The Minnesota Twins traded their longest-tenured player, second baseman Jorge Polanco, to the Seattle Mariners on Monday night. The deal involved four players, including two major-league pitchers (Justin Topa and Anthony DeSclafani), outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez, and Low-A pitcher Darren Bowen. In addition to players, the Twins received $8 million in cash, hinting at further transactions.
The decision to trade Polanco, considered a foregone conclusion due to the Twins’ infield depth, came after months of considering offers. The Twins opted for a trade that brought potential back-end reliever Justin Topa, starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez, and Low-A pitcher Darren Bowen. The deal also included $6 million that Seattle received from a previous trade with San Francisco and an additional $2 million.
Twins President Derek Falvey suggested that the money received would be infused into the 2024 payroll to enhance the team before Opening Day. The Twins are seeking to find a balance between adding to the team for the 2024 season and keeping an eye on the future.
The move not only brings in valuable players but also provides financial flexibility. The Twins, facing a reduction in payroll, have been without a broadcast rights deal for 2024, and earlier in the offseason, they expressed expectations of a potential $30 million cut in payroll. The departure of veteran pitchers Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda in free agency, along with other exits, left the Twins with significant roster gaps.
DeSclafani, earning $12 million this season, is expected to compete for a spot in the 2024 rotation. The inclusion of money by Seattle means the Twins saved $6.5 million after trading Polanco, who had a $10.5 million salary in 2024.
Topa, with a notable record of 5-4, a 2.61 ERA, and 61 strikeouts in 69 innings, addresses the void left by reliever Emilio Pagán’s departure to Cincinnati. With DeSclafani and Topa added to the pitching staff, the Twins are likely to use the saved money to address position player needs, possibly at first base or in the outfield.
The trade also reduces the potential logjam of infielders, a situation created by the Twins’ depth in talented players. The team had been looking to trade Polanco since the end of the last season.
The inclusion of outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez, ranked as the No. 66 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, adds more depth to the Twins’ roster. Gonzalez, a right-handed hitting outfielder, had an impressive record between Low-A and High-A last season, batting .298/.361/.476 with 18 home runs and 84 RBIs.
Pitcher Darren Bowen, a 13th-round draft pick in 2022, also became part of the deal. The Twins see Bowen as a critical piece for the future, believing he can still be molded. He had a record of 4-2, a 3.88 ERA, and 59 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings at Low-A Modesto last season.
Despite the challenges of trading a player like Polanco, who played a pivotal role in the team’s success, the Twins see this deal as a way to address both the present and the future.
