Minnesota Twins Select Pitcher in 2024 Rule 5 Draft

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
MLB: Winter Meetings
Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have been largely unbothered by the presence of this week’s Winter Meetings. They are fielding calls on Carlos Correa, but adding to the roster hasn’t been much of a focus. That changed on Wednesday when they used a 26-man roster spot on a Rule 5 Draft selection.

Welcome to the Twins Eiberson Castellano

Last season the Minnesota Twins pitching depth was tested. This season they’ll need the starting rotation and bullpen to show a greater deal of health. They recently added Huascar Ynoa to supplement the group, and they grabbed Eiberson Castellano in the Rule 5 Draft from Philadelphia.

Castellano is a 23-year-old that signed with the Phillies as an international free agent out of Venezuela. Minnesota would certainly love for him to follow in the footsteps of a former Rule 5 Draft pick from the same country. Maybe you remember Johan Santana?

Last season Castellano pitched at both the High-A and Double-A level. His fastball sits 94-95 mph and he posted a 3.99 ERA in 103 2/3 innings. His 11.8 K/9 is impressive, as is the 2.5 BB/9. Castellano was actually better in his eight starts at Double-A, owning a 3.79 ERA for reading.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sign Familiar Starting Pitcher to Compete for Rotation Spot

It remains to be seen if the Twins will use him in the rotation or bullpen, but both places could present opportunity. Chris Paddack is a prime trade candidate, and young pitching may need more time to develop.

“He was one of the most-talked about names pre-draft. One of the better combos of stuff and readiness.”

J.J. Cooper on Eiberson Castellano (X)

Baseball America’s J.J. Cooper spoke highly of the Twins selection. The publication’s scouting report says his curveball has “slurvy” movement and notes and advanced feel for the changeup. Castellano was named the Phillies minor league pitcher of the year.

What happens next?

The Minnesota Twins will now pay the Philadelphia Phillies $100,000 for drafting Castellano. But there is a catch. The new Twins pitcher must remain on the 26-man roster all season, or be offered back to the Phillies for half of what they paid to draft him ($50,000). Castellano is Minnesota’s first Rule 5 Draft selection since Tyler Kinley in 2017.

Twins avoid losses in Rule 5 Draft

There was speculation that Minnesota could lose a bit of talent during the Rule 5 Draft. That didn’t come to fruition. The two most likely names to be on the move were left-handed reliever Jovani Moran, and corner outfielder Kala’i Rosario.

Moran has thrown 91 big league innings and posted a 2.21 ERA in 2022. He underwent Tommy John surgery last season and was left unprotected while remaining off the 40 man roster. It’s very plausible that he sees the big leagues in Minnesota’s bullpen again this season.

The Twins have sent Kala’i Rosario to the Arizona Fall League in consecutive years, He showed out well again and should reach Triple-A at some point in 2025. He is a slugging corner bat that posted a .726 OPS with eight home runs in 67 games last year. He launched 23 dingers in 2023 with High-A Cedar Rapids.

Related: 2025 MLB Draft Lottery Pushes Minnesota Twins Down the Board

It’s a positive that Minnesota gambled right on all of their Rule 5 Draft eligible prospects. Ricardo Olivar was another name that could have been selected. Each will now begin the year in Fort Myers for spring training.

Twins make minor league additions

Minnesota also made a selection in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft. Right-handed pitcher Trent Baker, of the St. Louis Cardinals organization, now joins Twins Territory.

The 25-year-old spent time starting and relieving this year at Double-A. His 4.89 ERA also saw him generate 81 strikeouts in 81 innings. He gave up two runs on on two hits with a 2/4 K/BB in seven Arizona Fall League frames.

Related: Latest News on Japanese Sensation Roki Sasaki Brings Hope for Minnesota Twins

As they continue to add depth, the Twins made an outfield selection in the second round of the minor league Rule 5 Draft. Another Venezuelan, Miguel Briceno has played second, third, and outfield. Across 94 games at Low-A in 2024, the 20-year-old had a .685 OPS. He cracked three home runs and stole 16 bases.

After selecting four players in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft last season, the Twins kept going. Their third round selection wound up being catcher Jefferson Valladares. The 22-year-old Venezuelan played just 22 games last season, all of which we at Low-A or Rookie Ball. He posted a .728 OPS with four doubles.

The Seattle Mariners grabbed right-handed pitcher Taylor Floyd from the Twins Double-A stash with their second round pick during the minor league phase.

Related: Local MLB Insider Reveals Who is on Minnesota Twins Trade Block

Derek Falvey can turn his focus to rounding out the 40-man roster and figuring out how to shuffle payroll. It may take some time for the Twins to truly be active, but the offseason is well underway.

Mentioned in this article:

More About:
0What do you think?Post a comment.