It wasn’t for a lack of action league-wide, because it was a busy deadline. The New York Jets were offloading star players like they were “must go” items at the neighborhood’s hottest garage sale, sending Sauce Gardner to Indy and DT Quinnen Williams to Dallas for a total of three first round picks and one second.

The Saints shipped away WR Rashid Shaheed to Seattle for a package of day three picks. We also saw a willingness to sell from the Titans and Raiders. Yet, the MN Vikings stood pat, deciding to roll forward the rest of the season, largely with pieces they already have on roster.

Why did Minnesota Vikings stand pat at 2025 NFL Trade Deadline?

What is the thinking behind Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s inaction, in the days/hours leading up the 3 p.m. CST? According to beat writer Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the Vikings are supposedly working under the belief that they do not have any real weaknesses on the roster, as long as it’s healthy.

On the Vikings at deadline: No season-ending injuries warranting replacement, no major holes. Definitely made considerations. Simultaneously, team has been very mindful of generating/maintaining draft capital moving forward. Their investment in '25 is obvious. Roster costs $344M.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 4, 2025

Related: QB Injury in DC Will Impact Vikings’ Season in Major Way

First, let’s address this fallacy that the Minnesota Vikings roster, as currently constructed, has no weaknesses. It’s an important part of this conversation, because it’s not true, even if we somehow pretend this team will stay healthy for the next 9 weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs.

In the secondary alone, the Vikings could 100% use a talented addition that would balance out that room and move guys like Jeff Okudah and Fabian Moreau down the depth chart. They have two sub-25 year olds occupying the QB room and they could still use more help in the backfield, among other things.

Which brings us to the real reason general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah likely sat on his hands today. Given the last part of Alec’s tweet above — “[the Vikings] investment in ’25 is obvious. Roster costs $344M” — it’s pretty clear the Wilfs are uninterested in investing more money into the 2025 roster.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah cut off from Wilf’s bank account?

Why? Because they they’re already scheduled to pay nearly $350 million for a winning team. So when the dust settles, if Zygi & Co. do not receive what they believe is a worthy return on their investment, then it sounds to me like there will be a different conversation taking place between ownership and the MN Vikings GM, regarding his future with the organization.

And assuming my inference is correct, the Wilfs are 100% right. The MN Vikings spent more money over the summer than just about any other team in the NFL. If that investment results in winning, then great. That’s why you made it.

Don’t think there was an obvious path here. The state of the Kwesi discourse is that some will be upset with no moves. Others would be irritated if he gave up more draft picks. FWIW, they already have one of the NFL’s most expensive rosters. https://t.co/3jTM47DVWy

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) November 4, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Lineman Trying to Play Again; Safety Enters Concussion Protocol

But if not, then smart businessmen do not continue to re-invest in a failing product. Instead, they re-evaluate what’s not working. And when they do that on the 2025 Vikings, where will the biggest issues be? At the top of the front office.

After all, it’s Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s failed draft classes year-after-year that are forcing the Minnesota Vikings to rely on high-priced free agent acquisitions in ways that are not historically sustainable in any pro sport, outside of big market Major League Baseball teams.

Is this the Wilfs telling Kwesi, ‘Hey, we have already given you enough money to win. If you don’t, that’s on you.’? Because it sure feels that way. Even though they gave Adofo-Mensah a contract extension last offseason, trusting a historically poor drafter to rebuild through the draft… makes very little sense.

Win or go home get fired.

Rocco Baldelli’s new-look squad has won two straight series against the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals, both AL Central rivals, winning four of their last five games, and six of their last eight.

Time will tell whether or not this torn-down Twins roster can hang through September, but their recent hot stretch has at least gotten the fanbase off this team’s back, after their first few months and resulting deadline yards sale made them the laughing stock of Minnesota’s sports scene.

When players started dropping from the active roster like flies back on July 31, it got to the point where some players no longer wanted to be around, given the organization’s current disinterest in fielding a playoff-caliber team.

Once Carlos Correa agreed to waive his no-trade clause for the Houston Astros, all bets were off. And while Griffin Jax wasa appreciative of his time in Minnesota, he was seemingly the loudest about his desire to play elsewhere, a request that was confirmed again Monday morning by the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale.

And just before the 5 p.m. CDT bell rang on the last day of July, the former failed starter-turned dominant reliever was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. But apparently, Griffin Jax’ move to Tampa isn’t the only change he is pondering.

Jax requested through his agent to be traded after Correa was dealt, sources confirmed, but the Twins were prepared to hold on to him if trade talks fell through. The Twins didn’t agree to the deal until the last half-hour before the deadline.

The Twins sought a package of prospects for Jax similar to the one they received in the Duran deal, and Jax’s market didn’t pick up until the last day. Tampa Bay was straddling the line between buyer and seller after playing poorly that week.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

For now Jax carries a 4.93 ERA (2.32 FIP) with a 76/15 K/BB across 49 1/3 innings this season. He has scuffled more with Tampa Bay after giving up a run in his first outing, and allowing a three-run game-winning homer to Cal Raleigh in his last outing.

Griffin Jax could reignite starter talks this offseason

Prior to the regular season, there was talk about Jax returning to a starting role for the Minnesota Twins, given his success in the bullpen. The move could make sense for a couple of reasons, but in the end, it probably comes down to money. Big League starters make more and have far better long-term job security than that of a reliever.

Following the trade to Tampa Bay, where they are known for their developmental pitching prowess, some teammates believe Jax could again entertain a move to starter. Clearly, this is something that has been on Jax’s mind recently, when having conversations with former Twins teammates, both before and after he was dealt.

Bradley was demoted to the minor leagues about a week before the trade deadline, so the Twins had many internal conversations about him before it developed into a one-for-one trade. Some Twins players suspect the Rays will try to convert Jax to a starter this offseason.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

As the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale outline Minnesota’s trade frenzy, he did get some thoughts from those in the clubhouse. With Taj Bradley, a starter, coming to the Twins there is an opening in the Tampa Bay rotation.

7 minutes of Griffin Jax strikeouts from this season ⬇️

This is some of the best stuff in the entire sport. pic.twitter.com/wm0KgoWx1V

— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) August 1, 2025

Jax has proven to be among the best relievers in baseball, but he could have a desire to return to a role he hasn’t held down since 2021. He possesses five different pitches, and if used effectively, that puts him in position to operate in a starting capacity.

Related: Minnesota Twins Veteran Undergoes Serious Emergency Surgery

Minnesota opted against returning Jax to the rotation this past offseason. Instead they built arguably the best bullpen in baseball. Tampa may move differently, and for a guy who should make around $6 million next season, he’d be a cost-effective option that the Rays are always known to love.

If Jax does make a move back to the starting rotation, he’ll join former teammate Carlos Correa (shortstop to third base) as players to switch positions with their new employer.

From there ownership was convinced to completely burn things to the ground. They paid the Houston Astros to take Carlos Correa off their hands. Controllable talents like Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax were moved as well.

Right before the bell hometown kid Louie Varland was packaged with Ty France and sent to Canada. That move was jarring, and it hit home for the lifetime Minnesotan.

Louie Varland crushed by MN Twins

In 2019 the Minnesota Twins took Louie Varland in the 15th round out of Concordia St. Paul. He was overlooked as a Division II product, but not long later was pumping 100 mph cheddar. Pushed to the bullpen this season, he owned a 2.02 ERA (2.90 FIP) with 47 strikeouts in 49 innings.

Effectively one of the best, and most-used (51 appearances) relievers in baseball, the trade shook the Minnesota native.

Varland was devastated, leaving Twins players seething and rivals GMs dumbfounded as to why the Twins would actually trade a valuable reliever (2.02 ERA, 47 strikeouts in 49 innings) with five years of control. My God, he was born and raised in St. Paul, with his wife and a family coming to virtually every home game. This is the way you treat him?

USA Today

As Bob Nightengale points out, the move for Varland was earth-shattering. He grew up with this organization. He transformed himself with this organization. Varland became a dominant big league pitcher wearing a Twins jersey.

He also knows, having been a fan of the franchise while growing up, how bad the Pohlad’s are as an ownership entity. Derek Falvey said the moves were “not geared toward the financial flexibility component of it.” Nightengale eloquently stated, “Believe it or not, those words were uttered with a straight face.”

Louie Varland on teammates barking in the dugout after his highlight play: “It’s the dog kennel because there’s a bunch of dawgs in there. No pups, that’s for sure.” pic.twitter.com/oZHMB4uRO4

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) May 8, 2025

Varland is under team control through the 2030 season and makes little more than the league minimum. He is not set to hit arbitration until 2027, and couldn’t be more of a player you’d want to build around. That didn’t matter to the Pohlad’s or Falvey though.

Related: Confirmed: Cheap Pohlads Ordered MN Twins’ Deadline Demolition

When a player like Louie Varland is being pieced out in an effort to shed a prorated portion of Ty France’s $1 million salary, you know rock bottom has been reached. It’s something Varland felt in the moment, and a reality he now must move forward with.

This looks so weird. He was always supposed to remain here. pic.twitter.com/PpYNVjqe0V

— Ted (@tlschwerz) August 2, 2025

No matter what the return ultimately brings down the line for Minnesota, July 31, 2025 is a day that will forever live in infamy. The Pohlad family can’t cease to exist in an ownership capacity soon enough. They took everything from the fanbase, and they took everything from a kid that turned into a big league and was right where he belonged.

When a Major League Baseball team has a losing record into July, it usually means they are sellers at the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline, even in today’s 15-team playoff bracket. Now into the second week of the month, the Twins look a lot more like sellers than they do buyers.

Minnesota Twins quietly selling at the MLB Trade Deadline

And lately, rival MLB organizations smell blood in the water. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic deadline buyers have been sending scouts to watch the Twins play far more often, over the past week or two.

In late June, Twins president Derek Falvey recently denied publicly any idea of selling at the deadline. Behind the scenes, however, he seems to be singing a much different tune, based on just how seriously rival scouts have shifted focus to what’s happening at Target Field.

With 24 days left until the deadline, the buzzards already are circling in hopes of picking off a healthy limb or two from a team that entered the season with postseason aspirations. Over the last week, three scouts from prominent clubs expected to be buyers at the deadline started in-person evaluations of the team’s roster, including one who was specifically pulled off another assignment to follow the Twins. More scouts are surely on the way.

Even though team president Derek Falvey said on June 23 that selling was “not his focus,” one rival evaluator opined the Twins must have privately acknowledged they’d be open to selling in order for opponents to start heavily scouting the roster.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

Although there is still time for the Minnesota Twins to right their 2025 ship, it appears those watching games are not convinced. And apparently, that includes those both outside and inside the organization. With a sale of the team still looming, you can bet that the Pohlads would love to save a buck if possible.

Even prior to this report out of The Athletic, it would have been surprising to see a sub-.500 Twins team hang onto talent they are not going to retain in near-future offseasons anyway. Realistically, the Minnesota Twins were way more likely to be willing sellers than they ever would have made buyers.

MN Twins talent up for grabs

There is a contingent of six impending free agents that Falvey could move on from. Hayes does leave plenty of room for the Minnesota Twins to move off of players who are not due to hit free agency this offseason, too. It’s possible they’re looking to move players with more term on their contracts, as well.

Though there’s no guarantee the Twins would open the store and unload controllable players, they might find themselves in a position where they need to.

Through Sunday, the Twins are on pace to draw 1.63 million fans to Target Field, a sharp decline from last season’s 1.95 million drawn. There are also no signs the impending sale process will end any time soon, either.

All of the above could force Falvey’s hand to sell off parts.

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

For the past couple of seasons, regardless of their positioning, the front office has done nothing to supplement the roster. The core has now failed to capitalize on expectations and shuffling that group is hardly out of the question.

Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa aren’t going anywhere. Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and others could be on the table though. A bad team doesn’t need elite closers, and outfield sluggers like Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach haven’t turned out as expected.

This is an odd time for the Minnesota Twins. Ownership wants to sell while the front office hasn’t put a winning product on the field. Change is needed and the extent of everything has yet to be revealed. Buckle up for an interesting couple of weeks.

Don’t tell that to team president Derek Falvey, who’s recently went on record to make it clear that the Twins have no interest (right now) in being sellers at the deadline. We also know that they aren’t trading away any stars, without permission.

Wait… the Minnesota Twins are how likely to trade Jhoan Duran?

But even if they don’t go into full garage sale mode at 1 Twins Way, it appears chatter is picking up around league circles when it comes to one high-powered reliever in the Minnesota bullpen whose contract is running out of term and someone who would most certainly net an impressive trade deadline return.

Over at ESPN a pair of prominent insiders — Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel — put together their top 50 trade candidates list, which just released Tuesday morning at the four-letter network. There, at No. 12 is Minnesota Twins flamethrowing closer, Jhoan Duran.

Way more shocking than Duran showing up on this list, are his 40% chance of being dealt. That is tied for fourth highest odds of anyone on the list, ranked inside the top 15. — Sandy Alcantara (Mia) 60% | Eugenio Suarez (ARI) 50% | Ryan O’Hearn (BAL) 85%.

12. Jhoan Duran, RP, Minnesota Twins

Chance of trade: 40%

Duran is one of the best relievers in the sport, thanks to his nasty stuff headlined by a fastball that averages 100.2 mph and a splinker that sits at 97.5 mph. He has two more years of team control after this season, so he’d demand a big trade package.

Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Arizona, Texas

ESPN

Related: Sounds Like the MN Twins are Stuck with Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa

The teams that Passan and McDaniel suggested as fits for Duran include the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, Diamondbacks, and Rangers. That group is interesting as Atlanta currently has a worse record than Minnesota (36-41), and the expect the 40-38 Diamondbacks to listen on Suarez.

Watch out for those LA Dodgers…

The teams I would keep the closest eye on are the big swingers — AKA: the Los Angeles Dodgers — who might be on the lookout for a back-end bullpen piece to set them apart in a World Series race.

On top being a big money team who would naturally have an interest in a reliever like Duran, it’s also worth noting LA’s previous interest in the the Minnesota Twins’ 27-year-old righty, when Falvey was listening to offers on Duran at last year’s deadline.

Jhoan Duran, 88mph Curveball, 98mph Splinker and 102mph Fastball. 😳 pic.twitter.com/lQyICqvMAk

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 16, 2025

This year Duran has been pitching at the top of his game, posting a 1.57 ERA (2.03 FIP) with 39 strikeouts and an impossibly high 269 ERA+. Jhoan Duran’s 34.1 innings pitched in 2025 have produced arguably the best season of his career, to this point.

While Duran’s velocity has dipped some, he’s been able to counter that by utilizing his “secondary” pitches more effectively, including his curveball, sweeper and that oh so devastating splinker. Minnesota is paying Duran $4.13 million this year, but he’s scheduled to hit free agency after the 2026 season.

And let’s be serious, the Pohlads aren’t going to pay a high-priced bullpen pitcher. Hell, Falvey doesn’t ask him to pay relievers, no matter how good they are. Thus, whether it is at the trade deadline, during the offseason or in 2026, Jhoan Duran will be wearing a different Major League Baseball uniform, eventually.

It’s just a matter of when. And if you believe these very trusted ESPN insiders, it’s very plausible it happens sooner than later.

Worse yet, injuries are starting to pile up yet again, this time in the starting rotation, thanks to the Orphan A’s temporary mound at Sutter Health Field in Sacramento sending two starters — ace Pablo Lopez and youngster Zebby Matthews — to the 60-day injured list.

Given the financial restrictions placed on team president Derek Falvey over the past couple years, how much moving and grooving the Minnesota Twins will able to do over the next month or two, prior to the MLB Trade Deadline, remains to be seen. They definitely have some well-informed doubters out there.

Minnesota Twins searching for lefty bat at MLB trade deadline…

Nonetheless, according to former MLB GM turned insider for The Athletic, Jim Bowden, the Twins still consider themselves to be trade deadline buyers. How does he know?

Well, Bowden recently spoke with some of his old decision-maker friends in place across the league, including those in Minnesota, who revealed to him exactly what the Twins are shopping for, as we inch closer to July 31.

The Twins have reportedly told Bowden that they are searching for a lefty bat. The former MLB GM suggests three different 27-year-old outfielders they could be targeting — Cardinals, Lars Nootbaar and two Marlins, Kyle Stowers and Jesus Sanchez, tagging Stowers as his favorite.

Minnesota Twins

Biggest need: Left-handed hitter

Possible targets: Lars Nootbaar, Cardinals; Kyle Stowers, Marlins; Jesús Sánchez, Marlins

Favorite target: Kyle Stowers

The Twins are searching for a left-handed hitter and their two best realistic options could end up being Stowers or Sánchez of the Marlins. Stowers is having a breakout season, slashing .280/.347/.479 with eight doubles, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and a 127 OPS+. He can play either outfield corner and won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2027. The prospect price would be costly, but might be worth it if the Twins can find the right match with Miami.

Jim Bowden – The Athletic

After this Kyle Stowers walk-off grand slam (his second homer today), here is Stowers’ slash line this season:

.324 BA
.392 OBP
.552 SLG
.944 OPS

Stowers has the ninth-highest OPS among qualified MLB hitters. pic.twitter.com/Itvs89mN8S

— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) May 3, 2025

One thing is for sure. The Minnesota Twins could certainly use more offense. At 4.25 per game, they rank 18th in Major League Baseball for runs scored. Still, this sudden need for a lefty is interesting, being Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walkers Jenkins are coming up through the system and both play outfield and bat left-handed.

Both Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner bat left-handed too. So, we will see if Bowden’s information is any good, once we start hearing more over the next month or so, regarding who the Twins are trying to pursue.

If not Kyle Stowers, what about Lars Nootbaar and Jesus Sanchez?

All three of Nootbaar, Sanchez, and Stowers have multiple years of team control remaining. As Bowden alluded to, each of them will require a sizable prospect return, to pry out of their current organization. Among the trio, only Nootbaar (1,426 AB) has displayed any level of consistent big league success.

Jesus Sanchez is batting .262/.342/.402 this season. His career 100 OPS+ makes him exactly league average. Expectedly, his .753 OPS against righties is better than the .696 mark against lefties this year. Stowers owns a career-best 127 OPS+ despite a 92 OPS+ career mark. He is batting .280/.347/.479 while owning neutral splits.

Lars Nootbaar is in his fifth major league season and has a 113 OPS+ while being better than league average each year. In 2025 he’s hitting .237/.341/.379 to generate what would be considered the worst season of his career. He has a .746 OPS against righties with just a .679 OPS against lefties.

Noot Noot!

Lars Nootbaar cracks his 8th homer of the season 💥 pic.twitter.com/WJstOohDoa

— MLB (@MLB) May 27, 2025

Related: Twins Scoop: Zebby Matthews Injury Details and Return Timeline Revealed

Whether it’s a lefty bat, righty bat. bullpen arm or more starting pitching help, the Minnesota Twins should 100% be looking to add before the deadline. They’ve tried to get by with underwhelming moves in recent seasons, and it has proven itself to be a fruitless strategy. Last year’s lone acquisition of reliever Trevor Richards, for example, was a complete failure.

Ownership is still working through the early stages of a sale process that they claim could be complete by the end of the year. They cannot let that stop them from getting better between now and the MLB Trade Deadline. In order to get back to the postseason, and make any sort of playoff noise, the Twins need to upgrade their roster.

With the Pohlads already down bad with fans, Target Field was getting emptier. Meanwhile, Players were getting anxious, Baldelli was on the hot seat and former MLB general managers were writing up crazy trade proposals to “relieve” the Twins of their biggest (and most expensive) stars.

Fast forward a month and a half, two weeks removed from a 13-game win streak that launched them back up the American League standings, the now 32-27 Twins have won two-straight in Sacramento vs the orphan Athletics and now appear on a playoff path.

It’s not all positive, though. Pablo Lopez is expected to go on the injured list, after leaving Tuesday’s win vs the A’s with shoulder tightness. Not to mention, the Twins arrived in Sacramento having just lost two of three in Tampa and Seattle, to kick off their 10-game road trip.

Jeff Passan out on the Minnesota Twins at MLB trade deadline

So… are the 2025 Minnesota Twins now considered buyers? That would be good news, being they have plenty of weaknesses that could use work. When it comes to MLB insiders, few are more plugged in than ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who recently took a look at the entire landscape of the league, as we inch ever closer to the July 31 trade deadline.

When Passan got to the Minnesota Twins, you could almost hear the MLB insider hit the proverbial brakes on his keyboard. Officially, he has the Twins listed as “holders”, which means they won’t be sellers… but their improved playoff position is unlikely to make them buyers either.

What to know: The Twins were down bad after April and proceeded to win 13 consecutive games starting May 3. Following a streak-snapping loss, they ripped off three walk-off wins in a week. This is a team that, when healthy, has more than enough pitching and is perhaps a bat or two shy from giving Detroit a run for its money in the AL Central.

But that’s not the Twins’ deadline style. Risk aversion is their modus operandi. Status quo is their state of play. Even if they’re squarely in the playoff mix, they are not the sort of team that historically adds impact-type players at the deadline. So they need Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa to remain on the field and Royce Lewis to find himself and Matt Wallner to evolve into a middle-of-the-lineup force. External help beyond small additions here and there just isn’t the Twins’ way.

Jeff Passan – ESPN

It’s a sad-but-true reality. Last year before the MLB trade deadline, the MN Twins were 59-48 and sitting just 1.5 games back of the division-leading Guardians. Instead of making manager Rocco Baldelli’s life easier, with some legit deadline reinforcements, general manager Derek Falvey acquired Trevor Richards from the clearance rack.

Richards went on to pitch in 10 games for the 2024 Twins, posting a 4.15 ERA, before he was designated for assignment. If the Pohlads weren’t willing to help Falvey out last year, why would anyone expect them to do it this summer, especially when it currently looks like the 2025 Minnesota Twins will be in even worse position.

Related: Three Weaknesses the Minnesota Twins Should Address Before MLB Trade Deadline

Unless the Pohlad family is willing to go even further in the red than the $300-$400 million they already are or they find a buyer who is willing to take big losses during the first couple years of ownership, the front office’s hands will be tied.

Twins could still move Chris Paddack

This offseason, the Minnesota Twins had multiple opportunities to dump Chris Paddack’s $7.5 million salary via trade. Instead, they chose to keep him, since no trade partners were willing to offer anything for The Sheriff that could help their future outlook as a baseball team.

After a slow start, it appears that was the correct decision. Along with his trade deadline doubt in the Twins, he crowned Chris Paddack as the one player they could deal, should they decide to deal between now and July 31. Of course, that would be more of a selling move, being he has a 2.17 ERA in his last 10 outings (58.0 IP).

Chris Paddack has been fantastic across his last 10 starts:

58 IP, 14 ER, 14 BB, 46 K

Can’t buy run support as of late, but a remarkable turnaround for a guy who began the year fighting to hold onto a spot in the #MNTwins rotation.

pic.twitter.com/Zjfg79jfd3

— Hunter Shelton (@HunterShelton_) June 1, 2025

There’s still almost two months until the MLB trade deadline. If Chris Paddack is still pitching like he has been,he’d be one of the most valued assets on the market. Would that be enough for a competitive Minnesota Twins team to trade away a high-end starter they could use during a playoff run?

Related: Pablo Lopez Injury Update is Not Good News for MN Twins

It is funny to think that the Twins would sell, given their early-season turnaround. Heck, even Bowden is on that now. He recently listed nine teams as sellers and doesn’t have the Minnesota Twins among them. Two and a half months of of a Major League Baseball season is not enough to make season-long determinations.

Entering Friday, the Twins trail the Detroit Tigers by six games in the AL Central, but if the season ended today, they’d be a playoff team (WC2). Just like most other teams, this time of year, Minnesota is far from a perfect team.

Team president Derek Falvey — who now runs both the baseball and business sides of the organization — still has a couple months before the Major League Baseball July 31 trade deadline hits. That’s exactly two months and one day for the Minnesota Twins to make themselves better.

It remains to be seen how much the active selling of the team might impact the Pohlads’ willingness to add talent between now and July 31. Will they play it cheap, as to not put the organization into a deeper financial hole than it already is? Or, could they use the deadline to add talent that might help them net a playoff run able to woo buyers.

But if ownership is willing to play ball, there are certainly avenues for the MN Twins to get better.

The Minnesota Twins need more from first base.

This offseason the Twins opted against paying an aging Carlos Santana more money, after he won a Gold Glove in 2024. Now back in Cleveland, Santana is giving the Guardians exactly what he did Minnesota last season — a high-end defensive first baseman whose 2025 slash line of .254/.363/.384 (114 OPS+) looks very similar to his career numbers.

To replace Santana, Falvey hit the open market, where he found Ty France on the clearance rack for a miniscule $1 million. While he has been worth that underwhelming salary, his overall production has left plenty to be desired.

TY FRANCE!!!!! WALK-OFF HOME RUN!!!! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/fEUPS0OSiw

— Twins.TV (@twinstv) May 24, 2025

Let’s start with the positives. France has already racked up 30 RBI, which reflects just how good he has been in the clutch. With runners in scoring position this season, France has a .382 batting average and .843 OPS.

Without runners on, however, Ty France has struggled, slashing a brutal .225/.295/.351 (.606 OPS). Smash those together and France’s underwhelming .677 OPS and 91 OPS+ isn’t good enough.

Related: Pohlads Want Us to Believe MN Twins Sale is “Closer to the End”

Yes, France was worth the minimum investment Minnesota made in him, but if the Twins want to be a real contender in the AL, they need more out of that right corner infield spot. The 30-year-old seven-year veteran was signed as an insurance policy for the Minnesota Twins at first base.

At the time, they hoped either Jose Miranda or Edouard Julien would cement themselves into the lineup as much more than what France has been. Instead, both guys are in the minor leagues. That means, if the Twins want more out of first base, they’ll have to hit the open market.

How about we finally get that right-handed bat for the outfield?

It took time and a bunch of injuries for Carson McCusker to get his first big league opportunity. Once he did get his call up, the 6’7″ right-handed giant of an outfielder was used only sparingly, before he was optioned back to triple A earlier this week.

Clearly, McCusker wasn’t the answer Minnesota was looking for in the outfield. In fact, they never really gave him an opportunity to crush MLB pitchers like he has in the minors all spring. Instead, if the Twins want to add a right-handed outfield bat to help power them to the playoffs, they’ll need to find it on the trade market.

When the roster is healthy, the right-handed hitting Byron Buxton is flanked by combinations of Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Willi Castro and Harrison Bader. Castro is a switch-hitter, but he plays more infield than outfield.

Bader — who is having a career year offensively, slashing .276/.359/.433 (122 OPS+) — is the only righty hitter among that regular corner outfield group. The Twins signed the soon-to-be 31-year-old, not for his prowess at the plate, but for his incredible defense, which has paid off multiple times already this season.

A ridiculous play by Harrison Bader and Joe Ryan loves it! pic.twitter.com/rAk8vFRxVf

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 27, 2025

But this is the first time he has ever been a positive asset offensively. Can the MN Twins really trust him to keep it going for the next four months? Seems awfully risky. History tells us not to hold our breath on the Twins bringing in more outfield helpt, however.

Related: Young Minnesota Twins Star Down on His Luck and Confidence

Since Rocco Baldelli took over as manager, the Minnesota Twins have needed a bigger right-handed threat in the corner outfield. Yet, for years, Falvey has never had much interest in addressing it.

If this is they year he finally moves on addressing that weakness, there should be plenty of options available. Every MLB trade deadline, the market is flooded with corner outfielders and relief pitchers. We’ll see if the Twins decide to take a swing this time around…

One more arm for the MN Twins bullpen… please?

The Minnesota Twins have one of baseball’s best bullpens. Really, the pitching staff as a whole has been incredible. There isn’t a ton of room to replace arms with the potential to generate upside.

However, there are always relievers available on the trade market and shoring up the underbelly of the bullpen makes sense. Danny Coulombe was placed on the injured list largely due to what he attributed to his age. Kody Funderburk has taken over the left-handed reliever role, but has given up nine runs on 14 hits in just nine innings.

Danny Coulombe is a big loss for the #MNTwins bullpen.

In addition to having a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings, Coulombe also stranded 10 of 12 runners he inherited from other pitchers to save their ERA.

Coulombe is second to Jhoan Duran in Win Probability Added for Twins relievers.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) May 18, 2025

There isn’t an immediately logical option on the farm to promote as either a left-handed reliever, or bullpen arm as a whole. Jorge Alcala is definitely the low man on the totem pole in the bullpen, and he owns a 6.52 ERA (4.05 FIP). He has given up just one run over his last six outings (7 IP), but always seems like just a pitch or two away from disaster.

Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax have been arguably the best one-two punch this season. If there’s a way to add another leverage arm among the group of Cole Sands, Brock Stewart, and Louie Varland, then Minnesota should do it.

But since then, the MN Twins have gone 17-9, including a current eight-game win streak that has pushed their overall record to 21-20, above .500 for the first time all season. Now, they’ll look to put a gap between them and that .500 line, with yet another win over the Orioles.

If they can stack some more wins this week, Byron Buxton & Co will turn their attention to the top of the American League Central Division, where the surprise Detroit Tigers currently sit 5.5 games above them, at 27-15.

While it’s way too early to be counting down magic numbers, this streak of good play is certainly enough for MLB pundits to take the Minnesota Twins — who were picked to win the AL Central in Spring Training — off their trade deadline sellers lists… right?

Buster Olney floats Byron Buxton as a MN Twins trade candidate

Well, apparently not. Just Monday — fresh off a weekend sweep at home over the now 24-18 San Francisco Giants — well-known and highly-respected ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney suggested that the Twins could be open to dealing superstar center fielder, Byron Buxton, who has been their best player during this recent hot stretch.

Olney argues that the outfield free agency market next offseason is expected to be historically thin, which could inflate offers for Buxton even beyond what they would normally be. But if the Twins have no interest in trading Buck, it seems weird for such a plugged-in reporter to float his name in an article like this.

The would-be opportunists could take advantage of a really soft outfield market and get value if they’re willing to dangle outfielders under team control beyond this season. For example, the Twins could set a solid price for Buxton and the Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for Daulton Varsho, an elite defender who won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season.

Buster Olney – ESPN

Outside of two games he missed mourning a death in his family. Byron Buxton has been a staple in the 2025 Minnesota Twins lineup, slashing an impressive .264/.304/.520 (127 OPS+), with the same speed he’s become famous for. Buck’s average 2025 sprint speed (30.2 ft/sec) leads all of baseball, and it’s the fastest we’ve seen him since 2019.

Byron Buxton launches this two-run HR 414 feet 🚀 pic.twitter.com/5GvTMxS681

— MLB (@MLB) April 24, 2025

Byron Buxton’s injury history is well-documented. His 102 games played last season were just the second time he reached the century mark during his 11 year career, and first since 2017. Those 102 games were also played at an incredibly high level.

In 2024, Buxton slashed .279/.335/.524 (136 OPS+) with 27 doubles and 18 home runs. His 3.7 fWAR equated to a 5.9 per 162 tally which would have easily been the best of his career. This season he has been even better.

Related: What is Fueling This Minnesota Twins Hot Streak?

Buxton’s three triples put him on pace to best his career high (6) which he attained in both 2016 and 2017. He is also stealing bases with ease. After running just nine times all of last season (6-of-8), he is a perfect 8-for-8 so far this season.

Buxton signed a seven-year, $200 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season. After being the second overall pick (behind teammate Carlos Correa) in 2012, hes’ spent his entire professional career in Minnesota., which is where Byron and his family have made their home.

Even with three-years and $45.4 million remaining on a deal that will see him past his 32nd birthday, Byron Buxton is still arguably the top asset in the Minnesota Twins organization, especially if they were to sell high.

Why would the Minnesota Twins trade Byron Buxton?

But unless they fall out of contention, there has to be more compelling reason to trade an embedded star like Byron Buxton. This is a player the Minnesota Twins drafted, developed, and someone who has given his entire professional life to the organization.

The negativity on Twitter is absolutely unfortunate, however this is a BLESSING any day it happens. If you know, you know and if you don’t, I’m still celebrating these blessings. 🤷🏼‍♀️🙏🏻 #thankyouLord https://t.co/AHZLVAzvdW

— Lindsey T. Buxton (@Lindsey_Buxton1) May 10, 2025

Nonetheless, sometimes a professional team needs to rip off the proverbial band-aid and make difficult choices for the future health of their organization. The Pohlads’ sale of the Twins, or lack thereof, has the front office strapped for cash.

While Buxton’s deal is more than worth it, from a value standpoint, it’s possible the Pohlads see it as $15 million per year that they could shed off the books, while simultaneously improving the talent and depth in their farm system.

“Typically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year’s deadline — and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond Kyle Tucker are few.

Buster Olney – ESPN

If Minnesota were to make Buxton available, they should expect to demand almost whatever they want in prospect capital. The star center fielder has proven himself even healthier than the Twins could have possibly dreamed, through 41 games this season.

Once Matt Wallner returns, the Minnesota Twins are uniquely positioned to try and replace a talent like Buxton, at least defensively, after acquiring Harrison Bader last offseason. Then, there is top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, who’s in triple A and knocking on the Big League door.

Don’t forget about Luke Keaschall, who can play center when healthy. Then, there’s DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who would also provide defensive relief in Buxton’s absence. If Walker Jenkins can get healthy, he could be an option in the future, as well.

In all likelihood, Byron Buxton isn’t going anywhere

It’s not as though the Minnesota Twins will be rushing to build a statue for Byron Buxton, when his playing career eventually ends. Still, the Twins were built on players like Buck, who were drafted and raised in the organization. I can’t see the Pohlads trading him for a cash/prospect grab.

Byron Buxton defensive gems are timeless 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Scluou8doW

— MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2025

Beyond that, the 2025 Twins have pushed themselves right back into the AL Playoff mix. As of now, it no longer makes sense to consider trading your best player. If the Twins are going to chase down the division title, or land a wild card spot, they’re certainly going to need Byron Buxton along the way.

$15 million is a moderate amount for a player of Buxton’s caliber. His new teammate, Bader got $10 million from the New York Mets last year despite owning a career 92 OPS+ and coming off a season with a 69 OPS+.

Related: Royce Lewis is Trying to Trade Speed for Health…

While Buxton may be seen more as a quiet Joe Mauer leader as opposed to the vocal Torii Hunter-type, he has the respect of the clubhouse and the relationships there run deep. Oh, and he has a no-trade clause and has never made any inclination that he wants to finish his MLB career anywhere but the Twin Cities.

The AL Central has proven to be a tough division this season. Detroit leads the pack at 26-15 with both Cleveland (23-17) and Kansas City (24-18) ahead of Minnesota, as well. The Twins’ +19 run differential trails only the Tigers’ incredible +84. Most likely, Buxton will be there to help the MN Twins try and catch the Tigers this summer.

It was the Wild’s third-straight loss. Their only win, since the 4 Nations Face-Off, came on the first game back after the break — a 4-3 comeback victory over the Detroit Red Wings that required a miraculous comeback from down 3-0 deep into the third period.

In other words, win or lose, this team has been skating uphill since the 4 Nations break ended. Coincidentally, that’s the same time news broke that Kaprizov is in danger of missing the rest of the season with a surgically repaired lower body injury he has been dealing with since Christmas.

That’s why it’s difficult to be all that frustrated by this skid. Winning was difficult back in November/December, when key players were cycling in and out of the lineup AROUND superstar Kirill Kaprizov. Even with the likes of Jonas Brodin, Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber and Eriksson Ek (the first time around) Kaprizov’s MVP-caliber play lifted everyone around him.

Minnesota Wild re-upping for 2nd Rental of Gustav Nyquist…?

Then last week, top center Joel Eriksson Ek suffered an injury during practice, forcing the Wild to place him on IR right next to Kaprizov. As of Saturday, we still do not know whether either player will return in time for the NHL Playoffs.

While they wait on more Kaprizov/Ek updates, Wild president of hockey operations Bill Guerin has been out snooping around the trade market, prior to the NHL trade deadline on March 7. And on Saturday afternoon, a few hours after Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic) originally reported the deal was close, a trade for 35-year-old Swedish winger Gustav Nyquist was made official.

#mnwild trade their 2026 second, and Preds retain half of the rest of the AAV https://t.co/lxHat5SGS9

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 1, 2025

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Nyquist had his first cup-of-coffee in Minnesota as a trade rental back in 2022-23. Back then, he was acquired while recovering from an injury, which kept him out until the very end of the regular season.

Because of that injury, the University of Maine alum played only nine total games in a Wild sweater (three regular season + six playoff games) his first time in Minnesota. But even fresh off an injury that caused Nyquist to miss nearly half of that 2022-23 season, the 13-year NHL veteran played incredibly well once he got on the ice.

In those nine games, Gustav Nyquist posted 10 total points (1 goal, 9 assists), including a team-leading five assists during Minnesota’s Wildcard playoff series loss vs the Dallas Stars.

NHL Video Highlight – R1, Gm2: Frederick Gaudreau gets Gustav Nyquist's pass, comes in all alone and scores on the backhand to make it 4-3 in the 2nd period. pic.twitter.com/llItgiSiOP

— Wild Game Bot (@MNWild_Game_Bot) April 20, 2023

Gustav Nyquist + MN Wild – Part II

This time around, the University of Maine alum — who has 9 goals and 21 total points (17:39 TOI), in 57 games with Nashville this season — is again due for unrestricted free agency in the offseason, meaning this could be another short-term stint with the Wild. That doesn’t scare either side, however, probably since

Originally, there was some red tape holding up this deal from being finalized, and it was probably money. Because when the deal finally became official, the Preds retained half of Nyquist’s salary for the rest of this season.

Nashville and Minnesota are talking about a potential Gustav Nyquist trade, per sources, which is why he's being held out today. But the trade is still not done. Could be a complication. Let's see where it goes.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 1, 2025

As of late Saturday morning, league sources told The Athletic that multiple teams were still pursuing Nyquist. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported there was a complication holding up a deal with the Wild.

Michael Russo and Joe Smith – The Athletic

Gustav Nyquist was originally selected by the Detroit Red Wings, in the 4th round (No. 121 overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft. The rest, as you would say, is history. 841 games later, Nyquist has racked up 207 NHL goals and 317 assists (524 points).

Even late into his career, Nyquist will immediately help the Minnesota Wild on special teams, where they have struggled all season long. Expect him to be featured on the penalty kill, for sure, and likely on the power play too.

Minnesota Wild waiting for injury timelines of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek

Whether or not Eriksson Ek and/or Kirill Kaprizov plan to return this season will make the difference for Bill Guerin & Co at the NHL trade deadline. If they are able to return in time for the postseason, the Wild will be mostly quiet for the next week.

Related: Wild Recall Former First Round Forward

But if either/both end up on Long Term Injured Reserve, the Minnesota Wild will could receive as much as $15 million in additional cap space ($10M for Kaprizov, $5M for Eriksson Ek) that they can use to acquire talent before the NHL trade deadline on March 7.