The Minnesota Twins are positioning themselves for a competitive stretch run, acquiring relief pitcher A.J. Minter from the New York Mets in a trade completed Thursday night. In exchange, the Twins sent two prospects, Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick, to the Mets. Minter had posted a 2.35 ERA in 23 appearances for New York this season.
This move comes on the heels of an earlier victory, when Kody Clemens hit a walk-off grand slam to secure a series win against the division rival Kansas City Royals. The Twins enter the final weekend before Monday's trade deadline in third place in the AL Central, three games behind the Chicago White Sox and one game behind the Cleveland Guardians, putting them within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Third baseman Royce Lewis voiced his enthusiasm for the team's direction, contrasting it with the Twins' significant player sell-off a year ago. "I think it’d be awesome if it was very dramatic just in the other direction. I think it’d be awesome to go get some real big key pieces here," Lewis said. He added that any additions would provide an emotional boost to a team that is "already thriving and having so much fun in the clubhouse."
The team's general manager, Jeremy Zoll, indicated a focus on improving the club rather than dismantling it. "We’re going to focus on finding to continue to improve the bullpen and that’ll be a clear focus," Zoll stated. "Beyond that, we’re going to be open to a variety of creative paths, and you never know what might come about."
Rumors have also swirled around catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is considered one of the top available options at his position. As Jeffers is on an expiring contract, his potential departure could provide Minnesota with further assets to acquire pitching reinforcements. The team's stated goal is to "add and not subtract" as they approach the deadline.