Twins Trim Depth As Ryan Kreidler and Eric Wagaman Head To Triple-A

[Cody Christie]

The Minnesota Twins made another round of spring roster cuts, optioning both Ryan Kreidler and Eric Wagaman to Triple-A as Opening Day draws closer. While neither move comes as a complete surprise, the decisions help clarify how the bench picture is forming under new manager Derek Shelton.

Kreidler’s path to the roster always felt like a narrow one. Claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh organization in October, he brought some familiarity for Shelton, who previously spent time with the Pirates. That connection made him an intriguing under-the-radar candidate to win a backup middle infield role, especially given his defensive versatility.

Ultimately, the bat did not provide enough support for the glove. Kreidler appeared in 17 spring games and went 6-for-39, good for a .154 average, with one home run and an 11-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The broader offensive track record paints a similar picture. Across 89 career big-league games, he owns a .383 OPS, which translates to an 11 OPS+. That level of production makes it difficult to justify a roster spot unless the defensive value is elite, and even then, there are limits to how much a team can carry offensively.

Wagaman’s case is a bit different, but the result is the same. Acquired in early January in a trade that sent left-handed reliever Kade Bragg to Miami, Wagaman brought a more balanced offensive profile. He logged 140 games for the Marlins last season and hit .250/.296/.378 (.674). His 28 doubles and nine home runs helped him post an 86 OPS+, suggesting he can at least provide some pop off the bench.

This spring, Wagaman showed flashes of that ability, going 10-for-39 with one home run and a 13-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 games. Still, without the same defensive upside as Kreidler, he needed to clearly separate himself offensively. That did not quite happen, leaving him on the outside looking in as the Twins finalized their bench mix.

All signs now point to Orlando Arcia securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. The veteran infielder and former All-Star brings a longer track record and the ability to handle shortstop behind Brooks Lee. Even with a difficult 2025 season that saw him post a 42 OPS+ and -1.2 rWAR across 76 games between Atlanta and Colorado, Minnesota appears willing to bet on experience and defensive reliability in a reserve role.

There is still time for things to shift at the margins, but this decision signals a clear preference from the Twins coaching staff. They are prioritizing stability up the middle while keeping additional depth in Triple-A should injuries or performance issues arise.

In the end, both Kreidler and Wagaman remain part of the organizational picture. Each offers a different skill set that could become useful over the course of a long season. For now, though, the message is simple. The Twins are narrowing their focus, and the Opening Day roster is beginning to come into view.

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[Greglw3]

I think Zoll, Shelton and not forgetting Toby Gardenhire have run an efficient spring training! I suspect that other than the options issue, Outman was kept because Shelton wants to be aggressive and run and in Buxton, Keaschall, Martin and Outman (maybe Lewis?), there’s some serious speed and potential 30 steal guys.

Arcia did show some nice range in the field!

[nicksaviking]

With Kreidler being sent down and Arcia not yet added to the 40-man, I hope that means the Twins are looking for other options at shortstop.

[Rosterman]

Is Tristan Gray the guy (instead of Arcia). They really have only one possible roster opening if they have to pass Jackson thru waivers. And that looks like the addition of a non-roster relief pitcher.

[USAFChief]

47 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

With Kreidler being sent down and Arcia not yet added to the 40-man, I hope that means the Twins are looking for other options at shortstop.

I'll wager a Grain Belt Premium Arcia opens the season as the Twins reserve infielder.

Deal?

Note: winner collects next time both of us are at Target Field on the same day. AKA "never."

Edited March 23 by USAFChief

[DJL44]

44 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

I think Zoll, Shelton and not forgetting Toby Gardenhire have run an efficient spring training! I suspect that other than the options issue, Outman was kept because Shelton wants to be aggressive and run and in Buxton, Keaschall, Martin and Outman (maybe Lewis?), there’s some serious speed and potential 30 steal guys.

Arcia did show some nice range in the field!

I will bet everything that Outman doesn't get to 30 steals. Over the last two seasons he had 38 hits and 28 walks. Out of those hits, 20 of them were for extra bases. That leaves 46 times when he was on first base. He stole 3 bases in those 46 opportunities. To steal 30 bases at that rate, he would need to get on base 460 times.

I'd say Outman is a potential 3 steal guy. I think I'd bet against anyone getting 30 steals, but the other guys should at least be in the 20s.

[DJL44]

58 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

With Kreidler being sent down and Arcia not yet added to the 40-man, I hope that means the Twins are looking for other options at shortstop.

I think it means they're still looking for a trade partner for Alex Jackson.

[nicksaviking]

3 hours ago, USAFChief said:

I'll wager a Grain Belt Premium Arcia opens the season as the Twins reserve infielder.

Deal?

Note: winner collects next time both of us are at Target Field on the same day. AKA "never."

Just so we're clear, your side is that the Twins keep Arcia, and my side is the Twins trade for Bobby Witt Jr. 

Deal.

[nicksaviking]

43 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I think it means they're still looking for a trade partner for Alex Jackson.

That gives me little hope that this front office has a good read on player values.

Reese McGuire, Kory Lee and Ben Rortvedt have all be DFA'd in the past couple of weeks. And those are just the catchers off of the top of my head that at one point were similarly well regarded prospects. I'm guessing there are a half dozen similar but lesser known journeymen catchers in the same boat. But the Twins I guess have a special flower in Jackson that every team should covet? Except the Twins obviously because the team is so stacked.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, nicksaviking said:

That gives me little hope that this front office has a good read on player values.

Reese McGuire, Kory Lee and Ben Rortvedt have all be DFA'd in the past couple of weeks. And those are just the catchers off of the top of my head that were at one point were similarly well regarded prospects. I'm guessing there are a half dozen similar but lesser known journeymen catchers in the same boat. But the Twins I guess have a special flower in Jackson that every team should covet? Except the Twins obviously because the team is so stacked.

Much like trading Larnach has worked out, I suspect.....

I see zero evidence anything has changed with this organization at all. No real surprise, they haven't made any real change other than the manager in years.

[DJL44]

3 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

That gives me little hope that this front office has a good read on player values.

Reese McGuire, Kory Lee and Ben Rortvedt have all be DFA'd in the past couple of weeks. And those are just the catchers off of the top of my head that were at one point were similarly well regarded prospects. I'm guessing there are a half dozen similar but lesser known backup catchers in the same boat. But the Twins I guess have a special flower in Jackson that every team should covet? Except the Twins obviously because the team is so stacked.

I hear they're interested in a player named Cash Considerations.

[bean5302]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Much like trading Larnach has worked out, I suspect.....

I see zero evidence anything has changed with this organization at all. No real surprise, they haven't made any real change other than the manager in years.

I mean... they sorta changed managers. Shelton is widely regarded as Baldelli v2.0.

Honestly, Falzoll has failed miserably when it comes to tender/trade opportunities on a consistent basis. The Twins have been stuck with players they really shouldn't have wanted on the roster at the price they cost vs. other depth options who could have replaced them. Kepler, Polanco, Farmer, Larnach, it really doesn't end. Same 'ol, same 'ol.

[bean5302]

Exceptionally critical the Twins optioned Kridler instead of DFAing him. We really need to hang on to that one! Gonna be a superstar for sure!

[Greglw3]

52 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

I will bet everything that Outman doesn't get to 30 steals. Over the last two seasons he had 38 hits and 28 walks. Out of those hits, 20 of them were for extra bases. That leaves 46 times when he was on first base. He stole 3 bases in those 46 opportunities. To steal 30 bases at that rate, he would need to get on base 460 times.

I'd say Outman is a potential 3 steal guy. I think I'd bet against anyone getting 30 steals, but the other guys should at least be in the 20s.

He just stole 3rd for the 2nd time this spring and scored on a sacrifice flay after singling, and has 8 steals. Spring training yes, but barring injury, I’ve got the over on the 3 steals

[USAFChief]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

Just so we're clear, you're side is that the Twins keep Arcia, and my side is the Twins trade for Bobby Witt Jr. 

Deal.

Jackson, Larnach, Lee and some International FA money to KC for Witt?

Make it so, Jeremy.

But we're still gonna need Arcia as a backup. 

Edited March 23 by USAFChief

[jorgenswest]

I think it is likely that Kreidler will be DFA’d at some point early. Roster spots will be needed. If he does get called back up they need him to agree to never challenge a pitch. I know it was preseason but he used the Twins last challenge in one of the games this weekend. Let’s save those challenges for batter that can do damage after he wins the call.

[Rick Blaine]

That may not be enough.  Throw in Ober and Topa and KC won't laugh as loud.  

[jaimedude]

I would trade Larnach for International bonus pool money, just to open up a roster spot on 40 man and 26 man roster. 

[bean5302]

Maybe we sould put a bunch of players in a box of "returns" guaranteed to be worth at least 50 surplus value and trade them all for a quality addition?

[big dog]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Maybe we sould put a bunch of players in a box of "returns" guaranteed to be worth at least 50 surplus value and trade them all for a quality addition?

Naw, go for the "Mystery Box", that should work. 

This box contains at least 5 players, 3 of whom have more than 4 weeks in the major. At least 1 player is a pitcher, at least 2 are infielders. What am I bid for this "Mystery Box"?

You know teams are gonna bite on that deal. An auction should generate something great, like, I don't know, $25k?

[DJL44]

If nobody is interested in trading for Alex Jackson today it is quite possible that he slips through waivers. They will make the move on Wednesday when everyone else is trying to finalize their 26-player roster so nobody can add him and then waive him later.

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

If nobody is interested in trading for Alex Jackson today it is quite possible that he slips through waivers. They will make the move on Wednesday when everyone else is trying to finalize their 26-player roster so nobody can add him and then waive him later.

Knowing this organization, they'll option Luke Keaschall and start Alex Jackson every day at 2B until September.

[Russ]

Trading a former #1 pick (Larnach) is fairly embarrassing, but he has not much value.  Get what you can for him.  Who's idea was it to stockpile lefthanded hitters, with maybe 2 (3 if Roden is sent down) of the best in St. Paul to start the season. What exactly was the reason for the fire sale at the trade deadline, why and who made the decision.

 

[Mike Sixel]

38 minutes ago, Russ said:

Trading a former #1 pick (Larnach) is fairly embarrassing, but he has not much value.  Get what you can for him.  Who's idea was it to stockpile lefthanded hitters, with maybe 2 (3 if Roden is sent down) of the best in St. Paul to start the season. What exactly was the reason for the fire sale at the trade deadline, why and who made the decision.

 

People trade guys who were round 1 picks all the time. How is that embarrassing? 

[Russ]

You would prefer to keep your #1's if they are good enough or can get you better players

[Old Twins Hat]

Arcia got three hits today, but, on the other hand, hit into a DP and could not make it out to short RF to catch a high pop-up.

He's slow, ok?  All of you who have been bitching about Brooks Lee pay attention:  Lee beat the throw to 2b on a grounder when he was on 1b and it led to runs.

Arcia hacks away and can make contact, but try to get him around the bases on his legs -- fat chance.

[Jeff K]

11 hours ago, Old Twins Hat said:

Arcia got three hits today, but, on the other hand, hit into a DP and could not make it out to short RF to catch a high pop-up.

He's slow, ok?  All of you who have been bitching about Brooks Lee pay attention:  Lee beat the throw to 2b on a grounder when he was on 1b and it led to runs.

Arcia hacks away and can make contact, but try to get him around the bases on his legs -- fat chance.

He is slow, but at least he doesn't hussle...I am not a fan.

[IndianaTwin]

22 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Exceptionally critical the Twins optioned Kridler instead of DFAing him. We really need to hang on to that one! Gonna be a superstar for sure!

He could well be the DFA when Arcia is added. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, IndianaTwin said:

He could well be the DFA when Arcia is added. 

Jackson is getting a DFA. They'll also have to move a pitcher of the 40-man to add Altavilla.

[The Great Hambino]

23 hours ago, USAFChief said:

Jackson, Larnach, Lee and some International FA money to KC for Witt?

Make it so, Jeremy.

But we're still gonna need Arcia as a backup. 

I think they can make it happen

By international money, I assume you mean the GDP of Bolivia