Who Will be the Twins' Utility Man in 2024?

[Hunter McCall]

Following Willi Castro’s pleasantly surprising year and with other options returning to the fold, who should be the Twins’ primary utility man?

Image courtesy of © John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

The “super utility” position is a new-age role, becoming increasingly common in MLB. Teams value guys who can play several different positions, because it gives them lineup flexibility and the ability to navigate injuries sustained by everyday players or to give days off to starters to prevent them from wearing down over a 162-game season.

Over the last three seasons, there have been 42 player-seasons throughout MLB in which a guy got at least 400 PA and did not start the plurality of his team's game at any position. This averages out to about 1.4 players per team over those three years. The Twins had two who qualified under these parameters: Willi Castro in 2023 and Luis Arraez in 2021.

Few teams, then, have embraced the utility role quite the way the Twins have. In 2022, the club's primary utility man, Nick Gordon, played in 136 of the team's 162 games. While Gordon doesn't technically meet the previously mentioned criteria due to leading the team in starts in left field, he still played all over the field, including 258 innings at second base, so I will include him under the umbrella of "utility man". When Gordon went down with a fracture in his shin in 2023, Castro assumed the utility role and went on to play in 124 games. Whether by choice or perforce, the Twins have valued the position greatly in recent years, and I expect the same in 2024. With Castro returning, Gordon healthy, and Austin Martin surging in Triple A, who should get the most playing time as the utility man?

Willi Castro
Castro enters 2024 coming off a career year. Finishing sixth on the team in bWAR with 2.6, he was a spark plug all year for a team that needed one at times in 2023. He played in every spot on the field besides catcher and first base (yes, he even pitched), and was second on the team in Defensive Runs Saved, with 5 on the year. Castro also provided value at the plate, posting an above-average OPS of .750.

The most valuable asset Castro provided to the Twins in 2023 was his baserunning ability. With 33 steals on the season, he had 20 more swipes than the next-closest Twin, Michael A. Taylor. While the Twins could replace his production at bat, his baserunning will be the most challenging skill to replace if they decide to turn to Martin or Gordon in 2024.

The downside to Castro is the narrow likelihood that he'll sustain his success. Before 2023, the only season in which he looked remotely competent at the plate in the majors was in the COVID-shortened 2020 season with the Tigers. Can Castro string together two good seasons in a row? The Twins (and Twins fans) certainly hope so, though his Baseball Savant page doesn’t look promising from a hitting standpoint.

Castro will likely get the first shot at his pseudo-starting gig in 2024, but if regression hits hard, they may be forced to choose one of their other options.

Nick Gordon
In some ways, Gordon’s 2022 was what Castro’s 2023 was. It felt like his coming-out party. He posted a .743 OPS and was fun to watch play. The energy and excitement he brings to work every day are contagious, and as a fan, it’s tough not to root for a guy like Gordon. The problem is, outside of 2022, he hasn’t been great.

In the 34 games for which he was healthy last year, Gordon posted a dreadful .503 OPS. When you pair that with the .647 OPS he posted in 2021 or his mediocre hitting in the minor leagues (high full-season OPS of .749), it makes 2022 seem like the outlier. On top of that, he’s never been much more than an acceptable fielder at any position. According to FanGraphs, in 2022, he posted -2 Outs and Runs Above Average as an infielder and was strictly average in the outfield. While Gordon may be a fan favorite, he’s an underdog to find playing time or even make the major-league roster in 2024. He could yet become a roster casualty this winter.

Austin Martin
Martin came to the Twins at the 2021 deadline as a part of the Jose Berrios trade. At the time of the trade, many regarded Martin among the top prospects in the game. As the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 Draft out of Vanderbilt, he boasted the skillset and tools to become a successful everyday big-leaguer. However, since entering the Twins organization, Martin has experienced his share of struggles.

In his first full season in the organization, Martin posted a .685 OPS, mostly at Double A, leaving many questioning whether he would pan out. Hope was restored, to an extent, when Martin posted a .936 OPS in 21 games in the Arizona Fall League. His fall performance and ability to play both infield and outfield would lead some to project Martin as a sneaky option to find his way onto the Twins roster in 2023 as a utility player.

After Martin’s 2023 got off to a rocky start, he came on strong in the second half of the season and ended with a .791 OPS on the year in Triple A. It seemed to all come together for him at the end of the season, and he showed he may be nearing his MLB debut.

The biggest con for Martin is the unknown. He’s had a roller coaster of a career in the minors, so the Twins don’t know what they’d get out of him. He possesses the skills and pedigree to be the best of the three options, but he could also be the worst, depending on whether he's able to come as advertised.

The utility position has become a staple for many MLB teams, including the Twins. Castro will likely get the Opening Day nod as the team’s utility man, due to his successful 2023 season, but there may be competition for the spot if he regresses. Gordon and Martin will fight to find playing time, and Castro's playing time might be the turf they can most easily invade.

Who is the Twins' best option to hold down the utility role for the majority of 2024? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Go, Twins!

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[Jocko87]

Kyle Farmer. And Castro. 

Gordon no longer has utility, much less super utility.  Martin fits in with the rolling class of rookies back and forth to St Paul so he really doesn’t qualify.  He has to prove he can do anything in the bigs first. 

They value competent depth quite a bit.  Farmer is that guy all over the field.   

[Cory Engelhardt]

Farmer and Castro, probably, to start the year. Unless they KNOW they need more help with centerfield, then I can totally see Martin be up even opening day.

I also think Martin, of the 3 you listed with Farmer, will get the most plate appearances out of these 4 listed in 2024.

 

Good to have depth that can play multiple positions.

[Hunter McCall]

6 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

Kyle Farmer. And Castro. 

Gordon no longer has utility, much less super utility.  Martin fits in with the rolling class of rookies back and forth to St Paul so he really doesn’t qualify.  He has to prove he can do anything in the bigs first. 

They value competent depth quite a bit.  Farmer is that guy all over the field.   

I think of Farmer as more of a platoon infielder which is why I didn't mention him.

I agree that Castro will get the first crack and I hope he looks good, but if he doesn't I wouldn't rule out Austin Martin entering the fold. The fact that the Twins kept Gordon on the 40-man tells me they still think there's something there. It's an interesting situation to follow at the very least!

[CRF]

Yep...Farmer and Castro. 

[PatPfund]

I think Castro is the easy choice to start the year as a super utility player (who plays most days). He actually plays the positions well, hits from both sides, and won/made-the-difference in a LOT of games last year. I'm not that worried about last year being an outlier; he has five seasons finished before he turns 27 (that will be in April). He was thrown in early by a notoriously bad team, and finally got to play with quality around him in 2023. I think we saw the real Castro last year.

You nailed the Gordon situation really well (including why I love him); as things stand now, Nick would probably have to beat out somebody like Larnach as a 4th-OF/(sometime IF) or he doesn't make the team. (The team may also include him in a trade to give him a shot elsewhere unless they trade another OF.)

My guess is Martin is the current Plan A in CF (unless he is bumped to Plan B by a veteran addition). The Twins have certainly done it before, but having a rookie play several positions while trying how to play MLB defense and hit MLB pitching just isn't smart. Let the kid focus on CF and hitting, and use him to replace Taylor's speed on the bases, while adding a tough eye to go with Julien (and possibly replace Polanco's tough ABs if he gets traded).

[Hunter McCall]

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

Farmer and Castro, probably, to start the year. Unless they KNOW they need more help with centerfield, then I can totally see Martin be up even opening day.

I also think Martin, of the 3 you listed with Farmer, will get the most plate appearances out of these 4 listed in 2024.

 

Good to have depth that can play multiple positions.

I didn't include Farmer in here just because I see him as more of a platoon infielder against left-handed pitching as compared to a utility player, but I think he factors in the Twins' plans very much.

I've always really liked Martin. It would be awesome if he is able to come up at some point this year and help the team!

[Hunter McCall]

3 minutes ago, PatPfund said:

I think Castro is the easy choice to start the year as a super utility player (who plays most days). He actually plays the positions well, hits from both sides, and won/made-the-difference in a LOT of games last year. I'm not that worried about last year being an outlier; he has five seasons finished before he turns 27 (that will be in April). He was thrown in early by a notoriously bad team, and finally got to play with quality around him in 2023. I think we saw the real Castro last year.

You nailed the Gordon situation really well (including why I love him); as things stand now, Nick would probably have to beat out somebody like Larnach as a 4th-OF/(sometime IF) or he doesn't make the team. (The team may also include him in a trade to give him a shot elsewhere unless they trade another OF.)

My guess is Martin is the current Plan A in CF (unless he is bumped to Plan B by a veteran addition). The Twins have certainly done it before, but having a rookie play several positions while trying how to play MLB defense and hit MLB pitching just isn't smart. Let the kid focus on CF and hitting, and use him to replace Taylor's speed on the bases, while adding a tough eye to go with Julien (and possibly replace Polanco's tough ABs if he gets traded).

I hope you're right on Castro! As I mentioned, the only cause for concerns is the advanced metrics at the plate weren't very inspiring, but I hope he continues to produce! My favorite thing about Castro was how often he came through in the clutch. He was very valuable for the Twins in 2023 and hopefully he can continue to provide value.

It remains to be seen how the Twins will elect to use Martin. He played a majority of his innings at second base last year in triple A, but I wouldn't rule out the Twins using him as strictly an outfielder. Could that be his role? Could he be a platoon infielder? Could he be a utility guy? His role is very much an unknown, but I do think he helps the Twins in 2024.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Taking Farmer out of the equation, I think it will be Willi Castro.  He did very well last year and history aside, I think will sustain his production.  He's still young enough that I can chalk it up to "development".  (I'm actually more concerned about Lewis and Julien sustaining production -- the bar is much higher for them). I'm going to bet that Austin Martin will become the go-to CF option, hopefully with Buxton, but he may hold his own better than we think.  I understand why the Twins kept Gordon, he has some value, just not very much to the Twins.  I think he gets traded this winter, either one for one for a relief pitcher flyer or as a throw in to another trade for something more. 

[FlyingFinn]

18 minutes ago, Hunter McCall said:

I hope you're right on Castro! As I mentioned, the only cause for concerns is the advanced metrics at the plate weren't very inspiring, but I hope he continues to produce! My favorite thing about Castro was how often he came through in the clutch. He was very valuable for the Twins in 2023 and hopefully he can continue to provide value.

At this age, Castro's speed and defense (and switch hitting) won't decline. He may make a couple more errors just because he made almost none in 2023 but I actually think his overall OF defense will improve. Even if his hitting would decline a little, he is by far the best utility guy.

[Riverbrian]

Labels

Everything and everyone must have a label. 

[Craig Arko]

16 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Labels

Everything and everyone must have a label. 

I blame Aristotle. 

[Hunter McCall]

39 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Taking Farmer out of the equation, I think it will be Willi Castro.  He did very well last year and history aside, I think will sustain his production.  He's still young enough that I can chalk it up to "development".  (I'm actually more concerned about Lewis and Julien sustaining production -- the bar is much higher for them). I'm going to bet that Austin Martin will become the go-to CF option, hopefully with Buxton, but he may hold his own better than we think.  I understand why the Twins kept Gordon, he has some value, just not very much to the Twins.  I think he gets traded this winter, either one for one for a relief pitcher flyer or as a throw in to another trade for something more. 

Certainly real possibilities! I personally think Lewis and Julien will maintain production just because they both have a pedigree of success, so I think they'll continue to be good! Thank you for your thoughts!

[Parfigliano]

7 minutes ago, Craig Arko said:

I blame Aristotle. 

Forgive him.  He did a couple good things.

[Jocko87]

55 minutes ago, Hunter McCall said:

I think of Farmer as more of a platoon infielder which is why I didn't mention him.

I agree that Castro will get the first crack and I hope he looks good, but if he doesn't I wouldn't rule out Austin Martin entering the fold. The fact that the Twins kept Gordon on the 40-man tells me they still think there's something there. It's an interesting situation to follow at the very least!

I’m hoping to hear that he works in the outfield a bit this spring.  There was talk of that when he was acquired but he was needed quite a bit more in the infield last year with the slow starts.  If he can function in left field against a LH starter it opens up a ton more options.  

[Otaknam]

I don’t think they will totally blow up the bench, possibly keeping both Castro and Farmer. But it wouldn’t surprise me if Farmer gets traded to cut payroll in favor of a cheaper solution. Castro deserves another shot at super utility, since Castro’s speed is a difference maker. Also hoping the team signs a big bat like Hoskins to DH and play first. Under this scenario the bench would be Castro, Farmer, Martin if he can play CT, and backup catcher. Or sign Taylor as insurance for the inevitable Buxton injury. 

[Hunter McCall]

52 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Castro hands down.  He brings all the intangibles of a super utility guy (SB, fields multiple positions, competent hitting).  I take issue with your downside comment Hunter as I feel we just unlocked his hidden potential and that his performance will continue to improve.  Just because this was his FIRST year at this level does not mean it will be his LAST year at this level, especially given his age.

I agree that he can continue to produce, I don't mean that just because he hadn't been very good before that he can't be good going forward. My main concern is with the advanced metrics at the plate. They indicate that he's a well below average hitter.

That said, there are people that just overcome bad metrics and soft contact and are really good players, I hope Castro continues to show improvement in this area as well. My main point is, this can forecast regression which would be my only concern.

[Hunter McCall]

40 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Labels

Everything and everyone must have a label. 

The point was more so to predict who could get the playing time in the spot that Castro held last season. You can call it whatever you want, that's just the name the baseball community has rolled with.

[Hunter McCall]

16 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I’m hoping to hear that he works in the outfield a bit this spring.  There was talk of that when he was acquired but he was needed quite a bit more in the infield last year with the slow starts.  If he can function in left field against a LH starter it opens up a ton more options.  

Agreed. If he is able to step up and play outfielder and platoon one of the corner spots I'd be all for it. I doubt he can get to a point where they trust him defensively over some of their other options, but it would certainly be a positive development!

[Hunter McCall]

7 minutes ago, Otaknam said:

I don’t think they will totally blow up the bench, possibly keeping both Castro and Farmer. But it wouldn’t surprise me if Farmer gets traded to cut payroll in favor of a cheaper solution. Castro deserves another shot at super utility, since Castro’s speed is a difference maker. Also hoping the team signs a big bat like Hoskins to DH and play first. Under this scenario the bench would be Castro, Farmer, Martin if he can play CT, and backup catcher. Or sign Taylor as insurance for the inevitable Buxton injury. 

Hoskins would be huge! I would be all for that! I think Castro starts there and hopefully continue to provide production!

[Karbo]

I think Farmer will be traded to save money. I would rather see Martin than Gordon. Gordon has some power but even with his speed he doesn't steal bases. At least he hasn't yet. Castro has the utility role to start IMO.

[Hunter McCall]

14 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I think Farmer will be traded to save money. I would rather see Martin than Gordon. Gordon has some power but even with his speed he doesn't steal bases. At least he hasn't yet. Castro has the utility role to start IMO.

I think I agree with you on all counts.

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, Hunter McCall said:

The point was more so to predict who could get the playing time in the spot that Castro held last season. You can call it whatever you want, that's just the name the baseball community has rolled with.

It was a nice article. I actually liked your usage comparison for the label of super-utility and utility and I understood the point. 

I was just having fun with the constant need for the baseball community to stick players into boxes with a shipping label clearly identifying the product inside. 

I still prefer to call them baseball players. I refuse to limit them to a single position unless they are exceptional at the position. 

The math is always quite simple. Approximately 13 position player spots at a given time and 9 positions to occupy when each lineup is set. The baseball community likes to pick 9 starters and call the other 4 backups. Well... those 4 backups can't back up all 9 positions... Actually those 3 backups can't cover 8 spots because one is always a catcher.

So... Unless you have an every day job playing one position exclusively.,. you become utility by necessity.

It isn't that they can play multiple positions at virtuoso levels... they play multiple positions because they don't have a position that they have been designated to play exclusively.

People are trying to kill Polanco because Julien plays 2B and this is the unnecessary filtering of possibilities and very limiting to getting the best players into the lineup. It's this need to slap labels on baseball players that blind those who think this way.       

I'm not sure who invented Super-Utility but I first become aware of it with the Dodgers. Cody Bellinger as a 21 year old in 2017 started 127 games split between 1B and all 3 outfield positions. He did the same in 2018 as a 22 year old with increased usage at 135 starts. 

In 2017... the Dodgers also had Chris Taylor 131 starts and Kiki Hernandez and 111 starts both of them started at 1B, 2B, 3B, SS and all 3 OF positions as needed. So that's three super-utility players in 2017 and the Dodgers won baseball games.  

In 2018... All three players were utilized the same way in this super utility role. Bellinger 135 starts, Taylor 128 Starts and Kiki made 104 starts and they added Max Muncy to the party who made 102 starts at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF and RF. Tack on Austin Barnes who tacked on 19 starts at 2B to his 61 starts at catcher... And... And... the deployment of the trade deadline addition... Mr. Manny Machado at both SS and 3B as he played where the club needed him to be... And of course... the Dodgers won baseball games.

Did the Dodgers search for players who could play multiple positions or did players just simply starting playing multiple positions by Manager choice in an effort to get the best players in the lineup at a given time based on what he has to work with?  I don't know but it worked and it starts by ripping the labels off.   

Anyway... I was just having fun with the labels.  

 

 

 

 

[Doctor Gast]

My definition of super utility is someone who can play SS & CF well which translate he can play anyplace well. Castro fits that bill all others are just plain utility. 

A good chance we can see a small regression from Castro but glove can play anwhere & his base stealing adds another benefical dimension to the Twins game where very valuable. They should limit Gordon only in the OF because his glove & bat don't play well in the INF. The turning point for Martin when they resolved Martin off SS (finally) & Martin resolved to focus on his own style of batting at the end of '22. Martin adapts very well & have the grit to make it in MLB at CF sometime in '24. It'll be a very interesting spring training indeed.

Castro & Farmer can handle the INF.

[Hunter McCall]

6 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

My definition of super utility is someone who can play SS & CF well which translate he can play anyplace well. Castro fits that bill all others are just plain utility. 

A good chance we can see a small regression from Castro but glove can play anwhere & his base stealing adds another benefical dimension to the Twins game where very valuable. They should limit Gordon only in the OF because his glove & bat don't play well in the INF. The turning point for Martin when they resolved Martin off SS (finally) & Martin resolved to focus on his own style of batting at the end of '22. Martin adapts very well & have the grit to make it in MLB at CF sometime in '24. It'll be a very interesting spring training indeed.

Castro & Farmer can handle the INF.

There's a lot to get hammered out and the roles will become for clear as we approach the season. What do they do with Farmer and Polanco? Are they traded? Do they add anyone? There will certainly be shuffling to go around, but I think you raise good points.

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Labels

Everything and everyone must have a label. 

Good point, "Old-TImey Member."

[Fatbat]

I hope they roll with the hot bat and glove. Some guys regress and others figure out the constant adjustments and growth that is needed for a long career. As they say, the cream rises to the top. 
I do agree that we should have 2-3 utility guys because of the fragility of un named vets. 

[Hunter McCall]

29 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

I hope they roll with the hot bat and glove. Some guys regress and others figure out the constant adjustments and growth that is needed for a long career. As they say, the cream rises to the top. 
I do agree that we should have 2-3 utility guys because of the fragility of un named vets. 

I agree. Could be multiple guys throughout the year. Hopefully they can all contribute!

[DocBauer]

Agreed with Riverbrian that "baseball" player is really more accurate. But "baseball player who plays a lot.kf sifferent positions on a regular basis" is long enough that I also simply use the "super utility" label for convenience sake, lol.

Yes to Castro. I don't even need him to improve on any way to want him on my team doing exactly what he did last year. I just don't want to see a lot of regression. Young, talented, solid milb numbers, promoted too early probably, not really developed by Detroit, I have a feeling he's not going to nosedive.

I like Farmer for a lot of reasons, including leadership and tough guy attitude. His offense is OK, defense solid across the INF. But are they keeping him? One if he or Polanco will be gone, IMO, due to payroll, room, and trades to fill other holes. But he's pretty valuable if kept around.

I don't know that I see Martin...in the strictess sense of the defenition...as a super utility. He might end up with that designation. I just have this hunch he's going to end up as a starting OF, who CAN play 3B//2B. Or a rotating 4th OF who can kinda do it all, but mostly be there for defense, OB%, and baserunning/SB purposes. But yeah, I can see a scenario where he teams WITH Castro to create a really good 1-2 punch as quality, rotating options.

I'm still not falling asleep on Helman. He might do nothing. But he's a late bloomer who's gotten better each of the past 3yrs and would have gotten his shot on 2023 if he didn't keep running in to that lousy old injury wall. Guy plays all 7 spots, has some power and speed, and seems to show enough bat control that would lead one to believe he will be able to hit a little at the ML level.

Prato is a slightly younger version of Helman, maybe a little better hit ability, but perhaps a little less speed and power. He's down the list, but it doesn't mean you can't help sometime in 2024.

I'm just having a hard time seeing room for Gordon unless there are trades, or injuries, or both. No options left, a half a season of quality ML offensive success, and seemingly unwanted in the INF by the Twins, I just don't know that I see a future in Minnesota any longer.

[mikelink45]

Fascinating to speculate - but the question that comes to mind is if U players are like BP pitchers - up and down from year to year and hard to project.  We have a lot of them so something good should sort out here.  But I do not which it would be even though I lean towards Castro.  In five years he has 3 WAR - but 2.4 came last year.  Is that sustainable?