MLB Trade Deadline: The ultimate 30-team trade
6. Minnesota Twins
In order to capitalize on a surprising strong start and parlay it into a spot in the postseason, the Twins need help in the starting rotation. Minnesota starting pitchers entered the week ranked 27th in the majors in fWAR (2.7), and had a 4.92 combined ERA and 5.17 FIP despite the presence of All-Star Ervin Santana and standout youngster Jose Berrios.
On that note, the Twins aren’t scared to take on Atlanta’s hand-me-downs, having already signed Bartolo Colon after the Braves released him. Therefore, it would make sense for Minnesota to be interested in Garcia.
Jaime Garcia made the most sense. Like Dickey, he will be a free agent at the end of the season, so there is no long-term commitment to the Twins if things don’t work out. However, as a 30-year-old left-hander trending in the right direction following back-to-back quality starts in wins over the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, respectively, Garcia could re-sign with Minnesota over the winter, making him more than a rental.
The 42-year-old Dickey probably wouldn’t be a candidate for an extension, but as a knuckleballer, he is capable of pitching much longer than most, so it’s not out of the question. In our scenario, the Twins would allow Kennys Vargas to go to the Angels in return for Dickey. Vargas, hitting .244/.291/.432 with eight home runs in 50 games for the Twins this year, has huge raw power but has yet to develop into an every day player at the major league level. Perhaps he could fulfill his potential in Anaheim. Also, the Angels would ship a player to be named later to Atlanta as part of a deal for Kurt Suzuki discussed later.
The Twins also need help in the bullpen, and would therefore have interest in a reunion with White Sox reliever Anthony Swarzak, sending a mid-level prospect, 24-year-old right-hander John Curtiss, to Chicago in exchange.