Twins CF In 2024...Is It Too Early To Talk About?

[DocBauer]

The season is not yet done, and the playoffs are not quite here yet. Still, there has been so much conversation about roster construction for said playoffs, along with speculation about guys coming back from injury...or maybe not coming back...that I often find myself already contemplating CF in 2024, and beyond, even if it would seem early.

FIRST, the Giant Elephant in the room: Buxton has been unable to play the position this season. And he had a recent shutdown in his AAA rehab when trying to make it happen for the remainder of the year. (Albeit, nothing has been ruled as of YET). Wishing something doesn't make it happen. Re-visiting something once again that hasn't happened is a fools errand. Even IF Buck is available to contribute to the playoff roster in any way as a DH/PH/PR on...much less play ANY CF...is yet to be determined. (It would be nice). I am focused on what is to come right now.

I'm sure Buxton will have some sort of additional cleanup procedure, at the least, followed by rest and rehab to try and get him ready for 2024, with fingers crossed. I would think that ANY availability to play CF on a part time basis would be welcome. But the Twins can't fill CF next year on hope. But it is hoped he might be part of the equation. 

SECOND, as of now, early reports are CF isn't going to be blessed with a lot of good options in the FA market.

THIRD, while I don't subscribe to the "cheap ownership" idea...though I wish at times they would stretch just a little more...while $ is coming off the books, there are decisions to be made concerning options for both Kepler and Polanco. And while the FO hasn't done anything to cut payroll the past few years...and have even increased payroll...the team just might end up losing $ from whatever new TV deal is made post the Balley Sports debacle.

So with the table being set, it would appear the Twins have FOUR distinct options to shore up CF for 2024, if not beyond. In no particular order, they are:

1] Look to a FA. Bellinger is probably the #1 option there after a rebound season. But one would have to assume there will be competition for his services. I believe he made about $17M in 2023. Could he be signed for that? More? And how much more and how many years? With other decisions to be yet made, some intriguing options rising within the system, would this make sense for the Twins?

Might they look at bringing back Taylor again? Granted he'll be 33yo opening day next year, and his AVG was below his career norms, but his OB% wasn't too far off his career norms and his SLG% went up with 14DBLS and a career high 20 HR, as of NOW. Despite battling some injuries during the season, he still played outstanding defense and is 13-1 in SB so far this year. Speed and range and overall defense seem to still be intact. At $5M this year, and on the wrong side of 30, I doubt he'd break the bank on another year.

2] The Twins might trade for a CF. Perhaps someone young, perhaps someone older on an expiring deal. They've shown a tendency to make moves like this previously across the roster. Young means more draft capital, older means cheaper prospect cost. But ASSUMING Gray will reject the QO for a bigger deal the Twins won't want to match, they might re-sign Maeda for additional rotation depth/options. And if not, would they be looking for a similar Lopez kind of trade addition? If so, they might be more reluctant to move additional prospects. But then again, the trade for Taylor cost them nothing in regard to TOP prospects.

3] Maybe they should trust in their prospects? Austin Martin finished 2022 strong, and had a breakout AFL, though AFL numbers can be skewed a bit due to a general lack of top arms. And he battles some nuisance injuries early this year. But once healthy, his 54 games at St Paul...266PA and 218AB...produced a quad slash line of .271/ .396/ .417/ .812. He was also 16-3 in SB. While less than half a season, those numbers are pretty impressive. And the Twins have previously stated they felt he was a natural OF. Hilights have backed that up, though I appreciate he's not by any means a finished product yet. But when you have a top prospect who seems to have figured it out, and just might be ready, do you give him the shot? Did the FO learn enough this season about trusting in their young talent? 

Additionally, despite having his entire season wrecked due to injury, Cellestino is healthy again and still quite young, I believe 24yo when next season starts. And he's out of options, IIRC. But there's talent there, albeit, talent that hasn't been allowed to develop on a natural curve due to injury and way too early promotion. And what if there's room to keep Gordon, also out of options I believe. Might he regain the resemblance of his 2nd half 2022 self? If so, he could be part of a temp solution, along with Celestino?

DaShawn Keirsey is a former high pick who was an older than normal draft selection due to a massive college injury. He struggled a bit early in his pro career, had a couple setbacks, and then found himself in 2022. He was promoted to AAA too late in the opinion of many of us...St Paul was doing just fine, but no excuse...and continued to perform well after said promotion. He did dip in his BA and overall OPS from .850 to a still good .762 number. The past 2yrs, he's suddenly delivered on some power, though he will never be a slugger. He's reported to be a natural and outstanding defensive CF with SB speed. (31-5 this year doing so). He might not be ready NOW, but might be a solid role player soon. And he might be a decent bench alternative to Martin in the future as well.

It's also possible the Twins might convince Stevenson to return, off the 40 man, as a depth option, for next season.

Is there enough "prospect depth" and available talent to run with what they have rather than spend $ and prospect capital for someone else?

4] Time to move Lewis to CF, or begin the transition to doing so at least part time. Polanco and Julien can handle 2B, Polanco can also play 3B. Lewis will split time at 3B A fully healthy Miranda in 2024 might just be ready to produce again. And Lee doesn't have to be pressured from DAY ONE to be ready. 

Lee might surprise and be ready from the start. I don't buy it. As good as he is, and will be, I'm not ready to rush him after ONE full season and a couple months in 2022. Meanwhile, Lewis has more than enough natural skill set to be an excellent CF. And he flashed it in the AFL previously. STOP with injury factors! His previous injury in the OF was a weird take off/landing and had nothing to do with hitting a wall. His knee is no more likely to be hurt again charging or diving and planting in the INF as it would be running down a fly ball in the OF!

MY OPINION? I would look at Taylor on a decent 1yr deal for $6-7M knowing we could move him to someone in need. It gives the prospects time to settle in at St Paul and not feel pressured.

WHAT I WANT? Trust in Martin and everyone else mentioned for depth and "turn to" options as needed and focus on the rotation and pen and maybe, finally, adding an above average RH bat. I understand CF is important.  But whether it's Taylor, or trusting in the prospects, I'd rather worry about the rest of the roster and not the probable #9 hitter.

I apologize for this being long, and early, but I believe this IS a very serious concern getting ready for 2024 that has, inadvertently, been brought up with recent roster construction. 

[IndianaTwin]

Yes. Enjoy the current ride. 

[Craig Arko]

Yes, it’s too early.

[RpR]

In all probablility Castro and Taylor will be back even if Buxton is in fairly decent shape.

How next spring does shape up though, should be quite intriguing

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I'm inclined to say it's too early, but with the oversized impact this can/will have on next year's team, it's hard not to think about it. 

My choice would be number 3. . . bring up Austin Martin and see what happens.  Given the successes had this year with rookies, perhaps I am overconfident, but I think he has a good track record (as well as pedigree from being an early 1st round pick) and the hitting ability to make it happen.  It won't be smooth or easy (or maybe it will!), but I think in the long run, Martin could be excellent.  In the BEST case scenario, Buxton plays CF half of the time next year, so this gives a good pairing partner (I know, they're both right handed. . .) for the days when he either sits or plays DH. 

In the event Buxton isn't back in CF at all (this also presents other really bad challenges), the backup CF choices could be DeShawn Keirsey and/or Gilberto Celestino.  I have less faith that either of them will be highly successful in the majors, but a resigning of Andrew Stevenson to a minor league deal would provide a bit of backup to the backup insurance.  How good they need to be really depends on whether Martin takes the job and runs with it, playing 140 games in CF or if half time is all he can handle.  Also, Willi Castro provides something quite a bit better than a break glass in case of emergency CFer as well. 

I wouldn't complain either if the Twins brought back Michael A Taylor for another year, but I like the above choices much better. 

All of these saves the money for some relief pitching and/or some prospects to get another quality starting pitcher. 

Too early.  Yes.  But my paranoid self can't help but think about it and I'm guessing that behind the scenes the Twins are too. 

[DocBauer]

50 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I'm inclined to say it's too early, but with the oversized impact this can/will have on next year's team, it's hard not to think about it. 

My choice would be number 3. . . bring up Austin Martin and see what happens.  Given the successes had this year with rookies, perhaps I am overconfident, but I think he has a good track record (as well as pedigree from being an early 1st round pick) and the hitting ability to make it happen.  It won't be smooth or easy (or maybe it will!), but I think in the long run, Martin could be excellent.  In the BEST case scenario, Buxton plays CF half of the time next year, so this gives a good pairing partner (I know, they're both right handed. . .) for the days when he either sits or plays DH. 

In the event Buxton isn't back in CF at all (this also presents other really bad challenges), the backup CF choices could be DeShawn Keirsey and/or Gilberto Celestino.  I have less faith that either of them will be highly successful in the majors, but a resigning of Andrew Stevenson to a minor league deal would provide a bit of backup to the backup insurance.  How good they need to be really depends on whether Martin takes the job and runs with it, playing 140 games in CF or if half time is all he can handle.  Also, Willi Castro provides something quite a bit better than a break glass in case of emergency CFer as well. 

I wouldn't complain either if the Twins brought back Michael A Taylor for another year, but I like the above choices much better. 

All of these saves the money for some relief pitching and/or some prospects to get another quality starting pitcher. 

Too early.  Yes.  But my paranoid self can't help but think about it and I'm guessing that behind the scenes the Twins are too. 

Agreed it's too early. But my thoughts are tending somewhat where yours are.

I'm ANXIOUS as can be for the playoffs!

But all this roster discussion has me strangely focused at the same time on next year.

[FlyingFinn]

The ultra athletic Lewis is just not in a position to use that at 3B. I would start him in CF. Martin is also on option.

Many teams are pushing their rookies to MLB in trying to get that extra early draft pick. Lewis being injured for half the year probably cost us that this year. That's where, combined with a likely decrease in income, you see Lee and/or Martin up at the start of 2024, or very soon into the season. Those high picks are so valuable.

[JD-TWINS]

I don’t see Celestino seeing our active 26 man ever again.

Martin has to get seasoned more to be an option…….maybe by mid-June or later in the summer. Rodriguez as a Call-up in September of ’23.is a possd

Buxton will have perpetual health issues - as he has in 8 of his first 9 years! Can hardly play 50% of the games as a DH. Can’t move him so therefore we try to keep him healthy and DH him as appropriate and have him play CF in 40 games HOPEFULLY!

Taylor makes sense as a depth OF in Center or either corner.

Castro will be back - I saw in the Athletic today that he’s tied for 3rd as fastest time when stealing at 28.6ft per second…….4th in AL in steals, with 31, as a part-time player.

[Jocko87]

It's certainly not too early, the front office has been thinking about it for quite a while so we should too!

I'm commenting partly based on what I would do and partly what I would think the FO will do.  I'm not sure where that line is but I don't think I'm far off of their thinking here. 

I'd bring back Taylor on a one year deal, maybe even two as a thank you.  They are very set on the rookies having to break down the wall to get in the lineup.  Lee will not be handed a spot out of spring training.  This gives the Martins, Kierseys, Celistinos etc time to figure them selves out while the Buxton situation plays itself out.  Taylor can be a valuable trade chip or bench piece if the kids are alright.

I may be in the minority but I'm leaving Lewis in the infield.  I've been vocal about leaving him there this year so as to not throw too much on him at once but he appears to be some sort of savant so it may not matter.  Defense at third base is very valuable too and I'm not sure his profile fits in center even 2-3 years from now.  He seems to be filling out nicely, as my aunt used to say. 

If they move him in the off-season and say hes full time center field, I'm all aboard with that but the downstream effects are not easily dismissed.  I think they will still be trying to fix Buxton.  The most recent reports actually give me hope in that they have been taking a more conservative approach with treatment so far trying to hold off a more major procedure.  Obviously, the best outcome is for Buxton to be a regular but it would be wholly irresponsible to proceed as if that's the most likely option. 

There is no flippant way to move Lewis to center field without addressing the Buxton question significantly.  Had the issue been that Byron had lost a step and was moving to the corner it would be one thing, what we have is completely different.   To move Lewis out of the infield both undersells the importance of his value in the infield and oversells the difficulty in finding functional outfield defense.  I'm a proponent of making my best defenders touch the ball more which values infield over up the middle.  Up the middle infield over up the middle outfield.  In short, 3rd base over center field.  That may vary for some but I'm team Lewis/Lee or Lee/Lewis and 2nd and 3rd base for as long as we can. 

The center field issue will likely be sorted not by positional needs of the team but by best fits of the most valuable organizational pieces.

1.  Buxton. Nuf said.

2.  Lewis.  Can be a double premium in the infield.  Minimal benefit to anyone moving to the outfield.

3.  Lee.  Can push the issue on Polo and Julien.  Also double premium in the infield.  Correa, Lee, Lewis and a Hoover vacuum in some order around the infield is sexy as hell.  I'd rather try to fill center field on the market than break that up.

4.  Correa.  How many years does he have at short?  Keeping Lewis at 3rd keeps his shortstop option open down the road.

5.  Jenkins.  If they think he can stick in center a bridge from here to there may be best.  We may need to start talking about him before we know it.  I think hes a Kyle Tucker, who could have played center but was a gold glove in right.

6.  Martin.  Looking for a home, not a natural center fielder but may be able to play enough to stick.  More likely to move around.

[jimbo92107]

Bring up Martin as super utility along with Castro. Lewis to CF, Miranda to 3B, and be ready for Lee to crowd the infield after burning it up in St Paul. That's a huge amount of flexibility, which the Twins love. 

I hate to say it, but it's time to move on from Buxton. He's a superstar when healthy, but he's so seldom healthy...

[stringer bell]

It's never too early for the fan base to discuss next year. It is too early for the front office to make center field decisions, but it would be criminal if the front office isn't making tentative plans for the position in 2024.

Given what we've learned in 2023--that a seeming overabundance of depth is much more necessary than it would appear--I expect the Twins will somehow have multiple options in CF for 2024. While I like many of the in-house options, I'd like to see if the Twins can pluck Dylan Carlson away from the Cardinals, for a fair price. 

[Trov]

It is not too early to talk on here, but too early for FO to worry right now.  I would not go Bellinger, he will be costly and is really not a CF, he is below average defense there.  I would not look to move Lewis there, not because he got injured, but because he has hardly played there, he is doing just fine at 3rd, and he made a statement that suggests he will not be a good defender there in future.  He made statement that the injury was not worth the effort on the play.  Which in hindsight that is true, but if he is out there thinking should I try to catch this ball, will I get hurt, that will make him hesitate and that will not be good for him or the team. 

I would bring in someone like Taylor, if not bring him back on a 1 year cheap deal, then see if Buck can do it, if not we see if Martin can build on what he did this year in AAA and similar to what we did with rookies this year, transition him in as year goes on.  You can always make trades from out infield depth too. 

[John Belinski]

I would be very surprised if Buxton played center field in 2024 or ever again. Taylor could pay there in 2024 and then maybe Lewis in 2025 with Lee at 3rd base in 2025.  It is possible Lee could be on team in 2024 since we have 2 other rookies that have played really well this year and 2 other rookies that played ok. 

I do not think the Twins will trade for a center fielder.  The Twins have the 7 other field spots covered and can cover center spot with several players they currently have. 

It appears the Twins should be a good team in 2024 depending how their pitching staff works out.

[TopGunn#22]

Bellinger certainly IS a CF.  He won his Gold Gloves for RF but I watch a lot of Dodger baseball.  He's a GOOD, maybe even great CF.   Bellinger would be a fine addition, but the cost, on top of what we have to pay Buxton isn't cost effective.  With cash or trade capital needed for the rotation with Sonny Gray moving on, Bellinger is more pipe dream than reality.  I would not bring Taylor back.  He's going to regress in the HR department for sure.  I'd take what we got out of him and cash in my chips.

Having Castro around is a blessing.  And I believe Martin is at worst a 4th OF and possibly a starting CF sometime.  The Twins infield is too crowded for him.  He's an OF from here on out.  I love his on-base skills and speed.  That said, I'm in favor of Lewis becoming the full time CF.  I agree with Doc, his chances of getting injured in CF are no different than 3B or SS.  The idea he's filled out too much to play CF doesn't fly when you see Trout, Adam Duval and Judge playing there.  At this point, the Twins can count on absolutely nothing from Byron Buxton.  It's sad, but true.  Anything Buxton can give them should be considered a bonus.  But to depend on or expect anything from Buxton going forward is a flawed strategy.  Polanco will be brought back and can play 2B or 3B.  Julien needs to improve his defense at 2B but should also work a little at 1B and LF.  Brooks Lee isn't far off, and I could certainly see him having a good chance of breaking camp with the Twins next spring.    

I agree, the Cardinals are a prime trade partner for outfield help.  Dylan Carlson would be very cheap and not a bad option.  I believe the better option and one that would cost a bit more is Tyler O'Neill.  We're just a couple years removed from O'Neill crushing 34 HR's.  He's more of a corner OF but has played CF enough that we could play him there.  He's a RH power bat that would fit nicely in the #6 hole in our lineup.  Winder and a little more could possibly get the deal done.  Another possible trade target could be TJ Friedl from the Reds, although he'd cost twice what O'Neill would.  The Reds are the other team loaded with OF that has needs elsewhere.  

And Doc, it's NEVER too early to talk about stuff like this.  That's why we all come to this sight!  To talk about everything Twins!!

 

[Nashvilletwin]

9 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

It's certainly not too early, the front office has been thinking about it for quite a while so we should too!

I'm commenting partly based on what I would do and partly what I would think the FO will do.  I'm not sure where that line is but I don't think I'm far off of their thinking here. 

I'd bring back Taylor on a one year deal, maybe even two as a thank you.  They are very set on the rookies having to break down the wall to get in the lineup.  Lee will not be handed a spot out of spring training.  This gives the Martins, Kierseys, Celistinos etc time to figure them selves out while the Buxton situation plays itself out.  Taylor can be a valuable trade chip or bench piece if the kids are alright.

I may be in the minority but I'm leaving Lewis in the infield.  I've been vocal about leaving him there this year so as to not throw too much on him at once but he appears to be some sort of savant so it may not matter.  Defense at third base is very valuable too and I'm not sure his profile fits in center even 2-3 years from now.  He seems to be filling out nicely, as my aunt used to say. 

If they move him in the off-season and say hes full time center field, I'm all aboard with that but the downstream effects are not easily dismissed.  I think they will still be trying to fix Buxton.  The most recent reports actually give me hope in that they have been taking a more conservative approach with treatment so far trying to hold off a more major procedure.  Obviously, the best outcome is for Buxton to be a regular but it would be wholly irresponsible to proceed as if that's the most likely option. 

There is no flippant way to move Lewis to center field without addressing the Buxton question significantly.  Had the issue been that Byron had lost a step and was moving to the corner it would be one thing, what we have is completely different.   To move Lewis out of the infield both undersells the importance of his value in the infield and oversells the difficulty in finding functional outfield defense.  I'm a proponent of making my best defenders touch the ball more which values infield over up the middle.  Up the middle infield over up the middle outfield.  In short, 3rd base over center field.  That may vary for some but I'm team Lewis/Lee or Lee/Lewis and 2nd and 3rd base for as long as we can. 

The center field issue will likely be sorted not by positional needs of the team but by best fits of the most valuable organizational pieces.

1.  Buxton. Nuf said.

2.  Lewis.  Can be a double premium in the infield.  Minimal benefit to anyone moving to the outfield.

3.  Lee.  Can push the issue on Polo and Julien.  Also double premium in the infield.  Correa, Lee, Lewis and a Hoover vacuum in some order around the infield is sexy as hell.  I'd rather try to fill center field on the market than break that up.

4.  Correa.  How many years does he have at short?  Keeping Lewis at 3rd keeps his shortstop option open down the road.

5.  Jenkins.  If they think he can stick in center a bridge from here to there may be best.  We may need to start talking about him before we know it.  I think hes a Kyle Tucker, who could have played center but was a gold glove in right.

6.  Martin.  Looking for a home, not a natural center fielder but may be able to play enough to stick.  More likely to move around.

2024 may very well be a transition year (maybe 2025, too); however, not to Jenkins, but more likely Rodriguez. My understanding is that he is only playing CF in the minors and Jenkins projects more as a corner OFer.

CF over the next two years will most likely be a combo of Martin, Castro and, yes, Gordon.  That solution would be plenty good enough. In 2026 one of Rodriguez or Jenkins takes center and the other plays a corner (unless Martin proves himself and then both Jenkins and Rodriguez move to the corners - think about how cool that is!). Buxton will, sadly, likely be long retired by then. Lewis stays in the IF at 3B and Lee is at 2B. Kiriloff ideally will be at 1B and Julien will be traded ala Arraez for pitching. Jeffers plus one of our up and coming catchers are behind the dish. There is plenty of current and approaching talent in the organization to fill all the remaining utility roles. That is one hell of an exciting young and inexpensive (excluding Correa) position player lineup.  The future is quite bright.

 

[JD-TWINS]

9 hours ago, jimbo92107 said:

Bring up Martin as super utility along with Castro. Lewis to CF, Miranda to 3B, and be ready for Lee to crowd the infield after burning it up in St Paul. That's a huge amount of flexibility, which the Twins love. 

I hate to say it, but it's time to move on from Buxton. He's a superstar when healthy, but he's so seldom healthy...

Miranda to 3B???……gotta have a better plan than that to be successful. ‘23 season: Didn’t hit, poor defense, & hurt………a lot like Buxton only he hit 17 HR hobbling around for 50% of the season.

[Number3]

Yes

[Bigfork Twins Guy]

I like trying to ink MAT to another one-year contract while we wait to see how Buxton progresses next year.  I also think that Martin could be plugged in if Buxton cannot play CF and MAT gets injured or regresses.

I would not move Lewis to CF unless Lee (or somehow Miranda) show that they can handle 3B and my  CF options stated above fail.

We have lots of paths and all seem reasonably good.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

11 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

The ultra athletic Lewis is just not in a position to use that at 3B. I would start him in CF. Martin is also on option.

Many teams are pushing their rookies to MLB in trying to get that extra early draft pick. Lewis being injured for half the year probably cost us that this year. That's where, combined with a likely decrease in income, you see Lee and/or Martin up at the start of 2024, or very soon into the season. Those high picks are so valuable.

Correa is on a downward trend at SS too. Time to flip him and Lewis? I’m not in a big hurry to move Lewis to CF. He hit so well in the infield this year.

I’d have Martin and Lee both work on CF in the offseason, but probably plan on bringing back MAT and Castro as Buxton insurance

[Trov]

1 hour ago, TopGunn#22 said:

Bellinger certainly IS a CF.  He won his Gold Gloves for RF but I watch a lot of Dodger baseball.  He's a GOOD, maybe even great CF.   Bellinger would be a fine addition, but the cost, on top of what we have to pay Buxton isn't cost effective.  With cash or trade capital needed for the rotation with Sonny Gray moving on, Bellinger is more pipe dream than reality.  I would not bring Taylor back.  He's going to regress in the HR department for sure.  I'd take what we got out of him and cash in my chips.

 

 

Defensive metrics grade Bellinger out as average CF right now, with having him negative runs saved.  He used to be very good out there I would agree, but clearly over the last three years he has regressed in that area. Could he regain it, maybe, but just because he was very good in his early 20's does not mean he still is now.  The numbers reflect major regression over last few years. 

If we could sign him I would not say do not play him out there, but you are mainly going to be signing for his offense not his defense at this point.  I am also worried he may go back to what he did 2 years prior over what he did this year with Cubs.  If he would not have been down right terrible his age 25 and 26 seasons he would up for one of biggest contracts in game.  He is going to ask for that, pointing to past MVP and what he did this year, but 2 years of terrible play will hurt his offers.  I am sure some team will give him a like a 7 or 8 year deal with opt out after 3 to see if he plays well enough to try and cash in again at age 31 free agent. 

[chpettit19]

21 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Correa is on a downward trend at SS too. Time to flip him and Lewis? I’m not in a big hurry to move Lewis to CF. He hit so well in the infield this year.

I’d have Martin and Lee both work on CF in the offseason, but probably plan on bringing back MAT and Castro as Buxton insurance

You'd move Lee to CF over Lewis? Lee is a far better IF defender, and significantly slower than Lewis. That'd be a heck of a bold move.

[D.C Twins]

Martin..... and he also leads off.... next question :)

[Mike Sixel]

Martin or Lewis to CF. That's what I'd do. 

I think they'll bring back MAT, they love veterans. Just love them. Plus then they can have Martin wasting his prime in AAA as depth. And Lewis will be at third. 

Also, the FO better be thinking about this right now. That's their job. 

 

[baul0010]

I think Taylor has done a good job this year.  I am fine bringing back Taylor and Castro or going with some form of Castro, Gordan, Buxton, and Martin for 2024.  

If you could squeak through 2024 with that group, hopefully 2025 will be Emmanual Rodriguez time.  I think he will be the CF for the foreseeable future.  

I also would not be opposed to looking into trades of Larnach/Wallner for a backup CF option.  I don't see those two outperforming Walker Jenkins in the future.  Either way the future will be bright when Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Lee are on the horizon!

[nicksaviking]

It should have been #3, but it won't now because there's zero chance they stick a rookie with no MLB experience in CF to start the year. Martin should have been the call up instead of Stevenson so he could get those reps, but they deferred to the 'experience' over the talent. Again.

Hopefully instead it's #4, but in all likelihood, it'll be #2, which once again will be the lowest ceiling option. It's fine though, if/when Martin and Lewis (love it) take the job, Taylor/Castro are reasonable bench pieces. As long as they don't fill the whole roster with those pieces again.

#1 sounds both like a pipedream and a terrible idea. A bounce back year for Bellinger after two abysmal seasons? In a contract year? How often does that work out for the team? Likely almost never.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

19 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

You'd move Lee to CF over Lewis? Lee is a far better IF defender, and significantly slower than Lewis. That'd be a heck of a bold move.

Was not aware of speed differences. Was thinking more of “I’d rather minor leaguers learn new positions in the minor leagues than Major leaguers in the majors or minors”.

with new and improved information, I’d leave Royce and Correa, have Martin and Celestino duke it out w/MAT in the spring over CF.

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

It should have been #3, but it won't now because there's zero chance they stick a rookie with no MLB experience in CF to start the year. Martin should have been the call up instead of Stevenson so he could get those reps, but they deferred to the 'experience' over the talent. Again.

Hopefully instead it's #4, but in all likelihood, it'll be #2, which once again will be the lowest ceiling option. It's fine though, if/when Martin and Lewis (love it) take the job, Taylor/Castro are reasonable bench pieces. As long as they don't fill the whole roster with those pieces again.

#1 sounds both like a pipedream and a terrible idea. A bounce back year for Bellinger after two abysmal seasons? In a contract year? How often does that work out for the team? Likely almost never.

Except they've shown they are good with mediocre veterans, no matter how good the rookies are,  unless there's an injury. Once a veteran is here, good luck moving on.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Was not aware of speed differences. Was thinking more of “I’d rather minor leaguers learn new positions in the minor leagues than Major leaguers in the majors or minors”.

with new and improved information, I’d leave Royce and Correa, have Martin and Celestino duke it out w/MAT in the spring over CF.

If they sign MAT, there is no competition. 

[chpettit19]

My Plan A would be Lewis to CF.

IFers worthy of innings next year:
Correa
Julien
Polanco
Kirilloff
Lee
Miranda (yes, really, I think his shoulder was a real issue, and you have to see if he really is the 2022 version of hitter)
Severino

OFers worthy of innings next year:
Kepler (if he's still on the team, and this isn't the offseason the trade rumors actually turn out to be true)
Larnach (have to find out if he's a AAAA player once and for all)
Wallner (can he maintain solid performance with his K%?)

Utility players worthy of innings next year:
Gordon (I'm not a believer, but you have to see if he's 2022 version or 2023 version)
Castro
Martin

Byron Buxton type players worthy of innings next year:
Buxton (you can't bank on him for playing time anywhere at anytime over the life of his contract)

That IF list looks like the best, by far, to me. Lewis in CF would be a really nice boost to the OF list. I think ERod and Jenkins are corner guys in the bigs, and hope they're flanking Lewis by some point in 2025.

I'd be happy to bring MAT back as the 4th OFer. Stevenson can spend the year in AAA on a minor league deal again if he wants.

All 3 of the utility guys can play some in CF, but I'm not going into the season with them as my only CF options, even if I do like Martin as a player overall.

I'm not paying Bellinger a ton, and there's no other FAs I'd even really consider. Maybe a trade is a possibility, but I think this team is still at a "talent acquisition" point, and not a "talent rearranging" point. I think Lewis in CF is the most natural move to make to rebalance this roster a bit, and that'd be my move.

 

 

[chpettit19]

6 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Was not aware of speed differences. Was thinking more of “I’d rather minor leaguers learn new positions in the minor leagues than Major leaguers in the majors or minors”.

with new and improved information, I’d leave Royce and Correa, have Martin and Celestino duke it out w/MAT in the spring over CF.

Yeah, Lee is not swift of foot at all. Can certainly understand the desire to have minor leaguers learn a new spot over a major leaguer, but Lewis has already played out there (looked great in the AFL), and I'd think he can learn it in an offseason quite well.

I'm hoping to never see Celestino in a Twins jersey again. I think they need to be shooting for much higher ceilings than him. I'm expecting he isn't even on the 40-man come 2024.