The Twins continue to make moves before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline. Minnesota officially acquired starting pitcher Dean Kremer on August 1, a deal that saw the longtime Oriole head west for a Minor League outfielder.

The Twins’ Return

• SP Dean Kremer (6.50 ERA, 38 K over 36 IP)

Before this trade, Dean Kremer was the last man standing from the 2018 deal that sent Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kremer was not supposed to be the big get from that trade but he turned into that, as the right-hander became a valuable innings-eater for the O’s.

Kremer was largely dependable over the last four seasons. He made at least 24 starts in every year from 2022 through 2025, posted an ERA right around 4.00 in the last three, and was able to get outs despite lacking the swing-and-miss stuff that others in the Baltimore rotation had.

But this year, things were a little different. Kremer was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2026 season. However, he came up two weeks after the season started to work back in the rotation. Shortly thereafter, he suffered a quad strain that kept him out for a tick over two months.

It’s been an interesting season for Kremer at the big-league level. He’s given up an awfully high amount of home runs — 12 over 36 innings — and four of those came in one outing in July against the Chicago Cubs. However, he has elicited a good amount of swing-and-miss with some of his pitches, including the splitter, which had a Whiff% above 40%.

For Kremer, it’s a six-pitch mix. A cutter, a sinker, and a four-seamer for Kremer. His sinker and four-seamer sit 92-94 MPH. Additionally, the aforementioned splitter, a curveball, and a sparsely used slider.

The Orioles’ Return

• OF Jhomnardo Reyes (.272/.395/.489, seven HR & 22 XBH over 56 GP (FCL & A))

The return for the Orioles is 18-year-old Jhomnardo Reyes, who was with Low-A Fort Myers at the time of the trade.

Reyes had a great season in the FCL before his promotion to the Mighty Mussels. The 18-year-old slashed .296/.409/.541 (.950 OPS) for the Twins’ FCL club. Additionally, he stole 14 bases across 49 contests.

Already physically mature at 6’3” and 185 pounds. Left-handed hitting outfielder who has played mostly in right during his short pro career. Grinded out at-bats in the Minors; even despite a .095 average in limited time with Fort Myers, he walked six times in seven contests.

Analysis

Don’t think this is a move that signals that the Orioles are out of the playoff race. Kremer was already on the precipice for the team, even though he was working in the Baltimore rotation before the move.

Chris Bassitt is on the rehab path, although team president of baseball operations Mike Elias indicated that Bassitt will need one or two more outings before he returns to the big-league club. And the O’s also have Cade Povich and Trey Gibson to cover some innings to fill in alongside Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers, and Brandon Young.

Thus, the Orioles can dump off some salary, the second time that the Twins have taken on some money in their quest to make it back to the playoffs. Plus, take on a lottery ticket with a teenage outfielder who produced in rookie ball.

As for the Twins, it’s the second notable trade in as many days for the club. A.J. Minter officially became a Twin on July 31, as Minnesota picked up the left-hander to help out a bullpen that could use a good left-handed arm. Now, add another starting pitcher to the mix.

The Twins have received very good pitching from Taj Bradley, Joe Ryan, and recently, Bailey Ober. However, filling out the back end has been a problem. Zebby Matthews struck out 10 on the 31st but has his moments. Kendry Rojas and Connor Prielipp are rookies who’ve seen rotation action, and Mick Abel is on the IL.

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