That might be technically true, but it masks a deeper truth: Because the front office knows it will not be allowed to spend big money in free agency, it is playing the lower-revenue franchise game of constantly seeking maximum value, rather than simply trying to win now.
Many of the Twins’ deadline deals were of the routine variety. The trading of valuable, in-their-prime, hardly-expensive players like Duran, Griffin Jax, Willi Castro and Louie Varland was the result of the front office knowing that, to remake the roster for 2026 and beyond, the team needed greater financial flexibility under the current payroll restraints.
Team president Derek Falvey said the trades were made for baseball reasons, but if he had a $180 million payroll, would he have traded an All-Star caliber closer? I don’t think so.
If the Pohlads care about their family name and reputation, if they want to receive credit for running a stable organization, they have one obvious move to make:
Rebuild the bullpen before Opening Day, and sign a slugger or two who will take pressure off the Twins’ young hitters.