From Health to Who’s on First: 4 Hot Topics at Twins Camp

[Cody Christie]

The fields at the Twins' spring training complex in Florida are beginning to fill with players. Here are four hot topics to follow as the team reports to Fort Myers. 

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Reporting to spring training is a time when most fan bases can have hope for the upcoming season. This year, it’s an opportunity for Twins fans to get the bad taste out of their mouth after one of the worst collapses in team history. The AL Central projects to be a tight race, with multiple teams in contention for the top spot. Minnesota might have the best projected roster, but a lot can happen throughout 162 games. Here are four hot topics to consider as the team reports to Fort Myers.

Topic 1: Can the Twins stay healthy?
Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Brock Stewart missed significant time in the second half, while the rest of the roster imploded down the stretch. There were positive reports from TwinsFest around Buxton and Correa’s health, but there are no guarantees with their lengthy injury histories. Stewart is a little behind entering camp, so the Twins will ensure he is fully healthy. He could be a candidate to begin the year on the IL. There will likely be other injuries that pop up as the team ramps up for the regular season, and the Twins have depth at multiple positions to provide a cushion. Buxton and Correa are the key to the offense producing at a high level so that all eyes will be on the team’s two superstars. 

There were no new updates by manager Rocco Baldelli on new injuries of note or concern as of yesterday. That's a great first step in the right direction. 

Topic 2: Who’s on first?
The Twins lost Carlos Santana to free agency this winter, and it seemed like the front office might be satisfied with handing the reins to José Miranda or Edouard Julien. However, the Twins signed Ty France to a non-guaranteed one-year deal this week to add depth to the position. He was an All-Star as recently as 2022, but his offensive numbers have dipped over the last two seasons (97 OPS+, 0.1 WAR). Perhaps France’s addition is a way to push Miranda and Julien this spring, because it seems in the team’s best interest for that duo to be the regulars at first in 2025. There have also been discussions about Willi Castro playing some time at first base. France is an interesting bounce-back candidate in his own right. 

Topic 3: Who gets the final bench spot?
There are clear options for the team’s bench, with Christian Vázquez and Harrison Bader locked into spots. Brooks Lee and Julien aren’t guaranteed roster spots, after poor offensive performance in the second half. FanGraphs currently projects the team’s bench to include Vázquez, Bader, France, and Julien. Mickey Gasper is another potential bench option, with a modicum of positional flexibility. Jair Camargo and Diego Cartaya are also options in a third catcher role. It seems likely that injuries will arise during spring training, and that’s when the team’s depth will be tested. 

Topic 4: Will any non-roster invitees make the Opening Day roster?
Earlier this week, the Twins announced their non-roster invites, and there are some exciting names on the list, including multiple top prospects. Top pitching prospects Andrew Morris and Cory Lewis will likely make their debuts during the 2025 season, but neither is expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Luke Keaschall is returning from Tommy John surgery and should be a big-league option in the season’s second half.

Usually, though, it's the veteran NRIs who make the biggest pushes for Opening Day jobs. Castro was an NRI in 2023. Armando Alvarez and Mike Ford have played at the big-league level with other organizations, and that could give them an inside track for a bench role if injuries impact the projected roster. Scott Blewett, Randy Dobnak, and Ryan Jensen pitched at Triple-A last season and have an outside chance at impacting the bullpen in 2025. 

Minnesota enters spring with a positive outlook, but there will be questions for the front office to answer. Are Buxton and Correa prepared for a healthy 2025? Who takes over as the team's regular first baseman? What other players could be surprise additions to the Opening Day roster? Spring training is here; it's time to get excited about 2025. 

---

How would you answer these questions? What other topics will you be following during spring training? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

View full article

[Cory Engelhardt]

Can you clarify, did Rocco not answer because there wasn't anything to report regarding injuries, or did he answer by saying there weren't any injury news to report? 

How you wrote it appears ominous

[Fire Dan Gladden]

IMO the health of the big six throughout the year will determine the success of this team.  If they all stay relatively healthy, the Twins could be a legitimate threat.  Unfortunately history is not on their side.

Blewett could be the first RP call up from AAA after the season starts, depending on how the rotation shakes out.  I would not be shocked if Paddack ended up in the BP.

I don't see both Julien and France making the team.  They are both very limited and somewhat redundant on the field.  Gasper's potential impact can't be ignored here either.

[Parfigliano]

7 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

IMO the health of the big six throughout the year will determine the success of this team.  If they all stay relatively healthy, the Twins could be a legitimate threat.  Unfortunately history is not on their side.

Blewett could be the first RP call up from AAA after the season starts, depending on how the rotation shakes out.  I would not be shocked if Paddack ended up in the BP.

I don't see both Julien and France making the team.  They are both very limited and somewhat redundant on the field.  Gasper's potential impact can't be ignored here either.

Gasper will be 30 YOA in October and has had 18 career ABs.  If he's being counted on as an impact player TC is in deep dog doodoo. 

I think that him even getting called up to MLB is proof positive the season is a catastrophic failure.

[mikelink45]

I believe I will listen to Abbott and Costello - who's on first - it makes as much sense as the Gaspar/Ford/France/Miranda/Julien situation.  

It does say a lot that our biggest discussions are 1B and Bench.

I cannot see them sending out Lee.  I think that they made enough of a commitment to him that they do not want to upset him and have things go backward.  If we can expect Lewis to regain his form we can believe Lee will continue to improve. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

23 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Gasper will be 30 YOA in October and has had 18 career ABs.  If he's being counted on as an impact player TC is in deep dog doodoo. 

I think that him even getting called up to MLB is proof positive the season is a catastrophic failure.

If he earns a callup that's not a bad thing. 

If he is regularly hitting in the middle of the lineup in July, that's probably not a great sign for how the season has gone.

[Doctor Gast]

I don't see Julien validating a spot on the active roster. Gasper & Camargo are AAAA. Cartaya won't be ready for a while. Bader will be our Margot replacement so he'll make the team. If France will be our primary 1Bman & Julien makes the team, there's something seriously wrong with the plan. I do hope that France does hit & become a serious DH/ secondary 1Bman. I rate this offseason so far a C-, to give reference I'd give the Twins a C if they'd done nothing. The discrepancy comes with the addition of Bader. His slight upgrade in defense doesn't offset the needed MLB development of our players to improve this team. The money could have been spent more wisely elsewhere. Look for Bader, Gasper & maybe France to play too much, especially if they are bad. To the detriment of the team. Keaschal should be taken slowly & when he's ready, he should be limited to DH/ 1B.

[Mark G]

We had Mientkiewicz, Morneau, and Molitor at first base (you get the pattern, right?)  Since then, who has played there?  How about we just go with the pattern, it you know what I mean, and give the job to Miranda?  We have tempted fate long enough.  😄

[RpR]

3 minutes ago, Mark G said:

We had Mientkiewicz, Morneau, and Molitor at first base (you get the pattern, right?)  Since then, who has played there?  How about we just go with the pattern, it you know what I mean, and give the job to Miranda?  We have tempted fate long enough.  😄

Yeah but do we have any players whose last name starts with an M?

[Fire Dan Gladden]

47 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

Gasper will be 30 YOA in October and has had 18 career ABs.  If he's being counted on as an impact player TC is in deep dog doodoo. 

I think that him even getting called up to MLB is proof positive the season is a catastrophic failure.

Classify impact player.  They brought him in as a potential bench player and organizational depth at a few positions.  Players like this can't be ignored because he may earn a MLB spot out of ST.  If not, and he stays in the organization, he might see any number of AB throughout the season and bring a veteran presence to the MiLB teams.

Most every team brings guys like this every year.  He could easily play some sort of role for the team this year.  That is all I am saying here.  Him seeing MLB time does not equate to this team being the CWS this season.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

9 minutes ago, Mark G said:

We had Mientkiewicz, Morneau, and Molitor at first base (you get the pattern, right?)  Since then, who has played there?  How about we just go with the pattern, it you know what I mean, and give the job to Miranda?  We have tempted fate long enough.  😄

You forgot Mincher and Mauer

[ashbury]

23 minutes ago, RpR said:

Yeah but do we have any players whose last name starts with an M?

Give Zebby a first-baseman's mitt and see if he's any good.

[Parfigliano]

19 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Classify impact player.  They brought him in as a potential bench player and organizational depth at a few positions.  Players like this can't be ignored because he may earn a MLB spot out of ST.  If not, and he stays in the organization, he might see any number of AB throughout the season and bring a veteran presence to the MiLB teams.

Most every team brings guys like this every year.  He could easily play some sort of role for the team this year.  That is all I am saying here.  Him seeing MLB time does not equate to this team being the CWS this season.

His presence on the 26 man will move them closer to CWS territory then his absence.

[Doctor Gast]

2 hours ago, Mark G said:

We had Mientkiewicz, Morneau, and Molitor at first base (you get the pattern, right?)  Since then, who has played there?  How about we just go with the pattern, it you know what I mean, and give the job to Miranda?  We have tempted fate long enough.  😄

& Mauer

[rdehring]

I am elated that the Twins are in camp and playing baseball.  Will not spend any time thinking about who will make this squad.  Let the players decide that by their play over the next six weeks.  GO TWINS!!!

[DocBauer]

Said it before and will say it again, the biggest question mark/battle is at 2B.

Miranda is the primary 1B, but he'll probably DH once in a while and still 3B occasionally. France has a chance to make it as part of the 1B/DH mix, but he's on a non guaranteed deal for only $1M. That means the Twins had to promise him a 40 man spot to sign, even though his deal isn't guaranteed. 

But the bench isn't just who backs up 1B. If Castro takes 2B, that opens the door wider for Lee and Julien as bench options. Lee takes over 2B, suddenly Castro is the 10th man bench super sub you want him to be. Now it may just be who has the best ST.

I'll be watching 2B more than another other spot during ST.

[Jim wyllie]

I cannot bring this up in my comments enough put royce Lewis at first it will help his health while making the most of his defensive skills. Lee did well playing third last year, as for second try martin, miranda, and Julien til someone sticks or keaschall is healthy.

[NYCTK]

4 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Said it before and will say it again, the biggest question mark/battle is at 2B.

Miranda is the primary 1B, but he'll probably DH once in a while and still 3B occasionally. France has a chance to make it as part of the 1B/DH mix, but he's on a non guaranteed deal for only $1M. That means the Twins had to promise him a 40 man spot to sign, even though his deal isn't guaranteed. 

But the bench isn't just who backs up 1B. If Castro takes 2B, that opens the door wider for Lee and Julien as bench options. Lee takes over 2B, suddenly Castro is the 10th man bench super sub you want him to be. Now it may just be who has the best ST.

I'll be watching 2B more than another other spot during ST.

The more I look at him, the more I wish Eeles were in the proper camp battling for that spot. Unless his defense isn't up to snuff, I think he might be the best of the bunch being considered for the job, if we're under the impression Rocco prefers Castro to be able to move around the field. He's seemingly got better patience at the plate and contact skills than Martin or Lee, and at least comparable power to Lee. 

Lee obviously has more of that projection and promise, but Eeles might just be a better player. 

And Austin Martin is just easily the worst of the three. There's no way he'd be at all in contention if he wasn't a first round draft pick. 

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

The more I look at him, the more I wish Eeles were in the proper camp battling for that spot. Unless his defense isn't up to snuff, I think he might be the best of the bunch being considered for the job, if we're under the impression Rocco prefers Castro to be able to move around the field. He's seemingly got better patience at the plate and contact skills than Martin or Lee, and at least comparable power to Lee. 

Lee obviously has more of that projection and promise, but Eeles might just be a better player. 

And Austin Martin is just easily the worst of the three. There's no way he'd be at all in contention if he wasn't a first round draft pick. 

We disagree somewhat on Lee. But I'm 100% with you on Eeles. IMO, Lee has the defense to handle 2B quite well. If Lee is healthy and shows decently in ST, I feel the job is his. I see him as a 30+ Dbls guy with mid teens HR totals and a solid AVG and OB%. I think 2026 Lee will be better than 2025 Lee. I don't know that he'll ever be a 20HR guy...which would be great if he was...but he doesn't have to have that much power to be a very good player.

But can the Twins ignore what Eeles did in 2024? He's only 1yr older than Lee and put up a stat line in roughly half a season of AAA that was pretty damn awesome. I mean, a .919 OPS with 23 XB hits and 20 SB in 260 PA! 

If Eeles had been a late round pick by the Twins in 2023...his draft eligible season...and had skyrocketed thr same way as he did last year...would he be in camp? I get the "show us you can do it again second time" idea only because it was his first season of pro ball, but how can you ignore that kind of a season when the spot he plays might just be the biggest question mark of your entire roster?

He ABSOLUTELY should be in camp as a non roster invite. And he should be playing daily the first few weeks for a long, legitimate look see. Period! If Lee looks good, or Julien suddenly finds himself again, I get it. But to not even give him a good look is ridiculous, IMO. 

[D.C Twins]

Spring Training... time for the annual stories that so and so are in THE BEST SHAPE EVER stories!

[DocBauer]

2 hours ago, Jim wyllie said:

I cannot bring this up in my comments enough put royce Lewis at first it will help his health while making the most of his defensive skills. Lee did well playing third last year, as for second try martin, miranda, and Julien til someone sticks or keaschall is healthy.

I only partially disagree with you here. Between his pair of knee injuries and just adding more muscle, Lewis has outgrown SS. But he still has the athleticism and hands to be a fine 3B. His issue is a sudden throwing problem he's developed, which is very odd considering he played 3B in HS until his senior season...another Div 1 scholarship player was blocking him...and the throws from SS and 3B aren't all that different generally. 

HOWEVER, the objective is to put your BEST players on the field all at the same time, presumably, in the best spots to accentuate the best defensive value of everyone.

Down the road...and that could be as early as 2026...if Lee is healthy and right, and Keaschall is ready, MAYBE Julien gets right, and MAYBE Eeles is really the surprise prospect he appears to be, things could change. Lee might move to 3B, Keaschall or Julien or Eeles could take over 2B. Maybe Keaschall or Eeles becomes the next Castro. Maybe Eeles just slides in to 1B. Maybe, with all of that, Lewis just becomes the best 1B option on the team, even though he's just fine at 3B.

There's just a lot of moving parts over the course of 2025 in regard to talent settling in, and rising through the system and getting close, that the best alignment TODAY is Lewis at 3B.

Especially the way the game is played today, I've NEVER bought in to the argument that your 1B HAS to be some BIG BOPPER who is limited to that spot, or DH. The Angels used to play Erstad in CF and 1B. The Dodgers did the same with Bellinger. What's wrong with having an athletic 1B...which should only help his defense...who can hit, have pop/power and maybe even RUN? 

I think the old style tropes of positions needs to change in many minds. It wasn't that long ago where CF and SS were glove 1st guys who often lacked a bat. That has changed in a major way the past few years.

So maybe Lewis just fits better at 1B in the future or near future. Or maybe he sticks there and Keaschall takes over 1B. So you aren't wrong with your opinion. But I think the INF as of NOW, is best with Lewis at 3B.

(The OF is in a similar situation, but that's for a different day).

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

We disagree somewhat on Lee. But I'm 100% with you on Eeles. IMO, Lee has the defense to handle 2B quite well. If Lee is healthy and shows decently in ST, I feel the job is his. I see him as a 30+ Dbls guy with mid teens HR totals and a solid AVG and OB%. I think 2026 Lee will be better than 2025 Lee. I don't know that he'll ever be a 20HR guy...which would be great if he was...but he doesn't have to have that much power to be a very good player.

But can the Twins ignore what Eeles did in 2024? He's only 1yr older than Lee and put up a stat line in roughly half a season of AAA that was pretty damn awesome. I mean, a .919 OPS with 23 XB hits and 20 SB in 260 PA! 

If Eeles had been a late round pick by the Twins in 2023...his draft eligible season...and had skyrocketed thr same way as he did last year...would he be in camp? I get the "show us you can do it again second time" idea only because it was his first season of pro ball, but how can you ignore that kind of a season when the spot he plays might just be the biggest question mark of your entire roster?

He ABSOLUTELY should be in camp as a non roster invite. And he should be playing daily the first few weeks for a long, legitimate look see. Period! If Lee looks good, or Julien suddenly finds himself again, I get it. But to not even give him a good look is ridiculous, IMO. 

True. Just saying Eeles was better in almost every way last year. Exit velocity was a tick higher but hard hit % a bit lower. Contact was higher and way more patient.  Was really disappointed with Lee's speed and arm last year too. 

Sadly, think he's kind of a dud that should have been traded before exposed. Not true all star potential but can prove to be a valuable starter still.  

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, D.C Twins said:

Spring Training... time for the annual stories that so and so are in THE BEST SHAPE EVER stories!

Better than that, about a week ago there was a story about how no one is coming off of surgery or rehab this off-season.  IOW, every player is arriving in THE BEST SHAPE EVER™.

[DocBauer]

9 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

True. Just saying Eeles was better in almost every way last year. Exit velocity was a tick higher but hard hit % a bit lower. Contact was higher and way more patient.  Was really disappointed with Lee's speed and arm last year too. 

Sadly, think he's kind of a dud that should have been traded before exposed. Not true all star potential but can prove to be a valuable starter still.  

Lee doesn't have speed. I agree on that. He's not a great athlete. But from what I've seen, he has the limited "quickness" and instinct that allows him to get to balls and make plays. He's got soft hands and a decent arm. I like him defensively. I can't believe I'm saying this, but he reminds me of Ripken and Correa in that he has the baseball instincts and hands to be positioned properly to make a play. (Bit of a stretch I know).

To me he's a bit like Julien. When you hit in HS, you hit in college, you hit in MILB, you have HIT potential at the ML level.

I'm still refusing to give up on Eeles as a potential ML player, but that's also only part of the discussion here.

[arby58]

4 hours ago, Jim wyllie said:

I cannot bring this up in my comments enough put royce Lewis at first it will help his health while making the most of his defensive skills. Lee did well playing third last year, as for second try martin, miranda, and Julien til someone sticks or keaschall is healthy.

Miranda played some at second base every year from 2016-2021, and not since then. It appears the Twins determined he was not suited for second base. Given his size, that is not surprising.

[Cody Christie]

9 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Can you clarify, did Rocco not answer because there wasn't anything to report regarding injuries, or did he answer by saying there weren't any injury news to report? 

How you wrote it appears ominous

It wasn’t meant to sound ominous. For the players that have reported, there was nothing new to report. There will likely be some minor injuries that pop up early in camp but they are starting in a good place at the moment <knock on wood>.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

9 hours ago, RpR said:

Yeah but do we have any players whose last name starts with an M?

[David HK]

13 hours ago, Jim wyllie said:

I cannot bring this up in my comments enough put royce Lewis at first it will help his health while making the most of his defensive skills. Lee did well playing third last year, as for second try martin, miranda, and Julien til someone sticks or keaschall is healthy.

I played short and second in the salad days of the Mesozoic era. Later on, moving to LA and playing over-40 ball along with some ex-major leaguers, played a lot of 3rd.  All I cared about was having a big target who could catch the damn ball. Why is that so hard at the MLB level? Royce would be a good option, especially since his throwing appears to be an Achilles heel.

[LambchoP]

With the year Eeles had in '24, he should have the same opportunity to earn a roster spot as Lee or Julien. Whether as a second baseman or utility guy. Who cares if hes not a top prospect? If he can outhit and outplay other guys, then he should get a legitimate look.

[Fred]

20 hours ago, NYCTK said:

The more I look at him, the more I wish Eeles were in the proper camp battling for that spot. Unless his defense isn't up to snuff, I think he might be the best of the bunch being considered for the job, if we're under the impression Rocco prefers Castro to be able to move around the field. He's seemingly got better patience at the plate and contact skills than Martin or Lee, and at least comparable power to Lee. 

Lee obviously has more of that projection and promise, but Eeles might just be a better player. 

And Austin Martin is just easily the worst of the three. There's no way he'd be at all in contention if he wasn't a first round draft pick. 

I know I'll get some hate from this (I promise you I'll recover), but both Eeles and Helman play better defense at SS and CF than Castro. I think it would be ideal to trade Castro while his value is high (All Star). I can't find it right now, but I recall Castro carrying a TERRIBLE RISP, and, man, I am tired of 10, 11, 12 LOB. Not to mention the salary savings. Let's make this more attractive to the Ishbia brothers