Who Will be the Twins' Utility Man in 2024?

6 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

Kyle Farmer. And Castro. 

Gordon no longer has utility, much less super utility.  Martin fits in with the rolling class of rookies back and forth to St Paul so he really doesn’t qualify.  He has to prove he can do anything in the bigs first. 

They value competent depth quite a bit.  Farmer is that guy all over the field.   

I think of Farmer as more of a platoon infielder which is why I didn't mention him.

I agree that Castro will get the first crack and I hope he looks good, but if he doesn't I wouldn't rule out Austin Martin entering the fold. The fact that the Twins kept Gordon on the 40-man tells me they still think there's something there. It's an interesting situation to follow at the very least!

Just now, Cory Engelhardt said:

Farmer and Castro, probably, to start the year. Unless they KNOW they need more help with centerfield, then I can totally see Martin be up even opening day.

I also think Martin, of the 3 you listed with Farmer, will get the most plate appearances out of these 4 listed in 2024.

 

Good to have depth that can play multiple positions.

I didn't include Farmer in here just because I see him as more of a platoon infielder against left-handed pitching as compared to a utility player, but I think he factors in the Twins' plans very much.

I've always really liked Martin. It would be awesome if he is able to come up at some point this year and help the team!

3 minutes ago, PatPfund said:

I think Castro is the easy choice to start the year as a super utility player (who plays most days). He actually plays the positions well, hits from both sides, and won/made-the-difference in a LOT of games last year. I'm not that worried about last year being an outlier; he has five seasons finished before he turns 27 (that will be in April). He was thrown in early by a notoriously bad team, and finally got to play with quality around him in 2023. I think we saw the real Castro last year.

You nailed the Gordon situation really well (including why I love him); as things stand now, Nick would probably have to beat out somebody like Larnach as a 4th-OF/(sometime IF) or he doesn't make the team. (The team may also include him in a trade to give him a shot elsewhere unless they trade another OF.)

My guess is Martin is the current Plan A in CF (unless he is bumped to Plan B by a veteran addition). The Twins have certainly done it before, but having a rookie play several positions while trying how to play MLB defense and hit MLB pitching just isn't smart. Let the kid focus on CF and hitting, and use him to replace Taylor's speed on the bases, while adding a tough eye to go with Julien (and possibly replace Polanco's tough ABs if he gets traded).

I hope you're right on Castro! As I mentioned, the only cause for concerns is the advanced metrics at the plate weren't very inspiring, but I hope he continues to produce! My favorite thing about Castro was how often he came through in the clutch. He was very valuable for the Twins in 2023 and hopefully he can continue to provide value.

It remains to be seen how the Twins will elect to use Martin. He played a majority of his innings at second base last year in triple A, but I wouldn't rule out the Twins using him as strictly an outfielder. Could that be his role? Could he be a platoon infielder? Could he be a utility guy? His role is very much an unknown, but I do think he helps the Twins in 2024.

39 minutes ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

Taking Farmer out of the equation, I think it will be Willi Castro.  He did very well last year and history aside, I think will sustain his production.  He's still young enough that I can chalk it up to "development".  (I'm actually more concerned about Lewis and Julien sustaining production -- the bar is much higher for them). I'm going to bet that Austin Martin will become the go-to CF option, hopefully with Buxton, but he may hold his own better than we think.  I understand why the Twins kept Gordon, he has some value, just not very much to the Twins.  I think he gets traded this winter, either one for one for a relief pitcher flyer or as a throw in to another trade for something more. 

Certainly real possibilities! I personally think Lewis and Julien will maintain production just because they both have a pedigree of success, so I think they'll continue to be good! Thank you for your thoughts!

52 minutes ago, Bigfork Twins Guy said:

Castro hands down.  He brings all the intangibles of a super utility guy (SB, fields multiple positions, competent hitting).  I take issue with your downside comment Hunter as I feel we just unlocked his hidden potential and that his performance will continue to improve.  Just because this was his FIRST year at this level does not mean it will be his LAST year at this level, especially given his age.

I agree that he can continue to produce, I don't mean that just because he hadn't been very good before that he can't be good going forward. My main concern is with the advanced metrics at the plate. They indicate that he's a well below average hitter.

That said, there are people that just overcome bad metrics and soft contact and are really good players, I hope Castro continues to show improvement in this area as well. My main point is, this can forecast regression which would be my only concern.

40 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Labels

Everything and everyone must have a label. 

The point was more so to predict who could get the playing time in the spot that Castro held last season. You can call it whatever you want, that's just the name the baseball community has rolled with.

16 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I’m hoping to hear that he works in the outfield a bit this spring.  There was talk of that when he was acquired but he was needed quite a bit more in the infield last year with the slow starts.  If he can function in left field against a LH starter it opens up a ton more options.  

Agreed. If he is able to step up and play outfielder and platoon one of the corner spots I'd be all for it. I doubt he can get to a point where they trust him defensively over some of their other options, but it would certainly be a positive development!

7 minutes ago, Otaknam said:

I don’t think they will totally blow up the bench, possibly keeping both Castro and Farmer. But it wouldn’t surprise me if Farmer gets traded to cut payroll in favor of a cheaper solution. Castro deserves another shot at super utility, since Castro’s speed is a difference maker. Also hoping the team signs a big bat like Hoskins to DH and play first. Under this scenario the bench would be Castro, Farmer, Martin if he can play CT, and backup catcher. Or sign Taylor as insurance for the inevitable Buxton injury. 

Hoskins would be huge! I would be all for that! I think Castro starts there and hopefully continue to provide production!

14 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I think Farmer will be traded to save money. I would rather see Martin than Gordon. Gordon has some power but even with his speed he doesn't steal bases. At least he hasn't yet. Castro has the utility role to start IMO.

I think I agree with you on all counts.

6 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

My definition of super utility is someone who can play SS & CF well which translate he can play anyplace well. Castro fits that bill all others are just plain utility. 

A good chance we can see a small regression from Castro but glove can play anwhere & his base stealing adds another benefical dimension to the Twins game where very valuable. They should limit Gordon only in the OF because his glove & bat don't play well in the INF. The turning point for Martin when they resolved Martin off SS (finally) & Martin resolved to focus on his own style of batting at the end of '22. Martin adapts very well & have the grit to make it in MLB at CF sometime in '24. It'll be a very interesting spring training indeed.

Castro & Farmer can handle the INF.

There's a lot to get hammered out and the roles will become for clear as we approach the season. What do they do with Farmer and Polanco? Are they traded? Do they add anyone? There will certainly be shuffling to go around, but I think you raise good points.

29 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

I hope they roll with the hot bat and glove. Some guys regress and others figure out the constant adjustments and growth that is needed for a long career. As they say, the cream rises to the top. 
I do agree that we should have 2-3 utility guys because of the fragility of un named vets. 

I agree. Could be multiple guys throughout the year. Hopefully they can all contribute!