Cedar Rapids Kernels Opening Day Roster - 2023

[Seth Stohs]

Cedar Rapids got ALL the prospects. Almost literally! On Monday, the Cedar Rapids Kernels announced their Opening Day roster for the 2023 season. Players and staff flew from Ft. Myers to eastern Iowa on Sunday. This is their tenth season as a Twins affiliate, and they are hoping to make this their tenth straight season of reaching postseason play. 

Image courtesy of Cedar Rapids Kernels

Let's take a look at the Kernels Opening Day roster. This group of prospects is incredibly exciting, filled with talented, high-upside players. You’ll definitely want to book a trip or four to Cedar Rapids this season! Even if it is just to see one of the biggest scoreboards in minor-league baseball (or the cool things they can do with their lights!). 

Coaching Staff
Brian Dinkelman is back for his fifth season as the Kernels manager. Before taking that role, he was the team’s hitting coach for three seasons. Former Astros pitcher Carlos Hernandez is in his sixth season in the Twins organization. This will be his first season as Kernels’ pitching coach after filling the same role for Ft. Myers the past three seasons. Jonas Lovin joined the Twins organization this winter. This is his first professional coaching job. The 27-year-old had been the pitching coach at Iowa Central Community College. Another new Twins coach in 2023 is hitting coach Corbin Day. He grew up in the Cedar Rapids area and before joining the Kernels, he was at Kirkwood Community College (just outside Cedar Rapids) where he played for two years before playing two seasons at Mount Mercy U in Cedar Rapids. Finally, former Twins minor-league catcher Yeison Perez joins the Kernels staff. He transitioned from player to coach in 2019. He spent the past two seasons in the FCL. 

Starting Pitchers: Alejandro Hidalgo, Jaylen Nowlin, Pierson Ohl, Kyle Jones, Connor Prielipp.
Connor Prielipp has looked dominant in spring training videos, but the Twins 2nd round pick in 2022 will make his pro debut with the Kernels. Jaylen Nowlin, a 19th round pick from 2021, made himself into the one of the top left-handers in the organization with his impressive strikeout rate. He had 111 strikeouts in 71 innings (14.1 K/9) He ended 2022 with three starts for Cedar Rapids. Kyle Jones was the Twins 7th round pick out of the University of Toledo. Pierson Ohl was drafted in the 14th round of the 2021 draft. He has terrific control. Last year in Ft. Myers, he had 101 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 91 2/3 innings. Alejandro Hidalgo came to the Twins this offseason from the Angels in the Gio Urshela deal. He won’t turn 20 until late May! 

For those curious, Marco Raya is going to be in Cedar Rapids. He’s rehabbing a “minor shoulder” issue but should join the Kernels in May. Christian MacLeod was the Twins fifth round pick in 2021, but he had Tommy John surgery early in 2022. He’s ready to go, but they’re (wisely) going to be cautious with him. Again, no need to rush them back into the cold of the Midwest League. 

Relief Pitchers: Malik Barrington, Jordan Carr, Regi Grace, Matt Mullenbach, Charlie Neuweiler, Niklas Rimmel, John Stankiewicz, Matthew Swain,  Miguel Rodriguez, Orlando Rodriguez, John Wilson 

There are several intriguing names on this list. Regi Grace was a former 10th-round pick. He has slowly progressed and is ready for this jump. Malik Barrington is a big, strong guy with good stuff out of the bullpen. Barrington and Jordan Carr were signed the same day out of the USPBL. Matt Mullenbach is in his third season in the Twins organization. He is an Iowa native. Niklas Rimmel signed with the Twins in 2017 from Berlin. Miguel Rodriguez and Orlando Rodriguez both spent a little time with the Kernels a year ago. Matthew Swain is 6-7 and throws really hard. He was the Twins 23rd round pick in 2019, and the Twins have been quite patient, but he’s been impressive. Finally, John Stankiewicz was a non-drafted free agent signing after the shortened 2020 draft. He began the 2022 season on an incredible run in Ft. Myers before ending his season with the Kernels. John Wilson is a left-hander, also signed in 2020, who has fought a lot of injuries since being a freshman All American in college. He continues to work his way back. Charlie Neuweiler is new to the organization very recently. He was the Royals' fifth-round pick in 2017 out of high school in New York. In 2022, he spent most of the season with Quad Cities, though he also made two appearances in Double-A and pitched in one Triple-A game too. 

Catchers: Noah Cardenas, Charles Mack, Jeferson Morales
Noah Cardenas was the Twins eighth-round pick in 2021 out of UCLA. Last year in Ft. Myers, he was named the Twins Daily All Minor League catcher last year. Charles Mack was drafted out of high school in New York in the sixth round of the 2018 draft. He spent last year in Ft. Myers, continuing his transition to catching. Jeferson Morales signed with the Twins in 2016. Last year, he played in Cedar Rapids but fought injuries much of the season. He can also play in the outfield. 

Infielders: Keoni Cavaco, Noah Miller, Ben Ross, Jose Salas, Tanner Schobel, Ernie Yake. 
What a group of intriguing prospects. Jose Salas ranks the highest in our prospect rankings. He came to the Twins with Pablo Lopez (and Byron Chourio) in the Luis Arraez trade. He will turn 20 in three weeks and ended the 2022 season at High-A. Keoni Cavaco was the Twins first round pick (13th overall) in the 2019 draft. While his prospect glimmer has faded, the tools are still there. He has soft hands and a strong arm that translates well at third base. He’s got good speed and power potential too. Maybe getting out of Florida will be what it takes to get him going. Noah Miller was the Twins Competitive Balance pick in 2021 out of high school in Wisconsin. He struggled with the bat in Ft. Myers last season, but he is tremendous defensively at shortstop. His brother, Owen Miller, was traded from Cleveland to his hometown Milwaukee Brewers in the offseason.  Tanner Schobel was the Twins Competitive Balance pick in 2022 after the 2nd round. He played/starred at Virginia Tech. Ben Ross was their fifth round pick from Division II Notre Dame College. He has really impressed in his short time in the organization with his all-around game. Ernie Yake was the team’s 10th round pick in 2021 out of Gonzaga. In 2022, he played in the FCL, in Ft. Myers, in Wichita, and in St. Paul… Now he will get some time in Cedar Rapids. 

Outfielders: Kyler Fedko, Willie Joe Garry, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Kala’i Rosario, Misael Urbina.
Obviously everyone will want to talk about Emmanuel Rodriguez, and for good reason. He’s really good, and one of the top prospects not only in the organization but also a global top 100 prospect after his incredible 2022 season. Unfortunately, that season was just two months long after he had knee surgery, but he’s back and ready to go again. Misael Urbina is also a very good prospect. A seven-figure bonus baby from 2018, he has spent the past two seasons with the Mighty Mussels. Last year, he missed several months due to a visa issue. Kala’i Rosario was their fifth round pick in 2020 out of high school in Hawaii where he was one of the top high school power prospects in the draft. Willie Joe Garry can absolutely fly. He’s a very good outfielder. There is a lot of talent and he’s looking forward to putting it together with the bat this year. Kyler Fedko spent much of the second half of the 2022 season with the Kernels. He was the team’s 12th round pick in 2021 out of UConn. 

TWINS DAILY TOP 20 PROSPECTS
#3 - Emmanuel Rodriguez
#4 - Marco Raya
#7 - Connor Prielipp
#8 - Jose Salas
#14 - Noah Miller
#18 - Tanner Schobel
#20 - Misael Urbina 

 

 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

What a roster! This one may be the most interesting of all affiliates for prospect fans. 

Don't love reading that Marco Raya has any sort of shoulder issue though. That's concerning.

 

 

[FlyingFinn]

This team is stacked, even with Raya injured. Now we see why Perez and Shuffield get demoted to low A. Not sure who is playing 1B but everywhere else they will be fighting for playing time. Cavaco's last chance to do well or he may be the odd man out as the other guys pass him up. I expect some of these guys to move up to Wichita if they are playing great, as they may need the help.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

No wonder the Mussels have so few major league prospects. They are all here on the Kernels. This is a heck of a minor league team. Shouldn't some of them be on the Mighty Mussels or  the Witchita Wind Surge, so they could get more playing time? I count 31 players on this roster, when I include Raya. Seth, why are there no top prospects on the Mighty Mussels, and only two on the Wind Surge AA team (Lee at #1 and Festa at #13) and 7 top prospects on the Kernels (#3, #4, #7, #8, #14, #18, #20)? Are they placed according to current ability and not future predicted ability? I imagine a lot goes into placement of these minor leaguers. Seth, what are some of the criteria used by the FO in placement? Thank you for your outstanding articles about, and interviews with the Twins prospects. 

[beckmt]

I like the idea of having them a close road trip away.  Makes life interesting.  Am looking forward to seeing this group, but had better go before the end of June.  Have a feeling many of these will be in Wichita before July.  

[Matt Braun]

Having Jose Salas and Noah Miller on the same team will be interesting. I tend to see Miller receiving more time at shortstop but perhaps Salas will need it to improve his chops. Should be something to keep an eye on. 

[nicksaviking]

Surprised and encouraged that Rodriguez isn't starting in Ft. Myers!

I'm kind of torn on what they should do with Nowlin. With Varland and Festa, the Twins have shown to be able to find and/or develop starting pitching prospects lower in the draft, but Nowlin is so slight compared to the other guys and the Twins could use more left handed depth. I might be tempted to put him in the pen and see if he can be fast-tracked. I guess I'd keep him as a starter until any issues arise, but first sign of one, I'd probably make the switch.

[Dman]

Wow they left A ball with no one in the top 30 unless they bring in some of the guys I thought would be short season guys like De Andrade, Cruz, Mercedes, Rodriguez etc. 10 top 30 prospects at high A and 10 at AAA. AA and A are gonna be short on star talent.

I wasn't sure what they were going to do with Rosario and Miller since both had borderline results with the bats last year.  Given how well Rosario played in spring training and how good Miller is defensively I think it makes sense to keep them moving.  Has to be a bummer for Neuse and Perez but they are just an injury away from moving back up.  

They also must believe in the bats of Ross and Schoebel as I thought they were A ball bound at least to start the season. With Salas that is some pretty amazing shortstop talent they have there.

Also wasn't sure where they would start Prielipp but I think High A is a good place to start and if he is as good as the talk this spring then he could move up after the first few months.

I am surprised Kyle Jones is the one who gets to jump to High A I had Paredes plugged into that spot.  Paredes is no K king but he was consistently good last year.  Seemed he deserved a promotion to me but it looks like he will have to wait.

I do like the approach of sticking the next big wave of prospects together. Should be a pretty stacked lineup and some solid to elite pitching in high A this year.  It is gonna be must see box score watching at that level this year.  Could be a tough time for AA and A ball unless those players really step up.  Here's hoping for lot's of breakouts this year.

 

[Ricky Vaughn]

Only about a 2hr drive may have to make a couple early trips over. Kind of surprised they are going to entrust those arms to a junior college coach. Iowa central has a really good program, but still. An exciting group of players for sure.  

[Tibs]

Seth, any idea how they're planning to split SS time between Salas and Miller? Or is one of them just moving to 2B?

[Seth Stohs]

7 minutes ago, Matt Braun said:

Having Jose Salas and Noah Miller on the same team will be interesting. I tend to see Miller receiving more time at shortstop but perhaps Salas will need it to improve his chops. Should be something to keep an eye on. 

Yeah, I'm very curious to see how Brian Dinkelman gets to split the playing time. Salas and Miller should both get time at 2nd and short. Salas maybe some innings at 3B. Ben Ross can play all three infield spots, and probably anywhere. Schobel is a second baseman, but  has played shortstop in the past. And they certainly all could play 1B. Cavaco can play all over. Some will get some OF time. Good problem to have. 

[mikelink45]

Once again, I plead ignorance.  I know so little about them Prielipp, Noah, Salas and Rodriguez are my only reference points and to be honest I do not feel like I have a real handle on them.  This will be my learning year.  Thanks for the update

[Seth Stohs]

7 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Surprised and encouraged that Rodriguez isn't starting in Ft. Myers!

I'm kind of torn on what they should do with Nowlin. With Varland and Festa, the Twins have shown to be able to find and/or develop starting pitching prospects lower in the draft, but Nowlin is so slight compared to the other guys and the Twins could use more left handed depth. I might be tempted to put him in the pen and see if he can be fast-tracked. I guess I'd keep him as a starter until any issues arise, but first sign of one, I'd probably make the switch.

Keep Nowlin starting as much as possible... even if he just comes up to pitch out of the bullpen, keep him starting. Build him up to work on all of his pitches. 

[Seth Stohs]

6 hours ago, Dman said:

Wow they left A ball with no one in the top 30 unless they bring in some of the guys I thought would be short season guys like De Andrade, Cruz, Mercedes, Rodriguez etc. 10 top 30 prospects at high A and 10 at AAA. AA and A are gonna be short on star talent.

De Andrade is on the Mighty Mussels roster. Cruz did go to Twins minor league spring training in Ft. Myers. Mercedes and Rodriguez and Acuna stayed in the DSL for spring training. My assumption is now that things have cleared out in Ft. Myers with three affiliates leaving the location, those guys and a few others will come over. They'll play in the FCL though this year. 

[Seth Stohs]

7 hours ago, Matt Braun said:

Having Jose Salas and Noah Miller on the same team will be interesting. I tend to see Miller receiving more time at shortstop but perhaps Salas will need it to improve his chops. Should be something to keep an eye on. 

I thought about this a little more because I think it's a big question for Brian Dinkelman and their staff. However, my assumption is that they will have almost a lineup for every day of the week. Over those 6 games, the goal would be to get Miller X number of innings at SS and Salas Y number of innings, and Schobel will play second base, and certain guys will have a weekly game at first base. I think you'd almost have to organize it like that to get everyone enough playing time. 

[FlyingFinn]

Seth,

We seem to be missing some pitchers (maybe injured?) from the rosters - Denny Bentley, Mike Paredes, Andrew Cabezas, Zach Neff, Alex Phillips, and Sean Mooney. Bentley, Paredes and Mooney are guys that I think have a chance to do well.  

[Twinsrtheworst]

I will definitely be looking into airfare from S Carolina to Cear Rapids to cheer the guys on!

[weitz41]

I'm about a 20 min drive from the Brewer A+ team stadium and was planning on going to a game or two of the the Kernels vs Timber Rattlers series. Now I'm even more determined.  

[Monkeypaws]

I'm looking forward to my annual trip down to Cedar Rapids. 

Fun baseball experience down there.