The Twins made their first major move of the offseason on Monday night, sending long-tenured second baseman Jorge Polanco to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, reliever Justin Topa and prospects Gabriel Gonzalez and Darren Bowen, a source confirmed. The Twins are also receiving cash in the deal.

In DeSclafani, the Twins get rotation depth that they have been seeking. The 33-year-old starting pitcher has a career 4.20 earned-run average and is just a few seasons removed from the best season of his career, when he posted a 3.17 ERA across 31 starts in 2021.

DeSclafani, who is a free agent at season’s end, missed much of last season with a flexor strain in his right elbow, but he had told
reporters at the end of the season that he expected to have a normal offseason.

It already has been a busy month for DeSclafani, who was acquired by the Mariners in a trade with the San Francisco Giants earlier this month.

Topa, a right-handed reliever, has a career 3.81 ERA in parts of five seasons. Last year, he posted a 2.61 ERA in 75 games for the Mariners.

Gonzalez, 20, is a well-regarded prospect. The outfielder is ranked No. 79 overall by MLB Pipeline and should slot in high among the
Twins’ top prospects. He split last season between Class A and Class-A  Advanced. Bowen, 22, was drafted in 2022 and pitched to a 3.88 ERA last season at Class A.

A trade of Polanco had long been speculated given the emergence last season of rookie Edouard Julien and the value of Polanco, who is under contract for 2024 with a club option for next season.

The 30-year-old Polanco, an all star in 2019, has been one of the Twins’ most consistent players for years, often leading the team in
games played. But he has dealt with injuries in recent seasons and was limited to just 80 games last season.

Polanco, due to earn $10.5 million in 2024, had been with the Twins since he signed as part of the 2009 international signing class
alongside Max Kepler and Miguel Sanó. The switch hitter was a quiet leader and steady figure within the Twins’ clubhouse.

Julien, as well as veteran Kyle Farmer, will step in at second base with infielder Brooks Lee, one of the organization’s top prospects,
set to begin the season at Triple-A and likely to ascend to the majors at some point this season.

The move is just the second one to impact the major league roster this offseason — the Twins previously added reliever Josh Staumont in free agency — in what had become a very slow-moving winter for the Twins.

Related Articles

Charley Walters: Did Joe Mauer actually consider playing football at Florida State?

Charley Walters: Trading Justin Jefferson might be the right move for Vikings

Twins agree to deal with relief pitcher Josh Staumont

Charley Walters: Vikings’ owners facing tough financial decisions