The Twins' Position Player Depth Has Been Tested. Who's Left?

[Eric Blonigen]

It's good that the Twins have a deep farm system, because they are graduating top prospects at an unsustainable rate. Due to injuries and ineffectiveness, the Twins have needed to call up multiple players on an earlier timeline than desired. Who's left to rely upon, should the injury bug bite again?

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 season has not played out as expected. Headed into the season, players like Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff, and Kyle Farmer were all expected to play key roles, but all three have been injured, ineffective, or both. This has led to the team's first layer of depth being called up to the big-league club, and José Miranda, Trevor Larnach, Brooks Lee, and Austin Martin have all been key components to the Twins’ success. Let’s take a position-by-position at the remaining depth options.

As the Twins have a bit of a 40-man crunch, let’s start with the players who are currently not on the active roster, or on the IL.

Catchers
Jair Camargo

Infielders
Edouard Julien
Yunior Severino

Outfielders
Emmanuel Rodríguez (on the minor-league IL, with no ETA on a return)

This group is going to be the majority of the injury-replacement talent pool this season. The Twins are famous for not wanting to lose assets unnecessarily, so if they don’t have to make 40-man moves, they likely won’t.

There are also several players currently on the injured list who could return at some point this season. These guys could also be the next man up in some cases.

On the MLB Injured List
Kyle Farmer - 10-day IL
Carlos Correa - 10-day IL
Alex Kirilloff - 60-day IL

This list is a mixed bag. Carlos Correa is likely not more than a couple of weeks from returning, assuming he doesn’t experience a setback as he attempts to rehab from plantar fasciitis. Kyle Farmer could return when there’s a need, although there hasn’t been a status update since Jul. 12. Alex Kirilloff has no ETA.

With all that in mind, for the purposes of this activity, I will assume that Correa and Farmer will return in August, and Kirilloff will not.

Now that we have established the 40-man and injured list options for activation, let’s look at the current depth chart at the major-league level, and weigh the possibilities for next man up at each position.

Catcher
Current: Christian Vázquez, Ryan Jeffers
Next up: Jair Camargo
Camargo is likely to hit like Vázquez, with the defense of Jeffers. His scouting report suggests career backup as his realistic upside. Ricardo Olivar and Alex Isola both have more potential, but are not on the 40-man and are also in the lower minors. With that in mind, Camargo is likely the backup we would see this season, should one of the starting tandem be injured. The team has to hope their extremely equitable timeshare continues to keep both backstops healthier than most catchers.

First Base
Current: Carlos Santana, José Miranda
Next up: Yunior Severino, Edouard Julien
Julien has looked overmatched with the Twins this season, and to a lesser extent, even with the Saints. Because of this, the Twins might be inclined to give Severino a cup of coffee. He's had an interesting journey to the big leagues. Originally signed by the Braves in the 2016-2017 international signing period, that team then lost him as a penalty for skirting international signing bonus rules. The Twins signed him, and he has slowly worked his way up.

Once upon a time, he was a speedy shortstop, but he's now a slugging, defensively-limited infielder. He strikes out a ton, but he would likely hold down first base as a slightly above-replacement player.

Second Base
Current: Willi Castro
Next up: Brooks Lee, Edouard Julien, Kylw Farmer

Once Correa is ready to return, Castro will be able to return to his super-utility status. Lee would be the natural backup, with Julien set to return if needed. This is an easy position to cover with the Twins' depth and positional flexibility.

Shortstop
Current: Brooks Lee
Next up: Carlos Correa when ready to return, then Diego A. Castillo
This one is cheating a little bit. With Correa progressing to sprints and (hopefully) ready to return by mid-month, we’ll say he’s the backup at shortstop. That will likely push Lee back to the Saints until he’s needed again, and can receive everyday playing time. For additional middle infield depth, the Twins would likely look back to Diego A Castillo due to recent familiarity. The Twins traded for Castillo from the Orioles in April, and he has spent the majority of the season with the Saints. Castillo was fine in limited action with the Twins earlier this season, hitting to a 183 OPS+ (in six at-bats). Overall, the journeyman has played in just over a half-season collectively with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, and Twins and has been worth -0.5 fWAR across his big league career. He’s been better in the minors, but would likely be another replacement-level player for the Twins.

Third Base
Current: Royce Lewis, José Miranda
Next up: Brooks Lee, then maybe Diego A. Castillo?

Given Lewis’s lengthy injury history and impact when healthy, the Twins’ third base depth is of particular importance. Lee has the defensive profile to be well above average at the hot corner, but he does not bring the same hitting prowess as Lewis. Miranda can play some third, albeit not well. Castro can play there in a pinch, assuming he isn’t needed elsewhere. If the Twins have to tap into depth, the likely candidate would be Castillo. 

Outfield
Were the Twins to need an additional outfielder (beyond those who can play in the grass as a secondary position), they would likely need to remove one of Brent Headrick, Ronny Henriquez, or Josh Winder from the 40-man roster. In that event, the move could be to call up DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. The Twins' 4th-round pick in 2018, Keirsey is a fourth outfielder type. As a 27-year-old at St Paul, he’s hit to the tune of an .816 OPS with a bit of pop. Speed is part of his game, as he’s stolen 24 bags in 31 tries. He strikes out more than 25% of the time at Triple-A, though, and his big-league numbers would likely look similar to Austin Martin with a little more power. The Twins would probably like to avoid adding Keirsey to the 40-man, as it would cost them two players - whoever they had to DFA in favor of Keirsey, and then Keirsey himself in the offseason, at the latest.

Left Field
Current: Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Austin Martin, Willi Castro
Next up: Trevor Larnach, then DaShawn Kiersey

Center Field
Current: Byron Buxton, Austin Martin, Willi Castro
Next up: Willi Castro, Austin Martin, then DaShawn Kiersey

Right Field
Current: Max Kepler, Austin Martin, Willi Castro
Next up: Matt Wallner, then DaShawn Kiersey

DH
Current: José Miranda, and anyone with a platoon advantage that benefits from a partial day off from fielding
Next up: The Twins would likely continue to mix and match and not promote a player to DH, unless Severino went on a tear of epic proportions.

Utility infielder
Current: Willi Castro
Next up: Kyle Farmer when he's ready to return, then Luke Keaschall
Farmer is fine as a righty in the lineup situationally. He’s a clubhouse leader, progenitor of the home run sausage, and a thoroughly mediocre hitter and fielder. The Twins will play him as they pay him, unless the situation becomes truly dire. In that case, they could look at Luke Keaschall, another prospect with some serious helium. Keaschall is a consensus top-100 prospect, able to play multiple infield positions, and he’s more than holding his own at Wichita, posting an OPS greater than .800 as a middle infielder. It appears his future is bright, and if his clock starts sooner than expected, it may work out. But, the preference would be to discuss a callup a year from now if things break right for the team.

Utility Outfielder
Current: Manuel Margot, Austin Martin
Next up: DaShawn Keirsey, Jr.
Overall, the Twins have graduated several top prospects this season. That has impacted the number of good hitters in the upper minors upon whom to call as injury replacements. Because of this, it's more important than ever that they stay healthy down the stretch, as there just aren't guys beating down the door to the majors. Luckily, the value they place on roster flexibility ensures that it's relatively unlikely the team should need additional call-ups among hitters this season.

---

What do you think? Would these be the next guys up in the event of more injuries? How would you feel about these options, should the unforeseen occur? Are there other minor-league options you would feel better about? Comment below to start the discussion!

View full article

[Brandon]

I would like to see Severino get a call up.  Probably Keirsey too.

[bean5302]

The Twins failure to acquire a long term real CF'er backup for Buxton this past offseason may come back to bite them. With Rodriguez missing so much time this year, it's going to be hard for him to get enough plate appearances to be ready for the MLB roster next season, and Willi Castro is about to get real expensive with an ownership group seemingly looking to aggressively cut costs. I don't see the Twins finding $7-8MM in the budget for Castro.

Austin Martin is adequate as a backup utility outfielder, but the Twins are extremely lucky Buxton has played as much as he has this year. The Twins need a starting caliber outfielder who can play CF when Buxton is hurt.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Interesting article. Hopefully there will be no need for injury call-ups...but if mice had wings they could fly. 

[DJL44]

Quote

Kyle Farmer could return when there’s a need, although there hasn’t been a status update since Jul. 12.

Gladden and Atteberry said to expect him to go on a minor league rehab assignment this week.

[FlyingFinn]

Good article. Two corrections IMO. The third SS is Castro. Austin Martin will only appear in RF in an absolute emergency. That arm doesn't play there.

[Doctor Gast]

2B is Martin's natural position so he should be considered as back-up. Keaschal is not a needed option yet. Agree with FlyinFinn that Castro is a SS back-up but glad that Lee has bumped him as #2. We've been extremely fortunate that our catchers have been extraordinarily healthy especially Vazquez these last 2 seasons otherwise we'd be in worse condition than in '22 & we could kiss playoffs goodbye, Otherwise depth wise we are very good.

[DocBauer]

I have hopes that Severino will be able to play a solid 1B,  hit in the .250 range, keep BB a little, keep his K's around 30%, and display all his power. Now, when is he ready to get a shot is the next question. He started really poor this season, then raked, and he's still been solid after his hit streak. Still not sure if he's ready until next season.

Disagree on Isola as a catcher option. I believe he's only caught twice at AAA this season. Williams would be next behind Camargo. But with Winkel suddenly surging, he MIGHT be an option. I would really like to see Camargo in September to get some playing time to see what he can do.

My guess is Kirilloff stays on the IL through August, gets some rehab time, and MIGHT be up in September.

Like everyone else, I'm still very curious about what Keirsey might be able to do if he ever got a shot. I don't know that he gets it this year though, barring injuries.

I believe in Julien's ability, eye, and approach. But something is missing or mis-firing in his head right now. Is he trying TOO HARD to be fine with his pitch recognition? Biggest disappoint on the season so far. Really hoping he gets it together soon.

 

[Gamblerssoftball]

I agree with Doc about Julien. There's a really good hitter inside  that body. Maybe the sophomore jinx is real for him. Once he figures it out, and I believe that he will, he will be the guy we liked so well last year. He just looks like he's over thinking things right now.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

I believe in Julien's ability, eye, and approach. But something is missing or mis-firing in his head right now. I

 

Same thing that hampered Sano, lack of talent.

[USAFChief]

Who's left??

 

No. Who's on first.

[IndianaTwin]

3 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Who's left??

 

No. Who's on first.

Why.

[tony&rodney]

No worries, the roster is good. Worrying is just wishing for bad luck. The team looks solid and Correa coming back can only make the Twins stronger. We can put off any concerns about next year until November.

[Jocko87]

36 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

Who's left??

 

No. Who's on first.

Third base.

For which Keaschall is not an option, nor any other utility spots. Not this year, that's quite optimistic.

More likely Helman as the emergency utility? Real depth is fun.

[Otwins]

Nice Article - well done

 

[Jeff K]

10 hours ago, RpR said:

Same thing that hampered Sano, lack of talent.

100% disagree with this comment.  Sano did not lack talent.  He lacked many things, but talent was not one of them.  I'm not sure about Julien, but tend to agree with others that he is stuck in his head.

[MinnInPa]

Correa will be back soon .. Martin will be sent down.. Roster set then unless injuries... tough lineup decisions will have to be made...Castro will Prob be at 2nd, Larnach LF, Correa SS, Lewis 3B, Buxton CF, Santana 1B, Kepler Rf, Miranda DH, Jeffers C.   Bench - Lee, Wallner, Margot, there will be Sept callups ..but no one that really helps..maybe Kiersey for speed on the pads. 

[USAFChief]

1 minute ago, MinnInPa said:

Correa will be back soon .. Martin will be sent down.. Roster set then unless injuries... tough lineup decisions will have to be made...Castro will Prob be at 2nd, Larnach LF, Correa SS, Lewis 3B, Buxton CF, Santana 1B, Kepler Rf, Miranda DH, Jeffers C.   Bench - Lee, Wallner, Margot, there will be Sept callups ..but no one that really helps..maybe Kiersey for speed on the pads. 

Wallner needs to be in every lineup.

 

[JD-TWINS]

When Correa is back, Martin seems to be the probable demotion. IMO, when September comes around, Martin is definitely ahead of Kiersey ………no chance for Kiersey to be up unless a couple of guys are injured.

Live in Cincinnati and have been a supporter but how does Kyle Farmer get back on the 26-man roster? He can remain around for the Bench Guy influence and remain hurt. If Martin goes down when Correa’s back, Lee is the only other possible demotion when Farmer is activated……,that can’t happen - right?

Pretty sure they are limited to, or will choose to, adding one of each….. a pitcher and a position player on September 1st. Kyle Farmer is a maybe at that point but anything sooner (unless Lee’s throwing shoulder is a real concern) cannot be seriously considered. A rehab stint pushes the Twins into acting on Farmer ……,hope they slow roll that decision.

[chpettit19]

I wouldn't be surprised if Lee is the guy sent to St Paul when Correa is back. In fact, he's who I'd bet on being demoted if nobody else is hurt between now and then. Don't see much playing time for him when Correa comes back and they'll want him getting everyday ABs more than they'll care about Martin sitting on the MLB bench most of the week. 

Agree with @JD-TWINS and have no idea how Kyle Farmer "heals" this year. There's just no place for him unless this team is absolutely destroyed by injuries. His time on the field in a Twins uni should be over. Keep collecting checks and hang in the dugout, but no more ABs for him.

I'd like to see Kiersey be the September call-up so they know if he's worth keeping around next year, but I don't see them giving him a shot in the heat of a division/playoff race. Same goes for Severino. Best situation is the roster stays relatively healthy and it's Julien who comes back because he's figured things out. Not sure if it'll be him or maybe Lee coming back (assuming he's the one sent down when Correa comes back), but the odds are they'll both see some time in September as injuries will pop up here and there still.

[August J Gloop]

Lee won't sit on the bench. I wouldn't be shocked if Lee is sent out before Correa comes back in favor of Julien or someone else seen less as a member of The Future. He's been looking quite overmatched since he threw that game away in SF and probably needs a short reset.

[RpR]

5 hours ago, Jeff K said:

100% disagree with this comment.  Sano did not lack talent.  He lacked many things, but talent was not one of them.  I'm not sure about Julien, but tend to agree with others that he is stuck in his head.

Lack of talent starts in the brain.

Hitting home runs  and then not hitting home runs comes from a lack of ability/talent after the Major League pitchers have found ones weakness.

[Joe A. Preusser]

3 hours ago, RpR said:

Lack of talent starts in the brain.

Hitting home runs  and then not hitting home runs comes from a lack of ability/talent after the Major League pitchers have found ones weakness.

What you're describing is not lack of talent, but a lag in adjustments and/or development.  

No one who does what Julien did last year (or Sano did at times over several years) lacks strong MLB caliber talent.  

I have high hopes/belief that Julien will get out of his own head and readjust to the adjustments.  

[RpR]

1 hour ago, Joe A. Preusser said:

What you're describing is not lack of talent, but a lag in adjustments and/or development.  

No one who does what Julien did last year (or Sano did at times over several years) lacks strong MLB caliber talent.  

I have high hopes/belief that Julien will get out of his own head and readjust to the adjustments.  

You here who think their only problem is their head is screwed on werong, live in a world of wishful thinking; an opinion here that cascades.

Inability to adjust is a lack of tallent.

Players who come out of he Minors and once they hit stride, stay on stride have talent; players who who go up and down like a sine wave do NOT have enough talent, simple as that.

Some here sound like parents of player, of any type, who fails; parents go you did not give my boy/girl enough chances.

Response:

Your boy/girl had just as many chancds as any one else, they are/were just not good enough, i.e. lacking talent.

Julien is no different from Jake Cave; he came out of the minors going gang busters then mostly faded away -- Not Enough Talent.

[David HK]

I was at the game on Monday night, Austin did fine at 2nd.  Watched the game at a pub tonight, holy cow, he was a butcher in CF!!  I wanna see Kersey get a shot! I was also at the game Sunday, and saw Bux take that whallop- I say swap Austin and Keirsey today!

[Joe A. Preusser]

On 8/6/2024 at 6:48 PM, RpR said:

You here who think their only problem is their head is screwed on werong, live in a world of wishful thinking; an opinion here that cascades.

Inability to adjust is a lack of tallent.

Players who come out of he Minors and once they hit stride, stay on stride have talent; players who who go up and down like a sine wave do NOT have enough talent, simple as that.

Some here sound like parents of player, of any type, who fails; parents go you did not give my boy/girl enough chances.

Response:

Your boy/girl had just as many chancds as any one else, they are/were just not good enough, i.e. lacking talent.

Julien is no different from Jake Cave; he came out of the minors going gang busters then mostly faded away -- Not Enough Talent.

So what about the dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of players over the years that come up, struggle, go down, come back up, struggle less.  Go back down, come back up, succeed?  Did they suddenly find more talent?  Was it hiding under a rock somewhere and they stumbled upon it?

No.  They developed.  They reacted to the league figuring some aspect of their game out.  They used the talent THEY ALREADY HAD to get better.

This idea of players (or anyone) as fixed quantities is ridiculous.  It might be easier and more comfortable for you to characterize things that way, but it's not reality.

[RpR]

On 8/9/2024 at 7:52 AM, Joe A. Preusser said:

So what about the dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of players over the years that come up, struggle, go down, come back up, struggle less.  Go back down, come back up, succeed?  Did they suddenly find more talent?  Was it hiding under a rock somewhere and they stumbled upon it?

No.  They developed.  They reacted to the league figuring some aspect of their game out.  They used the talent THEY ALREADY HAD to get better.

This idea of players (or anyone) as fixed quantities is ridiculous.  It might be easier and more comfortable for you to characterize things that way, but it's not reality.

Or the thousands that just were not good enough who out number the ones who made it , ten to one.

[Joe A. Preusser]

9 minutes ago, RpR said:

Or the thousands that just were not good enough who out number the ones who made it , ten to one.

Your point was those who showed out, then struggled.   Those who never made it to MLB wouldn't be included in this data set. 

I keep trying to answer your points, but they get vaguer and more eratic as we go.  Do you even know what you are arguing?

[RpR]

I was referring to those who made it to the Bigs and fell flat on their face more often than not-- i.e. the majority.