Old Friends in the Fall Classic: Twins Connections in the 2024 World Series

As the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees prepare to square off in this year’s World Series, Twins fans might notice some familiar names on both rosters and coaching staffs. It’s always interesting to see “old friends” pop up on the biggest stage, and this year is no exception. From former top prospects to coaches who helped shape memorable Twins teams, these connections add an extra layer of intrigue for Minnesota fans. Let’s take a look at some of those key names who have roots in the Twin Cities.

Brusdar Graterol, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Once one of the most electric arms in the Twins’ system, Graterol was ranked among the top 60 prospects in baseball. His fastball consistently hit triple digits, making him the hardest thrower in the Twins’ organizational history—until Jhoan Durán arrived. Graterol had a brief stint in Minnesota’s bullpen during the 2019 season, before being traded to the Dodgers as part of the deal that brought Kenta Maeda to Minnesota.

Since then, Graterol has become a key reliever for the Dodgers, though injuries have limited him. He has posted a 2.69 ERA across five seasons in Los Angeles, but his World Series appearance would be his first since Sept. 24, after battling shoulder and hamstring issues. His fastball isn't quite the blazing pitch that Twins' fans recall from his time in Minnesota, but it will still be fun to watch him take the mound yet again in a playoff situation, if indeed he's healthy enough to reclaim his place.

Tommy Edman, Utility, Los Angeles Dodgers
While Tommy Edman has never donned a Twins uniform, his family ties make him part of the extended Twins community. Edman was a midseason acquisition for the Dodgers, and his breakout performance in the NLCS—where he hit .407 and drove in 11 runs—turned him into an unlikely postseason hero. Known more for his versatility and speed, Edman’s timely hitting has been a huge boost for LA.

His brother, John Edman, is a key member of the Twins’ front office, serving as a data quality engineer in the R&D department since 2019. So, while Tommy never played for Minnesota, the Edman family still has a strong connection to the organization.

Danny Lehmann, Bench Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers
Twins fans might remember Danny Lehmann as a former catching prospect drafted by Minnesota in 2007. Lehmann never made it to the big leagues, but spent seven seasons in the Twins farm system. He’s since transitioned to coaching, and was promoted to Dodgers bench coach in 2023, after working as their game-planning and communications coach. Lehmann now finds himself in the World Series dugout.

Aaron Bates, Co-Hitting Coach, Los Angeles Dodgers
Aaron Bates has been with the Dodgers’ coaching staff since 2019, moving up to co-hitting coach in 2023. Twins fans might recall his brief time in Minnesota’s system in 2011, when he played two seasons with the Rochester Red Wings. 

Luis Gil, SP, New York Yankees
Luis Gil never played for the Twins, but he began his professional career in Minnesota’s system after signing as an international free agent in 2015. He was traded to the Yankees in 2018 for Jake Cave, and despite a slow start to his career due to injuries, Gil broke out in 2024 with a 3.50 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate. He’s a strong contender for AL Rookie of the Year.

After some command issues in the ALCS, Gil might be shifted to the bullpen for the World Series, but his high-octane stuff and connection to the Twins make him an interesting player to watch.

James Rowson, Hitting Coach, New York Yankees
Twins fans will fondly remember Rowson as the architect behind the 2019 Bomba Squad, the team that shattered the MLB record for home runs in a season. Rowson left Minnesota for a bench coach role with the Marlins in 2020, before landing with the Yankees in 2024. Under his guidance, the Yankees led the league with 237 home runs and posted one of the highest OPS marks in the American League. Rowson’s ability to unlock power in lineups remains his calling card, making him a pivotal part of the Yankees’ success.

Tanner Swanson, Catching Coordinator, New York Yankees
Another familiar name is Tanner Swanson, the Twins’ former catching guru who helped turn Mitch Garver into a defensive standout. Since joining the Yankees in 2020, Swanson has continued his work with young catchers, most notably Austin Wells, who ranked third in MLB in framing this season. He also made an All-Star out of José Trevino, two years ago, and has been the person lost in the post-2019 brain drain whose reputation has most steadily grown since.

It’s always fun to see familiar faces on the game’s biggest stage. Whether it’s a former top prospect like Graterol or an old coach like Rowson, these connections to the Twins add an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s Fall Classic. So, who will you be rooting for in the World Series—the Dodgers or the Yankees? Let us know in the comments below.

[Ed. note: And don't say Yankees. Because come on.]