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In 2023, the Minnesota Twins were saved by the players they called up as the season progressed. Despite several players graduating from prospect status and having locks on Opening Day roster spots, another wave of reinforcements will be in the minor leagues to begin 2024. It’s hard to rank who could be the most impactful this season, but we can try.
5. José Miranda
We have to hope that Miranda’s step backward in 2023 was based on injury, but he’s likely lost his Opening Day role, regardless of whether that's true or not. It doesn’t seem like Miranda is seen as much of a third baseman at this point, leaving him confined to first base and DH. Carlos Santana has functionally filled that role, leaving Miranda to try to reestablish himself in St. Paul to begin the season.
Miranda could find his way back to the Twins if injuries occur, or if someone like Santana completely falls off the cliff as he nears 40. That’s assuming Miranda can return to form. His .268/.325/.426 slash line in 2022 would fit into the lineup just fine, but he has to prove to the Twins that he’s that player, as opposed to the version of himself we saw struggle so mightily in 2023.
4. Kody Funderburk
Funderburk waited far too long to get his chance in 2023, but made the most of his eventual debut, striking out over 40 percent of the hitters he faced and posting a sub-3.00 ERA, even earning a postseason roster spot. Unfortunately for Funderburk, the addition of Steven Okert from Miami gives them two MLB lefties in the bullpen. A third likely isn’t in the plans to begin the season.
While a lefty reliever role may be less impactful, Funderburk's dominance in his brief debut last year suggests he could pitch some big innings if needed. He could also pitch more innings than expected if someone like Caleb Thielbar suffers more injuries in his late 30s.
3. Austin Martin
Martin’s fate of beginning the year in St. Paul was likely sealed with the Manuel Margot addition, but there may still be plenty of opportunity in 2024. Martin can play center field, left field, or second base, and his offensive profile would be a great complement to a lineup that still has plenty of power and swing-and-miss.
Even if Byron Buxton can remain relatively healthy this season, he may get some time off his feet for bumps and bruises, to ensure he’s available for the long haul. It’s also possible that Margot either doesn’t meet expectations or becomes expendable throughout the season. Kyle Farmer will be platooning at second, and any time missed would also open time for Martin. If he can play as he did down the stretch last season in St. Paul, he could find some playing time in a lineup that seemingly always needs another right-handed bat.
2. Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee is nearing MLB readiness, and could debut early in 2024. He wasn’t as impressive in his St. Paul debut, but a solid start could push a decision on the Twins. It’s hard to say where he’ll play when he arrives, but the 2022 eighth overall pick looks talented enough to call him up and figure the logistics out later.
The Twins plan to use Lee more creatively early this season, to make him an option all across the infield. We could see him up if Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff, Santana, Royce Lewis, or Carlos Correa hit the IL. With the pedigree Lee carries, he could undoubtedly get called up for a cup of coffee and never get sent back down.
1. Louie Varland
Varland will get the Bailey Ober treatment this spring, as the Twins have insulated the rotation with innings, even if it can be argued that Varland is a better pitcher than some who will make the trip north. He struggled down the stretch as a starter last year, but has little to prove in the minor leagues.
Given the nature of pitcher health, Varland could make his 2024 debut exceptionally early with the Twins, as he’ll be the first in line should an injury occur. Beyond that, it’s possible someone like Chris Paddack needs an IL stint here or there for maintenance. Anthony DeSclafani’s injury history could pop up, or he could simply prove unable to stick as a viable starter for a team with playoff aspirations. It’s a safe bet that Varland will throw a good chunk of innings in MLB this season, just as Ober did last year despite beginning in Triple-A. He could be the most impactful call-up of 2024 when his time comes.
There’s a lengthy list of names that we’ll see called up in 2024, and while these five are good bets to make an impact, there’s no telling whether we get a surprising 2024 version of Brock Stewart, for example. Do you agree with the order? Are there any other minor leaguers who could make a significant impact? Let us know below!
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