Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
We’re just over a month from the incredible sell off that the Minnesota Twins underwent at the trade deadline. They parted out 40% of the active roster, and over 60% of the bullpen.
Of course the team struggled to meet expectations this year. On deadline day Rocco Baldelli’s group was 51-57 and 12 games back in the AL Central. That made the path pretty clear for Derek Falvey.
In the midst of the selling, the Twins paid more than $30 million just to get rid of the boat anchor that was Carlos Correa. Ownership isn’t going anywhere, and they already wanted to save money. There is still opportunity for them to do more this offseason.
Expect Minnesota Twins to deal Pablo Lopez too
At the trade deadline the Twins moved Carlos Correa in a salary dump. They traded so much of their roster they considered moving star pitcher Joe Ryan, despite his team control. If that was on the table, then Pablo Lopez, who is better and more expensive,
The results of The Athletic’s poll were shared by Aaron Gleeman. Respondents, nearly 6,000 of them, suggesting that both Lopez and Ryan are gone is unfortunate. It’s also not out of the realm of possibility.
If Derek Falvey were to trade Joe Ryan, the reasoning would be building for the future and extracting a massive haul. He’s second-year arbitration eligible this offseason, but should still earn something manageable around $6 million.
On the flip side, Pablo Lopez is set to make $21.75 million each of the next two seasons. That’s the most expensive deal on the books for 2026, and also the only one besides Byron Buxton’s (untradable) $15 million.
Minnesota would still get a strong return for Lopez. He owns a 2.82 ERA (3.04 FIP) this season, and returns to the mound against the Kansas City Royals with room to substantiate his health. If he’s made available, there is no way he wouldn’t be among the most coveted assets on the market this offseason.
Related: MN Twins Fans Make Hatred for Pohlads 98.5% Loud and Clear
A large part of the reason Minnesota struggled to compete this season was because Lopez wasn’t there to complement Ryan. They don’t have an immediate succession plan, and short of nailing the return for him, they aren’t going to pay for one either.
The Pohlads crushed payroll after a season in which the Twins had their most successful postseason run in decades. They have dropped it again despite bringing on new parties to buy down their debt. Until those in charge are going to operate with a forward thinking train of though, things will be difficult for the front office.
Mentioned in this article: Joe Ryan Pablo Lopez
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