with the team.

Christian Vázquez taking batting practice today. He had a PICC line in his arm for four weeks after an infection in his left shoulder.

He hopes to begin a rehab assignment next week. pic.twitter.com/snEJDp3hoZ

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 12, 2025

Batting practice is a pretty minor first step, but it’s one in the right direction. Vazquez probably needs to get his feet back under him, and the Twins don’t really have a need for him to return as a designated hitter.

If he’s going to go on a rehab assignment, time is running out on that as well. Triple-A. St. Paul has just six games remaining, and they are in Memphis next week. If Vazquez were to be with the Saints for the week, he’d have just six games of runway (a road trip against Texas and Philadelphia) to end the year.

In 61 games this year, Vazquez has batted .174/.251/.247 with nine extra-base hits (two home runs) and 13 RBI. That 39 OPS+ is ugly, but still clears Gasper’s 32 OPS+ and actually brings defensive value with it.

Christian Vázquez picks off the runner at third base!

What a throw 😱 pic.twitter.com/QUd81sOUAJ

— MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2025

As a whole the Twins will look back on the three-year, $30 million contract they handed to Vazquez as a mistake. He was an asset behind the plate, but his 57 OPS+ in 256 games for Minnesota was a net-negative.

Related: Expect Less Payroll for Crumbling MN Twins in 2026

The veteran backstop is hoping to get in a couple of games prior to the end of the season to prove his health for interested suitors this offseason. Even with his lackluster performance, the defensive ability and clubhouse presence will certainly earn him a job somewhere.

Welcoming the Chicago White Sox to town on Monday, Minnesota also brought back a couple of holdovers as the active roster expanded from 26-to-28 players. Neither veterans Pablo Lopez or Christian Vazquez were among them, but they could still be on the horizon.

Pablo Lopez turns to Minnesota Twins for next outing

Minnesota has been without Pablo Lopez for months after he suffered a grade two teres major strain. It’s the same injury that cost fellow rotation member Joe Ryan his season last year. With more runway afforded than Ryan, he has been working through a rehab assignment and the Star Tribune’s Phil Miller says a return could be on the horizon.

“After yesterday, how it went, I’m glad I did it,” López said of his third rehab start, one more than he had hoped would be needed. “It will bring me some momentum.”

Momentum into his major league return, he means, which should come this weekend in Kansas City. López has missed three months because of a shoulder strain that has now healed, and he’s eager to rejoin the Twins.

“It feels like ages” since he pitched in the majors, he said. “So much has happened in these last three months. I spent so much time prepping for 75 feet, 90 feet, flat grounds, bullpens and now — hopefully in four or five days from now — doing it on a big league mound. I’m excited.”

Star Tribune

Lopez made his second-straight start against Toledo for St. Paul, and he dominated. In 5 2/3 innings, the Twins ace allowed just four hits while walking one and striking out seven. There’s nothing left for him to prove on the rehab assignment, and he lines up for a start on Friday in Kansas City.

He appears to be ready to head back to the #MNTwins. @pablojoselopez in his 3rd Major League rehab goes 5.2 shutout innings allowing 4 hits while walking one and striking out 7. Fastball sat 93.9 mph & topped out at 95.6 mph. His sinker was 93.2 mph. He got 14 swings and misses pic.twitter.com/E6F3Pu2b2f

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) August 31, 2025

Related: MN Twins Thievery Reaching Historic Levels, Buxton Chasing Legend Status

Minnesota should get the opportunity to have Lopez make four or five starts down the stretch. The results won’t matter in the box score, but they’ll help him to go into the offseason with a renewed focus. Of course, it could also be a showcase to other teams if ownership and the front office want to further strip down the team. Lopez still has two years and $43.5 million left on his contract.

Christian Vazquez still trying for MN Twins

It’s been an unfortunate level of production from Christian Vazquez since signing his three-year, $30 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. He still wants to leave on his terms though, and after an emergency surgery, the hope is that a September return is possible.

“I texted with him yesterday. He’s doing well. Vazkie would love to play again this year. He has every intention of trying to get back and prove that he’s healthy going into the offseason.”

Rocco Baldelli – Star Tribune

Vazquez has been home in Florida, out of action since August 6th, due to a shoulder infection that required surgery. He owns a .174/.251/.247 line across 61 games this season. Certainly he’d love to show a new suitor that he can still get out there before the season ends.

Through three seasons with the Twins it has been defense and veteran leadership that drive Vazquez’s value. In 256 games he owns just a .212/.262/.305 line, so the offensive output is all but gone.

Related: Twins Demote Deadline Acquisition; Make Call Ups

Whether he gets back behind the plate for the MN Twins or not, a full recovery and healthy path forward is where the focus must be.

Immediately after dealing Correa, Paddack, Castro and most of their bullpen, the shocked and gutted MN Twins lost two straight against the Cleveland Guardians. But since then, this team doesn’t just look different on paper… their play and demeanor on the field is unrecognizable.

Friday’s win over the mediocre Royals, Minnesota’s third straight (4-1 in last five games), raised the Twins’ regular season record to 55-60. Every night that goes by, this entire roster — both old and new — seems to be playing looser and with more joy.

If you’ve been watching this latest stretch of optimism, you may have noticed that veteran catch Christian Vazquez hasn’t been around much, even after failing to draw trade interest at the deadline. On Friday, we found out why when he was placed on the MN Twins injured list.

Christian Vazquez dealing with serious shoulder infection

It’s unclear as to when the Twins catcher suffered the injury initially. That part is being overshadowed by some sort of infection that had gotted very serious and spread all the way up to Vazquez’ shoulder area.

According to initial Bobby Nightengale (Star Tribune) and Betsy Helfand (Pioneer Press), Vazquez will be on an IV and strong antibiotics “for a period of time”. Minnesota Twins manager called the overall ordeal “obviously serious in nature”. Thankfully, Vazquez and the Minnesota medical staff caught appear to have caught the infection just time.

Twins catcher Christian Vázquez was hospitalized for an infection in his left shoulder the Twins believe stemmed from a cut on his elbow. It was first brought to their attention on Tuesday night in Detroit and by Wednesday, Vázquez was having trouble raising his arm.

“It’s obviously serious in nature,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “When you deal with an infection that has now basically gotten his shoulder pretty swelled up and uncomfortable, you need to get it taken care of.”

Baldelli said Vázquez had a procedure on Friday to wash out the infection in his shoulder and will be on IV antibiotics for a period of time. The Twins do not have any sort of recovery timetable yet.

Pioneer Press

Jhonny Pereda was promoted to the active roster. If and when he makes a start it will be the first time in three years that the Minnesota Twins have put a name other than Christian Vazquez or Ryan Jeffers at the number “2” position in a starting lineup. Given Vazquez’s update on Instagram, it looks likely his season may be in jeopardy.

It’s scary how quickly infections can spread through the body, especially from an open wound. Vazquez plays a demanding position that, by nature, requires him to take a beating, which could play into his recover process. Nonetheless, it appears the veteran catcher is in good spirits after going under the knife.

Related: MN Twins Promote New Catcher With Veteran Injured

Unless they kick this winning stretch into high gear for the next two or three weeks, it remains unlikely the Minnesota Twins make the postseason, currently 11 games back in the AL Central division and 6.5 for the AL Wild Card (6th in line).

Tough end to a rough MN Twins tenure

With just 47 games remaining, no matter what happens with the 2025 team, it appears Christian Vazquez’ 2025 may be over. Across 256 games for the Twins, Vazquez has hit .212/.262/.305 with just 45 extra base hits (30 doubles, 15 home runs). His OPS+ is nearly half of the league average at 57. It’s been brutal to say the least.

Minnesota signed Christian Vazquez to a three-year, $30 million deal prior to the 2023 season. He had a clubhouse pedigree and multiple World Series rings under his belt. While offense wasn’t his calling card, the hope was that he could hold serve enough to make up for it with his defensive acumen.

Related: Reasons to Watch MN Twins Games Now That 2025 Playoff Dreams are Dead

The lack of offensive output doesn’t mitigate the impact Vazquez has had behind the plate or in the clubhouse. He is well-liked by teammates, and certainly props up a pitching staff. It’s a complicated way to generate fan appreciation, but that’s the legacy he will leave.

No matter what, wishing Vazquez a full recovery and a speedy return to the field is an easy thing to do.

While Vazquez has been a non-factor offensively, he continues to hold down the role on defense and is well-liked in the clubhouse. Unfortunately for Rocco Baldelli, Vazquez is now hurt and will be gone for a minimum of ten days.

For the first time in three seasons, Minnesota has the opportunity to start someone not named Vazquez or Ryan Jeffers behind the dish. Enter Jhonny Pereda.

Jhonny Pereda promoted by Minnesota Twins

Prior to Friday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals the Minnesota Twins made a roster move involving their veteran catcher. Jhonny Pereda is up to take his spot, and that comes after having been claimed just recently from the Athletics.

Christian Vázquez went on the 10-day IL with a shoulder infection. Jhonny Pereda called up.

When Pereda is in the lineup, it’ll be the first time in three seasons the Twins start a catcher who isn’t Ryan Jeffers or Vázquez. Pretty remarkable run.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) August 8, 2025

It’s unknown as to when or how Vazquez suffered the injury. It seems like an odd malady to suffer. He did play on Tuesday in Detroit against the Tigers.

Bobby Nightengale’s note on the Twins consistency behind the plate is truly remarkable. While Jair Camargo did play five games for the MN Twins last season, he never made a start at catcher.

As mentioned, there’s not much to make up for Vazquez offensively. He owns a .174/.251/.247 batting line in 61 games this season. His 40 OPS+ is a career worst. Of the 294 players with at least 190 plate appearances this season, Vazquez’s .498 OPS is 293rd.

Related: National League Team Claims Former Twins Flameout

Unfortunately the expectations for Pereda shouldn’t be substantially higher. The 29-year-old has played in 37 major league games the past two seasons and owns a .203/.267/.228 slash line with an identical 40 OPS+. The sample size defensively is not substantial, but it’s likely that he’s a lesser defender than Vazquez as well.

Pereda has played 33 games at Triple-A this season and owns a .320/.408/.482 batting line. 27 of those games did come in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Last season with Triple-A Jacksonville in the Marlins system, Pereda hit .297/.405/.424. He doesn’t hit for much power, but has routinely controlled the strike zone.

Are the MN Twins out of catching options?

Minnesota’s catching depth is virtually non-existent in the upper-minors. Both Noah Cardenas or Patrick Winkel could be options if Vazquez needs to miss additional time and Pereda is a net-negative. Neither are on the 40-man roster however.

The Twins landed top 100 prospect Eduardo Tait in the Jhoan Duran trade with Philadelphia. Although he is an exciting catching prospect, he is just 18 years old and currently playing with High-A Cedar Rapids.

Related: Reasons to Watch MN Twins Games Now That 2025 Playoff Dreams are Dead

Minnesota has gone 3-3 since the trade deadline and took a series from division-leading Detroit. They are 54-60 on the season.

That would never be a one-for-one swap obviously, and the sides have had active discussions about other parts. Spring Training is less than two weeks away now though, and nothing has materialized yet.

Dylan Cease would make perfect sense for the MN Twins

When The Athletic’s Dan Hayes first reported interest in Cease from Minnesota, it was a bombshell. In his latest article, his suggestion that “Cease is precisely what the Twins need,” couldn’t be more true. The Twins aren’t the only team to inquire about the Cy Young-caliber pitcher, but he would solve a significant amount of fan angst.

Hayes astutely outlines a way in which Minnesota could acquire Cease, while protecting their prospects and fulfilling San Diego’s desire for big league talent.

“The Padres’ ask likely begins with either Ryan or Ober. The Twins would instead prefer to insert Zebby Matthews or Simeon Woods Richardson while also having to include left fielder Trevor Larnach, utilityman Willi Castro (whose $6.4 million salary would help offset how much money the Twins absorb with Cease) and others to help compensate for the draft pick compensation the Padres would receive if they kept Cease for the season, made him the qualifying offer, and he then leaves via free agency.”

Dan Hayes on a Dylan Cease trade return (The Athletic)

There is no way Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez will be made available. It’s also tough to envision that Luke Keaschall could be moved given the likelihood of him being a possible answer at first base in the big leagues this year.

If the Padres are willing to pay most of Christian Vazquez’s $10 million salary this season, that could be a way for the Twins to inch closer for a net-even return. Willi Castro’s salary is the only other sizable amount of those mentioned.

Related: Keith Law Ranks Minnesota Twins Farm System Low… But at Least He’s Nice About It?

With Cease on board, the Twins could part with either big league starter Zebby Matthews and/or Simeon Woods Richardson. They still have Triple-A prospect depth in the form of Andrew Morris, Cory Lewis, and Marco Raya.

Dylan Cease NO HITTER!!! 🍾 pic.twitter.com/fsbZXA2Fec

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 25, 2024

Cease brings the high-end talent along with incredible durability. He has started at least 32 games in each of the past four seasons; three times leading the league. He has two top-four Cy Young finishes, familiarity with the division, and has racked up at least 214 strikeouts in each of the past four years.

Despite just a single year left on his deal, Cease also represents an ideal extension candidate. Although Minnesota doesn’t have money now due to their sale, they may soon with new owners. Talk about a way to make a splash.

Could MN pivot to a different deal with San Diego?

It’s understandable that Derek Falvey and Jeremy Zoll may balk at the asking price from A.J. Preller. The Twins don’t really need to add more back-end depth, but it doesn’t have to be Cease or bust.

San Diego has floated Michael King’s name as a potential trade candidate, and he just agreed to an arbitration deal.

Michael King and the Padres have settled to avoid arbitration, per source. King will be guaranteed $7.75 million ($3M signing bonus, $1M salary, $3.75M buyout on a $15M mutual option for 2026). The buyout can become $4M based on number of games started. @sdutKevinAcee was on it.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 31, 2025

King has one more year of team control than Dylan Cease, and could be in the same $13 million ballpark next season. Right now though, he’s a cheaper payday and his track record can be a bit more scrutinized.

The former Yankees pitcher has a dazzling 2.91 ERA since 2021, but he only became a full-time starter last year. That resulted in a 2.95 ERA across 173 2/3 innings along with 201 strikeouts. He’s a year older than Cease, playing at 30 in 2025, and has thrown 100 innings just twice in his career.

This overlay of Michael King’s two seamer and sweeper 🤯

(h/t @PitchingNinja)pic.twitter.com/ZuB4w1l5kw

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 12, 2024

Related: Local Insider Confident Twins No. 1 Prospect Will Debut in 2025

Right now the Minnesota Twins offseason has been an inexcusable mess. It was never estimated that they would be very active on the free agent front due to financial constraints. Having spent less than $10 million since signing Carlos Correa, and not bringing in a single major league free agent, this winter is a joke.

The trade market could fix a lot of problems in a season where the Twins need to compete, and must earn back fan trust. There is now an avenue to watch the games, but people must be incentivized to do so.

The assumption heading into the winter was that Minnesota would move a veteran contract in order to shuffle the roster. Players like Christian Vazquez, Willi Castro, and Chris Paddack have all been named in offseason trade rumor reports. But on Wednesday night, details surrounding ongoing talks with the San Diego Padres came to light.

Twins catcher Christian Vazquez is a San Diego Padres trade target

Minnesota linked up with the San Diego Padres a few years ago, when they acquired Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagan, just before opening day. New Minnesota Twins Derek Falvey and his right-hand man Jeremy Zoll have reportedly been in talks with Padres GM A.J. Preller regarding a deal that would send Christian Vazquez to the West Coast.

“The Minnesota Twins and San Diego Padres have spoken about a potential trade that would send veteran catcher Christian Vázquez to San Diego, league sources told The Athletic. No deal was considered imminent Wednesday, but there appeared to be motivation on both sides to continue talking.”

The Athletic

It makes all the sense in the world for Minnesota to move on from Vazquez. Ryan Jeffers is the superior all-around option behind the dish, and Vazquez carries a $10 million salary in 2025.

A year ago, Jeffers experienced multiple ebbs and flows to his season, producing a 103 OPS+ with a .226/.300/.432 slash line. Although Vazquez is better defensively, his 60 OPS+ and .221/.248/.327 rendered him mostly unplayable in 2024.

Christian Vazquez framing a ball that bounced in the dirt, commitment to the craft pic.twitter.com/Ivhl3LeTz1

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) September 26, 2024

San Diego needs a starting catcher and the free agent market is barren. According to a report from Dan Hayes and Dennis Lin (The Athletic), the two-time World Series winner is exactly what the Padres are looking for. What’s holding up the deal? San Diego wants Minnesota to eat more of Vazquez’s 2025 salary.

Related: Four Minnesota Twins Prospects Make Coveted Top 100 List

But the more interesting side of this report may be what the Minnesota Twins are looking to get back, in a deal for Vazquez. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease was dealt to the Padres just last season, but as a pending unrestricted free agent who is set to make just $13.75 million in 2025, San Diego is considering dumping his salary, to cut down on luxury tax costs. The Twins, as they rightfully should be, are very much interested.

A key sticking point in talks between the teams is believed to be how much of Vázquez’s contract San Diego would absorb in a possible exchange. The Padres, who still have multiple needs after missing out on a potential ace in Roki Sasaki, are currently projected to be over the luxury tax threshold.

The Padres would like to keep Cease, but some rival officials believe president of baseball operations A.J. Preller ultimately will have little choice but to move the pending free agent and his $13.75 million salary.

The Athletic

Minnesota eyeing Dylan Cease in return

Rocco Baldelli & Co are innately familiar with the 29-year-old starter, considering he spent five years with their division rival Chicago White Sox. In his first year with the Padres, Cease posted a 3.47 ERA with a 3.10 FIP.

Cease, who would slot immediately into the front half of what would be a stacked Minnesota Twins 2025 starting rotation, threw a career-high 189 1/3 innings while striking out 224 batters. It was his fourth-straight season surpassing the 200-strikeout threshold.

Related: Minnesota Twins Legend Escapes Elimination from 2025 MLB Hall of Fame Ballot

San Diego isn’t a small market team, but they operate in many of the same ways as the Twins. The Padres carried a $170 million payroll last year and would love to drop that number. If Minnesota is willing to eat some of Vazquez’s salary and take on Cease’s number, a common ground could be reached.

“The right-hander would provide a good Twins rotation with an outstanding, if short-term, upgrade. But the sides might not find common ground on a package. The Twins would prefer to provide a value-laden package to replenish the Padres’ depth as opposed to the higher-upside talent Preller likes to hunt.“

The Athletic

Congratulations to Dylan Cease on throwing the 2nd no-hitter in Padres history pic.twitter.com/xmCNcl05HP

— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) July 25, 2024

The Twins rotation isn’t in a bad spot, but Cease would unquestionably pair with Pablo Lopez as a second top-tier option. An ability to push Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober down in depth is huge and could create a more sustainable group for Rocco Baldelli this season.

Fallout for the Minnesota Twins

A move to acquire Cease undoubtedly means adding salary. Right now Minnesota is tapped out on that front and the Pohlad family isn’t bringing in more cash. The Padres are likely not interested in the services of either Paddack or Castro, instead opting for prospect talent.

Chris Paddack's 3Ks in the 2nd.

5Ks thru 2. pic.twitter.com/i8QiIecX3y

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 9, 2024

Should the trade include Vazquez and a minor league, it makes sense that veteran arm Chris Paddack would be on the chopping block. He has drawn trade interest and is set to make $7.5 million in 2025. His 2024 4.99 ERA isn’t good, but another organization could be convinced that he represents a depth piece.

Related: Minnesota Twins Full 2025 Coaching Staff Announced

The Twins have been loading up at the catcher position through trades this offseason. The big league tandem would be Jeffers and Jair Camargo. Diego Cartaya has appeal as a former top prospect though, and Mickey Gasper has utility there as well.

If recent offseason moves have tough us anything, it’s to never consider Falvey and the Twins done with making moves. An acquisition of Cease would be huge, and even more so if they can offload Vazquez in the process.

That means, we can expect just as much selling this offseason, as we can buying. While that’s not historically a winning MLB equation, it’s the Twins’ lot in life under the Pohlads. So, what fan favorites are Derek Falvey and new general manager Jeremy Zoll looking to trade?

Minnesota Twins trying to salary dump veterans

The Winter Meetings are in full swing down in Dallas, Texas. Sunday night saw a record-breaking deal come in for Juan Soto from the New York Mets. It remains to be seen how active the Minnesota Twins will be this week, but The Athletic’s Dan Hayes confirmed Monday which players are on the trade block.

Let’s start with the names we’ve seen elsewhere. By now, the Twins have made it very, very clear. They would like to unload SP Chris Paddack, UF Willi Castro and C Christian Vazquez to any team willing to take on most of their salaries. Paddack got Hayes’ official “most likely to be moved” award.

“Chris Paddack is the player most likely to be moved. Though his season ended in July, Paddack showed promise over 88-plus innings in 2024 as he returned from a second Tommy John surgery, enough that a team looking for an affordable one-year starting option should come calling.

The Twins also could look into trading [Willi] Castro, an All-Star who can play all over the field and only has one year before he heads to free agency. There’s also the possibility the Twins trade catcher Christian Vázquez, though at this point the team would likely need to eat part of his $10 million salary to make it happen.”

Dan Hayes on the Twins trade candidates (The Athletic)

Chris Paddack’s 4.18 FIP was better than the 4.99 ERA he posted last season. Health escaped him again, but he performed fine, and above that for stretches too. Pitchers are always paid on the open market, so a $7.5 million deal shouldn’t be much for an acquiring team to swallow.

May 19, 2024.

Chris Paddack against Guardians.

8.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K#MNTwins lose 5-2.

FACT: Paddack completed seven innings twice in 2024. He did this just once between 2020-23. pic.twitter.com/63DCH42GkF

— Twins Gems (@TwinsGems) November 7, 2024

Minnesota may be leery to pay Castro this season after over-extending on utility-man Kyle Farmer. Castro was an all-star, but his 103 OPS with the Twins isn’t notable. He also is a liability in multiple defensive positions.

Vazquez is a stalwart defensively but can’t hit. Danny Jansen’s $8.5 million deal suggest that Minnesota may not have to eat a ton of money though. Realistically none of these players will net anything more than a salary dump. That gives Minnesota financial flexibility, but they have to replace each of them on the 26-man roster.

Related: Injured Twins SP Joe Ryan Reportedly Ahead of Rehab Schedule

Twins floating best young pitchers?

According to Hayes, the Minnesota Twins are also willing to listen on players that wouldn’t be salary dumps. Of course, the ultimate blockbuster trade involving the Twins would include Carlos Correa, but Hayes doesn’t see that as likely this winter.

Instead, Dan points to the pitching staff, where the Twins are apparently shopping three of their best young pitchers, Bailey Ober, Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.

“Other possibilities could include trading Bailey Ober, Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran.“

Dan Hayes on other Twins trade possibilities (The Athletic)

104 mph from Jhoan Duran pic.twitter.com/tnZhWuBgg1

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 14, 2024

It’s hard to see how or why Minnesota would be intrigued by the possibility of flipping Ober or Jax. They have some starting pitching depth, but most of it is untested. The return likely wouldn’t justify how that could set the big league roster back.

Jhoan Duran was a name that Los Angeles inquired about last season, but the Twins understandably asked for the moon. If there is enough belief in the bullpen, then maybe he’s available this time around. What is Minnesota wanting to bring back, with these trade candidates?

Minnesota looking for corner outfield and 1st base help…?

Hayes reports that the Twins are asking for… first base and corner outfielders? While corner OF and 1B are positions of need for the Minnesota Twins, they’re also two of the most easily filled spots on the depth chart. Major League Baseball is full of all ages, sizes and types of corner outfielders and 1st basemen.

Related: Minnesota Twins Gain Additional 1st Round Draft Pick for 2025

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Twins were banking on one or more of Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach and Alex Kirilloff to develop into the power-hitting LF/RF bat this roster has lacked in recent seasons. Now that they failed to find that guy, they are reportedly looking for one on the trade market.

Still, it wouldn’t make a lot of sense for the Minnesota Twins to entertain a trade that would send one of their best young pitchers out, in order to bring in a proven veteran first baseman or corner outfielder. Hell, they grabbed Carlos Santana off the clearance shelf last offseason, and he delivered a 2024 Gold Glove (and then some) at 1st base.

Sadly, most of the Twins’ logic problems come from a self-imposed spending limit that has recently been tightened by ownership. That’s a tough place to live for any professional baseball team. Then, a month ago, they listed the organization for sale, making the Pohlads much more than just cheap owners.

Now, they are cheap, checked-out owners. Like Michael Scott, when he put in his two weeks as manager at Dunder Mifflin… except more damaging to the company’s brand.