Is James Outman Playing His Way Onto the Twins’ Opening Day Roster?

[Matthew Taylor]

Image courtesy of © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

James Outman arrived in Minnesota under less-than-ideal circumstances. The Twins acquired Outman at last season’s trade deadline during the organization’s sweeping sell-off, sending reliever Brock Stewart to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 1-for-1 deal. Among the moves the Twins made that week, that trade may have drawn the loudest criticism from the fanbase.

Stewart had been one of the most reliable arms in the Twins bullpen and, perhaps more importantly, he still had multiple seasons of team control remaining. Given the demand for high-leverage relief pitching at the deadline, many assumed Stewart would command a more substantial return. Instead, the Twins flipped him for Outman, another left-handed hitting outfielder who had struggled to replicate the success of his standout rookie campaign.

After bursting onto the scene in 2023 with the Dodgers, Outman has posted a sub-.700 OPS over the last two and a half seasons. To many observers, it felt like the Twins had simply added another corner outfielder to a roster that already had several.

Outman’s initial performance in Minnesota did little to quiet those concerns. Over the final stretch of the 2025 season, Outman got 104 plate appearances for the Twins and struggled mightily. He posted a .558 OPS, while striking out 45 times and drawing just eight walks. For a player already fighting the perception that his rookie season might have been a mirage, the numbers didn’t help.

Because of that performance and his roster status, Outman entered spring training in a precarious position. He's out of minor-league options, meaning the Twins cannot send him to Triple-A without first exposing him to waivers. In practical terms, that left the organization with a simple choice: either he makes the Opening Day roster, or he's designated for assignment near the end of this month.

Coming into camp, it seemed fairly likely the Twins would take the attendant risks and end up cutting him. Given Outman’s struggles over the past three seasons, it was reasonable to believe he might clear waivers and allow the Twins to stash him in Triple-A as depth. If he didn't, it looked likely to be a palatable loss.

Spring training, however, has a way of complicating things. In a very small sample, Outman has looked like a different player. Across just 25 plate appearances this spring, he has posted a 1.019 OPS while launching two home runs. He's also showcased his speed on the bases, swiping five bags in six attempts.

Twenty-five plate appearances alone are not going to force the Twins to completely rethink their roster construction. But Outman’s strong start introduces a few new variables that could make the decision more complicated. The biggest, perhaps, is his waiver outlook. Earlier this spring, the Twins might have felt confident that Outman would pass through waivers unclaimed. After three disappointing seasons, the odds of another club using a roster spot on him didn’t appear particularly high. But if he continues to perform well throughout camp, that calculation changes.

Outman is still only 28 years old. He’s fast; he plays a capable center field; and his rookie season remains recent enough to intrigue another front office. That year included a 114 OPS+ and meaningful postseason contributions for the Dodgers. Even after a few down seasons, it’s hard to imagine every team passing on that profile if he’s showing signs of life.

The Twins also have alternatives for that left-handed outfield spot, but those alternatives come with roster flexibility that Outman does not. Alan Roden entered camp as the presumed third outfielder behind Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner, with Trevor Larnach expected to spend most of his time at designated hitter. Unlike Outman, Roden still has minor-league options remaining. That gives the Twins the ability to send him to Triple-A without risking losing him.

If the Twins decide they want to keep Outman in the organization, they could choose to open the season with him on the roster while using Roden’s option.

There are also defensive considerations. Outman has extensive experience in center field and grades as a strong defender there. That should translate to an even more valuable glove in a corner outfield role. Perhaps just as importantly, he provides the type of true center field depth the Twins have often looked for behind Buxton. Roden has seen time in center this spring, but Outman is a proven option there.

None of this guarantees Outman a roster spot. Spring numbers can evaporate as quickly as they appear, and the Twins still have several weeks left to evaluate their roster. But the conversation has clearly shifted. What once looked like a straightforward DFA decision has turned into a legitimate roster question. If Outman continues to swing the bat well and showcase his athleticism, the Twins may decide the safer move is keeping him on the Opening Day roster, rather than risking losing him on waivers. Not bad for a player who entered camp looking like one of the most obvious roster casualties of the spring.

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What do you think? Has James Outman done enough to earn a spot on the Twins’ Opening Day roster, or should Minnesota still take the chance and try to sneak him through waivers?

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[Mike Sixel]

Please, no. 

[AceWrigley]

Ancient Alien Theorists say . . . yes.

[Hunter4848]

Only if we plan on punting this season 

[Cory Engelhardt]

I’m not saying he should be around for the long haul. But defensively I certainly like him out there more than either Larnach or Wallner. He does have some speed and some pop, both things that they could use. We will see how the rest of spring goes, but no one currently in the outfield mix other than Buxton has sniffed anywhere close to the success he showed in 2023. 

[farmerguychris]

I would bet money that he'll make the opening day roster and someone else (possibly deserving to be in the majors) will start in AAA.  This team loves their depth and hates to let people go, even when they should be.

[Fire Dan Gladden]

Well... the Twins have a pretty decent recent track record of rehabilitating these types of guys, so nothing would surprise me here.

The article ignored Austin Martin, but I think a lot hinges on Larnach. Things would be a lot clearer if Larnach was moved.

[WarPath1211]

1 hour ago, farmerguychris said:

I would bet money that he'll make the opening day roster and someone else (possibly deserving to be in the majors) will start in AAA.

This is really how I see this going as well. Alan Roden has an option year left, James Outman is out of options. I really think Outman would have to stink it up really, really bad this spring for the front office to risk losing him for nothing.

Outman is also a true CF, while Roden and Martin are more guys who can play there in a pinch, but probably shouldn't be regularly out there.

My ideal scenario would be trading Larnach to clear up outfield playing time. This lets Roden/potentially Rodriguez compete for regular OF at-bats, and leaves Outman in a bench role where he can hopefully still prove himself to be a competent backup for all 3 spots. But I've heard no such Larnach trade rumors other than wishful thinking.

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, WarPath1211 said:

This is really how I see this going as well. Alan Roden has an option year left, James Outman is out of options. I really think Outman would have to stink it up really, really bad this spring for the front office to risk losing him for nothing.

Outman is also a true CF, while Roden and Martin are more guys who can play there in a pinch, but probably shouldn't be regularly out there.

My ideal scenario would be trading Larnach to clear up outfield playing time. This lets Roden/potentially Rodriguez compete for regular OF at-bats, and leaves Outman in a bench role where he can hopefully still prove himself to be a competent backup for all 3 spots. But I've heard no such Larnach trade rumors other than wishful thinking.

He's 29 and hasn't hit for two years. Why they would fear losing him is beyond mind boggling. 

[NYCTK]

1 hour ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

Well... the Twins have a pretty decent recent track record of rehabilitating these types of guys, so nothing would surprise me here.

The article ignored Austin Martin, but I think a lot hinges on Larnach. Things would be a lot clearer if Larnach was moved.

The sad reality that a DH with a 105 OPS+ just isn't very valuable. 

[NYCTK]

9 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's 29 and hasn't hit for two years. Why they would fear losing him is beyond mind boggling. 

You need players capable of playing CF on your roster. Outside of Buxton and Outman, you have Jenkins and Rodriguez, and neither seem quite ready for prime time. 

Martin isn't a CF, nor is Roden, even if they're both capable of playing it occasionally. 

I don't think it'd be the worst thing in the world to lose Outman and force Rodriguez to the majors in the unforeseeable event of a Buxton injury, but I can understand why a MLB GM would hesitate to just release a player like Outman given their roster. 

[jorgenswest]

Players aren’t fixed on their previous slash. Sometimes players take a step forward in the winter. Sometimes teams figure out to pitch them more effectively. I certainly would not be fixed in thinking he is the same player as 2025 where he received sporadic major league playing time.

Outman has a career 94 OPS+. He can play an above average centerfield. He has some speed. He strikes out way too much. He is 28. Has he changed? Triple slash stats are worthless but his plate discipline can be compared to both his very unsuccessful time in the majors as well as his successful time in the minors. His swing rate was virtually the same at both levels last year. His swing rate this spring is up 5%. His contact rate is up 8.6% over his AAA contact rate last year where he was successful. Why AAA? He isn’t seeing exclusively major league pitchers. If there is a change it should show up when compared to AAA. Both his swinging strike and his called strike rates are down compared to his AAA numbers. He has seen 125 pitches which is meaningful when looking at swing stats. The Twins will have access to bat tracking that may show a change. Does that mean there has been a change in his pitch recognition or approach or swing? Possibly. 

He is a major leaguer if he can hit an OPS+ of 90 or better to go with his glove. He may have done enough this spring to make a major league roster.

[Danchat]

I was a bit confused with Outman's age - looked it up, he turns 29 in May, so realistically he's closer to 29 than 28. He ain't young, folks.

I just have a hard time seeing him rebound from hitting .141 with a 39% K rate the past two years. Even a sizeable rebound would just get him to being replacement level.

[Fatbat]

He will clear waivers so why not dfa him? Martin is on that same path… who wants speed but no bat. So far, Gabby and Erod who are both on the 40 man and are out playing everyone. Send a message to the vets by putting those 2 guys in the outfield in game 1. 

[jmlease1]

I think the thing to remember with Outman is he crushed AAA just fine in 2025, so is him pounding the ball in spring training just a repeat of his AAA work? Dude has always hit AAA pitching. He just stopped hitting MLB pitching and I have to wonder if his spring training is nothing but a mirage.

I'm sure there have to be other metrics on which to judge him, but I don't really have them sitting on my ass in MN...

Personally, I don't think Outman should have played his way on to the roster. I think the front office is still enamored of him, and would really like to be proven right on that deal.

[Linus]

I think his defense in CF is overrated but they brought him back and he has had a good spring so if that is what they were looking for it’s happened. I believe he would get claimed so unless Zoll is different than Falvey he will likely make the club. Maybe it’s only for a couple months but their track record in situations like this is pretty clear. Want to be clear - this what I think will happen not necessarily what I would do 

[NYCTK]

56 minutes ago, Danchat said:

I was a bit confused with Outman's age - looked it up, he turns 29 in May, so realistically he's closer to 29 than 28. He ain't young, folks.

You can say that about much of the "young" players on the roster, which is why the multi-year outlook is so grim. 

The only position players in year 26 or younger season truly in line for a 26 man roster spot are: Roden, Lee, and Keaschall. 

 

[Peter Gravett]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

He's 29 and hasn't hit for two years. Why they would fear losing him is beyond mind boggling. 

His ability to play center is overblown too. The guy can get to the ball, but drops playable balls more than Martin and Roden.

[Linus]

37 minutes ago, NYCTK said:

You can say that about much of the "young" players on the roster, which is why the multi-year outlook is so grim. 

The only position players in year 26 or younger season truly in line for a 26 man roster spot are: Roden, Lee, and Keaschall. 

 

Sometimes I think people assume bad teams are “young”. The Twins are not a young team. 

[bunsen82]

Personally,  I am ok with giving him a month.   All the outfielders on the 40 man other than Buxton are question marks in my opinion.   I am ok with at least trying him out for a month after the preseason.  We will likely see more of the same - but you have the slim chance he figures it out similar to a Brent Rooker.  I saws nothing last year that made me think he was camp fodder but so what if we send down Martin or Roden.   Its not like its drastically going to change our outlook.   I still think trading Larnach is our best option.  I would prefer to have Rodriguez start in left field this year.   If its a punt year,  might as well give yourself a chance at getting an end of 1st draft pick if he could end up being rookie of the year.   Honestly,  I would puts his odds in the 10-20% range.  He has the ability, he needs to remain healthy.  

[RpR]

10 minutes ago, bunsen82 said:

Personally,  I am ok with giving him a month.   All the outfielders on the 40 man other than Buxton are question marks in my opinion.   I am ok with at least trying him out for a month after the preseason.  We will likely see more of the same - but you have the slim chance he figures it out similar to a Brent Rooker.  I saws nothing last year that made me think he was camp fodder but so what if we send down Martin or Roden.   Its not like its drastically going to change our outlook.   I still think trading Larnach is our best option.  I would prefer to have Rodriguez start in left field this year.   If its a punt year,  might as well give yourself a chance at getting an end of 1st draft pick if he could end up being rookie of the year.   Honestly,  I would puts his odds in the 10-20% range.  He has the ability, he needs to remain healthy.  

If Rooker had a glove even close to as good as Outman he would still be here.

Outman is at least average.

[Nshore]

If it comes down to Outman or E-Rod, I'd take E-Rod any day.  E-Rod could take off like a rocket and be just the shot in the arm this franchise needs.  They have to take a chance.  If E-Rod falls flat and starts to strike out every other at bat, then he's another Outman.  If he gets hurt, they have Kreidler or Roden for CF back-up. Pretty easy choice IMO.

[rv78]

Based on their major league careers, especially the last 2 months of the 2025 season, I find it hard to believe that Roden is considered the 3rd outfielder over Martin. The author of this article appears to be drawing straws.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

I think he likely would be playing his way onto the roster if it wasn't that the one guy he's mainly competing against (Alen Roden) is having an even better spring than Outman is. It is nice to see both of them having good springs. I still don't understand why Trevor Larnach is still on the team. At this point I might take both Roden and Outman straight up over him (defensively at least) and Larnach is getting paid a lot more than either one of them.

[RpR]

16 minutes ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

I think he likely would be playing his way onto the roster if it wasn't that the one guy he's mainly competing against (Alen Roden) is having an even better spring than Outman is. It is nice to see both of them having good springs. I still don't understand why Trevor Larnach is still on the team. At this point I might take both Roden and Outman straight up over him (defensively at least) and Larnach is getting paid a lot more than either one of them.

Larnach is still here because at this point he is out playing Wallner.

Larnach

Wallner

[DocBauer]

I seldom hold a player's age against him. Some guys debut young never to be seen again. Some debut older and turn out to have nice careers. Some debut...fall way back...and then find something different again in their approach and do well again. 

But in the case of Outman, I'm truly perplexed. He'll be 29yp come May and basically hasn't hit AT ALL at the ML level the past 2 years. So where does he fit with this club? Has he had good ST the past 2 years with the Dodgers? I honestly don't know. Roden had a great ST with the Jays last year, but didn't look good in his rookie debut. But not only was he a rookie, he had a pretty SSS to boot. But he's also having a really good ST, and he's 3yrs younger than Outman. 

So Outman is playing himself, possibly, on to the roster because he's a more natural CF? His defense didn't exactly impress late in 2025. Roden would seem to have more of a future with the club, but he might get sent down to AAA because he has options, to compete for playing time with Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez? You might even throw Fedko in there. Meanwhile, the parent club also still has both Larnach and Wallner.

What are we doing here? We're talking about a 29yo coming off 2 very poor ML seasons and bypassing a 26yo that we ALSO traded for last year because he's having a good ST but probably doesn't have a future with the team beyond this year even if he does well? Or do they plan on keeping him as a 4th OF beyond 2026? Well then why even have Roden around? 

Were Larnach moved tomorrow, there is STILL an over abundance of LH OF because you almost HAVE to keep Martin just to have another RH OF on hand. So 1 of Outman or Roden STILL doesn't fit. 

I guess the Twins see stuff daily that we don't that will HOPEFULLY get this all figured out. Maybe Outman really isn't impressing them as much as the OP suggests. Maybe Roden hasn't been showing them as much as they would like. Maybe Roden actually looks better to them than Outman does. The whole issue is confusing at best.

I'm starting to believe Zoll will follow the Falvey path of not letting go of a veteran "too soon" and Outman will somehow make the club. So Roden has to fight with the AAA kids and hope he gets another shot if Outman sinks. Better to keep the veteran and have a numbers crunch at AAA, I guess. 

I'd error on the side of the future, were it me. I'd trust in Roden and Martin and move both Larnach and Outman and go younger, faster, and at least some potential and "risk" losing Outman to someone else and him having a solid 2026 elsewhere. 

The odds say he won't. But even if he does, that doesn't mean Roden won't have a solid year. That doesn't mean Martin won't build on his 2025. And you still have 2 of your top 4 prospects playing OF in St Paul, plus another top 10 prospect in Gonzalez, and another top 25 prospect in Rosario, plus a still somewhat interesting AAAA player in Fedko, plus 1B convert Mendez (top 12) who will also play at least some OF. And the ML bench could have Clemens, and possibly a mediocre Wagaman as possible corner OF options here and there.

But we're concerned we might miss out on a 29yo LH OF who has been horrible the past 2 years because he's having a good ST? I mean, what are we doing here?

[DJL44]

I am hopeful that Outman is playing himself onto the Phillies roster. The Phillies 4th outfielder was suspended half the season and they could use someone short term. Send him to Philly for any A ball player with a grade 40+ rating.

 

[Whitey333]

Nothing changes with this organization.  Considering keeping a washed up over hyped player like Outman because they may lose him if they DFA him.  No options left.  But other players may get sent down or traded because Outman has no options.  There's a lot of negativity here regarding Larnach but I would take him anytime over Outman.  Then you have the great Shelton telling us how great many of the young players played this spring but sent them out anyway.  This team will be lucky to win 70-75 games this year as it is. Oh my.  What are we doing

[Riverbrian]

I don't believe spring training box scores influences roster decisions. I think they already have a pretty good idea who will be on the 26 man. I think they had a good idea before players arrived to camp. 

I don't know what Brock Stewarts trade value was at the time if the trade. I understand that Brock's fragility will probably lower his trade value. 

I don't care what his trade value was or is. The Twins didn't need to give him away. Look at our current bullpen. If he was healthy... Brock Stewart would be our closer right now. 

He made 870K last year. This wasn't a budget decision. The Dodgers and Stewart avoided arbitration with a 1.3 million deal. He is under team control for the next two seasons.

Brock Stewart is still on the Dodgers 40 man. Anthony Banda is not. Brock Stewart still has value to the Dodgers. 

Why would the Twins give him away? 

They wouldn't give him away. This means that they like Outman. They decided they would rather have Outman over Stewart. They chose Outman over Stewart.. They liked Outman over Stewart enough to add him to a crowded outfield at the expense of a depleted bullpen.

Stewart if healthy would be our closer right now. 

If the Twins DFA Outman... they will have given Stewart away for nothing.

If the Twins DFA Outman... would he be claimed?

I don't know but its possible that he will be claimed for the same reasons that the Twins traded for him. I don't believe the Twins have proprietary scouting methods that the 29 other teams don't have. 

Brock Stewart didn't need to be given away. The Twins didn't take Outman back in the trade to be a two month rental in a lost season. They like him. 

[killertwinfan]

Of course, another 4 A talent. Twins attract these guys like bees in a hive.