Twins Release Carson McCusker, Are Likely to Make Rule 5 Draft Pick Wednesday

[Matthew Trueblood]

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins will release Carson McCusker to pursue playing opportunities outside the United States, the team announced Wednesday. As a result, their 40-man roster now has a vacancy, clearing a logistical block as they prepare for the 2025 Rule 5 Draft, which takes place at 1 PM CT to close the Winter Meetings.

For a team with a wide-open bullpen and a tight budget, the Rule 5 Draft is a great place to mine for talent. The Twins are expected to make a selection, and whichever hurler they pick up will go into the place on the 40-man reserve list cleared by releasing McCusker. That player will have to be on the team's 26-man roster throughout 2026, though, or the Twins will have to offer them back to the team from whom they select them at half the initial $100,000 acquisition fee.

Neutered by a change in the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2006-07, the draft yields fewer interesting players than it used to. The notion of a player as good as Johan Santana becoming available in the Rule 5 has become laughable, because teams can now control a player for one year longer before having to make the decision about whether to add them to the 40-man roster and shield them from the draft. Clubs have also gotten better at player development and evaluation, so fewer diamonds are left in the rough.

However, the Twins' dearth of quality relief depth makes holding onto whomever they select easier than it would typically be for a team with any hope of contending in the ensuing season. Rule 5 picks rarely stick with their new team, and even more rarely become valuable contributors, but those who do are nearly all relief pitchers. The volatility and fungibility of that role means that many more semi-promising players in that demographic become available, relative to position players or starters.

Minnesota didn't have much luck with last year's Rule 5 pick, Eiberson Castellano; his command wasn't good enough to merit a spot in what was then a stacked bullpen. This year, the margin for error for any draftee will be much greater—though, of course, the Twins must hope that that margin isn't needed.

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[bunsen82]

I felt McCusker had potential-  but long run likely not as an outfielder for the Twins in the future.  He can likely make some decent money overseas.  

[LA Vikes Fan]

Any thought that Gasper might join him?

[DJL44]

Good news. They didn't want to play McCusker when he was on the MLB roster.

[LambchoP]

Maybe we get lucky and find a legit bullpen arm?

[old nurse]

Vasil and Smith did fairly well last year. It is possible to find two

[Hubie29]

"Stacked bullpen" last year. 

[Jacksson]

Just ONE from the "LOADED" 40 man roster released??

In a pinch, easily a half dozen more openings on the 40 man roster could be made by DFA those certain players.  Doubtful, any would be claimed and if they were = NO BIG LOSS.  By the end of the 2026 season, just how many of these place keepers will remain on the 40?

 

[bean5302]

20 minutes ago, Hubie29 said:

"Stacked bullpen" last year. 

I guess having 5 relievers with more than 20 IP each all with an ERA at 2.45 or better doesn't move your needle for "stacked" 

[bean5302]

McCusker didn't exactly tear up AAA towards the end of the year, and he was clearly outmatched against MLB pitching in his brief stint in the big show. I expect he'll clear waivers. I could see the Twins bringing him back on a MiLB contract.

[Seth Stohs]

I had hoped the Twins brass would chat with McCusker and have him get ground balls and throws at first base, just to develop. He had two options left. There is still 35 HR potential with opportunity. 

However, can't blame McCusker for wanting to make some money. He's reached the MLB, a huge goal. Now he needs to make some money. Sure, he can make $780K with the Twins if he's in the big leagues all season, but if he's in the minors, he'd probably "only" make up to $200K... He can got to Asia and presumably get $1million guaranteed. 

[DJL44]

Pete Alonso to the Orioles. They should be looking to dump Ryan Mountcastle.

[nicksaviking]

It was weird they kept him to begin with when it was clear they were never going to use him.

But skip the draft, sign a (good) free agent instead. With how precious this front office is with their acquisitions and the length of leash given to them in an effort to be proven right, they shouldn't be grabbing any Rule V picks, which are supposed to be disposable by nature.

[DJL44]

10 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

It was weird they kept him to begin with when it was clear they were never going to use him.

But skip the draft, sign a (good) free agent instead. With how precious this front office is with their acquisitions and the length of leash given to them in an effort to be proven right, they shouldn't be grabbing any Rule V picks, which are supposed to be disposable by nature.

It costs them nothing to wait until the last minute to make the decision. There are still several available spots for free agents on this roster.

[Chembry]

18 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Pete Alonso to the Orioles. They should be looking to dump Ryan Mountcastle.

I would be ok with Mountcastle.  He is decent both defensively and offensively,  Shouldn't cost much too much to acquire.  But he is only under team control for 1 year.  Something to keep in mind.

[DJL44]

24 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Pete Alonso to the Orioles. They should be looking to dump Ryan Mountcastle.

And/or trade Coby Mayo for pitching

[Dawgzilla]

Dump Gasper and Outman.

[nicksaviking]

28 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

It costs them nothing to wait until the last minute to make the decision. There are still several available spots for free agents on this roster.

"Several" is a very modest description.....

[Danchat]

1 hour ago, Jacksson said:

Just ONE from the "LOADED" 40 man roster released??

In a pinch, easily a half dozen more openings on the 40 man roster could be made by DFA those certain players.  Doubtful, any would be claimed and if they were = NO BIG LOSS.  By the end of the 2026 season, just how many of these place keepers will remain on the 40?

 

They'll wait until making an addition before making a subtraction like Gasper. There isn't any need to clear room on the 40 man roster right now when they can do it right before making a move.

[Chembry]

@bunsen82 You got your wish!  Twins selected Daniel Susac in the 1st round

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, Chembry said:

Twins selected Daniel Susac in the 1st round

Catcher with a decent offensive game. Maybe they are thinking of moving Jeffers? Interesting

 

[Chembry]

1 minute ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Catcher with a decent offensive game. Maybe they are thinking of moving Jeffers? Interesting

 

Who knows...I don't think anything would surprise me at this point.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, Chembry said:

Who knows...I don't think anything would surprise me at this point.

That or carry 3 catchers? 

[Scott51104]

Or Jeffers may play some first base

[Chembry]

8 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

That or carry 3 catchers? 

I don't think it's impossible that they try to pass Alex Jackson through waivers.

Susac has also played 1 game at 1B...I laugh at that, but we don't know if the Twins plan to try platoon him at 1B...Or they may very well trade Jeffers or try Jeffers at 1B.  I like the pick though.

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

That or carry 3 catchers? 

I hope not. They have two new catchers who can't be optioned this season. They'll keep the one they like the best at the end of spring training and put the other one on waivers.

[USAFChief]

7 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

That or carry 3 catchers? 

Jackson is out of options, correct?

[Chembry]

Double post

[DJL44]

No Twins prospects selected

[Cory Engelhardt]

Bobby Nightengale is reporting the Twins are trading Susac to the Giants. More to come