Ricardo Olivar: An Underrated Prospect the Twins Must Protect in the Rule 5 Draft

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have multiple roster decisions to make before the Rule 5 Draft. Here’s why adding Ricardo Olivar should be a no-brainer.

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (photo of Ricardo Olivar)

As the Minnesota Twins prepare for the annual roster shuffles of the offseason, a name is flying under the radar but could be a big part of the organization’s future: Ricardo Olivar. This versatile catcher-outfielder is poised to be one of the most intriguing roster decisions, as the team must add him to the 40-man roster to shield him from potential poaching in the Rule 5 Draft. For Twins fans, Olivar may not have the instant recognition of prospects like Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez, but he’s been quietly putting together seasons that demand attention. 

Why Olivar is One of the Twins’ Most Underrated Prospects
Olivar’s journey in the Twins’ system has been an exercise in resilience and consistency. He was signed as an international free agent in 2019, but that meant his first professional season didn’t come until 2021 because of the pandemic. He’s spent three years working through the ranks, gradually adding polish to his game. His blend of athleticism, raw power, and defensive versatility make him a rare asset, and in any other farm system, he might already be a household name.

At first glance, Olivar’s numbers don’t scream “superstar,” and that’s part of what makes him underrated. Over the past three seasons, he’s quietly posted impressive on-base percentages and shown an ability to make adjustments at every level. Olivar won FCL MVP honors when he repeated the level in 2022. He spent the 2023 season at Low-A and hit .285/.403/.452 (.855) with 28 doubles and ten home runs in 100 games. His OBP was the second-highest in the Florida State League, despite being slightly younger than the average age of the competition.  

Olivar spent most of 2024 at High-A, posting a .867 OPS in 81 games. Minnesota let him get a taste of Double-A at the end of the season, and he continued to get on base over 32% of the time. He’s started to stand out in the Twins' system as one of their more mature young hitters. His overall approach has improved as he has climbed the organizational ladder, and the Twins hope this trend can continue as he gets closer to the big leagues. 

Catcher with Outfield Flexibility: A Rare Combo
Olivar’s flexibility makes him especially valuable for the Twins' future roster. He can slot in as a catcher, a position the Twins value highly, but he’s also spent time in the corner outfield, where he displays solid instincts and adequate range. Last season, he started 59 games as a catcher, 18 games in left field, and 23 games as a DH. His receiving and game-calling skills have improved during his professional career. This skill set is crucial for a team looking to maximize lineup versatility and create depth across multiple positions. 

Olivar’s ability to handle duties both behind the plate and in the outfield gives the Twins significant roster flexibility, and with the Rule 5 Draft approaching, losing a player with this unique skill set would be tough to swallow. While it’s rare to see such a hybrid player succeed at the major league level, Olivar has shown the kind of defensive tools and instincts that make his multi-positional capability a realistic future asset.

So, what can Olivar realistically bring to the Twins? In the short term, Olivar’s inclusion on the 40-man roster would offer him a chance to develop with increased attention and possibly make him a call-up option in 2025 or 2026. His bat may not yet match the power of some of the Twins' other top prospects, but his knack for reaching base could make him a future asset at the bottom or middle of the lineup.

If Olivar can maintain his current trajectory, his presence would allow the Twins to experiment with a utility-style player who can rotate between catching and outfield duties. This allows manager Rocco Baldelli to play matchups and ease the burden on catchers, especially during long stretches of games where days off become critical. For a Twins team that’s embraced versatility, Olivar is the kind of prospect they can’t afford to lose. Adding him to the 40-man roster might not make headlines, but it could be one of the organization's best insurance policies this offseason.

Will the Twins protect Olivar before the Rule 5 Draft? What is his ceiling at the big-league level? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[old nurse]

Maybe he needs to be protected, maybe he doesn’t. From cup of coffee in AA or less experience to MLB position player has been done successfully.  Juan Soto went up quickly. So did Baddoo. You can look up the differences in career trajectories. Olivar is unlikely to be the next coming of Soto. I doubt he needs protecting. 

[Fatbat]

He is a unicorn.  A RH corner outfielder that can catch 50 +games/season as a part time platoon with Jeffers. He will definitely be on the 40 man in ‘25 and fighting for a 26 man spot in ST’26 when Vasquez is gone. It’s all about obp and a RHCO/C.

[High heat]

If the Twins view him as a legit catcher he needed to be added.  If they view him as a hitter who can catch no need to add him they have 2 of those at AAA. 

[miracleb]

The fact that he isn't playing 100% as a catcher doesn't mean that he is so awesomely flexible.....it is because they question his ability to be a full time catcher.  ESPECIALLY in this Twin's organization right now......which is critically short on big league/AAA catchers.  He doesn't need protecting........

[JD-TWINS]

15 minutes ago, High heat said:

If the Twins view him as a legit catcher he needed to be added.  If they view him as a hitter who can catch no need to add him they have 2 of those at AAA. 

Not being a jerk here but who are the “hitting” catchers at AAA? I am not a big MiLB follower and only know of Camargo in St. Paul. To me, he doesn’t seem to fit that description.

Regardless, if he was a REAL catching prospect I would think he would have been chatted up as a path forward for the Team post Vazquez. First I’ve noticed his name.

My assumption is if he hits at a higher level (AA & AAA) he’ll be a Corner OF depth guy and the 3rd option at Catcher on an as needed basis for roster flexibility. Frankly, until he posts at Catcher and has hitting success at AA (not just OBP success) I don’t see the Team using up a 40 man spot. Can’t carry him & Camargo on 40 man and I don’t think anyone thinks he’s ready to displace Camargo defensively …… I wish he was ready!!!

[High heat]

15 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Not being a jerk here but who are the “hitting” catchers at AAA? I am not a big MiLB follower and only know of Camargo in St. Paul. To me, he doesn’t seem to fit that description.

Regardless, if he was a REAL catching prospect I would think he would have been chatted up as a path forward for the Team post Vazquez. First I’ve noticed his name.

My assumption is if he hits at a higher level (AA & AAA) he’ll be a Corner OF depth guy and the 3rd option at Catcher on an as needed basis for roster flexibility. Frankly, until he posts at Catcher and has hitting success at AA (not just OBP success) I don’t see the Team using up a 40 man spot. Can’t carry him & Camargo on 40 man and I don’t think anyone thinks he’s ready to displace Camargo defensively …… I wish he was ready!!!

Patrick Winkel and Chris Williams.  
 

Both can’t pass defensively in the majors.  Williams has a much better bat at AAA especially in 2023.

[chpettit19]

Yeah, I don't see it. Agree with others that if he were truly a catcher he'd be catching and not moving around so much. Gleeman named him as a lock in his Rule 5 article so maybe I'm missing something, but absolutely nothing about him jumps out to me as a must add. What he has going for him is that the Twins have no money to spend and have opened a number of 40-man spots. So he has a chance. But I don't see any reason he's a must add at all. 

[TopGunn#22]

If he has only gotten to AA at this point I think it would be a shock if someone picked him up in the Rule 5 draft.  The Twins HAVE created some room on their 40-man roster so there could be room for him.  Where does Noah Cardenas fit in future catcher status?   

[saviking]

I whole heartedly agree!

[rdehring]

Thanks for the article, Cody.  Found it to be interesting.  As for your question, we will find out later this week.  Or is the date they need to act early the following week?

Don't understand the comments regarding his not playing catcher full time.  Don't most of the minor league clubs have three catchers.  These are all guys they want playing some of the time, thus, playing more than 50-60 games isn't likely.  Haven't looked at the data, but how many catchers, if any, played behind the plate significantly more?  The fact that they have him playing outfield regularly when not his turn behind the plate tells me more about how they value him.

 

[LambchoP]

Don't think he needs a spot just yet. Maybe if he plays as a full-time catcher next year and continues to hit well then he would warrant a 40 man, as we need a replacement for Vasquez and possibly even Jeffers in the near future. With limited roster spots, I think there are a few others who have earned a spot more and have a better chance of impacting the team this year and in 26

[FlyingFinn]

Olivar won't be protected and won't be selected in the Rule 5 draft. No team is going to keep him on their major league club for all of 2025, not even the A's or White Sox.

[Fatbat]

There is 5 open spots on the 40 man, based in history, 3-4 of them will be filled by prospects.  We have 3-4 prospects that need to be added. Olivar is in that discussion for sure. 
Raya and Rosario are a lock

Olivar is also in my opinion.  Other eligible prospects are more fringe types but possibly 1 more could be picked out of that group.

[AKTwinsFan]

He sounds like a good prospect. Maybe just focusing on some pitchers for the time being would be more pertinent. 

[Doctor Gast]

I was a big fan of Richardo Olivar during his '22 FCL MVP season. I was combing through the system to see if there was a catching prospect that I could get excited about. Olivar was the one, he is very athletic, moves around well, and seemed like he had the tools to be a very good catcher who could also hit. IMO serious catchers should stay at Catcher & learn the ropes to become the best catcher he can & not be moved around, Either he's a catcher or he's not, position flexibility isn't a trait I value at Catcher. I have soured on Olivar because he hasn't developed as a catcher as I'd like which necessarily isn't his fault. 

Due to this & him just dipping his toe at AA, IMO he doesn't need to be protected. Olivar has a lot of untapped talent that a team that knew what they were doing could transform Olivar into a very good catcher but it'd take longer than 1 year of MiLB. He's not close to MLB. 

[bean5302]

Scouting reports say Olivar has a weak arm and his catching skills are raw, but at least the front office did shift him away from the 50/50 split moving him to 70% C, 15% DH, 15% LF. He's not a right fielder (weak arm), and the Twins' affiliates have never played him there. Perhaps Falvey has recognized just how poorly he's drafted / developed catchers for the past 5 years?

Falvey seems to have a bit of an almost bizarre obsession to develop a dual role catcher (Olivar, '24 draft Diaw, '24 draft Bender). They've now pushed Olivar into as much catching as I think they could, but maybe that's out of desperation after finally recognizing how thin the talent in the Twins' system really is after years and years of Falvey's neglect. Diaw was an incredible long shot at catcher from the beginning, and Bender wasn't really expected to be able to stick at catcher either. Positional flexibility nonsense?

Anyway, despite all the positional flexibility (everybody is bad at defense everywhere) philosophy, Falvey never took advantage of the positional flexibility he had at the catcher position. Kyle Farmer was drafted by the Dodgers as a SS, but developed as a catcher, starting games behind the dish for LA, and then Cincinnati after the Dodgers traded him. The Twins never had Kyle Farmer catch, and I always wondered about that. Maybe the Twins' initial interest in Farmer was at least partially under the assumption he could be a backup catcher?

Farmer address that at 11:00 in the interview. Farmer does not want to catch, but he'll do it if he absolutely has to. That said, if he's not working out preparing for it, he's not going to be in the physical shape to do the job more than once a week during the season, I wouldn't think. 

Background on that. In 2012, the Yankees and Reds were both interested in Farmer as catcher, but Farmer didn't want to catch as he was an All American shortstop at Georgia (not at all a catcher) so Farmer didn't sign when the Yankees drafted him. The next year, he says everybody wanted him to catch so he gave in when the Dodgers drafted him. Farmer addresses this starting at 8:45. His first game catching was in the minors... he put the shin guards on backwards LOL.

 

[Dman]

4 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Yeah, I don't see it. Agree with others that if he were truly a catcher he'd be catching and not moving around so much. Gleeman named him as a lock in his Rule 5 article so maybe I'm missing something, but absolutely nothing about him jumps out to me as a must add. What he has going for him is that the Twins have no money to spend and have opened a number of 40-man spots. So he has a chance. But I don't see any reason he's a must add at all. 

Yeah I don't know what Gleeman see's that we don't.  He's been a solid hitter with good plate discipline since he got started, but there is no standout tool that I can see other than plate discipline and maybe contact rate?  With a .626 OPS at AA and below average catching skills I don't see him getting taken in Rule V. He needs more time in the minors to see if he can master the breaking stuff they throw there.

I guess if you think he has elite contact skills and you believe he can be backup catcher you can squint your way there, but he isn't fast and he doesn't look ready for MLB to me.

 

[DocBauer]

The OP states he's improved as a backstop in regard to game calling and receiving. Not saying that might not be true, but I haven't heard anything that he actually has, nor to what degree. I don't know if his arm is actually weak or not, but I do know he's only caught basestealers 13% of the time the past two seasons. 

He's not a big guy, but I'm betting his listed weight of 176lbs is out of date, as most MILB players have pitching of date measurables. While he does play LF, he's mostly played catcher, so that may be a positive sign of progression.

He's a 23yo bat with OB skills and seemingly solid contact ability with some power. And he'll be 23 most all of 2025. Bat to ball skills and OB ability are some very good tools to work with. But so far, he hasn't shown enough power to be a consistent LF producer...not that power is everything...and he doesn't have enough polish, I'm guessing, not a SB% ability to suggest someone could sneak him on a roster for an entire season and find use for him jumping straight from A+ with only 19 games and 77 PA at AA.

The rule 5 draft always has this initial angst about it to some degree where we worry about someone with a good future being snagged away. But I just can't see anyone picking him and stashing him for 2025. 

If the Twins have an open spot, love his bat, believe there's more power coming, and that he can be at least a decent catcher option in the future, I guess they might consider placing him on the 40 man. I think it's much more likely he works at AA in 2025 and then might be added if he shows continued progress behind and at the plate.

[DocBauer]

10 hours ago, High heat said:

Patrick Winkel and Chris Williams.  
 

Both can’t pass defensively in the majors.  Williams has a much better bat at AAA especially in 2023.

I believe I read the other day that Williams elected to become a MILB FA. He's reportedly worked very hard to become a solid catcher, and I've heard reports in the past that he's a very smart guy behind the plate. I wouldn't mind seeing him come back if he doesn't like other opportunities presented to him elsewhere.

I've heard Winkel is a solid backstop, but his CS % is in the teens for his career so far. And after showing some progression with the bat at AA in 2023, he took a major downturn at AAA in 2024.

Cossetti had everyone on notice with his bat and power when drafted. It was said his defense and game calling needed work, which is part of the reason he went to the AFL after the 2023 season. But the arm might play as he was around 27% CS in 2023. But that dropped to 17% in 2024, and the bat suddenly disappeared when he hit AA.

Cardenas also saw his bat disappear at AA in 2024 after a very promising 2023. He's reportedly a pretty decent athlete with a good eye, some power potential, solid behind the plate, and has thrown out 28% of base stealing threats in his pro career. But the bottoming out with the bat in 2024 is a worry.

The Twins haven't just IGNORED catching as a position. They just haven't drafted very high since Jeffers, seemingly looking for development guys.

As of today, Camargo is still #3. Personally, based on his 2022 and 2023, I remain disappointed the Twins didn't put him behind the plate more in his brief 2024 time with the club. 

I won't just dismiss Winkel after 1 bad year at AAA, but catching is thin at St Paul if he doesn't rebound.

Based on 2023, I was quite encouraged by the performance of the catchers in the system. Cossetti needed work behind the plate, but showed a decent arm and real offensive potential. And Cardenas might have been the best, most complete catcher in the system. Were they just not ready for AA yet? Did they just BOTH have bad years? They remain the best prospects behind Camargo...who I still like...but they both need big rebound seasons in 2025.

In the 2024 draft the Twins selected Khadim Diaw in the 3rd round. Highest since Jeffers. He's raw behind the plate and has as much time or more in the OF. But they see a ML catcher there. Personally, I still believe catchers are developed more than they are drafted. There's only so many Mauer's out there in the first couple of rounds you can draft and plug and play. 

They also drafted an OF by the name of Jaime Ferrer right after who was a highly regarded catcher in HS, from what has been reported. I recall a family member or friend joining TD right after the draft who stated he moved to the OF in college due to his bat and athleticism, but stated he was an excellent HS backstop. That makes me wonder if the Twins might try him out there or move him there. Some guys are meant to be catchers and some aren't. I just wonder if he might be worth looking at there.

I know this OP is about Olivar and his worth as a potential catcher and 40 man add. But the overall depth of catchers in the system has been brought up, so I've sort of hijacked the thread a bit as a result.

As of TODAY, 2024 was a downturn disappointment across the MILB system in regards to Twins catching prospects. Camargo remains #3 on the list for many good qualities, but is completely umproven at the ML level. Behind him, Cossetti and Cardenas have the bat, arm, and defensive potential to be legitimate prospects. But both have to make serious rebounds in 2024 to re-establish themselves.

[PatPfund]

There are two reasons to add a prospect to the 40-man; 1. they are ready to play in the majors, 2. you need to protect them from somebody else both claiming them in Rule 5 AND keeping them all year.

I like Olivar, but he is no lock to play in the majors anytime soon, and in an era when very few position players get claimed in Rule 5 (like 2-3 a year across all baseball) there is no reason to put him on the 40-man. (And if you do put him on to protect him from Rule 5, and then need the spot later, he goes on waivers where he can be claimed with no rules about having to keep him all year.)

[gman]

How many teams can afford to have a third catcher on their roster all year? Unless they think he can play the outfield some at the major league level.

[bean5302]

Williams elected MiLB free agency on 11/4. His likelihood of returning to the Twins is probably high, but any team could sign him. He isn't likely to hit well at the MLB level even though he's been a tick above league average at AAA the past couple years, it comes with a 32% K rate for the 27 year old. Defensively, Williams has gotten serviceable levels of controlling the run game and he doesn't allow passed balls. He's probably okay there. When it comes to catcher framing, who knows? He's basically a minor league journeyman, but with the Twins' terrible depth right now at catcher, it's possible Williams could get a look.
Steamer projects .189/.277/.344 OPS .621 wRC+ 77, which is... occasionally playable in a pretty desperate catching situation so Williams could be Rule 5 selected or it's possible the Twins could bring him back, but at age 28 next year, having never been on the 40 man, he's far from typical prospect status.

Winkel had more consistent success coming up through the minors than Williams, but last year Williams had the far superior bat. Winkel's .228/.279/.362 OPS .642 amounted to wRC+ 65 at AAA. Like Williams, Winkel also struck out north of 30% of the time, but he didn't take walks to help offset. Winkel also needs a lot of work defensively. He was unable to control the run game, and he had 5 passed balls last year. I don't think of Winkel as more than MiLB roster filler right now.

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, gman said:

How many teams can afford to have a third catcher on their roster all year? Unless they think he can play the outfield some at the major league level.

Plenty. The ones who are rebuilding.

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Plenty. The ones who are rebuilding.

How many teams in recent years actually carried 3 catchers all year? How many teams would you consider as rebuilding to the point where they're willing to completely ignore an entire roster spot? The White Sox? Any other?

The Rockies owner always thinks they can win. The Marlins are reshaping their organization with Peter Bendix being in his 2nd year as POBO and with a new manager. They're not just throwing away a roster spot on a third catcher. Washington is trying to win. Pittsburgh is trying to win. Cinci is trying to win. San Fran is trying to win. The Angels are the Rockies of the AL. The As won't trade Rooker cuz they're trying to win. The Blue Jays won't trade Bichette or Vlad cuz they're trying to win. The Rangers aren't wasting a roster spot on a 3rd catcher. The Rays would never. That's every team under .500 from last year.

I'm not seeing "plenty" there at all. You have to feel real confident in your job security to be willing to use a roster spot on a 3rd catcher on your roster all season.

[bean5302]

10 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

How many teams in recent years actually carried 3 catchers all year? How many teams would you consider as rebuilding to the point where they're willing to completely ignore an entire roster spot? The White Sox? Any other?

The Rockies owner always thinks they can win. The Marlins are reshaping their organization with Peter Bendix being in his 2nd year as POBO and with a new manager. They're not just throwing away a roster spot on a third catcher. Washington is trying to win. Pittsburgh is trying to win. Cinci is trying to win. San Fran is trying to win. The Angels are the Rockies of the AL. The As won't trade Rooker cuz they're trying to win. The Blue Jays won't trade Bichette or Vlad cuz they're trying to win. The Rangers aren't wasting a roster spot on a 3rd catcher. The Rays would never. That's every team under .500 from last year.

I'm not seeing "plenty" there at all. You have to feel real confident in your job security to be willing to use a roster spot on a 3rd catcher on your roster all season.

The question was How many teams can afford to have a third catcher on their roster all year? The answer to that question is any team not planning to compete, which is "plenty."

Aside from that, Olivar is not strictly a catcher.

[chpettit19]

7 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

The question was How many teams can afford to have a third catcher on their roster all year? The answer to that question is any team not planning to compete, which is "plenty."

Aside from that, Olivar is not strictly a catcher.

If you can't name a single team who's ever decided to do it the answer is probably not "plenty." Can you name a single team who's ever decided to do it? Teams that aren't "planning to compete" waive guys every year. Including the worst team in history last year. Nobody is willing to risk their jobs on sitting on a guy and wasting a roster spot for an entire season. "Not planning to compete" and "completely ignoring roster spots" are not the same thing. The answer is not "plenty."

[DJL44]

I think adding Olivar now would be a year too early. I doubt he will be one of the top 25 guys left unprotected. 10 guys were selected last season, but only two position players. Most organizations have their own catcher they like as much as Olivar.

[purplesoldier4u]

I agree with what everyone is saying. Why protect him?