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The Minnesota Twins were already trending as potential sellers ahead of July. They are in deep you know what with catcher Mitch Garver on the shelf indefinitely.
Garver, who had a poor 2020, was reasserting himself as one of the best catchers in baseball this season. He had an .833 OPS and eight homers through his first 41 games and was one of the best hitters in Minnesota's lineup.
However, the Twins catcher underwent surgery to address a groin issue. Now, he joins the likes of Byron Buxton, Luis Arraez and Max Kepler on the injured list.
This is yet another critical blow to the Twins, one they might not be able to overcome.
Twins spiraling downwards
Minnesota sits at 22-32 after Tuesday's loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The Twins are 10.5 games back of the Chicago White Sox and eight games out of a Wild Card spot.
The pitching staff ranks dead last in fWAR and 24th in ERA. Minnesota's bullpen bullpen lacks depth, while Michael Pineda–one of the more effective starters in the rotation–has pretty lackluster peripherals (4.31 xERA) and could regress in a hurry. He gave up five runs in three innings on Tuesday.
It's not as though the offense has been incredible as of late, either. Josh Donaldson and Nelson Cruz both struggled in May. Miguel Sano found his power stroke, but still hit just .190. Buxton has been sorely missed in recent weeks.
Garver had been a legitimate stabilizer. He hit .281 with four homers, five doubles and a 1.017 OPS in May. That kind of production was especially necessary for a Twins team desperate for momentum.
However, Garver is out for the foreseeable future, depriving Minnesota of one of its top offensive threats at a time the Twins can least afford it.
Uncertain future
Twins fans cannot ignore the organization faces a lot of uncertainty in the very near future.
Minnesota has a number of players on expiring contracts, including Pineda, Cruz, J.A. Happ, Andrelton Simmons and others. Buxton and right-hander Jose Berrios, arguably the two best players on the roster, will both be free agents after the 2022 campaign. Left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers will also hit the open market in 2023.
Now, the Twins might well look to extend especially one or two of the players entering their final year of arbitration eligibility. Or, they could capitalize on trade value and prepare for the future.
As good as Buxton was prior to the injury and elite as he has been when healthy in recent years, his durability issues are notable. Berrios would seem to be a critical part of the organization's future given the general shortage of arm talent in the system, but he would also be incredibly valuable on the open market as an elite, controllable starter.
It is entirely possible the Twins at least listen to offers for either or both players. If nothing else, they are trending in the direction of shopping Cruz. Perhaps Pineda and Happ could also be on the move if pitching-needy teams come calling.
Barring significant changes…
The Twins at least ended the month of May with eight wins in 11 games. However, a run differential that was once closer to neutral currently sits at -24, and the pitching staff has not shown any signs of improvement.
Garver's injury could be a death knell, of sorts. The Twins are running out of time to make up ground and are without three of their best hitters.
Minnesota can still salvage its season, but things are looking even more iffy with Garver out for the foreseeable future.