In 2018, the Yankees faced a 40-man roster crunch and the Twins were interested in acquiring Jake Cave, resulting in a trade that has had long-term implications for multiple teams. Minnesota traded 19-year-old pitcher Luis Gil, who had struggled with arm injuries, for Cave. This trade has since affected the careers of Cave, Gil, and indirectly, LaMonte Wade Jr.
**Jake Cave’s Impact**
Cave played a part-time role over five seasons with the Twins, hitting .235/.297/.411 with a 93 OPS+ in over 1,000 plate appearances. Initially performing well with a 112 OPS+ in his first two seasons, Cave, a left-handed batter, was primarily used in a platoon role due to his higher performance against right-handed pitchers. Defensively, he covered all three outfield positions, showing strength in the corners but appearing stretched in center field. After leaving the Twins, Cave continued to find opportunities, playing 65 games for the Phillies and currently being a member of the Rockies, where he holds a 67 OPS+ in 38 games. The Twins’ front office accurately identified Cave as a valuable fourth outfielder.
**Luis Gil’s Journey**
Gil’s career has been plagued by injuries, but he is off to a promising start with the Yankees. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2022, Gil returned to the minor leagues at the end of last season. With the Yankees needing pitching depth due to Gerrit Cole’s injury, Gil secured a spot as the number-five starter. In 10 starts this season, he has posted a 2.11 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and a 31.7 K%, leading all of baseball with a 4.4 H/9. Despite his success, Gil has only pitched over 100 innings in one professional season, suggesting he may face an innings limit this season. Given his significant injury history, the Twins can’t be faulted for trading him.
**LaMonte Wade Jr.’s Emergence**
Although not directly related to the Cave trade, the Twins’ decision to trade Wade in 2021 for reliever Shaun Anderson is tied to their outfield depth, including Cave. Anderson was short-lived with the Twins, allowing nine earned runs in 8 2/3 innings before being claimed off waivers by the Rangers. Meanwhile, Wade, who could have served a similar role to Cave, has excelled with the Giants, posting a 119 OPS+ in over 370 games. This season, Wade boasts a league-leading .472 OBP and has found a defensive home at first base, ranking in the 86th percentile for Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fielding Run Value. Wade’s performance has made him one of the NL’s best players this season, making his departure a tough pill for Twins fans to swallow.
In conclusion, while both Gil and Wade have become significant losses for the Twins, the team’s decisions regarding their roster, including the acquisition of Cave, have had complex and far-reaching consequences.
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