Twins trade rumors: Orioles, Cardinals interested in Kurt Suzuki

Although the Twins and catcher Kurt Suzuki have mutual interest in a contract extension, sources indicate that the sides are nowhere close to a deal that would keep the backstop in Minnesota past this season. Because of this, the Twins may look to trade Suzuki, who is drawing interest from the Orioles and Cardinals, according to a report from Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

The Twins, who sent Kendrys Morales back to the Mariners in a surprising trade yesterday, have shown a reluctance to jump into the sellers' market despite holding onto potentially valuable pieces like Suzuki, Josh Willingham and Kevin Correia. Over the next six days, they could part with a couple of veterans in an attempt to get younger, and having an All-Star catcher like Suzuki to dangle could bring them the most value.

The O's and Cards have both been using stopgap options behind the plate after losing starters Matt Wieters and Yadier Molina to significant injuries. Baltimore is known to be looking for catching to replace Nick Hundley and Caleb Joseph, while St. Louis has been using the tandem of Tony Cruz and waiver-addition George Kottaras in Molina's absence.

Suzuki, who signed a one-year deal with the Twins before the season, has hit .308/.367/.393 with two home runs and 40 RBI in 85 games with Minnesota this season. He is likely to net the Twins one or two solid prospects as one of the best catchers available on the trade market, if the team is willing to move him.