Fansided

Power Ranking each MLB team in aftermath of Trade Deadline

By Kyle Franzoni

Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; (Editors note: Caption correction) Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 2, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kevin Jepsen (49) pitches to the Seattle Mariners in the eleventh inning at Target Field. The Mariners win 4-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Kevin Jepsen (49) pitches to the Seattle Mariners in the eleventh inning at Target Field. The Mariners win 4-1 in 11 innings. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

12: Minnesota Twins

ACQUIRED: RHP Kevin Jepsen (from Rays)

TRADED: RHP Chih-Wei Hu (to Rays), RHP Alexis Tapia (to Rays)

The Minnesota Twins have the enviable recognition of already being in command of a playoff spot, so there’s that. That’s pretty impressive for a team that has arguably overachieved in 2015 and continued to do so despite having some obvious deficiencies (center field, shortstop, and starting pitching).

However, some have to wonder why the team did nothing to address those needs. In fact, the team added just Kevin Jepsen to their bullpen.

There is likely a strong reason for this. Minnesota covets their prospects and given the fact that their success is an obvious overreach in 2015, the team was caught off guard by their success. However, that won’t deter them from their long-term goals and that is built around the influx of players like Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, and Jose Berrios. Expanding into players like Nick Gordon, Max Kepler, and Kohl Stewart, and it is easy to see why the Twins held their hand.

If they make the playoffs in 2015, great. But the bigger picture represents a much more fruitful excursion for Minnesota.

Next: 11: Toronto Blue Jays

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