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The 2025 MLB Draft will be completed over the next two days, and after that, it seems that the focus will shift entirely to the trade deadline at the end of the month. As teams navigate the waters between being a buyer or a seller ahead of the deadline, it seems that the Chicago Cubs are hoping one of the teams they just played will become a seller.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Twins are drawing strong interest from the Cubs, among other teams, as the deadline nears.
Given the plethora of options the Twins have on their pitching staff and roster, a trade with Minnesota could prove to be one-stop shopping for the Cubs.
Twins shaping up as trade match with intriguing Cubs fits
- Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran
Jax and Duran will be listed together, given that they are both dominant relievers under control until 2028. If the Twins sell, there is no guarantee that they will move controllable talent; however, they would be in line to get a haul if they make either dominant reliever available. Jax's strikeout percentage of 38 percent this season would be a much-needed boost for the bullpen, while Duran would give the Cubs another closing option to go along with Daniel Palencia.
- Joe Ryan
Similar to Jax and Duran, there's no indication that the Twins would move Ryan if they become sellers at the deadline. Ryan was just named to the All-Star game and is sporting a 2.72 ERA in 109 1/3 innings pitched this season. Also under control until 2028, Ryan would have a high cost if the Twins place him on the trade block.
- Willi Castro
Willi Castro remains near the top of the list for the Cubs in terms of available bench bats. If the Cubs aren't going to have enough prospect capital to trade for a starting pitcher AND Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Castro would be an ideal fallback option while also giving the Cubs someone who can start consistently at third base over Matt Shaw.
- Chris Paddack
Paddack wasn't impressive during this start against the Cubs last week, giving up 6 runs on 11 hits in 5 innings of work, but he would check the box of someone the Cubs are willing to take a gamble on, given their defense. Paddack is a free agent after the season, and likely wouldn't cost too much considering his 4.95 ERA.