Evaluating the Twins’ Recent Trades with 2024 World Series Teams – Twins

As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare to face off in the 2024 World Series, it’s a perfect time to evaluate how the two recent trades for these perennial contenders have impacted the Twins. While the industries varied in size and scope, each sent significant talent back and forth with the goal of meeting the needs of all teams involved. Let’s take a look back to see how each team benefited (or didn’t) from these deals.

March 13, 2022: Twins pitch Donaldson to Yankees
In the spring of 2022, the Twins shipped Josh Donaldson, Isiaha Kiner-FalefaAND Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees. In return, Minnesota accepted two veterans, Gary Sánchez AND Gio Urshela. The Yankees looked to add depth, hoping Kiner-Falefa could hold down the shortstop position while Donaldson added pop in the middle of the lineup. Minnesota was looking for a way out of Donaldson’s contract.

Impact on the Yankees
In the case of New York, this trade has produced mixed results. Donaldson initially provided an injection of power and leadership in the Yankees’ infield. However, injuries and declining performance took their toll and the Yankees released him at the end of the 2023 season, leaving them with no refund on the remaining contract. Kiner-Falefa was a useful addition to their lineup due to his defensive versatility, but his in-field limitations prevented him from being a long-term solution for the Yankees at shortstop. Meanwhile, Rortvedt spent most of his time in the minors, failing to make much of an impact at the MLB level. The Yankees’ investment in Donaldson did not produce the expected championships.

Impact on the Twins
The Twins also received mixed returns from the players involved, but moving Donaldson’s contract allowed the team to add Carlos Correa that winter. Urshela quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota, posting one of his best offensive seasons in 2022 (119 OPS+). His steady glove and consistent bat helped stabilize the left side of the infield, and his leadership provided stability in a difficult season. Urshela was ultimately traded to the Angels before the 2023 season, but left a positive mark on Minnesota.

Sánchez, a high-risk, high-reward acquisition, didn’t quite live up to expectations. While he provided flashes of power, he struggled defensively and couldn’t find consistency on the field, leading to a once-in-a-lifetime season in Minnesota. He had an 88 OPS+ and the team was forced to use him too much as a catcher due to other injuries. While the deal may not have yielded long-term stars, it tilted slightly in Minnesota’s favor due to the long-term impact on payroll.

February 26, 2024: Twins add Margot to depth
Fast forward to 2024, and the Twins have struck another deal, this time with the Dodgers. The twins are taken over Manuela Margota proven outfielder, known for his strong defense and speed, with minor league prospects Rayne Doncon. In return, the Dodgers received the prospect of shortstopping the Twins Noah Millera solid defender with potential as a utility player, but still developing his offensive game. This trade was more about adding depth to the Twins’ outfield while giving Los Angeles an intriguing infield prospect.

Impact on the Dodgers
For the Dodgers, Miller split the season between high and double-A, showing consistent defensive skills and showing some hitting potential. In 134 games, he hit .244/.318/.315 (.633), more than three years younger than the average age in Double-A competition. The Dodgers believe his high baseball IQ and versatility will help him develop into a solid reliever. While he’s still a few seasons away from making an impact in the MLB, Miller’s development path fits the Dodgers’ knack for developing on-field talent. His glove-based profile may suit their needs if he continues to improve with the bat.

Impact on the Twins
The Twins had greater immediate hopes for Margot as a potential replacement in the lineup Michael A. Taylor. Known for their defensive abilities, the Twins quickly realized that Margot had lost her step and was unable to handle center field. He posted a -0.6 WAR on the season with a career-low 76 OPS+. Minnesota was forced to continue using him to fill the void left by injuries and defensive mistakes among the Twins’ corner outfielder. Meanwhile, Doncon has shown potential in the lower junior ranks, although he is still at a raw level. In 94 games, he had an OPS of .773, 24 doubles and 11 home runs. If Doncon continues to develop, he could prove to be a valuable future acquisition for the Twins.

Commercial grades:
Twins-Yankees trade grade
– Yankees: C
– Twins: B
The Yankees added defensive strength and leadership in Donaldson and Kiner-Falefa, but failed to see a lasting return on their significant investments. For Minnesota, the trade provided short-term stability for Urshela and risk for Sánchez. Urshela’s success in Minnesota and Donaldson’s eventual release in New York tipped the scales slightly in the Twins’ favor.

Twins-Dodgers trade class
-Dodgers: C
-Twins: C
This deal seems to be pressing and Margot is struggling and neither of them are deciding on the next step. Fans can closely watch Miller and Doncon climb the organizational ladder, but neither is expected to make significant contributions at the big league level.

These transactions demonstrate Minnesota’s balanced approach to negotiations with elite baseball franchises. Each trade had specific goals, and the Twins gained useful pieces to contribute to their lineup. While the Yankees and Dodgers battle it out on the biggest stage, the Twins front office can reflect on several recent trades that have been at least partially to Minnesota’s advantage.

How would you rate the trades? Leave a COMMENT and start a discussion.