Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
One aspect of the Minnesota Twins dealing nearly 40% of their roster at the trade deadline is those players getting a chance to compete. All of them go to franchises currently in better positions to make the postseason.
Not all of them wanted to be traded. Some of them asked out while watching the team get torn down to the studs.
Among those moved, Chris Paddack was the first. He’ll face the Twins on Tuesday, and he does so in what he believes is a more cozy situation.
Chris Paddack loves the Detroit Tigers facilities
The Minnesota Twins aren’t the first franchise Chris Paddack has played for at the big league level. He was acquired from the San Diego Padres after pitching their for the first three years of his career. Detroit’s facilities made an immediate impression on him though.
“I mean, look at it. From clubhouse to kitchen to weight room, I think the training room is next, it’s top tier. It goes to show little things for players, for our bodies and our mind, the space that they create for us in here, it’s important. It’s just crazy what winning some games can do for an organization. Their front office is all-in on this group and started making some upgrades.”
Paddack was quick to point out the upgrades he sees in Detroit over Minnesota to the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale. While Target Field was built in 2010, the most discussed upgrades from a player standpoint have been Nelson Cruz’s nap room, and the facilities for families during games.
Chris Paddack, Filthy 78mph Curveball. 😷 pic.twitter.com/j4z8PDvLJE
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 30, 2025
The home clubhouse was remodeled in Detroit just two years ago. There is still a shine and a luster for the players that have been there. It has to feel that much more special to guys experiencing it for the first time.
Paddack took his first turn in the Tigers rotation last week. He threw six innings of one-run ball while allowing just three hits and striking out five. It will be interesting to see how he attacks Minnesota, and how the Twins respond when the two see each other Tuesday night.
Paddack weighs in on Minnesota Twins crowds
With the Twins sending players all throughout the league, it’s not surprising that plenty will cross paths on new teams. That happened for Chris Paddack and the Tigers as they faced the Philadelphia Phillies. Jhoan Duran’s entrance was on display, and the former Minnesota starter said it hit different.
“The guys were asking me, ‘Was it this good in Minnesota?’ I was like, ‘We had some good crowds, some good light shows and some fun games, but it wasn’t 46,000, lights turning off and the whole stadium is rocking. I was trying to hold in the smiles for him because he’s on the wrong side, but that’s what it is about. That’s why we play this game. You get goosebumps when you get those opportunities.”
Jhoan Duran kept his entrance from when he was with the Twins and introduced it to the Bank. pic.twitter.com/LU1NvVHgyk
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2025
Paddack isn’t wrong. The Duran entrance hits different in a filled ballpark, at night, with fans knowing the game means something. This season the Twins have been able to offer the darkness, but that’s where things end.
Their attendance ranks 12th of 15 teams in the American League. They will fail to hit 2 million in total attendance yet again, and the rest of the way should see dismal crowds after the selloff was initiated by ownership.
Related: One Minnesota Twins Pitcher Devastated by Trade
It’s disappointing that so many around the country are just now seeing this moment for the first time. It could have been something celebrated in Minnesota if the franchise cared enough to get it on center stage.
Mentioned in this article: Chris Paddack
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