Five Players on the 40-Man Roster Most Likely to be DFA'd If the Twins Need to Clear Space This Offseason

[Cody Schoenmann]

If the Twins begin acquiring players on MLB contracts, they will need to create room on the 40-man roster. Which players will they be most comfortable with potentially losing on waivers?

Image courtesy of © Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Entering the offseason, the Minnesota Twins had five spots open on their 40-man roster. Almost immediately, two of those spots were wisely given to right-handed pitching prospects Marco Raya and Travis Adams, to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. The front office then partook in the Rule 5 Draft, selecting Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Eiberson Castellano, leaving the team with only two spots left. Soon thereafter, the club used their final two roster spots to acquire high-upside depth pieces, in utility infielder Mickey Gasper and once-highly-touted catching prospect Diego Cartaya.

If Christian Vázquez ($10 million), Chris Paddack ($7.5 million), or another pricey veteran player are moved in the next couple of weeks, the club will have the salary space necessary to make one or two positive moves to bolster their big-league roster. Obviously, if the team moves Vázquez, Paddack, or a different veteran to create salary space, a 40-man roster space will open with their departure. That said, the front office would be wise to bring players on MLB deals in three position groups: First base, right-handed hitting outfielder, and left-handed reliever. The team could find themselves in a win-win situation by signing a player like Mark Canha, who hits right-handed and can play first base and both corner outfield spots. That said, an ideal offseason would include the team bringing in a position player and left-handed reliever.

That being the case, team decision-makers will likely need to make a 40-man roster crunch at some point this offseason. Here are the players most likely to be the odd one out in that hypothetical scenario:

#5 - Mickey Gasper
Gasper is one of the more recent additions to the 40-man roster. Acquired in a trade that sent left-handed reliever Jovani Morán to the Boston Red Sox, Gasper provides flexibility as a utility infielder who could play first, second, or third base while functioning as an emergency catcher. The 29-year-old will likely factor most into the first-base mix, as the organization's depth is weak at the position. They carry only José Miranda, Edouard Julien, and minor-league signee Mike Ford.

As noted earlier, if the club can manufacture salary space, they will likely prioritize spending a significant portion of that money on a player who can play first base. Canha, Justin Turner, and Ty France are fascinating veteran options who could be acquired cheaply. If Minnesota were to acquire one of these bats, Gasper could be the odd player out. That said, the team values Gasper beyond first base, and with FanGraphs projecting him to produce an above-average 109 wRC+ next season, the front office will likely prioritize keeping his switch-hitting bat, unless and until an unexpected opportunity arises.

#4 - Michael Helman
Added to the 40-man roster in early Sept. 2024, Helman could be one of the players most at risk of being cut if the front office finds itself in a crunch. A long-time fan favorite, the 28-year-old utility player made his major-league debut after a wave of injuries hampered the Twins' position-player depth late last season. Helman performed well in his brief stint, generating three hits in his 10 plate appearances with the team, with two of them being doubles. He also provided the defensive flexibility necessary for the team to survive the end of the season, logging innings at third base, centerfield, left field, and right field.

Helman also spent significant time at shortstop and second base at Triple-A and is skilled enough to play those positions in the majors if needed. He could step into the Kyle Farmer role in 2025, while also being able to play all three outfield spots. That said, fellow borderline 26-man roster players like Austin Martin, Edouard Julien, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., and the aforementioned Gasper are seemingly ahead of Helman at their respective positions, potentially making him expendable. Still, multiple players are likelier to be cut loose over Helman, making him a near-lock to inhabit a 40-man roster to begin the 2025 MLB season.

#3 - Ronny Henriquez
Acquired alongside Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the trade that sent Mitch Garver to Texas, Henriquez is entering his fourth season in the Twins organization. The 24-year-old righty impressed in 19 1/3 innings pitched last season, posting a 3.26 ERA, 4.05 FIP, and 18.3% strikeout rate. Henriquez could begin the 2025 season at Triple-A St. Paul as a primary right-handed relief depth option—except, he is out of minor-league options, meaning he would need to make the initial eight-pitcher bullpen out of Spring Training if the front office wanted to guarantee he stays with them to begin the 2025 MLB season.

The Twins are rich in right-handed relief depth, with medium- to low-leverage arms like Michael Tonkin, Justin Topa, Louie Varland, and Castellano seemingly slotted ahead of Henriquez on the right-handed reliever depth chart. Adams is also an option, although the organization might use him as a starting pitcher to begin the season and he has options. Driven by his above-average changeup, Henriquez is a fascinating reliever who could blossom into a bona fide high-leverage reliever at the major-league level. That said, team decision-makers could reasonably elect to part ways with a player toward the bottom of the depth chart of a position group rich with depth.

#2 - Matt Canterino
Drafted in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, Canterino has long existed more as a theory than as a person. Despite possessing high-end stuff and a formidable three-pitch mix, the 27-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut due to a series of arm injuries. If Canterino were fortunate enough to stay healthy long enough to make his debut, he could theoretically blossom into a high-leverage reliever who could complement arms like Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, and Jorge Alcalá in the back of the bullpen. That said, nothing can be counted on regarding Canterino's health, and it is reasonable to suspect his injuries have diminished the arm talent he once possessed.

As noted earlier, the Twins have oodles of right-handed reliever depth ready to perform in the majors. Tonkin, Topa, Henriquez, Varland, and Castellano all rank above Canterino on the team's right-handed reliever hierarchy, leaving him little room for opportunity. If healthy and performing at his peak, Canterino is likely a more skilled pitcher than the six pitchers previously mentioned. However, there is reason to suspect his window is closing, if it hasn't closed already. If the team were to find itself in a 40-man roster crunch, risking losing the oft-injured Canterino on the waiver wire in favor of keeping more reliable MLB-caliber arms would be reasonable, even if his theoretical ceiling is still high.

#1 - Jair Camargo
Last offseason, Camargo was added to the 40-man roster to avoid him potentially getting nabbed in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old backstop maintained a spot on the organization's 40-man roster throughout the 2024 MLB season. However, he netted only six at-bats with the parent club last season, primarily due to catching tandem Ryan Jeffers and Vázquez not spending a single game on the injured list. Camargo entered the offseason as the team's third catching option. The acquisition of Cartaya changes things entirely.

Earlier this offseason, the idea of Minnesota parting ways with Vázquez appeared inevitable. However, a recent report from The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale may suggest otherwise. If the team only needs to trade away Paddack to clear up the space necessary to make moves, meaning Vázquez could play out the entirety of his three-year, $30 million contract with Minnesota, Camargo's spot on the 40-man roster becomes increasingly tenuous.

Camargo sits behind Jeffers, Vázquez, and Cartaya on the organization's catching depth chart. Patrick Winkel (Camargo's catching partner at Triple-A last season) performed similarly to Camargo at the plate while demonstrating a more robust defensive profile. Evidently, after acquiring Cartaya, Minnesota has a surplus of organizational catching depth. If they don't part ways with Vázquez, the team should feel comfortable risking losing Camargo on waivers, as Cartaya and Winkel provide adequate depth at Triple-A.

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[RpR]

You forgot number 1 - Julien

[Otaknam]

I’m not sure why Henriquez is a “fascinating reliever who could blossom into a bona fide high-leverage reliever at the major-league level.” If he is that fascinating why isn’t he a bullpen mainstay already? 

[tony&rodney]

7 minutes ago, RpR said:

You forgot number 1 - Julien

Don't get all emo on us again.

[tony&rodney]

Unless the Twins do something very surprising like trading Pablo Lopez I would expect any trades to send away more players than are returned as far as the 40 person roster is concerned. Whether it is a significant trade to bring in a solid player in a 2-1 or 3--1 transaction or if Chris Paddack is dealt for a prospect, the end result is more likely to open a spot on the 40 person roster.

 

[High heat]

Well Ronny Henriquez is out of minor league options and i don’t see a place in the bullpen for him right now.  He should be number 1 for that reason. 
 

I think Helman is in line to play the Farmer/Castro role with 3 options left. 
 

I can’t see them trading for Gasper and then DFAing him.

 

Canterino can be a Stewart type reliever if he can stay healthy.  
 

If they Twins don’t see Camargo as a big league catcher defensively they he would be next in line.  (I think he’s a big league catcher) 
 

 

[DJL44]

35 minutes ago, Otaknam said:

I’m not sure why Henriquez is a “fascinating reliever who could blossom into a bona fide high-leverage reliever at the major-league level.” If he is that fascinating why isn’t he a bullpen mainstay already? 

Because he turns 25 this year. He's one of the youngest players on the 40 man roster.

[Dman]

For me first cut would be Helman as the Twins have a ton of middle infield depth.  I think he has lots of potential but at 28 it feels like he is a long shot right now. With Keaschal in the wings I think they could let him go if needed.

If Canterino can't stay healthy he would be next on my list but if he gets healthy and pitches he would be last on this list for me.  Hard to say what happens with him this year but way to early to tell right now. I'm assuming the arm doesn't hold up since it hasn't since he turned pro.

I just haven't been a big Henriquez believer and it feels like the Twins have some younger arms coming up with options so I could see them moving on.  He has some decent stuff but the results have been underwhelming IMO.  He could use another year to prove he belongs as he improved last year but I could see them letting him go if they needed space badly.

Gasper would be next as he seems like a decent bet at 1st Base if needed and he can play elsewhere.  Not sure he is needed badly so they could move on from earlier but they did trade for him so assuming they would try to keep him at least this year. Other wise he would right behind Helman for me.

Camargo would be last on my list.  I have rarely had good things to say about his bat or approach since he K's a ton but he can catch and he can hit home runs.  When healthy he looks like a solid backup catcher IMO.  It's just hard to find even slightly less than decent catchers so I think his value is higher than most think. He also has two options years left allowing him to easily be sent up and down.  

I still think there will be trades and they might not bring back MLB players in return so there could be more room if that happens.  Injuries also create room once spring training starts so that will be in play as well.  Twins usually work their magic late so might be a while before we have to worry about room.

[DJL44]

I wouldn't be surprised if Canterino passed through waivers without getting claimed. Roster spots are hard to come by at the moment.

[twinstalker]

Holy crap, Helman is on the 40.  So is Kiersey.  Along with Gasper, I would almost bet all three get DFA'd.

[HerbieFan]

Helman is a nice story...easy guy to root for.  But he'd be first to go for me bc of inherent value of pitching and catching.  I have no idea what to make of the Gasper acquisition.

[Doctor Gast]

What catching depth? We have no MLB depth behind Jeffers & Vazquez. Cartaya hasn't conquered AAA yet if he's next in line we are in trouble. Helman is handy to have around & I wouldn't risk Canterino to go through waivers.

[thelanges5]

45 minutes ago, twinstalker said:

Holy crap, Helman is on the 40.  So is Kiersey.  Along with Gasper, I would almost bet all three get DFA'd.

Keirsey is Buxton insurance. He has to stay. 

[Fatbat]

There is room for Henriquez on the 26man but some young arms will have to start the season in AAA. A definite possibility of 2 guys on the 40 man will be traded for 1 and a minor leaguer.  

[Cody Schoenmann]

2 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

There is room for Henriquez on the 26man but some young arms will have to start the season in AAA. A definite possibility of 2 guys on the 40 man will be traded for 1 and a minor leaguer.  

I could see them prioritizing depth early in the season and opting to keep Henriquez on the 26-man and option Topa or Funderburk. Whether they keep Castellano or send him back to PHI will also factor into the equation.

[Fatbat]

1 minute ago, Cody Schoenmann said:

I could see them prioritizing depth early in the season and opting to keep Henriquez on the 26-man and option Topa or Funderburk. Whether they keep Castellano or send him back to PHI will also factor into the equation.

100% They must have seen something that Castellano has that made them want him. No idea what but Id bet he sticks thru May just to see what he has. 

[mikelink45]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

What catching depth? We have no MLB depth behind Jeffers & Vazquez. Cartaya hasn't conquered AAA yet if he's next in line we are in trouble. Helman is handy to have around & I wouldn't risk Canterino to go through waivers.

I agree. Somehow Cartaya seems to get a lot of people excited and I don't know why. Lots of hype.  

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

I wouldn't risk Canterino to go through waivers.

I would. He hasn't pitched in two years and threw a grand total of 85 innings from 2019-2022. If they can find someone that can actually help this season they should waive him. I'm actually shocked he's still on the roster.

[Fatbat]

20 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I would. He hasn't pitched in two years and threw a grand total of 85 innings from 2019-2022. If they can find someone that can actually help this season they should waive him. I'm actually shocked he's still on the roster.

They must know something about his health and stuff.  He is either gonna come out of no where and be solid or he will be gone and no one will care.

[bean5302]

Headrick would be near the top of my list as well. I'd say Jair Camargo is probably more likely a DFA candidate than Gasper or Cartaya.

[PatPfund]

So Gasper is older than Helman, plays worse defense at fewer positions, is shorter, and would be an underwhelmingly weak bat at 1B especially with RH hitting Miranda on the roster. If he is rated as better than Helman by the Twins, they are just stupid. Though both could probably be waived without getting claimed, and neither has shown they are MLB players yet. Cartaya isn’t a top prospect any more and was dumped for a lottery ticket for a reason; he can’t hit upper minors pitching. So Camargo isn’t getting waived (traded maybe but not waived); Cartaya has an option as well so he probably makes it through camp and gets sent down. I also don’t see them dumping the pitchers you mention, because they have upside and may get claimed. Tonkin, Funderburk, and Headrick are all fungible talents you could waive and have a decent chance of them not getting claimed, or just replace them with someone else if you need spots ahead of ST.

[Mydaughterhastwins]

Jesus, just put Helman at first base (the kid will play anywhere) and leave Keirsey alone to backup everyone who will eventually be injured.  They've more than paid their dues and with this salary structure seem to fit in nicely.  Now, since all my football teams have been beaten senseless, let's play ball.

[wavedog]

No slight against these guys but not a big loss if we DFA'd any of them - I think they would all pass through waivers.  That being said probably not going to have to as we won't add any more talent.   More likely we make a trade.  

[Seth Stohs]

5 hours ago, Otaknam said:

I’m not sure why Henriquez is a “fascinating reliever who could blossom into a bona fide high-leverage reliever at the major-league level.” If he is that fascinating why isn’t he a bullpen mainstay already? 

I actually agree that he's shown an ability to be a solid reliever in a couple of roles. Hasn't been consistent in AAA, much less MLB, but he's still so young and has electric stuff.

My comment would be that if he is "fascinating" and "could blossom into a bona fide high-leverage reliever," then why would they consider DFAing him?

[Seth Stohs]

4 hours ago, HerbieFan said:

Helman is a nice story...easy guy to root for.  But he'd be first to go for me bc of inherent value of pitching and catching.  I have no idea what to make of the Gasper acquisition.

I think trading Willi Castro is something that could happen. Helman can hit just as well as Castro, probably run as well and defend as well... but for $740K rather than $6.4M. I can certainly see Helman being a DFA option, but that would be unfortunate. 

[Seth Stohs]

I think DFAing Camargo would be a mistake. He is the one catcher other than the two starters that is essentially ready to play. Cartaya is probably at least a half-season away, maybe a full year. Gasper's an emergency catcher probably only. 

Could they pass Canterino through waivers? Maybe, but I doubt it. I sure wouldn't. 

Henriquez - too much potential. 

Helman - too versatile, with the ability to hit and field and run. 

Gasper - in my mind, he'd probably be first, followed closely by Tonkin. But DFAing Gasper would mean getting rid of the still-high potential of Jovani Moran. 

[Doctor Gast]

5 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I would. He hasn't pitched in two years and threw a grand total of 85 innings from 2019-2022. If they can find someone that can actually help this season they should waive him. I'm actually shocked he's still on the roster.

I can see where you're coming from. But Canterino has been managed incorrectly his whole career,especially in college. IMO when managed correctly (limiting his innings) due to his arm problems he be a force. Would I DFA Steward because he gets hurt a lot and is limited to the BP? There is a lot of potential in Canterino, it's a shame he hasn't been able to showcase it.

[Fezig]

Is manager considered a roster spot?

[LambchoP]

If they won't sign Chafin or any other lefty for the pen, maybe they trade some combo of Paddack, Helman or Henriquez to acquire a LHRP. We really are going to need one, can't expect Funderburk to be our guy. I think we have enough backup outfielders with Keirsey, Martin and Rodriguez. Not to mention Castro. I'm more worried about first base and pitching. Miranda could be a decent bat, but I don't think he has the power we need at 1b, but it looks like we're stuck with some combo of him, Julien and Keaschal. As for the rotation, I think having Festa and Mathews start in AAA would be very beneficial. If we can dump Paddacks salary I think signing the lefty throwing SP Quintana to be our number 5 would greatly improve our rotation. He's predicted to sign for close to the same salary Paddack would get.

[tony&rodney]

4 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I think signing lefty Quintana to be our number give would greatly improve our rotation.

Quintana would fit in behind Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Festa, Woods Richardson, Matthews, and even Morris. I'm counting Paddack as a relief pitcher. The Twins would not offer Quintana a contract given their current staff.