Four Triple-A Players (Not Named Walker Jenkins) That Can Help the Twins

[DocBauer]

Regarding the OP directly:

WALLNER:

If he's not traded, he gets a shot as a reserve OF, LH primary DH next season. Maybe. But even as a fan of Wallner, I just don't see a future for him. First off, it's Jenkins before him 100%. Additionally, you have to carry Gonzalez next year no matter what. Now, the good news is that he's probably ready, and you just live with some growing pains and he probably hits lower in the lineup initially. So there again, he's ahead of Wallner.

GONZALEZ:

I believe in Gonzalez. He was hurt in 2024 and he didn't perform very well. Healthy again in 2025 he RAKED. He's had a mediocre 2026, but is still young, and I'd bet on a nice rebound from him in 2027. Since he's already on the 40 man, and can beat up LHP...in theory...I would have brought him up when Martin got hurt. He's already burned an option this season, so why not?? But Martin is probably back soon, and I'm just assuming he'll take his job back when reactivated. So Gonzalez probably waits until next season for his shot. 

ROSS:

Look, I get his AAA production and OPS aren't as out of the world like they were in AA, but they're still good. And we're talking about a Super Utility player, not an every day starter. I've become a fan of Kreidler's defense and hustle, but he's been hitting .169 over the last 30 day, or 71 AB. I'm doubting Ross's glove is as good as Kreidler's, but his bat and offensive game are probably better. And he plays all the same positions, and hits LHP well. I'm not saying DFA Kreidler, but unless we sign the next Castro in the offseason, or trade for the next Punto, we need depth and competition at the SU spot. And Ross should be given a serious shot. He's younger and better than Gray, IMO. But I don't know that he gets his shot until next year either.

RAYA:

I liked the month he showed at AAA before his promotion. I really liked what I saw of him in his SSSS. I saw good velocity and some nasty breaking stuff. It's a shame he got hurt. He's got better potential than a couple guys in the pen currently, or at least some of the guys who have been there. But the pen is deeper and better today than it was a month/month and a half ago. I also kinda like what I saw of Acton early, and Anderson when he was up. I think Raya has a chance to help this pen going forward, as well as CJ Culpepper.  But once again, I just don't see it until 2027.

I like the OP drawing attention to these options. It makes sense in the context of "other than Jenkins" as options. But without injuries, it's a NO, and 3 "wait until next year".

TODAY:

Whether or not Buxton is banged up a little and will be ready to go Friday or not, you DFA Jackson again and bring up Jenkins. PERIOD! This "can we find room for him to play daily" is a load of B.S. You MAKE ROOM for a prospect like Jenkins! Buxton needs more rest...if he's not put on the IL...Larnach is struggling, and he and Bell can also sit an extra day a week. And they're barely using Roden anyway.

Martin comes back soon and takes back his spot as the September call up player. OK, that works to finish the season I guess. But they need a better option for 2027.

IMO, fair to him or not, Roden gets sent back down due to having options, and you bring up Rodriguez and find time for him as well. You NEED to give him September to just get his feet wet!

It's up the Zoll to make these moves. It's up to Shelton to find playing time for everyone.