In Latest Twist, Twins Add Fourth Catcher to Big-League Roster

The Minnesota Twins have once again found a creative solution to a roster problem. This time, the club has decided that what its 26-man roster really needs is another catcher. Almost out of nowhere, they're selecting the contract of St. Paul Saints catcher David Bañuelos and promoting him to the major leagues.

The fan base has clamored for days for the promotion of top prospect Walker Jenkins, perhaps to replace little-used outfielder Alan Roden. Instead, the club has elected to add its fourth catcher, with Bañuelos joining Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson on the active roster.

Jenkins has game-changing potential, and the team has playoff odds just south of 40%, so it seems like a good time to go for broke. However, according to Twins General Manager Jeremy Zoll, the organization ultimately decided that there was simply too much value in carrying a fourth catcher.

“We looked at bringing up Walker,” Zoll said. “Obviously, he's a very talented player and he's doing everything you could possibly ask him to do in Triple-A. But then we looked at the roster and realized we only had three catchers. That just didn't feel right.”

Zoll explained that the Twins' internal discussions eventually centered around a simple philosophy.

“Two catchers is necessary,” Zoll said. “Three catchers is a luxury. Four catchers is where you start seeing the real value. Four catchers is like two houses and a private plane. Billionaire [stuff].”

The decision to add Bañuelos also appears to be influenced by the success of the Twins' current three-catcher strategy. Alex Jackson, who was designated for assignment just four days before being recalled to the majors, has already demonstrated the effectiveness of the plan. The Twins have reportedly been thrilled with his usage, which has involved appearing in a game approximately once every seven or eight days.

When asked how Bañuelos would fit into the catching rotation, Zoll suggested that fans shouldn't expect the Twins to suddenly abandon their successful formula. Bañuelos isn't particularly likely to receive playing time. But the Twins believe that is actually a feature, not a bug.

“People are looking at this the wrong way,” Zoll said. “It's not about how much he plays. It's about having the option to play him.”

That option, apparently, was too valuable to pass up.

The decision also means Jenkins will remain in Triple-A, where the Twins believe he can continue to develop and prepare for his eventual major-league debut. If at all possible, the team would love to see him move behind the plate and take some reps at catcher.

Think about it. If one catcher gets injured, the Twins still have three catchers. If two catchers get injured, the Twins still have two catchers. If three catchers get injured, the Twins still have one catcher. And if all four catchers somehow get injured, the Twins will finally be able to promote Walker Jenkins—as long as he's ready to play catcher.

As for Bañuelos, the veteran catcher will now get to experience the thrill of being a major leaguer, while simultaneously wondering why exactly he has been promoted.

“We're really excited about David,” Zoll said. “He's earned this opportunity, and we're excited about what he brings to the roster.”

What does he bring?

Zoll paused.

“A fourth catcher.”

Sometimes, that's all a baseball team really needs.