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.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Because they already know what type of player he is.  He is solid behind the dish with a bat that has shown glimpses.  Its enough to be a battering mate with Caratini in 27 before the Vahn and the others start being major considerations for the big leagues for 2028.  

As to Jeffers in New York this would be best case scenario as the Twins would get a late 1st round pick for him.   The real question is whether competitive balance picks will continue.  So far it will appear those will go away.  

[MMBoys93]

Alex Jackson has a BABIP of .455

He’s not experienced a resurgence, he’s experienced extreme luck. He’s a .170-.200 BA guy with a 30-35% K rate 

[Derojo]

You can't know what "type" of a player anyone is until they play consistently. Clemens demonstrates that. Martin also demonstrated that a hot start doesn't foreshadow a hot finish. We don't know how he will be next year. Lee did not come out of the MLB gate hot. Yet, he has improved with more batting appearances. The MLB game is different than the minors, the playing field just looks the same. It's not the same competition.

"He is solid behind the dish with a bat that has shown glimpses." Perhaps the bat has shown "glimpses" because Jackson hasn't played much. Lee has consistently improved, perhaps Jackson would. 

However, I would wait till September 14th to see if the Twins will be within two games of the third wild card, or the division, because there will be thirteen games left to play. Picking up three games out of thirteen is unlikely. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

It's going to be really funny to come back to this thread when Alex Jackson isn't on the Twins opening day roster next season :)

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

1 hour ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

It's going to be really funny to come back to this thread when Alex Jackson isn't on the Twins opening day roster next season :)

Well we already had 1 bet, which effectively all of us were wrong. DFA’d and immediately brought back.  Maybe he isn’t. But just like last year he is cheap insurance if we can’t find someone better. Currently we don’t have anyone on the 40 man. 

[HarmonK03]

I was surprised Jackson was available to be brought back, many on here said it was 100% he would be claimed if put on waivers.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

7 minutes ago, HarmonK03 said:

I was surprised Jackson was available to be brought back, many on here said it was 100% he would be claimed if put on waivers.

Timing worked out.  I know you enjoyed it immensely when he was called back LOL.

[ashbury]

Another hit tonight.   Opposing teams can not hope to stop this man.

[MMBoys93]

10 hours ago, ashbury said:

Another hit tonight.   Opposing teams can not hope to stop this man.

Hit a blistering 65.7 mph and an xBA of .210. He can’t keep getting away with this 

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, MMBoys93 said:

Hit a blistering 65.7 mph and an xBA of .210. He can’t keep getting away with this 

We already have a church for Ryan Kreidler.  Do we need to start another one?