Will Kody Clemens Transition into Minnesota Twins' Primary Starting First Baseman Post All-Star Break?

[Cody Schoenmann]

In early July, your 2025 Minnesota Twins traveled to South Florida to begin a three-game series against Peter Bendix's young-and-upcoming Miami Marlins. Minnesota ultimately lost the series two games to one, falling victim to incredible starts by hard-throwing budding stars in Edward Cabrera and Eury Pérez. Yet, something potentially more consequential arose from the club's disappointing three-game set in Miami: A shift in how manager Rocco Baldelli is approaching first base.

Entering the 2025 season, offseason addition Ty France was projected to be the club's primary starting baseman. Those projections have met to date, with the 31-year-old netting 83 of the club's 96 games at the position. Yet, since the beginning of the Miami series on Jul. 1, early-season addition Kody Clemens has started six games at first base, which is only one less start than France accrued in that time.

Now, Clemens receiving more opportunities at first base than France could have merely been the product of Baldelli attempting to get the platoon advantage by deploying the left-handed hitting Clemens against right-handed starting pitchers, as the club faced only one left-handed starting pitcher in Shota Imanaga on Jul. 8. Yet, given the significant difference in the two veterans' recent performance at the plate, there is reason to believe Clemens has usurped France as the club's primary starting first baseman. Here is how the two bats have performed since Jul. 1:

• France - .080/.148/.120, 27 plate appearances, two hits, one double, zero home runs, one walk, 22.2% strikeout rate, -26 wRC+
• Clemens - .261/.261/.652, 23 plate appearances, six hits, zero doubles, three home runs, zero walks, 34.8% strikeout rate, 148 wRC+

Despite being a more disciplined hitter, France has been significantly outproduced since the beginning of July, evidenced by Clemens hitting 174% better than France over four fewer plate appearances during that stretch. Clemens outperforming France at the plate has been a consistent trend since the former Philadelphia Phillie made his first appearance as a Twin on Apr. 28, as illustrated by Clemens netting a 125 wRC+ over 163 plate appearances, compared to France generating an 87 wRC+ over 242 plate appearances during the same stretch.

An interesting statistic that distinguishes Clemens from France is his ability to perform significantly better than France in low- and medium-leverage situations, which typically occur during the first six to seven innings of games. Since joining Minnesota on Apr. 18, Clemens has generated a 94 wRC+ over 80 low-leverage plate appearances compared to France, netting a 59 wRC+ over 150 low-leverage plate appearances during that same stretch. France's performance improves during medium-leverage situations, evidenced by him accumulating a 98 wRC+ over 111 plate appearances since Apr. 18. Yet, Clemens again outperforms him, earning a 145 wRC+ over 68 plate appearances during the same stretch.

Now, what interestingly differentiates France from nearly every MLB batter is that he effectively turns into Cal Raleigh during high-leverage scenarios, generating a 200 wRC+ over 30 high-leverage plate appearances since the beginning of his 2025 campaign and an even more surprising 214 wRC+ in 18 high-leverage scenarios since Apr. 18. Interestingly, Clemens also essentially turns into Raleigh in high-leverage scenarios since joining Minnesota, netting a similarly improbable 203 wRC+ over 15 plate appearances since Apr. 18.

A player's ability to be clutch is not sustainable quality to rely on, and neither France nor Clemens (nor any MLB player for that matter) possesses a unique clutch gene, per se. Yet, both have been incredible in high-leverage scenarios for Minnesota. However, what separates Clemens from France is that he has been an above-average hitter in low- and medium-leverage situations (120 wRC+ over 148 plate appearances, whereas France has been virtually unplayable (79 wRC+ over 261 plate appearances) in low- and medium-leverage scenarios.

Again, there is value in being able to produce in high-leverage scenarios. However, one's ability to produce in those scenarios is highly volatile and varies every plate appearance. That being the case, with Clemens performing 41% better than France in low-and-medium-leverage situations (the majority of every position player's plate appearances) while not being a significant drop off defensively, there is reason to believe he could receive more playing time at first base than the former Mariner over the second half of the season. Clemens's versatility will enable Baldelli to still use him at second base and in the corner outfield as future platoon matchups, injuries, and performance concerns arise. Still, don't be surprised if he continues to receive more opportunities than France at first base as the club resumes play on Jul. 18 against the Colorado Rockies.

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[LambchoP]

Clemens, Julien and maybe Sabato should get looks at first to see if any of them are viable starters there next year. If nobody runs away with the job, we know that we AGAIN, need a first baseman. I like Clemens. Good power, good defense. If he can raise his AVG a bit we could do a lot worse.

[Mike Sixel]

Maybe if he hit earlier in games they'd be ahead more. 

DFA France. Promote Sabato and see what happens for three weeks. 

[Doctor Gast]

IMO, clutch hitting is just as dependable as hitting HRs. No stats are 100% they vary. You have sluggers, you have clutch hitters and you have those in between who can vary a lot in their HRs & hitting clutch. Sluggers' power stats vary, should we throw them out the window? Slugging stats advocates want to minimize clutch hitting. Clutch hitting is very important, IMO, more important than hitting HRs.

That said, France's clutch hitting should not be overlooked. I'm OK with Clemens having more time at 1B against RHPs & sit France (I stated this at the beginning of the year). And not be shy to PH France if the situation calls for it.

[mikelink45]

I see a lot of Sabato love lately, but is it truly justified? He is closing in on 27 and this is the first year he has approached the stats a number one choice should have.  His stats are not much different that McCusker who is 1/2 year older.  Why do we expect more from Sabato? In fact, Gasper had better stats and Bride is closing in on him.  I am okay with promoting from the minors but only if we commit to a steady diet of starts for at least two weeks.  

Otherwise I think the best thing is for Keaschall to come back and either Wallner or Larnach to move to 1B and DH with Gonzales or Rodriguez moving into the OF.

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

IMO, clutch hitting is just as dependable as hitting HRs. No stats are 100% they vary. You have sluggers, you have clutch hitters and you have those in between who can vary a lot in their HRs & hitting clutch. Sluggers' power stats vary, should we throw them out the window? Slugging stats advocates want to minimize clutch hitting. Clutch hitting is very important, IMO, more important than hitting HRs.

That said, France's clutch hitting should not be overlooked. I'm OK with Clemens having more time at 1B against RHPs & sit France (I stated this at the beginning of the year). And not be shy to PH France if the situation calls for it.

Statistical studies have shown over and over that clutch is not a skill. 

[thelanges5]

Ride the better bat. This team needs any offense it can get with C4, Lewis, and Wallner performing the way they have so far. 

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, mikelink45 said:

I see a lot of Sabato love lately, but is it truly justified? He is closing in on 27 and this is the first year he has approached the stats a number one choice should have.  His stats are not much different that McCusker who is 1/2 year older.  Why do we expect more from Sabato? In fact, Gasper had better stats and Bride is closing in on him.  I am okay with promoting from the minors but only if we commit to a steady diet of starts for at least two weeks.  

Otherwise I think the best thing is for Keaschall to come back and either Wallner or Larnach to move to 1B and DH with Gonzales or Rodriguez moving into the OF.

They've never had either practice at first. I wish they had, but they didn't. I'm pretty sure they won't move them there now. I too hope Keaschell comes soon, and given his arm, I'd put him at first. But I don't know if he's ever played there. 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Clemens is effectively trying out for next year, be it in MN or somewhere else. Would be nice to see Clemens as another reclamation project the Twins can turn into a viable player.

[LA Vikes Fan]

I'd be strongly in favor of Clemens being the primary 1B for this roster based on what we've seen so far if I thought this roster was going to stay the same. I'm not thrilled with Clemens' batting average or seeming inability to take a walk, but maybe that could develop over time. Let's face it, Ty France is exactly the same player for us that the Mariners cut because he wasn't good enough. He's just not a good enough hitter to be a starting MLB 1B and it doesn't really bring anything else to the table to keep him around as a bench bat. I'm solidly in the camp of let's play Clemens as the strong side of a 1B platoon and I'd be interested in trying Sabato or even Miranda as the weak side IF this roster stays the same.

There is one fly in this ointment though; this roster isn't going to stay the same, or at least shouldn't, because we will need a spot to play Keaschall pretty much every day when he comes back next week or so. The obvious opening is at 1B and he has played there in the past in the minors. We are already over subscribed at 2B, corner OF, and 3B (if he can even play OF or 3B so soon after the TJ surgery), and we don't want him to be the everyday DH at age 22 on a team where we have several players that will need random half days off. Maybe the logjam opens up if Castro is traded but even then we can't play Keaschall in the infield unless we sit Brooks Lee and/or Royce Lewis. I frankly wouldn't be completely opposed to that short term given their hitting struggles but I think the better long-term play is to play Lee and Lewis at least five days a week for the rest of the season to see what we really have for next year.

So in sum, I don't see Clemens' role changing until Keaschall has been given his opportunity. What I think should happen is France being traded or DFA'd to open a lineup spot for Keaschall, with Clemens still on the roster as a backup 1B/2B/LH DH playing two or three days a week, more if there's an injury.

Oh, and while we are at it, can we please send Keirsey back to AAA and replace him with Martin? We know Keirsey can't hit MLB pitching. Martin was hardly great last year but he was better than Keirsey this year  - 2024 Martin at .253/.318/.352 (.670) vs. 2025 Keirsey at .101/.139/.143 (.284). Martin is hitting .333/.438/.402 (.840) in AAA this year and deserves another shot. We don't need Keirsey's glove as long as we have Bader and we can always called Keirsey back up if Bader is traded so we have that backup CF that we seem to need. Martin runs just as well as Keirsey so the pinch runner issue is moot. This team needs improvement at the margins, the two moves outlined here could be at least part of that improvement.

[Parfigliano]

59 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Maybe if he hit earlier in games they'd be ahead more. 

DFA France. Promote Sabato and see what happens for three weeks. 

Play the kids.  Let's see what we have in house on the shelf before next off seasons trip to the bargain bin.

[Patzky]

Clemens in the OF where Larnach and Wallner have been butchers. Larnach at 1B until Keaschall arrives. Keirsey to St Paul then or sooner if Julien -Eeles is called up.  Wallner can go to St Paul to make room if it's needed.. he needs to refresh or relearn.

[IndianaTwin]

Probably not. 

See https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2025-lineups.shtml

With the players in the Twins system right now, the only "regulars" at any position are: 

• Buxton will play CF almost every day he's healthy.
• Correa will play SS almost every day he's healthy.
• Vazquez and Jeffers will alternate at C.
• Lewis has a long leash, but for now, will play 3B almost every day he's healthy.

Beyond that, there are eight players to play five positions. Aside from France, all of them play at least one position and none of them (including France) has demonstrated that they are so far above everyone else that they will play nearly every day at one spot. 

France was seen as deserving of a bullet in the previous list, but with him declining some and Clemens playing better than expected, it seems likely that 1B will be a shared role or that France will reclaim the nearly full-time role. They can't afford the roster spot of having Clemens as a full-time 1B if it means that France is a full-time backup, given that he doesn't play anywhere else and they haven't DHed him. 

(And note -- this may or may not be my preference, but it reflects the reality of the current roster. As LAV notes above, the scenario changes with Keaschall's return. As it does with any injury or return from the IL.)

 

[jjswol]

The simple answer is, why?

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

8 minutes ago, jjswol said:

The simple answer is, why?

 

What’s the point of this post? There was a whole article written about why Clemens should get more playing time at the expense of France.

[P Meyer]

13 minutes ago, Patzky said:

Clemens in the OF where Larnach and Wallner have been butchers. Larnach at 1B until Keaschall arrives. Keirsey to St Paul then or sooner if Julien -Eeles is called up.  Wallner can go to St Paul to make room if it's needed.. he needs to refresh or relearn.

I might be in the minority, but I want to see Larnach and Lee and Royce playing as much as possible. I would also like to see if Clemens and Keaschall can produce with a larger sample size. IMO, figuring out how to do all of this is one reason you pay your manager. 

[DJL44]

If you're looking to AAA for offensive help, you'll be pretty disappointed. Jose Miranda has been terrible and shouldn't be in the discussion at all. Eddie Julien is the exact same player they sent down a few months ago because he wasn't as good as Kody Clemens. Aaron Sabato is sufficiently challenged by AAA pitching. The best player on the Saints at the moment is Jonah Bride. Mickey Gasper might be worth giving another shot, but he's currently getting a lot of time at catcher and he won't get that in MLB.

Keaschall is a good idea when he returns. Until then it looks like a Clemens/France platoon.

Willi Castro isn't a bad idea. He's good enough on the dirt and the Twins have more options in the OF.

 

[LastOnePicked]

55 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I see a lot of Sabato love lately, but is it truly justified? He is closing in on 27 and this is the first year he has approached the stats a number one choice should have.

You're not wrong, but it's fun to think that's he's putting it all together at the right time. Better to have a prospect peak just before a call-up than never at all. I like an old-school slugger, and I have a little bit of fool's hope for Sabato.

[jmlease1]

I think we will see more of Clemens at 1B and less of France, unless the Twins add a bat, in which case we might see zero of France. It's probably the right decision; France has been in a huge slump, Clemens has been fine defensively, and Clemens power production plays, even if he's missing a lot. France's bat to ball skills at least make him a reasonable pinch-hitting option late in a game so he has some utility on the bench.

The smarter move might be to just move on from France, who hasn't been particularly good at the plate ( a good month is a .745 OPS, which isn't impressive) and doesn't hit LHP very well. But the Twins are deeply paranoid about losing veteran depth and seem unlikely to cut him, even with his contract to being guaranteed. I don't know if Sabato will be anything or not, and he's got a lot more failure on his resume than success, but he's been crunching LHP and seems like he could at least fill the small side of a platoon with Clemens. But I think the Twins are too gun-shy to do it.

Frankly, I've been amazed they've been culling ABs from France; they seemed to adore him even when he was bad in May....

[DocBauer]

France is not part of the future, and has been awful in anything but high leverage opportunities. And that continuing is not predictable. Still, you can't just ignore what he's done for the club so far this season, including a solid glove at 1B.

And Clemens's role is best as a utility player with LH power isn't it? But as the OP points out, there are even more moving parts if we get Keaschall back soon. 

I think there's room for both. Unless, of course, someone is traded or acquired. I'd probably say keep splitting the job 50/50 or 60/40. 

[jorgenswest]

France has skill with the bat. He puts the ball in play more than most. He can hit the ball to the opposite field but not so much so that they shade him that way in the infield. This combination of skills helps with runners on base and runners in scoring position which can help in boosting clutch numbers a little. Does he turn into a different hitter in clutch situations? No. His skill set is just a little more helpful in those situations. I think there are some similarities to Donovan Solano where he can be good off the bench and in certain match ups but exposed playing every day.

[chpettit19]

Which Kody Clemens are they getting? May? June? 1 week of July? If he keeps hitting he should keep playing. If he stops hitting he should stop playing. Let the play on the field determine things. Unfortunately, the team doesn't have enough talent/production to let competition rule right now. And this regime has never been all that into letting the play on the field dictate much anyways. 

As others have said, Keaschall should be back soon and take ABs from this Jeckell and Hyde 1B pairing. Kody had a great month of May and an unplayable month of June. Let his play dictate his playing time.

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I see a lot of Sabato love lately, but is it truly justified? He is closing in on 27 and this is the first year he has approached the stats a number one choice should have.  His stats are not much different that McCusker who is 1/2 year older.  Why do we expect more from Sabato? In fact, Gasper had better stats and Bride is closing in on him.  I am okay with promoting from the minors but only if we commit to a steady diet of starts for at least two weeks.  

Otherwise I think the best thing is for Keaschall to come back and either Wallner or Larnach to move to 1B and DH with Gonzales or Rodriguez moving into the OF.

To be accurate, Sabato just turned 26yo a little over a month ago: June 4th. 

I think the difference between Sabato and McCusker...or someone similar...is that Sabato was a 1st round pick for a reason. He put up really solid numbers in his 2yrs of college and probably had the most power of anyone in that draft. So right or wrong, a former 1st round pick suddenly taking a step forward in his age 25/26 season offers a greater degree of optimism than a waiver wire acquisition, or an independent ball addition.

Whether or not Sabato's breakout is sustainable and leads to anything is TBD. But I can understand the optimism.

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, DocBauer said:

To be accurate, Sabato just turned 26yo a little over a month ago: June 4th. 

I think the difference between Sabato and McCusker...or someone similar...is that Sabato was a 1st round pick for a reason. He put up really solid numbers in his 2yrs of college and probably had the most power of anyone in that draft. So right or wrong, a former 1st round pick suddenly taking a step forward in his age 25/26 season offers a greater degree of optimism than a waiver wire acquisition, or an independent ball addition.

Whether or not Sabato's breakout is sustainable and leads to anything is TBD. But I can understand the optimism.

I'm not even optimistic. But France just isn't good. A playoff wannabe DFA'd him for a reason last year. 

[Vanimal46]

Might as well let Clemens be the primary 1B for the next 2-3 weeks and reassess from there. Sabato feels more like an August conversation if we waive the white flag on the season. St Paul should be prepping both McCusker and Sabato at 1B for an eventual call up. 

[Sjoski]

Crazy how much debate a utility guy creates.  Clemens is not the long-term answer. The Twins will move toward putting Keaschall at first ASAP.

[Mike Sixel]

16 minutes ago, Sjoski said:

Crazy how much debate a utility guy creates.  Clemens is not the long-term answer. The Twins will move toward putting Keaschall at first ASAP.

Has he played there? I have no idea. 

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Has he played there? I have no idea. 

Keaschall has 22 recorded games at 1B, which is about as many as he has at 3B, and each OF position. He's mostly played 2B (145 games).

[Mike Sixel]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Keaschall has 22 recorded games at 1B, which is about as many as he has at 3B, and each OF position. He's mostly played 2B (145 games).

Thanks. 

[High heat]

He will likely be the strong side of the platoon at 1B until the trade deadline.  If we are sellers they might cut France after deadline and depending on who gets brought in during trades.  
 

If stand pat at deadline Clemens will likely get a long run at 1B the rest of the season.  Things may change dramatically roster wise the next 2 weeks.