Following the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade, a trio of writers from The Athletic created the first MLB Trade Deadline Big Board of potential players who could be traded in the next month and a half. The top five players on the list are Boston’s Jarren Duran, Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins, Miami’s Sandy Alcántara, and Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. 

In MLB’s expanded playoff format, there are more buyers than sellers at this point in the season. However, there will likely be more separation in the standings as the deadline looms closer. Minnesota has walked a fine line between contender and pretender this season, with a 13-game winning streak sandwiched between two terrible stretches of baseball. The team’s upcoming schedule will dictate whether they are buyers or sellers before the deadline. If things go south, here is where the team’s players on expiring contracts would rank on the Big Board. 

UTL Willi Castro
Big Board Rank: 9
Castro has quietly become one of Minnesota’s most valuable and versatile players over the past two seasons. A switch-hitter with experience all over the diamond, Castro brings positional flexibility that is hard to find in today’s game. His bat has also started to warm up lately. Over the last 28 games, he is hitting .342/.416/.595, with five home runs, three doubles, and 14 runs scored. For a player in a contract year, he seems to be putting it all together at the right time. 

Why would other teams call?
Contenders love Swiss Army knife types for playoff runs, and Castro’s ability to seamlessly bounce between infield and outfield spots makes him an ideal bench upgrade or injury insurance piece for clubs in the postseason hunt. His cost won’t be as high as some other players at the trade deadline, but his versatility will be hard for contenders to ignore.

RP Danny Coulombe
Big Board Rank: 20
Coulombe was brought in to be the Twins’ only left-handed reliever, and he has provided a steady presence in the bullpen mix since joining the club. He pounds the zone with cutters and sinkers, keeping hitters off-balance while rarely issuing free passes. His ability to get both lefties and righties out in leverage spots gives him value beyond the traditional “LOOGY” role, which has mostly disappeared under the three-batter minimum rule.

Why would other teams call?
Left-handed relief is always a hot commodity in July, and Coulombe’s track record, strike-throwing ability, and affordable contract make him a low-risk, high-reward option for teams trying to shore up their bullpen depth for a stretch run. He might be the second-best left-handed reliever who is traded before the deadline, behind Aroldis Chapman. 

SP Chris Paddack
Big Board Rank: 27
Paddack has been a roller coaster in his Twins tenure, but the stuff remains intriguing. After recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Paddack has shown flashes of his old form. He has two blow-up starts this season where he allowed 8+ ER, but between those appearances, he posted a 2.51 ERA across 12 starts. His control can waver, but teams could add him in hopes that he can take the ball every fifth day and eat innings for a rotation that has needed stability.

Why would other teams call?
Rotation depth is always in demand, and Paddack offers potential value as a back-end starter with upside—or even as a bullpen weapon down the stretch. Some contending teams will run into injury issues, and Paddack can be a buy-low opportunity for the season’s final two months. 

OF Harrison Bader
Big Board Rank: 30
Signed as a free-agent gamble this past offseason, Bader has delivered more than what was expected: excellent outfield defense and more than enough offensive punch to stay in the lineup. He ranks third on the team in rWAR, behind Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton. His glove remains elite, saving runs in the outfield and offering playoff-caliber defense up the middle, a skill set that becomes even more valuable in October when every run matters.

Why would other teams call?
For contenders looking for a late-inning defensive replacement or fourth outfielder with speed and playoff experience, Bader is an ideal target. He can pinch-run, provide elite defense, and give a starting center fielder a breather, all tools that championship-minded clubs covet when building out postseason rosters.

1B Ty France
Big Board Rank: N/A
The Twins brought in France to serve as a veteran presence and a capable bat in Minnesota’s right-handed DH/1B mix. He has provided some clutch hits, but his overall power numbers have dipped from past seasons with a 95 OPS+. He doesn’t make the Big Board, because few clubs are looking for a below-average first baseman. 

Why would other teams call? France could appeal to clubs seeking right-handed bench depth, especially those that require a steady hand against left-handed pitching or want insurance at first base. His contact-oriented profile could also fit clubs tired of strikeout-heavy lineups as they make a push for October.

How would you rank these players on the Big Board? Who is too high? Who is too low? Leave a comment and start the discussion.Â