Arbitrary Thoughts: LHP Genesis Cabrera

[Seth Stohs]

Image courtesy of © Denny Medley-Imagn Images

LHP Genesis Cabrera 
Age on Opening Day 2026: 29 
Service Time: 5 years, 149 days.

2023 Salary: $950,000
2024 Salary: $1,512,500
2025 Salary: MILB Contract
2026 MLB Trade Rumor Estimate: $1.4 million

Background
Born in the Dominican Republic, Genesis Cabrera signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in November of 2013. He went to the Cardinals in a trade deadline deal that sent Tommy Pham to the Rays. He made his MLB debut as a 22-year-old in May of 2019 and since then has pitched in 312 big-league games. He spent parts of five seasons in St. Louis before being a deadline acquisition of the Blue Jays in 2023. He stayed in Toronto through the 2024 season. 

2025 Season
Cabrera signed a minor-league deal with the Mets. After a month in the minors, he was called up to the Mets. He made six appearances before being DFAd. The Cubs claimed him, and he pitched in nine games over about a month on the North Side. He was again DFAd, but this time he was claimed by the Pirates. He pitched in nine games before being released by the Pirates. Shortly after, the Twins had just traded more than half of their bullpen. They signed him to a minor-league contract in early August. He pitched in one game for the Saints before the Twins called him up. He spent the final six weeks of the season in the big leagues. 

2025 Stats (Overall): 40 G, 42 2/3 IP, 46 H, 18 BB, 35 K, 6.54 ERA, 1.50 WHIP.
2025 Stats (Twins): 16 G, 14 2/3 IP, 17 H, 11 BB, 13 K, 7.98 ERA, 1.91 WHIP. 

Twins Depth at his Position (Left-Handed Pitcher): 
Kody Funderburk - 40-man roster
Anthony Misiewicz - Arbitration-Eligible
Triple-A: Aaron Rozek, Christian MacLeod, Kendry Rojas, Connor Prielipp
Double-A: Gabriel Yanez, Kade Bragg, Jaylen Nowlin, 

Summary: I would assume that the Twins will want to keep Kendry Rojas and Connor Prielipp as starters, at least early in the season. Bragg is probably the top left-handed relief pitcher prospect in the organization. 

Why the Twins Should Offer Him Arbitration
At this time, Cabrera, Anthony Misiewicz and Kody Funderburk are the lone lefties on the Twins 40-man roster. Like Cabrera, Misiewicz is also arbitration eligible. Cabrera has had success in the big leagues. He throws hard and is still on the right side of 30. If Pete Maki (or whoever the Twins' pitching coach is) thinks there is something there, then bring him in. 

Why the Twins Should Non-Tender Him 
Cabrera was a minor-league signing a year ago and pitched for four teams during the 2025 season. His stats were not good, so there is no reason to think he’s earned a big-league contract. At this stage, he’s a replacement level type of player. I mean, that’s what he was for the Twins. They traded seven pitchers and five starters in late July; the Twins needed arms. He became a free agent about that time, and the Twins used him as a lefty reliever to finish out the season. 

Projection: I think that it is an easy decision to non-tender Genesis Cabrera. 

However, with a fastball at 95 and a sometimes-solid slider, it isn’t crazy to think that with a couple of tweaks, he could again become a solid reliever. He’s also left-handed. He would be a guy I would try to bring back with a minor-league contract with an invitation to big-league spring training. Relievers are volatile from year to year. We’ve seen it many times. One year can be bad and the next solid. 

What do you think about Genesis Cabrera? Consider his stats and your observations when watching him pitch, and his pitches, are there reasons they should keep him? Easy DFA? Work out some other agreement? What would you do?

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[thelanges5]

Thanks for the write up but no thanks on Cabrera. 

[mikelink45]

Move on.  If we have him in 2026 we are definitely not improving. 

[The Great Hambino]

This is a good, detailed breakdown.

I'd rather Genesis take an Exodus (And why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box?  Thank you, try the veal)

Looking at the state of the position of LH RP in the organization, I think you've indirectly shown another reason why Prielipp should be moved to the bullpen immediately, along with his injury history and long line of peers ahead of him in the starter pecking order

[USAFChief]

Given the state of the MLB bullpen, I expect to see Cabrera on the opening day 26 man roster.

I did not say he should be.

Non-tender date is in late November. We'll know more then. 

[Dman]

I like the delivery and he can throw hard, but the contact he gives up is not good.  There's a lot of good stuff there to build on, but his inability to throw strikes at times is maddening.  When he is on he can K guys and look good.  

I'd like to hang onto him and see if some tweaks make him better but with likely 5 arms to add via Rule V and decision's needed to be made on Lawyerson and maybe Adams is there going to be room for another work in progress arm? It doesn't look like it to me, but we'll see.

If the Twins think there is room for him I wouldn't mind one more try next year as lefties that throw hard are hard to come by, but he needs some work just to be a decent reliever right now. He seems like a long shot to make it IMO, but we'll see.

I think likely DFA and they'd love to get him back on minor league deal if someone doesn't claim him.

[wavedog]

No reason to tender him - as a lefty if he wants to sign a minor league deal maybe as long as he is not blocking anyone.  Frankly he will only bring back memories of the horrible bullpen post trade deadline so I would like to see him leave the organization.  

[tony&rodney]

Cabrera didn't bother me because the team was lost already. He has some decent stuff but is not consistent. He is not reliable. 

Genesis is an easy non tender but a minor league offer that includes a ST invite seems fair. I'm not sure how many more teams will bite on Cabrera for a 40 person roster spot. He is gambling if he passes on any offer, even a minor league one.

[Blyleven2011]

As most have said , I agree he is dropped from the 40 man roster and non tendered player , he is left handed and throws hard , I can see the FO signing him on a milb contract for depth  , that's all he showed in his games with the twins  ....

If we lose him , no biggie , falvey loves to go dumpster diving   ...

There is quite a few players that shouldn't be on this team next year , I looked at the 40 man roster the other day and I counted over 10 that shouldn't be in the conversation for the twins  in 2026 ..

[Nshore]

He's left handed so has more lives than a cat.  He reminds me of a left handed version of Alcala - throws hard but always just one tweak away from success - and it never comes.

[Patzky]

2 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

This is a good, detailed breakdown.

I'd rather Genesis take an Exodus (And why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box?  Thank you, try the veal)

Looking at the state of the position of LH RP in the organization, I think you've indirectly shown another reason why Prielipp should be moved to the bullpen immediately, along with his injury history and long line of peers ahead of him in the starter pecking order

It's a testament to him that his performance was no Revelation. 

Someone else can tow the good book in 2026.

[Doctor Gast]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

I like the delivery and he can throw hard, but the contact he gives up is not good.  There's a lot of good stuff there to build on, but his inability to throw strikes at times is maddening.  When he is on he can K guys and look good.  

I'd like to hang onto him and see if some tweaks make him better but with likely 5 arms to add via Rule V and decision's needed to be made on Lawyerson and maybe Adams is there going to be room for another work in progress arm? It doesn't look like it to me, but we'll see.

If the Twins think there is room for him I wouldn't mind one more try next year as lefties that throw hard are hard to come by, but he needs some work just to be a decent reliever right now. He seems like a long shot to make it IMO, but we'll see.

I think likely DFA and they'd love to get him back on minor league deal if someone doesn't claim him.

I agree with D-man. DFA him & sign him on a MiLB contract. With our BP wide open, we should get a few pitchers that are looking for another chance, maybe some may actually break out. Prielipp should be focused in the BP & not waste his bullets at AAA while building him up as a starter. 

[jkcarew]

He could definitely be good next year…if he were only to get much better than he has been. 

Puts him in an exclusive club that only includes about 200 guys currently toiling on the fringes. Better hop on him, pronto.

[DocBauer]

I'm going to first and foremost disagree that Prielipp should suddenly move to the pen. He's only 25yo to begin 2026. Not young, not old. We all know his history at this point. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have him as a late 26-27yo SP with solid stuff and control than automatically move him to the pen.

A pen change can always happen any time.

I've stated time and time again that when trying to build, or re-build a pen you should be looking at failed SP, or pitchers coming off injury, or having a poor season coming off injury but had a rough season and are now looking for a make good deal.

The problem here is 2 fold. Cabrera simply stunk with his Twins audition. The 2nd problem/issue is whether or not he's even worth a MILB deal. Maybe he is for hopes and giggles.

But come on Seth, you know Funderburk has surprised us all with his late 2025 performance. MacLeod was "iffy" at best with his late 2025 performance, but there's some hope there. Fairly recent draftee Bragg had a hell of a 2025 season and is ready for St Paul in 2026. Nowlin seemed to finish 2025 strong. How close is he for a promotion?

I don't know that I'd trust Misiewicz more than Cabrera at this point. And I'm not against solid depth. But at this point I'd almost trust any of my younger LH arms than Cabrera. 

[tony&rodney]

36 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

'm going to first and foremost disagree that Prielipp should suddenly move to the pen. He's only 25yo to begin 2026. Not young, not old

Johan?

[strumdatjag]

4 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

This is a good, detailed breakdown.

I'd rather Genesis take an Exodus (And why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box?  Thank you, try the veal)

Looking at the state of the position of LH RP in the organization, I think you've indirectly shown another reason why Prielipp should be moved to the bullpen immediately, along with his injury history and long line of peers ahead of him in the starter pecking order

Yes, GENESIS should take an EXODUS from the 40 man roster.   His NUMBERS don’t justify that he can do the JOB nor that Pete Maki could have any positive REVELATION as he CHRONICLES Cabrera’s performance with the Twins in 2025.  I just don’t see this lefty as one of the KINGS of next year’s bullpen.   GENESIS hasn’t  shown the ability to pitch at a level that would be consistently good against the Aaron JUDGES of the league.  He isn’t even Better than EZRA playing a post-game concert.  
This is just one of many LAMENTATIONS I have regarding this team.     I’m worried the new manager will be relegated just to motivate a decimated roster with inspirational PROVERBS. 

[PatPfund]

Non-tender and wait. The Twins have wasted too much money trying to lock up mediocre arms early (like Tonkin last year). There have been decent pitchers at really good value right before training camp the past few years, so there is no need to rush on fungible bullpen arms.

[The Great Hambino]

11 minutes ago, strumdatjag said:

Yes, GENESIS should take an EXODUS from the 40 man roster.   His NUMBERS don’t justify that he can do the JOB nor that Pete Maki could have any positive REVELATION as he CHRONICLES Cabrera’s performance with the Twins in 2025.  I just don’t see this lefty as one of the KINGS of next year’s bullpen.   GENESIS hasn’t  shown the ability to pitch at a level that would be consistently good against the Aaron JUDGES of the league.  He isn’t even Better than EZRA playing a post-game concert.  
This is just one of many LAMENTATIONS I have regarding this team.     I’m worried the new manager will be relegated just to inspire the team with inspirational PROVERBS. 

Holy Schlittler.  Well done

 

[IndianaTwin]

53 minutes ago, strumdatjag said:

Yes, GENESIS should take an EXODUS from the 40 man roster.   His NUMBERS don’t justify that he can do the JOB nor that Pete Maki could have any positive REVELATION as he CHRONICLES Cabrera’s performance with the Twins in 2025.  I just don’t see this lefty as one of the KINGS of next year’s bullpen.   GENESIS hasn’t  shown the ability to pitch at a level that would be consistently good against the Aaron JUDGES of the league.  He isn’t even Better than EZRA playing a post-game concert.  
This is just one of many LAMENTATIONS I have regarding this team.     I’m worried the new manager will be relegated just to motivate a decimated roster with inspirational PROVERBS. 

Indeed, his career seems to have already had enough ACTS. It’s pretty much PETERed out and left his chances in the JOHN. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

3 hours ago, PatPfund said:

Non-tender and wait. The Twins have wasted too much money trying to lock up mediocre arms early (like Tonkin last year). There have been decent pitchers at really good value right before training camp the past few years, so there is no need to rush on fungible bullpen arms.

This. No reason to tender. If we want him on an MilB contract with a ST invite he'll be available in February. If he isn't, someone that looks just like him will be.  

[Seth Stohs]

6 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I'm going to first and foremost disagree that Prielipp should suddenly move to the pen. He's only 25yo to begin 2026. Not young, not old. We all know his history at this point. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have him as a late 26-27yo SP with solid stuff and control than automatically move him to the pen.

A pen change can always happen any time.

I've stated time and time again that when trying to build, or re-build a pen you should be looking at failed SP, or pitchers coming off injury, or having a poor season coming off injury but had a rough season and are now looking for a make good deal.

The problem here is 2 fold. Cabrera simply stunk with his Twins audition. The 2nd problem/issue is whether or not he's even worth a MILB deal. Maybe he is for hopes and giggles.

But come on Seth, you know Funderburk has surprised us all with his late 2025 performance. MacLeod was "iffy" at best with his late 2025 performance, but there's some hope there. Fairly recent draftee Bragg had a hell of a 2025 season and is ready for St Paul in 2026. Nowlin seemed to finish 2025 strong. How close is he for a promotion?

I don't know that I'd trust Misiewicz more than Cabrera at this point. And I'm not against solid depth. But at this point I'd almost trust any of my younger LH arms than Cabrera. 

Just FYI... I completely agree that Prielipp should continue starting, at least to start the season. But if they're still semi-competitive in June/July, and they've got 5-6 starters who are all doing just fine, and the bullpen has a need, I have no problem with turning to him. 

At this point, who knows if Lopez, Ryan, or Ober will be back. What will they do with Zebby and Festa and Adams, etc? Zebby, Bradley, Abel, SWR, all ended the season strong. Lots of unknowns. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

15 hours ago, The Great Hambino said:

This is a good, detailed breakdown.

I'd rather Genesis take an Exodus (And why don't they make the whole plane out of the black box?  Thank you, try the veal)

Looking at the state of the position of LH RP in the organization, I think you've indirectly shown another reason why Prielipp should be moved to the bullpen immediately, along with his injury history and long line of peers ahead of him in the starter pecking order

I think we need Levi (ticus) to run it by the Numbers but i can’t think of a bad pun for Deuteronomy

edit: i was turtled, can’t even call it Ninja’d cuz I was that slow

[Bodie]

Not sure the author knows what "replacement level" means...

 

Sorry, definitely sure!

[Doctor Wu]

We gave Cabrera a fair shot, he didn't perform well, he's in his late 20s and no longer an intriguing young prospect with a live arm. No need to keep him around. Next scrapheap pitcher in line, step up!

[jmlease1]

20 minutes ago, Bodie said:

Not sure the author knows what "replacement level" means...

 

Sorry, definitely sure!

Do you? It means "a guy can be signed off the street and provide as good results". That sounds like Cabrera, who is an easy non-tender.

Good effort to meet the goal of trying to make a case for why the Twins might tender him. But as noted by Seth in the article...he's an easy non-tender.

[S Bart]

You know the staff is having a tough time coming up with topics when they find a need to write an article on a player who has an ERA of this nature. I am a bit curious if somebody could list the number of relievers who appeared for the Twins this year. It simply must be a team record. Am I correct?

[strumdatjag]

3 hours ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

I think we need Levi (ticus) to run it by the Numbers but i can’t think of a bad pun for Deuteronomy

edit: i was turtled, can’t even call it Ninja’d cuz I was that slow

At the deadline, this team was Neuter-rotamied!    It MARKed a frustrating and APOCRYPHAl day in Twins history.   

[stringer bell]

Cabrera should not be tendered (I believe Twins' posters are unanimous on this), but I wouldn't object to signing him to a minor league contract, The Twins lack major league left handers and as long as Cabrera throws 95 with his left arm, there will be some interest in him. 

[Vanimal46]

This article could have been one word. Pass.

[IndianaTwin]

1 hour ago, S Bart said:

You know the staff is having a tough time coming up with topics when they find a need to write an article on a player who has an ERA of this nature. I am a bit curious if somebody could list the number of relievers who appeared for the Twins this year. It simply must be a team record. Am I correct?

They used 37 pitchers, including Ober, Paddack, Matthews, Lopez and Bradley, who only started; SWR, Ryan and Festa, who each appeared once as a reliever; and Fitzgerald, Clemens, Bride and Castro, who each relieved as position players. So overall, 25 "traditional" relief pitchers.

They used 38 pitchers in 2022, but I didn't look to see which ones only started and how many position players were used.