2024 Spring Training Storylines: Which Players Need To Perform Well This Spring?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Having one of the most well-rounded 26-man rosters in MLB, the Minnesota Twins' most prominent camp competitions will exist on the margins. What positions are up for grabs, and which players would capitalize most from strong performances this spring?

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Coming off a successful season highlighted by winning their first playoff game since 2004 and postseason series since 2002, the Twins enter spring training as an essentially complete squad--despite being restricted by significant payroll reductions. Derek Falvey and the rest of the front office were able to plug the most significant holes on the roster.

The organization fortified its bullpen by acquiring reliable veteran relievers Josh Staumont, Justin Topa, Jay Jackson, and Steven Okert; added depth in the back of the starting rotation by trading for Anthony DeSclafani; and signed a switch-hitting first baseman who can function as a non-traditional platoon partner with the left-handed hitting Alex Kirilloff, in Carlos Santana.

Finding a viable center field insurance policy who hits left-handed pitching well was the final move the Twins needed to make this offseason. Fittingly, the organization traded glove-first minor league infielder Noah Miller to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospect Rayne Doncon and outfielder Manuel Margot on Monday. Margot hits left-handed pitching well (109 career wRC+ over 877 plate appearances against them), and will serve as a viable backstop for Byron Buxton. After acquiring Margot, the Twins have no significant areas of need, meaning the camp competitions this year will exist on the margins. The team's eighth bullpen is up for grabs, but which reliever claims the spot will come down to the team's preference for player type rather than individual performance. That said, multiple players are fighting to keep their roles as primary depth options and avoid getting usurped on the organization's depth chart. Let's take a look at who needs to perform well this spring.

Josh Staumont
The battle for the Twins' final bullpen spot will come down to whether the organization prefers to roster a high-velocity, medium-leverage short reliever or a stretch reliever capable of throwing multiple innings in the event of poor performance or injury for one of the team's starters. That said, there is real competition for that job. The 30-year-old former Kansas City Royals reliever, Staumont, is the favorite to win it. 

Coming off thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last August, the hard-throwing righthander signed with the Twins in late December. The team landed the Azusa Pacific University product to a one-year, $950,000 contract. Barring further injury, Staumont (who has one minor league option year remaining) seemed like a lock to make the organization's Opening Day 26-man roster at the time of his signing, but the acquisitions of Topa, Jackson, and Okert have muddied his chances of making the 26-man roster out of camp. Staumont will compete with Zack Weiss, Kody Funderburk, and Jorge Alcalá. All four will feel firm pressure, but Staumont, being the favorite, has the most to lose. 

José Miranda
Viewed as one of the organization's most promising young position players one year ago, the 73rd selection in the 2016 MLB Draft quickly became an afterthought. Earlier this offseason, Miranda was viewed as a dark horse pick to make the team's Opening Day 26-man roster, as a platoon partner with Kirilloff at first base. Yet, with the organization signing Santana to a one-year, $5.25-million contract less than one month ago, the 25-year-old is expected to begin this upcoming season in Triple-A. A shoulder injury probably contributed to his uninspiring .566 OPS and 57 wRC+ over 152 plate appearances last year, but even if he's truly healthy this spring, the doubts will linger.

Miranda had surgery in early October to remove scar tissue from his right shoulder and rotator cuff. Though he has been taking fielding drills at third base this spring, the young corner infielder is not yet throwing across the diamond. His shoulder is still affecting his ability to field. Yet, he appears to be nearing full strength at the plate, as evidenced by him drilling a lineout at more than 100 MPH off the bat against the Minnesota Golden Gophers last Friday and hitting a home run off veteran left-handed hitter Caleb Thielbar in live batting practice last Wednesday.

The recent acquisition of Margot means Miranda is no longer competing for the final spot on the bench. Assuming he begins the season at St. Paul, the Guaynabo, Puerto Rico product will compete for playing time at first base with fellow 40-man roster occupant Yunior Severino. The main goal for Miranda this spring and early this upcoming season is to prevent getting usurped by other promising young corner bats and take advantage of any MLB opportunities that present themselves.

Simeon Woods Richardson
Woods Richardson's 2023 campaign was a story of significant highs and disheartening lows. In early June, Woods Richardson sported a 7.38 ERA and 1.85 WHIP. Then, a switch flipped, and the 23-year-old yielded the lowest ERA, opponents' batting average, slugging average, and wOBA of all Triple-A starting pitchers from mid-June to mid-September. Despite finishing the season on a high note, Woods Richardson struggled with control, with a 61-to-39 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his three-and-a-half-month-long stretch of surface-level dominance. 

Woods Richardson didn't return to the majors after making one appearance on April 22 against the Washington Nationals as a stretch reliever. Yet, with the Twins losing significant starting pitching depth this offseason, the 23-year-old could make multiple appearances for the Twins as a starting pitcher this season. Woods Richardson displayed an increase in velocity and overall stuff in his first appearance this spring. Still, he will need to show sustained improvement of his hard, breaking, and offspeed pitches if he wants to stay ahead of emerging pitchers the likes of Matt Canterino, Brent Headrick, David Festa, and even Randy Dobnak on the organization's starting pitching depth chart.

David Festa
In 2022, Festa generated a 2.43 ERA, 2.92 FIP, 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings, and 2.70 walks per nine over 18 starts and 104 innings pitched between Low- and High-A. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old top prospect's counting stats regressed between Double- and Triple-A last season, as evidenced by a 4.19 ERA and 4.04 FIP. Control limitations marred Festa's breakout season. Despite struggling in the high minors, Festa remains a top-two pitching prospect in the Twins organization and projects to impact the parent club this upcoming season. 

Heading into camp, Festa is competing with Woods Richardson for the "seventh rotation spot" behind fifth starter DeSclafani and primary depth arm Louie Varland. As noted earlier, Woods Richardson impressed in his first appearance this spring, meaning Festa will need to follow suit if he wants to become part of the team's plans early this summer. Owning a 40-man roster spot and having made multiple MLB appearances, Woods Richardson will likely keep the upper hand as the Twins leave Fort Myers in late March. Still, a strong performance in camp would position him for an early look. 

Non-Roster Invitees Who Could Benefit Most From Performing Well This Spring:

• Niko Goodrum
• DaShawn Keirsey
• Daniel Duarte
• Ronny Henriquez
• Jeff Brigham

The Twins have one of the most well-rounded rosters in MLB. The franchise has signed, drafted, or traded for and developed many young, cost-effective organizational depth arms and position players who could contribute to the team for future seasons. With the organization electing to act in a parsimonious manner this offseason, numerous young, cheap players are knocking on the door of the parent club and are at the forefront of the most prominent positional battles in camp.

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[CCHOF5yearstoolate]

Miranda is the #1 guy who needs to prove himself, in my opinion. Larnach would be a close second. Certainly feels like this is their last year to prove they can hit enough to warrant a roster spot. 

[Karbo]

Counting on Topa,1 full season of MLB pitching, Okert 2 good years and last year not so good, Staumont 6.45 and 5.40 ERA last2 seasons. More questions there than answers.

[Trov]

It is unlikely Miranda makes the team out of camp based on current roster. He does not need to have a strong spring because he will get shipped to AAA barring injuries to others.  Once in AAA he will need to hit well there, else he will be looking as a possible DFA or trade if we need to free up a roster spot.  Therefore, I do not agree Miranda needs to have a strong spring.  

I also disagree with either Festa or SWR needing strong spring, and if they have strong performances in AAA that will show more than 1 or 2 inning outings in spring.  Again, we all know spring means nothing and many guys crush in spring training only to flop when real games happen.  Pitchers that are trying to impress normally will do better in spring against established hitters because the hitters are working on something specific.  Just as established pitchers sometime have bad springs because they are working on a new pitcher or sequencing, stuff like that.

I would agree people fighting for last pen spot need to show they can come out, throw well out of the pen.  Rarely does results in spring connect to making team, it is the process the team looks at generally.  So if the pitches looks good, and they can get velo up and work a good process, even if results are not as good.

Personally, I want to see Buck play multiple games in CF and be healthy, that would be a best outcome of spring. 

There is 1 roster spot on the 26 man roster up for grabs right now.  That is the pen spot. This will mainly be a spring of non roster guys trying to impress and build off stuff, and the fringe guys like Miranda and Larnach showing improvement over last year so they will be called on when needed not passed on.  However, both will need to show that in AAA first.  

[Mike Sixel]

The roster is set. So no one really. 

[Jocko87]

All of them? 

Miranda is #1 with a bullet, both for his career and what it does for this club if he can get right.  Larnach I agree with but he's going to show the same thing he does in AAA, he has to show against major league breaking stuff.

Lower key but as important as anyone is Kirilloff.  This needs to be the year he puts it together. 

[Dave The Dastardly]

It's great that we have decent young prospects to test out this year instead of plugging up the roster with rehab projects as the Twins have in the past. Let's get this season started!

[tony&rodney]

Unless there are injuries, the position side of the team is set. Nothing that Martin or Miranda or Larnach shows can put them on the roster in Kansas City on Opening Day.

Those three and others will need to produce at AA and AAA, wherever they are placed, and show that they are ready to contribute to the Twins team if an injury occurs that opens a spot.

At this time all the players are just preparing themselves for the season ahead and not in any competition to make the MLB squad.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

The roster is set. So no one really. 

Roster is set but playing time is up for grabs

[LonelyseatinMOA]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

Counting on Topa,1 full season of MLB pitching, Okert 2 good years and last year not so good, Staumont 6.45 and 5.40 ERA last2 seasons. More questions there than answers.

They arent counting on Topa, Okert, and Staumont. They're counting on Duran, Jax, Theilbar, and Stewart. If those guys are just average this bullpen is great 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

For their career prospects, both Jose Miranda and Trevor Larnach need to impress every chance they get.  Neither are making the opening day roster, but they really need to mash at AAA to prove they are healthy and talented enough to make an impact when called upon. 

In the bullpen, there will be a scramble for the last spot, but the core of the bullpen is very strong (Duran, Jax, Theilbar, Stewart) so instead of fretting about four spots, we're really solid in three of those four.  I don't want to say it doesn't matter, but the eighth guy in the bullpen. . . . ?

I'm most concerned about guys who aren't fighting for jobs.  How healthy are Correa's feet?  Can Buxton play CF on a consistent basis? Is Kirilloff THE guy at 1B or is he just A guy who plays some 1B? Can the sophomore class (Julien, Lewis, and Wallner) avoid a slump?  Those are (some of) the things that will determine the Twins' success or failure this season. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

It honestly doesn't matter how anyone does this spring. The roster is set. Do your reps. Go to AAA and wait for an injury.

[Mike Sixel]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Roster is set but playing time is up for grabs

 What position isn't set? Assuming health, we know every position at this point. 

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

 What position isn't set? Assuming health, we know every position at this point. 

The playing time split between Santana and Kirilloff is not determined. The bullpen pecking order is TBD. Castro and Margot will compete for playing time in the outfield.

[High heat]

There is going to be fierce battles for playing time for the saints!!! 
 

Is Miranda a first baseman/DH only?  Does that push out Chris Williams and still seem time behind the plate? Or is Severino still an option around the infield?

Whats the CF  situation/order Kersey, Martin, Helman.  
Where does Prado Goodrum fit in full time? 
 

How does the pecking order go in the saints bullpen?  

[Doctor Gast]

4 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

The roster is set. So no one really. 

Agreed, spring training means nothing this season. All the new additions will be granted the positions. Miranda, Larnach & Balazovik won't get a 2nd chance unless the newcomers get hurt.

[jkcarew]

Want Miranda to go back to the pudgy guy that could hit.

[jmlease1]

interesting year. There's almost always someone you didn't expect to make the team that makes the team out of spring training...but it's hard to find one this season absent an injury. the position players are set unless someone gets hurt; even if Miranda absolutely destroys every baseball he meets, he's not getting a job out of spring training unless Kirilloff or lewis pull up lame or something. Larnach could show mastery of curveball destruction (for the first time), but isn't getting an opportunity unless Wallner or kepler can't go.

Starters are set with Lopez, Ober, Ryan, Paddack, and deSclafani; Varland could add another 2 mph to his fastball and he's still not getting the nod unless someone else is dinged up.

Last bullpen spot might be it. I expect it to be Staumont's if he's healthy. I have a hunch they're not going to take a long man north this season, at least not at the start, and will try to have some of their middle relievers throw more than 3 outs when a starter doesn't get past the 5th.

it's a good and deep roster. There are some real ifs that will determine if this is a good team or a real contender, mostly health-related. (Buxton, Lewis, Correa, Kirilloff, Paddack, DeSclafani, Stewart come to mind) the others are things like : which Max Kepler do we get, 1st half or 2nd? how much (if any) will Wallner drop off? Do Ryan/Ober have another gear?

Should be fun to figure out. but right now, not much heat in a positional battle anywhere.

[sweetmusicviola16]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

Agreed, spring training means nothing this season. All the new additions will be granted the positions. Miranda, Larnach & Balazovik won't get a 2nd chance unless the newcomers get hurt.

The thing is a Miranda for example could hit .525 this spring in ST games. It wouldn't matter. He's not making opening day regardless. And if he scuffled the first 3-4 weeks in St.Paul and an injury occurred on the Twins someone would very likely pass him up despite the hot spring. I believe that applies to pretty much anyone who's not on the team right now. Very very little is actually up for grabs in Fort Meyers this spring. It's strictly training imo.

[mikelink45]

On 2/28/2024 at 10:49 AM, Jocko87 said:

All of them? 

Miranda is #1 with a bullet, both for his career and what it does for this club if he can get right.  Larnach I agree with but he's going to show the same thing he does in AAA, he has to show against major league breaking stuff.

Lower key but as important as anyone is Kirilloff.  This needs to be the year he puts it together. 

I agree with this. Larnach is the player who has disappointed the most for me. Initially called up. He seemed like he had bypassed Kiriloff but the injuries and inconsistencies  dimmed my hopes for him. 

Miranda also needs to show something, but probably for his next team since the twins have so many young infielders who potentially will pass him  

Kiriloff is my concern because I really expected him to be a star and he still could be but the wear and tear of all these injuries and both the minors and the majors that really pushed him back. Without that, Santana would not have been as attractive to the team. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I agree with this. Larnach is the player who has disappointed the most for me. Initially called up. He seemed like he had bypassed Kiriloff but the injuries and inconsistencies I have dimmed my hopes for him. 

Miranda also needs to show something, but probably for his next team since the twins have so many young infielders who potentially will pass him  

Kiriloff is my concern because I really expected him to be a star and he still could be but the wear and tear of all these injuries and both the miners and the majors that really pushed him back. Without that, Santana would not have been as attractive to the team. 

My post won't be an apology for Larnach, he will need to prove it in AAA. Or in a different organization. He is soon to be behind his present peers in the pecking order and those coming up soon, Jenkins, EmRod, Winokur.  But when I look at his numbers he did improve his OBP, Slg and OPS in 2023. SLG and OPS were career highs. Not that he was good, I'm not suggesting so, but sadly Santana's numbers were only marginally better than those of 2023 Larnach and of Larnach's career. This for his bounce back year. Yeah. OK. Uninspiring, to say the least.

But imo if Larnach can have a bounce back year in AAA St.Paul he will and should be moved onto another organization this summer. Either way his days in MN will soon come to an end. Kind of sad really.

[DocBauer]

The player roster is set now. And ST only does so little at this point. But if we nickel and dime it, it's a chance for Kirilloff to MAKE A STATEMENT.

Other than that, it's SWR to prove he's not a low K soft tosser and ready to make a move for the future. And a chance for Festa to just show he's a potential option mid season.

Im not sure Miranda has anything to show but health. No matter what he does with the bat, there's still a question about his shoulder and throwing. He needs to be healthy and prep himself for a rebound in 2024.

The pen is so loaded with options it's about who takes a job, and a couple arms with options that HAVE TO REMAIN READY as they might lose out on the initial 26 man roster.

The rest is very simple:

CAMARGO: Does the defense and arm play? The power is there, is there BAT ability?

LEE: Just how close is the bat for ML production? It's close, but there's work to be done, and that's OK. No pressure.

MARTIN: Just how close is the bat for ML production? He had a nice end to 2022 and a great AFL appearance. Injury held him to a relative THIRD of a AAA season in 2023. He only had a .263 AVG at AAA which isn't anything to get excited about despite a high OB%. But his .405 SLG % was the best of his career so far. That means a not "punch and judy" hitter, but someone with at least pop, if not power. But we're still talking a pretty SSS size where we already know he's in St Paul to BEGIN the season.

BUT, if you really want to go beyond the obvious, Larnach is huge. Can he prove himself. Should he be dealt to a team who will give him another shot? We've seen flashes.  I love having him for depth and hope, but he's running in to a wall pretty soon.

Beyond that, story lines to watch, Helman, and Keirsey, and Prato. as utility players to watch. They might do nothing. But Helman and Prato are a version of Castro with similar talent who might just prove themselves as similar complimentary pieces sometime during the season. 

I actually have some hope for Severino, But I don't think this ST is key to him. Despite being on the 40 man, I think he's a "let's see at AAA"  for 2024.

[Rosterman]

depth for callups all across the board.

If they have any issues, there is really only one name on the 40-man that could be jettisoned if you need to bring up a non-roster guy.

[Doctor Wu]

Good article, but yet another photo of a player who remains unidentified. For those who are out of the mainstream loop like me, it would helpful to help us identify the players in the photos!

[Eris]

“Having one of the most well-rounded 26-man rosters “

Struggling to agree with that—in part because the entire infield defense (excluding C) was in the bottom half of MLB last year. Some of this can be rationalized by injuries (Correa and Kirilloff) and by inexperience (Lewis at 3B). Also the outfield D being above average depends almost entirely on Buxton. Kepler’s defense has slipped in recent years. 

[Major League Ready]

7 hours ago, DocBauer said:

The player roster is set now. And ST only does so little at this point. But if we nickel and dime it, it's a chance for Kirilloff to MAKE A STATEMENT.

Other than that, it's SWR to prove he's not a low K soft tosser and ready to make a move for the future. And a chance for Festa to just show he's a potential option mid season.

Im not sure Miranda has anything to show but health. No matter what he does with the bat, there's still a question about his shoulder and throwing. He needs to be healthy and prep himself for a rebound in 2024.

The pen is so loaded with options it's about who takes a job, and a couple arms with options that HAVE TO REMAIN READY as they might lose out on the initial 26 man roster.

The rest is very simple:

CAMARGO: Does the defense and arm play? The power is there, is there BAT ability?

LEE: Just how close is the bat for ML production? It's close, but there's work to be done, and that's OK. No pressure.

MARTIN: Just how close is the bat for ML production? He had a nice end to 2022 and a great AFL appearance. Injury held him to a relative THIRD of a AAA season in 2023. He only had a .263 AVG at AAA which isn't anything to get excited about despite a high OB%. But his .405 SLG % was the best of his career so far. That means a not "punch and judy" hitter, but someone with at least pop, if not power. But we're still talking a pretty SSS size where we already know he's in St Paul to BEGIN the season.

BUT, if you really want to go beyond the obvious, Larnach is huge. Can he prove himself. Should he be dealt to a team who will give him another shot? We've seen flashes.  I love having him for depth and hope, but he's running in to a wall pretty soon.

Beyond that, story lines to watch, Helman, and Keirsey, and Prato. as utility players to watch. They might do nothing. But Helman and Prato are a version of Castro with similar talent who might just prove themselves as similar complimentary pieces sometime during the season. 

I actually have some hope for Severino, But I don't think this ST is key to him. Despite being on the 40 man, I think he's a "let's see at AAA"  for 2024.

That's a very good summation Doc.  I would add Canterino as the wildcard.  It sure would help now and our future if he is finally healthy and lives up to his great potential.

[Cris E]

16 hours ago, jkcarew said:

Want Miranda to go back to the pudgy guy that could hit.

Agreed. I'm sexy with a bad shoulder, so that job is filled.

[Cody Schoenmann]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

Good article, but yet another photo of a player who remains unidentified. For those who are out of the mainstream loop like me, it would helpful to help us identify the players in the photos!

The photo used for this article is one of Jose Miranda. I agree that it can be hard identifying players when they aren't wearing jerseys and their eyes are covered by sunglasses lol. Thanks for enjoying the piece!

[tony&rodney]

Every player enters Spring Training with goals. They all work hard to refine skills and address areas of concern, Veterans and those assured of a roster position work at the pace which prepares them for Opening Day. Younger players try to pick up tips and habits from the more experienced players. 

All players hope to avoid injuries. An injury is the only path for a player to sneak on to a set roster. Is there disagreement with that? A number of people have stated that the position roster is set, including Falvey, but still we see a couple of people on Twins Daily put a thumbs down to that concept without a response of where any roster position competition might exist. I'm merely curious which player or players have a chance at a roster position if there are not any injuries. I see zero open spots among position players. Those who disagree should make their choices known. 

[Finlander]

If Miranda is crushing this spring, I could see him as a mostly full time DH for front of season while his throwing shoulder continues to heal, whether with Twins or in AAA. Two of the Twins' main RH bats were barely above the Mendoza line most of last year (Bux, CC). Not sure who Miranda beats out though, unless Kirilloff struggles or Santana is finally toast.

For the last bullpen spot, I've been a Staumont fan in the past, even with his walk issues. Near 100 mph arm. But thoracic outlet surgery is a tough comeback, and his WHIP has been 1.4-1.7 his whole career other than his one decent season in 2021. Right now I kinda like Topa, or maybe even Funderburk if we go with a lefty.