Twins Minor League Report (9/21): DaShawn Keirsey Continues to Rake and Break (Saints Records, that is)

[Seth Stohs]

26-year-old DaShawn Keirsey Jr. had an incredible 2024 season. Certainly the highlight was the 7-10 days he spent in the big leagues, but he put up some of the best offensive numbers in minor-league baseball this season. And to think, he has always been touted for his great defense (which is elite, by the way). Keirsey had three more hits on Saturday to break another single-season franchise record, and he could add more on Sunday. 

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (photo of DaShawn Keirsey)

CURRENT W-L Records
Minnesota Twins: 81-73 (8 games to go)
St. Paul Saints: 70-78 (1 game to go)
Wichita Wind Surge: 58-80 (season complete)
Cedar Rapids Kernels: 67-63 (season complete)
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 66-59 (season complete)
FCL Twins: 27-31 (season complete)
DSL Twins: 30-25 (season complete) 

TRANSACTIONS
On Saturday, the Twins optioned RHP Ronny Henriquez to the Saints. They recalled LHP Brent Headrick. Very nice for Headrick, who missed the majority of the season with a left forearm strain, to get back to the Twins for the last week of the season. 

In case you missed it, the Twins released DSL Twins infielders Ruben Velazquez and Luis Rodriguez a couple of days ago.

In addition, RHP Sean Mooney retired. The 2019 draft pick had Tommy John surgery that spring, and he just hasn’t been able to get healthy since them. He’s had more elbow surgery and injuries. He reached Double-A which is impressive with the time missed and for being a Day 3 draft pick. We certainly wish him the best in whatever is next for him.   

SAINTS SENTINEL
St. Paul 7, Indianapolis 8 
Box Score
There were a lot of runs scored early in this game. Unfortunately the Saints fell just shy in yet another one-run loss. 

Randy Dobnak was on the mound to start for the Saints. If nothing else, he was able to get through four innings for his team. He gave up five runs in the first inning and two more in the second inning. In four innings, he gave up seven runs on six hits and four walks. He had six strikeouts. Five of the runs scored on the two home run balls hit off of him. 

However, in the top of the second inning, the Saints responded and made it a game again. The rally started with two outs. Jair Camargo walked and moved up a base on a Carson McCusker single to center. Jeferson Morales, batting ninth, followed with his first Triple-A home run. 

Payton Eeles walked and scored on a double off the bat of Austin Martin. Martin scored when DaShawn Keirsey singled to center. The five-run inning cut their deficit to 7-5. 

Dobnak tossed two scoreless innings, and in the bottom of the fourth, the Saints put together another rally. Carson McCusker led off with a single. He was erased on a force out by Morales. Eeles followed with a triple that made it 7-6. He scored on Keirsey’s third hit of the game, a single off of the pitcher. 

Travis Adams came in to start the fifth inning. He worked three innings and gave up a run on three hits and a walk. He had one strikeout. Giovanny Gallegos gave up a hit and a walk, but no runs, in the eighth inning. Steven Okert struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning. 

The Saints tried to match Indianapolis. In the bottom of the eighth, the inning started with singles by Chris Williams and Jair Camargo, but Geronimo Franzua responded by striking out the next three batters. 

Camargo went 2-for-3 with a walk. McCusker went 2-for-4. Morales’s first homer with the Saints drove in three runs. Martin hit a double, and Eeles had a walk to go with his fourth Saints triple. 

DaShawn Keirsey went 3-for-5 in the game with his 22nd double and two RBI. It has been a tremendous 2024 season for the 26-year-old outfielder from southern California (via the University of Utah). His third hit in this game gave him 133 hits for the Saints this season which is a new single-season franchise record. He surpassed the 132 hits that Andrew Stephenson recorded in 2023. 

In addition, his 81 RBI this season is the Saints single-season franchise record. However, he is just two ahead of teammate Yunior Severino, so that distinction could still be up for grabs. 

He is the only International League player, and one of just four Triple-A players, with at least 100 hits, 10 home runs, and 30 steals. He is one of just three minor-league players, and the only Triple-A player, with at least 100 hits, 20 doubles, 10 homers, 30 steals and 70 RBI. In addition, only six MLB players have reached those totals this season. They are Elly De La Cruz, Jarren Duran, Zach Neto, Shohei Ohtani, Jose Ramirez, and Bobby Witt Jr. Those are some pretty good names. 

(Hat tip to the game notes of Saints broadcaster and all-around good guy Sean Aronson. Also, a huge thank you to Rob Thompson, the Saints fantastic photographer, for letting us display some of his great work with our stories the last couple of seasons.) 

With one more Saints game to go, here are a couple of things to watch. 

• If Keirsey hits a triple, it will be his eighth of the season, a franchise single-season record.
• If Anthony Prato is activated from the Development List and hits a triple, it would tie Keirsey for the single-season single-season record. If he were to hit two triples, he would tie Keirsey for the career franchise record with nine. That is, of course, if Keirsey doesn’t triple too. 
• With one home run, Yunior Severino would set the new single-season record with 22 Saints home runs. 
• If Severino walked one time on Sunday, he would set the single-season record with 68 walks. 

Head out to CHS Field for the Saints final game of the season. Here’s the schedule, and where you can get your tickets. 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
The Twins affiliate in Wichita had a few alternate uniforms and team names. Most minor-league teams do. At MILB.com, the Wichita Chili Buns are up for the award for Best Alternate Identity. Vote for them here, and see what other names were also considered for the award. 

PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Hitter of the Day - DaShawn Keirsey (St. Paul) - 3-for-4, 2B(22), 2 RBI.
Pitcher of the Day - Steven Okert (St. Paul) - 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K. 

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our recently-updated Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing that none of them played on Saturday.

Be sure to frequently stop by Twins Daily throughout the offseason. Minor-League coverage does not stop with the end of their seasons. Starting next week, we'll start handing out our 2024 Minor League Awards and name the 2024 Twins Minor League All Stars. We will be sure to update the Twins Daily Top 20 prospect rankings. We will follow how the Twins prospects perform in the Arizona Fall League and see if any prospects play winter ball. Of course, I will try to connect with a ton of Twins prospects in a new (off)season of Twins Spotlight. 

There is no offseason in baseball writing! 

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
Indianapolis @ St. Paul (6:37 PM CST) – RHP Caleb Boushley (9-5, 4.98 ERA)

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Saturday’s game, Keirsey’s great season, or anything else Twins minor-league related! 

  

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[FlyingFinn]

"impressive with the time missed and for being a Day 13 draft pick" - Day 13!! That is something. Some typos are just funny :)

[mikelink45]

I think the twins would have done well to have their own center field prospect instead of Margot this year. Of course we would have missed the o for 30 pitch hit so inspiring. 

[wavedog]

Keirsey should be on the Twins roster now for his Defense and Speed (pinch-running) if nothing else rather than Julien.  Especially if we are using Margot in pinch-hitting opportunities where Julien should have been used.  

[jmlease1]

I hope Kiersey gets a legit shot to make the club out of spring training next season. The defense is for real and he's got nothing left to prove in AAA. Let's see if he can make it work in MLB. I'd much rather see Kiersey on the roster (even if he's LH) than Margot or a similar kind of veteran pulled from the bargain bin.

Embrace the youth movement.

[Mydaughterhastwins]

This is great reporting on Keirsey and the Saints players.  Frustrating the the Twins did not see the value in the Saints centerfielder when the position has been ill manned for years due to constant injuries and less than prolific imports from other organizations.  

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

Embrace the youth movement.

Keirsey Jr is 28 next May. Why didn't the article list the name of the minor leaguers with similar stats? The list of major leaguers with similar stats is completely irrelevant.

Quote

one of just four Triple-A players, with at least 100 hits, 10 home runs, and 30 steals

I looked them up. 

Kameron Misner, Andrew Velazquez, Samad Taylor, Dustin Harris

Brewer Hicklen is one hit below those totals. Ryan Bliss is 6 hits too low. Pedro Leon is 1 SB short. Jordyn Adams is 2 SB short.

That is DaShawn Keirsey's cohort, not the major leaguers.

[old nurse]

I think Dobnak is going to get a paid vacation next year. 

[LambchoP]

It's hard not to be a little excited for some of these guys coming up. Keirsey should already be in MLB rather than Margot. Better defender, can play a TRUE CF, and we wouldn't have to watch the frustrating 0-30 pinch hitter anymore. With Kepler and Margot gone next year there will be at bats up for grabs. Should be fun to watch Keirsey, Martin and Mccusker Duke it out for the 4rth OF spot. Eventually I think E Rodriguez will be in play to if they get him healthy. For infield, I think if Lee and Julien struggle, Eeles could be our next infield utility guy. Severino at first base maybe, if we don't resign Santana or sign a power hitting first baseman.spring training should be fun to follow next season.

[Otaknam]

The Dobnak signing several years ago for 9+ million was always a head scratcher. He was never anything more than a four inning pitcher, yet they kept starting him and gave him an unearned contract, another black mark on this administration. Seems like he gets lit up more than he has a good outing. Keirsey bats left handed, just like Kepler, Larnach, and Waldner. So that’s probably why he hasn’t been on the roster all year, despite his hitting and elite defense. He has nothing left to prove in the minors, so hopefully they give him a legit shot next year with Kepler, and hopefully Margot, on their way out. 

[terrydactyls]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

Keirsey Jr is 28 next May. Why didn't the article list the name of the minor leaguers with similar stats? The list of major leaguers with similar stats is completely irrelevant.

I looked them up. 

Kameron Misner, Andrew Velazquez, Samad Taylor, Dustin Harris

Brewer Hicklen is one hit below those totals. Ryan Bliss is 6 hits too low. Pedro Leon is 1 SB short. Jordyn Adams is 2 SB short.

That is DaShawn Keirsey's cohort, not the major leaguers.

So, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that if a minor league player is about to turn 28 a month after a season begins, he should be dismissed as a possible major leaguer?  As an old fart, I find that reeking of age-ism.  I would love to see an "old" player spending his age 28 to 32 seasons filling a needed role for the Twins.

[D.C Twins]

I don't know man... The 'Great Lake Pontooners' is pretty good!

[DJL44]

12 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

So, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that if a minor league player is about to turn 28 a month after a season begins, he should be dismissed as a possible major leaguer?  As an old fart, I find that reeking of age-ism.  I would love to see an "old" player spending his age 28 to 32 seasons filling a needed role for the Twins.

He's not young for a major leaguer. His needed role will be to come up to the Twins and play CF (instead of Austin Martin) when Buxton and Emmanuel Rodriguez are both injured. That should give him somewhere between 50-100 games next year with the Twins.

[FlyingFinn]

14 minutes ago, terrydactyls said:

So, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that if a minor league player is about to turn 28 a month after a season begins, he should be dismissed as a possible major leaguer? 

No, 28 is just not young in baseball terms. In fact, he is "so old" that he may be going back and forth between the Saints and the Twins, that they may DFA him and then re-add him when the Twins need him again (may be wrong on this but Keirsey needs to prove he can hit MLB pitching when he gets the small chance). Will he survive the winter on the 40 man roster. I say yes, as the Twins don't have many that have to be added.

[gman]

Ruben Velazquez played this year as a 16 year old. Then gets released. No he didn't rip the cover off the ball, but what exactly was expected of a 16 year old?

[DocBauer]

If Keirsey gets a legitimate shot, and proves he can hit even deftly, I'd love to have him as a 4th OF and speed guy off the bench. Castro is fine as an occasional CF option, but I'd rather have a natural CF out there if/when Buxton is injured.

If trade or FA could bring in a solid, corner OF RH bat that's not embarrassing against RHP, the OF could be deep and balanced.

[Seth Stohs]

13 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Keirsey Jr is 28 next May. Why didn't the article list the name of the minor leaguers with similar stats? The list of major leaguers with similar stats is completely irrelevant.

I looked them up. 

Kameron Misner, Andrew Velazquez, Samad Taylor, Dustin Harris

Brewer Hicklen is one hit below those totals. Ryan Bliss is 6 hits too low. Pedro Leon is 1 SB short. Jordyn Adams is 2 SB short.

That is DaShawn Keirsey's cohort, not the major leaguers.

Was there any reason to assume that I was writing that Keirsey is to be compared with those big leaguers?? That list simply shows how rare it is at any level. 

[Seth Stohs]

11 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

So, if I understand you correctly, you are saying that if a minor league player is about to turn 28 a month after a season begins, he should be dismissed as a possible major leaguer?  As an old fart, I find that reeking of age-ism.  I would love to see an "old" player spending his age 28 to 32 seasons filling a needed role for the Twins.

100% correct. For a role player type, who cares what age they get called up? Geez, or a starter, who cares what age they get called up? Like you said, the Twins would get his ages 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 (or as much of it as they want). 

Age only matters on prospect lists. 

[Seth Stohs]

12 hours ago, Otaknam said:

The Dobnak signing several years ago for 9+ million was always a head scratcher. He was never anything more than a four inning pitcher, yet they kept starting him and gave him an unearned contract, another black mark on this administration.  

2019 debut season... He made three non-opener starts... Completed five innings in three out of three starts.

2020 season... He completed five innings in 6 of his 10 starts. He went four inning in his first start of the Covid season in late July. And his final two starts he didn't go five innings (though pitched into the 5th in his final start).  

And, what did the deal hurt them? Through the first four years of the deal, it cost $5.25 million... in 2025, it'll cost $3 million, and after the year, they'll give him another $1 million to buyout his contract. If he would have been healthy those first couple of years, the deal would have paid for itself... Good deal for him. Good job by his agent. Well worth the risk for the Twins. 

[Seth Stohs]

10 hours ago, gman said:

Ruben Velazquez played this year as a 16 year old. Then gets released. No he didn't rip the cover off the ball, but what exactly was expected of a 16 year old?

Who knows? Could be any number of things beyond baseball. 

[Steve Lein]

"If Severino walked one time on Sunday, he would set the single-season record with 68 walks."

Just thought I'd throw in here, that the player Severino would have moved ahead of is Anthony Prato. They both finished with 67 walks on the season. 

[Steve Lein]

22 hours ago, Otaknam said:

The Dobnak signing several years ago for 9+ million was always a head scratcher. He was never anything more than a four inning pitcher, yet they kept starting him and gave him an unearned contract, another black mark on this administration. Seems like he gets lit up more than he has a good outing. Keirsey bats left handed, just like Kepler, Larnach, and Waldner. So that’s probably why he hasn’t been on the roster all year, despite his hitting and elite defense. He has nothing left to prove in the minors, so hopefully they give him a legit shot next year with Kepler, and hopefully Margot, on their way out. 

It shouldn't have been, and your assumptions are wrong. Randy Dobnak was literally the best pitcher in the minors for a period of 200+ innings before he was called up to the majors. Then, he was pretty good with the Twins, too. I thought it was a great deal at the time, one that just didn't work out fully. And lets be honest, it's hardly any money.

Here is the history leading up to that contract:

Dobnak gave up 8 ER in a start for Cedar Rapids on May 16th, 2018.

He didn't give up more than 4 ER in any start or appearance (51 games) through the end of the 2019 season when he was pitching with the Twins (We know the playoff start vs the Yankees didn't go well, but it was 4 ER's). In that timeframe, he threw 262 2/3 innings, went 21-8 with a 2.02 ERA, gave up just 11 home runs, and allowed a sub .600 OPS to opposing hitters. The Twins aren't the only ones who would have gave him that contract, and he most certainly earned it.