Twins' Biggest Trade Deadline Chips Revealed

Minnesota remains firmly in the postseason race despite hovering around .500. Yet they possess several valuable trade assets.

With coveted veterans and one of baseball's strongest farm systems, the Twins are expected to be one of the most closely watched teams before the deadline. Their decisions could shape not only the remainder of the 2026 season but the franchise's long-term direction.

Prospects, Trevor Larnach, and Joe Ryan Among Twins' Biggest Trade Chips

A July 16 MLB.com article identified Minnesota's top prospects, outfielder Trevor Larnach, and starting pitcher Joe Ryan as the organization's biggest trade assets.

Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion was the prospect group. Minnesota currently has four Top 100 Prospects: outfielder Walker Jenkins (No. 14), shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (No. 32), catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 38), and outfielder Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 55).

Jenkins, Culpepper, and Rodriguez are all at Triple-A St. Paul, although Culpepper and Rodriguez are sidelined with injuries after strong starts to the season. Tait is at High-A Cedar Rapids, where he is slashing .216/.280/.420 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in 77 games this season. The catcher was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in last season's Jhoan Duran trade.

It remains unlikely Minnesota would move any of its top prospects. However, if the Twins decide to buy at the deadline, parting with prospects from their deep farm system could help them address immediate needs.

Jenkins is widely viewed as the organization's most MLB-ready prospect. Before suffering a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder that sidelined him for nearly two months, he appeared poised for a major league call-up.

In 38 games with Triple-A St. Paul, Jenkins is slashing .277/.386/.440 with three home runs and 13 RBI. He has also drawn 23 walks against just 26 strikeouts.

Because Jenkins appears close to making his MLB debut, Minnesota could consider moving a current major league outfielder to create playing time.

Larnach was identified as one possible trade candidate.

"It wouldn’t be shocking if the Twins moved someone such as outfielder Trevor Larnach to bolster their Major League pitching in a deal, clearing space for someone like Jenkins," the article stated.

With several young outfielders waiting in Triple-A, Minnesota has depth if it chooses to move Larnach. The Twins could use that depth to address a bullpen that owns a 5.19 ERA, the second-highest mark in baseball.

Larnach's strong 2026 season has also boosted his trade value. He is slashing .289/.379/.451 with seven home runs and 32 RBI in 80 games.

Meanwhile, Ryan remains the organization's biggest question mark and most valuable trade asset.

It was somewhat surprising that Minnesota held on to Ryan during last year's fire sale, but his name has once again surfaced in trade speculation.

The Twins are expected to receive significant interest in the 30-year-old right-hander, who recently earned his second consecutive All-Star selection.

If Minnesota decides to sell, Ryan would immediately become the franchise's biggest trade chip. However, moving him would also signal that the organization is prioritizing the future over a postseason push.

Ryan is enjoying the best season of his career in 2026, posting a 2.85 ERA with 128 strikeouts compared to just 25 walks across 110.1 innings. While trading him would likely strengthen an already talented farm system, it would also weaken a club that has fought its way back into the American League playoff race.

With the deadline approaching, the Twins face several potentially franchise-altering decisions that could shape both their playoff hopes and their long-term future.