As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare to face off in the 2024 World Series, it’s a great time to evaluate how two recent trades with these perennial contenders went for the Twins. Although the trades differed in size and scope, each sent notable talent back and forth, with the goal of meeting the needs of all teams involved. Let’s take a look back to see how each team benefited (or didn’t) from these deals.

March 13, 2022: Twins waive Donaldson to Yankees
In the spring of 2022, the Twins sent Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-FalefaAnd Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees. In exchange, Minnesota received two veteran players, Gary Sanchez And Gio Urshela. The Yankees were pushing for more depth, hoping Kiner-Falefa could hold down the shortstop position while Donaldson added some pop in the middle of their lineup. Minnesota was looking for a way out of the Donaldson contract.

Impact on the Yankees
For New York, these exchanges have had mixed results. Donaldson initially provided a boost of power and brought leadership to the Yankees’ infield. However, injuries and declining performance took their toll and the Yankees released him by the end of the 2023 season, leaving them with no return on his remaining contract. Kiner-Falefa was a useful addition to their lineup for his defensive versatility, but his limitations at the plate kept him from being a long-term solution for the Yankees at shortstop. Rortvedt, meanwhile, spent most of his time in the minors, making little impact at the MLB level. The Yankees’ investment in Donaldson did not bring the championship hoped for.

Impact on twins
The Twins also received mixed feedback from the players involved, but moving the Donaldson contract allowed the team to add Carlos Correa that winter. Urshela quickly became a fan favorite in Minnesota, posting one of his best offensive seasons in 2022 (119 OPS+). His steady glove and steady bat helped stabilize the left side of the infield, and his leadership provided stability during a difficult season. Urshela was ultimately traded to the Angels before the 2023 season, but left a positive mark in Minnesota.

Sánchez, a high-risk, high-reward acquisition, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Although he provided flashes of power, he struggled defensively and could not find consistency at the plate, leading to a unique season with Minnesota. He posted an 88 OPS+ and the team was forced to use him as a catcher too often due to other injuries. While the trade may not have produced any long-term stars, it tilted slightly in Minnesota’s favor due to the long-term impact on payroll.

February 26, 2024: Twins add Margot for outfield depth
Fast forward to 2024, and the Twins have reached another deal, this time with the Dodgers. The Twins acquired Manuel Margota proven outfielder with a reputation for strong defense and speed, and a minor league prospect Rayne Doncon. In exchange, the Dodgers received a shortstop prospect from the Twins Noah Millera solid defender with utility player potential but still developing his offensive game. This trade was more about adding depth to the Twins’ outfield while giving Los Angeles an intriguing outfield prospect, prioritizing gloves.

Impact on the Dodgers
For the Dodgers, Miller split the season between High- and Double-A, showing consistent defensive skills and demonstrating some hitting potential. In 134 games, he has .244/.318/.315 (.633) while being more than three years younger than the average age in Double-A competition. The Dodgers believe his high baseball IQ and versatility could help him become a solid utility infielder. Although he still has a few seasons left before making an impact in the MLB, Miller’s developmental journey matches the Dodgers’ knack for cultivating on-field talent. His glove-first profile may suit their needs if he continues to progress with his bat.

Impact on twins
The Twins had higher immediate hopes for Margot as a potential replacement Michael A. Taylor. Known for her defensive abilities, the Twins quickly realized that Margot had lost a step and couldn’t handle center field. He posted a -0.6 WAR for the season with a career-low 76 OPS+. Minnesota was forced to continue using him to fill the void left by injuries and defensive lapses among the Twins’ corner outfielder. Doncon, meanwhile, has shown potential in the lower minors, even if it’s still raw. In 94 games, he posted a .773 OPS with 24 doubles and 11 home runs. If Doncon can develop, he could prove to be a valuable asset for the Twins.

Commercial qualities:
Commercial grade Twins-Yankees
– Yankees: C
– Twins: B
The Yankees added defensive depth and leadership with Donaldson and Kiner-Falefa, but saw little lasting return on investment. For Minnesota, the trade brought short-term stability to Urshela and a gamble on Sánchez. Urshela’s success in Minnesota and Donaldson’s eventual release to New York tipped the scales slightly in the Twins’ favor.

Commercial grade Twins-Dodgers
-Dodgers: C
-Twins: C
This deal appears to be a boost with Margot struggling and neither prospect taking the next step. Fans can closely watch Miller and Doncon rise through the ranks of the organization, but neither prospect is expected to be a significant contributor at the big league level.

These trades demonstrate Minnesota’s balanced approach to negotiations with baseball’s elite franchises. Each trade had specific goals and the Twins gained usable pieces that contributed to their roster. As the Yankees and Dodgers face off on the biggest stage, the Twins front office can reflect on a few recent deals that, at least in part, worked in Minnesota’s favor.

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