Predicting Twins’ biggest move before MLB trade deadline

The Minnesota Twins were expected to be an afterthought at this point in the year by most MLB observers. They were expected to battle the Chicago White Sox to stay out of the cellar of the American League Central.

The White Sox have been one of the great surprises of the 2026 season and they are in first place in the division. They have exceeded expectations, and so have the Twins. They are in third place in the division with a 49-49 record, just 3.0 games behind the White Sox.

The Twins are also tied for the third and final Wild Card position in the American League with the streaking Boston Red Sox. While the Red Sox have garnered most of the headlines as a result of their 11-game winning streak, the Twins have been playing winning baseball for the last month. Their 5-2 road victory over the Chicago Cubs in the first game following the All-Star Break means they have won 10 of their last 14 games and they have a three-game winning streak.

Much like the Red Sox, the Twins have used timely hitting to overcome their inefficient play earlier in the season. The Twins have slugger Byron Buxton as their top power hitter. The oft-injured star has resumed running and could be back in the lineup shortly where he can add to his total of 25 home runs.

Starting pitching has been effective, but Twins need bullpen help

The Twins’ starting pitching has also been solid for manager Derek Shelton. Joe Ryan was mentioned for several weeks as one of the top trade candidates prior to the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but the Twins have a legitimate chance to play October baseball. If they are going to do that, they need to keep their top starter.

Ryan has a 6-5 record along with a 2.85 earned run average and 128 strikeouts in 110.1 innings. Taj Bradley and Bailey Ober are also effective starting pitchers.

However, if the Twins are going to continue their surge and earn a spot in the postseason, they need to upgrade their bullpen.

The Twins are trying to get by with Yoendrys Gomez, Andrew Morris and Taylor Rogers doing most of the work out of the bullpen. Gomez has taken on the role of closer and he has a 1.65 earned run average while closing out 19 games. Gomez has 11 saves in 27.1 innings and he has struck out 26 batters.

Morris has pitched 47.0 innings while making 36 appearances. He has a 4-2 record, a 3.26 ERA and has struck out 48 batters in 47.0 innings. Rogers has made 41 appearances, but his 5.56 ERA indicates that the Twins can be vulnerable when he steps on the mound.

Twins should target Astros closer as trade deadline approaches

If the Houston Astros are willing to trade some of their assets, the Twins would be wise to go after closer Josh Hader. The hard-throwing Hader would give the Twins an intimidating closer, something they don’t have right now. It may be a lot for the team to get its arms around the idea of becoming buyers prior to the trade deadline, but their current position and momentum indicates they have a real opportunity to make a statement this year and rise above preseason predictions.

Hader is one of the best closers in the game with a plus fastball and an even better slider. Hader has 10 saves in 17 appearances this year with 25 strikeouts in 15.1 innings and a scintillating 1.17 ERA. The presence of Hader in a Twins uniform would send a message to the team that management believes in them and that would raise the confidence level throughout the locker room.

Foster Griffin could deliver additional mound help