St Paul Saints Announce 2024 Roster

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins kicked off their 2024 regular season on Thursday in Kansas City against the Royals, and while snow delayed the St. Paul Saints Opening Day on Friday, they will begin the regular season on Saturday. A two game home series against Columbus starts the action before the Triple-A affiliate hits the road.

Tickets are still available on the Saints website for both games. It should be a fun season with the Saints as they will be Minnesota’s primary source of prospect depth. 

While it’s a new year for the Saints at CHS Field, there are plenty of fresh faces. Multiple Twins top prospects will don a uniform in St. Paul this year, and plenty of exciting games can be taken in just a short distance from Target Field.

Coaching Staff
Toby Gardenhire is back for his fifth season as the Saints manager. Taking over as the new hitting coach is Shawn Schlecter. Tyler Smarslok is the team's Bench Coach and usually the first base coach as well. As all Twins affiliates do, the Saints have two pitching coaches. Peter Larson joins the Saints staff this year. He has quickly moved up the Twins organizational ladder. Larson is joined by newcomer Dan Urbina.

Pitchers
Rocco Baldelli will need rotation depth, and these are the guys who will provide it.

Starting Pitchers: Randy Dobnak, Brent Headrick, Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, Caleb Boushley.
Last season Bailey Ober began his year with Triple-A St. Paul. This time around he comes into the season as Minnesota’s fifth starter. This group could be called upon at any moment, and while Louie Varland was originally ticketed to be part of it, an injury to Anthony DeSlacafani earned him a spot on the big league roster.

Dobnak will get the Opening Day start for St. Paul, and a big year for him could earn a trip back to the big leagues for the first time since 2021. No longer dealing with finger issues, and working on a new changeup, he appears primed for a season that could be invaluable to Minnesota across town.

Headrick and Woods Richardson have both spent considerable time with the Saints. Each has made their big league debut, and fine tuning stuff to provide innings at the next level will be the goal. Top pitching prospect David Festa is now knocking on the door of his promotion, and he reached Triple-A for a slight cup of coffee last year. He should be expected to anchor the rotation in 2024, and he’s definitely an arm worth the price of admission.

Last year Boushley reached the majors for the first time appearing with the Milwaukee Brewers. Minnesota signed him to a minor league deal in January, and the 30-year-old will be looking to replicate his 2022 success. Pitching significant innings at the Triple-A level for both Milwaukee and San Diego, Boushley is quality veteran depth.

Weekend Rotation
SATURDAY: David Festa followed by Randy Dobnak
SUNDAY: Brent Headrick

Relief Pitchers: Jordan Balazovic, Ronny Henriquez, Matt Bowman, Ryan Jensen, Jeff Brigham, Michael Boyle, Joe Gunkel, Scott Blewett, Jeff Brigham,Diego Castillo, Hobie Harris, Matt Canterino (IL), Jovani Moran (IL), Austin Schulfer (IL)
This is a big group of relievers, and a couple of notable names will begin the year on the injured list. Canterino wound up hurt late in camp and will be working his way back from a shoulder injury. Moran underwent Tommy John surgery and shouldn’t be expected to pitch this season.

How Gardenhire utilizes these arms remains to be seen. Balazovic is no longer on the 40 man roster, and after a debut last year, he needs to work on becoming a consistent reliever if he wants to make it back. Henriquez re-signed with the Twins organization, and was young for the level a year ago. It will be worth monitoring to see what improvements he has made. Schulfer has put together some impressive campaigns, and after a less than ideal year in 2023, a fresh start with solid performances could put him in the big leagues at some point in 2024. It’s unfortunate he will begin the year on the injured list with a forearm strain.

We saw names like Jensen, Brigham, Harris, and Bowman work often during Grapefruit League action. The Saints have a good deal of veteran depth in the bullpen. With Minnesota already missing so many players from their unit, seeing some of these arms start strong would provide a better sense of the depth the farm can provide.

Catchers: Jair Camargo, Chris Williams, Alex Isola, Patrick Winkel
This tandem returns after playing together much of last season. Tony Wolters is no longer there to provide veteran depth, but Camargo is now on the Twins 40-man roster and immediately becomes an option should either Ryan Jeffers or Christian Vazquez go down. Williams put up an impressive .847 OPS in his first full season with St. Paul last year and he has continued to show a big power bat. He spent limited time behind the plate last season, but will continue to get work back there.

Both Isola and Winkel should be expected to get plenty of reps behind the plate as well. Isola will be making his Triple-A debut after playing 114 games for Double-A Wichita last season. He posted an .846 OPS and has produced offensively at each stop. Like Isola, Winkel spent the entirety of his 2023 season at Double-A. This is his fourth year in the Twins system and he has risen a level each season. The offensive production isn’t as substantial, but he did record a career-best ten homers in 2023.

Infielders: Austin Martin, Yunior Severino, Jose Miranda, Anthony Prato, Will Holland, Michael Helman, Brooks Lee (IL)
There are plenty of notable prospects here, obviously headlined by Lee. Unfortunately a late spring back spasm has turned into a larger issue, and he remains down in Fort Myers. Expected to be out a couple of weeks, Gardenhire will need to look elsewhere for shortstop reps. Severino should serve as the regular first baseman again, and now on the 40-man roster, he is knocking on the door to the big leagues.

Both Helman and Prato have put up gaudy numbers at Triple-A, and both can continue to fine tune their game with the Saints. Helman is looking for a completely healthy season, and Prato is hoping that the numbers following his promotion to St. Paul are back again for another season.

Holland is the only player among this group to be making a Triple-A debut. The 2019 fifth round pick posted just a .606 OPS last year across 101 games with Wichita, but he is being bumped up a level and is soon-to-be 26 years old.

Outfielders: DaShawn Keirsey Jr., Yoyner Fajardo, Trevor Larnach (IL)
With Matt Wallner now in the big leagues the Saints outfield takes on a different look in the year ahead. Keirsey Jr. earned a midseason promotion following a successful start with Double-A Wichita. He should be expected to be among the first prospects called upon if a need in centerfield arises. Trevor Larnach missed out on the Twins opening day roster, and unfortunately health and ineffectiveness have kept him from cementing a spot in the big leagues. He too, like Lee, remains in Fort Myers but should be only considered day-to-day dealing with turf toe.

Because Larnach is on the injured list, the outfield configuration could be interesting for Gardenhire out of the gate. Fajardo is the only other true outfielder, but obviously there are plenty of utility types that can fill in. Fajardo came to the Twins organization last season after spending his professional career in the Pirates organization. Across 123 games at Double-A, he batted .305 and had a strong .820 OPS. While not a top prospect, he could blossom into a nice depth piece at 25.

TWINS DAILY TOP 20 PROSPECTS
#2 - Brooks Lee
#6 - David Festa
#7 - Austin Martin
#16 - Yunior Severino
#17 - Matt Canterino
#20 - Simeon Woods Richardson

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[mikelink45]

Not as exciting as past Saints teams.  The OF looks really weak.  And the SP is enough to make us all wish no one in Minneapolis goes down.

[Jocko87]

I like that there aren't any outfielders. A lot of these guys route to the bigs can be paved by proving they won't kill us in left field.

Of the entire list, I really want to see Dobnak get back on track. Not just to get something for the contract but because he could easily be everything disco was supposed to be and he's easy to pull for.

[jkcarew]

4 catchers and 2 outfielders.

It’s a bold strategy, Cotton……

[AceWrigley]

I like how the link for Will Holland takes you to the BBref page for a Will Holland who played 1 year in 1889 and died in 1930.

[DJL44]

How are they allowed to carry 16 pitchers at AAA?

[Rosterman]

2 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Not as exciting as past Saints teams.  The OF looks really weak.  And the SP is enough to make us all wish no one in Minneapolis goes down.

Helman and Martin can play in the outfield, too.

[jkcarew]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

Of the entire list, I really want to see Dobnak get back on track. Not just to get something for the contract but because he could easily be everything disco was supposed to be and he's easy to pull for.

It’s evident the organization respects what he’s done, and who he is. Agree he’s easy to pull for.

Still, seems highly unlikely he gets back into major-league plans any time soon. He’s not rostered and wasn’t included among a host of non-rostered pitchers that got spring training invites. I think it would take something truly extraordinary to unturn this page.

[Rosterman]

36 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

It’s evident the organization respects what he’s done, and who he is. Agree he’s easy to pull for.

Still, seems highly unlikely he gets back into major-league plans any time soon. He’s not rostered and wasn’t included among a host of non-rostered pitchers that got spring training invites. I think it would take something truly extraordinary to unturn this page.

It's not so much the organization respects what he has done, as much as they are paying him no matter what he does do. Thankfully he is working hard to come back and maybe, just maybe, throw from the major league mound again. Of course, that would mean finding a spot on the 4o-man, or tantalizing another team to take on his salary. I do hope he does return. He's a good guy and all. 

[Rosterman]

9 minor free agent pitchers. Happily rotation arms are fairly home grown (not counting guys the Twins got in trades and have developed beyond a season). Everyone on the field side looks to get play everyday.

[FlyingFinn]

1 hour ago, jkcarew said:

4 catchers and 2 outfielders.

It’s a bold strategy, Cotton……

Martin and Helman's best route to the majors is through the OF and they are both good out there. Holland is actually also good in the OF but he can't hit much of anything. All three of these guys steal bases. Lots of speed in the OF. Oh, Prato plays LF as well. This team is filled with guys who are utility guys. I think they will be exciting to watch.

[Danchat]

Is Austin Martin not an outfielder at this point? I don't get with the insistence with him focusing so much time at 2B. His likely home is in the outfield.

[Squirrel]

5 hours ago, Danchat said:

Is Austin Martin not an outfielder at this point? I don't get with the insistence with him focusing so much time at 2B. His likely home is in the outfield.

He played both positions in ST

[Doctor Gast]

7 hours ago, Danchat said:

Is Austin Martin not an outfielder at this point? I don't get with the insistence with him focusing so much time at 2B. His likely home is in the outfield.

I don't get it either, Martin should be focused in the OF (where he needs more time), that's where our need is at, we already know he's very good at 2B, Because he's listed at INF, that's where they are focusing him at. 

[miracleb]

Catchers:  "Both Isola and Winkel should be expected to get plenty of reps behind the plate as well."

Ummm.....no. 

4 catchers?   With 4 catchers........NONE of them will get "plenty of reps!"   If Camargo is really the "next" catcher who gets called up, he should be getting 2/3rds of all the catching reps!

[miracleb]

I do like the fact that it looks like DaShawn Keirsey will be forced to almost start every day in the outfield.    I think he could easily be our 4th outfielder next year (or a nice replacement/call up this year.)  He already has a couple of "tools" that can play in the majors.  (defense, speed, stealing bases, pinch runner.......)  Seems like the "hit tool" came around last year.....hopefully that sticks this year as well!

[jmlease1]

Some interesting players in AAA this year. Obviously the club will be stronger when Lee and Larnach get back, but there's several players I want to watch and see if they can answer questions.

Rotation: can SWR maintain the better velocity he showed in spring training? How will Festa's command look, and can he keep the free passes reasonable? Can Dobnak stay healthy and restart his career? (I keep forgetting him; he's shown ability before, but he wasn't good last year)

Lineup: Can Severino make enough contact to be a real threat? Can Martin stay healthy and hit consistently? Will Miranda's shoulder hold up and get him back as a hitter? Will Keirsey hit enough to be a real OF option? Can Larnach hit off-speed pitches or is he cooked? Will Lee's injury keep him from getting a call-up before midseason? Is Isola able to stick at catcher or is he going to have to hit his way up at another position?

Should be a pretty good squad; lot of guys with real experience, but there are some prospects with good ceilings as well.

[JD-TWINS]

10 hours ago, Rosterman said:

Helman and Martin can play in the outfield, too.

RIGHT - Martin, Keirsey, Helman, Larnach are all potential support OF options for Big Club.

I hear ALL wanting Dobnack to be a good story, but struggle with that as a reality. Seems Festa & SWR & Headrick would all get some action prior to Randy? We’ll see how everyone looks in April….hope there are one or two options to promote as needed.

[DJL44]

38 minutes ago, miracleb said:

Catchers:  "Both Isola and Winkel should be expected to get plenty of reps behind the plate as well."

Ummm.....no. 

4 catchers?   With 4 catchers........NONE of them will get "plenty of reps!"   If Camargo is really the "next" catcher who gets called up, he should be getting 2/3rds of all the catching reps!

Nobody gets more than 50% time anymore but I agree with this sentiment. Camargo should get half the playing time at C.

[Fatbat]

12 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Not as exciting as past Saints teams.  The OF looks really weak.  And the SP is enough to make us all wish no one in Minneapolis goes down.

The OF has superstars on the way midseason. Wichita is the place to be in April/May to see great OF play. 

[IndianaTwin]

Looking at the list of relievers, I’m thinking Brigham gets either half or twice as much time as he ought to. 

[Fatbat]

10 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Martin and Helman's best route to the majors is through the OF and they are both good out there. Holland is actually also good in the OF but he can't hit much of anything. All three of these guys steal bases. Lots of speed in the OF. Oh, Prato plays LF as well. This team is filled with guys who are utility guys. I think they will be exciting to watch.

They should mess with the score keeper and rotate positions every inning for a game. 

[saviking]

That is one sorry-looking group of relievers as a whole. But it is a great-looking group of catchers and infielders with just enough outfield depth if you include Martin. The starting pitching depth is iffy. 

I haven't looked at Wichita's roster yet. Hopefully, we will have more pitching strength coming to AAA next year. I still think we need to use this years draft to go heavy on pitching ..

[Ted Schwerzler]

12 hours ago, jkcarew said:

It’s evident the organization respects what he’s done, and who he is. Agree he’s easy to pull for.

Still, seems highly unlikely he gets back into major-league plans any time soon. He’s not rostered and wasn’t included among a host of non-rostered pitchers that got spring training invites. I think it would take something truly extraordinary to unturn this page.

He didn’t pitch on the big league side during spring training because he had an injury. I wouldn’t be shocked at all, if the finger is healthy, that he produces and works his way back.

[Ted Schwerzler]

I think one really overlooked name here is Diego Castillo. Lots of major league time, and has been a good reliever too. Was released at the end of ST and apparently signed by MN.

[bean5302]

Austin Martin has mostly been an infielder, and he was a very good 2B last year when he finally got some static reps there. Martin primarily played 2B because of his UCL sprain and the Twins wanted to limit his high effort throwing.

1. Martin's bat does not project as plus anymore. There's no power which has developed. That severely limits his value in the corners.
2. Martin's speed has always been considered iffy to a stretch for covering CF. Yes, he steals a ton of bases, but base stealing is more about instincts than elite speed (Brian Dozier).
3. Martin's arm has never been good enough for SS so it's also not ideal for 3B.
4. 2B is the most valuable position Martin can be expected to play. Having him play there, if he excels, makes him a far more valuable trade piece.

[bean5302]

Prato will undoubtedly see a bunch of outfield time in St. Paul.

[nicksaviking]

Kind of think Pierson Ohl deserved a rotation spot over Boushley. Is Ohl injured?

Also surprised Willie Joe Garry didn't get an outfield spot. He hung around camp a long time this spring and can play CF, Yoyner Fajardo doesn't seem to be as good of a defender, and Will Holland hasn't shown anything with his bat at any level. Not sure how Holland surpassed Seth Gray either.

[DJL44]

19 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Prato will undoubtedly see a bunch of outfield time in St. Paul.

Especially now with Austin Martin in the big leagues.

[DJL44]

22 minutes ago, Ted Schwerzler said:

I think one really overlooked name here is Diego Castillo. Lots of major league time, and has been a good reliever too. Was released at the end of ST and apparently signed by MN.

There are too many relievers on the AAA roster for anyone to get regular innings. I wouldn't pitch Dobnak or Boushley very deep into games.