3 Most Likely Twins Trade Targets at the Deadline

After finishing dead last in the AL Central last year, the Minnesota Twins currently occupy the second-place spot with a 38-32 record in the 2022 MLB season. Overtaking the lead isn't out of the question as they trail the first-place Cleveland Guardians by just one game as of June 23.

Catching the Guardians is a realistic goal and the Twins can help themselves by turning to the trade market to improve their roster. After all, there shouldn't be a shortage of names to chase now that the trade deadline is just over a month away.

The MLB trade deadline is August 2, and these three players are the most likely to be targeted by the Twins before the first week in August.

Twins Trade Rumors

1. Carl Edwards Jr., RP — Washington Nationals

The bullpen has been one of the Twins' weaker areas this season, with their relievers combining for a 4.01 ERA — seventh-worst in the American League. One relief pitcher that could help the Twins improve is the Washington Nationals' Carl Edwards Jr. The 30-year-old righty has been solid this year, pitching to a 2.82 ERA while recording 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Furthermore, Edwards has given up only nine hits over 22.1 IP, recording a 0.806 WHIP along the way. Throw in that he's set to be a free agent at the end of the season and chances are the Twins wouldn't need to break the bank to add Edwards to the bullpen.

2. José Quintana, SP — Pittsburgh Pirates

Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the Twins' starting rotation throughout the season, so adding another hurler isn't such a bad idea. Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher José Quintana is certainly worth a consideration. The 33-year-old southpaw has done well despite the Pirates' 2022 struggles, tallying a 3.66 ERA while striking out 55 batters in 64.0 IP over 13 starts. The .315 on-base percentage that Quintana has allowed is his best mark since 2017 and playing for a better club in Minnesota could help him become even better. Just like Edwards, Quintana is also a rental player that wouldn't require the Twins to give up any major pieces to acquire.

3. Jonathan Villar, 2B/3B/SS — Chicago Cubs

The Twins' infield depth is seriously lacking and they could use a player like Jonathan Villar. The Chicago Cubs utility player has played each infield position except for first base this season, meaning the Twins can deploy him wherever they see fit. The 31-year-old's batting average (.227) might be down this year, but he's still recorded two home runs, 15 RBIs and six stolen bases in 45 games. Another valuable tool that Villar possesses is his switching-hitting ability, as well as the fact that he brings over 1,000 career games to the table. He isn't the flashiest name that the Twins can pursue, but the Villar is the type of player that'll make Minnesota tougher to deal with as the season continues.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.