Three bench guys

[stringer bell]

The Twins currently have three infielders who are in a backup role, none of them are established major league players-one was optioned to the minors and the other two were DFA'd by their Opening Day team.

If the team gets healthier, it would seem that one, two or maybe all three of these guys will be taken off the major league roster. I am wondering about the pecking order. A lot of factors might come into play. 1) Performance 2) Flexibility 3) Platoon advantages/disadvantages and 4) Options. Here's my take:

Mickey Gasper--Gasper has started games at second base and appeared at first base and catcher. He would appear to be a less than graceful defender. Since coming back from a week in St. Paul, Gasper has four hits and three RBI and he is a switch hitter. While Gasper's versatility and ability to switch hit work in his favor, I believe he will be the first or maybe the second to be sent down. The reason is that he is able to be optioned, while the other two players cannot.

Kody Clemens--The Twins acquired Clemens last week when phenom Luke Keaschall broke his arm when hit by a pitch. Clemens got into his first game and got a hit off a position player pitching. Clemens can play in the infield and outfield (except shortstop) and has 400+ major league plate appearances with a lifetime OPS+ of .611.  He hits left handed and is out of options. I think his pickup might be very short. He might be the first to go because the Twins aren't really in need of a left handed hitting infielder and he's shown he isn't likely to break out. 

Jonah Bride--Bride is a right handed hitter with pretty extreme platoon splits. He had success last year with a 122 OPS+ in a half season with the Marlins. He was DFA'd after a brutal start this year. Bride is 7-14 with the Twins and looks capable at third base. Bride has experience at first and second and did some catching in the minors. He could serve as an emergency catcher for the Twins. Like Clemens, Bride can't be optioned to St. Paul. I think Bride will stick around for awhile. He looks capable in the field and he has had recent success as a hitter. The reverse splits make it tough for him to be a short-side platoon player, but so far he's hit lefties and righties for the Twins. 

If I'm going to predict who goes, I think that if both Willi Castro and Royce Lewis are activated within a week, Clemens will be DFA'd and Gasper will be optioned. All these guys are in their upper 20s, so not like anyone is a prospect. What's the opinion of people on this site? 

 

 

[lecroy24fan]

I think they could also consider optioning Kiersey since he is barely playing even with Wallner out. He could use some consistent playing time in AAA. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

7 hours ago, lecroy24fan said:

I think they could also consider optioning Kiersey since he is barely playing even with Wallner out. He could use some consistent playing time in AAA. 

Kiersey turns 28 in a couple weeks. Why does he need consistent playing time?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

9 hours ago, stringer bell said:

The Twins currently have three infielders who are in a backup role, none of them are established major league players-one was optioned to the minors and the other two were DFA'd by their Opening Day team.

If the team gets healthier, it would seem that one, two or maybe all three of these guys will be taken off the major league roster. I am wondering about the pecking order. A lot of factors might come into play. 1) Performance 2) Flexibility 3) Platoon advantages/disadvantages and 4) Options. Here's my take:

Mickey Gasper--Gasper has started games at second base and appeared at first base and catcher. He would appear to be a less than graceful defender. Since coming back from a week in St. Paul, Gasper has four hits and three RBI and he is a switch hitter. While Gasper's versatility and ability to switch hit work in his favor, I believe he will be the first or maybe the second to be sent down. The reason is that he is able to be optioned, while the other two players cannot.

Kody Clemens--The Twins acquired Clemens last week when phenom Luke Keaschall broke his arm when hit by a pitch. Clemens got into his first game and got a hit off a position player pitching. Clemens can play in the infield and outfield (except shortstop) and has 400+ major league plate appearances with a lifetime OPS+ of .611.  He hits left handed and is out of options. I think his pickup might be very short. He might be the first to go because the Twins aren't really in need of a left handed hitting infielder and he's shown he isn't likely to break out. 

Jonah Bride--Bride is a right handed hitter with pretty extreme platoon splits. He had success last year with a 122 OPS+ in a half season with the Marlins. He was DFA'd after a brutal start this year. Bride is 7-14 with the Twins and looks capable at third base. Bride has experience at first and second and did some catching in the minors. He could serve as an emergency catcher for the Twins. Like Clemens, Bride can't be optioned to St. Paul. I think Bride will stick around for awhile. He looks capable in the field and he has had recent success as a hitter. The reverse splits make it tough for him to be a short-side platoon player, but so far he's hit lefties and righties for the Twins. 

If I'm going to predict who goes, I think that if both Willi Castro and Royce Lewis are activated within a week, Clemens will be DFA'd and Gasper will be optioned. All these guys are in their upper 20s, so not like anyone is a prospect. What's the opinion of people on this site? 

 

 

I think it’s possible Correa goes on the IL when Castro comes back. That wrist has to be hurting.

[Riverbrian]

String,

I think you are right but Keirsay needs to be included in the discussion. 

[Riverbrian]

BTW

I'm not sure that I would have signed Bride in the first place. 

However... now that he is here and now that he is 6 for 12 with only one strikeout.

Keep playing him until he cools down. 

[stringer bell]

11 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

String,

I think you are right but Keirsay needs to be included in the discussion. 

I think Keirsey is safe until Wallner returns. The latest report has Matt out for weeks not days. 

[dxpavelka]

I think it feels like the more of these guys they add to the roster the more games they seem to win.  Just sayin

[Riverbrian]

4 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I think Keirsey is safe until Wallner returns. The latest report has Matt out for weeks not days. 

It's quite possible that you are right. 

I think that means Bader is full time. 

[lecroy24fan]

10 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Kiersey turns 28 in a couple weeks. Why does he need consistent playing time?

Because he's gotten so few reps he could use some game time. I get he's not a prospect. He's getting the least playing time of anyone on the team.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

40 minutes ago, lecroy24fan said:

Because he's gotten so few reps he could use some game time. I get he's not a prospect. He's getting the least playing time of anyone on the team.

Someone has to be least. Vazquez can’t be a pinch runner

[dxpavelka]

3 hours ago, lecroy24fan said:

Because he's gotten so few reps he could use some game time. I get he's not a prospect. He's getting the least playing time of anyone on the team.

there might be a reason for that

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Bride has earned more roster time. I'd still like to see a little more of Gasper if the other option is Clemens.

So I'd cut Clemens first. The Twins might want to keep all three, which means they'd demote Gasper because they can.

[Parfigliano]

On 4/29/2025 at 6:18 AM, Riverbrian said:

It's quite possible that you are right. 

I think that means Bader is full time. 

Bader was slotted to play 5 out 6 games the day they signed him.

[Parfigliano]

On 4/29/2025 at 5:59 AM, Riverbrian said:

String,

I think you are right but Keirsay needs to be included in the discussion. 

I think Keirsey is happy happy to be banking days towards that MLB pension plan.

[Mike Sixel]

I agree they'll likely option the one guy they can. It's not like he'd take at bats from a prospect in AAA, since there are none there. And they love depth.

But I think Clemens is gone first, because they'll keep the best players in Minnesota...ok, who am I kidding?

[DocBauer]

Clemens has been around, can play different spots, but has seldom proved he can hit at the ML level. I agree he's gone 1st.

What very little I've seen of Bride, it appears he's got a good glove. Despite his sudden hitting explosion with the Twins, I have to question his bat potential overall. But, he did perform well for Miami in 2024. Maybe there's some potential in his bat as a good glove decent hit bench option? Speaking of options, does he have any? (Or did i miss that)?

I don't think Gasper offers much of anything with the glove. I have some faith that his bat has SOME potential based on his MILB career and looking more comfortable in his 2nd go with the Twins. 

Lewis and Castro should both be back around the same time. The INF suddenly has depth and better production when that happens. Again, I'm not sure if Bride has any options left. (I'm guessing not). But if Bride is DFA he might stick for additional AAA depth. (I do like his glove so far from what I've seen). Gasper can be optioned.

I'm guessing it's whoever is still swinging a hot bat at the time. If Bride continues to hit decently, I think Gasper goes down. If Bride goes on an 2 for 24 over the next week, they might keep Gasper, assuming he doesn't do the same. At that point, flip a coin.

But if that happens, HEADS says keep Bride and his glove for the short term.

I'm leaving Keirsey out of the discussion for now because he fits a role nobody else does. He's a defensive replacement OF and PR who can steal a base. Rocco has been much more aggressive in the running game, though that goes away a bit without Keaschall. And while Keirsey hasn't hit, he also hasn't had an opportunity for anything close to regular playing time. Considering the state of the offense, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing at this point. MAYBE he's deserving of a few starts and MIGHT actually start to hit. That would be GREAT! But who does he replace in the lineup for that opportunity at this point? I think he's safe in his role for now. But damn I'd like to see him get a chance if possible.

Oh my baseball gods, can we POSSIBLY have Lewis, Castro, and Wallner all 3 back by June 1st...at the latest...and nobody else breaks or tears something? PLEASE! 

 

[DocBauer]

Stupid post by me, but 2 career MILB players in Gasper and Bride. One is short and has the Mario mustache. The other wears glasses. Who do you root for more? LOL

[William K Johnson]

At what point does Julien enter the conversation?

[DJL44]

5 hours ago, William K Johnson said:

At what point does Julien enter the conversation?

Here's the order I would demote players

1) Gasper - does a few things okay but nothing particularly well. Has options. I expect he will go down for Royce Lewis.

2) Clemens - not elite at anything but okay at everything. Expect him DFA for Castro since he won't get any playing time with Castro on the roster. Opens up a 40-man roster spot for McCusker if he is DFA.

3) Keirsey - possible he gets optioned instead of Clemens DFA when Castro returns if they want to continue to hoard depth players. Has a role as a defensive replacement and pinch runner but shouldn't be stretched beyond that role. Plus, Castro can fill that OF defense role. Could last until Wallner returns. Would already be gone if Austin Martin was healthy.

4) Julien - Lost the starting 2B job to Brooks Lee but not a bad bench player. Better option at DH than Gasper. 

5) Bride - Keep. Looks like an adequate bench bat. Does everything we hoped Miranda could do. Platoons with Julien.

A bench of Castro, Julien and Bride is pretty good. I think they need McCusker's bat more than Keirsey's glove if Castro and Lee are both on the roster.

[jaimedude]

21 hours ago, William K Johnson said:

At what point does Julien enter the conversation?

Yeah Julien they should try to trade. There other guys on roster that will pass him up. He doesn't really have position flexibility other than 2nd and 1st base. He isnt it, as the leadoff guy.  Once Keaschell and Castro healthy I wouldn't expect Eddie to be on the roster. 

[jaimedude]

Dump Clemmons, he doesn't hit. Kiersey and Gasper should be in AAA, Kiersey maybe you keep to pinch run. He doesn't seem instinctive. Not sure other than switch hitting why Gasper is here. Short, slow doesn't hit much, bad base runner. 

[Danchat]

Don't want to overreact to a small sample size, but I think Bride can be a solid bench player going forward. Gasper and Clemens belong in AAA and should be the first to go once the hitters start getting healthy.

[lecroy24fan]

On 5/1/2025 at 10:30 AM, William K Johnson said:

At what point does Julien enter the conversation?

Immediately. Should be the first one to go after this game right now. Overslides 2B by a mile then botches a routine ground ball leading to runs. Get him off this team. 

[jaimedude]

12 hours ago, lecroy24fan said:

Immediately. Should be the first one to go after this game right now. Overslides 2B by a mile then botches a routine ground ball leading to runs. Get him off this team. 

They should try and trade Julien for a lottery ticket. Maybe a trade would help both the Twins and the player. Same with a guy like Miranda. 

[thelanges5]

At this point they should get rid of Clemens and probably Bride, send Julien and Gasper to AAA. Give McCusker, Morales, and probably Prato a shot sooner than later. 
 

Royce not doing much but in rehab sounds like he’ll be back on Tuesday. Castros updates haven’t sounded great. Wallner out until June.