Burning Questions For 2025 Twins Spring Training: Second Base

[Matthew Lenz]

The Minnesota Twins have multiple players who can play second base for the upcoming season. Will just one of those players win the job, or will it be a bit of a rotation? Spring performances could help decide that answer.

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

In 2024, the Twins' second base group combined for -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), fourth-worst in all of baseball. Nor were they much better on the offensive side of things. While six different players manned the keystone, Edouard Julien, Kyle Farmer, and Willi Castro got the lion's share of the opportunities. With one of those players out of the picture and Julien coming off a pretty terrible sophomore season, will Casto be Carlos Correa’s primary double-play partner? Twins’ manager Rocco Baldelli addressed this question in a scrum with reporters at Twins spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., on one of the first days of camp.

“As we sit here right now, we don't have one player that I think I'm going to say, yeah, that guy's going to get 600 plate appearances over at second base," Baldelli said.

So, who will get the most plate appearances? Unsurprisingly, Baldelli held his cards close.

“There's several of them. So it's not like it's one, it's not even like it's two. There's more than that. So I like knowing that we have good, talented options…”

I mean, there aren’t even tea leaves to read there. We’re completely left to hypothesize what the playing time at second base will look like in 2025. For what it’s worth, Baseball Prospectus’s PECOTA projections and their manually estimated Depth Charts lay out the following timeshare at the position:

• Brooks Lee 315 PA (45%)
• Julien 210 PA (30%)
• Austin Martin 105 PA (15%)
• Mickey Gasper 35 PA (5%)
• Castro 35 PA (5%)

When previewing the spring training battles, I had previously suggested that second base would again be a merry-go-round in 2025, but that Castro would ultimately get most of the time. Given the question marks surrounding everyone else on that list, recent comments Baldelli made regarding Martin in the outfield, and Castro’s putrid defense in the outfield, I still think that will be the case.

Despite being a Gold Glove finalist in 2024, Castro’s only above-average spot on the field has been at third base. He was roughly average at second, but graded out pretty terribly everywhere else. Royce Lewis has a hold on third base (barring health issues) and the Twins have five guys who will see a lot of time in the outfield, so I don’t really understand why they wouldn't roll with Casto as the primary second baseman—albeit with the understanding that injuries elsewhere might force him to move around and the team to adapt accordingly. Of the five names BP lists above, he’s far and away the biggest contributor at the plate and was the most reliable with the glove in 2024. So, how isn’t Castro the clear favorite to be the primary second basemen in 2025?

I think it pretty easily comes down to wanting to find a longer-term answer at the position. Castro will be a free agent at season’s end, so who plays in 2026 is very much an open question. If it's not Lee, that person may not even be on the 40-man roster right now. Julien has a lot to prove if he wants to etch himself into the Twins’ long-term plans. Lee struggled a fair amount in his rookie season, but deserves more opportunities to make good on his first-round draft pedigree. Martin will be spending most of his time in the outfield in 2025 and might sneak into the infield when they’re really in a pinch. Realistically, I think it’s pretty likely that at least two of these guys start the year in Triple-A.

There are also a couple of fun dark-horse options, though. Payton Eeles exploded onto the prospect scene last year and has a ton of steam behind him in 2025. He’ll undoubtedly start the year in St. Paul, but if he repeats what he did last season, he might get a shot somewhere during the long season ahead. Of course, 2023 second-round pick Luke Keaschall is yet another name to keep an eye on, although he’s more likely to come along slowly in his return from injury and to truly assert himself for 2026.

Though it won't be Plan A, Castro getting the majority of the work at second in 2025 wouldn't be a surprise. Given the experience and age of the others in the competition, I’d like to see Julien act as Castro’s counterpart and give him one final chance to prove he has a role on this team. That would give Lee the opportunity to get more seasoning with the Saints, instead of losing at-bats to someone who likely isn’t part of the long-term plans of the organization.

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Who do you think should get the most reps at second base? Join the conversation in the comments!

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[Karbo]

IMO they should give Lee a lot of tome this year.  Give him enough rope to swing or hang. Have to find out what they have.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Probably the one position invoking the most discussion this offseason (followed closely by 1B).  So many options for the Twins to try, some hoping to maintain (Castro), some hoping to regain (Julien). some hoping for a chance (Gasper) some hoping to grow into the position (Lee, Martin).

Unless somebody really hits well and grabs the position, expect another revolving door all year long.

[LA Vikes Fan]

Agree on Lee, at least for ST, but I think they need him to make the team to be the backup SS. Castro stinks at SS and we don't have anyone else unless they think Lewis can still play SS (and he can't). I think it's a 60/40 time share at 2B between Castro and Lee, with Castro getting some time at 3B but not a lot. I think 3B is 70/30 Lewis and Miranda, with Miranda also getting the short end of a 60/40 split at 1B with France.  The DH spot is an amalgam of Lewis, Buxton, Miranda, France, and off days for Correa, Wallner, and Jeffers.  Larnach and Bader are a pretty strict LF platoon, with Bader also on the short end of a 60/40 split in CF and a late inning defensive replacement.  

This all leaves one more spot. Who gets it - Julien, Keirsey, Gaspar, Ford, or Martin? I think you look to the most unsettled positions and see who fits those positions. Those are 2B, a RH hitting corner OF, and a LH hitting 1B.. Julien can play 1B and 2B (sort of) and Martin can play OF and 2B (sort of). I have to think those two have the best shot in that order. Although I'd love to see Keirsey force his way onto the opening day roster by continuing to play this well throughout ST, I think it requires an OF injury for him to make the club out of ST or during the season for that matter. I think Gaspar and Ford are AAA depth unless they have a strong desire to have an emergency C on the 26 man roster and they keep Gaspar.   

[TopGunn#22]

I cannot remember a time there has been more uncertainty about 2B for a Twins team in their history.  While I was born in 1958, I became a Twins fan and starting collecting baseball cards when I was 6 years old  (1964).  That's probably why Tony Oliva is my favorite all time Twin.

So as a fan, I started with the relatively unremarkable Bernie Allen with a little Frank Quilici thrown in. (and a little Jerry Kindall)   Not long after that, the Rod Carew years started (1967) which later gave way to the Bobby Randall years as Carew slid over to 1B.  

Through the years, the options haven't always been good, but there wasn't a great deal of intrigue about who would open the season.  

To put Castro there the majority of the time negates his biggest value...his day to day versatility.  I once thought Castro could be the next Cesar Tovar.  A guy who just earns his way from master utility guy to a full time position, in Tovar's case, first LF and then CF for 1969, 1970 and 1971.  Unfortunately, I don't see Castro as having that ability.  And I don't want to see him playing the majority of games at 2B.

To me, it has to be Brooks Lee's job to win or lose, and you have to give Lee spring training and April & May (possibly even June) to win it outright or lose it.  Julien was SO BAD last year that he's got to set AAA with St. Paul on fire before he even gets a thought.  He will always be below average defensively (we as Twins fans have seen enough) so his only chance to stick is to hit, and to hit with a vengeance.  

I can't see Austin Martin getting 105 plate appearances with the Twins in 2025 much less 105 as a 2B.  

So that leaves the 2 Wild Cards that got mentioned but received 0 AB's from Baseball Prospectus "PECOTA" projections:  Luke Keaschall and Peyton Eeles.  The Twins will have Keaschall, Eeles and Julien all at St. Paul with the Saints.  Eeles can play all over but his best position at the MLB level will be 2B.  Keaschall may DH quite a bit and spend more time at 1B while he strengthens his arm post Tommy John surgery.  But he will get AB's while playing 2B.  Keaschall could also see some time in LF and CF with the Saints.  By the end of May things will start clarifying themselves with how Lee is doing at the MLB level and how Keaschall, Eeles and Julien are performing at St. Paul.  

It's possible, but not probable that everyone just under performs, but I think there will be a couple players who separate themselves from the pack.  Who those will be is anyone's guess.  But I think the BEST outcome would be for Lee to emerge and for Keaschall to keep raking.  

[Rod Carews Birthday]

The more I think about it, the less I have major concerns about the position.  There are LOTS of options, none of which is ridiculous.  If Julien comes back and hits while maintaining the improved defense that he started the year with last year, he’s extremely valuable and the likely second baseman.  If he doesn’t hit, then I think it is Lee’s to try to keep or lose, and since it is widely assumed that he has great potential, I think he could easily be that guy.  I think Keaschall and Eeles are too far down in the pecking order to factor in at this time.  Austin Martin, formerly highly touted prospect (which doesn’t happen by accident, he has some skills), could also slot in the spot if given a chance for regular work.  That’s three legit possibilities BEFORE you get to the break glass in case of emergency candidate, Willi Castro.  Castro, it should be noted, isn’t the break glass candidate because he’s bad, but because he would serve the team better with a more flexible role.  

I don’t agree with those who have declared that “these guys all suck.”  There is unquestionably a good second baseman in that group, maybe two or three.  Figuring out the right mix will be the challenge and may not sort itself completely out until midseason. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Listen to Baldelli. smh. The merry go round goes round and round.

[Mark G]

It brings to mind the old adage when everyone is in charge of something no one is.  If everyone (almost) is a possibility at 2nd, is any ONE a true 2nd baseman? 

Right now the entire right side of the infield is such a crap shoot; how did we get into this mess?  😬 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Lewis would be my 2B moving forward. Lee would be my 3B. Miranda at first. Correa SS. Castro for 2025 would continue to move around and give people a day off. The odd man out would be Martin. Yes he could back up Lewis. But that doesn't give him full-time play which I think he needs. He could also backup Larnach in LF. As I stated in another story, I believe Martin can play this game. But for him to reach his full potential that might happen best on another team. But Lewis would be my full-time 2B.

[DJL44]

Bader in the OF should mean less Castro in the OF. I would plan on Castro playing more games at 2B than any other position.

[DocBauer]

I've said it before and will say it again, 2B is a key to the opening day roster, and the lineup.

Castro at 2B limits his value...and I'm a fan...and removes a portion of his value to the team. While I believe he's a viable position player at a couple spots, including 2B, his greatest value is being the 10th man. What and who constitutes a viable bench without him?

The Twins WANT Lee to be healthy and take over 2B. Hopefully that will be the case. That allows Castro to be the 10th man SUPER UTILITY player that he's become. IDEALLY, Julien will force his way on to the roster as a much needed LH bat who can DH and cover 2B and 1B.

I'm NOT down on Lee after a rookie season, mixed in with some injuries. I don't believe the Twins are, and we shouldn't be as fans either. 

Keaschall has the ability to help EVERYWHERE from 2B to 1B or DH or CF, eventually. And I believe the FO is misguided if they don't consider Eeles as a legitimate prospect. Not only should he have been a NRI, but even a couple games in to ST, why has he yet to appear as a late inning option. Is he hurt?

The last roster spot, or two, depends on who wins 2B. If it's Lee, the lineup and defense starts to make sense. With France, Miranda, Vazquez, and Bader, it's a 1 spot battle. 

Keirsey gets shoved because he's the 5th OF. IF Julien's bat shows life, he's the final man to begin the season. His LH  bat is more important than the questionable bat and questionable defense of Martin. 

Again, 2B is a key to the final opening day roster.

[Fatbat]

Well the hype train has slowed down on Lee in the last 12 months.   Given that everyone is healthy. Castro and Lee split time at 2nd and Miranda is moonlighting with France at 1B.  Also given that most of our infielders can play 2-3 positions so there is already too much redundancy built into Rocco’s matchup turnstile. 
LK is going to beat out Julien/Eeles for 1st call up if/when someone goes on the IL. 

[Doctor Wu]

19 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I cannot remember a time there has been more uncertainty about 2B for a Twins team in their history.  While I was born in 1958, I became a Twins fan and starting collecting baseball cards when I was 6 years old  (1964).  That's probably why Tony Oliva is my favorite all time Twin.

The uncertainty factor, the year of birth, collecting baseball cards, the Tony Oliva fan ... that's me too!

[Doctor Wu]

6 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Castro at 2B limits his value...and I'm a fan...and removes a portion of his value to the team.

Definitely agree with that summation. I wouldn't mind if Lee got the first shot at the position, but I'm not 100% behind him either. 

[Doctor Wu]

19 hours ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

Lewis would be my 2B moving forward. Lee would be my 3B. Miranda at first. Correa SS. Castro for 2025 would continue to move around and give people a day off. The odd man out would be Martin.

Just the idea of all these players moving around the infield willy-nilly is making me dizzy. It may end up being akin to a game of musical chairs. 

[Doctor Gast]

What should be done & what will happen are 2 different things pertaining to the Twins. 1st Lee is a solid glove but should be sent down to work on his hitting (but should be the 1st INF injury call up). Julien is a liability at 2B & should be sent down to AAA to work out his hitting & finally his position at 1B. Castro's greatest value is that he's established as a super utility player. He was an all-star the 1st half, but by far surpassed his previous top PAs from 450 in '21 to 635 in '24 that's over almost 200 PAs & 226 PA more than last year & he had to play far too often at demanding CF & SS. People who look only at stats miss the boat because Castro was clearly overextended, that affected all his stats OFF & DEF. With the addition of Bader & Keirsey on the 40-man that will greatly ease up the pressure on Willi to play CF & OF in general. Hopefully Correa & Lee's health will vastly improve, where he's less needed there. With less time at CF & SS, that'd greatly improve his stats as a super utility.

With the total failure of CF Margot last season, Martin was our best CF sub via necessity, Martin has never been settled or groomed at CF. To repeat with (RH) Buxton & Bader in CF & (LH) Keirsey available to sub Buxton against LHPs with Emma, Keschal & Jenkins at the door. To now, start to groom Martin at CF IMO is very redundant & setting up Martin to fail. Because if he gets on the active roster he'll never play. To repeat again MLB CF is a super difficult position for anybody, much less a rookie that has not been groomed, is asking way too much. Being the best in what we had on hand at CF, that was enough to keep us afloat for most of the season. 

The Twins need to reward Martin for his courageous efforts last season by settling him at 2B & give him a chance to be productive. Twins need desperately his potential as a lead-off hitter, he more than merits this opportunity. Like I said earlier, what should be done & what will happen are two different things.  But this should have been done in the beginning of spring training, which tells me this won't happen. to the Twins loss. The Twins will give Julien every opportunity to fail at 2B but fail to give Martin one opportunity to thrive there. I know I'll get a lot of thumbs down from Martin haters because of everything he went through last season his OPS wasn't to their liking. But I'll still defend Martin, not because I think he'll become a super star but because he can be an asset to the Twins & deserves the chance.

[Fatbat]

1 hour ago, Doctor Wu said:

Definitely agree with that summation. I wouldn't mind if Lee got the first shot at the position, but I'm not 100% behind him either. 

Castro is needed n the lineup more than Lee. For now, Castro’s total value is higher than Lee so he will be in the game at 2B until he is more important somewhere else. 
Lee will get his shot and hopefully Eeles gets a call up at some point to see if he is a legit option.

[Finlander]

Looking at some candidates:

I'd not be comfortable having someone with knee injury history (Lewis) trying to turn double plays at 2B.

I agree with the several posts who'd like for Castro to remain as the versatile supersub, primarily in the infield.

Julien has shown hitting skills in the minors and at the major league level before nosediving. His defense had improved a bit too before his hitting plunged. This is a critical period for him.

Lee and Martin both have pedigree as high 1st round picks with supposedly elite hit tool. Unfortunately, the hit tools haven't quite emerged yet. In my opinion, they should be honed by playing everyday in the minors, rather than fossilizing on a MLB bench. But I wouldn't be surprised if one makes the Twins roster. Given their draft position, they'll both be given every chance available to make it, a la Kirilloff, Larnach, etc.

The wild cards - Eeles and Keashall. I like them both. There are some exciting aspects to their games, and they're hungry. Eeles has a sneaky good bat, reminds me a little of Pedroia. I look for one of them to have an impact on the club by August, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them is in contention to be the starting 2B in 2026. No one else seems to be grabbing it.

My gut (which is substantial) tells me that whoever emerges as a primary 2B this spring will be a placeholder for someone else in 2026, unless Lee or Julien show some drastic improvement.