3 Roster Moves the Twins Need to Make Right Now

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, DJL44 said:

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.

Just put him in left and DH Larnach.... Imo, there is zero chance Buxton plays the majority of games in center the rest of the year, if history is any indication. 

[1985Fan]

1 minute ago, Mike Sixel said:

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.....

Yes, play them from day one next year. Not the same pressure as throwing them into a playoff chase. If the wheels fall off this playoff chase, then call up the rookies. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

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

Teams that are in the Running with players in AAA

Arias - Boston came out today said not likely

Jenkins - Twins

Thomas White - Marlins

Culpepper - Twins

Ethan Salas - Padres

Ralphy Vezquez - Guardians

Below top 30 in AAA

Montes (Mariners), Genao (Cleveland), Arroyo (Mariners),  Miller (Phillies), Smith (White Sox) 

Then you are 50-100 and get Rodriguez and several more that are in the same boat.   This was a very rough look through so there may be some wrong.  

Right now only 3 organizations that I mentioned earlier,  Yankees, Milwaukee and Detroit have called up high level prospects in the last couple of weeks.  That is not all teams as was suggested earlier.   

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Fedko isn't on the roster. 

You said zero rookie hitters on the roster this year.  Fedko was a rookie hitter on the roster this year.   All of 19 plate appearances and 16 at bats.  I said it tongue and cheek but he met your qualifications.  

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Teams that are in the Running with players in AAA

Arias - Boston came out today said not likely

Jenkins - Twins

Thomas White - Marlins

Culpepper - Twins

Ethan Salas - Padres

Ralphy Vezquez - Guardians

Below top 30 in AAA

Montes (Mariners), Genao (Cleveland), Arroyo (Mariners),  Miller (Phillies), Smith (White Sox) 

Then you are 50-100 and get Rodriguez and several more that are in the same boat.   This was a very rough look through so there may be some wrong.  

Right now only 3 organizations that I mentioned earlier,  Yankees, Milwaukee and Detroit have called up high level prospects in the last couple of weeks.  That is not all teams as was suggested earlier.   

Cleveland has called up their top SS prospect. He was, however, already on the forty man. So that's different. That's four teams. That's not a small number. 

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

Roden not passing muster in CF is a) a bummer, and b) limits his utility, and with him not hitting (it's a small sample and it's not like he's getting consistent time but still) it's not great. Possible he's a Quad A player.

Bold move to recall Wallner, but I think it's the right one no matter how much some people around here despise him and his game. Why not see if he's able to ride a hot streak through the end of the season? Might actually give him some trade value in the offseason and they could use his thump in the lineup, especially with Buxton out.

Tougher call on Jenkins, I think? Much as we all want to see him, it's not like he's destroyed AAA and adding him to the 40-man has a cost as well. If Rodriguez is going to be ready in a week or two I think I'd rather see him up in MLB, especially with him out of options next season. It's highly unlikely (absent another injury and/or Buxton out for much much longer) that we'll get both this season...especially if you want to bring Wallner back, which does make sense no matter if some people at Twins Daily start heating the tar, buying the feathers, lighting the torches, and sharpening the pitchforks...

Seems like the Twins are always two weeks late to ride a hot streak, whether it's Wallner Emmy or whomever. This offense is stressful to watch but don't think the pitchers don't notice it, having to thread a needle every game adds to the stress between the choking ABs and dubious D.

 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Cleveland has called up their top SS prospect. He was, however, already on the forty man. So that's different. That's four teams. That's not a small number. 

He was on the 40 man.  Thats like us calling up Rodriguez, Gonzalez and Mendez.  Those players already are out from working with the team or minors if there is a lockout.   There is 3 teams that meet your qualifications out of about 20 still trying to make the playoffs.  I don't think we can make an inference yet.    I am not saying my opinion is correct - but I at least have a strong theory as to why we may not see high prospects get added to the 40 man and get a cup of coffee like in past years.  

[Patzky]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Cleveland has called up their top SS prospect. He was, however, already on the forty man. So that's different. That's four teams. That's not a small number. 

So we got Gabby and Emmy there already I believe. (40 man) We are always late to the party. Gray serves no purpose on the roster, he scarcely plays; either Martin or Roden can be subbed out to try and spark the offense.

[DJL44]

27 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Just put him in left and DH Larnach.... Imo, there is zero chance Buxton plays the majority of games in center the rest of the year, if history is any indication. 

DFA Josh Bell and add Jenkins? That seems unlikely to improve the offense.

[1985Fan]

Is Jackson signed for next year? Or is he still arbitration eligible? I can’t recall if he was signed to a one year deal when they traded for him. 

[jorgenswest]

Using slash stats in a sample short of beyond a full season to predict future slash stats is unwise. Roden has solid contact numbers. He has an above average xwOBA behind only Jeffers, Larnach and Buxton. It his 50 plate appearances he is taking good at bats and striking the ball well. Everything points to the next 50 being better.

Jackson is doing the opposite. His strike out walk ratio is awful. A .452 BABIP will make anyone look good. His xwOBA betters only Outman and Fedko. Keep him if he brings league average defense but don’t expect that his hitting up numbers will be anything close to the last two years. That strike out walk ratio persists through this two small sample years of luck on his side.

I look forward to seeing Culpepper, Jenkins and Rodriguez. They may be able to contribute with their speed and defense even if their bat has ups and downs. I am not confident that any of the three are ready to hit better than Roden going forward this year. They could give it a shot though.

It would be good to know if Wallner has figured things out going into next year. I think that is best done at DH. For four straight seasons Josh Bell has been an average major league hitter. I think we are getting what we should have expected. I don’t think it is enough at DH. They might consider Wallner for his roster spot. They also might consider Culpepper or Jenkins for his roster spot and move Larnach to DH.

I would remove Bell from the roster before either Jackson or Roden but if Buxton returns before September they will really need to remove four. I don’t think Roden and Jackson can survive 4 moves off the roster unless they want to waive Caratini.

[90stwinskid]

2 hours ago, Mortimerkenny21 said:

This just makes too much sense!

Indeed. With all due respect -- why Gray is still on this roster is baffling to me.

[Danchat]

5 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

Is Jackson signed for next year? Or is he still arbitration eligible? I can’t recall if he was signed to a one year deal when they traded for him. 

Looks like he is eligible for his second year of arbitration.

[TJSweens]

Culpepper for Gray should be done immediately. Culpepper looks ready and Gray is as worthless as goose s*** on a pump handle. 

Since that frees Kreidler up to play CF, I would wait on Jenkins. Walker looks like he has a few things to iron out yet.

I can't get excited about the idea of Wallner coming back. As has been pointed out already, Wallner has a serious hole in his swing. Major league pitching exploits it in way that AAA pitchers cant.

[Mike Sixel]

17 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

He was on the 40 man.  Thats like us calling up Rodriguez, Gonzalez and Mendez.  Those players already are out from working with the team or minors if there is a lockout.   There is 3 teams that meet your qualifications out of about 20 still trying to make the playoffs.  I don't think we can make an inference yet.    I am not saying my opinion is correct - but I at least have a strong theory as to why we may not see high prospects get added to the 40 man and get a cup of coffee like in past years.  

I know why. They aren't serious about winning this year. It's all about the future. That's my argument. 

[Mike Sixel]

20 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

He was on the 40 man.  Thats like us calling up Rodriguez, Gonzalez and Mendez.  Those players already are out from working with the team or minors if there is a lockout.   There is 3 teams that meet your qualifications out of about 20 still trying to make the playoffs.  I don't think we can make an inference yet.    I am not saying my opinion is correct - but I at least have a strong theory as to why we may not see high prospects get added to the 40 man and get a cup of coffee like in past years.  

And yet, those three are not coming up either. Meanwhile we have Gray and three catchers. This team is more worried about next year than this year. That's my point. 

I do think Emma will be up once he shows he can play three games in a row. Probably. 

[howeda7]

I 100% agree, with the caveat that if Buxton is close to returning, I would hold off on the Wallner/Jackson swap. If Buxton is out for at least another 7-10 days, then do all 3. Culpper and Jenkins need to happen ASAP.

[Mike Sixel]

19 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

DFA Josh Bell and add Jenkins? That seems like unlikely to improve the offense.

Well, there is also defense.... 

[1985Fan]

1 minute ago, 90stwinskid said:

Indeed. With all due respect -- why Gray is still on this roster is baffling to me.

Gray’s job is backup SS. He’s the only SS other than Kreidler. Lee played himself out of the position. And Gray is LH bat on the bench. He has some speed, so he’s also a pinch runner. That’s his role and why he’s on the roster. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

4 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I know why. They aren't serious about winning this year. It's all about the future. That's my argument. 

Lets be serious,  this team was never good enough to compete this year.   Period.  They have outperformed their talent.  Pohlad said as much at the breakfast.  This is all garnish decoration to try and spruce it up a bit to save face to the players and fans.  There is some value in that.  I still would have not rather spent this year at the deadline.  I rather he had actually paid for a few bullpen arms in free agency.   That was the time to buy.  

[howeda7]

2 hours 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.   

Are you sure about that? I don't think it's a given that service time accrues during the lock-out. That would have to be negotiated.

 

Also, they will likely be reducing the # of service years to free agency from 6 to 5. But will that apply to players who have already reached the Majors? If it doesn't, there's a scenario where they actually LOSE team control by NOT calling them up in 2026.

 

I think the bottom line is there is way to much unknown to factor that into the thinking. Do what's best for the 2026 team and call them up.

[bean5302]

1 hour ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Lets just call it what this team is -  It is a tired mediocre team that added some ok talent but likely not enough to get to the playoffs.  I am fine with switching out Gray, I don't really care who you want to man one of the outfield spots Roden/Rodriguez/Martin/Wallner/Jenkins.    

Keeping a 3rd catcher will not determine whether we make the playoff this year.  That will come down to starting pitching.  With Ryan struggling to get his fastball over 92 mph we are looking at his normal back half slide.  The hitters are not hitting as much nor hitting with RISP at the high clip they were doing before.  And Buxton is injured.  

The bullpen is better.   Lewis is really starting to catch my eye.  Its a small sample,  but he is starting to figure it out.  Confidence going up and driving the ball the opposite direction.   

We need 4-5 bats to catch fire.  So Jeffers, Larnach, Lewis, Keaschall and Bell all effectively need to get hot together.    I just don't see it.  

At this point I am thinking I am back to hoping for a top 5-6 draft pick in the draft lottery if thats still a thing.  

Emma has to spend 90 days on the active roster to eliminate the 4th option year. 
3/9-5/5 = 57 days
7/28-8/30 = 33 days = 90 total

He's not getting a 4th option unless he goes back on the 60 day IL soon.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 minute ago, bean5302 said:

Emma has to spend 90 days on the active roster to eliminate the 4th option year. 
3/9-5/5 = 57 days
7/28-8/30 = 33 days = 90 total

He's not getting a 4th option unless he goes back on the 60 day IL soon.

Thats actually a tad above my knowledge base.   So does he need to be called up, remain in AAA or go to the IL?  

[howeda7]

2 hours ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Performance expectations aside, where/when are you playing Wallner? Neither he nor Bell should see the field, and Bell is a switch hitter who's a little better against RHP. Playing time isn't really an issue for Wallner at this point, but if you're committed to getting him PAs then you're either sitting Bell (which is a massive waste of a roster spot) or you're putting one of them in the field where each is a liability. 

I'd rather have Wallner in RF than Roden at this point. He was awful this year, but not nearly as bad previously.

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, bean5302 said:

Emma has to spend 90 days on the active roster to eliminate the 4th option year. 
3/9-5/5 = 57 days
7/28-8/30 = 33 days = 90 total

He's not getting a 4th option unless he goes back on the 60 day IL soon.

I don’t think service time accrues until 3/26. 3/9 is spring training.

[MapleGroveTwinsFan]

15 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, 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.     

Yes this is just the list of guys 21 years old or younger that were called up this year. (Its not like people have just started the Jenkins, Culpepper request to have them up since the deadline, it seems to have been a recurring theme for a while now, No?) Teams have called up players like Jenkins and Culpepper and given them a chance for as long as I have been watching baseball, Some at the beginning of the year, some in the middle and some in end, but sure lets move the goal post to teams don't do it at this time of the year, and ignore that 11 players similar to Jenkins have debuted in the majors this year, and dozens of guys Culpepper's age have a well.  

Didn't Cleveland call up Angel Genao today, he is a 22 year old SS (younger than Culpepper), 

 

 

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, MapleGroveTwinsFan said:

Here is a few

A few?  I believe you listed all 11 players that b-r.com shows as being under age 22.

Six of these have contributed as much as 1.0 WAR this season.

There are 30 teams.  A few have brought up players as young as Jenkins and had good results.  But it's not the case that "every" team is doing it, or anywhere close.

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Lets be serious,  this team was never good enough to compete this year.   Period.  They have outperformed their talent.  Pohlad said as much at the breakfast.  This is all garnish decoration to try and spruce it up a bit to save face to the players and fans.  There is some value in that.  I still would have not rather spent this year at the deadline.  I rather he had actually paid for a few bullpen arms in free agency.   That was the time to buy.  

We agree.

[howeda7]

2 hours ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Jackson has much more organizational value than fans have.  He has shown he can hit at an mlb level (different ways over 2 season) and can provide good defense.  I am firmly of the belief the Twins are slotting him in as the backup catcher next year.   

Granted Rushing has a UCL tear,  but the Dodgers traded for Rortvedt.  Having the depth is necessary.  Catchers had an immense premium this trade deadline and you still have a couple teams,  that would gladly make a claim on Jackson.  

As to Gray be my guest.  

As to Roden and Wallner - I am not sure.  I feel like Roden is starting to figure it out a bit at the MLB level.   Yes Wallner is on a heater,  so maybe.   I think Mendez would be an excellent hitter at extending at bats and putting the ball in play.   Jenkins has more upside than everyone.   

In a perfect world, it would be nice to have Jackson as a back-up catcher in 2027. But is it worth hamstringing the current roster for the next two months? It's not that hard to find someone equivalent in free agency/via trade in the off-season.

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, 1985Fan said:

Gray’s job is backup SS. He’s the only SS other than Kreidler. Lee played himself out of the position. And Gray is LH bat on the bench. He has some speed, so he’s also a pinch runner. That’s his role and why he’s on the roster. 

Lee is a better SS and can play there in an emergency.