Twins Spring Battles: The Backup Shortstop

[Greggory Masterson]

Image courtesy of L to R: Orlando Arcia (© Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images), Tristan Gray (© Mike Watters-Imagn Images), Ryan Kreidler (© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

It seems that in recent years, the Twins have had very few classic roster battles in spring training. Part of this decline is due to the fact that spring training performance isn’t taken as seriously as it once was, but the Twins have also had a pretty set roster coming into camp for a few years. The “battles” on the offensive side tend to be “which of this pool of guys could be the 13th man on the bench,” which came more down to preference between very different roles. For instance, would Mickey Gasper’s bat or DaShawn Keirsey’s speed be more useful? (Because look, not all of the questions had a right answer.)

This year, though, the Twins have a specific need: backup shortstop. After an offseason of collecting fringe major-league talent (and letting some of it, like Vidal Bruján, pass right through without ever actually donning the uniform), they have three options to fill the spot. Each has a unique profile, so it’s unclear that their talent level will be the deciding factor. However, this is one of the battles in camp least adulterated by outside factors like minor-league options or deferring to seniority.

Orlando Arcia: The Veteran
Arcia is in Twins camp on a minor-league deal worth $1.25 million if he makes the team out of camp. He has an opt-out clause, so if the Twins don’t add him to the 40-man roster, he may be able to re-enter free agency.

Just two seasons removed from an All-Star nod, Arcia is the biggest name of the bunch. He spent a couple of seasons in Atlanta, hitting fine (100 OPS+ between 2022 and 2023), but his offense has fallen off a cliff over the last two seasons (.599 OPS, 64 OPS+ between 2024 and 2025). His peak was league-average, so there’s not much room to fall offensively.

Once lauded for his defense, Arcia has slipped a bit upon entering his 30s. Stepping in for Dansby Swanson in Atlanta, he registered 7 outs above average (OAA) at shortstop over 2,591 innings between 2023 and 2024, but clocked in at -2 OAA in 173 innings at shortstop in 2025. He was still a plus defender at second base (3 OAA in 115 innings) and third base (1 OAA in 115 innings), but he’s not getting any younger, and his primary function would be playing shortstop.

Arcia has played mostly shortstop and second base this spring and has put together a solid enough spring, with a .780 OPS. Obligatory “spring training stats don’t mean anything,” but if he’s looking good enough at shortstop, he might have the inside track on the spot, since the Twins can keep the other two choices. They both have minor-league options. Nothing about Arcia's batted-ball data suggests a significant change in who he is, though he's made more contact this spring than he has in recent big-league seasons.

Ryan Kreidler: The Glove
Kreidler was claimed late in 2025 from Pittsburgh and has lasted the entire offseason on the 40-man roster. The 28-year-old is getting big-league opportunities for one reason: he can pick it at short. He's probably the best shortstop defender in the organization who’s not named Marek Houston.

For a team with a starting shortstop (Brooks Lee) who has major defensive questions, Kreidler can provide some stability. He’s registered 2 OAA at the position in 253 big-league innings. He can also play a solid center field, league-average by OAA at 0 in 117 innings there last season. The eye test matches the stats, though he lacks the raw speed you look for in a center fielder.

The issue? The dude has never hit. In his best season, 2022, he slashed .178/.244/.233, for a 39 OPS+, where 100 is average and higher is better. This is saying he was less than half as productive as an average hitter—in his best year. Funny enough, he was worth positive WAR by both Fangraphs and Baseball Reference for that season, and would have been a 1-2 WAR player if given 300 plate appearances. That might tell you something about his defense. I guess it might also tell you something about WAR's utility in edge cases.

He’s only got 211 MLB plate appearances in his career, and if he can hit even a little, he could be an adequate bench player who can play both shortstop and center field when needed. But it’s difficult to see him mustering even 2024-2025 Arcia-level offense at this point in his career. He’s played all three infield positions (other than first base) and both center and right field this spring, but he’s only got a .469 OPS in 30 (meaningless) spring training plate appearances. He's making slightly better and more frequent contact than has been his wont, but there hasn't been a breakout or visible overhaul.

Tristan Gray: The Hitter
Now, “The Hitter” might be overselling it a bit with Gray, but compared to the other two options, hitting is his defining trait. Gray was acquired for minor-league catcher Nate Baez this winter, and he’s stuck around on the 40-man roster, like Kreidler, indicating that the Twins have some lasting interest in him.

Gray turns 30 this season, and he’s registered 122 plate appearances in his three-year MLB career between Tampa Bay, Miami, and Oakland. He’s also been in the Pirates, White Sox, and Red Sox organizations. He slashed .231/.282/.410 last season, and his OPS was just 9% below league average. He plays all four infield positions.

He’s played 80 or fewer big-league innings at each infield position, but he’s been worth 0 OAA at first, 0 OAA at second, -2 OAA at third, and 1 OAA at short. I’m listing these for consistency in this writeup. The sample is too small for the stats to be meaningful. But the scouting report suggests that Gray could be serviceable at shortstop—not standout by any means, but potentially serviceable.

One knock against Gray is that he’s left-handed, which adds another lefty to a roster crowded with lefties. However, the other infield positions are currently manned by Luke Keaschall and Royce Lewis, which would give Gray opportunities to give them days off against righties in addition to his normal days backing up Lee. He’s split his time evenly between second, third, and short this spring. If the Twins think he can hit a little and play a decent enough shortstop, he might be a better fit than the light-hitting options. And here’s your meaningless spring training stat: .648 OPS. He's swung and missed disturbingly often for Grapefruit League action and isn't hitting the ball especially hard, but he has plus bat speed, which the other two can't say.

The Verdict: I Don’t Know
Funny enough, at the time of writing, all three have exactly five appearances at shortstop this spring. I could see it going any way. I think I’d say 1) Kreidler, 2) Arcia, 3) Gray, but I could also see a world where Gray makes the team alongside one of the other two, due to injuries. In less than a week, we'll know for sure.

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[bean5302]

I like Arcia here. Exit velocity has looked solid enough this spring at 89.5mph, and he's already had a 104.5mph shot with 2 barrels after recording only 4 barrels all last year. His plate discpline has looked okay, and his overall upside is significantly above our starting "shortstop."

The other guys aren't going anywhere.

[nicksaviking]

I'd guess having to add Arcia to the 40-man would tilt the scales in Kreidler's favor. Not sure Arcia would opt out; shortstop isn't as bereft of talent around the league as it used to be. For most teams.

But I could also see a 4th option: a glove-first guy who's released by another team that the Twins won't rue returning back to waivers in a week or two when the roster calls for it.

[Brett]

Could we consider Brooks Lee to be the backup SS, and our starter TBD?

[CRF]

Not real thrilled with any of them, but if I had to keep one...I guess it would be Arcia. At least for now. 

[4twinsJA]

Maybe there is a plan D. Waiting for roster cuts to pick someone up?

[Elite Benchwarmer]

Arcia has looked the best at the plate during the Spring.  At least during this Spring, he's showing as a dead pull hitter.  If the Twins are OK with Arcia defense at SS, I think he's the guy.

Neither Kreidler and Gray have shown anything at the plate this spring in Fort Myers.  I don't think Kreidler can hit enough to justify his defense, although he's the best among this trio.

[USAFChief]

Arcia.

[nicksaviking]

10 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'd guess having to add Arcia to the 40-man would tilt the scales in Kreidler's favor. Not sure Arcia would opt out; shortstop isn't as bereft of talent around the league as it used to be. For most teams.

But I could also see a 4th option: a glove-first guy who's released by another team that the Twins won't rue returning back to waivers in a week or two when the roster calls for it.

Found him. Alika Williams. Non-roster invite to the Pirates camp. Played for Shelton in 2023 and 2024. Hitting pretty well this spring too, but I don't see any Pirate roster predictions giving him a spot.

Just for fun of course. Unless I'm right then I totally called it.

[jorgenswest]

Arcia. Kreidler can be removed from 40. Gray can also. Both have most value as depth in AAA off of the 40.

[IndianaTwin]

I'd lean to Arcia EXCEPT for the fact that it means adding him to the 40-man roster. But then I realized that Gray is on the 40-man roster and easily DFAed. 

 

[Linus]

10 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Arcia. Kreidler can be removed from 40. Gray can also. Both have most value as depth in AAA off of the 40.

This. Gray and Kreidler could go a month without getting a hit. 

[nicksaviking]

20 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I'd lean to Arcia EXCEPT for the fact that it means adding him to the 40-man roster. But then I realized that Gray is on the 40-man roster and easily DFAed. 

 

I'm all for removing Gray and/or Kreidler, but I'll guess the Twins are less comfortable DFA'ing the shortstops.

[Greggory Masterson]

1 hour ago, nicksaviking said:

Found him. Alika Williams. Non-roster invite to the Pirates camp. Played for Shelton in 2023 and 2024. Hitting pretty well this spring too, but I don't see any Pirate roster predictions giving him a spot.

I’ve been saying the Twins don’t have enough 1st round picks from the 2020 draft

[jorgenswest]

5 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

I'm all for removing Gray and/or Kreidler, but I'll guess the Twins are less comfortable DFA'ing the shortstops.

They have DFA’d Ryan Fitzgerald and Vidal Brujan this off season. Gray and Kreidler come to the Twins after being DFA’d multiple times. 

[nicksaviking]

23 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

They have DFA’d Ryan Fitzgerald and Vidal Brujan this off season. Gray and Kreidler come to the Twins after being DFA’d multiple times. 

Yeah, these guys and Arcia are all the same to me, but they have always kept at least two on the 40-man roster, along with Arcia as the safety net on the MiLB deal.

Again, I'm not saying 'no', but I think the Twins think rostering such players is more precious than it really should be.

[LambchoP]

Hopefully Culpeper mashes in AAA and forces a call up to the bigs. Then Lee can be our utility guy covering 2nd, SS and 3rd.

[arby58]

17 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

Hopefully Culpeper mashes in AAA and forces a call up to the bigs. Then Lee can be our utility guy covering 2nd, SS and 3rd.

Even if he only hits as well as Lee, his speed, athleticism, and defense would warrant a call up.

[RpR]

53 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

They have DFA’d Ryan Fitzgerald and Vidal Brujan this off season. Gray and Kreidler come to the Twins after being DFA’d multiple times. 

Fitzgerald

[jmlease1]

Gray looks like a hell no to me. Not much of a hitter, LH bat, which we really don't need, and he's been unimpressive at best in the field. (including making the sort of play that if Brooks Lee had done it you'd have people around here calling for him to be cut)

Probably Arcia, if the Twins are comfortable with his defense at SS. Kreidler if they don't think Arcia can hold up at SS as anything more than an emergency guy, because we need to have an actual SS. Kreidler can also play CF in a pinch, which has value, but he might be a zero on offense.

I'd be happier with any of them if I knew that Brooks Lee had actually improved his range (not just a "best shape of his life" spring training tale) and was going to be a league average or better hitter this season, but Arcia seems like a fairly reasonable backup who won't be a disaster if he has to start for a few weeks.

[Dawgzilla]

The verdict:  they all stink!!!  68-94 season...we're coming...right down the biffer, aka porcelain throne!  Ugly!!!!!!!  I haven't seen such garbage Twins team since the Calvin Griffith days of being on the cheap!!!  I'm " Ballstradomus"!  🤪

[Vanimal46]

3 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Arcia.

Just like you predicted the moment he was signed to a minor league deal. I should have made a bet on that myself that day. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

4 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Found him. Alika Williams. Non-roster invite to the Pirates camp. Played for Shelton in 2023 and 2024. Hitting pretty well this spring too, but I don't see any Pirate roster predictions giving him a spot.

Just for fun of course. Unless I'm right then I totally called it.

Nicely played Nick.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Forget all this suspense and just hand the SS job to Culpepper and put Lee at super utility. Don't delay the inevitable. 

[Muppet]

Oh wow this is depressing. Can we not bring any of them up north this year? Hopefully Brooks Lee plays better than the backup options this year. 

[AceWrigley]

Might as well list Royce Lewis as a possible reserve shortstop because he sure hasn't looked like a starting third baseman. I know he still has this toolsy-star tag attached to him, and I want him to succeed, but I don't think he's going to turn into a good MLB hitter. His at-bats aren't really good, and haven't been for awhile.

[Jacksson]

Lewis stinks this Spring.  Find a SS who can be "the guy", move Lee to 3B, option Lewis.

[Greglw3]

One thing I know for sure is that the last thing the Twins need to do is repeat the mistakes of the last few seasons and having subs .200 hitters on their bench, so no to Kreidler. The Twins success this year depends in a significant way on improving their offense.  

I think Lee will hit better as he’s made adjustments on selectivity and is more amenable to spraying the ball around the field. 

I’ve also noticed the last few games that Wallner has altered his swing to a flatter swing, more of a line drive swing than his former ineffective swing from the heels for home runs approach. His plate discipline looks to be slightly improved also.

I also love Culpepper’s talent. And Gabriel Gonzalez. Roden looks like a natural hitter. Martin can hit and, oh boy, can Keaschall ever hit! Buxton a given. I think Bell will be fine.

Larnach is a guy I would probably cut loose with so many young players having better upside than him.

Then we have the secret weapons in Rodriguez and Jenkins waiting in the wings. 

 

[stringer bell]

I think the Twins would really like to go with the best defensive player, but Kreidler has shown nothing to indicate that he'll ever hit more than a pitcher. He's also a good outfielder, so Martin's injury might also give him a way to make the Opening Day roster.  Arcia can hit a little bit and he's a pretty solid glove in the middle infield. Gray hasn't hit well either, so I believe it is Arcia by default.

The lack of infield depth in the high minors (outside of Culpepper) means to me that no more than one of Gray and Kreidler will be DFA'd since they both have an option remaining. 

[Permanent Twins Fan]

Tristan Gray: The Hitter

Orlando Arcia: The Veteran

Ryan Kriedler: The Glove

Kaalen Culpepper: The Prospect

If they aren't going to give it to Culpepper, I think Arcia is the choice because of his glove and veteran presence.