The All-Star break is here, and the Minnesota Twins are 48-49, sitting in third place in the American League Central and just three games out of first place. They are also tied for an American League Wild Card spot in a postseason race that remains wide open.
Minnesota has been one of baseball’s biggest surprises this season after trading away key players such as Johan Duran and Carlos Correa at last year’s deadline. That fire sale led many fans to believe the Twins would once again be sellers this summer. There is still a chance the Twins go another direction.
Are The Twins Buyers?
Before the season, the Twins were largely viewed as an afterthought by fans and analysts. Instead, they have emerged as one of the American League’s better offensive teams, ranking among the top 10 in hits, home runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.
The offense has carried much of the load, however, as Minnesota’s pitching staff has struggled. The Twins enter the break ranked 24th in Major League Baseball in team ERA.
Despite the pitching woes, they remain within striking distance of both the division lead and a Wild Card berth. Adding a couple of dependable arms before the trade deadline could make Minnesota dangerous during the second half of the season.
Attendance and public criticism of ownership could also influence the organization’s approach. The criticism began after the 2023 season, when the Twins won a playoff series for the first time in 21 years. Instead of building on that success, ownership reduced payroll and made few roster additions. Then, at the 2025 trade deadline, Minnesota dealt several key contributors from that playoff team.
Tom Pohlad took over for Jim Pohlad last December and said the club intended to be competitive in 2026. If ownership hopes to rebuild trust with fans and improve attendance, selling again at the deadline may not send the right message.
General Manager Jeremy Zoll said last week that the club is continuing to evaluate whether it will buy or sell. But given Minnesota’s recent success and the poor play throughout the American League, this appears to be an ideal opportunity to add talent.
What Has Minnesota Added?
The Twins have already made several moves ahead of the All-Star break to strengthen their bullpen. Minnesota acquired reliever Woo-Suk Go from Detroit for cash considerations, claimed Jack Anderson off waivers from Boston, and acquired veteran reliever Tommy Nance from Toronto.
While none of these additions are headline-grabbing acquisitions, they address a bullpen that has struggled throughout the season. The Twins enter the break ranked 27th in baseball with a 5.15 bullpen ERA.
What Do The Twins Need?
Even after those additions, Minnesota still needs pitching help. The bullpen could use another dependable late-inning reliever, but adding another reliable starter alongside Joe Ryan and Taj Bradley may be an even bigger priority. Several starting pitchers have been connected to the Twins in recent reports.
Kevin Gausman
Toronto Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman is one of the names linked to Minnesota. ESPN’s Jeff Passan called Gausman his “dream match” for the Twins.
The 35-year-old is 4-8 with a 4.33 ERA this season. Although those numbers are modest, Gausman has established himself as one of baseball’s most reliable starters, posting an ERA below 4.00 in multiple Seasons.
Whether Toronto would move him remains uncertain. The Blue Jays remain within reach of a Wild Card spot and could decide to keep their veteran starter if they remain in contention. If Toronto falls further behind, Minnesota could become a serious suitor.
Foster Griffin
Another pitcher highlighted by Passan is Washington’s All-Star Foster Griffin. Griffin has enjoyed a breakout season after returning from three years in Japan, compiling a 10-2 record with a 2.77 ERA through 19 starts.
At 30 years old, the left-hander would provide balance to Minnesota’s rotation and could be a possible long-term addition. However, his strong performance this season would likely make him an expensive target. Like Toronto, Washington also remains in the postseason race, making a deal far from certain.
Sonny Gray
Former Twin Sony Gray has also surfaced in trade speculation. The 36-year-old is 11-1 with a 2.55 ERA in 17 starts for Boston and would immediately strengthen Minnesota’s rotation. A reunion will not come cheap.
Gray is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract that includes a player option for 2027. He also has a no-trade clause, although reports say he would be willing to discuss waiving his clause.
The Red Sox entered the break only one game behind Minnesota in the Wild Card standings, which could convince them to keep Gray for a playoff push. Other pitchers who could become available include Aroldis Chapman, José Soriano, Robbie Ray, and Dustin May, among others.
Who Could the Minnesota Twins Trade?
After last year’s trade deadline, it appears very few players are untouchable. The lone exception appears to be All-Star Center, Fielder Byron Buxton. General Manager Zoll has publicly dismissed trade speculation surrounding Buxton.
Beyond Buxton, however, several Twins have appeared in trade rumors over the past several weeks.
Joe Ryan
Two-time All-Star Joe Ryan has been the subject of trade speculation throughout the season. Ryan, 30, owns a 2.85 ERA with 128 strikeouts through 20 starts and is considered one of the top pitching options available. Moving Ryan would be a clear indicator that Minnesota is selling.
The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly shown significant interest, and any deal involving Ryan would require a substantial return. If the Twins remain in the playoff race, however, trading Ryan appears unlikely.
Ryan Jeffers
Catcher Ryan Jeffers is in the final year of his contract and was enjoying the best offensive season of his career before suffering a hand injury that sidelined him for nearly 2 months until his return on July 10. Jeffers has been connected to multiple trade rumors, and the New York Yankees reportedly scouted him in his return game.
Trading Jeffers makes sense for several reasons. Minnesota selected catcher Vahn Lackey with the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, and veteran Victor Caratini performed well during Jeffers’ absence.
Jeffers remains one of baseball’s better offensive catchers, making him an attractive trade piece if Minnesota looks to acquire pitching.
Trevor Larnach
Trevor Larnach has also generated trade interest.
The 29-year-old is hitting .285 with 30 RIBs through 79 games and is producing some of the best numbers of his career.
Trading either Larnach or Jeffers would not necessarily indicate that Minnesota is selling. Either player could be used to address other needs while keeping the Twins competitive. Larnach’s value is sky high.
Minnesota’s deep outfield depth with players like Alan Roden, Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodrigues, and Matt Wallner, makes shipping off Larnach make more sense. Other players who have surfaced in trade rumors include Josh Bell, Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, and Victor Caratini. Though most are expected to stay due to diminishing trade value.
The Bottom Line
Minnesota’s deadline could once again be among the most active in baseball. Whether the Twins buy, sell, or pursue a combination of both will depend on where they stand when the deadline approaches.
If they choose to add talent, don’t expect a blockbuster. More likely, Minnesota will target pitching upgrades that improve the roster without giving up long-term assets.
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