Could the Twins and Mets Be Trade Partners? A Look at Two Young Bats That Could Boost Minnesota’s Lineup
On paper, the Mets and Twins are operating on different wavelengths. One team’s been throwing around cash like it’s Monopoly money, while the other has taken a more cautious approach this offseason.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t help each other. With spring training right around the corner, the Twins could use an injection of offensive upside-and the Mets might just have the kind of young bats Minnesota should be targeting.
Let’s break down why a Twins-Mets trade makes sense, and what two players-Mark Vientos and Brett Baty-could bring to the table for Minnesota.
The Twins’ Current Position: Solid Rotation, Questionable Lineup
The projections aren’t exactly glowing for the Twins heading into 2026. Most models have them pegged in the low-to-mid 70s for wins, and it’s not hard to see why. The core of this roster looks pretty familiar, and that’s not necessarily a good thing after the way 2025 ended.
The rotation is deep-arguably too deep for how the rest of the roster is constructed. That’s a good problem to have, but it also opens the door to make a smart trade.
If the Twins want to exceed expectations, they need to find a way to raise their offensive ceiling. And the Mets, with a logjam of young infielders, might be the perfect partner.
The Mets’ Offseason: Big Moves Create a Roster Squeeze
The Mets have been busy. They brought in Jorge Polanco to handle first base and added Bo Bichette, who’s expected to shift over to third.
They also traded a near-top-100 pitching prospect to land Freddy Peralta on a one-year deal. That kind of aggressive roster reshaping has left a couple of promising young hitters-Mark Vientos and Brett Baty-without obvious roles.
And that’s where the Twins come in.
Mark Vientos: Power Bat, Positional Question Marks
Let’s start with Vientos. He’s probably the more attainable of the two, but that doesn’t mean he’s not intriguing.
In 2024, he looked like he was turning the corner, hitting .266/.322/.516 with 27 homers in just 111 games. The first half of 2025 was a struggle-his OPS dipped to .640-but he quietly rebounded in the second half, finishing with a .778 OPS.
Vientos has real power, especially against left-handed pitching, which is something the Twins could use in the 1B/DH mix. Defensively, he’s a work in progress.
He’s played third base but hasn’t graded out well there. First base has been more promising in a small sample, and realistically, that’s probably where he fits long-term-either there or as a DH.
The fit on the 2026 roster isn’t seamless, but that says more about how the Twins have built their roster than it does about Vientos. His bat could immediately be one of the most dangerous in the lineup, especially if he continues to mash lefties. And with team control through 2029, he’s the kind of upside play that’s worth a gamble.
From a trade standpoint, Vientos probably wouldn’t cost a top-tier arm. Someone from the back end of the Twins’ rotation depth-think Kendry Rojas or Andrew Morris-could be enough to get the conversation started. And even if it takes a little more, it might be worth it for a bat that could grow into a middle-of-the-order threat.
Brett Baty: A More Complete Package
Then there’s Brett Baty. He’s the bigger swing, but also the more complete player.
After a rocky start to his big-league career, Baty finally broke out in 2025, posting a .748 OPS and showing real growth in his quality of contact. According to wRC+, he was 11% better than league average at the plate-and that’s the kind of offensive profile the Twins should be chasing.
Baty’s not just a bat, either. He’s held his own defensively at third base and even flashed some versatility at second and first.
That kind of flexibility makes him a valuable piece, especially for a team like the Twins that’s had its share of injury issues. He’d be strong insurance for Royce Lewis at third, and could also cover for Luke Keaschall if he ends up spending more time in the outfield.
The big question is whether the Mets are willing to move him. After his 2025 season, they may view him as a core piece.
But here’s the thing: as of now, he doesn’t have a clear path to everyday playing time in New York. If the Mets are open to flipping him for MLB-ready pitching, the Twins are a logical match.
Minnesota has arms to spare. Guys like Mick Abel and Zebby Matthews may not crack the Opening Day rotation, but they’re close. Trading from that depth to add a potential everyday contributor like Baty could be the kind of move that shifts the trajectory of the offense.
Why This Makes Sense for the Twins
If the Twins falter in 2026, it’s unlikely to be because of their starting pitching. The real concern is whether the offense can score enough runs to keep up. That’s why a late-offseason pivot to convert some of that pitching depth into young, controllable hitters makes so much sense.
Both Vientos and Baty come with upside, team control, and the potential to make an immediate impact. Vientos brings raw power and a bat that could feast on lefties, while Baty offers a more balanced profile with positional versatility and the potential to become a cornerstone piece.
The Twins don’t need to blow up the rotation to make this happen. But if they want to raise their ceiling-and give themselves a real shot at staying in the mix-they’d be wise to explore a deal with the Mets. These are the kinds of calculated risks that can turn a middling projection into a playoff push.