MLB Trade Rumors: 6 Minnesota Twins Listed As Trade Candidates

The Minnesota Twins had a dreadful month of June, going 9-17 and dropping out of realistic contention for a playoff spot. Unless you consider a 5.0 game deficit in the Wild Card with four other teams to leapfrog first, 'contention.'

They've lost top starter Pablo Lopez until mid-August with a shoulder strain, and stars Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis are just a moment's notice away from the injured list at any time.

Will they give in and become sellers at the trade deadline in three weeks? One MLB executive told Jayson Stark in The Athletic that six Twins players could be on the trade block by the end of the month:

Trevor Larnach, OF
Matt Wallner, OF
Willi Castro, INF/OF
Royce Lewis, 3B
Jhoan Duran, RP
Griffin Jax, RP

The last two names could be the most highly in demand, making up the Twins' "unbelievably top-heavy, good bullpen," as noted by the exec. Stark adds that each of those relievers, Duran and Jax, would be "very buzzy commodities," while noting that they each have two-plus years of team control remaining.

Lewis, of course, is a super talent, once one of the top prospects in baseball. But injuries have destroyed his promising career, and after spending another two lengthy stints on the IL this season, he's played just 36 games and is batting only .212 with two homers and a .590 OPS.

Larnach and Castro would be nice depth pieces for a contending team. Castro, who can play the infield or outfield, has a solid 118 OPS+ while batting .270 with seven homers and eight stolen bases. Larnach has had a nice season in the power department, with 12 dingers thus far.