Twins report trade talks with Padres for Christian Vázquez

The Minnesota Twins are in discussions with the San Diego Padres about a potential trade involving catcher Christian Vázquez, who is entering the final year of a $30 million contract. Despite a lackluster performance last season, where he hit .221 with seven home runs, Vázquez is seen as a valuable defensive asset, particularly as the Padres seek to bolster their catching depth. However, financial constraints are a significant factor, with both teams needing to navigate salary issues; the Twins may need to absorb part of Vázquez's $10 million salary for the deal to proceed. While negotiations have slowed, they reflect a broader strategy for the Twins to shed payroll and reassess their roster amid a quiet offseason. Vázquez's trade would also open possibilities for the Padres to explore other roster improvements. The outcome of these discussions could influence both teams' future moves as they address their respective budget concerns.