Twins in 2025. Who backs BB?

[stringer bell]

Byron Buxton eclipsed the 100 games played mark for only the second time in his career in 2024. While 100 games is a significant amount, it left center field manned by lesser players about 40% of the time. In 2024, the presumed backup was Manuel Margot, but he was not up to the job either defensively or offensively. Willi Castro, Austin Martin and DeShawn Keirsey Jr. all logged time in Buck’s absence. 
 

Buxton figures to return next year and it has to be expected that someone else will be in center fora significant number of innings. Who will that player be, and should it be someone else?

I’ll add my $.02 at this point. Buxton last year was an All-Star talent as represented by his 3.6 WAR in 102 games. Due to injuries, he’s no longer an All-World defender, but he’s very good with a fielding glove in his left hand. The injury history is just too long to expect a full active year and it is worth noting that two earlier injuries (knee and hip) recurred which cost the bulk of his lost time. I think it is really important to have a good player ready to fill for the times Buxton is out of the lineup.

My other thought is that I’m not sold on Keirsey Jr. to be more than a 4A player. He has some speed and is supposed to be a good center fielder, but I don’t think he can hit enough to be trusted for long stretches as the primary center fielder. 

[jctwins]

Considering he is not marketable because no way anyone else wants his contract, and this org isn't eating it, he'll be back next year and struggle to play 80-100 games all over again.

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Emma! That's what I'd do. Just go for it. Emma plays left when Buxton plays CF, with Larnach at first or DH. 

I think they'll go Kiesey, Martin, Castro. I think. Depends on if he's healthy to start the year or not. If he is, they don't bring someone in.

 

[DocBauer]

While I think Rodriguez could be an option at some point, I don't see him as the guy to open the season. He just missed too much time this season.

Unless he falls on his face, I'm going with Keirsey as he's got the defense, can provide speed on the bases, and if the Twins can afford to add a Rah bat, he only has to play the corners.

I'm not sold on Martin at this point, and Castro gets some CF time as well. By mid year, if Byron goes down, it might be time to turn to Rodriguez. I'm just saying no to the begining of the year.

[ashbury]

I want Keirsey to be that guy, but as the OP states, it's not a sure thing his bat plays in the majors.  I want to find out.

If Keirsey, in the role of Buxton-backup, has to play a lot, then the outfield has to be modified at least by one corner outfielder not being a left-handed batter. But now we're back to the uncertainty - do you trade say Larnach just on the supposition that Keirsey is a viable major leaguer?

[Mike Sixel]

12 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I want Keirsey to be that guy, but as the OP states, it's not a sure thing his bat plays in the majors.  I want to find out.

If Keirsey, in the role of Buxton-backup, has to play a lot, then the outfield has to be modified at least by one corner outfielder not being a left-handed batter. But now we're back to the uncertainty - do you trade say Larnach just on the supposition that Keirsey is a viable major leaguer?

Larnach to first/DH, if Kiersey can't play LF/CF, Larnach back to the OF. Miranda at 3B/1B/DH. No idea who my 2B is at this point, unless Julien shows he can fix things. By midseason it's Eeles or Keaschel. Lee/Martin in the wings for 2B.

[stringer bell]

I think that if the Twins don’t look like contenders at the break, many guys will be gone and the next wave (Emma, Jenkins, maybe Keaschal) will be up.

Very suspicious of older players breaking in and being good players at 26-28. 

[Twodogs]

I mean I thought Martin looked like he proved that he can play at the MLB level.  Maybe assume (hope) that Buck will play 100 in CF, if we are really lucky he gets 120 in, but that leaves about 60 games for Martin in CF and another 40 or so moving around to other spots.  Martin would be the ultimate bench guy who can play a little bit of everything?

[DJL44]

26 minutes ago, Twodogs said:

Martin would be the ultimate bench guy who can play a little bit of everything?

except catch the ball

[Twodogs]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

except catch the ball

I mean, to me, with the cost cutting Twins I'd rather have Martin, who should realize he is a bench guy rather that them going out and trying to sign the next Margot or some guy like that?  

[DocBauer]

3 hours ago, ashbury said:

I want Keirsey to be that guy, but as the OP states, it's not a sure thing his bat plays in the majors.  I want to find out.

If Keirsey, in the role of Buxton-backup, has to play a lot, then the outfield has to be modified at least by one corner outfielder not being a left-handed batter. But now we're back to the uncertainty - do you trade say Larnach just on the supposition that Keirsey is a viable major leaguer?

I'm not betting on Keirsey coming anywhere close to what he's been in MILB the past 2 years. However, if he could hit even in the .240 range with decent contact, and OB ability little over .300 with some XB hits and SB ability as a bottom hitter, I'd take that. At least until Rodriguez was ready.

Personally, I wouldn't move Larnach at all. IMO, he's in LF and Wallner in RF. Castro can also fill in CF occasionally as well. And I don't care if Keirsey bats LH, and don't know why the Twins seem to be fixated on that. I want some who can play a good CF and not embarrass at the plate. I'd just like to see Keirsey get a legitimate shot.

[DocBauer]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I think that if the Twins don’t look like contenders at the break, many guys will be gone and the next wave (Emma, Jenkins, maybe Keaschal) will be up.

Very suspicious of older players breaking in and being good players at 26-28. 

I tend to agree with you here in general. And I'm not SOLD in any way that an older player, like Keirsey for example, could/would break that mold. But in the case of someone like him, for example, we're talking about injuries and the lost 2020 covid year setting him back, and delaying his development. 

And I'm just using him as an example, rather than using someone like Jose Cruz who broke out late. But could someone develop late in their career to just be a solid, useful player rather than a star or regular player?

I just think if you've got someone who checks a few important boxes, and they MIGHT fit a role that's needed, shouldn't you at least give said player an honest look?

[DocBauer]

2 hours ago, Twodogs said:

I mean I thought Martin looked like he proved that he can play at the MLB level.  Maybe assume (hope) that Buck will play 100 in CF, if we are really lucky he gets 120 in, but that leaves about 60 games for Martin in CF and another 40 or so moving around to other spots.  Martin would be the ultimate bench guy who can play a little bit of everything?

I haven't given up on Martin. I saw enough from him, at times, that I can SEE the good ballplayer that is "in there". But except for a couple stretches, he never hit all that well. And he has little power, but at least I see the potential to spray the ball around for doubles and the such. But other than a handful of nice plays at 2B and the OF, his defense was just pretty bad.

And I understand he was a rookie, and that he missed a lot of time in 2023 due to injury. And he's got the talent to work hard and improve his game, no doubt. But I just didn't see anything this past season that makes me feel confident he's ready to be a top reserve anywhere in 2025.

[lecroy24fan]

LOL at the talk of Larnach at 1B. He needs to play there all of ST and that's not going to happen.

[thelanges5]

OF = Larnach, Buck, Wallner, and Keirsey to start. Emma and Martin (needs more time in OF) as AAA depth

They’ve needed a RH power hitter since Cruz was traded but not sure we’ll have the $$ to sign. Could trade some prospects. 

[Linus]

Castro to start the year and then adjust as needed. Hard pass on Keirsey - the guy isn’t gonna hit his hat size. 

[stringer bell]

59 minutes ago, Linus said:

Castro to start the year and then adjust as needed. Hard pass on Keirsey - the guy isn’t gonna hit his hat size. 

I share your skepticism, but giving Keirsey and Helman a chance during Spring Training is fine given the team’s self-imposed salary constraints. 

[mnfireman]

Probably Castro and Martin...the more things change, the more they stay the same.

[Parfigliano]

On 10/4/2024 at 5:39 PM, DJL44 said:

except catch the ball

Martin's arms a wet noodle too.

[USAFChief]

The Twins can't afford needed pitching, much less spend anything on a backup centerfielder who likely won't be worth it anyways. 

The Twins would have been better off this year just skipping the Margot fiasco. 

Live with as much as you can get from Buxton and use your minor leaguers if he's hurt.

That means Buxton plays virtually every day or is IL'd.

Use whatever payroll they have to upgrade the front line, rather than the backups.

[mrcharlie]

Not me.  As Correa said, "this is Bucks team.". He needs to own it.  His willingness to take himself off the field at the slightest injury speaks volumes.  He is not committed to the success of the team.