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Here’s the Minnesota Twins best strategy at the trade deadline

By Brad Berreman

MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 04: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 04: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on July 4, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Brian Cassella- Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Brian Cassella- Getty Images /

4. SP Lance Lynn

Speaking of a rough start, Lynn’s late spring signing surely helped bring an 8.37 ERA over his first five starts. But he pitched far better in May and June, with a 3.27 ERA and a 55:24 K/BB ratio over 10 total starts, before a rough outing in his last start against the Chicago Cubs on July 1 (seven runs allowed over 1.2 innings).

Lynn’s track record, albeit in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals, says he’s a better pitcher than he’s shown so far this year. He’s averaging more than a strikeout per inning in 2018, but walks (5.6 BB.9) and maybe a little bit of bad fortune (4.37 FIP), have pushed his ERA up toward 5.50 (5.49).

Lynn is also on a one-year deal this year, so that alone will appeal to contending teams. He also has postseason experience, with 24 appearances (seven starts), so even with middling results (4.50 career postseason ERA) that may also matter to some contenders.

Starting with Friday night against the Orioles, Lynn’s next few starts will determine his trade value, if he has any. If he can go through July looking like he did in May and June, and thus closer to the pitcher he was with the Cardinals, Derek Falvey and Thad Levine can expect some phone calls.

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