3 Roster Moves the Twins Need to Make Right Now

[DJL44]

52 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Caratini has fallen off the cliff hitting and is not a viable pinch hitter, so that option should be taken off the table.

He’s a better hitter than Kreidler. Kreidler is the only infielder likely to need a pinch hitter.

[Mike Sixel]

7 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Players keep their rookie status next year if they have 45 days or less on the active roster and 130 ABs or less.  Being a rookie allows the Twins to pick up an extra draft pick in the competitive balance round right after Round 1 if (a) the player earns rookie of the year the next season (here 2027), or (2) places in the top 3 in the Cy Young or MVP ballots prior to qualifying for arbitration. A player qualifies for arbitration after 3 years of service time. We can meet these thresholds if we wait until 8/15 to have 45 days of service time or less and manage their ABs to top out at 130, post season ABs don't count. There are 38 games left starting 8/15, so that means 3.42 ABs per game. Easy to stay under without thinking since if they actually play in even 35 of those 38 games, the ABs jump to 3.75 a game and walks, sacrifice flies or bunts, HBP, etc, don't count as ABs.  Like everything else in baseball, there is actually a stat on this. The leadoff position in the batting order averages 4.6 PAs game, 4.2 ABs, going down to the ninth spot which averages 3.7 PAs/game, 3.5 ABs. Bottom line is that by bringing someone up on August 15 and even playing them the entire game 90% of the time (almost nobody plays every day), it's pretty easy to stay under the  130 AB threshold. These guys wouldn't play that much so the at-bat threshold is kind of irrelevant.

I found 6 players that have earned their team an extra draft pick since this rule came into effect - Julio Rodriguez (Mariners) for finishing as the rookie of the year 2022, Corbin Caroll (Diamondbacks) and Gunnar Anderson (Orioles) in 2023 for rookie of the year awards, Bobby Witt earned one for the Royals in the 2025 draft finishing in the top three MVP while pre-arbitration, Hunter Brown for the Astros in the 2025 draft for finishing in the top three Cy Young balloting pre-arbitration, and the Braves from Drake Baldwin being rookie of the year in 2025. The player has to come north with his team on Opening Day to be eligible for this incentive draft choice. The whole idea is to incentivize clubs to bring their promising players up from the beginning of the season rather than manipulating service time by waiting 45 days before calling them up so their first season doesn't count as a full season for purposes of computing the three years prior to arbitration. Players who are called up during the season who then win the rookie of the year award, which is more than half of the winners, do not qualify their team for this extra draft pick. So in other words, if you try to manipulate the service time by waiting 45 days to call up at hotshot prospect and with the rookie of the year award, save me year on their service time but you don't get the extra high draft pick from them winning the award. The pick is valuable because it usually falls between about number 25 and number 35 in the draft.

So, if we think there's any realistic chance that either Jenkins or Culpepper could win the 2027 rookie of the year award or finish in the top three MVP balloting 2027, 2028, or 2029, it makes sense to wait the extra 10 days to have the shot at the draft choice. Here, the decision to wait is relatively easy since they both fairly recently came back from the injured list and need a few games to knock the rust off. That's why I would wait the extra 10 days. This year, the Twins have nine games between today and August 15, so those are the games they would miss.

It also discourages them from bringing them up earlier. So, it isn't clear it works? I'm not sure. 

[DJL44]

People here are going to lose their minds when rosters expand and they call up…. Matt Wallner.

[HarmonK03]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

He’s a better hitter than Kreidler. Kreidler is the only infielder likely to need a pinch hitter.

He is slightly better than Kreidler, this is why you need to upgrade your roster so you have better options when needed.

[HarmonK03]

17 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Who? That's my question. What is the roster and lineup makeups you'd like to see? Who's the defensive replacement type? Who's the pinch runner type?

It's easy to say Jackson isn't providing any help, but what is the change you'd like to see. This article suggests Wallner for Jackson. That doesn't do it for me. I'm not losing one of our 2 catchers for 2027 to get Matt Wallner back. And that's as somebody who has defended Wallner more than the vast majority of people on this site even coming into the season.

Martin? Jackson is just as fast as him and Martin isn't a defensive sub type.

Roden? Aren't we dropping him to get Jenkins up because Roden doesn't provide any value?

Gray is obviously out.

Mendez? Awful defender. How many games you going to start him at DH? Worth it instead of playing daily for St Paul?

Fedko? I guess he'd be your defensive replacement type, but I personally wouldn't want him on the bench the rest of 2026 at the cost of Jackson for 2027.

Gonzalez? Similar to Mendez. Better defender, but certainly no defensive replacement type. Not a pinch runner type. Not hitting great in AAA so not really a bat type.

I don't see what 13th guy they have that makes any sort of meaningful difference over Jackson right now. But I'd like to see what people think the roster makeup should be and who would be playing when.

Keep Jackson then until Buxton is back.  You want a set up lineup for RH and LH.  Get creative, good managers do that when you have quality options, as I said in my earlier post you don't have to play everybody 7 days a week.  So get quality options up here even it means playing Wallner a couple of days in the outfield, he at least is a pinch hitting option. 

The team says they are contenders, I want them to act like it.  This roster does not scream we are contenders.  I have been saying all year I don't think they are but if they say they are then show it.

[Mike Sixel]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

People here are going to lose their minds when rosters expand and they call up…. Matt Wallner.

Emma. He's on the 40 (though he might be up sooner than that). 

[darin617]

Culpepper needs to stay healthy and put in a couple of good weeks and play the field to earn the promotion. The same could also be said for Jenkins.

As for Wallner, what would his role be? He still struggles against lefties and isn't solid defender.

[ashbury]

24 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Players keep their rookie status next year if they have 45 days or less on the active roster and 130 ABs or less.  

I had to go double check MLB's glossary to confirm that it really is At Bats, and not Plate Appearances. And then I double checked my calendar to see if it's still 1947.

"We're starting you here in game 162, but we want you to keep your bat on your shoulder in hopes that they walk you every time so you preserve your eligibility for Rookie of the Year next season."  😄

[DocBauer]

I agree with all points in principle. Now that the deadline has passed, Jackson will hopefully slide through and go back to St Paul. I wouldn't mind having around in 2027. But if he's claimed, finding another #2 option behind the plate next year is just something we'll have to do in the offseason.

I've become a fan of Kreidler and love his glove work and hustle. Though his bat has cooled down, he's still performing way better than his career numbers previously at both the ML and MILB levels. But having him as the SU makes the bench a lot more flexible and deeper.

My only concern is are Culpepper and Jenkins actually ready? Or do a couple more weeks make them more ready? Looks like KC might be heating up after his cold return from the IL. And yes, it appears Jenkins is probably ready. 

But I want them up only if the FO and coaches believe they are ready, and not grasping for someone to kick start the offense. I'd like that to happen, but I'm more concerned about what's best for THEM.

I struggle somewhat on Wallner replacing Roden. I'm still not certain if Roden has gotten a fair shake yet. I like his defense and he takes great AB. And only the Twins know if Wallner has tightened up holes and begun to catch up to high velocity or not. Or is he still just pounding AAA mistakes? Finding playing time for him, and Larnach, and Bell is going to be tough. And this coming from a fan of Wallner's. 

So if the Twins believe K-Pepper and Jenkins are ready for the next step, let's see it happen. I'm just not certain if it's time for Wallner again.

[Chris Spencer]

I would not promote Culpepper or Jenkins and start the service time. This team has overachieved and in my opinion has no chance of competing in the playoffs. Adding them to the 40 man roster would also eliminate any chance they have of playing games during a work stoppage. I would rather have them playing in the minors during the stoppage and gaining valuable experience. Burning service time with them on this flawed team seams like a mistake to me. 

[1985Fan]

10 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

The team says they are contenders, I want them to act like it.  This roster does not scream we are contenders.  I have been saying all year I don't think they are but if they say they are then show it.

You may not like this roster, but as flawed as they are in your eyes, they played their way into contention. They forced management to be buyers. I know three consecutive losses are discouraging, but it’s too soon to panic now. Yes, calling up rookies to save the offense is a desperation move. 

[purplesoldier4u]

Wallner? C'mon.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, 1985Fan said:

You may not like this roster, but as flawed as they are in your eyes, they played their way into contention. They forced management to be buyers. I know three consecutive losses are discouraging, but it’s too soon to panic now. Yes, calling up rookies to save the offense is a desperation move. 

Stupid CLE, NYY, and Det....just stupid calling up rookies.

[DJL44]

14 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

My only concern is are Culpepper and Jenkins actually ready? Or do a couple more weeks make them more ready? Looks like KC might be heating up after his cold return from the IL. And yes, it appears Jenkins is probably ready. 

Are they ready is half of it. Do they give the team their best chance at winning versus playing other players?

Culpepper is almost ready and making him the starter is probably better than using Kreidler. I would plan to promote him August 15.

Jenkins is not ready and I don’t think he helps the team win more than the outfielders they are already using. He’s not better than Keaschall, Buxton or Larnach. He is probably about as good as Roden and Martin. I would leave him in AAA for the rest of the season to play every day. I would promote Rodriguez and probably Wallner before Jenkins.

[Mike Sixel]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

Are they ready is half of it. Do they give the team their best chance at winning versus playing other players?

Culpepper is almost ready and making him the starter is probably better than using Kreidler. I would plan to promote him August 15.

Jenkins is not ready and I don’t think he helps the team win more than the outfielders they are already using. He’s not better than Keaschall, Buxton or Larnach. He is probably about as good as Roden and Martin. I would leave him in AAA for the rest of the season to play every day. I would promote Rodriguez and probably Wallner before Jenkins.

As much as I want to see Jenkins, I'm promoting EMMA as soon as he plays three games in a row w/o being hurt. ASAP, and putting him in C or L, with Larnach at DH. 

[chpettit19]

46 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Keep Jackson then until Buxton is back.  You want a set up lineup for RH and LH.  Get creative, good managers do that when you have quality options, as I said in my earlier post you don't have to play everybody 7 days a week.  So get quality options up here even it means playing Wallner a couple of days in the outfield, he at least is a pinch hitting option. 

The team says they are contenders, I want them to act like it.  This roster does not scream we are contenders.  I have been saying all year I don't think they are but if they say they are then show it.

Who are these quality options you speak of? That's kind of my point. You want to get rid of Jackson, Roden, Gray, etc. do you really have quality options to replace them all? Martin isn't a quality option. Wallner isn't a quality option. Jenkins and Culpepper are at least exciting.

No, everybody doesn't have to play 7 days a week, but Wallner in the outfield a couple days a week isn't a "quality option," in my opinion. That's no different than Jackson or Caratini being squeezed into 1B a couple days a week. I don't think the Twins have 13 "quality options." They have varying degrees of "everyday" players and bad options. You just don't like this particular bad option because it says C next to his name. Even though he has cOF and 1B time on his resume. He's the same as the other guys. Only difference is that you have to completely lose him, unlike the other bad options that you can send up and down.

[HarmonK03]

15 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Who are these quality options you speak of? That's kind of my point. You want to get rid of Jackson, Roden, Gray, etc. do you really have quality options to replace them all? Martin isn't a quality option. Wallner isn't a quality option. Jenkins and Culpepper are at least exciting.

No, everybody doesn't have to play 7 days a week, but Wallner in the outfield a couple days a week isn't a "quality option," in my opinion. That's no different than Jackson or Caratini being squeezed into 1B a couple days a week. I don't think the Twins have 13 "quality options." They have varying degrees of "everyday" players and bad options. You just don't like this particular bad option because it says C next to his name. Even though he has cOF and 1B time on his resume. He's the same as the other guys. Only difference is that you have to completely lose him, unlike the other bad options that you can send up and down.

Martin is actually having a good July and he is the definition of a bench piece, he has done better since moving starting every day.  I would rather see Roden and Kreidler as the last two players on the bench until Buxton comes back.  I am not going thru roster gymnastics just to keep Jackson on the roster, backup catcher is a position you can fill.  This means bring up Culpepper and Jenkins.

[clone52]

3 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

I won't be upset if they call them up. I don't think they're any sort of saviors at this point. I'd give Jenkins the better odds there than Culpepper. He hasn't looked great in the couple games I've watched him since he's returned (granted, super small sample size). 

I'm on the 8/15 train. All for calling them both up that day. Especially because I don't expect Kreidler or Roden to suddenly pick it up. Buxton is the X factor here. If he's back and Bell is hitting a little, they aren't going to put Jenkins in the OF to move Bell, Larnach, or Keaschall to the bench. Culpepper replacing Kreidler is a much more straight forward move. Or Jenkins replacing Roden if Buxton isn't back.

But I don't expect either to be some sort of savior from the jump. And them providing a spark or boost in energy is a nice thought, but that's what the additions at the deadline were supposed to be. Hoffman was supposed to walk in and the guys were all supposed to go "we're in it now, boys! Strap in tight because we're going for a ride!" Didn't exactly have that effect yesterday. If they need rookies to provide a secondary boost 2 days after the deadline, I'm not sure I really buy this boost or spark hypothesis.

I have tickets to the Field of Dreams game on 8/13.  Please call them up before then.

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

I apologize profusely! 

I'm a Twins fan, it's to be expected, even anticipated.

[Rufus]

If they option Jackson, he will not clear waivers.  Jeffers will most likely be gone next season,  Jackson has a lot of value as Caratini's backup next season..  

[clone52]

48 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Are they ready is half of it. Do they give the team their best chance at winning versus playing other players?

Culpepper is almost ready and making him the starter is probably better than using Kreidler. I would plan to promote him August 15.

Jenkins is not ready and I don’t think he helps the team win more than the outfielders they are already using. He’s not better than Keaschall, Buxton or Larnach. He is probably about as good as Roden and Martin. I would leave him in AAA for the rest of the season to play every day. I would promote Rodriguez and probably Wallner before Jenkins.

Fine with Rodriguez, but not Wallner.  Sheesh.

"probably as good as Roden"?  Seriously.  I'm 44, overweight but was a bench player on a small HS baseball team.  I could probably match his OPS+

I also think Jenkins could match Martin, even early on.

I say bring Jenkins up, play him almost every day.  There is room for him, Buxton, Keaschall, Larnach and even Rodriguez with 3 OF spots and DH.

[1985Fan]

52 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

Stupid CLE, NYY, and Det....just stupid calling up rookies.

Yes, other teams have called on rookies. Twins have done it in the past. I remember Alex Kiriloff. Sometimes it works and most times it doesn’t. Both KC and Jenkins haven’t had a full season of AAA ball and we should expect them to save the offense in their first taste of MLB? I just don’t think that’s realistic. But that’s just my opinion and you may be right. We’ll see how it plays out.

[chpettit19]

11 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

Martin is actually having a good July and he is the definition of a bench piece, he has done better since moving starting every day.  I would rather see Roden and Kreidler as the last two players on the bench until Buxton comes back.  I am not going thru roster gymnastics just to keep Jackson on the roster, backup catcher is a position you can fill.  This means bring up Culpepper and Jenkins.

Yeah, we're just going to have to agree to disagree that Roden would get any more playing time, or be any more useful, on a roster featuring Trevor Larnach, Josh Bell, Luke Keaschall, and Walker Jenkins than Alex Jackson. Roden should never see the field over any of those guys. He'd bring nothing to that roster. And neither would Martin.

Could Roden or Martin play once or twice a week? Sure. But to what end? Just to avoid having a guy who never plays? Want them to make their lineup worse just because you want to be able to say your 13th guy is useful? Doesn't sound like a great plan for a team trying to win a playoff spot. It's the stretch run. Why would they care about forcing a 13th guy into a game? You're trying to make the playoffs. It's now or never. Put your best 9 out there every freaking day and try to win games. The 13th guy on the bench isn't their problem. It's the top 9 guys that are holding them back. And the 13th guy won't be the problem if they call up Jenkins and Culpepper. 

And I'm very much somebody who doesn't like wasting roster spots in general. But now is not the time to be getting everybody a game or 2 a week. You're in it. You went and got the mighty Hoffman. Play your best players as much as you can. The 13th guy on the roster isn't the difference between making the playoffs and not. Because the Twins don't have 13 guys worth playing time in a playoff chase.

[Patzky]

Joe Ryan potentially hurt.. now Hunter Greene on IL. Bet some team is happy they didn't spring for both of them.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Stupid CLE, NYY, and Det....just stupid calling up rookies.

Its Det, Brewers and NY.   Brewers and NYY both look like they have legitimate reasons why.  Detroit likely did it to offset fan upset over the Skubal trade.  I just wouldn't ridicule other management for not doing it when it doesn't appear to be a mainstream thing right now.  Maybe the calculus changes.  Who knows.  Red Sox coming out and saying they aren't putting the stress on Arias seems to be them tipping their hand they aren't bringing him up this year.   

[Mike Sixel]

Just now, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

Its Det, Brewers and NY.   Brewers and NYY both look like they have legitimate reasons why.  Detroit likely did it to offset fan upset over the Skubal trade.  I just wouldn't ridicule other management for not doing it when it doesn't appear to be a mainstream thing right now.  Maybe the calculus changes.  Who knows.  Red Sox coming out and saying they aren't putting the stress on Arias seems to be them tipping their hand they aren't bringing him up this year.   

CLE called up their SS prospect also. 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Someone quoted me about not bringing the rookies up but its gone now.   Zoll and Tom have both said they will bring rookies up from AAA.  What they haven't clarified is will it be Jenkins and Culpepper or will it be of the group of Gonzalez, Mendez and Rodriguez who are already on the 40 man.   You have to trust and follow what Zoll and Tom say.  They made that pretty clear ridiculing the media on trading of Jeffers.  

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

3 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

CLE called up their SS prospect also. 

40 Man  Mike.   Come on figure it out.  Its not that difficult.   We have already discussed this.  I don't know why this is bothering you so much.  

Some rookies will come up.  Zoll and Tom said they would.  The question is who so we will wait to see who it is.  

[ashbury]

6 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

CLE called up their SS prospect also. 

Angel Genao has 2000 plate appearances in the minors.  Walker Jenkins has 1104.

There is a lot that goes into these decisions.

[bean5302]

2 hours ago, HarmonK03 said:

He is still on rehab, so he is not on the active roster yet.

Tell that to MiLB/MLB