The Twins Offense is Sputtering—So Why is Carson McCusker Still in St. Paul?

The Minnesota Twins’ offense continues to sputter with. Day after day, the lineup seems to churn out the same results: light contact, double plays, and missed opportunities. It’s an offense spinning its tires—and for some reason, the front office refuses to tap into a clear and present source of power sitting just 10 miles east on I-94.

Carson McCusker is absolutely crushing the baseball for the St. Paul Saints right now. In 27 games, he’s posted a .991 OPS with 7 home runs and 24 RBIs. He’s a 6-foot-8 power bat with right-handed pop—something the Twins’ offense lacks right now. Minnesota ranks 23rd in slugging percentage, 22nd in home runs,  and too often looks allergic to doing damage. McCusker could be the jolt this lineup needs.

Yet, despite the early-season roster shuffling and injuries to key players like Matt Wallner, McCusker remains in Triple-A. Why?

Sure, he’s not a traditional top prospect. McCusker is nearly 27, was drafted in the 26th round, and spent time in independent ball with the Tri-City ValleyCats before signing with the Twins. But all he’s done since then is mash. Across three seasons in the Twins system, McCusker owns a .867 OPS with 40 home runs in 813 plate appearances. The production is real—and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

Yes, there are red flags. His strikeout rate is high, at 34% in the minors—and he’s struck out 253 times compared to just 68 walks. But at some point, doesn’t the upside warrant the risk?

The Twins, after all, used to lean into the “strikeouts-and-slug” identity. The 2023 team broke the record for strikeouts in a season while finishing in the top 10 in essentially every other offensive category. Lately, it seems the pendulum has swung too far the other way. The current offense trades punch for contact and power for passivity, and it’s not working. 

Our own Jamie Cameron described the hitting prowess of McCusker well in his write-up last week:

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It’s close to top-of-the-scale power, with a maximum exit velocity of 114.2 mph and an unbelievable hard-hit rate of over 60%. All that adds up to a 175 wRC+. It’s a little bit reminiscent of Matt Wallner’s profile, from the right side—though, crucially, without the pedigree, track record, and supplementary tools. 

McCusker might not be a complete hitter. He may never be more than a power-first role player. But what he does have is something different. His raw power could help balance a Twins lineup sorely lacking in game-changing bats. With Wallner hurt and Dashawn Keirsey Jr. (2 hits in 26 at-bats) struggling to gain traction, there’s room for a change. Even Kody Clemens—who hit a memorable homer at Fenway—has just two hits outside of that moment.

Why not try something new?

McCusker also offers handedness balance. As a righty, he could be a natural platoon partner with lefties like Larnach or Wallner once they return. The Twins have been chasing a right-handed power bat for what feels like years. It turns out, one might already be in the building.

Will he succeed? Who knows. He could strike out 40% of the time and get sent back to St. Paul in a week. But at a time when the offense is crying out for thunder, isn’t that a risk worth taking?

Carson McCusker may not have the pedigree. But he has the power. And he might be just the shot in the arm this lineup needs.

What do you think—should the Twins give McCusker a chance? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!