Brooks Lee, David Festa, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. Headline Twins 2024 Spring Training Invitations

[Seth Stohs]

On Tuesday afternoon, the Twins announced their 2024 Spring Training non-roster invitees. They identified 19 players who will join the 40 players on the Twins' 40-man roster in Fort Myers. Brooks Lee will participate in his second big-league spring training in as many years. 

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson (photos of Brooks Lee, David Festa, DaShawn Keirsey)

Nineteen players signed to minor-league contracts for the 2024 season were invited to big-league spring training on Tuesday. Well, they were probably called weeks ago, but you know what I mean. They will have nine pitchers (8 right-handed), four extra catchers, four infielders, one outfielder and a utility player (though I would designate two of the infielders as utility players). 

Pitchers and catchers were to report today (February 13) with their first workout on Wednesday. Position players are set to report on Saturday with the first full-squad workout on Sunday. 

Here is a quick look at the players who received spring training invitations. At the end, I also wrote up little sections on several other players that the Twins signed to minor-league contracts this offseason but did not receive the formal invitation to big-league camp. You may see several of them during spring training games as well. 

Right-Handed Pitchers

Ryan Jensen (26) - He was the first round pick of the Cubs in 2019 out of Fresno State. In 2023, he pitched in 14 Double-A games and 16 Triple-A games for the Cub. DFAd by the Cubs in early August, he was claimed by the Mariners. He pitched in 13 games for them over the final two months. In 64 1/3 innings, he had 78 strikeouts, but he also walked 54 batters. After season, he was DFAd and claimed by the Marlins. They tried to sneak him through waivers, but the Twins claimed him. The Twins then claimed Daniel Duarte and DFAd Jensen. This time, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to St. Paul. Jensen throws hard, mid 90s, and typically gets a lot of ground balls. As important, he has two options remaining if the Twins do put him back on their 40-man roster at some point. 

Matt Bowman (32) - a Princeton alum, Bowman was the 13th round pick of the Mets in 2012. He debuted as a 24-year-old in 2016 after being St. Louis’s . He pitched in 156 games out of the Cardinals bullpen over three seasons. In 2019, he pitched in 27 games for the Reds. In September 2020, he had Tommy John surgery. After the season, he signed a two-year minor-league deal with the Yankees, but he missed the 2021 and 2022 seasons rehabbing. He re-signed for one more minor-league seasons. He was called up in mid-September and pitched in three games. The Twins signed him in January. 

Jeff Brigham (31) - Brigham has been in pro ball since being drafted in 2014. He made his MLB debut with four starts for the Marlins in 2018. The following season, he pitched in 32 games for Miami and was 3-2 with a save and a 4.46 ERA. In 2020, he pitched in just one inning in one game. He didn't pitch in 2021, but he made 16 appearances for the Marlins in 2022. Last year, he pitched in 37 games for the Mets. He was 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA. In 37 2/3 innings, he had 52 strikeouts and 18 walks.  

Daniel Duarte (27) - The Twins claimed Daniel Duarte off of waivers, and less than two weeks later, he was DFAd to make room for Jay Jackson on the 40-man roster. However, Duarte cleared waivers and will remain in the organization, at least for now. The hard-throwing right-hander debuted in 2022 with three games for the Reds. In 2023, he went 3-0 with a save and a 3.69 ERA in 31 2/3 innings. Duarte went unclaimed and was invited to Twins big-league spring training. 

Ronny Henriquez (23) - Look at that again. Ronny Henriquez is still just 23 years old. The Twins acquired him in the Mitch Garver trade before the 2022 season. He pitched 11 2/3 innings over three relief appearances for the Twins that season. He missed much of the first half of the 2023 season with injury and ended the season going 5-3 with a 5.68 ERA in 57 innings out of the Saints bullpen. He had 49 strikeouts, but also had 36 walks. He was non-tendered after the season, but the Twins re-signed him quickly to a minor-league deal. In his 18 games and (24 ⅓ innings), he was 1-0 with a 4.44 ERA. He had 17 strikeouts to go with 12 walks. 

Jordan Balazovic (25) - The Twins fifth-round pick in the 2016 MLB draft has certainly had his fair shares of ups and downs. Jordan Balazovic made his MLB debut last season with the Twins and got 65 days of service time. Just last week, he was DFAd so that the Twins could claim Zack Weiss. However, he cleared waivers and will remain in the Twins organization with a spring invitation. Keith Law was one of the first to put him on the prospect map and did so very early in his career. In 2021, he went 5-4 with a 3.62 ERA at Double-A Wichita with just over a strikeout per inning. However, in 21 starts for St. Paul in 2022, he was 0-7 with a 7.39 ERA. He began that season with an oblique injury. He began the 2023 season on the IL with a wired-shut mouth after an altercation at a Ft. Myers establishment the night before big-league camp began. He made three starts and was quickly moved to the bullpen. Now off of the 40-man roster, he can relax and get ready for spring training and a long season. Just 25, he’s going to get more opportunities. 

Randy Dobnak (29) - The first player that made us all aware of the United Shores Professional Baseball League. Dobnak jumped into the spotlight in 2019 when he came up and went 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in nine games (5 starts). He had 23 strikeouts and got a ton of ground balls. In 2020s short season, Dobnak got off to a great start but struggled a big late in the year. Overall, he was 6-4 with a 4.05 ERA. Before the season, he agreed to a five-year, $9.25 million with options that could have kept him in the organization through 2028. However, early in that 2021 season, Dobnak injured his finger and really struggled with command and became quite hittable. He rehabbed it for a long time, and that didn’t really help. He finally needed to have surgery. In 2023 in St. Paul, he made 26 starts and five relief appearances. He was 5-9 with a 5.13 ERA over 126 1/3 innings. That is likely where he will start the 2024 season, but it would be another great story if he got called up to the Twins again.  (Correction... Dobnak did not have an surgeries on his finger.)

David Festa (23) - Festa was the Twins 13th round pick in 2021 out of Seton Hall. Since joining the Twins organization, he has added about five mph to his fastball and is now a guy with three potentially plus big league pitches (fastball, slider and changeup). In 2022, he played at both A-ball levels and combined to go 9-4 with a 2.43 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings. He began 2023 in Wichita and went 3-3 with a 4.39 ERA. In 80 innings, he had 104 strikeouts with 33 walks. He ended the season with three starts at St. Paul. He represented the Twins organization in the Futures Game. He is the Twins Daily #6 prospect. There is a good chance that he debuts during the 2024 season.  

Left-Handed Pitchers 

Jovani Moran (26) - Moran was the Twins seventh round pick in 2015 out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico. He’s always had a tremendous changeup, but he fought injuries early in his career. He debuted with the Twins late in the 2021 season. In 2022, he worked had 54 strikeouts and just 18 walks over 40 2/3 innings in 31 appearances for the Twins. In 2023, he had 48 strikeouts and 27 walks in 42 1/3 innings over 43 Twins games. Lots of strikeouts, but also throwing strikes is crucial for him. He was optioned late in the season and soon after went on the IL. After the season, he had Tommy John surgery and the Twins non-tendered him. However, they locked him in on a two-year minor-league contract right away. So, he won’t pitch in 2023, but he could still hang out at big-league spring training. 

Catchers

Chris Williams (27) - After starring at Clemson, the Twins made Williams their eighth round pick in 2018. Since signing, he has continually shown big power, but that is especially true the last two seasons. Between Wichita and St. Paul in 2022, he hit .246 with 21 doubles, 28 homers and 89 RBI. Last year, in 95 Saints games, he hit .236 with 13 doubles and 21 home runs. While he has played more first base in pro ball, he has caught more than 20 games each of the past four seasons. 

Patrick Winkel (24) - Patrick Winkel was the Twins ninth-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Connecticut. He played 21 games for the Mighty Mussels that summer. Even though he missed time early in the season with injury, he was pushed to High-A Cedar Rapids for the 2022 season. In 54 games, he hit .254 with nine doubles and six homers. He moved up to Double-A Wichita in 2023, and in 88 games, he hit .266/.362/.424 with 16 doubles and 10 homers. Winkel is considered very strong behind the plate as well. 

Alex Isola (25) - In 2023, Alex Isola made 49 starts at first base and just 13 starts behind the plate. He has basically been moved to first base, in part to keep his bat in the lineup most days, but with the need for lots of bullpen catchers in spring training, I would add Isola. In 110 games at Wichita last year, he hit .279/.366/.480 (.846) with 22 doubles and 20 home runs. 

Brian O'Keefe (30) - O'Keefe is new to the organization. Going way back, he was the seventh round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals out of St. Joseph's (alma mater of Andrew Cossetti). He made his MLB debut with two games for the 2022 Seattle Mariners. He went 1-for-3 with a walk. In 2023, he got into eight games for the M's. He went 2-for-19 (.105), but both hits were doubles!!

Infielders 

Brooks Lee (23) - Brooks Lee is preparing for his second full minor-league season by heading to his second straight big-league spring training. The eighth overall pick in the 2022 draft was the Twins Minor League Player of the Year in 2023. In 87 games for Wichita, he hit .292/.365/.476 (.841) with 31 doubles and 11 homers. He moved up to Triple-A St. Paul and in 38 games hit .237/.304/.428 (.731) with eight doubles, three triples, and five home runs. He played mostly shortstop, but it’s likely he’ll start playing all over the infield starting this spring.  

Aaron Sabato (24) -  Sabato was the Twins top pick (27th overall) in 2020 out of North Carolina. While he hasn’t hit for average and he has struck out a ton, Sabato has shown his power when he has been healthy. Unfortunately, he missed time each of the past two seasons with wrist injuries. In 2023, he hit .221/.329/.430 with 19 doubles and 12 homers in 77 games. He played 18 games in the Arizona Fall League and hit .215 with three doubles and seven home runs (tied with Kala’i Rosario for league lead). 

Outfielders 

DaShawn Keirsey (26) - Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 draft out of Utah, DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. has been healthy the last two seasons and shown what kind of player he can be. There was a lot of concern that the Twins might lose the athletic outfielder in the Rule 5 draft. He began the 2023 season with 91 games in Wichita. He hit .305/.363/.488 with 17 doubles, five triples, and 13 home runs. He moved up to Saint Paul and hit .264/.375/.364 with a double, three triples, and two home runs in 39 games. In total, he had 39 stolen bases in 44 attempts. Keirsey also plays tremendous outfield defense. He can play all three outfield positions, but he is legitimately the fastest player in the Twins organization and profiles well in center field.   

Utility Players

Niko Goodrum (31) - The Twins drafted Niko Goodrum out of high school in Georgia in the second round of the 2010 draft. He slowly worked his way up the organizational ladder until September of 2017 when he was called up to the Twins. He had one hit in 18 plate appearances. After the season, he was DFAd. He signed with the Detroit Tigers and got the chance to play all over the diamond. In 131 games, he hit .245 with 29 doubles and 16 home runs. In 2019, he was their regular shortstop and hit .248 with 27 doubles and 12 homers in 112 games. He struggled and hit just .184 in the Covid-shortened 2020 season  and hit .214 in 2021. He played in 15 games for the 2022 Astros. In 2023, he began the season with the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate before getting the opportunity to play in Korea for a couple of months. The Twins signed him early in the offseason, and the assumption is that he’ll play all over the field. 

Michael Helman (27) - Helman had a real breakout season in 2022. In 135 games, he hit .258/.337/.432 with 23 doubles, three triples and 20 home runs. He also was 40-for-45 in steal attempts. He earned an opportunity to go to big-league spring training. Unfortunately, he was hurt throughout camp. He got into some game with the Saints early in the season before he dislocated a shoulder and had to miss a couple more months. There’s little doubt he would have debuted at some point in 2023 if not for the injuries. Helman can play all three outfield spots well, and he can play all four infield spots. He even started out his college career as a catcher. 

Anthony Prato (25) - In 2019, Anthony Prato was the Twins seventh round pick out of UConn. His breakout came in 2022 at Cedar Rapids and carried over to his time with Wichita. 2023 was a tale of two seasons for Prato. He began with 43 games in Wichita. He hit .171 with five extra base hits. He had a .553 OPS. Almost inexplicably, he was promoted to St. Paul. In 72 Triple-A games, he hit .302/.452/.539 (.990) with 23 doubles, a triple, and 10 home runs. Yes, a .990 OPS! He can play all three infield positions and the corners in the outfield.  

Which of these players have a chance at an Opening Day roster spot? Which might we see at some point during the season? 

 

---

Other Minor-League Signings this offseason that did not receive a spring training invitation. 

Beau Burrows (27) - Beau Burrows is Back! Yes, that Beau Burrows, the former first round pick of the Tigers who pitched in five games for the 2021 Twins. Yes, the Beau Burrows who gave up 15 hits (5 Home Runs) and eight walks over 9 1/3 innings with the Twins. What has he been up to since then? In 2022, he went 8-6 with a 7.18 ERA with the Dodgers Triple-A club in Oklahoma City. In 2023, he pitched in 36 games (10 starts) for Gwinnett, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. He went 3-5 with a 5.67 ERA in 73 innings. 

A.J. Alexy (25) - AJ Alexy debuted with the Rangers as a 23-year-old in 2021. He went 3-1 in five games (4 starts). He pitched in four more games for the Rangers in 2022 but posted an 11.57 ERA in seven innings. Since then, he was DFAd and claimed by the Nationals. When the Nationals DFAd him a few weeks later, the Twins sent a DSL player to the Nationals to add Alexy. Three weeks later, the Twins DFAd Alexy, and he was claimed by the White Sox. He posted a 12.00 ERA in 16 games for Triple-A Charlotte before they released him. He ended his season with an 11.81 ERA in six games in the independent Atlantic League. The Twins still like his arm and signed him to a minor-league deal in mid-December.  

Hobie Harris (30) - Hobie Harris was drafted in the 31st round of the 2015 draft by the Yankees out of the University of Pittsburgh. He remained in the Yankees organization through the 2019 season, though he topped out at Double-A. He was the Rule 5 pick by the Blue Jays after that season. He didn’t pitch in 2020. He spent the 2021 season in the Toronto organization. In 2022, he posted a 2.04 ERA in 53 games with the Brewers Triple-A affiliate in Nashville. Last offseason, he signed with the Nationals and as a 29-year-old, he made the opening day roster. 

Jared Solomon (26) - Solomon was the Reds 11th round draft pick in 2017 out of Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania. In 2016, he had pitched in five games for the Randy Dobnak-led Alderson-Broaddus Battlers. He was added to the Reds’ 40-man roster after the 2020 season. Unfortunately, he missed the 2021 season following Tommy John surgery. He made his debut in May of 2022, and posted a 10.80 ERA over 8 1/3 innings over nine appearances. He was non-tendered, but he stayed with the Reds on a minor-league deal in 2023. However, he posted a 10.29 ERA over 26 relief appearances and 28 innings. He had 28 walks and 22 strikeouts. So, the Twins pitching development staff must see something of interest. 

Joe Gunkel (32) - Gunkel has had a long and winding road in baseball that has brought him to the Twins this spring. Originally the Red Sox 18th round pick in 2013 out of West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He spent time with the Sox, Orioles, Dodgers, and Marlins organizations. Following the 2019 season, he signed to play for Hanshin in Japan. In 2023, he pitched for Fukuoka Softbank. A strike thrower, he had just 12 walks and 66 strikeouts in 96 total innings pitched. 

Caleb Boushley (30) - Born in Hortonville, Wisconsin, Boushley went to UW-La Crosse. In 2017, he was the 33rd round pick of the Padres. Following the 2021 season, the Brewers claimed him off of waivers. In 2022, he went 12-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 25 starts at Triple-A Nashville. Things didn’t go as well in 2023. He made 26 starts and three relief appearances. He was 9-8 with a 5.11 ERA in 135 2/3 innings. However, Boushley received his first big-league promotion for the final series of the season. In a game against the Cubs, he came into the game with two outs in the eighth inning. He got that final out, and worked two more innings. He gave up just one run on one hit in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out five batters and was credited with the Win. No surprise to anyone that he was DFAd after the season but what a story. What a memory! He signed a minor-league deal with the Twins last month.  

Agustin Ruiz (24) - The Twins recently signed outfielder Agustin Ruiz on a minor-league deal. After spending over six years in the Padres organization, he spent 2023 with Binghamton, the Double-A affiliate of the Mets. In 105 games, he hit .203/.300/.401 with 15 doubles, two triples, and 18 home runs.  

There are a couple in this group that could be interesting as well. 

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[Cory Engelhardt]

Cool to see Balazovic stick with the organization. Hopefully a full reset for him can get him going.

[Nashvilletwin]

There is a little more position player depth on the farm outside the 40 man than I had remembered. Helman, Prato, and Goodrum (he of prior big league experience) can pretty much play all over the field except C. Keirsey is probably our 4th CFer at the moment. And, of course, Lee.  So that’s five players who could be called upon in addition to Larnach/Martin, Miranda, Severino, and ERod.  Not all of those are ready now, but that is a nine player pool from which to access for call ups.   Overall young and inexperienced, but there is talent there for sure..
 

[Nashvilletwin]

25 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Cool to see Balazovic stick with the organization. Hopefully a full reset for him can get him going.

Yeah, that’s nice to see.  Doesn’t look like Bubba Thompson made it through waivers. 
 

Starter depth is fairly limited to who’s on the 40 man other than Festa and Dobnak (one can only cheer for him). However, there may be a legit full handful of relievers who could be called upon this year and be effective.  

[Dman]

A little surprised some of the rebuilding teams didn't see Balazovich as an option if not to at least try and get him through waivers.  With no one claiming him what does that say about his perceived projection as a MLB pitcher?  Having no options left as a relief pitcher sure can leave you in no man's land. At any rate I am glad the Twins get another year to look at him and see if some tweaks can change his trajectory.

I kind of thought Duarte would be claimed as well. I know the control issues are serious, but it seems like he has two good pitches to work with.  Odds are he doesn't work out, but I still thought he would get claimed.

Twins are going to have a lot of pen depth at AAA this year.

With Helman, Prato and Goodrum hanging around would the Twins consider trading Farmer and adding a decent pitching FA to the roster with the saved money?  Just wondering as they still have several interesting utility guys at AAA even beyond Lee.

Here's hoping for a healthy spring for everyone.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yeah, that’s nice to see.  Doesn’t look like Bubba Thompson made it through waivers. 
 

Starter depth is fairly limited to who’s on the 40 man other than Festa and Dobnak (one can only cheer for him). However, there may be a legit full handful of relievers who could be called upon this year and be effective.  

Count me in the camp of thinking SWR should be ahead of Dobnak, and probably Festa, at least early in 2024. But yeah, otherwise, agreed.

[Nashvilletwin]

11 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Count me in the camp of thinking SWR should be ahead of Dobnak, and probably Festa, at least early in 2024. But yeah, otherwise, agreed.

SWR is on the 40 man already - that’s why he wasn’t mentioned.  He’s ahead of Dobnak for sure at the moment in the call up hierarchy, as is probably Winder. Varland, of course, is at the top.  Festa could slot in there behind Varland later in the season and then moved to the 40 man. Oh and let’s not forget Canterino’s upside.  

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, Nashvilletwin said:

SWR is on the 40 man already - that’s why he wasn’t mentioned.  He’s ahead of Dobnak for sure at the moment in the call up hierarchy, as is probably Winder.  

Got it, misunderstood your response, but yeah, agreed. :)

[jorgenswest]

10 minutes ago, Dman said:

With Helman, Prato and Goodrum hanging around would the Twins consider trading Farmer and adding a decent pitching FA to the roster with the saved money?  Just wondering as they still have several interesting utility guys at AAA even beyond Lee.

You can probably add Martin. I am not sure there are any takers at Farmer’s contract. He fits better in the Twins than any other team where he complements Julien’s left handed bat and well below average glove. If the plan was to trade him hoping to get something along the lines of an Urshela return it was a mistake that can’t be made with the reduced budget.

I would have preferred they had non-tendered him and combined that money with Polanco dollars to get an everyday bat.

[jorgenswest]

27 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Yeah, that’s nice to see.  Doesn’t look like Bubba Thompson made it through waivers. 
 

Starter depth is fairly limited to who’s on the 40 man other than Festa and Dobnak (one can only cheer for him). However, there may be a legit full handful of relievers who could be called upon this year and be effective.  

Thompson is at least temporarily with the Reds.

This is his second go around with the Reds. In the last 6 months he has moved from the Rangers to the Royals to the Reds to the Yankees to the Twins and back to the Reds,

[Danchat]

16 minutes ago, Dman said:

A little surprised some of the rebuilding teams didn't see Balazovich as an option if not to at least try and get him through waivers.  With no one claiming him what does that say about his perceived projection as a MLB pitcher?  Having no options left as a relief pitcher sure can leave you in no man's land.

I suppose other teams didn't think he has the stuff to be a legit reliever, at least not worth it to keep on the 26 man roster for some time. I would guess if he had at least 1 option then he gets claimed.

This happened last year with Blayne Enlow, nobody claimed him when he was DFA'd despite having 2 options and had been a notable prospect. It reeks of other teams viewing these pitchers as AAAA players rather than prospects.

[jmlease1]

47 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Cool to see Balazovic stick with the organization. Hopefully a full reset for him can get him going.

I'll admit, i'm surprised he passed through waivers, but maybe the timing got it done. but I'm also a little surprised his agent wasn't trying to get another team to claim him to get his client a fresh start with a new club, since things went a little sideways last year. But I'm not unhappy about keeping him in the organization and I hope he can get healthy and figure it out.

I don't think there's much chance for the spring training invitees to jump on the 26-man roster, but I've been surprised before and could be again. It just seems like there's pretty good depth and a bit of a pecking order established by the 40-man that's going to be tougher to crack until necessary; if anything I'd be less surprised if a last-minute FA fell into our laps. The front office has been very open to grabbing someone late and doesn't mind being used as a safe harbor for a 1 year deal if said player didn't find the long-term deal they were hoping for...

[Dman]

8 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

You can probably add Martin. I am not sure there are any takers at Farmer’s contract. He fits better in the Twins than any other team where he complements Julien’s left handed bat and well below average glove. If the plan was to trade him hoping to get something along the lines of an Urshela return it was a mistake that can’t be made with the reduced budget.

I would have preferred they had non-tendered him and combined that money with Polanco dollars to get an everyday bat.

Yeah that is what I am thinking too.  I think they will go to around 130M for payroll this year so if they could move Farmer that would give them another 10 to 15M to get "A Guy".  I like Farmer and like the fit for this team, but I don't think he is soo special that one of those other players couldn't come close to his production and if the piece they got (by moving his salary) was fairly big it might at least be a needle mover.

[Nashvilletwin]

8 minutes ago, Dman said:

Yeah that is what I am thinking too.  I think they will go to around 130M for payroll this year so if they could move Farmer that would give them another 10 to 15M to get "A Guy".  I like Farmer and like the fit for this team, but I don't think he is soo special that one of those other players couldn't come close to his production and if the piece they got (by moving his salary) was fairly big it might at least be a needle mover.

I respectfully take the other side of this sentiment.  Farmer is a real pro’s pro who can step right in as a proven player at any position in the infield.  Every young guy on the team will also be better because Farmer is on the team.  He’s staying as long as this team is contending. Just my opinion.

[High heat]

Can Michael Helman be the RH Nick Gordon replacement? Better defender, with more SB success and more versitile defender.

Sir of Fort Myers!?  

 

Is Chris Williams still considered a catcher and a catching option at all even if it’s part time?  Has consistently put up some really good numbers in AAA. 

[DocBauer]

Helman's abbreviated 2023 was even better than his 2022: .296/ .356/ .546/ .902.  14 XBH and 5-1 in SB in 108 AB. Just too bad he was so banged up last year.

Hard not to feel good about Prato. He's really not a CF option, but he might be a good 4/5 spot super utility type who does a little bit of everything. 

If the team were hit hard by injuries and you had to dig deep, you could do worse than Goodrum. Betting Farmer won't be with the Twins in 2025, despite the option. That opens the door for Helman and Prato to potentially take his spot. But both could get their debuts sometime this year.

Keirsey has legit defense and speed. He's developed some pop.  But can his hit tool continue to improve? 

Jensen and Henriquez interest me. (Maybe Alexy?) One needs some semblance of control. If he can do that, he seems to have the stuff and K ability to help, Jensen. Henriquez was hurt a lot in 2023 and was transitioning to the pen. He had a stretch of a month or so when it looked like he might be turning  corner. If he can just stay healthy, I'm still excited for him.

Interested to see if Winkel's numbers can improve for a 2nd year. Does he begin the season back in AA? Or does he move to AAA?

Not saying the rest don't have a chance to help, or can't be part of St Paul success, but not sure anyone else really interests me. 

Obviously, someone like Festa and Lee are of huge intrigue, but that should go without saying. 

[Major League Ready]

2 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

You can probably add Martin. I am not sure there are any takers at Farmer’s contract. He fits better in the Twins than any other team where he complements Julien’s left handed bat and well below average glove. If the plan was to trade him hoping to get something along the lines of an Urshela return it was a mistake that can’t be made with the reduced budget.

I would have preferred they had non-tendered him and combined that money with Polanco dollars to get an everyday bat.

Which "everyday" position player would you have made into a bench player?

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Well best case scenario,  we were able to keep Balazovic and Duarte in the system.   They are lottery arms with still some talent and things to work on and could be useful.  The talent in St. Paul in the bullpen appears to be very good, and could even be better if Weiss is able to be passed through as well.  

I will Bubba would have made it, as he would have been a very nice break glass option at Center for this year.  Who knows we may try to claim him again if he gets dropped but I think we are getting close to the end of our claiming merry go round for now.  Bubba is obviously very much viewed as AAAA type player that a lot of people like, but unwilling to commit a 40 man spot for him.  I would feel a lot more comfortable if we were to resign MAT.  Gives you the defense as a backup if we need it.  

[Fatbat]

That is a huge pile of rough diamonds. Hopefully a few shine!!!

[FlyingFinn]

2 hours ago, High heat said:

Is Chris Williams still considered a catcher and a catching option at all even if it’s part time?  

No, he is not a catching option except in emergency. Lucky for Vasquez because he would be gone if Williams had even an average catching ability.

Isola is also not going to be a catcher in the majors as he plays more games at DH and 1B than catcher.

[JD-TWINS]

4 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Thompson is at least temporarily with the Reds.

This is his second go around with the Reds. In the last 6 months he has moved from the Rangers to the Royals to the Reds to the Yankees to the Twins and back to the Reds,

Zero chance of playing in Cincinnati for Bubba - maybe they see a year in AAA Louisville can get him to a tradable level?…….they are deep everywhere right now with needing to convert a 2021 ROY infielder in India, to OF. Moved Spencer Steer to LF full time. They have two CF & two power hitting RF. All 27 & under. Infield FULL of young guys that can hit!

[Blyleven2011]

Seth  , my question  is , now that Balazovic is still in the organization  , will he get an invite to spring training  ???

Kiersey Jr I have been keeping my eye on since drafted  , now that he has been relatively healthy the past 2 seasons  , he is finally  starting to produce  and getting recognized  , I'm really surprised nobody took him in the rule 5 , he's getting closer to the bigs if he stays healthy  ... 

He won't make the opening day roster though  ...

Helman is another one that won't make the opening day roster , he could be on the roster sometime in 2024 ...

 

 

 

[ashbury]

24 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

Seth  , my question  is , now that Balazovic is still in the organization  , will he get an invite to spring training  ???

I'm not Seth and he hasn't asked me to play him on TV 😀  but MLBTR answered this question in the affirmative today (first paragraph):

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/02/twins-sign-jeff-brigham-brian-okeefe-to-minor-league-deals.html

[David HK]

10 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Cool to see Balazovic stick with the organization. Hopefully a full reset for him can get him going.

I've always liked his abililty and potential.  Hopefully he can keep from p*ssing anybody off in the bars of Ft. Meyers this spring.

[Doctor Wu]

4 hours ago, David HK said:

I've always liked his abililty and potential.  Hopefully he can keep from p*ssing anybody off in the bars of Ft. Meyers this spring.

As a few others have said, I'm also surprised that Balazovic passed through waivers. I would have thought he was worth a gamble for some teams in need of pitching. But happy to have him back with the Twins!

[Doctor Wu]

14 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Thompson is at least temporarily with the Reds.

This is his second go around with the Reds. In the last 6 months he has moved from the Rangers to the Royals to the Reds to the Yankees to the Twins and back to the Reds,

Man, that's a whirlwind of 6 months for the poor guy. Wonder where he'll be a month from now?

[Twinsrtheworst]

On my way to Spring Training as we speak.  Only 5 more hours left on the drive 

[TopGunn#22]

It's an interesting list.  I would have loved to see Emmanuel Rodriguez invited just to give him a taste.  He and Walker Jenkins are two guys I'm excited about whenever TD publishes a Minor League Report this year.  

[Otaknam]

It seems like DaShawn Keirsey should be a higher ranked prospect in the organization. Based on his minor league stats he hits for a solid batting average, has some pop, and great speed with a 85% stolen base success rate. Additionally he is an excellent outfielder. So aside from above average power, what’s not to like? Why isn’t he more highly thought of?

[Otaknam]

19 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

I respectfully take the other side of this sentiment.  Farmer is a real pro’s pro who can step right in as a proven player at any position in the infield.  Every young guy on the team will also be better because Farmer is on the team.  He’s staying as long as this team is contending. Just my opinion.

19 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

I respectfully take the other side of this sentiment.  Farmer is a real pro’s pro who can step right in as a proven player at any position in the infield.  Every young guy on the team will also be better because Farmer is on the team.  He’s staying as long as this team is contending. Just my opinion.

19 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

I respectfully take the other side of this sentiment.  Farmer is a real pro’s pro who can step right in as a proven player at any position in the infield.  Every young guy on the team will also be better because Farmer is on the team.  He’s staying as long as this team is contending. Just my opinion.

 Farmer is an asset but also a luxury because he makes $6 million, a high salary for a backup infielder. That makes him expendable and a trade candidate for suddenly penurious  Twins.