The Twins faced Shohei Ohtani's Dodgers on July 21 as Harrison Bader trade talks intensified. With playoff hopes dim, is a sale of key players inevitable?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Minnesota Twins rolled into Dodger Stadium on Monday night facing a monumental task: a date with Shohei Ohtani and his microscopic 1.00 ERA. But as rookie David Festa took the mound for the series opener, an even larger shadow loomed over the club—the fast-approaching July 31 trade deadline and the very real possibility that key contributors could be wearing different uniforms in just a matter of days.
With a .251/.330/.431 slash line, 11 homers, a 113 wRC+, and elite defense, Harrison Bader is a prime trade candidate on an expiring contract.
After salvaging a win against the Rockies on Sunday, the Twins' reward was a flight to Los Angeles to face the powerhouse Dodgers. The matchup felt like a David vs. Goliath story from the jump, with Minnesota's David Festa (5.25 ERA) tasked with outdueling the nearly unhittable Shohei Ohtani. While the final score from the late-night start wasn't yet available, the challenge itself speaks volumes about where the 48-51 Twins stand in the league hierarchy. The team needed every bit of momentum from Sunday's victory to even compete in this daunting three-game set.
While the on-field battle raged, the off-field chatter reached a fever pitch. With FanGraphs giving the Twins just a 13.2% chance at a Wild Card spot, the front office appears to be shifting into seller mode. The most prominent name in circulation is Harrison Bader. The center fielder, signed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal, has been a fantastic acquisition, providing stellar defense and surprising pop. His expiring contract and strong performance make him an ideal rental for a contending team, and the Twins are reportedly fielding numerous calls. Don't be surprised if other veterans like Willi Castro, Chris Paddack, or reliever Danny Coulombe are also on the move.
The trade talk makes Sunday's 7-1 victory over Colorado feel bittersweet. It was a glimpse of the team's potential, powered by its brightest stars. Royce Lewis delivered his first career multi-homer game, reminding everyone of his game-changing talent when healthy. Meanwhile, Joe Ryan was masterful, striking out 11 Rockies over seven dominant innings. The win prevented a sweep and provided a much-needed morale boost, but it also served as a painful reminder of a season that hasn't quite clicked, pushing the front office toward its difficult deadline decisions.
As Twins fans await the final from Dodger Stadium, they're also waiting for answers on the team's direction. The next 10 days will be telling. Will the team pull off a shocking series win against one of the league's best, or will the tough matchup simply confirm the need to sell? All eyes are on the front office as much as the field, with the future of Harrison Bader and the 2025 season hanging in the balance.
