Gallo did a great job filling in at first base, but Alex Kirilloff was destined to take over. Kirilloff’s role in the lineup should be to hit for average and power when healthy, but in recent seasons, his health has been a major question mark. Nevertheless, Minnesota ought to be more inclined to add a right-handed first baseman to complement Kirilloff given their abundance of outfield options.
On the open market, Rhys Hoskins will be the most well-known name, but a trade could result in four different options.
Alonso, a former Home Run Derby winner, has hit 37 home runs or more in each of the complete seasons. Steve Cohen and the Mets do not require salary relief; however, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander have been informed that New York plans to start over in 2024. There isn’t much of a reason not to take advantage of Alonso as he is entering his final year of team control.
In each of his major league seasons, Alonso has recorded at least a 122 OPS+. He has power with the greatest names in baseball, walks a fair number of times, and hits for a respectable average. Additionally, he is right-handed and would be a platoon staple if Kirilloff is never able to fully recover for Minnesota.
Proposed trade: Alonso for Yasser Mercedes and Aaron Sabato (Trade Value Simulator says: Slight advantage NYM)
Brandon Drury – Los Angeles Angels
Having signed with the Angels prior to the 2023 season, when they believed they had a chance to win with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, Drury saw firsthand how the team kept squandering talent. Although his 114 OPS+ was a little lower than in 2022, he has had three solid seasons in a row. Over the last two years, his power has really increased, and last year, he strengthened his arsenal by adding first base.
Drury’s salary for this season is only $8.5 million, the last year of a two-year contract worth $17 million. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated neutral splits and has played a variety of positions. The Twins could find a much better fit for a little more than Kyle Farmer is expected to make this season.
Proposed trade: Drury for Kyle Farmer and Michael Helman (TVS says: Neutral)
Ryan Mountcastle – Baltimore Orioles
Although it seems strange that the Orioles would trade a young player while they are still in the running, he is not a good fit for the new layout of that stadium. He would be a fantastic option if they were to lean more toward Ryan O’Hearn or someone else, and Matt Braun explained why this summer.
Mouncastle would have the highest acquisition cost of these options under team control through 2026. Just two years ago, he hit 33 home runs and had a career OPS+ of 114. It would be much easier to allow him to yank pitches into the bleachers at Target Field, as he has dominated southpaws in his brief career. He has similar experience to Kirilloff at the corner outfield position.
Proposed trade: Mountcastle for David Festa and Brent Headrick (TVS says: Slight disadvantage BAL)
Paul Goldschmidt – St. Louis Cardinals
The question of whether the Cardinals would sell off was a hot topic during the trade deadline. That included Goldschmidt and even Nolan Arenado, the third baseman, in whispers. Nash Walker, one of our own, mentioned recently that Minnesota might try to acquire Goldschmidt. He meets the Twins’ requirements for a powerful right-handed hitter who can play first base.
Although Goldy’s skill hasn’t significantly decreased, St. Louis may be persuaded to trade for the veteran in his last year of contract in order to acquire someone younger and less expensive. Goldy won an MVP just a year ago. His 2024 salary is projected to be $26 million, with incentives potentially raising that amount to $28 million. As the Twins attempt to reduce payroll, this decision is challenging. Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco would also not receive salary relief here because they are not a good fit for a team trying to build its young roster. But St. Louis might be persuaded to contribute funds for the salary in exchange for giving up a better prospect.
Proposed trade: Goldschmidt for Marco Raya, Jose Salas, and Zebby Matthews
