Twins Non-Roster Invitees Include Prospects Luke Keaschall, Andrew Morris, Cory Lewis

[Tom Froemming]

The Twins announced 16 non-roster invitees to spring training Monday, with the list featuring a few top prospects and a handful of minor-league signees who’ve had major-league success. One position player stands out most clearly.

Image courtesy of MiLB.tv screenshots (from left to right: Keaschall, Morris, Lewis)

Luke Keaschall is the team’s No. 3 prospect and a top-100 overall prospect in affiliated pro ball. That status alone makes him noteworthy, but his inclusion is also significant because it seems to be a positive sign that he’s close to fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. He went under the knife in August, but luckily, position players require less rehab time than pitchers. At TwinsFest, Keaschall told reporters he expected to be ready to play the field and throw without restrictions in mid-March.

Pitching prospects Andrew Morris and Cory Lewis are also among the most noteworthy invitees. Lewis was the Twins' Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2023. Morris would have taken that award in 2024, had it not been for Zebby Matthews. Both Morris and Lewis ended last season at Triple-A St. Paul.

Other Twins position-player prospects joining Keachall are Alex Isola, Patrick Winkel, Yunior Severino and Jeferson Morales. Joining them are a couple of guys with big-league time in other orgs, Armando Alvarez and Mike Ford.

Alvarez, a right-handed-hitting utility player, made his MLB debut for Oakland last season. He has a career .837 OPS in 412 career Triple-A games. Ford is a left-handed-hitting first baseman with 251 MLB games under his belt. He made a splash as a rookie with the Yankees back in 2019, hitting 12 homers while posting a .909 OPS in 50 games. Ford impressed again with Seattle in 2023, slugging 16 homers in 83 games. He’s struggled outside of those two strong showings, however, and has a career .700 OPS and 26% strikeout rate.

On the pitching side, there are some familiar names joining Morris and Lewis. Scott Blewett and Randy Dobnak, who both pitched for the Twins in 2024, are back. Ryan Jensen is another arm who was in the org last year. He made 44 appearances for the Saints last season.

Another returnee is Huascar Ynoa, but it’s been quite some time since he’s been with the Twins. Ynoa was dealt to Atlanta in 2017 for Jaime García. He had a strong 2021 for the Braves (4.05 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 9.9 K/9 in 91 IP), but an elbow injury sustained the next year derailed his career. 

Rounding out the arms are Darren McCaughan, Alex Speas and Anthony Misiewicz, who all have MLB experience. Misiewicz (pronounced mih-SEV-itch) appears to have the clearest path to cracking the Twins bullpen, given how thin the Twins are on the left side. He has a 4.67 ERA in 131 games, most of them coming with the Mariners. Misiewicz made one appearance with the Yankees last season.

Here’s the full list of NRIs:

• C/1B/OF Alex Isola
• C Patrick Winkel
• 2B/3B/LF Armando Alvarez
• 1B Mike Ford
• 2B/CF Luke Keaschall
• 1B/RF Yunior Severino
• LF/2B/C Jeferson Morales
• RHP Scott Blewett
• RHP Randy Dobnak
• RHP Ryan Jensen
• RHP Cory Lewis
• RHP Darren McCaughan
• RHP Andrew Morris
• RHP Alex Speas
• RHP Huascar Ynoa
• LHP Anthony Misiewicz

The only top prospects who won’t be in big league camp are either very young (No. 1 Walker Jenkins, No. 4 Charlee Soto and No. 7 Brandon Winokur) or very new to pro ball (No. 8 Kaelen Culpepper). But remember, players from minor-league camp will still get some looks in official big-league spring training games. 

Most importantly (at least to yours truly), all of these non-roster invitees will be eligible for the most prestigious award in all of sports, Sire of Fort Myers. They will all get a chance to become the Hammond Hammer; to Lead in Lee County. So, let's see who seizes the shot.

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[chpettit19]

No Walker Jenkins confuses me. I wonder what their reasoning is to not get him as much exposure as possible to big league players and their routines. I assume we'll see him in some spring games with the big boys, but why wouldn't they want to give him a few weeks with Carlos, Byron, and the boys to learn from them?

[Schmoeman5]

15 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

No Walker Jenkins confuses me. I wonder what their reasoning is to not get him as much exposure as possible to big league players and their routines. I assume we'll see him in some spring games with the big boys, but why wouldn't they want to give him a few weeks with Carlos, Byron, and the boys to learn from them?

Another head scratcher for sure.  He could hit .800 in ST and he still wouldn't head north with the big club. But I'd love to see how he handles MLB caliber pitchers for a month or so.

[Mike Sixel]

Is Eeles on the roster, or not invited?

[chpettit19]

8 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Is Eeles on the roster, or not invited?

Good call. Was so focused on Jenkins I didn't look for Eeles. 

[mikelink45]

I too would like to see Jenkins and Eeles on the ST roster.

I know they like many arms and many catchers to keep all the diamonds occupied so that is not a surprise. 

But Keaschall before Jenkins does not make sense.

• C/1B/OF Alex Isola - need catchers
• C Patrick Winkel - an obvious companion for catch with the pitchers
• 2B/3B/LF Armando Alvarez -4 WAR with Oakland, they did not want him
• 1B Mike Ford - could be the big surprise although he is a career -7 WAR
• 2B/CF Luke Keaschall - it would be amazing to see him make it
• 1B/RF Yunior Severino we dfa'd him before - little chance
• LF/2B/C Jeferson Morales more catching depth
• RHP Scott Blewett - look see for later call up if needed
• RHP Randy Dobnak no chance Randy
• RHPRyan Jensen who?
• RHP Cory Lewis where is he on pecking order behind Festa, Matthews, Morris
• RHP Darren McCaughan another who
• RHP Andrew Morris I suspect that he is the number two call up from St Paul
• RHP Alex Speas another who?
• RHP Huascar Ynoa
• LHP Anthony Misiewicz

 

[Tom Froemming]

34 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

No Walker Jenkins confuses me. I wonder what their reasoning is to not get him as much exposure as possible to big league players and their routines. I assume we'll see him in some spring games with the big boys, but why wouldn't they want to give him a few weeks with Carlos, Byron, and the boys to learn from them?

My guess, and this is complete speculation, is they felt like sending him to minor league camp was best so 1) He could focus on the things they'd like him to improve over potentially trying to impress the big league guys, and 2) So they could devote the maximum amount of time and attention to him.

Basically, it feels like there's a better chance he can focus solely on what he needs to do and the staff can invest more focus on supporting him in minor league camp. That's my guess.

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Is Eeles on the roster, or not invited?

He is not on the roster. I was surprised he didn't get an NRI too until I remembered this is Eeles' first spring training in pro ball. It seems they think he can have a more productive spring over on the minor league side. I could still see him getting into a ton of major league spring games, we'll see.

[Mike Sixel]

I'm good with Keaschell over Jenkins.... Jenkins is not making this roster without a plane crash. Though I doubt Keaschell is either....

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Tom Froemming said:

My guess, and this is complete speculation, is they felt like sending him to minor league camp was best so 1) He could focus on the things they'd like him to improve over potentially trying to impress the big league guys, and 2) So they could devote the maximum amount of time and attention to him.

Basically, it feels like there's a better chance he can focus solely on what he needs to do and the staff can invest more focus on supporting him in minor league camp. That's my guess.

He is not on the roster. I was surprised he didn't get an NRI too until I remembered this is Eeles' first spring training in pro ball. It seems they think he can have a more productive spring over on the minor league side. I could still see him getting into a ton of major league spring games, we'll see.

Thanks. 

[nicksaviking]

I actually think Yunior Severino has a shot to do something this year. He was DFA'd but they brought him back. No one likes the strikeouts, but the Twins may have over-corrected in 2024 in trying to cut them back because the offense had absolutely not threat to it. With Matt Wallner and his similar offensive profile being perhaps the most reliable hitter for the team the last two seasons, I could see them turning to Severino when the the bats predictably go cold.

[Trov]

What is the point of being a "non-roster" invitee versus someone like Jenkins who will not be invited to camp but get games and time at MLB level camp? I get for vets they normally have opt-out clause if they do not make MLB team, but for others I am not understanding the real importance, being the team draws from minor league camp all the time.  Is there a technical limit of players they can have at the MLB side of things? 

[chpettit19]

2 minutes ago, Tom Froemming said:

My guess, and this is complete speculation, is they felt like sending him to minor league camp was best so 1) He could focus on the things they'd like him to improve over potentially trying to impress the big league guys, and 2) So they could devote the maximum amount of time and attention to him.

Basically, it feels like there's a better chance he can focus solely on what he needs to do and the staff can invest more focus on supporting him in minor league camp. That's my guess.

He is not on the roster. I was surprised he didn't get an NRI too until I remembered this is Eeles' first spring training in pro ball. It seems they think he can have a more productive spring over on the minor league side. I could still see him getting into a ton of major league spring games, we'll see.

That's a reasonable enough guess at why he wasn't invited. Not sure it's what I'd do, but reasonable enough stance. Hopefully he's just on the 40-man next year after he gets a September call-up, and we don't have to ever think about this again!

[chpettit19]

7 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm good with Keaschell over Jenkins.... Jenkins is not making this roster without a plane crash. Though I doubt Keaschell is either....

To me, it isn't about making the roster out of spring at all. It's just about what's best for preparing them for the future. I lean towards getting experience with the big club to see how they all go about their work and helping build his routines. But the idea that he'll get more time with coaches to focus on skills is a reasonable enough thought on sending him straight to minor league camp.

[bean5302]

7 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I actually think Yunior Severino has a shot to do something this year. He was DFA'd but they brought him back. No one likes the strikeouts, but the Twins may have over-corrected in 2024 in trying to cut them back because the offense had absolutely not threat to it. With Matt Wallner and his similar offensive profile being perhaps the most reliable hitter for the team the last two seasons, I could see them turning to Severino when the the bats predictably go cold.

You and I couldn't be on more opposite sides on Severino haha.

[nicksaviking]

17 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

You and I couldn't be on more opposite sides on Severino haha.

Yeah, I get it, but a guy who plays 1B and switch hits has a chance for upward mobility on this team, even if others are playing better.

The Twins off season plans are running so far in the opposite direction of improving the offense that I think they could easily get desperate looking for some power early in the season.

[GNess]

19 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I actually think Yunior Severino has a shot to do something this year. He was DFA'd but they brought him back. No one likes the strikeouts, but the Twins may have over-corrected in 2024 in trying to cut them back because the offense had absolutely not threat to it. With Matt Wallner and his similar offensive profile being perhaps the most reliable hitter for the team the last two seasons, I could see them turning to Severino when the the bats predictably go cold.

Agreed - Severino has displayed some good power, is a switch hitter and plays 1B. He can play some OF too. I think if he has an impressive spring and/or hits at St Paul  he may get a shot with the Twins at some point.

[Tom Froemming]

25 minutes ago, Trov said:

What is the point of being a "non-roster" invitee versus someone like Jenkins who will not be invited to camp but get games and time at MLB level camp? I get for vets they normally have opt-out clause if they do not make MLB team, but for others I am not understanding the real importance, being the team draws from minor league camp all the time.  Is there a technical limit of players they can have at the MLB side of things? 

Good question. It's not usually especially significant, it's mainly just where you're getting your work in. But I do think it says to a player "we view you as MLB depth, and while we hope we don't need you, be prepared if things go wrong." Part of being mentally prepared to contribute to the big club might be getting some experience around the rest of the guys, coaching staff and trainers. 

There might be prospects you want to push into thinking about themselves as being on the cusp of the big leagues and there might be other prospects you don't want thinking that far ahead yet.

There is no limit to the number of NRIs you bring to spring training, but at a certain point you just physically run out of room for guys and there's only so many players your big league coaches and trainers can be focused on at any given time.

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'm good with Keaschell over Jenkins.... Jenkins is not making this roster without a plane crash. Though I doubt Keaschell is either....

It's 2025. You don't even joke about that.

 

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah, I get it, but a guy who plays 1B and switch hits has a chance for upward mobility on this team, even if others are playing better.

The Twins off season plans are running so far in the opposite direction of improving the offense that I think they could easily get desperate looking for some power early in the season.

AAA Level - ISO, wRC+
2023
Aug - .265, wRC+ 88
Sep - .292, wRC+ 112
---------------------------
Overall - .278, wRC+ 100
----------------------------
2024
Apr - .146, wRC+ 51 (Includes March)
May - .211, wRC+ 81
Jun - .263, wRC+ 219
Jul - .219, wRC+ 123
Aug - .094, wRC+ 68
Sep - .149, wRC+ 56
---------------------------
Overall - .180, wRC+ 101

Severino was hot 1 month, acceptable 2 months, and unplayable to poor (for 1B/DH AAA) 5 months. Overall, sure, he's got some pop if he's willing to be aggressive against MiLB pitchers, but he's been a streaky average overall for a AAA player at the plate.

[Mike Sixel]

28 minutes ago, Patzky said:

It's 2025. You don't even joke about that.

 

Sorry. Good point

[nicksaviking]

9 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

AAA Level - ISO, wRC+
2023
Aug - .265, wRC+ 88
Sep - .292, wRC+ 112
---------------------------
Overall - .278, wRC+ 100
----------------------------
2024
Apr - .146, wRC+ 51 (Includes March)
May - .211, wRC+ 81
Jun - .263, wRC+ 219
Jul - .219, wRC+ 123
Aug - .094, wRC+ 68
Sep - .149, wRC+ 56
---------------------------
Overall - .180, wRC+ 101

Severino was hot 1 month, acceptable 2 months, and unplayable to poor (for 1B/DH AAA) 5 months. Overall, sure, he's got some pop if he's willing to be aggressive against MiLB pitchers, but he's been a streaky average overall for a AAA player at the plate.

I think you're missing my point, which is that he's a switch hitter and plays 1B. The Twins currently have an issue with 'platoon' partners, 1B and rostering glove only players.

Like I said before, other prospects may be playing better than him, but the Twins are going to quickly realize how bereft their club is of power hitters and run producers. They may turn to Severino whether he's worthy or not. And as he was already DFA'd they likely won't care if he struggles and they quickly DFA him once again. My take has nothing to do with his production and completely to do with the poor build of the Twins 26-man roster.

[Jocko87]

Interested to see where Keaschall plays defensively with two good arms.  Would love to see him be able to play a functional centerfield. 

[DocBauer]

I guess I can kinda understand Eeles going to MILB camp as it's his very first pro camp, and they can still play him in games. But he's not a teenager. I would have brought him in to camp and played him every single day for the first 2-3 weeks to see what I might have.

I also would have done the same with McCusker.  I think there's a better chance these 2 help the Twins in 2025 than a couple 30yo veterans brought in.

[stringer bell]

12 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I guess I can kinda understand Eeles going to MILB camp as it's his very first pro camp, and they can still play him in games. But he's not a teenager. I would have brought him in to camp and played him every single day for the first 2-3 weeks to see what I might have.

I also would have done the same with McCusker.  I think there's a better chance these 2 help the Twins in 2025 than a couple 30yo veterans brought in.

With the minor league camp just down the block from the "big boys", it really doesn't make much difference who gets a Spring Training invitation any more. I guess if you are in major league camp, you will be seen by the major league coaching staff, but that is about it.

Maybe this is saying that the Twins' front office thinks otherwise about McCusker and Eeles.. McCusker and particularly Eeles are good stories, but they're probably both quite a ways from making an impact on the 2025 Twins. I really don't trust partial (or even full) season results at St. Paul. Everyone will have a chance to impress in just days.

The move tells me that Eeles isn't going to be the Opening Day second baseman. Everyone will have a chance to impress pretty soon. 

[Major League Ready]

Has anyone seen a report on Huascar Ynoa.  Would love to see him shock us all.

[Tom Froemming]

1 hour ago, Major League Ready said:

Has anyone seen a report on Huascar Ynoa.  Would love to see him shock us all.

I can tell you he was touching 97 mph late last year in Triple-A. Results were not encouraging and he wasn’t missing many bats, but it can take time for command to return post-TJ.

It’s more than likely he’s cooked, to be completely honest, but it’s essentially a no-risk signing. 

[High heat]

Excited to see how Cory Lewis looks and for a few knuckleballs to get unleashed on some MLB hitters.  
 

The May Saints roster might be a very interesting watch. Are they going to be on45 TV again once in a while?

[saviking]

No Emmanuel Rodriguez???

[Brandon]

Duarte must still be rehabbing.  
Jenkins will likely get some AB if he hits well in minor league games,   
Eeles is a miss so is Emma

I hope they resign Henriquez and give him an invite.  

 

[Fatbat]

Keaschall yes, Jenkins no is simple. Jenkins isnt MLB ready and if everyone in front of Keaschall fails, he will be in MLB (leading off and raking) while starting at 2B.  Could happen as early as April. ….. and where is Erod?

 

 

EDIT….. erod isnt a nonroster invite because he is already on the 40 man roster 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

Edited February 11, 2025 by Fatbat