3 Minor-League Free Agents the Twins Should Try to Retain

[Seth Stohs]

On Tuesday, the Twins began their 40-man roster cleanup. When the World Series is complete, several players will become free agents. The Twins will have several minor-league players becoming free agents. We will explain which players are eligible for free agency, and in today's installment, I'll write about three hitters that I think the Twins should try to bring back. 

Image courtesy of Steve Buhr, Twins Daily (left: Jair Camargo, right: Wander Javier)

 

Immediately following the completion of the World Series, players eligible for free agency will officially become free agents. The Twins have over 30 minor leaguers eligible for free agency at that time including 11 hitters. Here are three that I think the Twins should attempt to retain. But first, let's talk about the team's transactions from Tuesday and which players are eligible for free agency. 

Tuesday Transactions 
Let’s start by going through the Twins-related transactions from Tuesday. RHP Jhon Romero and LHP Devin Smeltzer were outrighted and sent to the Saints. Three players were claimed by other organizations. C/1B Caleb Hamilton was claimed by the Boston Red Sox. OF Jake Cave was claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. SS Jermaine Palacios was claimed by the Detroit Tigers. 

The Twins roster is currently at 47 players (27 pitchers, 20 hitters). There are still 10 players on the 60-Day IL that will soon have to be removed from the 60-Day IL. About ten players will either become free agents or have a player or team option on their 2023 seasons. 

Minor-League Free-Agent Hitters 
Let’s start the regularly-scheduled portion of today’s article by considering who is eligible to become a minor-league free agent. Sometimes, they are called six-year minor-league free agents because they become free agents after they have played six minor-league seasons. Of course, being on the 40-man roster means that they won’t be a free agent. At that point, the three option years come into play 

Players drafted in 2016 can be minor-league free agents.
For example, LHP Zach Featherstone was the Twins 12th round pick in 2016. He’s missed a lot of time with injuries. If the Twins don’t add him to the 40-man roster before the end of the World Series, Featherstone will be a free agent. 

Alex Kirilloff. Jose Miranda. Griffin Jax. Jordan Balazovic. Each of these players was also drafted by the Twins in 2016. Each of them is currently on the 40-man roster. Because of that, they cannot become free agents. 

Devin Smeltzer cleared waivers and was outrighted and sent to St. Paul. However, since he was drafted by the Dodgers in 2016, he will become a free agent after the World Series. Had Caleb Hamilton cleared waivers, he would have been a free agent also. That’s important because of the Red Sox DFA and he clears, he can be a free agent.  That tells me that the Red Sox are likely to keep him on their roster throughout the offseason. 

However, if the Twins remove any of them from the 40-man roster, they can choose to become a minor-league free agent. 

International players signed in 2015 can be minor-league free agents
Wander Javier signed with the Twins on July 2, 2015, as a 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic. Jair Camargo signed with the Dodgers on July 10, 2015, out of Colombia. Their pro careers began in the Dominican Summer League in 2016. Of note, Jhon Romero cleared waivers on Tuesday, but at the end of the World Series, he will become a free agent. 

Veterans 
Players signed as minor-league free agents will again become minor-league free agents. Occasionally there are two-year minor-league contracts. One example of that is veteran Brock Stewart. The Twins signed the former top prospect late this summer. He finished his rehab and pitched in some games late in the season. He should come into 2023 fully healthy and ready to compete for a return to the big leagues in a bullpen role with the Twins. 

Three Hitters to Keep
It is probably worth noting that as a minor-league free agent, players can actually make some decent money. Obviously, that is based on their level of play, age, and competition for the player’s services. Often, minor-league contracts will come with an invitation to big-league spring training. 

#1 - Catcher Jair Camargo
Camargo came to the Twins in 2020 with Kenta Maeda in the deal that sent Brusdar Graterol to the Dodgers. He split the 2020 season between Cedar Rapids and Wichita. In 77 games, he hit .262/.310/.483 (.793) with 11 doubles and 18 home runs. While he still didn’t walk much, his approach at the plate was much improved. And he became a reliable middle-of-the-order hitter for his teams. Defensively, he has work to do behind the plate, but he does continue to improve. He is athletic and has a strong arm. In 2022, he threw out 38% of would-be base stealers at both Cedar Rapids and Wichita. 

Camargo may not be one of the Twins more well-known prospects, but he is a name to know. He just turned 23 on July 1st. I don’t know what kind of offers he could get as a minor-league free agent, but I would prioritize bringing him back. Ideally, the Twins would offer him a fantastic minor-league deal and get him to sign it after the Rule 5 draft so they don’t have to worry about him being selected. If not, they may need to consider adding him to the 40-man roster, and if that’s the case, they might as well do it before the World Series ends to avoid the risk of losing him.

 

 

#2 - Infielder Wander Javier 
In 2015, Javier was one of the top 16-year-olds available in the international market. The Twins signed him to a $4 million bonus. This summer, Twins Director of Player Personnel Mike Radcliff acknowledged on Bally Sports that the Twins also had an agreement with Juan Soto before he backed out and signed with the Nationals for $1.5 million. While he put up some strong numbers in the rookie leagues, he also missed a lot of time due to injury. He played just nine games in 2016 in the DSL. He missed all of 2018 with a shoulder injury that cost him time early in 2019. Then, he didn’t play in 2020. 

In 2021, he stayed in Cedar Rapids, though the league had changed from Low-A to High-A. He hit .225 with a .280 on-base percentage, but he also had 15 doubles, 10 triples, and 12 home runs in 96 games. He returned to the Kernels this year, and in 109 games, he hit .209 with a .273 on-base percentage. He hit 14 doubles, five triples, and 12 home runs. He ended the season with seven games for the Saints and had two hits in 20 at-bats including a home run. 

 

 

So why would I want the Twins to bring back Javier? Well, he will turn 24 near the end of December. He is a very good athlete, and while he just has not hit at High-A, he has the speed and strength to develop at some point. Maybe. Defensively, he is a better-than-average defensive shortstop with good range and a strong arm. The Twins have had him play almost exclusively at shortstop throughout his time in the organization. However, after 2022 top pick Brooks Lee joined the Kernels, Javier played mostly third base and a couple of games at second base. I wouldn’t mind it if the Twins brought him back and used him as a utility infielder. He has had the pressure of his signing bonus all these years, and maybe being able to remove some of that might help. Of course, potentially the best way for him to do that would be to get a new start elsewhere. 

#3 - Outfielder Leobaldo Cabrera 
Leobaldo Cabrera, a 24-year-old outfielder from Venezuela has had an interesting career. He originally signed with the Yankees back in July 2015 for $250,000. A year later, they signed his brother Oswaldo Cabrera. Leobaldo was released by the Yankees in 2018. Oswaldo made his MLB debut in August. The Twins allowed Leobaldo to spend a weekend with his family to be at his brother’s debut. 

 

 

In 2019, Cabrera began to play in the independent Empire League. The Twins liked his power potential and his big outfield arm and in April of 2021, they signed him as a depth piece in the minor leagues. He began in Ft. Myers where he rarely played where he played five games. Then he moved up to Cedar Rapids and only played 14 games. But then he went to Double-A Wichita and hit .235/.335/.482 (.817) with seven doubles and 11 homers in 52 games. He re-signed with the Twins and spent the whole season in Wichita. In 83 games, he hit .223/.309/.356 (.665). When you consider he started the season by going 0-for-32 in April, it’s not quite so far. 

He is still just 24. He has some right-handed power, and like his brother, he has a rocket for an arm. He’s also just a pretty good defensive outfielder. 

 

 

Other Soon-To-Bee Minor-League Free Agents
C/1B Roy Morales
IF Nash Knight
IF Elliot Soto
OF John Andreoli
OF Braden Bishop
OF Cole Sturgeon
C Chance Sisco
OF Zach Huffins 

Would you be interested in seeing the Twins bring any of these hitters back? I’ll be back soon with the potential minor-league free agents.

 

 

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[PatPfund]

For sure Camargo, as somebody flashing MLB talents in a position of need for the Twins (the bat and the big arm); there certainly isn't a 'blocked' path at catcher.

The other two would be nice, but I'm also hoping the Twins take a shot at injecting new talent by raiding other teams' minor league FAs.

[D.C Twins]

Camargo absolutely.... the rest... 'yaaaawn'  

[rv78]

Agree with the above. Carmargo yes, the other 2 with them already being 24 years old, no. The Twins have enough players that hit .220. The bar needs to be raised.

[IndianaTwin]

I think he was hurt much of the year, but if he's healthy, bring back Sisco on a minor league deal. With only Jeffers in the fold, and even if they sign a top catcher, you can almost not have too many catchers with major league experience in camp and stashed at AAA. 

 

[roger]

Thanks for this information, Seth.

I can't believe that Javier is only 24.  Seems like we have been waiting for him to turn that corner for a long, long time.  Doubt that he will ever make it, but after all these years would be a bloody shame to let him go and turn into an all-star for somebody else.

The one that is an absolute must to resign is the catcher.  That's one position the front office needs to work on real hard this winter.  As I see it, they need at a minimum three new catchers.  One, someone to play at least half the games for the Twins.  Two, someone like Leon, a veteran who will sign a minor league deal to play at St. Paul where he will help their young pitchers develop and be available as a backup when one of the Twins two goes down.  Three, a good young prospect who is close.  You know, someone like Rortvedt was when traded...less the injury.

[IndianaTwin]

According to this... https://www.mlb.com/player/devin-smeltzer-656970, Smeltzer has already opted for free agency. 

 

[FlyingFinn]

A catcher who throws out 38% of the runners! Yea, we have to keep Camargo and work on the rest of his defense. I'm leaning towards adding him to the 40 man roster.

[Nashvilletwin]

Could Camargo be our #2 catcher at the moment?

[DocBauer]

Yes to Carmago. The Twins need the depth and he shows some promise still. Once the Twins settle on their co-catcher, they will have to add a 3rd at some point. Might be someone like Leon. Or, they might add after the rule 5. But Carmago should be kept.

I'm lukewarm on Javier. He still has a ton of talent and is only going to be 24. Maybe he's better served going elsewhere for a change of scenery. But despite poor results the past 2yrs, when you look at talent and age, I'm open to another year of "maybe this is the season it starts to click".

Cabrera does little for me, but OF depth at AA isn't a bad thing so why not? Nothing says you are forced to keep him if he's simply outplayed. 

[mikelink45]

4 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

According to this... https://www.mlb.com/player/devin-smeltzer-656970, Smeltzer has already opted for free agency. 

 

He should!  Good luck to him.

[mikelink45]

Carmago is the only one worth talking about.  Anyone who has potential at Catcher is a keeper..

[Game7-91]

Seth, does the Dominican League count as a full MiLB season?

I am surprised to learn that signing a 16 yr old int'l player means teams have to decide by age 22 whether or not to commit. Seems like a huge risk with a 4M bonus. 

Dont know any of these guys, but can note that, officially, the Jake Cave-era has ended, unless we trade for him this winter?

[tony&rodney]

All three have some promise. The trick is how do the Twins get each of them to sign? These are three guys I like as long shots to continue their careers in the Twins minor league system.

[Seth Stohs]

7 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

According to this... https://www.mlb.com/player/devin-smeltzer-656970, Smeltzer has already opted for free agency. 

 

Correct... That is due to the timing from Article completion to it getting published. 

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, Game7-91 said:

Seth, does the Dominican League count as a full MiLB season?

I am surprised to learn that signing a 16 yr old int'l player means teams have to decide by age 22 whether or not to commit. Seems like a huge risk with a 4M bonus. 

Dont know any of these guys, but can note that, officially, the Jake Cave-era has ended, unless we trade for him this winter?

The way it was, up until like two years ago, is international signing could begin on July 2nd. Now it is January 15th. 

So, Javier signed on July 2nd of 2015, but those signings don't play until 2016. And that is spelled out in the contract. 

Now the guys sign in January and play already in June when the DSL starts up, so their timeline SHOULD now be the same as drafted players. 

[Seth Stohs]

6 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Could Camargo be our #2 catcher at the moment?

Not sure on that... Low average. Some power. Defense OK. 

[AceWrigley]

1 hour ago, Seth Stohs said:

Not sure on that... Low average. Some power. Defense OK. 

Kind of like most of our catchers.

[nclahammer]

Great read and info.  For sure, Jair Camargo has to be at the top of the Twins priority list, especially with their lack of depth at the catching position.  I saw him play in Wichita this summer and he made solid contact and seemed to handle himself well behind the plate.

[miracleb]

Losing Jermaine Palacios hurts.  We paid 10 million dollars to a shortstop, two years ago, with a similar skill set......

 

[Mike Sixel]

16 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Carmago is the only one worth talking about.  Anyone who has potential at Catcher is a keeper..

Agreed.

[insagt1]

As an O's fan along with the Twins, I was mildly amused at their claiming of Jake Cave.  I suspect he was merely a depth signing for Norfolk. Jake was an honest warrior, who played hard despite minimum major league skills. Defensively he was actually pretty decent, but as a hitter, he just couldn't measure up. Enjoyed watching him play briefly in Rochester. He had no future in Minnesota and only played there this season at all due to the incredible number of injuries that really gutted the team. I wish him well. Doubtful he will ever play in Baltimore.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, insagt1 said:

As an O's fan along with the Twins, I was mildly amused at their claiming of Jake Cave.  I suspect he was merely a depth signing for Norfolk. Jake was an honest warrior, who played hard despite minimum major league skills. Defensively he was actually pretty decent, but as a hitter, he just couldn't measure up. Enjoyed watching him play briefly in Rochester. He had no future in Minnesota and only played there this season at all due to the incredible number of injuries that really gutted the team. I wish him well. Doubtful he will ever play in Baltimore.

Teams make waiver claims, and then turn around and put them back on waivers as soon as there's the slightest need for that roster spot, lather rinse repeat.  Maybe Cave makes it to the Oriole's AAA club, maybe some other team's.  I can't picture him remaining on anybody's 40-man all offseason.