Minnesota Twins Linked to Blue Jays Starting Pitcher

As the 2024 Major League Baseball trade deadline draws near (July 31), it would behoove the Minnesota Twins to improve their roster where they need it most. Rocco Baldelli has a solid lineup, but could use more firepower on the mound. A starter would require a greater cost, but Yusei Kikuchi could be worth paying the freight.

Yusei Kikuchi is a perfect match for the Minnesota Twins

We thought the Toronto Blue Jays would be among the more competitive teams in the American League this season. Unfortunately for them, that’s not how their season has played out.

Cavan Biggio was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and they recently placed Kevin Kiermaier on waivers. There are other players that will be available, but starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is one Minnesota has already had on their radar.

On a recent episode of his Scoops segment on SKOR North with Mackey & Judd, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson reminded us that the Twins tried to sign Kikuchi when he was a free agent in 2022. If there is one needle-moving starter on a baren trade market that really makes sense in Minnesota, it’s probably Yusei.

“Certainly I took notice yesterday when the Toronto Blue Jays put Kevin Kiermaier on waivers. It certainly seems like they are now completely open for business. They probably should have been weeks ago, it just hasn’t worked with this roster…”

“Yusei Kikuchi, starting pitcher…I don’t know if the Twins have talked to the Blue Jays in recent days or weeks specifically about Kikuchi. Back in 2022, when Kikuchi ultimately chose Toronto, the Twins were heavily involved. The Twins really like Kikuchi.”

Darren Wolfson on the Toronto Blue Jays and Yusei Kikuchi

Kikuchi owns a rather pedestrian 4.00 ERA this year, but his 3.58 FIP is a stronger statistic. The 9.9 K/9 is the second highest tally of his career, and he has never allowed home runs less often. A durable arm, he would fit in as Chris Paddack insurance and a postseason pitcher.

Do you think the Blue Jays have a chance of getting a decent prospect for Yusei Kikuchi?

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How much would Twins need to pay for Yusei Kikuchi?

As has been the problem since this offseason, additions for the Minnesota Twins would need to incorporate ownership spending money. Joe Pohlad has orchestrated payroll cuts and there has been little indication that things will get better before they get worse.

Kikuchi is in the final year of a three-year contract, and Toronto is currently on the hook for the remaining balance of his $10 million salary this season.

The 33-year-old lefty from Japan was always going to draw trade interest this month. His 13 strikeout performance against San Francisco in his last outing (above) didn’t hurt his cause, though.

MN Twins “will do something”

Derek Falvey could work to have the Blue Jays send cash in the deal, but that would increase the prospect return for Toronto. The Twins system is exceptionally deep. For a rental, they should have plenty of pieces to make things work. And Doogie is clearly convinced “they will do something”.

If Kikuchi ends up being that something (meaning they don’t give up Wallner, Miranda or Lee for a different high-end starter), Twins fans should be elated. Given the spending freeze, I can’t really imagine a better (and realistic) outcome at the MLB trade deadline.

“I fully expect [the Twins] to do something. I don’t think this is going to be last year’s trade deadline. Now do I expect it to be a couple of years ago, I don’t expect something large. Like two moves like that this month, but they are going to do something. Like, I’m positive. They are going to do something. The question is will it be something a little bit bigger?”

Darren Wolfson on Twins’ plans at MLB Trade Deadline

More likely than landing Kikuchi, or another front-rotation starter, the Twins will probably turn to the bullpen. It should be much more straightforward to add relief help and it’ll be cheap; both in terms of prospects and salary. Minnesota’s front office won’t replicate the 2022 splash this year, which Wolfson notes. That didn’t really go well anyway…

Related: Minnesota Twins Trade Deadline Needs Ranked

What Kikuchi could be for the Twins though, is an option to acquire an extend a starter they previously wanted to sign. The entire rotation is under contract for Minnesota next season, but Kikuchi would have three months to audition for a spot.