The New York Mets are actively pursuing bullpen reinforcements and a versatile outfield option before the trade deadline, focusing their attention on the Minnesota Twins. With the Twins positioned four games behind the final American League Wild Card spot and struggling with a sub-.500 record, the Mets see a prime opportunity to acquire impactful players like Danny Coulombe and Willi Castro to strengthen their roster for the playoff push.
Potential Trade Details Between Mets and Twins
The Mets are targeting two key players from Minnesota: left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe and utility player Willi Castro. Coulombe has been outstanding this season, posting a remarkably low 0.63 ERA across 28.2 innings, making him one of the most effective southpaws in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>Major League Baseball. Castro, an All-Star last season, offers flexibility across multiple defensive positions, providing the Mets with valuable options during the stretch run and into the postseason.
In exchange, the Twins would receive four promising Mets prospects: Jesus Baez, Nick Morabito, Jonathan Pintaro, and Dom Hamel. This package gives Minnesota an injection of young talent to rebuild their farm system as they prepare for future competitiveness beyond the current season.
Versatility and Performance of Willi Castro
Willi Castro is a dynamic player hitting .259 with a .348 on-base percentage, contributed by 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and eight stolen bases this year. Although he has played just one game in center field this season, Castro has accumulated 92 career games at that position, giving him far more experience there than current Mets option Jeff McNeil. Beyond center field, Castro has also spent significant time in left and right field, as well as second base, shortstop, and third base, earning a reputation as a true utility player capable of filling multiple roles as needed.
Danny Coulombe would be a fantastic addition to this roster. Should be one of the top priorities for the Mets at the deadline #LGM #Mets https://t.co/vqxPPEylSW pic.twitter.com/vfhhUJqV6v— MetsMetrics (@_MetsMetrics) July 18, 2025
Impact of Acquiring Danny Coulombe
Coulombe’s value to the Mets extends beyond his impressive statistics. As a 35-year-old lefty reliever, he fills a crucial need in a bullpen that recently lost A.J. Minter for the season. With Brooks Raley returning and performing well, Coulombe would provide a complementary southpaw presence to solidify late-inning matchups. His consistency over several seasons—with ERAs of 1.46 in 2022, 2.81 in 2023, 2.12 in 2024, and leading all relievers with 0.63 this year—positions him as a top-tier option for New York’s relief corps.
Prospects Heading to Minnesota
To balance the deal, the Twins would receive four Mets prospects to bolster their rebuilding efforts. Jesus Baez, ranked No. 7 in New York’s system, is a 20-year-old infielder currently at High-A Brooklyn, batting .250 with a .344 OBP, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs while showing defensive versatility at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Nick Morabito, a 22-year-old outfielder primarily playing center field for Double-A Binghamton, excels on the basepaths with 33 stolen bases this year and 59 last season. His contact-hitting and speed compensate for a lack of power, maintaining a .288 average and .360 OBP.
Right-handed pitchers Jonathan Pintaro and Dom Hamel also join the Twins in this proposed trade. Pintaro, 27, has split his time between starting and relieving, making a brief major league debut earlier this season and demonstrating potential as a bullpen arm. Hamel, 26, has transitioned from starting to relief work at Triple-A Syracuse and remains close to reaching the majors. Both pitchers could contribute at the big-league level for Minnesota either this year or the next.
Strategic Benefits for Both Teams
This trade scenario aligns with the Mets’ urgent need for bullpen depth and versatile bench options ahead of a playoff run, while the Twins gain four promising prospects to rebuild their system. Minnesota sacrifices two months of veteran production for the possibility of long-term gains from these young players, addressing their future beyond the regular season. New York, meanwhile, adds proven talent in both relief pitching and utility play, reinforcing critical areas as they aim for postseason success.
Implications for Fantasy Baseball
From a fantasy perspective, Willi Castro might offer limited appeal as a part-time player, but joining the Mets could boost his performance opportunities given the stronger lineup. Meanwhile, Danny Coulombe is expected to feature prominently in the Mets’ late innings setting up closer Edwin Diaz; however, he is unlikely to accumulate saves himself, reducing his value for fantasy saves categories.
What’s Next for the Mets and Twins?
This potential trade represents a calculated move by the Mets to address glaring bullpen and defensive needs, crucial as July’s trade deadline approaches. The addition of Danny Coulombe and Willi Castro would inject experience and flexibility, two assets often vital in the postseason. For the Twins, the influx of prospects aligns with a longer-term rebuilding plan, signaling a focus on developing young talent ahead of next seasons. Fans and analysts will be closely watching whether this trade materializes and how it impacts both teams in the races ahead.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Danny Coulombe have a blue glove?
A. SAN ANTONIO (AP) — On Monday, the Orioles decided to keep Ryan O’Hearn and Seranthony DomÃnguez by agreeing to $8 million deals. They also kept Cionel Pérez with a $2.2 million deal. However, they chose not to retain Danny Coulombe, who is now a free agent, declining his $4 million option.