But the Lions aren’t nearly as desperate for a victory Sunday as the Vikings, who will start redshirt rookie JJ McCarthy for the first time since week two and just the third time of his NFL career. At 3-4, a loss could all but mathematically eliminate Minnesota from the NFC playoff picture.

Even after the NFL postseason expanded to three wild card teams a few years ago, it’s extremely possible that all NFC wild card teams in 2025-26 will reach at least 10 regular season wins. If they lose today in Detroit, the MN Vikings would have to go 7-2 against the remainder of their schedule to reach a 10-7 final record.

And even if a season turnaround like that is realistic, it’ll be difficult for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to operate on Monday and Tuesday, in the hours leading up the NFL Trade Deadline, as if his team is expecting to make the postseason.

Minnesota Vikings looking for QB help at NFL Trade Deadline?

Still, at least for now, it doesn’t sound like the Minnesota Vikings have any plans to act as sellers, prior to the deadline buzzer going off at 3 p.m. CST on November 4.

In fact, according to Adam Schefter (ESPN), they are still in the market for a veteran quarterback who can make the coaching staff feel more comfortable about who is in the QB room with JJ McCarthy and Max Brosmer.

The Vikings did not want to head into this season without an experienced veteran backup quarterback…If that was Minnesota’s thought process before the season, sources believe it would be the same now, with the Vikings still needing an experienced veteran backup quarterback for J.J. McCarthy.

League sources believe Minnesota still could make a move for a quarterback by Tuesday’s deadline.

Adam Schefter – ESPN

Related: JJ McCarthy and Sam Darnold Didn’t Get Along in Minnesota?

This is mildly surprising, because of how late it is in the season. Sure, bringing in a quarterback over the age of 25 isn’t a bad idea. Afterall, JJ McCarthy and Max Brosmer have combined to throw just 49 passes in their young NFL careers.

But where are the MN Vikings going to find a QB who they can integrate into the offense seamlessly, with just half of the 2025 regular season remaining? Are they that afraid of playing Max Brosmer, and if so… why?

What QBs could the Vikings be interested in?

We just watched five games of Carson Wentz attempting to operate an offense he has no business playing in, and the results were a complete train wreck. If nothing else, Brosmer knows the offense, will play fast and hit open receivers, three things that Wentz struggled with.

And I am NOT convinced that any of the veteran quarterbacks mentioned by Schefter as possible options for the Minnesota Vikings — Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston — would do it better than Brosmer, given the situation they’d be coming into.

Kirk Cousins would make sense, but the Falcons haven’t shown any willingness to trade him, and Atlanta needs an experienced veteran backup of its own. The Giants also have two experienced backups in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

Adam Schefter – ESPN

Related: New Name Added to “Official” Vikings Injury Report, but Don’t Tell KOC

If the Twins do continue the roster deconstruction — a process that started after the 2023 season and accelerated at the 2024 trade deadline — it will be the ultimate betrayal, just months after Minnesota’s new minority owners were supposedly brought on to save the financial day.

By the time this MLB offseason heats up, the new partners should be ratified by the league, and the Pohlads MASSIVE debt should be mostly relieved. In theory, after shedding tens of millions in future salary by dealing Carlos Correa (among many others) at the deadline, the MN Twins should be in a better spot financially than ever before.

But instead of rallying the fanbase and trying to mend relationships, the Pohlad family seems intent on doing everything within their power to make every single fan in Twins Territory hate them with every fiber of their baseball being.

Minnesota Twins determined to trade Joe Ryan, apparently…

On Sunday night, the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale Jr. wrote an article projecting what Minnesota Twins president Derek Falvey will do with every player on the 40-man roster, during the offseason. And when it came to Joe Ryan… well, Bobby is urging Twins fans to get your Joe Ryan goodbyes in now, while he is still here.

Joe Ryan, 29

The Twins’ top trade chip this winter thought he was traded in July after an erroneous social media post. The first-time All-Star had a 13-10 record and a 3.42 ERA in a career-high 171 innings, which included a second-half swoon.

Contract: Arbitration-eligible (second year)

2026 outlook: The Twins will listen to offers on Ryan, who could net a blockbuster trade. He’ll be worth it to a contender.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Related: Twins Zeroing In on Next Managerial Hire

With expectations as low as they have been in 20 years, the Pohlads could reinvigorate the majority of this fanbase just by spending back to a number that rivals what they did last year. With a roster that currently comes in under $100 million, that would give Falvey $30+ million to play with.

Yet, the Minnesota Twins sound dead set on dealing away all of their most talented players, even AFTER they’ve already “right-sized the business“. Wasn’t that the goal of this entire things, since the offseason between 2023 and 2024?

Now that these new owners have saved the day and the Pohlads aren’t bouncing checks… weren’t were supposed to start building things back up. Instead, it sounds like they want to burn it all to the ground.

It's time for the Joe Ryan Experience pic.twitter.com/R6g9gNkkoV

— Twins.TV (@twinstv) June 8, 2025

It REALLY doesn’t have to be this way…

Why? You don’t need a business degree to see that the MN Twins are sitting on a unique opportunity, if the Pohlads can open their eyes and take advantage. Falvey could make a come of mid free agent signings this offseason, including a guy like Luis Arraez, and immediately get a lot of the fanbase back on board.

Naturally, that excitement would mean an increase in ticket sales leading up the season AND more Twins.TV subscriptions. But of course, the Pohlads are determined to dig a hole with this fanbase even deeper than before, which I didn’t think was possible. Seriously, how deep does a hole have to be before it caves in?

I’m not sure, but it appears they’re very determined to find out. Because if the Minnesota Twins are willing to trade Joe Ryan, why in the world would they hang onto Pablo Lopez? Hell, why would he want to be here?

Pablo López, 29

A frustrating season for the staff ace of the Twins. He pitched well, owning a 2.74 ERA, but he didn’t pitch enough. He made only 14 starts, his lowest total in five years, because of three stints on the injured list.

Contract: Owed $21.5 million in each of the next two seasons

2026 outlook: If the Twins don’t trade him during the offseason, he’ll make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Fresh off that loss, head coach Kevin O’Connell and his team now turn their GPS due West for a Thursday Night Football game in Inglewood, CA against the Los Angeles Chargers, to kick off week 8 across the entire NFL.

On Tuesday, KOC announced that Carson Wentz will once again start under center for Minnesota, as we continue to wait on the return of JJ McCarthy, whenever that will be. Meanwhile, with the NFL trade deadline approaching (Nov. 4), there are a few national NFL insiders who are starting to read tea leaves around the league.

Yesterday, it was Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) who first connected the MN Vikings back to their former QB1, Kirk Cousins, who is currently trying to work through his second season as the backup in Atlanta.

If Wentz isn’t capable of leading a playoff team and O’Connell doesn’t believe McCarthy is ready… then it’s NOT impossible that we see No. 8 back in purple yet again.

Another NFL insider floats Kirk Cousins to Minnesota Vikings

Wednesday, it was Jeremy Fowler’s (ESPN) turn to spin the Cousins’ rumor wheel. In a trade deadline primer posted early this morning, Fowler pinned Kirk’s chances of being traded at 20% and put the most likely landing spot as the Minnesota Vikings.

The buzz: Cousins would need injuries at the quarterback position to spark a market. He is 37, and he struggled with interceptions last season (16), but Cousins could help a team in a bind…[as his] $10 million guarantee in 2026 is a hurdle [in negotiations].

Carson Wentz’s Week 7 struggles with the Vikings make a Cousins reunion in Minneapolis a convenient talking point for fans and media, even with J.J. McCarthy soon returning from an ankle injury. — Jeremy Fowler

The tape: At this stage of his career, Cousins is viewed as a No. 2 who fits best in a system with play-action elements. This allows Cousins to throw with rhythm on defined concepts. Cousins has a career play-action QBR of 73.6. — Matt Bowen

Predicted chance of getting traded: 20%
Team fits: Minnesota Vikings

ESPN.com

At first glance, many Minnesota Vikings fans will see this as a pie in the sky situation. After all, if O’Connell wanted Kirk Cousins back, he’d still be here, right? Well, time changes a lot of things.

Does trading for Cousins make any sense?

If the Vikings see themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, should they get average to above average QB play, then it’s at least worth looking into. But first, they must decide whether or not JJ McCarthy can be that guy. If they decide he isn’t ready for that role yet, then a move to bring in Cousins suddenly makes a TON of sense.

Worried about money? Don’t be. The MN Vikings currently have $16.7 million in cap space to play with. Maybe the Falcons retain a small chunk, but by then, half of Kirk’s 2025 salary will already be paid.

Maybe you have to move the numbers around on Brian O’Neill’s contract, or possibly Justin Jefferson’s. Either way, fitting Cousins into the financial picture this year wouldn’t be all that difficult.

Related: Vikings Second Week 8 Injury Report Brings Same Line Concerns

His $57.5 million cap hit next season (or $35M cap penalty to cut him) is another question, entirely. But how badly do the Vikings want to win? Because Kirk would come in and immediately look head/shoulders better than anything we have seen from either McCarthy or Wentz so far this season.

But again, unless you see yourself as a true playoff/Super Bowl contender, you do not make a move like this. In other words, we will find out what kind of team the Minnesota Vikings believe they are, and their confidence in JJ McCarthy, over the next few weeks.

From all accounts, trade talks with between the Panthers and Vikings have stalled because of a disagreement in draft pick compensation. There is no longer any doubt surrounding whether or not Thielen wants to come home, and Minnesota has made it clear that they want him back.

Latest on Minnesota Vikings + Adam Thielen trade talks

Still, they refuse to overpay in order to make a trade happen. So as of now, there is no deal. But should we still expect one or where do things stand on a Thielen + Vikings trade, with the 3 p.m. roster cut deadline looming?

Well, the standoff continues, at least for now, as both teams refuse to budge on their last offer. Some reporters have indicated that Thielen is unlikely to return, especially after the Panthers released another one of their proven veterans, Hunter Renfroe, Tuesday afternoon.

Interesting considering the Adam Thielen trade talks, or non-trade… https://t.co/cDYFLy4AeF

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 26, 2025

The Panthers’ WR corps is incredibly young and unproven. Parting with a veteran and still productive WR in Adam Thielen was never going to happen easily. https://t.co/efm9A5tSOW

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) August 26, 2025

Related: Vikings’ Perfect Fit WRs Hit Open Market

The biggest issue causing these negotiation conflicts stems from how much Carolina values the leadership Adam Thielen brings to the Panthers’ locker room, not to mention the consistency he provides their young quarterback, Bryce Young, at wide receiver.

Because of that internal value, which has been inflated by the Vikings’ desperation to find WR help, the Panthers are asking more for the former Mankato State superstar, than what teams normally would a 35-year-old receiver on the career decline. Does that mean this deal is dead?

Thielen talks not dead yet…?

That depends on who you ask. If you are a believer in under-the-radar anonymous NFL insider @RickeyScoops (X), for example, then you probably still have hope that the MN Vikings can get this deal done.

The #Vikings leaked this to Schefty because talks with the #Panthers are stalled over trade comp. Vikings are hoping Carolina lowers its price. Both teams and Adam Thielen want to get this trade done #Skol #KeepPounding https://t.co/pwws5VEoYB

— Rickey (@RickeyScoops) August 26, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Make Shocking Cut on Defense

Not only does Minnesota want it to happen, but it appears the idea of returning to his home state might be too far implanted into Adam Thielen’s head for either party to turn the car around now.

While it might be true that Thielen trade talks have stalled, and that neither team has shown much willingness to negotiate further, there is clearly still a belief around some league circles that the Minnesota Vikings remain determined to bring Adam home.

As expected, though, in the absence of a trade, the 2x Pro Bowler from Detroit Lakes — whose 6,682 receiving yards as a Viking rank 5th in franchise history — was dutifully at Carolina Panthers practice on Tuesday, where reporters caught him being shuttled onto the field by a team golf cart.

Update: Adam Thielen is still here. pic.twitter.com/01fRq8Kf6T

— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 26, 2025

So beyond his MN Wild duties, Guerin is in the process of selecting the 2026 Olympic Team, which will be built of NHL players for the first time since 2014. In the last 48 hours, in fact, Team USA announced the 44 players set to attend an upcoming orientation camp, including a couple of Americans off the MN Wild roster.

But Minnesota’s PoHO isn’t losing site of his day job obligations, either. In fact, it appears Bill Guerin has been making some headway on one of the most pressing items remaining on his MN Wild offseason to-do list.

Contract talks between MN Wild and Marco Rossi heating up

According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the Wild have finally made a breakthrough in contract negotiations with center Marco Rossi, news that fans in Minnesota have been waiting to hear for over two years now.

Hearing there has been significant progress toward a potential Marco Rossi signing by the #mnwild in the coming days. As we've been reporting, a bridge deal makes the most sense.

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 21, 2025

The Minnesota Wild relegated the 23-year-old Rossi to the 3rd line during the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs, where he still managed 2 goals and an assist in 6 games (11:08 ATOI).

Sandwich that postseason demotion between lowball offers from Guerin during recent negotiations, and Rossi’s contract dispute with the Wild has become one of the ugliest in franchise history.

Related: MN Wild Teasing Massive Contract News on Local Sidewalks…?

But per Russo’s report, which came somewhat out of nowhere on Thursday, the Marco + Billy standoff may finally be reaching an end… at least for now. As Michael reiterates, this is likely to be a short-term bridge deal that will give Rossi and opportunity to increase his value as an NHL center.

If successful, it’s very plausible that the Minnesota Wild then bring Marco Rossi — who put up 60 points in 2024 (24 goals, 36 assists) — back to market to see if they can get any better offers than what they have received this offseason. That doesn’t mean Guerin hasn’t been shopping Rossi recently, though.

Minnesota Wild reengaged in Rossi trade talks too?

Thursday morning, prior to Russo’s report dropping, trusted NHL insider Jimmy Murphy (RG Media) released an article at RG.org that also reported movement in the Rossi + Wild standoff. According to Murphy, however, the shift was in Billy G’s negotiations with interested trade parties, specifically Vancouver and Seattle.

According to two different NHL sources, the Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken recently circled back with the Minnesota Wild to see where they stand in their contract talks with restricted free agent center Marco Rossi.

“Both were in on Rossi leading into and at the NHL Entry Draft, and until probably mid-July, and I’m hearing that they’ve made it clear that if it gets to the point in the next month, where contract talks between Rossi and the Wild reach a point of no return, they want to see what it would take to acquire Rossi,” one of the sources told RG.

Jimmy Murphy – RG.org

Marco Rossi is going into his fifth NHL season, but just his third as a full-timer. After playing in 21 games for the Wild between 2021-22 and 2022-23, the 5’9″ Austrian center has played back-to-back full 82-game seasons.

While his most talented teammates have struggled to remain in the lineup, Rossi has been available, allowing him to rack up 45 goals and 56 assists (101 points) in his first 185 NHL games.

Related: MN Wild Sign One-Time Shattuck St. Mary’s Rental to Pro Tryout

Unfortunately, nothing Marco’s done has won the love and affection of Bill Guerin, who’s been determined to rid the Minnesota Wild of their Rossi burden for most of the past three years.

Don’t assume that means the Wild’s president of hockey operations is willing to give his second line center away for below market value, though. The fact that Rossi remains on Minnesota’s roster is proof of that.

For the most part, camp has been a success in Eagan. Their biggest preseason problem, at least so far, has been injuries and illnesses to key starters. On defense, Harrison Smith and Andrew Van Ginkel have been held out for the past couple weeks. Josh Metellus has missed time too.

Most recently, though, the Vikings’ health concerns have been focused more seriously on the wide receiver room, where for weeks Justin Jefferson has been out nursing a hamstring injury and Jordan Addison’s been preparing for a three game suspension that kicks in week one.

But last week at joint practices vs New England, Jalen Nailor hurt his wrist, putting his week one status in jeopardy too, springing all sorts of rumblings that the Vikings would be on the hunt for WR help.

Minnesota Vikings officially on the hunt for WR help

Until this morning, however, those rumors were more so based on assumptions that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would like to have more than just Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson and a bunch of nobodies for JJ McCarthy to throw to.

That ended Wednesday when Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) reported on X (Twitter) that, according to his sources, the Minnesota Vikings are “seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market”.

With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources.

All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster. pic.twitter.com/9dRToHdgvY

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 20, 2025

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Two New Players; Cut Linebacker

Pelissero’s report didn’t come with any wide receiver names that they MN Vikings might be after, but he did follow up his original tweet by noting that “a trade is not imminent”, but that Kwesi & Co. are “actively looking” for wide receiver help. Cutdown day is six days out and the start of the regular season just 19.

Obviously, the next question is which wide receivers the Vikings are chasing. Some of the more high-profile receiver names that have been rumored to be on the trade block recently, include Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Adam Thielen (Panthers), Terry McLaurin (Commanders) and Brian Robinson Jr (Commanders).

Other teams searching for wide receivers too

According to Dianna Russini (The Athletic), the Minnesota Vikings front office isn’t the only one perusing the trade market for wide receiver help. Other teams she named include the Jets and Niners, but it sounds like there are more, which could make Kwesi’s search that much more difficult.

The Jets are among several teams monitoring the trade market for potential wide receiver additions, per sources. The 49ers and Vikings are also making calls.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 20, 2025

It’s also worth noting that the Vikings do have some options remaining on the free agent market. Last week, they were linked to Odell Beckham Jr, but Amari Cooper, Nelson Agholor, Tyler Boyd and DJ Chark are among some others still waiting to be signed.

The all too obvious option, even if it’s not the only guy they bring in, is Brandon Powell — who played meaningful snaps for Minnesota in each of the past two seasons, not to mention he can return punts and kicks. In the end, we’ll see what Kwesi and KOC pull out of their hats. But clearly, they’re planning to do something.

Now just four days out from July 31, with a 40-44 overall record, the writing is on the wall. The MN Twins are open for business and they have lots of assets for sale to offer prospective trade partners, depending on what they’re looking for.

At the least, Minnesota is expected to trade away expiring contracts they can get decent value for. More on them momentarily. Because the biggest questions surrounding the Twins’ plans at the deadline center around players with more star power and multiple years remaining of team control.

Pablo Lopez now on the trade block too?

For weeks, most of the Twins’ blockbuster trade rumors and reports have been centered around three pitchers — relievers, Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax, along with All-Star starter Joe Ryan. So far, Falvey is asking a fortune for all three guys, and even though buyers have balked at those prices, he has shown no signs of bringing them down.

But on Sunday, The Athletic’s MLB big time insider, Ken Rosenthal, is reporting that the Twins may be fielding calls on the only starter in their rotation or organization who can hold Joe Ryan’s jockstrap… and that is staff ace Pablo Lopez, who is currently working his way through recovery from a Teres Major strain in his shoulder.

As reported previously, the Twins’ front office is proceeding with perhaps even more caution than it normally might because of the looming sale of the club. Still, that isn’t stopping the Twins from listening on relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax and even ace right-hander Joe Ryan, all of whom are under club control for two additional seasons.

Some teams even wonder whether the Twins would move righty Pablo López, who is still weeks away from returning from a strain of the teres major in the back of his right shoulder.

Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic

Related: One Player the MN Twins are Supposedly Trading

Pablo Lopez, who is expected to return still this season, was all the bit of ace the Minnesota Twins needed him to be, prior to his injury. During his first 11 starts of the 2025 season, the 29-year-old righty starter pitched 60.2 innings with a 2.82 ERA, 2.99 FIP, 1.071 WHIP and 150 OPS+.

What does 11 Pablo Lopez strikeouts look like? pic.twitter.com/dt3sumvjTk

— Ted (@tlschwerz) May 7, 2025

Had he not went down with an injury, who knows where the Twins’ rotation would be. Since he suffered the grade two shoulder strain in early June, Minnesota’s starting staff has gone from one of the best in baseball to one of the worst.

Minnesota Twins could get more serious about trading Lopez in offseason

Now, it’s one thing for a respected media member to report some trade deadline steam. It’s another thing for a physical blockbuster trade to actually go down, especially when the prized piece is coming off of a major injury that he will not be 100% recovered from in 2025.

That’s why Rosenthal goes on to write that, if a Pablo Lopez blockbuster trade were to go down, it would likely happen in the offseason, after he has proven he’s at least on the path back to a full recovery. By then, it’s also possible the Minnesota Twins have more clarity on the future of ownership, too.

López, under contract through 2027 at $21.75 million per season, is more likely to be a topic of conversation in the offseason, assuming the Twins are willing to talk about him. Once he pitches again, teams will be in better position to assess his value.

One way or another, the Twins’ front office is under pressure. The team faces the potential of missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, and at some point soon, new ownership will be taking over.

Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic

MN Twins are a one-stop shop for MLB trade deadline buyers

What Rosenthal’s latest update tells us is that, no matter what you’re looking for… the Minnesota Twins probably have it. Need a top starter, pay up for Joe Ryan. Want an injured one, pay a little less for an injured Pablo Lopez. If it’s heat in the bullpen, up the offer for Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax.

Of course, we all know about the more available players, who are due to hit free agency at the end of the summer. So if buying teams need to stack up some depth for a postseason run, the Twins have a Harrison Bader or Christian Vazquez for that.

Related: Dodgers Balking at Price of Minnesota Twins Relievers

Want more bang for your buck, Willi Castro is a certified starting-caliber utility guy who can play anywhere on defense and add a jolt to any contending team’s offense. Interested yet?

Wanna bulk up some depth in your bullpen? If you need left-handed help, the Minnesota Twins have Danny Coulombe. Looking for a righty, how about Brock Stewart? Then, there’s Chris Paddack, for those teams wanting to do more of the same, except in the starting rotation.

Whatever you need, it seems clear that you want to call the Twins first.

We know the MN Twins are already open to selling off their expiring contracts. In the lineup, that likely means Willi Castro and Harrison Bader will be elsewhere by August 1, as is the case for contributing pitchers like Chris Paddack, Danny Coulombe and Brock Stewart.

But on Wednesday, more details are beginning to surface surrounding what exactly Falvey & Co. have up their sleeves over the next week, and what they are demanding, in return for some of their more valuable trade deadline assets.

Minnesota Twins demanding insane haul for coveted relievers

While the Twins might get jumpy if you call them on one of their expiring contract, the same cannot be said for the top-tier talent that buying teams covet most. If teams want to pry Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax or Joe Ryan from Minnesota, they’re going to have to pay the piper.

And according to Jeff Passan (ESPN), the toll for the two relievers mentioned above, Duran and Jax, is currently set at TWO top-100 MLB prospects for each, an insane cost for deadline bullpen help, even if both are under contract through 2027. Inquiring execs hope that cost will come down over the next week.

Teams adore Joe Ryan, and while he is perhaps the best arm available of any in the mix at the deadline, teams look at what the Twins are asking for to acquire Duran or Jax — at least two top-100-caliber prospects — and aren’t inclined to spend a whole lot of time workshopping deals for a top-10 starter this season with two more years of club control.

Perhaps the ask on Duran and Jax deflates between now and the deadline, but Minnesota is historically a team that sets a high bar on returns and doesn’t deviate.

Jeff Passan – ESPN

Related: Another Coveted MN Twin Open to Being Traded

While the cost to do business with the Minnesota Twins may be high, there is a method to Falvey’s madness. The Minnesota Twins have two of the best relievers available at the deadline and teams with World Series dreams are desperate to add more backend bullpen help for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.

Griffin Jax or Jhoan Duran still expected to be traded, despite high asking price

Griffin Jax entered the Twins game on Wednesday against the LA Dodgers with 43.1 innings innings pitched on the season. The 30-year-old’s 3.74 ERA looks pretty good, but it’s his 1.92 FIP and 14.1 K/9 that stand out on Jax’s 2025 stat sheet.

Then, there’s Jhoan Duran, who is in the midst of arguably the best season of his young, impressive career. Through 46.1 innings, the 27-year-old is toting a 1.94 ERA, down from 3.64 in 2024. To go along with his impressive earned runs average, Jhoan has a 1.144 WHIP, 2.40 FIP and an absolutely absurd 218 OPS+.

Jhoan Duran, 101mph Fastball and 98mph Splinker, Overlay.

Good luck. 😯 pic.twitter.com/NeJkELwvUd

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 26, 2025

And that is why, even though the cost could be exorbitant, the current expectation around the league is that Minnesota will deal at least one of their two top bullpen arms by July 31, according to Alden Gonzalez (ESPN), though Falvey is not expected to budge that much on price.

“Several high-profile teams are in need of bullpen help ahead of the trade deadline — including the Mets, Yankees, Phillies and Dodgers — and the Twins have two of the best available in Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran. The sense is that at least one of them will be traded, but those who are looking for relief help expect the asking price to be very high…”

Alden Gonzalez – ESPN

Related: Minnesota Twins Lose Young Pitcher to Injured List

Between the sale of the team and the multiple years remaining of team control, the Minnesota Twins do not appear to be interested in selling off their most talented pieces, unless their trade partner is wholly committed to compensating them at top dollar.

Will they get what they want or end up with a relatively quiet trade deadline? Only time will tell.

So it’s no surprise that — just days after the Twins let it be known around league circles that the they are opening up shop as sellers at the deadline — buying teams have been calling on their 30-year-old flamethrowing righty, among their most desired targets.

Teams with nothing to lose, like the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees etc want Jhoan Duran, Joe Ryan and, of course, the aforementioned Griffin Jax. What caught attention recently, however, wasn’t how interested teams were in the Minnesota Twins’ most talented players.

What surprised some fans was just how happy Joe Ryan — their most valuable deadline asset rumored to be somewhat available at the MLB trade deadline — was to be involved in trade rumors, making it clear that no feelings would be hurt on his end if the Twins decided to move him.

Griffin Jax weighs in on Minnesota Twins trade rumors

Griffin Jax is among the best Minnesota Twins pitching development success stories. A 2016 third round pick out of Air Force Academy, Jax worked double duty getting through college, both serving his country and making himself known as a future big league caliber baseball player.

It took him nearly a decade and a move to the bullpen, to make it happen. Nine years after being drafted, though, Griffin Jax is one of the best relievers on planet Earth.

Griffin Jax, Vicious 3227 RPM Sweeper. 😤 pic.twitter.com/UpM1xamwXC

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 26, 2025

In 43.1 innings so far this season, Jax has a 3.74 ERA, which doesn’t even do his stuff justice. Look no further than that career-best 1.92 FIP, if you want to see why teams are so enamored with Phoenix, AZ native.

But just like his teammate Joe Ryan, Jax isn’t afraid of being dealt. In fact, now in his 30s, it sounds like he too would welcome the opportunity to join a playoff-bound team for what’s been a rare October opportunity five years into his fast-moving MLB career.

“Odds are I’m not going to finish my career here. That’s just kind of like the trajectory of a lot of high-end relievers. That’s typically the path. I’m emotionally torn because a huge part of me wants nothing to do but to spend the rest of my career here. This is basically all they’ve known. But at the same time, it’s exciting to see.”

Griffin Jax – The Athletic

There are different ways for losing teams to sell at the trade deadline, and how the Twins go about their deal-making business over the next week could tell us a lot about how they see the future. Without a doubt, the Minnesota Twins’ impending free agents are already up for sale. Come and get them.

What will MN Twins reveal about the future during MLB trade deadline?

No delay, no layaway. The bigger questions, however, remain surrounding what Derek Falvey plans to do with guys like Griffin Jax, and the Twins’ more valuable (tradeable) assets, of which still have two-three years of team control remaining.

Because sure, the trade deadline vultures will happily swoop in and pick up a Willi Castro or Danny Coulombe. Even Chris Paddack and Brock Stewart might wet their beaks.

But what the playoff-caliber teams around the league really want from the Twins, and who they’ll undoubtedly come hardest for, are some of the most talented arms on the pitching staff.

And while he’d be sad to say goodbye, it sounds like Jax wouldn’t shed any tears as he boarded his plane to a new baseball life, something Dan Hayes (The Athletic) confirmed in his reporting.

Knowing the realities facing the Twins, Jax is open to entertaining the idea of being traded. Not only would he like to receive a long-term deal, but Jax wants to win. Hard as being traded from his only organization would be, securing multiple desires wouldn’t bother Jax

“We know that there’s going to be a lot of pieces moved at different times,” Jax said. “They add and subtract at all times to help boost the major-league roster. … It’s a compliment to know that there’s other teams out there that really think that I could help push them forward. It’s sad, but at the same time, it’s exciting.”

The Athletic

The sad part is that the 49-52 MN Twins have underachieved. Jax could be available as a trade candidate because the team hasn’t gotten the job done. He is a key piece of one of baseball’s best bullpens and that is hard to leave.

Any competitor wants to win though. Jax could have an opportunity to join a new franchise and immediately view the prospects of his season outcome differently. His sweeper is among the most devastating pitches in all of baseball, and he’d put that on display for a new fanbase.

Griffin Jax, K'ing the Side in the 8th. pic.twitter.com/VJVJbq6DKV

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 28, 2025

Although Jax makes just $2.37 million this season, he’ll have another raise coming through arbitration. Falvey has never shown a willingness to spend on relief arms, and traded or not, that means Jax’s time with the organization is finite.

Organization must consider a future without Griffin Jax

It’s one thing for the Minnesota Twins to trade their impending free agents, but only three should command legitimate returns. Short of Harrison Bader, Willi Castro, and Danny Coulombe, it’s addition by subtraction.

If the Twins were to deal either Jax or Jhoan Duran, they’d get a realistic return that helps them build towards the future. A bad team doesn’t need elite back-end bullpen arms until they are competitive once again. That doesn’t mean it won’t hurt any less moving such an incredible pitcher, but it does reveal why it makes sense to do so.

Related: Minnesota Twins Lose Young Pitcher to Injured List

Minnesota tried to have Jax work as a starter during his rookie year. The 6.37 ERA pushed him to the bullpen. This offseason he had interest in returning to the rotation for the sake of money with his stuff looking so good. That didn’t happen.

An acquiring team is going to keep their new asset in the bullpen, and the hope would be that he is every bit as dominant as he has been for Minnesota.

At 47-49, nobody is quite sure whether or not the Twins will look more like buyers or sellers by July 31, when the deadline officially hits at 5 PM CDT. On Friday night, they will open a new series in Colorado against the Rockies, who hold a 22-74 record and stand as one of the worst teams in all of baseball.

If Minnesota can use this weekend’s series to catapult them into a winning two week stretch, it will be difficult for team president Derek Falvey to explain himself as anything other than a deadline buyer. But what if the next couple weeks do not go as planned, on the field, and the Twins fall even further out of contention?

Minnesota Twins will have bullpen arms for sale at MLB Trade Deadline

Well, the assumption is that bullpen arms like Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe and Brock Stewart will all be on trade block, no matter how the next 13 days go. Here’s the latest on that front, from one of Major League Baseball’s top national insiders, Buster Olney (ESPN).

The Minnesota Twins also could play into this question. A lot of the deals this time of year are for relievers, and the perception of other teams is that Minnesota could be a primary source with a lot to offer — hard-throwing closer Jhoan Duran, left-hander Danny Coulombe or setup man Griffin Jax.

Buster Olney – ESPN

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

Should the Minnesota Twins fall further out of contention during this upcoming two-week stretch, however, it’s possible the front office could look to move more significant pieces, most notably starting pitcher Joe Ryan.

On the season, Joe Ryan has been far and away the best and most reliable starter in the MN Twins rotation. A late addition to the 2025 All-Star, Joe has pitched 109.1 innings, posting a career-best 2.72 ERA (3.20 FIP), which is built on an absurd 0.91 WHIP and a 121/23 K/BB ratio.

The second half of the season is underway!

Here's a look at the top pitches of the first half by runs saved, which were expected (based on PLV) to earn [X] fewer runs than a league-average pitch would, for the same number of pitches.

We already know this… but Joe Ryan's… pic.twitter.com/IFhKus2SaF

— Nick Pollack (@PitcherList) July 18, 2025

MLB execs split on MN Twins’ willingness to trade Joe Ryan

Without a doubt, teams will come hard for Ryan, should the Twins get serious about moving him. But will that actually happen, even if they start losing games? Well, Olney asked that exact question to three people he describes as “rival” Twins executives. The conclusion… was mixed.

One of the front office execs that Olney spoke with seems quite confident in Joe Ryan being available. In fact, this anonymous executive went as far as to say Ryan “will be moved by the deadline”. On the other hand, however, the two other execs were far from convinced.

One rival executive believes that All-Star starter Joe Ryan will be moved before the deadline, but two others disagree, saying that their perception is that the Twins would have to be overwhelmed to part with the right-hander.

Buster Olney – ESPN

Related: Injured MN Twins Starters Nearing Return, Including Pablo Lopez…

During the All-Star Break, Joe Ryan told a Boston Red Sox reporter that being involved in trade deadline rumors excites him, and that he wouldn’t mind being part of a blockbuster deal that pushed him out of Minnesota.

But clearly, even within the MLB circle of front office executives, the Twins’ motivation to move such a key piece of their squad remains up in the air, depending on who you ask.