Minnesota Twins Trade Rumors: Red Sox, Mariners could pursue Josh Willingham

Jul 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) celebrates his home run in the 7th inning to tie the New York Yankees at Target Field. The Twins win 2-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) celebrates his home run in the 7th inning to tie the New York Yankees at Target Field. The Twins win 2-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Twins aren’t as bad as we all thought they’d be this season but they’re not running away with anything respectable at the moment. They have bursts of talent and stability but overall the teams seems to be a year away from contending and that means Minnesota will be listening to offers for some of their best trade chips.

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According to Jon Heyman from CBSSports.com, the Twins are going to hold off until after the All-Star Game to shop their best trade chips and teams like the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners could come calling with offers.

"Willingham could be an interesting trade target. While he tends to be streaky, he has been pretty productive, even playing home games in Oakland and Minnesota, two pitchers parks, as he’s averaged 23 home runs over the last eight seasons. The right-handed power hitter might look especially good in a trade market lacking in many top offensive names, though he’s hitting just .228 with seven home runs and 23 RBI this year.The Mariners and Red Sox are among teams that might be looking to upgrade their offense"

All of this is barring some epic turnaround by the Twins in which they get inspired and decide to make a serious postseason push. That’s unlikely though as Minnesota doesn’t possess a World Series caliber roster and selling for another season might be in their best interest when it comes to creating a World Series caliber roster in the future.