Possible Roster Tweaks

[stringer bell]

Due to performance or poor roster construction, I have some suggestions that could improve the Twins' roster.

1) Dump Banda. It looks like the Dodgers made the right call on Anthony Banda. His velocity is down and he just hasn't been effective in his appearances for the Twins. I know that relievers are volatile, but it appears that Banda has lost it and at 32, he's not likely to get back. I'm sure all teams have acquired pitchers with fairly impressive resumes who flop when acquired. I'm certain the Twins have had their share.--Addison Reed, Sam Dyson, Alex Colome in recent years.

2) Choose one left handed utility guy. Tristan Gray played more first base than any other position in his major league career coming into this season. If he is the superior hitter to Kody Clemens, both guys really aren't needed. Gray could give any of the four infield starters days off or DH days and fill in at all four positions. Having Clemens on the roster with questionable offensive talent and only playing first or second base seems redundant.

3) Make Ryan Kreidler the defensive specialist and last man on the bench. Kreidler fits the roster better as a right handed hitters and by all reports a good defender both in the infield and outfield. In his very small sample size as a Twin, he's also been okay as a hitter. Outman has looked completely overmatched as a hitter and hasn't hit well since 2023.

4) Give Emmanuel Rodriguez a chance. E-Rod has been the most impressive of the prospects playing in St. Paul. He's getting on base, hitting for a decent average and hitting for power. Rodriguez is regarded as a good outfielder who can cover center field and he is out of minor league options. The sooner the Twins know what they have in him, the sooner they can make decisions about current outfielders. Matt Wallner has struggled and has a rib injury. A short IL stint and rehab in St. Paul might get him going again as the demotion in 2024 did. 

5) It's probably time to try Kaelen Culpepper at shortstop. If anything Brooks Lee has regressed on defense at shortstop. We've known all along he doesn't have plus range or arm, so to survive at short, he would have to be automatic on balls he can get to and show a high baseball IQ when it comes to decision making. Neither has been in evidence this spring. I really don't think going to St. Paul will help him become a better defender, but perhaps it could unlock his offense and make him a possible alternative at the other infield  positions beyond shortstop.

With the possible exception of using Gray as a four-position backup and platoon option, all of these ideas have been mentioned at TD. I have stated repeatedly that this is a transition year and the transition should start pretty early. The two left handed rookie pitchers are on the roster so that is a start. It is about time to shake it up. 

[Mike Sixel]

Lewis up, Outman gone.

ERod up, Clemens gone.

Culpepper up, ? (bench Wallner against lefiies, trade him or Larnach?)  (Lee to St. Paul?)

Do something with the back of the bullpen, no idea what. The bullpen is a mess. 

[tony&rodney]

The roster construction has been frustrating for three years. It seemed like change would happen after the season. October and November were ripe opportunities to take a few gambles. Nothing. Crickets. Then in mid  December, Tom Pohlad pushed his kid brother aside and we still really have no idea what occurred. 

Once the 2026 season began the roster was still a mess and so here we are. Most MLB teams do not shift away from players very quickly until at least mid May and often June arrives before changes take place. 

Maybe there is a reason to IL Wallner. I don't know how badly his ribs are hurting. While I'm completely open to anything that improves team performance overall, I'm thinking that the passengers on the ship will stay until May 12. 

Until then perhaps the Twins can field better, run the bases more aggressively, have good plate appearances, and eliminate mental mistakes.