Twins Acquire Dean Kremer for 18-Year-Old Outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes

The Minnesota Twins bolstered their rotation by acquiring Dean Kremer, who has allowed 14 runs over his last 10 innings of work.

The Minnesota Twins agreed to acquire right-handed starting pitcher Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, July 31, 2026. In exchange for the right-hander, Minnesota is sending 18-year-old outfielder Jhomnardo Reyes to Baltimore. Reyes was originally signed as an international prospect out of the Dominican Republic. This transaction follows Minnesota’s acquisition of relief pitcher A.J. Minter from the New York Mets just 24 hours prior.

Kremer enters the Twins organization carrying a 6.50 ERA across seven starts during the 2026 campaign. His recent performance includes surrendering 14 earned runs over his previous 10 innings on the mound. The right-hander’s season was interrupted by a right quad strain that resulted in a stint on the injured list lasting more than 10 weeks. Despite these struggles, Kremer remains under team control for several years, as he will not qualify for MLB free agency until the conclusion of the 2027 season.

Rotation Depth and Injury Management

Minnesota sought pitching reinforcements to address a starting rotation currently missing Pablo Lopez, David Festa, and Mick Abel. The front office is banking on Kremer to provide necessary depth and stabilize his performance following his recent struggles. The move signals a shift in strategy compared to the previous season, where the club traded away 10 veteran players in the three days leading up to the deadline.

Under the leadership of controlling owner Tom Pohlad, the Twins were widely expected to be buyers at the deadline if they remained in the postseason hunt. The club currently holds a .500 winning percentage, placing them 3.5 games behind the leader in the American League Central division. Additionally, Minnesota sits just half a game back from a wild-card position in a diluted American League field.

Roster Retention and Trade Deadline Strategy

While adding Kremer, the Twins are expected to retain several core pieces of their roster. Reports indicate the team will not part with starting pitcher Joe Ryan or center fielder Byron Buxton. Furthermore, it is considered unlikely that the front office will move catcher Ryan Jeffers, despite his status as a pending free agent.

The Athletic was the first outlet to report the details of the Kremer trade, which was later confirmed by ESPN sources at 11:30 PM ET. This acquisition serves as a pivot for a franchise that has remained competitive despite significant injuries to its pitching staff. By targeting a player with multiple years of team control, the Twins are addressing both immediate rotation vacancies and long-term roster flexibility.

Kremer’s arrival marks the second significant pitching addition for Minnesota in two days. The team continues to navigate a tight race in the American League Central, utilizing the trade market to fill gaps created by the absences of Lopez, Festa, and Abel. The departure of Reyes represents the cost of acquiring established major league arm depth during a period of contention.