MINNEAPOLIS — After the clubhouse learned Monday that Chris Paddack was traded — a move signaling a larger sell-off by the Twins — Harrison Bader said goodbye to the pitcher.
The subject of numerous trade rumors himself, Bader offered encouragement and bid farewell to Paddack, who, along with Randy Dobnak, was traded to the first-place Detroit Tigers for minor-league catcher Enrique Jimenez. The two also shared a laugh, perhaps with the knowledge both will find themselves in a better spot to contend by Thursday’s 5 p.m. CT trade deadline.
Bader is prepared for the possibility he could — and likely will — be traded. Though the outfielder acknowledged his uncertain status, he didn’t seem fazed. Instead, Bader headed out to take batting practice and focus on his daily routine.
“There’s a long way to go, regardless of uniform,” Bader said. “I’m excited for every ounce of opportunity that comes my way, regardless of what uniform that might be in. But overall, we’ve got a job, and I try to focus solely on the things I can control, which involves day-to-day preparation to go out and play baseball. That stuff takes care of itself.”
One of five remaining free-agents-to-be, Bader didn’t start Monday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox as rumors swirled about his future.
With the Band-Aid ripped off, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bader, Willi Castro and Danny Coulombe traded before the deadline. Veterans Ty France and Christian Vázquez are also pending free agents and therefore available.
But the bigger questions surround whether the Twins would make a painful deal and trade Joe Ryan, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran or Brock Stewart.
Despite Paddack’s trade signaling to everyone in the clubhouse that the Twins are open for business, manager Rocco Baldelli thought his club could handle the emotional news without it becoming a distraction.
“I haven’t seen the demeanor change in any way,” Baldelli said. “Just because you’re making some deals and maybe trade some established players off the club, it really doesn’t dictate what’s going to happen for the rest of the year. You can’t let it dictate your mental state and how you get ready to play and how ready you are to play. I’m not going to approach it with our club until you see what happens and then you figure it out based on what you see.”
Minus Paddack, Baldelli and the Twins are left to solve a difficult puzzle for a rotation already short on arms. Along with the injury to David Festa, the Twins suddenly are down two starting pitchers, with open slots listed for games on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Baldelli said the Twins are in line for a bullpen day Tuesday — reliever Pierson Ohl will be promoted to take Paddack’s spot, according to a team source. Meanwhile, it’s believed Bailey Ober will rejoin the rotation Wednesday.
Though he was traded late Monday afternoon, Paddack is listed as Wednesday’s starter for Detroit. Noting how quickly deals come together, Paddack spoke with his agent, Scott Boras, early Monday and suspected a deal might happen soon. But even he was surprised by how quickly the deal was finalized.
“It’s just crazy how fast it can turn around,” Paddack said. “World just got twisted upside down, to say the least. It stinks. This business is out of our control sometimes. I was really pulling for us, as a Twin. I was hoping we would make some moves and go get that wild-card spot. I’m excited for this new opportunity with a new team.”
The Tigers are one of four teams who pursued Paddack, which likely is why they were willing to include Dobnak in the deal, with Detroit taking on the remainder of both pitchers’ salaries, about $4.6 million. In exchange, the Twins received Jimenez, who immediately becomes the best catching prospect in the organization despite being only 19 and playing in Rookie League baseball.
The Twins believe Jimenez will hit well enough if he develops power. They also trust that he has an above-average arm and supplies good defense. Still, Jimenez is not close to helping the big league club.
Said one rival scout of Jimenez: “Good player. It’s a real prospect.”
Previously, the prospect of adding minor leaguers versus major leaguers was only a possibility; now, it’s the Twins’ reality. Baldelli and Bader said they’ll remain focused on the players within the clubhouse.
Though the moment can be emotional, Bader expressed excitement for Paddack.
“You’ve got to be realistic,” Bader said. “He knew that it was a possibility, given his contract status. He’s been honest and realistic with his teammates about it. Paddack’s a good guy, someone I’ve definitely grown fond of as the season has progressed. … If anything, I’m excited for him, not sad. It’s a great opportunity. This game is very funky, but it really is beautiful in the opportunities it provides you with. He’s certainly got an opportunity, so I’m excited for him.”
(Photo: Ellen Schmidt / Getty Images)
