Minnesota Twins Players Mostly Admit They Wanted Help at Trade Deadline

The 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline came and went. The Minnesota Twins participated, but just barely. Derek Falvey swung a deal for Trevor Richards , and that amounts to virtually a participation trophy. It didn’t sit real well with the clubhouse.

Minnesota Twins clubhouse would have liked more

For a team that is squarely in contention, and coming off a great 2023 season, the Minnesota Twins could have done more. Carlos Correa presented a list of options to the front office. Rocco Baldelli suggested the time is now. Ultimately that fell on deaf ears because the Pohald’s decided to stay firm in their insistence to not spend . The Athletic’s Dan Hayes took the temperature the Twins clubhouse following an inactive trade deadline.

One person in the Twins clubhouse said Wednesday that they had no words for the team’s limited action at the trade deadline a day before. Another described some teammates as being “disheartened” by the team’s lack of deals on Tuesday.

But the majority of Twins players said low expectations ahead of the trade deadline left them mostly indifferent when the team added only a relief pitcher and couldn’t secure another starting pitcher for the stretch run.

Dan Hayes on trade deadline reactions from the Twins clubhouse

“I don’t think we had high expectations that were going to be let down. We also knew the state of the market and understood that most of the guys we wanted were in the division, too. I don’t think anybody was expecting a lot.”

An anonymous Twins player on the deadline

It’s unfortunate that a group competing so well had to temper their expectations. Typically a front office is supported in a pursuit of additional talent for a competitive team. Regardless of what the financial influx would be if a deeper postseason run is achieved, ownership was unwilling to give in.

Related: Detroit Tigers Cost Minnesota Twins a Pair of Pitchers at Deadline

How Minnesota Twins respond will define season

It isn’t shocking that players would avoid going on the record with frustration. Teams have been in this spot before, and throwing out discontent is largely fruitless. That said, it doesn’t have to mean it isn’t real or that Minnesota can’t channel it in a positive way. While the front office wasn’t allowed to support the current roster, those that make it up can put it to ownership.

Rocco Baldelli already has a really good lineup. There are great pieces in both the bullpen and starting rotation. If each group can find another gear from within, then the frustration could be beneficial down the stretch. Tied with the Kansas City Royals, and six games behind the Cleveland Guardians, Minnesota has work to do. If the Twins are going to chase down the AL Central Division title, and make a postseason run, it will be because of the performance from those already on the roster .

The Twins immediate answer on Tuesday night was less than ideal. Striking out 13 times against New York Mets lefty Sean Manaea, their performance was lifeless. An 8-3 drubbing of Luis Severino on Wednesday was much more impressive. Minnesota can continue that over the weekend with the hapless Chicago White Sox coming to town.

Related: Twins Hung Up Phone on Tigers and White Sox, After Absurd Trade Demands

More must-reads:

• Carlos Correa’s Injury Recovery is Reportedly Off to a Slow Start…
• Is This the End for Chris Paddack in Minnesota?
• Detroit Tigers Cost Minnesota Twins a Pair of Pitchers at Deadline