4 Non-Roster Invitees That Can Still Make the Twins’ Opening Day Roster

[Cody Christie]

Injuries have reared their ugly head with the season’s start quickly approaching. Here are four non-roster invitees who can make the Twins’ Opening Day roster.

Image courtesy of Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, Derek Falvey told reporters that Jorge Polanco is behind on his preparation for Opening Day. The team has other options to take his spot at second base, but he isn’t the only injury concern. Alex Kirilloff recently started playing in minor league games, and there is still a chance he will start the year on the IL. Here is a look at some players that still have a chance to come north with the Twins next week. 

Kyle Garlick, OF/DH
Twins fans are familiar with Garlick since he has played over 100 games for the club in the last two seasons. He missed some time with a wrist injury in 2022, but the Twins signed him to a one-year, $750,000 contract that will pay him significantly more than the Triple-A minimum salary. Over the last two seasons, Garlick has hit .233/.283/.446 (.728) with 11 doubles and 14 home runs. Those numbers don’t tell Garlick’s entire story. The Twins were forced to use him regularly last season because of mounting injuries. He should only bat against left-handed pitchers, where he had an .805 OPS in 82 PA. The Twins like Garlick, and there is a good chance he will be back in the big leagues in 2023. 

Jeff Hoffman, RP
The Twins signed Hoffman at the end of February to a minor league deal that includes multiple incentives if he’s on the big-league roster. Last season, he made 35 appearances for Cincinnati with a 3.85 ERA and a 45-to-23 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Hoffman has the inside track to the final bullpen spot after the Twins optioned Trevor Megill to the minors and placed Dennis Santana on waivers. In four spring appearances, he has an 8-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio with increased velocity and the ability to pitch more than one inning. Hoffman has previously started games, and Rocco Baldelli has discussed his desire to have a long-man in the bullpen. Hoffman can serve multiple purposes for the Twins, so he will make the Opening Day roster. 

Willi Castro, UTL
Castro has played multiple positions for the Twins this spring and posted some impressive offensive numbers. Through his first 11 games, he went 9-for-29 (.310 BA) with five extra-base hits and a 1.049 OPS. Over the last two seasons, Castro has been a regular for the Detroit Tigers, playing six different defensive positions. He has hit .230/.278/.359 (.637) with an 80 OPS+ since the start of the 2021 season. With multiple injury concerns, the Twins might like his defensive versatility as a bench option. However, his offensive numbers this spring might be a mirage, and Minnesota might want someone with a different offensive skill set on the roster. 

Tyler White, 1B
White hasn’t played at the big-league level since 2019, but the Twins might want that streak to end so he can add first-base depth. Entering play on Tuesday, he is hitting .250/.382/.429 (.811) with three extra-base hits in 34 PA this spring. Last season, he split time at Triple-A for the Brewers and the Braves. In 103 games, he hit .230/.357/.412 (.769) with 13 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, and an 88-to-70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. White had an .819 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2022, so the Twins could use him in a similar role to Garlick, with him filling in at first base. 

Will any of these players be on the Opening Day roster? How would you rank their chances of coming north with the club? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[Nashvilletwin]

Geez Louise……..

[chpettit19]

I wouldn't be surprised by Castro being their 13th hitter. His ability to play everywhere is something they'll love. And he's still young, with an option left. The option is important if they're expecting Kirilloff and/or Polanco back within 10-15 days of opening day. Garlick or White being added means they're fine possibly losing them in April. If you're ok losing a player in April he probably shouldn't be on your opening day roster.

Hoffman probably comes down to their Ober decision. But is also tied to the position player situation somewhat. They only have 1 40-man spot open. I doubt they want to DFA anyone before the season after carrying them all offseason. But maybe. Maybe they are considering putting Celestino on the 60-day? It all gets a little more complicated if they're trying to add 2 of these guys. But if they decide to carry Ober in some role on the opening day roster there's no spot for Hoffman, or any other pitcher outside the 13 we've been expecting all offseason.

[stringer bell]

I think there are a couple more pitchers with a chance. Danny Coulombe and Oliver Ortiz have a case. 
 

I think one of Garlick or Castro will make it. Castro has an option that can be used if the team gets Polanco and Kirilloff (presumed IL) back soon. 

[Doctor Gast]

Willi Castro is by far my vote. He's a handy INF glove, a switch hitter who's bat is starting to click. Someone we really need if Polanco is held up.

[Eephus]

Does it help Castro's chances that he apparently has some base stealing ability (9 last year and 100+ in the minors)? This will be "The Year of the Stolen Base" according to someone somewhere.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I chose Castro (he can hit and field and run) and Hoffman (he can throw strikes). They both have earned being kept on the 26 man roster. Now the question remains, who goes to the IL (Polanco) or is released (Pagan). Second question: If Pagan is released, and then picked up, who pays his contract?

[Bamboo Bat]

Garlick is the new Cave - he'll hang around & I agree we'll see him at some point in 2023. 

Hoffman, yes. My preference is Ober in the rotation in St. Paul until/if he's needed. I want him ready to go with 35 minutes notice, not misused in a "long relief" role by the current manager, then having to go down to be built up for a month again. Hoffman was OK last year & OK as a last option in the bullpen in my eyes. 

White, no If he's on the team for any length of time, we'll know where 2023 is headed (i.e. nowhere). 

Castro, no. We have Solano, Farmer, & Gordon for utility depth already on the roster - why add a guy with borderline mediocre power, speed, & a .292 career OBP? Like White, scraping bottom if we have Castro on the roster other than in a national emergency. 

 

[GKuehl]

DANNY COULOMBE

[jorgenswest]

Castro is younger than Larnach. He put up a really good AAA season and was rushed to the majors very young. There are plenty of examples of players being called up too young and struggle yet still find success in their prime. It happened with Escobar and Hicks. I have hope for Celestino. It can happen with Castro. 

[DocBauer]

I'm intrigued by Oliver Ortega and he's had a solid spring. But I believe he's behind Hoffman and Coulombe based on experience, if nothing else. 

I'm giving the nod to Hoffman over Coulombe, grudgingly, due to the fact Hoffman has an out clause, and he fits the role of being able to throw multiple innings as a valuable middle man. With Pagan...ugh and crossed fingers...we have a pair of arms that can throw a couple innings at a time as bridge relievers.

On the player side, I have to agree with chpettit19 that I don't see keeping a player on the opening day roster that you are willing to lose in April if either Polanco or AK are ready within a few weeks, or maybe even a month. In regard to White, we already have Solano and even Miranda as 1B options. I don't see a fit for White. So the last position spot has to be Garlick or Castro.

I believe Gordon and Farmer will probably cover 2B while Polanco is out. That means room for Garlick as a LH masher in the OF here and there. And with Buxton spending a lot of time at DH to begin the season, as reported, Taylor will already be in the starting lineup a lot initially. But when Buxton starts playing the field more, and someone gets healthy again, Garlick may have to be passed through waivers to keep. Do the Twins risk losing him?

Meanwhile, Castro, a year younger than I thought he was, offers the ability to "replace" some of Gordon's and Farmer's versatility as a super utility player. I don't believe his ST numbers are indicative of a sudden progression. But I like his milb numbers. I like his speed and some pop, switch hitting potential, and the ability to play 6 spots. When you look at his milb career and athletic ability and versatility, and still only 25yo, why on earth did Detroit give up on him so quickly? Makes ZERO sense to me!

I have no illusions Castro will turn in to anything special, other than a potentially nice, well rounded utility player. But what's wrong with that? He's at the age now, 25, where many decent/solid prospects just reach the majors, or are going in to their 2nd year. But he was pushed too soon, hasn't been anything but mediocre to this point, despite solid milb production, and offers potential growth still. AND, he's still got an option. 

To me, the logical choice is Castro as the final 13th man to begin the season. Speed, defense, the ability to play all over, makes him the best choice as a temporary fill in for a few weeks, or a month. After that, he can be optioned down to continue to develop and provide depth.

Hoffman and Castro are the choices. Everyone else is at St Paul awaiting opportunity to contribute as needed.

[stringer bell]

This highlights factors outside performance on the field. Coulombe isn't on the roster and has no options. Ortega isn't on the 40-man, but would have an option if he got on the roster. Hoffman isn't on the roster and doesn't have options, but has opt-outs. Both Castro and Garlick aren't on the 40-man, but Castro can be optioned. 

I concur with DocBauer, the choices should be Hoffman and Castro. It also figures Castro becomes more useful if Miranda can't play third base. 

[D.C Twins]

Ugh... a prolonged need for any of the above is not compatible with a championship season

[h2oface]

We just can't get rid of Garlick. Unbelieveable. And to even consider White is just horrible. This is depressing. And with all the "stud" prospects, this is where we are?

[stringer bell]

Having veteran guys to serve as the last two guys on the bench is the right move IMHO. The Twins will go through a lot of players and if probably guys who are now prospects will get chances later. 
 

The last two guys in the bullpen and the last two position players aren’t going to stay the same all year. 

[dxpavelka]

7 hours ago, Bamboo Bat said:

Garlick is the new Cave - he'll hang around & I agree we'll see him at some point in 2023. 

Hoffman, yes. My preference is Ober in the rotation in St. Paul until/if he's needed. I want him ready to go with 35 minutes notice, not misused in a "long relief" role by the current manager, then having to go down to be built up for a month again. Hoffman was OK last year & OK as a last option in the bullpen in my eyes. 

White, no If he's on the team for any length of time, we'll know where 2023 is headed (i.e. nowhere). 

Castro, no. We have Solano, Farmer, & Gordon for utility depth already on the roster - why add a guy with borderline mediocre power, speed, & a .292 career OBP? Like White, scraping bottom if we have Castro on the roster other than in a national emergency. 

 

I was really hoping to never hear the name Cave again.

[Devlin Clark]

I gotta think Hoffman makes it. 

[MGX]

It looks like both Polanco & Kiriloff will open the season on the IL, so we'll two spots available.

Castro gives the team even more flexibility, he's young, athletic & has had some success at the MLB level (2020 shortened season). It's possible we keep Hoffman as the 13th pitcher which likely means Ober is in AAA, don't want to see that. If we keep Ober then there is another spot open for a position player & not sure who that goes too, maybe Garlick.

[High heat]

Hoffman makes it as the long man who will likely be up and down multiple times this season.  

the position player part is more difficult.  If Polanco and Kirilloff are out more then the first week or 10 days OR I’d Miranda still can’t play 3B then Castro makes the team.  If they just need a guy to fill in and add insurance and may not even play it could be White or Garlick. 

[CoasterProductions]

If I were the Twins right now I would have Edouard Julien start as DH/UT type roll and possibly stick with that all season.

[stringer bell]

33 minutes ago, MGX said:

It looks like both Polanco & Kiriloff will open the season on the IL, so we'll two spots available.

Castro gives the team even more flexibility, he's young, athletic & has had some success at the MLB level (2020 shortened season). It's possible we keep Hoffman as the 13th pitcher which likely means Ober is in AAA, don't want to see that. If we keep Ober then there is another spot open for a position player & not sure who that goes too, maybe Garlick.

There's a wall between pitchers and position players. Whether Ober makes the team or not, there will be 13 pitchers and 13 position players on the active roster a week from today in Kansas City. 

40-man moves might have to be made. The Twins currently have one vacancy on the 40-man. If Pagan and Cole Sands are the choices to fill out the pitching staff, they could use that vacancy to select either Castro or Garlick. However, if they decide to bring up a non-roster pitcher (most often thought to be Hoffman), then they will have to make a 40-man move to add a position player, probably placing Henriqez (or perhaps Celestino)  on the 60-day IL.

[Riverbrian]

22 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

There's a wall between pitchers and position players. Whether Ober makes the team or not, there will be 13 pitchers and 13 position players on the active roster a week from today in Kansas City. 

40-man moves might have to be made. The Twins currently have one vacancy on the 40-man. If Pagan and Cole Sands are the choices to fill out the pitching staff, they could use that vacancy to select either Castro or Garlick. However, if they decide to bring up a non-roster pitcher (most often thought to be Hoffman), then they will have to make a 40-man move to add a position player, probably placing Henriqez (or perhaps Celestino)  on the 60-day IL.

Yep... That 40 man spot is the key and what they do in the bullpen will decide it.  

If Sands is the guy or Ober or someone who is currently on the 40 man roster is the guy... They can add a Castro or Garlick to the 40 man. 

If Hoffman or someone not on the 40 man is the guy going North... he takes the 40 man spot... and now they have to choose between Julien or Wallner because they are on the 40 man. 

I am under the assumption that none of the 39 players currently on the 40 is someone the team would be comfortable losing. 

Of course... We haven't finished spring training yet and more injuries can still occur. It's like me saying... It's March 23... We can still get some more snow this late in the season. 

[TwinsDr2021]

I don't want Julien or Wallner given the last man off the bench positions those should be given to vets or guys they determine to not be worthy of a starting job but at least average major league players. Currently Wallner is in a real bad position being left handed and the top three outfield fielders being left handed (Gallo, Larnach, Kepler) and the Twins really need to see what Larnach really is before handing the spot to Wallner so he really isn't an option. 2B opened up and Julien should be given that opportunity since the Twins seem to have a handful of utility guys, if nothing else it gets his feet wet and if he has to go back down the Twins should feel more comfortable bringing him back up later (He turns 24 next month so I am not really worried about his options)

I do like Castro but he seems kind of redundant with Gordon on the roster.

As for pitchers I would rather just have them give the spot to somebody on the 40.

[nicksaviking]

If they're already carrying Farmer, Solano and Gordon, I see zero reason to also carry Castro, who can't hit.

[Tyler from Oregon]

I can't believe we are seriously having to talk about Willi Castro over Edouard Julien right now.

[nicksaviking]

32 minutes ago, Tyler from Oregon said:

I can't believe we are seriously having to talk about Willi Castro over Edouard Julien right now.

Right, Castro is already redundant with the uber-flexible players they already have on the roster. Where are the runs going to come from?!? When did it become fashionable to make offense the lowest priority of putting together a baseball team?

Many people like the depth, and others, like me, want the prospects. So isn't stashing Castro in AAA the absolute perfect scenario? He's there when you need him. You don't need him.

[stringer bell]

35 minutes ago, Tyler from Oregon said:

I can't believe we are seriously having to talk about Willi Castro over Edouard Julien right now.

For a full-time position, sure Julien is the answer if the SSS is to be believed (I'm about 75% convinced). As the last guy on the squad, his versatility plays pretty well. 

[PatPfund]

I think Castro will essentially replace Gordon's role (backup OF/IF), which might be a need because I think Gordon is the primary replacement for Polanco. We don't actually know if Castro's numbers are a mirage or a breakthrough (dude isn't even 26 yet, and got thrown into the deep end of the pool early in Detroit). Plus, he is fast (pinch runner in the ninth or when we need a late stolen base), and hits from either side. Then I think the team options him when Polanco is back, or after a month if Julien keeps raking (then he takes second, Gordon goes back to UT, and Castro goes to St Paul.

Hoffman could make the team, but I could also see him be an early non-injury release.

[Trov]

I am not a fan of the Garlick or White ideas to be just a right handed bat against lefties.  I mean that is super limiting a roster spot.  If they need to play because injuries okay, but to use up a full roster spot simply because you want a small edge against lefties in the very few times you face them just does not seem to make much sense.  I do not know White well, but if he just a 1B then similar to Garlick they offer little than a bat against lefties and to me is not worth the negitive value they offer in other areas.  I hated seeing Garlick pinch hit in the 4th or 5th for someone like Gordon against a lefty.  Sure, sometimes Garlick would get a hit, but how much more likely was his at bat going to be better than Gordon's?  Not a huge upgrade, but then you have a terrible defender rest of the game, getting 2 more at bats most likely against righty the rest of the way and will then have lower value. 

[KirbyHawk75]

That article made me sad.