Review of the Twins’ most recent transactions with the 2024 World Series teams – Twins

As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare to battle in the 2024 World Series, it’s a perfect time to evaluate how two recent trades involving these perennial contenders have worked out for the Twins. While the areas varied in size and scope, they all sent remarkable talent in both directions, 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 dump Donaldson to the Yankees
In the spring of 2022, the Twins sent Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-FalefaAnd Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees. In return, Minnesota received two veteran players, Gary Sanchez And Gio Urshela. The Yankees looked to add depth, hoping Kiner-Falefa could hold down the shortstop position while Donaldson added pop to the middle of their lineup. Minnesota was looking for a way out of the Donaldson contract.

Impact on the Yankees
For New York, this transaction has produced mixed results. Donaldson initially provided a power boost and brought leadership to the Yankees’ infield. Injuries and declining performance took their toll, however, and the Yankees released him near the end of the 2023 season, leaving them with no return on his remaining contract. Kiner-Falefa was a useful addition to their lineup because of his defensive versatility, but his limitations at the plate kept him from being a long-term solution for the Yankees at shortstop. Rortvedt, meanwhile, spent most of his time in the minors and had little impact at the MLB level. The Yankees’ investment in Donaldson did not yield the hoped-for championship.

Impact on the twins
The Twins also received mixed returns from the players involved, but moving the Donaldson contract allowed the team to add something 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 during a challenging season. Urshela was ultimately traded to the Angels before the 2023 season, but left a positive mark in 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 at the plate, leading to a one-and-done season with Minnesota. He posted an 88 OPS+ and the team had to use him as a catcher too often due to other injuries. While the trade may not have netted any stars in the long run, the trade was slightly tilted in Minnesota’s favor due to the long-term impact on payrolls.

February 26, 2024: Twins add Margot for outfield depth
Fast forward to 2024, and the Twins made another deal, this time with the Dodgers. Acquired the Twins Manuel Margota proven outfielder with a reputation for strong defense and speed, and minor league prospect Rayne Doncon. In return, the Dodgers received a Twins shortstop prospect Noah Millera solid defender with potential as a utility player, but who is still developing his attacking game. This trade was more about adding depth to the Twins’ outfield and 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), while being more than three years younger than the average age of the Double-A league. The Dodgers believe his high baseball IQ and versatility can help him develop into a solid infielder. Although he is still a few seasons away from making an MLB impact, Miller’s development trajectory fits with the Dodgers’ knack for cultivating talent on the field. His glove-first profile may suit their needs if he continues to make progress with his bat.

Impact on the twins
The Twins had higher immediate expectations for Margot as a potential replacement for the roster Michael A. Taylor. Known for his defensive abilities, the Twins quickly realized that Margot had lost a step and could not handle the midfield. He posted a -0.6 WAR for the season with a career-low 76 OPS+. Minnesota was forced to continue using him to fill the void left by injuries and defensive lapses among the Twins’ corner outfielder. Doncon, meanwhile, has shown potential in the lower minors, although he is still raw. In 94 games, he posted a .773 OPS with 24 doubles and 11 home runs. If Doncon can develop, he could prove to be a valuable future asset for the Twins.

Trading qualities:
Twins-Yankees trade quality
– Yankees: C
– Gemini: B
The Yankees added defensive depth and leadership in Donaldson and Kiner-Falefa, but saw little lasting return on their significant investment. For Minnesota, the trade provided short-term stability in Urshela and a gamble on Sánchez. Urshela’s success in Minnesota and Donaldson’s eventual release by New York tipped the balance somewhat in the Twins’ favor.

Twins-Dodgers trade class
-Evaders: C
-Gemini: C
This deal seems like a push, with Margot struggling and neither prospect taking the next step. Fans can watch closely as Miller and Doncon climb the organizational ladder, but neither prospect is expected to contribute significantly at the big league level.

These transactions demonstrate Minnesota’s balanced approach to negotiations with baseball’s elite franchises. Each trade had specific goals and the Twins gained useful pieces that added to their roster. As the Yankees and Dodgers battle it out on the biggest stage, the Twins’ front office can reflect on some recent deals that worked out, at least in part, in Minnesota’s favor.

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