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MLB Trade Deadline: 1 trade every team shouldn’t make

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder A.J. Pollock prior to the game against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Twins: Selling Phil Hughes

Following an encouraging 2015 campaign that had them in contention until the final day of the year, this season has been a nightmare for the Twins. With a 10-29 record, Minnesota will be one of the few sure-fire sellers at the deadline.

The roster in Minnesota is mostly young graduates of a well-stocked farm system. Any veteran piece like Trevor Plouffe, Ervin Santana and Kevin Jepsen should be headed elsewhere at the deadline.

Perhaps the only veteran Minnesota should consider holding on to is Hughes. The 29-year-old has a 5.70 ERA (4.54 FIP) in 42.2 innings to begin the 2016 season according to FanGraphs.

That’s a far cry from 2014, when Hughes had a 3.52 ERA (2.65 FIP) and set the record for single-season K/BB ratio at 10.94. While Hughes may never be that good again, he shouldn’t be declining this quickly prior to his 30th birthday, and needs a chance to rebuild some value. Throw in the fact that Hughes has been dealing with some shoulder fatigue lately, and a trade isn’t going to get the Twins much value at the moment.

There’s still four years left on Hughes’ contract, so the Twins can wait a while and still get a better return than they would currently. If the prospects develop to their full potential, Hughes could even have a spot on the next Twins’ contending roster.

Next: New York Mets: Trading any starting pitching depth

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