Would New Ownership Make a Difference on the Twins' Deadline Plans?

The roller coaster that is the 2025 Minnesota Twins continues to twist and turn heading into the All-Star break. The Twins started 7-15, had a 13-game winning streak in May, and a June swoon. Recently, they have produced another chapter, winning each of their past three series heading into the All-Star Break.

At 47-49, the Twins are in the same spot they were in 2023 (45-46) when the Midsummer Classic arrived. But just like that team, it’s hard to tell what they should do at the trade deadline.

The drama surrounding a potential sale of the franchise has shrouded this year’s deadline in mystery. While the front office would be justified in adding a starting pitcher or a first baseman, it may be in the franchise’s best interest long-term to sell pieces. It’s a dilemma that many general managers face, but it creates a good question for fans.

What would a new ownership group do?

Somewhere there’s an ultimate fantasy. A Minnesota billionaire kicks down the doors to the Pohlad mansion, hands them $1.8 billion in cash, covers the $425 million in debt, and immediately adds a highly-paid superstar to the lineup in a blockbuster trade.

But that’s not a realistic outcome.

The Pohlads are at a stalemate with potential buyers, and it’s unlikely they'll reach a sale soon. While Derek Falvey told reporters last month that he’s had “conversations” with ownership about adding to Minnesota's $147 million payroll, Twins fans have a right to feel pessimistic that ownership will give Falvey the green light, even if the Pohlad’s approved a late-winter surge that brought reliever Danny Coulombe and outfielder Harrison Bader to the team.

Minnesota is stuck in the middle, so it may be worth selling under the current situation. The Twins will have $27.9 million come off the books from pending free agents next winter, but several arbitration-eligible players are due another raise. Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax are two of the biggest names that will earn a higher salary, but the most concerning situation is Joe Ryan, even though he won’t hit free agency until 2028.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan predicted earlier this season that Ryan could command $100 million on his next contract. It’s also likely to be more than the $21.75 million AAV Pablo López has on his current contract. Ryan's price also could go up if he maintains his current performance, which now includes an All-Star appearance.

Of course, the Twins could benefit greatly if they agreed to an extension with Ryan this winter. But that gets tougher with Duran, Jax, and even López due for big contracts by the time Ryan hits free agency. That could lead Minnesota to sell Duran and Jax at the deadline as two high-leverage relievers who play at a highly variable position.

However, that highlights another current issue for the Twins.

While the Twins are hovering around .500, they play in an American League race that feels wide open. The Detroit Tigers are running away with the division and own the best record in baseball. However, dream seasons can unravel quickly in the case of a five- or seven-game series. The Houston Astros lead the AL West, but a wave of injuries has them treading water at the deadline.

The New York Yankees are always a threat, and the Toronto Blue Jays are on top of the AL East. Still, after that is a series of flawed teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Tampa Bay Rays.

Looking at the current team, it’s hard to envision a run to the first ALCS since 2002. However, the Twins also have a lot going for them.

Byron Buxton (.289/.351/.574, 21 HR, 56 RBI, 17 SB) is playing at a level that produced a unicorn season in 2021 (.306/.358/.647, 19 HR, 32 RBI, 9 SB). Still, it’s even more special considering he’s closing in on playing an entire season. Bailey Ober and López should rejoin the rotation sometime within the next 6-8 weeks, and other pieces could emerge if they find their prime form.

For example, what if Carlos Correa starts hitting like he did at the end of the 2022 season, hitting .304/.380/.486 with 11 homers and 31 RBI after the All-Star Break? What if Royce Lewis uses the break as a reset and turns into the player who hit .295/.386/.607 with 11 homers and 37 RBI over his final 32 games in 2023? What if a bullpen that was projected as the best in baseball finds its form, or the Twins add a complementary piece to get things going?

While it’s a lot of hypotheticals, it’s a solid case to keep this group together – even if the Twins don’t add anyone at the deadline. They could also do that without long-term ramifications if Minnesota had an ownership group that’s willing to write checks for Ryan, Duran, and Jax in the upcoming seasons.

That would allow the Twins to develop a core and bring continuity to a lineup that has had to play financial gymnastics since their last playoff victory in 2023. If the next wave, including current infielder Brooks Lee and prospects Walker Jenkins and Luke Keaschall, didn’t have to worry about their futures, it could help the Twins actually build toward a brighter future, even if their new owner doesn’t make it rain like Josh Donaldson.

It feels as realistic as He-Man charging Castle Greyskull, but could be part of the thought process at the deadline. Falvey, who is also the president of business operations, has likely been involved in some of the discussions on a potential sale. He could know that help is on the way beyond this season, allowing him to avoid shipping critical pieces off at the deadline.

Of course, the Twins need to win over the next two weeks to validate that thought process. Still, it could also have a significant impact on the team’s plans over the next three weeks.