In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota Twins have invoked a seldom-used clause to revoke a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. This unusual move has caught the attention of Major League Baseball and left many wondering about its validity.
Twins Negotiate Unique Trade Deal with Blue Jays
The Minnesota Twins officially filed paperwork to initiate the “Takesies Backsies” clause after trading right-hander Louis Varland to the Blue Jays. In exchange, the Twins received outfielder Alan Roden and left-handed prospect Kendry Rojas. Initially satisfied with the terms, the Twins’ enthusiasm significantly diminished after the Blue Jays’ unexpected postseason success.
Details of the Trade
- Player Traded: Louis Varland
- In Exchange For:
- Alan Roden – Outfielder
- Kendry Rojas – Left-handed pitching prospect
- Context: The trade took place at the deadline, with the Twins hopeful about Varland thriving elsewhere.
Aftermath of the Trade
Following Toronto’s run to the World Series, the Twins began to reconsider their decision. Varland had impactful performances during the playoffs, leaving the Twins to question their trade. The struggles of both Roden and Rojas further fueled their reconsideration.
Roden had a lackluster batting average of .158, and Rojas faced challenges, giving up five runs in a simulated game. Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey expressed regret over the trade, saying they reevaluated their needs for pitchers capable of handling major league hitters.
MLB Response
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described the situation as “unprecedented but technically permissible.” According to Rule 9.2.3-B, trades can be revisited if regret levels reach a specified threshold. This policy allowed the Twins to attempt to reverse their deal.
Reactions from the Players
Louis Varland was surprised by the news, stating he had settled in Canada. Meanwhile, Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins expressed confusion over the attempt to apply informal playground rules to professional trades. Alan Roden also shared his bewilderment as he was caught between two teams.
Future Implications
The Twins aim to resolve this matter before spring training. As they prepare to welcome Varland back, the atmosphere at Target Field remains awkward, with mixed messages in the team’s surroundings. Falvey indicated that the front office will review all trades made in the last five years, possibly seeking more “do-overs.”
This distinctive case underscores the complexities and unpredictable nature of baseball trades, illustrating how quickly the tides can turn in the world of Major League Baseball.
