The Minnesota Twins staged the most sweeping midseason roster purge in modern baseball history, shipping 11 players in just over four days to slash payroll and reset an organization navigating debt and a potential sale. Front-office meetings mapped every move, from Chris Paddack and Randy Dobnak to the closing bid on Jhoan Duran, with the aim to reset the roster while trimming as much as $26 million off 2025 payroll and $70 million from Carlos Correa’s long-term deal. The orchestrated sell-off culminated on deadline day with a flurry of trades that reshaped the club’s present and future, forcing a wholesale reset as the team looked to reconfigure for 2026 and beyond. This behind-the-scenes look details the strategy, the cost, and the emotional toll inside a franchise recalibrating under pressure.

Crucially, Correa was dealt to Houston for a salary-dump that freed up cash and allowed a strategic rotation of prospects, while Duran settled a high-stakes negotiation with Philadelphia for Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel. The Twins also moved Willi Castro to Chicago, Harrison Bader to Philadelphia, and executed a last-day bonanza that included Varland to Toronto for Alan Roden and Kendry Rojas, plus Jax to Tampa Bay for Taj Bradley. The net result: a roster overhaul that created a large ripple effect across the system, forcing the major-league club to backfill eight spots for Friday’s game in Cleveland and launching a comprehensive rebuild. Falvey labeled it an organizational reset, but the payroll fallout—paired with ownership’s sale discussions—made it a consequential moment for Twins fans and fantasy managers alike.

The MLB trade deadline saw a surprising number of player movements, including some notable changes for pitchers like Dustin May and Taj Bradley, who are looking to turn their seasons around with new teams. The Red Sox acquired May from the Dodgers, hoping to improve his performance, particularly by adjusting his pitch mix, while the Twins are working with Bradley to capitalize on his potential.

Other significant trades included Michael Soroka joining the Cubs, where he may benefit from a stronger defense, and JP Sears moving to the Padres, where a shift in ballpark might help him rediscover his previous form. Ke'Bryan Hayes, now with the Reds, faces pressure after underperforming with the Pirates, despite his impressive defensive skills.

The Tampa Bay Rays have optioned Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham after his disappointing outing in an 11-9 loss to the Chicago White Sox, where he squandered a 4-0 lead. The 24-year-old right-hander gave up four runs and walked three in less than two innings, raising concerns about his mental approach and command. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized that this decision aims to restore Bradley’s confidence and refine his secondary pitches without the pressure of major league competition.

The Rays are optimistic about Bradley's potential impact on their success but recognize the need for a strategic reset. In his absence, they plan to depend more on Joe Boyle and Mason Englert to stabilize the starting rotation.

The MLB trade deadline approaches, and several starting pitchers are expected to be on the move. Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals tops the list, likely to be traded as he has a player option for 2026. The Arizona Diamondbacks should consider dealing Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both free agents after the season. The Baltimore Orioles are set to part with Zach Eflin, Charlie Morton, and Tomoyuki Sugano, while Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals is a strong candidate for a trade. Other potential names include Nick Martinez of the Cincinnati Reds and Aaron Civale from the Chicago White Sox.

Alongside these possible trades, there are pitchers who may step into starting roles after trades. This deadline is crucial for teams looking to bolster their rotations for a playoff push. Players like Nestor Cortes from Milwaukee and Patrick Corbin of Texas could also be on the move, impacting the league's pitching landscape significantly.

On this five-game MLB slate, Koby highlights key players for DraftKings and FanDuel DFS lineups, emphasizing the need for creativity and differentiation in GPPs. With favorable weather conditions, notable pitchers include Taj Bradley, who presents excellent value against the struggling White Sox, and JP Sears, who has shown promise against left-handed hitters. Among infielders, Nick Kurtz stands out with a remarkable performance, while Jose Ramirez is a top spend-up option against a potentially vulnerable Zach Eflin. In the outfield, Cody Bellinger continues his power surge, and Max Kepler's history against pitcher Lucas Giolito makes him a compelling pick. Koby also suggests stacking the Athletics and Yankees against weak opposing pitchers, emphasizing the potential for significant returns.