Seth Stohs

Cave likely signed for a very low contract. With OF like Larnach and Celestino and possibly even Kirilloff needing some time at the beginning of the season, they keep him around. Not sure what it means for Buxton, if anything. As guys prove themselves ready, the contract is low enough to just drop. That's a minor note in today's story, by the way... the Six adds are the big thing.

On Friday afternoon, the Minnesota Twins announced that they have added six players to their 40-man roster (four pitchers and two hitters). To make room, the team also had to remove several players from the roster. Top prospect Royce Lewis and 2021 Minor League Hitter of the Year Jose Miranda headline the additions. In addition, starting pitchers Josh Winder, Cole Sands, Blayne Enlow and Chris Vallimont were also added to the roster. Despite missing the entire 2021 season with a torn ACL, Royce Lewis was an easy choice to add. The #1 pick in the 2017 draft (and current Twins Daily #1 prospect) remains a top prospect in the organization as well as in all of baseball. He participated at the Twins alternate site in St. Paul in 2020. Lewis should start the 2022 season at Double-A Wichita and from there we’ll just see how his knee and his swing and his glove respond. It's possible that Lewis ends the season with the Twins. Following the announcement, Lewis said he is excited. "It means a lot! I really appreciate any sort of opportunity." And after a lost season and lots of recovery, he added, "Always great to hear any good news!" Jose Miranda was a second-round pick in 2016 out of school in Puerto Rico. He’s always had good power potential and contact skills, but things really came together in 2021 when he hit a combined .343 with 30 doubles and 30 home runs between Wichita and St. Paul. Depending on other offseason moves, Miranda should start the 2022 season in St. Paul, hopefully continue mashing and be ready for an opening at third base, or second base, or first base with the Twins. Miranda was the Twins Daily #6 prospect in August. After hearing the news, Miranda told Twins Daily, "It means a lot, especially after a lost season last year. (I'm) excited and pumped for what the future holds, and this makes me want to work harder!" Josh Winder broke out in 2021 as well. After impressing coaches at Instructional League a year ago and at big-league spring training this year, he was fantastic in Wichita before starting out strong after his promotion to St. Paul. He pitched in the Futures Game before being shut down with shoulder issues. Assuming health, Winder may be competing for a big-league job in spring training. He’s likely to start in St. Paul but could be ready for The Call whenever needed. Winder is Twins Daily’s #11 prospect. Winder was the team’s seventh-round pick in 2018 from VMI. Two rounds earlier, the Twins selected Cole Sands out of Florida State. Although he missed a few starts with minor injuries, he had a terrific season in Double-A Wichita. Sands should start 2021 in St. Paul and could be ready by midseason. Sands is the #19 Twins Daily prospect. Chris Vallimont had an ERA over six and he walked far too many batters in 2021, but the former Marlins prospect was added to the 40-man roster because he has electric stuff. While there may be questions about if he’ll be a starter long-term, the worst case is he can be a strong bullpen arm. Vallimont is the Twins Daily #25-ranked prospect. Blayne Enlow was certainly a more difficult choice, but the team decided to believe in the future of their 2017 third-round pick. His potential, even as he continues to rehab from his May 2021 Tommy John surgery, remains very high. In 2021, he was throwing harder, mixed all of his pitches and was missing a lot more bats than he previously had. If all goes well, maybe he is making rehab appearances in June or July. If things go well and he continues to progress, he could debut by the end of the 2023 season. He ranked #17 on Twins Daily's prospect list. After hearing the news, Enlow told Twins Daily he's "just getting started." The goal, of course, is to avoid a situation like a year ago when the Twins lost Akil Baddoo to the Tigers and Tyler Wells to the Orioles. Both not only made their team out of spring training, but they both became important contributors. Last year, due to Covid, there were no minor league games in which to evaluate players. At least this year, they have game video and stats and more with which to do their evaluations. But, that doesn’t make all of the decisions easy. Here are several players at risk to be lost in the Rule 5 draft. Austin Schulfer is a potential Rule 5 pick. As a starter in 2021 in Wichita, he was touching 96 mph with good secondary pitches. Again, he might end up a reliever, but there is certainly potential in his right arm Others who could be at-risk to be selected in the Rule 5 draft include shortstop-turned-pitcher Jordan Gore who was Twins Daily’s Right-Handed Relief Pitcher All Star for his work in Cedar Rapids and Wichita in his first season on the mound. St. Paul Saints relievers Ian Hamilton and Ryan Mason are also now eligible to be Rule 5d next month. Both found success in Triple-A in 2021 and could contribute in the big leagues when called upon. Other relievers that could be selected include lefties Kody Funderburk and Zach Featherstone, along with recently-acquired Alex Scherff. Utility players are often taken in the Rule 5 draft. The Twins could potentially lose Jermaine Palacios (who re-signed with the Twins quickly this offseason), Michael Helman (who broke out power this year while playing six positions well), and Yunior Severino (former big-time prospect who hit well when he joined Cedar Rapids late in the season). In addition, Mark Contreras was left unprotected after hitting 30 doubles and 20 home runs, mostly in Triple-A St. Paul in 2021. He could be a team’s fourth outfielder right now if selected. For more information on the players added or left unprotected, click here. In order to make room, the Twins dropped several players from their 40-man roster. While the players added to the 40-man roster are very excited, the players removed from the 40-man roster are on the opposite end of the excitement spectrum. The Twins have signed OF Jake Cave to an MLB deal. They outrighted LHP Devin Smeltzer and outfielder Kyle Garlick to Triple-A St. Paul. Lefty Charlie Barnes and C/IF Willians Astudillo have been DFAd. The 40-man roster is now at 40. Jake Cave was a very productive fourth outfielder for the Twins in 2018 and 2019. Over those two seasons, he hit .262/.329/.466 (.795) with 27 doubles and 21 homers in 163 games. Over the past two seasons, he has played in 118 games and hit just .202/.263/.332 (.595) with nine doubles and seven homers. His OPS+ over those two seasons was just 64. As an arbitration-eligible player, it is likely that he agreed to a deal at the Twins terms. Willians Astudillo (aka, La Tortuga) has been a fan favorite since he was first called up to the Twins and his .355 in 29 games in 2018. He has spent time with the Twins each of the past four years, but taking out that first season, he hit just .251/.278/.382 (.659) in 138 games since the beginning of the 2019 season. That is an OPS+ of just 77, 23% below league average. Will he clear waivers? Will there be a team that thinks his ability to stand at five positions, as well as squat behind the plate, provides value? Kyle Garlick was claimed by the Twins before spring training in 2021. His ability to his left-handed pitching gave him and chance and he took full advantage of it. He hit well against southpaws, until he got hurt. He tried to rehab and come back, but he ended up having surgery on a sports hernia. He was drafted in 2015, so he could become a free agent. Devin Smeltzer made an impressive first impression in his debut in 2019. He tossed six shutout innings in his big-league debut against the Brewers and had a 3.86 ERA over 49 innings. Unfortunately, he pitched to an ERA over six in just seven games in the shortened 2020 season. In 2021, He was hurt after just one appearance and missed the rest of the season (though he did toss 4 2/3 scoreless innings). He cleared waivers. Charlie Barnes made nine appearances (8 starts) for the Twins in 2021, usually spot starts, he went 0-3 with a 5.92 ERA. However, he went 6-4 with a 3.79 ERA in 16 starts for the St. Paul Saints, so I'm sure the Twins hope that he passes through waivers unclaimed and they can outright him to Triple-A. Let's discuss the Twins additions and subtractions from the 40-man roster. View full article

We learned in mid-September that Twins pitcher Griffin Jax had been named the 2021 MLB winner of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award winner. On Thursday night, he received the honor in a virtual ceremony. "The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation is proud to honor Minnesota Twins pitcher Griffin Jax,” Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation Founder and President Peter J. Fertig said. “Griffin has served his country honorably, becoming the first professional athlete in Major League Baseball to come from the United States Air Force Academy. His service to our country, like Bob Feller’s, serves as a reminder that service above self is still as important today as it was in years past." Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller enlisted in the military after Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941. This award recognizes those who share Feller’s commitment to serving the United States. The award began in 2013. When Griffin Jax was the Twins third-round draft pick in 2016, he became the highest-drafted player ever from the Air Force Academy. On June 8, he became the first Air Force Academy graduate to play in the big leagues. He remained on active duty in 2019, and he maintains the rank of Captain in the Air Force Reserves. His wife Savannah is a Captain in the US Air Force. She was deployed to Afghanistan just last year and was scheduled for another deployment in 2021. In an MLB.com article by Do Hyoung-Park, Jax said, "I think my job is stressful, but hearing what she has to do, and all that stuff, I've got it easy." In a pre-recorded acceptance aired online on Thursday night, Jax remained humble and thanked many including the Twins for nominating him. It's clear his entire family has strongly supported the military, not only in words and funds, but with active duty. "It is a huge honor. As a fellow serviceman, I understand the sacrifice and duty that one must embody as a serviceman. While I serve more in the recruitment role as a reservist, I understand first-hand, watching what my wife does on a day-to-day basis, and my two brothers, both Air Force Academy graduates and in pilot training, and their spouses as well. I watch how they embody themselves in the morals and the sacrifices they take on daily. I just want to give them a shout out as well because they are the true reason this award exists. Past Bob Feller Act of Valor Award winners 2013: Justin Verlander 2014: Nick Swisher 2015: Jonathan Lucroy 2016: Brad Ziegler 2017: Darren O’Day 2018: Sean Doolittle 2019: Ian Kennedy 2020: Craig Stammen The 2021 winners include: 1. National Baseball Hall of Fame Award: Joe Torre, Major League Baseball 2. Major League Baseball Award: Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins 3. United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Award: ACC (AW/SW/IW) Joshua A. Sawyer, Naval Air Station Fallon, NV 4. United States Marine Corps, Jerry Coleman Award: First Sergeant, Daniel P. Best, Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Support Battalion, III Marine Information Group 5. Peer-to-Peer, Sea Command Award: USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42) Junior Enlisted Association, Sasebo Japan. 6. Peer-to-Peer, Ashore Installation Award: Training Support Center, Great Lakes, IL Chapter of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) 7. Bob Feller Fellowship Award: Galen Odell, Emerson College According to the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation says on its website, “Each honoree possesses the values, integrity, and dedication to serving our country that Bob Feller himself displayed.” Over 500 MLB players have served in the military, including 37 Hall of Famers. Congratulations to Griffin Jax and the other recipients tonight! More on Griffin Jax: Get To Know: Twins RHP Prospect Griffin Jax (January 2017) Jax Debuts for Kernels (July 2017) Griffin Jax's Baseball Career Resumes (May 2018) ERA to MBA: The Many Talents of Griffin Jax (May 2021) Prospect Retrospective: Griffin Jax (June 2021) Trio Hinting at Twins Pitching Pipeline (August 2021) View full article

Seth chats with Minnesota Twins LHP prospect and 2021 3rd round draft pick Cade Povich about his baseball career, getting drafted out of Nebraska, his pitches and much more. View full video

Yes, he would need to be added to the 40-man roster... and I think the 60 Day IL is available right around when spring training starts.

Left-handed pitcher Cade Povich was the Twins third round pick this summer out of the University of Nebraska. Fair to say that he made a strong first impression with the organization. Join us live today at 12:00 pm (central) and send us your questions on the Twins Daily social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages. Cade Povich grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska, a city on the south side of Omaha. He went to South Mountain Community College for his first year of school. He went 10-1 with a 1.52 ERA. In 2020, he returned to Nebraska, heading southwest down I-90 to Lincoln. He made four starts for the Cornhuskers that year due to the COVID shutdown. However, in his 21 1/3 innings, he struck out 26 batters and walked just two. He spent that summer playing for the infamous Savannah Bananas! He returned in 2021 as the team's ace. He made 15 starts and tossed 81 1/3 innings. In that time, he walked 22 and struck out 88 batters. Following the season, the Twins used their third-round draft pick on the southpaw. Upon signing, he went to Ft. Myers. He made one, two-inning appearance in the FCL and then pitched in three games for the Mighty Mussels. Combined, he walked two and struck out 19 batters in 10 innings. He gave up just one earned run. After the season, he impressed more people at the team's Instructional camp. Join us as we go live at 12:00 pm central time. We will discuss his baseball background, talk about his pitch mix, and get to know him a little bit. You can also participate by sending your questions. We'll cover a ton of topics over about 20-25 minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Please watch LIVE today at 12:00 pm (central time) on the Twins Daily Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages live. You can even ask questions in the comments below or on those platforms during the show and we'll ask them. Subscribe to the Twins Daily podcast on Libsyn, Apple iTunes or anywhere you download podcasts. For more on Cade Povich: Follow him on Twitter at @Cpo22. Follow him on Instagram at @cadepovich. Click here for Twins Daily articles on Cade Povich. Previous Episodes Click here to see more previous episodes of Twins Spotlight. Episode 36: Jose Miranda Episode 37: Kala'i Rosario Episode 38: Bailey Ober Episode 39: Simeon Woods Richardson Episode 40: Josh Winder Episode 41: Tyler Beck View full article

One of three intriguing starting pitcher trade options on the Athletics, Frankie Montas may be the clear target. He’s young, electric and under control for two more seasons. View full video

Coulombe and Minaya have past MLB success and performed well this year. Also, both are potential candidates to get DFAd soon... If Hamilton gets through the Rule 5, then the option situation doesn't come into play. The nice thing about him is he's still just 26. He had a nice mid-season stretch, and he's got some upside. This is a good example of how only being able to add 2 players to the MLB roster in September hurt guys like this. Obviously getting Moran up to the big leagues was the priority.

Re: Enlow... The Twins can let someone stash him on their roster and DL... But so can the Twins... he can go on the 60 Day IL. Regardless, if he's added, the Twins can option him in 2022, 2023 and 2024, so they can remain as patient with him as possible.

Re: Hamilton... the reason not to call him up is because if they did, and then they DFAd him, he could be a free agent. To this point, he has only been DFAd once so he can't be a free agent. The other three guys they were fine with becoming free agents.

If they were going to add Palacios to the 40-man roster, they probably would have just done it when they re-signed him.

I might have meant seven-figure. Ha!

Thank you! 1.) I don't think we can or should read into the 40-man adds beyond that those players have a future with the team that they simply don't want to lose. 1b.) The strategy can absolutely be different depending upon where the team is. Especially regarding if they add someone. 2.) Palacios could since he's close to the big leagues. I think the luster on Javier's upside is all-but-gone. However, I am really glad they have another year to let him play and see what happens. 3.) I think the likelihood of Baddoo becoming Baddoo last year was very low. Baddoo always had all the tools. Severino has some hit tools, but lacks the speed and defense and such. So, I think Severino taking off is really low. If he stays with the Twins, he's likely to spend 1/2 of 2022 in Cedar Rapids and get to Double-A in the second half. And there's no reason to believe that he should get pushed any faster. That said, Baddoo got an opportunity, took advantage and never looked back. Severino could find a hot stretch... I just don't see it.

On Friday, the Minnesota Twins and the rest of the league will submit their 40-man roster additions. After a lost 2020 minor-league season, it was great to have games to watch again in 2021. So who do the Twins need to add… or potentially risk losing to the Rule 5 draft? Here's a quick look at 21 players, and the rest of the players eligible. For the second consecutive year, baseball will have an interesting offseason, filled with uncertainty. Along with the normal questions, such as: When will free agents sign? Will anything much happen before February? Which players will be non-tendered? Baseball’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires at midnight on December 2nd. At that point, the offseason will come to a halt. For how long? That is the question. We obviously hope that a new, long-term, equitable deal can be reached before 2022 spring training is scheduled to start in mid-February, but we don’t know. If there is a work stoppage, will there be a Winter Meetings, and if not, will there be a Rule 5 draft? Certainly, but when? That is what we are here today to talk about.. The Rule 5 draft and which players the Twins may need to add to their 40-man roster or leave susceptible to the Rule 5 draft. Last year, the Twins lost both Akil Baddoo and Tyler Wells in the major-league portion, and the likes of Sam Clay, Jose Miranda, Griffin Jax and Charlie Barnes were left exposed as well. Teams have until Friday, November 19th, to add players to their 40 man roster. At the completion of the World Series, the Twins have been able to remove their free agents - Andrelton Simmons and Michael Pineda - from the 40-man roster. Alex Colome also became a free agent when the Twins declined their half of the mutual option for 2022. The Twins have claimed right-hander Jharel Cotton. The Twins are currently at 38 players on their 40-man roster. Several players will likely need to be removed in order to make room for this new group. The Twins still have to make decisions on several arbitration-eligible players as well. Offseason roster manipulation is incredibly fascinating from afar, but it has to provide most front offices with stress and headaches. With that as the backdrop, the Twins could potentially add as many as eight or even nine players from their system to their 40-man roster (pending others being removed from the 40-man), but it is more likely they add four to six players on Friday. So, here is a quick reminder of what players will be eligible for the 2021 Rule 5 draft if not protected on the 40-man roster. Here is this year’s criteria: Players who signed when they were 18 or younger in 2017 (during the minor league season). Players who signed when they were 19 or older in 2018. Players who were eligible in previous seasons are also eligible again. Players drafted in 2015 became free agents after the World Series was complete. That list includes Aaron Whitefield (who quickly signed with the Angels), Trey Cabbage, Hector Lujan, Tyler Watson, Leobaldo Cabrera and more. So, let’s take a look at the eligible players: There are always a lot of difficult decisions as it relates to adding players to the 40-man roster. That said, there are usually some Givens, then some intriguing options due to injury or age or something else. When so few players get selected in the Rule 5 draft, is it necessary to protect as many players? Or, are so few players selected because more (or the right) players get added to 40-man rosters? While I have this group ranked by how I would consider adding them, I think the Twins should have a good conversation to consider each. (which they most certainly have) THE GIVENS SS Royce Lewis - After the Twins took him with the first overall pick in the 2017 draft out of JSerra Catholic High School in California, Royce Lewis moved pretty quickly up the organizational ladder through the 2019 season. He was the MVP of the Arizona Fall League after the season. Then came 2020, a missed season for minor leaguers, but Lewis was able to participate at the Twins alternate site in St. Paul. He was excited for the 2021 season, but shortly after he arrived in Ft. Myers for spring training, he was diagnosed with a torn ACL and had season-ending surgery. His rehab has gone smoothly, and his elite tools are still very clear and his ceiling remains high. Lewis is an easy choice to add to the roster. IF Jose Miranda - The 73rd overall pick in 2016 draft from Puerto Rico, Jose Miranda has hit some and always displayed a lot of power potential. In 2021, things came together for Miranda. He didn’t chase as many pitches outside the zone and made a lot of hard contact. He hit a combined .343 between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul with 30 doubles and 30 home runs. The Twins are lucky he wasn’t selected last year and he’s a certainty to be added this year. RH SP Josh Winder - He was the Twins seventh round pick in 2018 from Virginia Military Institute. After missing 2020, Josh Winder jumped straight to Double-A Wichita and posted a 1.98 ERA and had 65 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings. He was promoted to Triple-A and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning of his first game. He pitched in the Futures Game and was then shut down with some shoulder issues. He sits 95-97 with his fastball and has four pitches. Easy choice. RH SP Cole Sands - Sands was the team’s fifth round pick in 2018 out of Florida State. In 2019, he started in Low-A and ended the season with a start in Double-A. That’s where he spent the 2021 season. He went 4-2 with a 2.46 ERA. He struck out 96 batters in 80 1/3 innings. Cole Sands has a low-to-mid-90s fastball and a really good curveball. While he may not be a Given, he is more than Intriguing. I think the only chance he isn’t added is if the Twins only add three players. THE INTRIGUING RHP Blayne Enlow - The most interesting case for consideration. Enlow had Tommy John surgery in early June. Normally that would mean missing the rest of the season and all of the 2022 season. However, the success of Rich Hill’s elbow surgery procedure has given the Twins confidence in its success and Enlow had that surgery which puts him on the nine-to-12 month plan. Obviously the Twins will want to be extra cautious with a pitcher as talented as Enlow. His fastball velocity has improved, his changeup has become a solid third pitch, and he’s always had a really good breaking ball. In his brief 2021 season, he was starting to show the ability to miss bats which is very encouraging. If it was me, I would add Enlow. There are a lot of things to consider though. RH SP Chris Vallimont - Chris Vallimont was the Marlins fifth-round pick in 2018 out of Mercyhurst. The Twins acquired him with Sergio Romo at the 2019 trade deadline in exchange for first baseman Lewin Diaz. The hard-throwing right-hander made 21 starts for the Wind Surge in 2021. He went 5-7 with a 6.03 ERA. In 91 innings, he walked 61 (way too many) but struck out 130 batters (an impressive 12.9 K/9). “Control” is the key. In the past, he has had good control. The stuff is really good, but can he throw enough strikes? RH RP Jordan Gore - Gore was the Twins 19th round pick in 2017 out of Coastal Carolina, and he played shortstop until near the end of the 2019 season. That’s when he began the process of becoming a pitcher. In 2021, he finally got the chance to show what he could do. Jordan Gore was impressive. At Cedar Rapids, he had 58 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. He moved up to Wichita and struck out 30 batters in 28 innings. He combined to go 8-2 with a 2.39 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He had seven saves including six at Wichita. More importantly, while his fastball sat between 93 and 96, what was impressive is that he has a good changeup and a solid breaking ball. RH SP Austin Schulfer - Another college pitcher from the 2018 draft, Austin Schulfer was the team’s 19th round pick out of UW-Milwaukee. While he split time between starting and the bullpen in 2018 and 2019, he was a starter for Double-A Wichita in 2021. He went 6-8 with a 4.34 ERA. In 110 innings, he struck out 105 batters and walked 49. In 2021, Schulfer was hitting 96 and even 97 at times with a strong three-pitch mix. While not a known prospect, Schulfer is close to MLB ready and could work out of a big-league bullpen. RH RP Ian Hamilton - The former White Sox reliever (14 games between 2018 and 2020) was Chicago’s 11th round pick in 2016 out of Washington State. The Twins claimed him last offseason and later in the year they were able to pass him through waivers and outright him to St. Paul. Because it was his first outright, he could not yet become a free agent. But, while he has control and command concerns, Ian Hamilton has really good stuff and had 86 strikeouts in 59 innings this year for the Saints. He can pitch in the big leagues, and has, which might make the right team intrigued by his stuff. SS Jermaine Palacios - Palacios originally signed with the Twins in 2013. In 2017, he became a top shortstop prospect, and the Twins were able to trade him to Tampa for Jake Odorizzi. In 2018 and 2019, he really struggled offensively. He didn’t play in 2020, and while he was offered more by other teams, Palacios decided to sign with the Twins last summer. He responded with strong shortstop defense at Double-A and hit .259/.340/.439 (.779) with 17 doubles and 19 homers. He could have become a free agent after the World Series, but he re-signed with the Twins. At 25, Jermaine Palacios could fill a utility role somewhere. THE “SETH, YOU RANKED BAILEY OBER 11th LAST YEAR” CATEGORY RH RP Ryan Mason - Went 3-2 with six saves with Wichita. In 35 1/3 innings, he struck out 38 batters (9.7 K/9). He finished the season with 13 games in St. Paul. He was 1-0 with a save. In 18 2/3 innings, Ryan Mason walked ten and struck out 25 batters. While he profiles as a low-leverage reliever, he is ready now for a big-league opportunity. RH RP Steven Cruz - When it comes to big arms, this is the one. Steven Cruz (22) sat 96-100 for Ft. Myers this year. He also has a split-change and a slider that are both 90+ on the radar too. In 46 2/3 innings with the Mussels, he walked 30 and struck out 76 (14.7 K/9). Too many walks, and struggled late in the season in two games for Cedar Rapids. Great stuff, but probably too far away from being ready to stick on a roster. C Jair Camargo - He came to the Twins in the Kenta Maeda/Brusdar Graterol trade. So 2021 was his debut in the organization. In Cedar Rapids, he hit .236/.279/.418 (.697) with seven doubles and 13 homers. Jair Camargo is a solid catcher defensively and athletic with a strong arm. Offensively, he’s got power, but he doesn’t like to take too many pitches. 2B Yunior Severino - Enough of an international prospect that he received two seven-figure signing bonuses. He fractured his thumb early in the 2019 season and there was no 2020 season. Yunior Severino began 2021 with 63 games in Ft. Myers where he posted a .740 OPS. He moved up to Cedar Rapids and in 35 games, he hit .321/.414/.493 (.907). Combined, he had 29 doubles and eight homers. Beyond second base, he can also play third base. It’s hard to imagine he would be able to stick on a big-league roster. UT Michael Helman - The Twins selected Michael Helman in the 11th round of the 2018 draft out of Texas A&M. He took major strides forward in 2021 with the Cedar Rapids Kernels. In 111 games, he hit .246/.336/.462 (.798) with 21 doubles and 19 homers. He also stole 21 bases. In addition, he can play three infield positions and had significant time at all three outfield positions in 2021. He is in the Arizona Fall League, continuing to play all over the diamond. One position that has been selected in past Rule 5 drafts are utility players. OF Mark Contreras - A ninth round pick in 2017 after four years at UC-Riverside. After winning a minor league Gold Glove, but struggling with the bat in 2019, 2021 was a big year. He played 19 games in Double-A before playing 95 games with the Saints. Combined, he hit .251/.338/.485 (.824) with 30 doubles and 20 home runs. Mark Contreras can be a fourth outfielder in the big leagues right now, but that profile isn’t what typically gets selected in the Rule 5. IF Jesus Feliz - Call me intrigued by Jesus Feliz. I was impressed with him when I saw him at spring training in 2020, so when he hit six doubles and seven homers in the less-than-hitter-friendly Ft. Myers league. He can play shortstop, but probably profiles more at third base. The power is real. He hit just .222/.289/.380, so he’s not in a position to stick on a big-league roster, but he’s one to watch. RH RP Alex Scherff - Alex Scherff has yet to pitch in the Twins organization after coming from the Red Sox in the Hansel Robles trade. Before that, he had pitched at High-A and Double-A and went 3-1 with four saves and a 2.45 ERA. In 29 1/3 innings, he struck out 46 (14.1 K/9) and walked 13. LH RP Kody Funderburk - A 15th round pick in 2018 out of Dallas Baptist, Kody Funderburk was a two-way player in college. He’s been a full-time pitcher since signing. He made 10 starts in Cedar Rapids and posted a 3.18 ERA. He moved up to Wichita and made seven bullpen appearances. He posted a 1.25 ERA in 21 2/3 innings. Combined, he struck out 82 batters in 67 innings (11.0 K/9). Right now, he’s pitching in the Arizona Fall League being seen by scouts from every organization. He’s got 19 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings. LH RP Zach Featherstone - Another two-way player, the Twins drafted Zach Featherstone as a first baseman and outfielder in the 12th round in 2016 from Tallahassee CC. However, the southpaw was moved to the mound in 2017. Unfortunately, he hurt his elbow and had Tommy John surgery early in the 2018 season. He was ready to throw late in 2019, but a hurricane ended his chance. Then a missed 2020 season. In 2021, he pitched in 40 games out of the Kernels bullpen. He went 3-4 with nine saves and a 2.13 ERA. In 55 innings, he walked too many (42) and struck out 93 batters (15.2 K/9). He is now in the AFL and has seven walks and 12 strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings. He throws hard, sitting 92-96 mph with a good slider. IF Andrew Bechtold - Andrew Bechtold was the Twins fifth round pick in 2017 from Chipola College. From 2017 through 2019, he had hit 12 combined home runs. In 99 games for Wichita in 2021, he hit .239/.328/.459 (.786) with 23 doubles and 18 home runs. He can play third base and first base, and probably some second base. The fact that he is adding ‘Catching’ to his game makes him more versatile and more valuable to a team potentially. He is currently in the AFL as well. Others in their first year of eligibility: Luis Baez, Denny Bentley, Andrew Cabezas, DaShawn Keirsey, Landon Leach, Jeferson Morales, Danny Moreno, Zach Neff, Jon Olsen, Tyler Palm, Alexander Pena, Alex Phillips, Seth Pinkerton, Miguel Rodriguez, Evan Sisk, Gabe Snyder, Wander Valdez, Chris Williams. Others returning to Rule 5 eligibility after 2021. Melvi Acosta, David Banuelos, Stevie Berman, Ernie De La Trinidad, Osiris German, Caleb Hamilton, Wander Javier, Jimmy Kerrigan, Gabriel Maciel, Josh Mitchell, Derek Molina, Daniel Ozoria, Luis Rijo, Bryan Sammons, Jesus Toledo. SUMMARY The Twins again have several interesting players to consider adding to the 40-man roster or potentially be lost in the Rule 5 draft. Like the rest of the offseason, it’s hard to feel confident about anything that’s going to happen, including the Rule 5 draft, due to a potential December 2nd work stoppage. But it will happen at some point before the 2022 season begins... we think. PREDICTION It is pretty clear that the Givens to be added are (or should be) Royce Lewis, Jose Miranda, Josh Winder and Cole Sands. I then think they will add two of the Enlow, Vallimont, Gore and Schulfer grouping, and based on my rankings, I would guess Enlow and Vallimont. The 40-man roster currently sits at 38 players. A quick glance tells me that as many as eight or nine more players could come off of it, if needed. Obviously not that many will be dropped at this time to allow for DFAs later in the offseason, as needed to make room for free agents. I think they’ll be busy in free agency and will want those roster spots available to them. They may be busy with trades too, including some of the mentioned players.. What do you think? View full article

Seth chats with Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Tyler Beck about his 2021 season which ended early unfortunately, his goals for the next season, his circuitous route to pro baseball, how much he loves hitting and so much more. View full video

Tyler Beck's route to professional baseball was rather circuitous, but after a solid 2021 season, he is certainly a late-bloomer to watch. Unfortunately, in the beginning of tonight's show, Beck provided some news that effects his offseason and 2022 season. We'll discuss that and much more with the right-hander on an all-new Twins Spotlight. Join us live today at 6:00 pm (central) and send us your questions on the Twins Daily social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages. Tyler Beck grew up in South Bend, Indiana, where he attended St. Joseph’s High School. He earned four high school letters in baseball. He went to Purdue where he spent the season as a redshirt. He transferred to Pasco-Hernando State College in Florida. Over two years, he made 27 appearances (20 starts). He transferred to Division II powerhouse University of Tampa and as a junior he pitched in just 11 1/3 innings over nine games. His senior season, he went 3-3 with nine saves over 24 games. In 54 innings, he walked 19 and struck out 71 batters. Tampa won the Division II national championship. Following the college season, the Twins made him their 30th round draft pick in 2019. He actually made his pro debut with an inning for the Ft. Myers Miracle before rejoining the GCL Twins for nine games. He ended that season with eight games (and a 1.23 ERA) in Elizabethton. After the missed 2020 season, Beck started the 2021 season in High-A Cedar Rapids where he was given an opportunity to start. He went 2-2 with a 2.47 ERA. In 58 1/3 innings, he struck out 64 and walked just 16 batters. He was promoted to Double-A Wichita and pitched in five more games and had 27 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings. Join us as we go live at 6:00 pm central time. We will discuss his baseball background, talk about his pitch mix, and get to know him. You can also participate by sending your questions. We'll cover a ton of topics over about 20-25 minutes. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Please watch LIVE today at 6:00 pm (central time) on the Twins Daily Twitter, Facebook or YouTube pages live. You can even ask questions in the comments below or on those platforms during the show and we'll ask them. Subscribe to the Twins Daily podcast on Libsyn, Apple iTunes or anywhere you download podcasts. For more on Tyler Beck: Follow him on Twitter at @_TylerBeck. Follow him on Instagram at @_tylerbeck. Click here for Twins Daily articles on Tyler Beck. Previous Episodes Click here to see more previous episodes of Twins Spotlight. Episode 36: Jose Miranda Episode 37: Kala'i Rosario Episode 38: Bailey Ober Episode 39: Simeon Woods Richardson Episode 40: Josh Winder View full article

The first time I talked to Kepler, he was in Elizabethton or maybe the GCL... and he has told me in the past (when in the minors) that he felt like LF was his best position. So yeah, I always thought the same thing... The first time Rosario played for Puerto Rico in the WBC, there were highlights of him throwing someone out at home from right... I think both are fine where they are, but I do still wonder what it might have looked like if they had flipped around. Probably similar.