Yesterday, millions of Americans enjoyed a hopefully-delicious Thanksgiving meal (quickly napped-off during the Cooper Rush vs Drew Lock Cowboys/Giants game). Today, those same folks will elbow each other out of the way in pursuit of stocking stuffers and Santa sundries. Thankfulness overlapping with greed—the American way.
In that spirit, I’m presenting a plea—hopefully a final one—to the Pohlad ownership group to leave a lasting legacy (or at least a chance for one) via the Minnesota Twins roster as opposed to configuring it for sale. In the words of Senator Bernie Sanders…
Earlier this year, I called out the Pohlads for their utter mismanagement of the ‘24 Twins. That malpractice cannot be reversed—but it doesn’t necessarily have to continue. As such, my plea to the Pohlads is to not tear down a roster that is still pretty strong overall…
Do not trade Carlos Correa
C-4 is a franchise cornerstone-type player. Jumping ship after all the excitement and resources put into him would be a gut punch of the highest order.
Do not trade Pablo Lopez
I’d argue that Pablo is as much the heart-and-soul of the Twins as Correa. No, he’s not always going to be an A-1 ace start-in and start-out, but when the lights are brightest he always seems to come through. Removing him from the fold sets the whole rotation adrift.
My level of wrath after a Pablo Lopez trade may know no bounds
Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images
Do not trade Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax
Dominant relievers are now simply a necessary component of winning baseball. Duran’s raw stuff is quasi-unhittable when sequenced correctly and Jax has developed one of the most effective sweepers in the game. Having these two is closer to necessity than luxury.
Do not trade Willi Castro
I realize Castro’s actual talent level doesn’t quite live up to his 2024 hype—I really do. But Rocco Baldelli has built this squad in the name of positional flexibility and I don’t know how that plays out without Willi.
More valuable than metrics
Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
I could go on. I’d also rather not see Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Joe Ryan, or Bailey Ober moved. I’m guessing Royce Lewis is untouchable in any scenario.
In short, what I’m really saying is this: If the Pohlads don’t bring in an ounce of outside help to the roster, I’m fine with it—so long as they don’t tear down what has already been built.
I completely realize I’m liking living in a selfish fantasy akin to Black Friday shoppers. Every bit of Pohlad history tells us one or more stars will be lost to payroll pacifism. But my plea still stands: allow the roster its bare necessities for immediate contention.