Twins and Phillies Could Ignite MLB With This Surprise Trade

The Philadelphia Phillies need outfield depth (and someone who can give Rhys Hoskins a breather every once in a while), and the Minnesota Twins are in eternal need of pitching depth.

Therefore, with the MLB season in a semi-permanent delay, there's no better time than the present to start talking trades that can save both sides.

With Marwin Gonzalez entering the final season of his two-year deal in Minny, and Vince Velasquez working his way out of the Phillies' rotation, a trade could be in order.

You may remember Gonzalez as the only former Astro to show genuine remorse for his actions. He's been a welcome clubhouse presence in Minneapolis and had a better season than you likely remembered. Set to make $9 million this year, Gonzalez hit .264 with 15 homers while playing multiple positions in '19, rebounding from a slow start. However, Minnesota has an overload of guys who just do these things...a little better. A bit more power, a bit more contact, slightly less versatility. With Byron Buxton hopefully healthy, and playing time still necessary for Max Kepler and Eddie Rosario, Jake Cave can handle Gonzalez's roving duties at a cheaper price.

Plus, his flexibility could net Minnesota a real upside play in Velasquez, with electric stuff, two years of control left, and a rock-solid lock on Philly's...sixth starter spot. Yeah, he's fallen out of favor there a bit.

Minnesota's staffers have managed to work their magic with starters with far less impressive raw stuff than Velasquez, who would love a fresh start. Meanwhile, Philly is relying on an uninspiring crop of outfielders surrounding Bryce Harper, in stark contrast to Minnesota's talent collection. With Andrew McCutchen still recovering from his ACL tear and the controversial Odubel Herrera now DFA'd, the Phils are banking on a lot of Roman Quinn and Adam Haseley, and could really use a versatile and surprisingly powerful vet like Gonzalez, who was built for NL ball, anyway.

Though Velasquez's ERA is generally elevated, he's never whiffed fewer men than innings pitched anytime he's been healthy enough to throw 100+ innings in a campaign. Add a prospect from Minnesota's side to account for the service time difference (righty Edwar Colina, No. 16 per MLBPipeline), and this just makes sense.