Ranking the 2024 Minnesota Twins' Potential Impact Call-Ups

[Cody Pirkl]

The downside of the Twins gathering so much depth for their roster is that several MLB-worthy players are set to begin the season in Triple-A. Luckily, we’ll likely see many of them (to varying extents) in 2024.

Image courtesy of Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

In 2023, the Minnesota Twins were saved by the players they called up as the season progressed. Despite several players graduating from prospect status and having locks on Opening Day roster spots, another wave of reinforcements will be in the minor leagues to begin 2024. It’s hard to rank who could be the most impactful this season, but we can try.

5. José Miranda
We have to hope that Miranda’s step backward in 2023 was based on injury, but he’s likely lost his Opening Day role, regardless of whether that's true or not. It doesn’t seem like Miranda is seen as much of a third baseman at this point, leaving him confined to first base and DH. Carlos Santana has functionally filled that role, leaving Miranda to try to reestablish himself in St. Paul to begin the season.

Miranda could find his way back to the Twins if injuries occur, or if someone like Santana completely falls off the cliff as he nears 40. That’s assuming Miranda can return to form. His .268/.325/.426 slash line in 2022 would fit into the lineup just fine, but he has to prove to the Twins that he’s that player, as opposed to the version of himself we saw struggle so mightily in 2023.

4. Kody Funderburk
Funderburk waited far too long to get his chance in 2023, but made the most of his eventual debut, striking out over 40 percent of the hitters he faced and posting a sub-3.00 ERA, even earning a postseason roster spot. Unfortunately for Funderburk, the addition of Steven Okert from Miami gives them two MLB lefties in the bullpen. A third likely isn’t in the plans to begin the season.

While a lefty reliever role may be less impactful, Funderburk's dominance in his brief debut last year suggests he could pitch some big innings if needed. He could also pitch more innings than expected if someone like Caleb Thielbar suffers more injuries in his late 30s. 

3. Austin Martin
Martin’s fate of beginning the year in St. Paul was likely sealed with the Manuel Margot addition, but there may still be plenty of opportunity in 2024. Martin can play center field, left field, or second base, and his offensive profile would be a great complement to a lineup that still has plenty of power and swing-and-miss.

Even if Byron Buxton can remain relatively healthy this season, he may get some time off his feet for bumps and bruises, to ensure he’s available for the long haul. It’s also possible that Margot either doesn’t meet expectations or becomes expendable throughout the season. Kyle Farmer will be platooning at second, and any time missed would also open time for Martin. If he can play as he did down the stretch last season in St. Paul, he could find some playing time in a lineup that seemingly always needs another right-handed bat.

2. Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee is nearing MLB readiness, and could debut early in 2024. He wasn’t as impressive in his St. Paul debut, but a solid start could push a decision on the Twins. It’s hard to say where he’ll play when he arrives, but the 2022 eighth overall pick looks talented enough to call him up and figure the logistics out later.

The Twins plan to use Lee more creatively early this season, to make him an option all across the infield. We could see him up if Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff, Santana, Royce Lewis, or Carlos Correa hit the IL. With the pedigree Lee carries, he could undoubtedly get called up for a cup of coffee and never get sent back down.

1. Louie Varland
Varland will get the Bailey Ober treatment this spring, as the Twins have insulated the rotation with innings, even if it can be argued that Varland is a better pitcher than some who will make the trip north. He struggled down the stretch as a starter last year, but has little to prove in the minor leagues. 

Given the nature of pitcher health, Varland could make his 2024 debut exceptionally early with the Twins, as he’ll be the first in line should an injury occur. Beyond that, it’s possible someone like Chris Paddack needs an IL stint here or there for maintenance. Anthony DeSclafani’s injury history could pop up, or he could simply prove unable to stick as a viable starter for a team with playoff aspirations. It’s a safe bet that Varland will throw a good chunk of innings in MLB this season, just as Ober did last year despite beginning in Triple-A. He could be the most impactful call-up of 2024 when his time comes.

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There’s a lengthy list of names that we’ll see called up in 2024, and while these five are good bets to make an impact, there’s no telling whether we get a surprising 2024 version of Brock Stewart, for example. Do you agree with the order? Are there any other minor leaguers who could make a significant impact? Let us know below!

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[Karbo]

I think you nailed it. At some point they will need Varland, and my guess is Lee will force himself onto the roster. I also would be looking at catcher as needing a call up at some time. Awful lucky last season that neither one got hurt. I would love to see Martin up as well as Miranda if he can get his mojo right. Funderburk will be called up at some point for a leftie reliever.

[nicksaviking]

Seems to me the offensive side of the lineup is pretty concrete regardless of their performances, which only opens up spots when injuries arise. I think the pitching side could open up due to ineffectiveness and obviously injuries tend to be more prevalent with them too. As such, I'd maybe include Canterino and Festa over Martin and Miranda.

Just based on likelihood.

Also, if the ranking is based on how 'impactful' they'll be, the offensive players will probably be at a disadvantage since regardless of performance, they'll likely be sent back to St. Paul once the vet they're replacing is healthy. 

[mikelink45]

Canterino is number one for me. Varland will get called up but hopefully our starting pictures will not get injured right away. And I think our bullpen still might be overrated giving Canterino and Funderburk the inside track on call ups.  

I will be surprised to see Miranda really get a chance at the big league level this year. Just like him I think Larnach needs a lot of injuries before he gets another opportunity.

I'm just not sure about Martin. Lot of ink is spilled over him, but I don't see the front office really showing faith in his ability. 

[farmerguychris]

Thats a good 5 - I think the top 4 all will be able to contribute when called upon.  I really think the wild card is Miranda - How fast can one person fall from great potential to will they ever play again!  Sounds like the shoulder still isn't 100%.  He's the real wild card - will he come back to pre injury skills, or is he simply going to always be battling pain?  Hope he figures it out and contributes - could be a huge addition to our group!

[Trov]

No team ever gets by on their planned 26 man roster through a season.  Having depth is very important for any team.  Many times, the depth becomes the leader in successful teams.  Take last year for example, we did not have Lewis in our starting 26 man roster.  We knew he would come back mid-season but did not know if he would be a piece or a top guy.  He quickly became top guy.  He then missed a little more time. 

We also thought Miranda would take 3rd base out the gates, and he failed.  Juilen and Wallner both came in and helped carry the team at times.  That is one reason always trading away your depth for a slightly better player is not always the smartest move, unless you have more guys in the wings to fill in. 

[bean5302]

31 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Seems to me the offensive side of the lineup is pretty concrete regardless of their performances, which only opens up spots when injuries arise. I think the pitching side could open up due to ineffectiveness and obviously injuries tend to be more prevalent with them too. As such, I'd maybe include Canterino and Festa over Martin and Miranda.

Just based on likelihood.

Also, if the ranking is based on how 'impactful' they'll be, the offensive players will probably be at a disadvantage since regardless of performance, they'll likely be sent back to St. Paul once the vet they're replacing is healthy. 

Agreed. There's not a lot of room for anybody in the minors to make a huge impact on the positional side of things. Especially given Castro's presence on the roster and his ability to probably play anywhere except catcher. Miranda might have a chance to get some plate appearances as he's blocked by Kirilloff, who has an injury history which is a tale similar to Buxton's. Miranda would be a much better play against right handed pitching because even though Santana is a switch hitter, he's ineffective from the left side. Kinda like Aaron Hicks. Also, from a RH DH perspective, Miranda wouldn't be a terrible fit, though the ceiling on his bat might limit his impact.

With a whole lot of what I consider to be questionable starters in the rotation either from an injury history or performance history, I'd think pitchers who can slot into the rotation have a major advantage in terms of potential impact. Woods-Richardson, Varland, and Festa are at the top of my list. If Woods-Richardson's adjustments allow him to throw strikes, he'll have the highest ceiling of the 3 IMHO.

[USAFChief]

This list seems pretty accurate, with one exception.  I'd say Larnach has a better chance to make an impact on the 2024 Twins than Miranda. 

[nicksaviking]

22 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Agreed. There's not a lot of room for anybody in the minors to make a huge impact on the positional side of things. Especially given Castro's presence on the roster and his ability to probably play anywhere except catcher. Miranda might have a chance to get some plate appearances as he's blocked by Kirilloff, who has an injury history which is a tale similar to Buxton's. Miranda would be a much better play against right handed pitching because even though Santana is a switch hitter, he's ineffective from the left side. Kinda like Aaron Hicks. Also, from a RH DH perspective, Miranda wouldn't be a terrible fit, though the ceiling on his bat might limit his impact.

With a whole lot of what I consider to be questionable starters in the rotation either from an injury history or performance history, I'd think pitchers who can slot into the rotation have a major advantage in terms of potential impact. Woods-Richardson, Varland, and Festa are at the top of my list. If Woods-Richardson's adjustments allow him to throw strikes, he'll have the highest ceiling of the 3 IMHO.

I think Miranda is in a bit of pickle regardless of how he plays. Kirilloff is the lefty side of the 1B platoon right now, so if he gets hurt again, do they turn to the right handed Miranda? Or do they move Julien over? Or do they call up the switch hitting Severino? For all of Santana's faults, he is really durable, and even if he stinks, I have a hard time seeing the Twins dump him, and you can't just hide a guy who can ONLY play 1B on the bench so I'm sure he's going to be playing quite a bit.

Miranda's best hope might actually lie with Buxton. If Buxton stays healthy and plays 3-4 days a week in CF, maybe the team would entertain Miranda as a semi-regular DH if he's mashing in St. Paul.

[Shaitan]

Is Lee on the 40?

If not, he's not coming up until there's an opening for every day playing time, be it an injury, slump, or something else.

He's not going to get a cup of coffee for a double header or parental leave scenario.

(Which does not argue against your 'impact' argument. I just think it will happen later than some of the other call-ups named here.) 

[sweetmusicviola16]

There will be a tremendous amount of talent in AAA as we start the season. So on the position side of things I think it will be who has the hot hands coming out of the gate as we head through April and into May. Also it will be limited to only injury callups early on. Vazquez, Farmer, Santana and Margot would have to be very bad to lose a job imo. But if Larnach for example shows that he has improved his game I could see him being called up over any of Miranda, Lee and Martin. He too would very likely have to be filling in for an injury.

I see Funderburk, or another BP guy being the first callup. Varland? He also will be called up for injury. I see DeSclafani, or Paddack, needing to be very bad to lose their spot. I feel a little for Varland. Did nothing to lose his job. SWR should get a chance sometime later in the season too.

[sweetmusicviola16]

Twins . com is telling us that both DeSclafani and Thielbar are behind and dealing with injuries in camp. That could bring Varland and Funderburk north sooner than later. Of course injuries will occur elsewhere as well.

[GKuehl]

If DeSclafani needs to start the season in the IL, I think we might roll with a 4-man rotation to start the season with a long-man like Jorge Alcala or Cole Sands filling that roster spot in the bullpen. Considering we have 3 days off during the first 9 days of the season, we might not need a 5th starting pitcher until April 10th. 

[tony&rodney]

Brooks Lee is not on the 40 person roster and his promotion would likely be the consequence of  a serious injury, total loss of confidence in a current player, or a trade. Lee has looked pretty good at the plate but there is quite a gap between him and both Lewis and Julien. Kirilloff needs to show his game if Lee keeps pushing.

Injuries are the path to MLB time for Martin, Miranda and other position players. Pitchers are often put on the IL at points during the season which means openings for Varland, Funderburk, Canterino, and others.

All the guys in AAA can do is perform whenever they play and if these players put up numbers they will eventually get an opportunity.

[Gamblerssoftball]

If DeSclafani and Theilbar are not healthy enough to start the season, then it's likely Varland and Funderburk are next in line to go north. Anybody else on the questionable health list?

[Fatbat]

Its a good start with those 5. There is probably 5 more that could get just as good of a chance to be a big contributor on varsity…

Canterino

Alcala

Camargo

Festa

Larnach

in no particular order…. and I still have honorable mentionables…

[Fatbat]

3 hours ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

There will be a tremendous amount of talent in AAA as we start the season. So on the position side of things I think it will be who has the hot hands coming out of the gate as we head through April and into May. Also it will be limited to only injury callups early on. Vazquez, Farmer, Santana and Margot would have to be very bad to lose a job imo. But if Larnach for example shows that he has improved his game I could see him being called up over any of Miranda, Lee and Martin. He too would very likely have to be filling in for an injury.

I see Funderburk, or another BP guy being the first callup. Varland? He also will be called up for injury. I see DeSclafani, or Paddack, needing to be very bad to lose their spot. I feel a little for Varland. Did nothing to lose his job. SWR should get a chance sometime later in the season too.

I believe they both threw bull pen sessions today but my money is on them both being on the 60 day DL at some point in ‘24 so Varland, Okert and Funderburk are gonna get a lot of opportunities!

[arby58]

2 hours ago, GKuehl said:

If DeSclafani needs to start the season in the IL, I think we might roll with a 4-man rotation to start the season with a long-man like Jorge Alcala or Cole Sands filling that roster spot in the bullpen. Considering we have 3 days off during the first 9 days of the season, we might not need a 5th starting pitcher until April 10th. 

That was not the way the Twins rolled last year - both Ober and Varland were called up after other starters went on IL rather than juggling the rotation. I get the feeling the Twins prefer to maintain that sort of regularity - which also can give their key starters a bit of a break now and then (in terms of extra days between starts), which may help them later in the year.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, Fatbat said:

I believe they both threw bull pen sessions today but my money is on them both being on the 60 day DL at some point in ‘24 so Varland, Okert and Funderburk are gonna get a lot of opportunities!

60 day? Both of them? I'd take that bet.

[arby58]

2 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Kirilloff needs to show his game if Lee keeps pushing.

First, KirilIoff 'showed his game' last year when not injured, especially against RHP, with an OPS of .858. Given that Lee is also considerably better against RHP, they are not a logical platoon, so i doubt they are in competition for a spot, Lee has not played first base in college or the minor leagues, and some of his value is as a defensive player. Second, the Twins seem pretty set on second base being Julien's best position, and I don't see them moving either around.

[tony&rodney]

8 minutes ago, arby58 said:

First, KirilIoff 'showed his game' last year when not injured, especially against RHP, with an OPS of .858. Given that Lee is also considerably better against RHP, they are not a logical platoon, so i doubt they are in competition for a spot, Lee has not played first base in college or the minor leagues, and some of his value is as a defensive player. Second, the Twins seem pretty set on second base being Julien's best position, and I don't see them moving either around.

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. Clearly. I am a big fan of Alex Kirilloff and have posted many times my belief that he has shown the possibilities of his swing if fully healthy when he destroyed AAA pitching in 2022 and 2023. While I am of the belief that Brooks Lee will have a fine MLB career, it looks at the moment that the four guys currently manning  are all potential stars. The bottom line is that the players need to perform, but sorry that I was so sloppy to convey a less than full confidence in AK. 

[High heat]

Catcher seems to be the only spot without a second and third layer or solid ready to contribute depth. 

I think they have a nice layer of insurance  and solid depth that there won’t be much drop off once injuries occur.  
 

hoping on big things from Canterino, Lee and Martin.  

[JD-TWINS]

Varland - Funderburk - Alcalá are the Top 3 guys that can bring some momentum & ability to the Staff/Team.

Larnach is first OF up since they don’t need CF depth anymore…….Buxton goes down, they still have Castro & Margot in a platoon. He can also fit as a DH v. RH pitching.

Lee in July, IF needed.

Farmer - Santana - Castro for infield depth is impenetrable unless there’s an injury.

No Miranda - No Martin in any near-term plans.

[Brandon]

Wait a second,  no one is getting hurt.  No one is going to miss time for injuries.  That Papparrazzi guy they hired to be the teams trainer will automatically get inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame after no one misses a game all season due to injuries or slumps.   Everyone who didn’t make the team will spend the entire season in the minors without a call up except the 3 in September and the double header guy..  surely everyone knows this right?

[terrydactyls]

Lots of excitement surrounding the Twins this spring.  But for me, I think the best baseball ticket might be in St. Paul.  The Saints lineup looks pretty stong from top to bottom with strong pitching (both starters and relievers).  And it's cheaper!!!

[JD-TWINS]

13 hours ago, arby58 said:

First, KirilIoff 'showed his game' last year when not injured, especially against RHP, with an OPS of .858. Given that Lee is also considerably better against RHP, they are not a logical platoon, so i doubt they are in competition for a spot, Lee has not played first base in college or the minor leagues, and some of his value is as a defensive player. Second, the Twins seem pretty set on second base being Julien's best position, and I don't see them moving either around.

Lee hasn’t hit well enough to push anyone of the assumed 13 position players. Kirilloff has 20 plus HR power and had a 117 OPS+ last year. He’s not going anywhere.

Julien at first is like some game played with baseball cards as a kid, IMO.

[JD-TWINS]

Infield v. LH pitching:

Lewis - Correa - Farmer - Santana….. is very solid on offense & defense.

Infield v. RH pitching:

Lewis (occasionally Castro) - CC - Julien - Kirilloff …….weaker defensively but more power

Don’t see Lee denting this group until at least July…….he needs to solidify his hitting in St Paul 

[The Mad King]

Camargo - what are the chances of getting through the season with just two catchers again?

[Rod Carews Birthday]

The ranking of potential impact is more than likely directly tied to whoever gets an opportunity to spend the most time on the 26 man roster. None of these guys are likely to get a shot without an injury (or several) happening at Target Field. However, we all know that injuries happen (we just can't predict who, nor timing and severity) so someone is likely to get that opportunity and if they spend more than a week or two on the roster, will likely be pretty good.  The roster itself is strong enough that it is unlikely anyone currently on the 26 man plays themselves out of a job so I think it will all be tied to potential injury (or possibly a trade). 

I do agree that the most likely (and largest) impact could come from Louis Varland.  He seems likely to get opportunities and seems to have the skills to take advantage of them -- aka Bailey Ober last season. 

[arby58]

On 3/1/2024 at 11:00 PM, terrydactyls said:

Lots of excitement surrounding the Twins this spring.  But for me, I think the best baseball ticket might be in St. Paul.  The Saints lineup looks pretty stong from top to bottom with strong pitching (both starters and relievers).  And it's cheaper!!!

Which means the Twins must be pretty good as well. I agree - the young talent that is now stranded at St. Paul could have started for the Twins a few years ago. The 'good' news is it's a long season, and there will be injuries.