As the clock ticks down to the Major League Baseball trade deadline on Thursday at 5 p.m. CT, rumors surrounding the Minnesota Twins’ trade activity continue to intensify. The anticipated Carlos Correa Minnesota Twins trade remains uncertain, even as interest in closer Jhoan Duran appears to be escalating among league teams.
Twins Poised for Multiple Moves Before Deadline
The Minnesota Twins have already initiated their deadline work by trading starting pitcher Chris Paddack to the Detroit Tigers earlier this week. With the deadline looming, the Twins are widely expected to complete several other transactions, potentially involving several pending free agents on their roster, such as Will Castro, Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, Ty France, and Christian Vazquez. While moving these players is considered probable, the team has been more cautious about trading players under team control.
Key pitchers like Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Brock Stewart could draw attention, but Minnesota appears prepared to listen only to offers that clearly exceed expectations. This cautious approach underscores how important these players are to the team’s longer-term plans, yet a strong proposal could shift that stance.
Ongoing Talks Between Twins and Astros on Carlos Correa
A significant storyline emerged midweek with reports that the Houston Astros have expressed interest in reuniting with shortstop Carlos Correa. For such a trade to materialize, Correa would need to waive his no-trade clause, a significant factor in negotiations. However, initial discussions have revealed considerable gaps between the two sides on terms, especially regarding contract responsibilities.
“While the Houston Astros have interest in Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa and there has been dialogue on a potential trade, the sides are far apart at the moment and no deal is close, sources tell ESPN.” —Jeff Passan, Baseball Insider
Correa was sidelined on Wednesday, though not because of trade talks, which leaves open questions around his availability and impact on deal progress. The evolving situation leaves fans and analysts watching keenly to see if Minnesota and Houston can bridge their differences before the deadline passes.
Jhoan Duran’s Rising Value Among MLB Relievers
While the Carlos Correa talks remain stagnant, another Minnesota Twins player is attracting growing interest in the trade market. Closer Jhoan Duran, who boasts a 2.01 ERA and regularly throws fastballs upwards of 101 mph, has become one of the more coveted relief pitchers available.
The Twins have set a high asking price for Duran, reflecting his strong performance and value to contenders. The closing market has seen some reshuffling following the withdrawal of Emmanuel Clase from potential trades due to a gambling investigation, positioning Duran as perhaps the most appealing reliever available this deadline.
Despite his market rising, Duran continues to maintain his focus, even joking on social media after a lighthearted moment with his bullpen catcher, which attracted fan attention but was intended as a playful gesture between teammates.
Twins’ Deadline Strategy and Potential Outcomes
The Minnesota Twins find themselves at a critical juncture as the trade deadline approaches. Their willingness to trade free agents appears firm, while managing the price for controlled players like Ryan, Duran, and Correa requires careful negotiation amidst competing teams’ interests.
If a deal for Correa does not take shape due to contractual hurdles or valuation disagreements, the Twins may pivot more heavily toward enhancing their bullpen with trades involving Duran or other pitching assets. Successfully navigating this deadline could significantly impact the team‘s competitive positioning in the second half of the season and beyond.
Ultimately, the Twins’ decisions over the next hours will reveal their priorities between short-term roster upgrades and long-term roster control, making this deadline a pivotal period for Minnesota’s baseball future.