MN Twins Trade Josh Donaldson, 2 Others To NY Yankees: Here's Why

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins Sunday acquired centerfielder Gary Sánchez and third baseman Gio Urshela from the New York Yankees in exchange for pitcher Josh Donaldson, shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and catcher Ben Rortvedt.

The trade with the Yankees is the latest move in what has already been an aggressive post-lockout free agency period for the Twins, and it's likely not done yet.

The Yankees will now have to pay the final $50 million left on Donaldson's contract, freeing up payroll space for bigger signings that could still come this month.

The Twins have shown interest in free-agent shortstop and slugger Trevor Story, Dan Hayes at the Athletic reported. Another source told the sports website that the Twins have "lots of irons" in the proverbial fire.

"This is the most confused I've ever been about a Twins transaction," Aaron Gleeman, another reporter for the Athletic, tweeted.

"Impossible not to assume it's clearing the decks for a very big move, because it just makes zero sense otherwise."

Twins fans should be excited by the moves, which indicate that the club's front office wants to be competitive this season.