Trade targets for the 2019 Minnesota Twins
If it’s not Bumgarner, the Twins could still work out a trade with the Giants for Smith, who ranks sixth in baseball with 21 saves this season. Like Bumgarner, Smith is also 29 and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. The left-hander has put together a career year and could see his first All-Star nomination soon after he’s logged career bests with a 2.16 ERA, 0.810 WHIP and 13.8 K/9 while notching 6.38 strikeouts for every walk. Smith could cost less to trade for just because he doesn’t have the Bumgarner postseason folklore attached to his name, and he’d be a safer option in high-leverage situations than any Twins reliever on the current roster. And, hey, maybe the Twins could get both Bumgarner and Smith as the Giants, who will be trade deadline sellers, have no need for an older closer who will be a free agent. Might as well get something for him!
USA TODAY Sports Cody Glenn
