The MLB Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching and the Minnesota Twins continue to fall further out of contention. With that in mind, it’s time to look at what players may be traded ahead of the July 30, deadline.

According to ESPN writer, Jeff Passan, the Twins are a team that many competitors are gunning for. Which makes sense, as Minnesota has some intriguing options available for trade.

The Twins are in an interesting position ahead of the trade deadline. The way their roster is constructed, they have a lot of talented prospects lined up to enter the majors either this season or next. Not only that, but they have over $50 million to spend this offseason before hitting the luxury tax.

Ideally, Minnesota could sell a few players they’re not fully committed to, bring up their top prospects, sign a few big named players and get right back into contention. There are a few obvious names the Twins could potentially give up at the deadline and then there are a few dark horse picks.

The most likely players to be traded are the ones on one-year contracts. These include:

• Andrelton Simmons
• Nelson Cruz
• Michael Pineda
• J.A. Happ
• Hansel Robles

Alex Colomé is technically on a one-year deal, but the Twins have an option to bring him back in 2022. More than likely they’ll buy him out for $1.25 million and go in a different direction. He’s a candidate to be traded too, but his value isn’t high.

Minnesota has three players who could be traded if they’re offered a significant package in return. These include:

• Josh Donaldson
• Byron Buxton
• José Berríos

Of the three, Buxton is the least likely to be traded because he’s injured. A lot of teams are in on Berríos and Minnesota will have a big decision to make on the fan-favorite pitcher.

Donaldson probably won’t command much in return because he’s getting older, has a history of injuries and comes with a big contract. Andy Martino of the SNY, reported that the New York Mets have recently had an interest in the former All-Star.

A few dark horse candidates include:

• Max Kepler
• Miguel Sanó

Kepler is the easiest to trade of the two because his contract is a little more team friendly, whereas Sanó is harder to move because he’s making a lot more money. Both are great defenders and will help on that end, but their hitting can be sporadic, which lowers their value.

In the coming weeks, I will be highlighting each player and explaining what it would potentially mean for the Twins long term.