3 Roster Moves the Twins Need to Make Right Now

[HarmonK03]

20 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Is Jackson the reason the Twins lost yesterday?   No.   If you can get Ryan back to his early season form,  find another elite starting pitcher to pair with Bradley and Ryan -  Get 4-5 hitters to get on a heater and the bullpen to all meld together and those 15-20 at bats that a different bench bat would be the difference in a world series so be it.  Otherwise we will be paying 3+ million or another 20th+ prospect to get another catcher like Jackson.   

This is an awful narrow view.  You have a 13 man roster, you should be using everyone in some fashion.  Even if it is a pinch running/defense role.  But it can cost you a game or two if you can't make a move because of lack of options.  And right now there is no margin for error.   Why are we so worried about a backup catcher, there are others out there, Jackson is not some young phenom he can be replaced.  They are trying to find him playing time by playing out of position at first, that is not the action of a contender which they claim to be.

[JDubs]

I like Wallner, but if you look at the advanced metrics, he has like 1 or 2 hits on fastballs above 95 mph. The reason he's raking is because there isn't MLB quality pitching in AAA, if he comes up, there's seemingly a pretty good chance he'll be scuffling as bad as he was when he was sent down.

[HarmonK03]

15 minutes ago, Dman said:

The Twins would also need to play him in place of Kreidler to make sure he gets enough playing time. 

Why would you play Kreidler over Culpepper, if he is called up he is the starter.  And Kreidler can be the utility guy, that would be his best role.

[HarmonK03]

9 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Tristan Gray has turned into a pumpkin and then some. He's not playable right now. Same for Roden. Put me in the camp of, Culpepper and Jenkins can't be any worse but there may be some concerns about keeping them in the minors to maximize playing time.

As for Jackson - Twins would probably lose him if they put him through waivers - and there's at least some universe where he has value backing-up Caratini in 2027 but...will there even be a 2027 season?

Gray is what he is, he had a couple of good moments but he has always been a fringe type of guy.

I don't understand all the love for Jackson, I do like him but he is replaceable and right now has no role so he should not be on the roster.

[HarmonK03]

8 minutes ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

Water under the bridge but give me Arcia over Gray. But that ship has long since sailed.

Arcia is done, there are no teams interested in him.  He would not be an improvement over Gray.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

10 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

This is an awful narrow view.  You have a 13 man roster, you should be using everyone in some fashion.  Even if it is a pinch running/defense role.  But it can cost you a game or two if you can't make a move because of lack of options.  And right now there is no margin for error.   Why are we so worried about a backup catcher, there are others out there, Jackson is not some young phenom he can be replaced.  They are trying to find him playing time by playing out of position at first, that is not the action of a contender which they claim to be.

I could say you are narrowly focused on this year for a game or two, and not next years team.  My entire premise of the trade deadline is this isn't a good enough team period to buy with.    If you want to cheaply do it fine - I wouldn't call what we did at the deadline cheap.   Although we only gave up 1 high upside arm - and 1 high ceiling/low floor international prospect.   

The issue is you have a short term horizon view and thats why you have the philosophy on dropping Jackson - and bringing up Jenkins and Culpepper.   There are downsides though.  What happens if Jeffers or Caratini gets hurt.  Who are you filling in his spot with?  We have no one else at the level of Jackson.  The issue with Jenkins and Culpepper is if there is a long lockout that can't continue to work out at the facilities or play in the minor league system until its resolved.   I don't know what the right answer but I do have concerns and My horizon goes out further than the next month or two like you.    

[Dman]

16 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Why would you play Kreidler over Culpepper, if he is called up he is the starter.  And Kreidler can be the utility guy, that would be his best role.

If they bring him up they likely will.  Just saying they need to make sure he gets enough playing time if they bring him up.

[Mike Sixel]

A team serious about winning, this year and next, calls up the two rookies. 

The Yankees, tigers, and Cleveland all calling up rookies the last two weeks 

Jenkins is the highest drafted player in his class not up. Weird how every other team is wrong....

[tony&rodney]

Every game a team is allowed to use one (1) DH. There are a few exceptions but 99.9% of the time the DH is hitting in the place of the pitcher. Currently the Twins have Josh Bell, Luke Keaschall, and Trevor Larnnach who are best serving as a DH, but Bell holds the job which pushes two guys to the outfield, which is less than ideal. They also have others who might/could serve in that role depending on what team they worked for at the time. Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini, Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Alan Roden have served or could serve as a DH from time to time as well. 

There is no doubt that the numbers will tell us that Aaron Sabato and Matt Wallner could serve as a DH for the Twins. Who gets sent down or released? Does that actually make the team better? Matt Wallner cannot play in the major leagues in the outfield any more than Nick Castellanos. This isn't about liking a player. Personally, I have no "favorite" player on the Twins team. I also do not personally know any of the players. I find myself liking all of the players in the organization but feel that roster construction is important. Right now, Wallner is held off by Bell, just as Larnach and Keaschall are not serving in the DH role. Sabato is held off by Lewis.

Kaelen Culpepper and Walker Jenkins make some sense, but only if they are to play every day for the rest of the year. Despite what some people believe there is a reason both were drafted in the first round and have been promoted aggressively: talent. The history of baseball has shown that many stars (including a ton of Hall of Fame members) struggled in their introduction to MLB. Adjustments take time and the decision facing the Twins is whether one or both of those two players will deliver better all around production than a player currently in place. There is zero chance the Twins are concerned with the next CBA or rookie status at this point in the year. My guess is that the Twins want to see a couple of weeks of solid play on both offense and defense and that both players are building strength and not suffering from any lingering injuries. Additionally, how the currently rostered players perform has a factor in the decision as well. If all of Roden/Martin, Keaschall, Kreidler, Gray, and Larnach are playing well, it is unlikely they are replaced if the team is winning.

The Twins kept Jeffers and Ryan to make an attempt at winning the division. The decision to promote will be based on that. Moving Wallner back to righfield, Keaschall back to second base, Lee back to shortstop, Lewis back to third base, and Bell back to first base would a rush for a better draft choice. It isn't happening.

[Greglw3]

We should keep Jackson. .300 hitting, solid defensive and especially athletic catchers don’t grow on trees.

Call up Culpepper and Jenkins and leave Wallner at AAA. The times I’ve watched him at ST. Paul on MLB.tv, he still looks like the same hitter, probably feasting on AAA pitching mistakes.

Defensively, declined. And that hole, that gaping hole in his swing. Can’t take a chance at a strikeout parade in a pennant race.

I’d be very enthused at installing Culpepper at SS and Jenkins in CF with Keaschall in RF. The speed boost, offensive boost possibilities are tantalizing!

In calling up Jenkins, I wouldn’t preclude the possibility of Roden still making it.

[Chris Hove]

I am 100% on board with these moves, but I would want to bring Sabato up for Bell. I mean, you know how well Sabato has been at the plate; he's also shown some great defense over at first.

Here's the main issue. KC and Jenkins aren't on the 40-man and neither is Sabato. The Twins, for some reason, always have issues with adding guys to the 40-man; especially if it's just to DFA someone, injuries might be different. So  I'm thinking an injury to a player is more likely a way for them to be called up. it"s not fair, and very unfortunate.

[Coach]

I disagree about DFAing Jackson.  In a small sample size, coming off the bench, playing sparingly, he has hit, he has run, and he can bunt.  He is a strong bench player.  We need him for insurance for next year.  He is too valuable and I don't believe he would clear waivers.  In addition, if Wallner were to come up, our defense would suffer.  His only value is that of a DH.  Bell is already there and leading the team in RBIs and his quality of at bats are so much better than Wallner's.

[Coach]

1 hour ago, strumdatjag said:

Culpepper and Jenkins would then accumulate service time throughout all the lost part of the 2027 season (list time due to labor strife in negotiations of the new CBA).   Bad idea.   

It's only money, and it's not ours.  The downside is they would not be able to play during a lockout.

[DJL44]

They need to make one move in 4 days - Buxton to the active roster. Once Buxton returns there is no spot for Jenkins in the outfield.

I think they will hold onto Jackson until the end of the season. They get another roster spot in September.

[LA Vikes Fan]

56 minutes ago, Dman said:

I could see a Culpepper for Gray switch.  Still I'd want to make sure Culpepper's bat is in a good place before calling him up. The Twins would also need to play him in place of Kreidler to make sure he gets enough playing time.  We'll see how things look in a couple of weeks.

I don't see the Twins trying to sneak Jackson through unless they firmly plan to somehow win the bidding war for Jeffers in the offseason.  His low salary and even with his flawed (low walk rate, high K rate) production with the bat (I think he has a 112 WRC+) would get him gobbled up right quick IMO.  . They barely played Outman as the 26th man so I think the Twins can work around Jackson if needed.

It feels like Wallner is inevitable. I mean they appeared to feel comfortable moving Larnach with I assume Wallner as his replacement.  It didn't happen, but I'd think they might look for ways to see if they can work him in.  It will likely depend on how close or far this team is to competing for the last wild card spot as he doesn't provide much if any value defensively. An injury might be his best path back.

I'm not sure how I feel about adding Jenkins early.  I guess it would depend on if Buxton can come back or not.  Otherwise Jenkins has to hit the ground running and likely replace Larnach or Keaschal's production at the plate.  Jenkins has a great approach so I think he is "ready" I just don't know if they want to put that much pressure on him to perform right away or not and he also hasn't been lighting up AAA IMO.  I'd think consistent at bats and playing time at AAA would still make sense for him unless Buxton is out and they give him his spot.

The club house is in a good spot with all the players rooting for each other.  I'd be careful not to mess with that too much.  We'll see what they decide to do.  Certainly there are good reasons to get all three up right away but plenty of reasons to wait as well IMO.

According to the Athletic, the plan was to have Jenkins replace Larnach if the Houston trade had gone through. I don't think the Twins have any immediate plans for Wallner. You have to assume they tried to trade him at the deadline and found no takers. I think all we can do is hold him until next spring and see if he's improved enough to be a DH with Bell gone (if he's gone) or try to find a trade partner then.  

[1985Fan]

I understand why fans want to see KC and Jenkins. I don’t think either has done enough at AAA to demand calling up. KC is coming off injury and hasn’t been hitting much until last night. Throwing either of them into the starting lineup would be grasping at straws bc asking rookies to spark your offense and be solid defensively is a big ask. Also playoff like games is a lot of pressure to put on rookies. IMO, they’re protecting both players by leaving them where they are.

Wallner is another story. I don’t think his swing will ever work at the MLB level. His big leg kick and exaggerated open stance just seems like too much pre-swing movement to ever be successful. He should not play in the OF, so he’s strictly a DH, and can’t hit LHP. Don’t see an opportunity for him. 

If the wheels fall off and they play themselves out of contention, then make moves to see all three guys. 

[wesnewy]

1 hour ago, strumdatjag said:

Culpepper and Jenkins would then accumulate service time throughout all the lost part of the 2027 season (list time due to labor strife in negotiations of the new CBA).   Bad idea.   

doesn't seem like that is stopping many other teams from calling up their prospects. You can't play this season especially as a contender in fear of a work stoppage for next season 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 hour ago, MapleGroveTwinsFan said:

Here is a few

Max Clark 21 (Det)
Colt Emerson 20 (Sea)
George Lombard 21 (NYY)
Kevin McGonigle 21 (Det)
A.J. Ewing 21 (NYM)
Cooper Pratt 21 (MIL)
Konnor Griffin 21 (PIT)
Didier Fuentes 21 (ATL)
Samuel Basallo 21 (BAL)
Bryce Eldridge 21 (SFG)
Luis Lara 21 (MIL)

We are talking about calling up top prospects now, not at the beginning of the season.   Emerson has 200at bats, Mcgonigle 415,  Ewing 264,  Pratt is 150 - (not the level of a culpepper or Jenkins), Griffin 225.   I can keep going if you wish.  It looks like you googled all rookies age 21 LOL.   Most of the players have been full time players for the majority of the season,  not an August call up for a  playoff push.     

The only 2 that count for what we are considering is Clark, Lombard, and Lara. . . maybe Pratt.    Detroit, Yankees and Milwaukee - thats the organization that have called up high level prospects for a push.  Yankees and Milwaukee I understand.     

[chpettit19]

Losing Jackson feels like a shortsighted move. Does anyone think there's any chance he makes it through waivers? Carrying 3 catchers is certainly not ideal, but I just don't think this team is good enough to sacrifice his place on the 2027 team to hope Wallner is good. 

Culpepper isn't looking like he's fully back. Not in a rush to use his service time to watch him put up Kreidler numbers. If he goes on a 2 week heater, or 1 week heater, would change my thoughts. But he doesn't look like a savior of any sort right now.

Larnach and Keaschall aren't getting pushed aside for Jenkins. When is Buxton actually going to be back? I'm not in a rush to call Jenkins up if Buxton is back soon. He wouldn't have a place to play.

[HerbieFan]

Since the club is still in the WC race, the only reason NOT to bring Culpepper and Jenkins up would be fear they can't produce at the level of the guys they'd be replacing in the lineup.  As noted, the production of Kreidler and Roden would be hard NOT to improve on.  The callups would be as much about making the 26-man better as it would giving them an opportunity.  I can go either way on Wallner....the 20 HR are fun....but he's two shy of club record held by McCusker, so there's a big grain of salt there.  Plus, he can't play defense and Bell is locked in as the DH.  Jackson, at the very least, gives you some protection for Jeffers/Caratini injury.

[saviking]

1 hour ago, strumdatjag said:

Culpepper and Jenkins would then accumulate service time throughout all the lost part of the 2027 season (list time due to labor strife in negotiations of the new CBA).   Bad idea.   

I agree. We need our young guns continuing to develop in the miners leagues while the lockout drags on .. as much as I hate to say it.

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

I understand why fans want to see KC and Jenkins. I don’t think either has done enough at AAA to demand calling up. KC is coming off injury and hasn’t been hitting much until last night. Throwing either of them into the starting lineup would be grasping at straws bc asking rookies to spark your offense and be solid defensively is a big ask. Also playoff like games is a lot of pressure to put on rookies. IMO, they’re protecting both players by leaving them where they are.

Wallner is another story. I don’t think his swing will ever work at the MLB level. His big leg kick and exaggerated open stance just seems like too much pre-swing movement to ever be successful. He should not play in the OF, so he’s strictly a DH, and can’t hit LHP. Don’t see an opportunity for him. 

If the wheels fall off and they play themselves out of contention, then make moves to see all three guys. 

Are you ok with them being rookies next year, and counting on them? Or just keep waiting? 

Lombard Jr of the Yankees started in A ball this year.....

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, saviking said:

I agree. We need our young guns continuing to develop in the miners leagues while the lockout drags on .. as much as I hate to say it.

So every other team is wrong to have rookies on their roster this year? The Twins have zero hitting rookies.... Zero. 

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

We are talking about calling up top prospects now, not at the beginning of the season.   Emerson has 200at bats, Mcgonigle 415,  Ewing 264,  Pratt is 150 - (not the level of a culpepper or Jenkins), Griffin 225.   I can keep going if you wish.  It looks like you googled all rookies age 21 LOL.   Most of the players have been full time players for the majority of the season,  not an August call up for a  playoff push.     

The only 2 that count for what we are considering is Clark and Lombard . . . maybe Pratt.        

How many top prospects do you think there are to call up across the league on contenders trying to win? 

[Mike Sixel]

15 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

They need to make one move in 4 days - Buxton to the active roster. Once Buxton returns there is no spot for Jenkins in the outfield.

I think they will hold onto Jackson until the end of the season. They get another roster spot in September.

Do you think Buxton will be healthy the rest of the year?

[Dman]

54 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

According to the Athletic, the plan was to have Jenkins replace Larnach if the Houston trade had gone through. I don't think the Twins have any immediate plans for Wallner. You have to assume they tried to trade him at the deadline and found no takers. I think all we can do is hold him until next spring and see if he's improved enough to be a DH with Bell gone (if he's gone) or try to find a trade partner then.  

I know that was reported, but it just didn't seem likely to me.  Jenkins would be a nice defensive upgrade ,but when you compare their production at AAA the bats aren't even close. They should be an apples to apples comparison as they play in the same league on the same team facing the same pitchers. In July the most recent month Jenkins with a .777 OPS and Wallner with a .994 OPS.  Wallner with experience at the MLB level.  Jenkins with none.  I don't like those odds for Jenkins as replacement if you are truly trying for a playoff spot. 

I get Wallner has his flaws and has been exposed at the MLB level, but I still think despite the high K rate his odds of success right now seem better than Jenkins and the numbers above seem to confirm that. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

So every other team is wrong to have rookies on their roster this year? The Twins have zero hitting rookies.... Zero. 

Fedko says hi.   I agree though.  

Beyond that - injuries have derailed the possibilities of both Culpepper and Jenkins.   You have to way the options of trying them out for less than 60 games vs the extra training and early season games they can get in the minors next years.   Its a give and take.  

[Coach]

19 minutes ago, Greglw3 said:

We should keep Jackson. .300 hitting, solid defensive and especially athletic catchers don’t grow on trees.

Call up Culpepper and Jenkins and leave Wallner at AAA. The times I’ve watched him at ST. Paul on MLB.tv, he still looks like the same hitter, probably feasting on AAA pitching mistakes.

Defensively, declined. And that hole, that gaping hole in his swing. Can’t take a chance at a strikeout parade in a pennant race.

I’d be very enthused at installing Culpepper at SS and Jenkins in CF with Keaschall in RF. The speed boost, offensive boost possibilities are tantalizing!

In calling up Jenkins, I wouldn’t preclude the possibility of Roden still making it.

I absolutely agree with everything you wrote.  Except I would send Roden back down and DFA Gray.  I would use Kreidler as the super utility and RF (he'll need to figure out the limestone).  Jackson stays.

[Mike Sixel]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Fedko says hi.   I agree though.  

Beyond that - injuries have derailed the possibilities of both Culpepper and Jenkins.   You have to way the options of trying them out for less than 60 games vs the extra training and early season games they can get in the minors next years.   Its a give and take.  

Fedko isn't on the roster. 

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Do you think Buxton will be healthy the rest of the year?

Buxton does not have a season ending injury. If he goes back on the IL, they can address it later. I don’t see a good reason to call up Jenkins and option him back to the minors in 4 days. That seems like a waste of an option and a 40-man roster spot.