Alex Jackson Is The Future Of This Organization

[Ricky Ray Ingraham]

Ah, Alex Jackson.

Many a Mogadishu, Somalia Twins fan, upon Austin Martin finding himself on the Injured List, did not realize how relevant he would be for them in the coming days. With the speedy outfielder incapacitated by a hamstring injury, Twins fans found themselves fantasizing about Walker Jenkins (who would be called up a few days later, in any case) and Emmanuel Rodriguez as possible options. Aaron Sabato, Ben Ross, and even Matt Wallner stood out as potential options.

Instead, Twins fans got the veteran catcher who had been DFA'd and outrighted not long before his return, coming in over the heads of a number of outfield-capable Triple-A players who carry much more prospect sheen and potential upside in the eyes of our fanbase than Alex Jackson ever has since the tail end of the Obama administration. No small amount of weeping and gnashing of teeth ensued across Minnesghanistan in the wake of Jackson's callup, but we failed to consider; what if this was actually good for those prospects? What if this was the right move for Minnesota's future?

Despite Tom Pohlad's commitment to raising payroll for the 2027 season, it's basically a fact that Ryan Jeffers will be a New York Yankee come opening day next year. Victor Caratini will likely take over primary catching duties, carrying on the spirit of overpaid Puerto Rican catchers who can't hit from the Houston Astros that Christian Vasquez started for our organization years ago (funny how that works). Much has been made of 3rd-overall pick Vahn Lackey, but it would be (at least, in my eyes) quite surprising to see him debut before 2028. The Triple-A depth for catching looks fairly thin right now. What're the Twins' other options?

As a result, I believe the error that the Twins organization has committed is not one of over-Jacksoning this team, but under-Jacksoning it. We're 4 games behind in the AL Wild Card Race; Why are we giving Ryan Jeffers playing time for no other purpose than to develop a highlight reel for his next employer? Jackson should be starting 3-4 games behind the dish per week, so that Twins decision makers can figure out how he lines up against Caratini.

Unless Pohlad and Jeremy Zoll are absolutely certain that they can land a quality catcher this offseason, Jackson shouldn't spend any more time on the bench than he already has. Jackson possesses defensive skill, a bat that's been resurgent in his last two seasons, and most uniquely of all for a catcher, notable sprint speed. There is real potential with this backstop-if we're willing to give him a shot to prove it.