Constructing a 26-man Roster--Pre-Free Agent Signings

[stringer bell]

I know, I know, the current Twins 40-man roster isn't going to look the same as the roster when Spring Training starts. There will be free agents added and many of us are speculating that the Twins will make some major league trades, but what we have to work with right now is the current 40-man roster. 

Here's my view absent any additions: Pitchers (13)--Starters: Pablo López, Chris Paddack, Baily Ober, Joe Ryan, Louie Varland. Relievers: Kody Funderburk, Caleb Thielbar, Jordan Balazovic, Jorge Alcalá, Brock Stewart, Josh Winder, Griffin Jax, Jhoan Duran. Infielders (7)--Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Jorge Polanco, Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff, Jose Miranda, Kyle Farmer. Outfielders (4)-- Willi Castro, Matt Wallner, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler. Catchers (2)--Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez. 

Players in St. Paul w/ major league experience: Trevor Larnach, Cole Sands, Brent Headrick, Simeon Woods Richardson. Limbo: Nick Gordon. 

This roster might compete with most of the AL Central, but would lack depth. An outfielder needs to be added and help for the rotation and the bullpen. From what I have seen so far, I expect the Twins to shop in the lower half of the top fifty free agents (at best) and come away with someone like Giolito, Lugo, Maeda, Flaherty or Wacha at the top end. As far as the center field conundrum, perhaps they'll trade for a capable outfielder who can play center. I've been beating the drum for Dylan Carlson or someone like that. 

[FlyingFinn]

5 hours ago, stringer bell said:

like Giolito, Lugo, Maeda, Flaherty or Wacha at the top end.

Not Maeda.

 

5 hours ago, stringer bell said:

As far as the center field conundrum, perhaps they'll trade for a capable outfielder who can play center.

With this roster, if Buxton couldn't play CF at all, it would have to be, and many don't want to hear it, Lewis. A variation of MIranda, Polanco and Farmer would play 3B with Lewis moving there on a day we play Castro in CF. 

[Doctor Wu]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

Not Maeda.

 

With this roster, if Buxton couldn't play CF at all, it would have to be, and many don't want to hear it, Lewis. A variation of MIranda, Polanco and Farmer would play 3B with Lewis moving there on a day we play Castro in CF. 

Martin might also be able the handle CF, and Gordon has experience there too. That said, I'd still like a signing like Taylor again, just for insurance. That position aside, we urgently need to fill the holes in starting rotation and bullpen. 

[jorgenswest]

Your work shows light on the need for depth.

I think they need 3 pitchers. They will need to utilize options on a few listed to build the depth that will be needed. 

I would also utilize Miranda’s option and start him in AAA to get regular at bats. Gordon was a solid CF his second year and at this point they are thin there. I like the depth of Camargo, Martin, Lee, Larnach, Miranda and Severino in AAA. Additions don’t seem as necessary until Polanco or Kepler or Vazquez are dealt.

[ashbury]

If the ground rule is to construct the 26-man from the current 40-man, I think I have to put Miranda in St Paul and roster Gordon. 

Limbo is for dancers from Trinidad. 

[tony&rodney]

On 12/1/2023 at 5:51 AM, FlyingFinn said:

With this roster, if Buxton couldn't play CF at all, it would have to be, and many don't want to hear it, Lewis.

A ton of people have thought that the Twins could benefit with Royce Lewis playing in the outfield. There are, however, people who are involved directly in that decision who have other thoughts. These include all of Falvey, Baldelli, Boras, and Lewis.

One reality is that Royce Lewis has only had a couple of dozen occasions to play outfield as a baseball player and despite having good speed he was always noted as looking uncomfortable on the grass. Coaches and others all suggested he could develop and become a good outfielder and Lewis himself felt he was progressing as a centerfielder. Unfortunately, his two injuries changed some thoughts on using Lewis as an outfielder.

I do not believe that an athlete like Lewis is more likely to get injured in the outfield, but those decisions are made by someone else. For now, I'm believing the guys who say he is an infielder now and in the future. Things could always change .... Mookie Betts was a starting infielder as often as Kyle Farmer last season.