How Much Longer Will Jonah Bride Be on the Minnesota Twins' 26-Man Roster?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Since being acquired from the Miami Marlins on Apr. 16, infielder Jonah Bride has hit .289/.340/.333 with 13 hits, three walks, two doubles, and a 94 wRC+ over 50 plate appearances for the Minnesota Twins. Despite performing at a slightly below league-average rate, Bride has blossomed into a serviceable bench bat with the ability to play third base, first base, and second base, a player type Minnesota direly needed after expected primary contributors José Miranda and Edouard Julien were demoted to Triple-A upon abysmal starts to their respective 2025 campaigns.

Bride was expected to provide minimal contributions in what was anticipated to be a short-lived stint with Minnesota. However, since Bride joined the club in mid-April, fellow infielders Luke Keaschall, Willi Castro, and Carlos Correa have undergone IL stints, alloting the 29-year-old extended time on the 26-man roster. Playing sparingly, Bride has provided steady corner infield defense while functioning as a viable bottom-of-the-order platoon-proof hitter. That said, with core position players Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner expected to return from the IL this week, Bride's time with Minnesota could be nearing its conclusion. 

Buxton traveled with the club to Tampa Bay on Sunday night to begin a three-game series against the Rays. The 31-year-old centerfielder will presumably be activated from the 7-day concussion IL on Monday or Tuesday. Team decision-makers will assumably demote Carson McCusker to Triple-A when Buxton is activated to clear a spot on the 26-man roster. Despite not traveling with the team to Florida, Matt Wallner will soon be activated from the IL, too, meaning the club will need to make another 26-man roster move to clear space for the fellow core outfielder. 

Assuming no other position players get injured before Wallner is activated (foolish, I know), the club will have two reasonable roster moves they can make to activate the power-hitting lefty: demote DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A or designated Jonah Bride for assignment. At first glance, demoting the sparingly used Keirsey Jr. to Triple-A could be considered the most logical option. Despite often being utilized as a late-game defensive substitute or pinch-runner, the outfielder is collecting dust on the Twins' bench, netting only 57 plate appearances this season despite having been on the 26-man roster since Opening Day. 

Demoting the left-handed hitting bat to Triple-A would benefit Keirsey Jr.'s development at the plate. However, considering he is already 28 years old and has been one of the worst hitters in the majors this season, there is reason to believe his current role will be the pinnacle of his ability to become a contributor with the parent club. That being the case, it appears team decision-makers are comfortable with Keirsey Jr. collecting dust on the bench in the name of being able to deploy him in late-game scenarios where speed and defensive prowess are the desired traits. 

Despite being a superior hitter, Bride provides little value on the bases and in the field. Also, with Correa, Castro, Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, Ty France, and the presently thriving Kody Clemens all healthy and able to contribute, the infield is crowded, leaving little playing time for Bride. Thus, club decision-makers could view the former Marlin as expendable, meaning he would be the odd player upon Wallner's return. Bride has impressed with Minnesota. Yet, considering the club's newfound clean bill of health, crowded infield, and presumed preference to keep Keirsey Jr. in his current role, Bride's time with Minnesota could be nearing its end. If Minnesota elects to DFA him, however, he could reasonably clear waivers and stay with the organization at Triple-A St. Paul with the opportunity of returning to the majors later this season. 

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[LewFordLives]

I don't see how they can keep Keirsey on the MLB roster. He is basically a giant hole in the lineup. I was rooting for him to finally get his chance, but he hasn't made the most of it.

[SD happy]

Or……should the Twins hold on to Bride for a couple more weeks and send Lewis down to AAA to work on his swing for two weeks?

[LA Vikes Fan]

While I understand it could be a close call, I think keeping Bride over Keirsey is the right decision assuming that Bader is relatively healthy. Bride is a much better hitter than Keirsey and as a veteran is more likely be successful in a limited role. Keirsey's role as a defensive outfielder is important if either Buxton or Bader is unavailable, but somewhat redundant if they are both active and available since both are better defenders than Keirsey. This team needs hitters more than a 3rd defensive OF. I think the better move is to simply option Keirsey back to AAA to be available as the first call up if either Buxton or Bader gets hurt as compared to probably losing Bride on a DFA.

Bride's real decision moment probably comes when Keaschall is ready to come back slightly before or right after the All-Star break. Then the question will be whether he, Clemens (or frankly Lee or Lewis) stays the big club to make room for Keaschall. Right now Bride goes but who knows what a month and possible injuries can bring?

 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

2 minutes ago, SD happy said:

Or……should the Twins hold on to Bride for a couple more weeks and send Lewis down to AAA to work on his swing for two weeks?

This is certainly an interesting option.  For all of the "he's taking good at bats" talk that I hear, Lewis has REALLY struggled at the plate.  Some time at AAA might enable him to get his bat and his head pointed in a good direction.  Right now, Bride is probably the superior option to Lewis, even if we don't want to admit it.  

[Craig Arko]

I see McCusker and Kiersey for Wallner and Buxton. Bride might stick until Keaschall returns.

[FlyingFinn]

With Buxton coming off the IL the Twins have historically eased him back in, giving him at least 1 day off every three games for a week. Plus Bader has a minor injury. Therefore, no way Kiersey is the one to go first this week (between Bride and Kiersey). It will be Bride, barring another injury.

[RpR]

15 minutes ago, SD happy said:

Or……should the Twins hold on to Bride for a couple more weeks and send Lewis down to AAA to work on his swing for two weeks?

Two months.

[Major League Ready]

My first thought was until Keaschall gets back.  However, if they get a decent offer I could see Castro getting traded and Bride staying.  It would be nice to see Will Holland play really well and get a chance to replace Bride or Castro.  I thought he was going to get a shot last year before he got hurt.  It would be nice to see more athleticism and defense on the bench which he could provide. 

[IndianaTwin]

I don’t know the injury situation elsewhere, but it seems that Bride has righted himself enough that he wouldn’t make it through waivers without being claimed. 

[jorgenswest]

Bride isn’t that useful on the bench. He isn’t going to pinch run. His doesn’t have plus defense at a key position. He is the emergency catcher.

If he doesn’t help on the bench he needs to have a platoon role to be any help. Should he start against left handed pitching? I would prefer Buxton, Hader, Wallner and Larnach so one of them is DH. Castro isn’t even in that lineup. If Vazquez is catching then Jeffers needs to be DH and I will rest Larnach or Wallner. That leaves him on the bench with Clemens, Castro and Larnach/Vazquez. How does he get in the game? After two catchers are injured? If they need a third catcher then I would go with Gasper. He is the more experienced catcher and probably has a better chance of pinch hitting.

I don’t foresee Kiersey in a platoon role either. I can foresee him pinch running and playing outfield late in the game as a defensive replacement.

 

[old nurse]

McCusker does not seem to be in their plans. He is more likely than Keirsey to be sent down 

[olerud]

?

[Whitey333]

Keep Bride for as long as you can.  He has earned it.  Kiersey can't hit major league Pitching but can play some defense.  I'm losing confidence in Lewis.  The I don't do slumps guy has had many slumps since and is looking awful at the plate again.  Go Twins!!

[Rosterman]

And the Twins still have Julien and Miranda making major league money at St. Paul. Fitzgerald is holding a 40-man spot. Eeles and Holland are also future bench possibilities.

Castro could also be seen as trade bait if he shows signs of life.

[DJL44]

I disagree with the assertion that Royce Lewis is healthy and able to contribute.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Bride isn’t that useful on the bench. He isn’t going to pinch run. His doesn’t have plus defense at a key position. He is the emergency catcher.

If he doesn’t help on the bench he needs to have a platoon role to be any help. Should he start against left handed pitching? I would prefer Buxton, Hader, Wallner and Larnach so one of them is DH. Castro isn’t even in that lineup. If Vazquez is catching then Jeffers needs to be DH and I will rest Larnach or Wallner. That leaves him on the bench with Clemens, Castro and Larnach/Vazquez. How does he get in the game? After two catchers are injured? If they need a third catcher then I would go with Gasper. He is the more experienced catcher and probably has a better chance of pinch hitting.

Bride can pinch-hit for Wallner or Larnach in a platoon matchup. If they pinch-hit for Lewis (and they should often) he can come in to play 3B on defense.

[NYCTK]

5 hours ago, SD happy said:

Or……should the Twins hold on to Bride for a couple more weeks and send Lewis down to AAA to work on his swing for two weeks?

There's a real chance Royce has been exposed at the major league level and the Twins have to treat that like it's a real possibility and treat him as if he's any other struggling prospect, much like Austin Marin or Miranda.

He was a great player for half a season but there's an argument that Jonah has been the better player for the last calendar year. 

Royce has a wOBA of 0.292 the last twelve months. Bride 0.321 in comparable number of plate appearances. 

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, Rosterman said:

And the Twins still have Julien and Miranda making major league money at St. Paul. Fitzgerald is holding a 40-man spot. Eeles and Holland are also future bench possibilities.

Castro could also be seen as trade bait if he shows signs of life.

Yeah, lots of possibilities to cover the infield positions outside of shortstop. Fitzgerald and Lee can cover SS as well as second and third.

Keirsey is fast and a good outfielder, but the offense he showed in St. Paul is an illusion (might also be true for McCusker). With all the possibilities in the infield I don’t think Jonah Bride has that much value to the Twins and so losing him is pretty inconsequential IMHO.

Having made the case for Bride’s DFA, I feel compelled to say he isn’t a bad ballplayer. He’s a capable defender at first and third and he’s hit decently for the Twins.

Finally, the one thing that makes Bride a bad fit is his severe reverse platoon splits—he’s a much better hitter against right handed pitching. He shouldn’t be used as a short-sided platoon player.

A final way for Bride to stick around (outside of more injuries) is if the Twins think Lewis needs some Triple A time, in which case Bride would get quite a bit of playing time.

Bride, to me, represents high-floor competence with little or no upside. Not a bad player, but a tough one to fit on the current Twins’ roster. 
 

[KirbyDome89]

"Bride has impressed with Minnesota."

What? He has been the definition of replacement level for the Twins.

Both he and Keirsey are a wasted roster spot. Keirsey's "strengths," at least are things this club needs; defense and the ability to take an extra base. If I have to choose between two bad players I guess give me Kiersey. 

[Althebum82]

It is interesting to see how a thoughtful analysis of the future that Bride has with this team has partially evolved into a discussion about Royce Lewis' role.  I consider Bride completely expendable.  However, I also observed that even in his SSS rehab time in St Paul Lewis did not appear to be ready to come back and so far his return to the Twins has confirmed that....except......he appears to be okay defensively.

Lewis' offensive contributions, going back to last fall already, are sadly reminiscent of Miranda's.  Does Royce benefit of some time back to St Paul to try to figure it out?  It is, of course heresy to suggest he has fallen that far.  But, it may be (as others have suggested) a path by which Bride remains with the team.

 

[mickster]

11 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

While I understand it could be a close call, I think keeping Bride over Keirsey is the right decision assuming that Bader is relatively healthy. Bride is a much better hitter than Keirsey and as a veteran is more likely be successful in a limited role. Keirsey's role as a defensive outfielder is important if either Buxton or Bader is unavailable, but somewhat redundant if they are both active and available since both are better defenders than Keirsey. This team needs hitters more than a 3rd defensive OF. I think the better move is to simply option Keirsey back to AAA to be available as the first call up if either Buxton or Bader gets hurt as compared to probably losing Bride on a DFA.

Bride's real decision moment probably comes when Keaschall is ready to come back slightly before or right after the All-Star break. Then the question will be whether he, Clemens (or frankly Lee or Lewis) stays the big club to make room for Keaschall. Right now Bride goes but who knows what a month and possible injuries can bring?

 

Wallner is back next, followed by Buxton.   This should send McCusker and Keirsey back to St. Paul.   Bride won't stay in place of Lee or Lewis.    I do think he goes when Keaschall comes back, however these roster decisions seem to work themselves out as we may have a DL candidate at some point.   Clemens is able to play multiple positions and has played like a team offensive MVP since he arrived.   Bride might make it through waivers

[JD-TWINS]

13 hours ago, Craig Arko said:

I see McCusker and Kiersey for Wallner and Buxton. Bride might stick until Keaschall returns.

Agreed!

Castro moves his role more toward OF as needed. Larnach/Bader/Buxton/Wallner & Castro on the grass. Even Clemens can play RF if needed. Cannot keep Kiersey instead of Bride - not with fragile Royce at 3B.

[BrokenCompass]

15 hours ago, LewFordLives said:

I don't see how they can keep Keirsey on the MLB roster. He is basically a giant hole in the lineup. I was rooting for him to finally get his chance, but he hasn't made the most of it.

I'm shocked at how bad he looks at the plate. Sure I thought he'd need some time to adjust, but I didn't think he'd be this anemic. Makes Gilbert Celestino look like Barry Bonds. 

[mnfireman]

I think Bride stays on the roster until Keaschall returns, unless one of Miranda/Julien/Martin and even Gasper makes it too hard to keep them in AAA.

Maybe Lewis gets a "mystery injury" and gets a 10 day IL "reset" to accommodate this also...

Wallner/Buxton > McCusker/Kiersey Jr., so I don't think there is a question there. McCusker could still turn into a feel-good story...

[Western SD Fan]

First person to be optioned will be McCusker.  Then I hope they rip the band aid off and send Royce down to St. Paul to work on getting himself right again with the understanding that the team NEEDS him to work on this out of the limelight.  With all the injuries Royce has had over the years, it's possible this is the first time in his career he has ever been in a slump, and he is overdoing it.  That likely keeps Bride on the roster until either Lewis gets his mojo back in St. Paul or Keaschall comes back.

Plouffe made a point on Tuesday that they may want to ease Wallner back into the lineup over the weekend.  His reasoning was that it may not be wise to throw Wallner into the deep end of the cavern that is Seattle with Seattle pitching as he is trying to get back into the swing of things.

[mnfireman]

10 hours ago, NYCTK said:

There's a real chance Royce has been exposed at the major league level and the Twins have to treat that like it's a real possibility and treat him as if he's any other struggling prospect, much like Austin Marin or Miranda.

He was a great player for half a season but there's an argument that Jonah has been the better player for the last calendar year. 

Royce has a wOBA of 0.292 the last twelve months. Bride 0.321 in comparable number of plate appearances. 

Agreed. Lewis started this season 0-16, then 9-25, and is currently in a 0-20; great players aren't this streaky

[NYCTK]

17 minutes ago, mnfireman said:

Agreed. Lewis started this season 0-16, then 9-25, and is currently in a 0-20; great players aren't this streaky

Outside of the fact that we all want to see him do well, Royce really turned himself into one of the jokers of the league in the most comical fashion. He experienced a lot of early success and his comments to media were dripping in hubris.  And he has been a downright terrible player since. 

Pre "I don't do slumps":

337 PAs - .319/.377/.606 

Post "I don't do slumps"

334 PAs - .191/.254/.333

 

[mnfireman]

45 minutes ago, Western SD Fan said:

Plouffe made a point on Tuesday that they may want to ease Wallner back into the lineup over the weekend.  His reasoning was that it may not be wise to throw Wallner into the deep end of the cavern that is Seattle with Seattle pitching as he is trying to get back into the swing of things.

While T-Mobile may favor pitchers, Seattle only has one LHP on the roster, Speier. This should work in Wallner's favor and, theoretically, sets up to be a successful return.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Western SD Fan said:

Plouffe made a point on Tuesday that they may want to ease Wallner back into the lineup over the weekend.  His reasoning was that it may not be wise to throw Wallner into the deep end of the cavern that is Seattle with Seattle pitching as he is trying to get back into the swing of things.

Wallner is crushing it in AAA. Put him in the lineup.