Earlier this week I wrote about why the Minnesota Twins shouldn’t trade Luis Arraez. Now we’re going to take a look at why they should trade their star hitter. Before we go any further, grab that box of tissues because it won’t be easy on any of us.

Arraez is a great player and a fan favorite. There’s no debating that, but there is a case for the front office to move him this offseason. After the Carlos Correa signing, the Twins have to move forward and build a contender.

It’s hard to see where Arraez fits in the long run because of his defensive limitations. He’s not the best defender, and Minnesota has plenty of talented options now and in the near future.

As of today, here’s what the Twins’ infield depth looks like:

• First Base: Alex Kirilloff
•   Second Base: Jorge Polanco
•   Shortstop: Correa
•   Third Base: Jose Miranda
•   Utility: Arraez Nick Gordon, Kyle Farmer

Royce Lewis will be returning at some point this season, and Brooks Lee could play a role too.

If Arraez is on the roster to start the season, he will spend a lot of time as the designated hitter and moving around the diamond when other players need days off. The Twins already have guys like Gordon and Farmer who can do that too. Those two players are not as good as Arraez, but they don’t possess the same trade value as the reigning AL Batting Title winner.

He’s also coming off the best season of his career, and it’s hard to see him competing at that same level or surpassing it. He’s injury prone, and he struggles toward the end of the season. That’s concerning, especially because you don’t know how he will age or look in two years.

The Twins’ biggest need is starting pitching, specifically a No. 1 guy. Minnesota has been linked to Pablo López, but the front office has told the Miami Marlins that a one-for-one swap isn’t enough.

López is a good pitcher, but he’s not a No. 1 guy. However, if the Twins could get a package that includes both López and Edward Cabrera, then we’re talking. Minnesota would likely have to attach Max Kepler and a prospect or two, but that would be a deal I’d take.

That specific trade isn’t netting you a No. 1 pitcher, but you’re getting two really good pitchers who will give you ace performances from time to time.

If the Twins move Arraez for a pitcher, it’s preferably for someone like Brandon Woodruff or Corbin Burnes. The Milwaukee Brewers have stated they’re not available, but everyone has a price.

Arraez has a lot of value to this organization, and losing him would hurt. However, he may be coming off the best season he’ll ever have, and he’s injury prone. If he’s not hitting above .300, then he’s not offering you much because of his defensive limitations.

Pitching is the most important/valuable position in baseball. Losing Arraez’s offense would hurt, but the Twins will lose more games if they don’t address the starting pitching.