MLB trade rumors: Twins will be deadline sellers

The Twins have definitively decided to sell pieces in advance of Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline, a major-league source confirmed Saturday. Minnesota is expected to make moves over the next 48 hours.

Minnesota has a few assets that will draw interest, including starters Ervin Santana and Jaime Garcia, infielder Brian Dozier and relievers Matt Belisle and Brandon Kintzler. It’s unclear if they’re willing to trade controllable assets, though the pending free agents (Kintzler and Garcia) are definitely available.

The Twins made a buy move last week, acquiring Garcia in a three-player deal with Atlanta. He’s again on the trade market after making one start for Minnesota and will likely draw interest from clubs like the Royals and Yankees who previously pursued him.

Currently four games back in the AL wild card race and sitting six games behind the Indians in the AL Central, the Twins appear to be willing to give up on their season to continue the club’s long-term plan. At 50-51, the club is 4-6 in their last 10 games while their main division rivals (the Indians and Twins) are a combined 17-3.