The Twins had a few obvious candidates but team president Derek Falvey and his front office wound up utilizing all seven of the open roster spots he and his front office had available.

Six prospects added to MN Twins 40-man roster

Cinch candidates like Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas were both added, as was outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and right-handed pitcher Andrew Morris. The additions of (OF) Hendry Mendez and ((RHP) John Klein are something of a surprise.

Prielipp, Rojas, Morris, and Gonzalez are already at Triple-A. Prielipp has struggled to stay healthy, but worked up to 82 2/3 innings this season, in which he posted a 4.03 ERA between Double and Triple-A. The lanky lefty also also toted an impressive carried 10.7 K/9.

Minnesota would love for him to be a frontline starter, but there’s potential he becomes the next dominant reliever too. Both Rojas and Morris will be depth arms for the starting rotation going into 2026.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/5g5TmTmZ44

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) November 18, 2025

The former was acquired in the Louie Varland and Ty France trade, with the Toronto Blue Jays. Rojas has as much upside as any starting arm in the organization.Gonzalez, meanwhile, was the key cog to the Jorge Polanco trade.

After a poor 2024, he responded with a .909 OPS split across three levels. Just 21 and already at Triple-A, he could quickly be a corner outfield option for the Minnesota Twins. Neither Mendez or Klein were unworthy candidates, either.

Mendez had a .911 OPS at Double-A after being acquired for Harrison Bader. Minnesota is potentially eyeing him as a first base option. Klein was undrafted, and the Brooklyn Park native made his way to Triple-A this season.

A few notable names to be left off the 40-man roster, and therefore eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft, include Kala’i Rosario, C.J. Culpepper, Kyler Fedko, Cory Lewis, and Tanner Schobel.

Eric Orze adds to Twins bullpen in Rays trade

Beyond just adding their own prospects, the Twins also made a trade to take up the final roster spot on Tuesday. A swap with the Tampa Bay Rays has worked out in their favor before, and they are hopeful it can again.

The Twins completed a trade for Tampa Bay reliever Eric Orze. He had a 3.02 ERA in 33 outings last year with three saves.

They traded away minor leaguer pitcher Jacob Kisting, a product from the great Bradley University.

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) November 18, 2025

Orze was a 5th round pick by the New York Mets in 2020. He spent 2025 with the Mets, and made 33 big league appearances. Orze owned a 3.02 ERA (4.05 FIP) across 41 2/3 innings in New York. He posted a 40/19 K/BB. With a bullpen needing an overhaul, it appears Orze is the first addition to the group.

Minnesota took Jacob Kisting in the 14th round of the 2024 draft. The 22-year-old had a 3.79 ERA in 73 2/3 innings during his first year of professional baseball.

The Twins will need to make corresponding moves as they sign free agents this offseason. For now, they have a full 40-man roster.

Earlier this offseason Derek Falvey cleared multiple spaces on the 40-man roster, including jettisoning Jose Miranda from the organization. They currently have seven openings with 33 players on the roster, but that doesn’t mean all will be filled by internal talent.

There are four absolute givens to be added before the Tuesday deadline, and a few others have strong cases as well.

Four locks for Minnesota Twins Rule 5 protection

There is simply no way the Minnesota Twins will allow some of their best prospects to be poached by the competition. Nothing excites a Pohlad more than the thought of cost control, and that’s what top prospects bring to the table. Falvey has four players that will certainly be added by the Tuesday deadline.

Prielipp has the highest ceiling among the pitchers in this group, and it was disappointing he didn’t see the majors down the stretch this season. The 4.03 ERA across 82 2/3 innings between Double and Triple-A wasn’t great, but the fact that he stayed healthy was. He will quickly be a big league option in 2026.

Gabriel Gonzalez is the lone remaining piece of the Jorge Polanco trade with Seattle, and he rebounded in a big way this year. After a .707 OPS in 2024, he had a .909 OPS in 2025 including 15 home runs. He has big power and controls the strike zone well too.

Among all MiLB hitters under 23, Twins No. 8 prospect Gabriel Gonzalez ranked 2nd in hits (159), trailing only baseball’s top prospect, Konnor Griffin.

He went 4-for-4 in his first game in the @LVBP_Oficial yesterday!

📹: @djcb0000 pic.twitter.com/lPk0quXcrw

— Tobey Schulman (@tschulmanreport) November 5, 2025

Minnesota swung a trade for Rojas at the deadline. Sending Louie Varland packing was the least appreciated move, and Ty France went on to win a Gold Glove. Still, Rojas is an exciting lefty to dream on. He had a 4.70 ERA across 69 innings this season, and it could have been nicer had he not given up 25 runs (20 earned) in 27 1/3 with the Saints.

Morris was probably the next-closest depth arm to seeing a 2025 appearance. He has back-end starter stuff, and he owned a 4.09 ERA in 94 2/3 innings at Triple-A. It’s possible he reaches another level, but even if he doesn’t there should be a safe floor here.

MN Twins have decisions on other players as well

It’s not just the locks that the Twins have to consider. They certainly could use all seven open spots on the 40-man roster, and have even more fat to trim if they want to remove more than that as well. The balancing act to weigh is whether a player will go selected by another team and you want them, or if they can be kept and not added.

You also must consider the readiness of a player for the big league level. A Rule 5 pick must remain on the major league roster all season or be offered back to their original organization. Guys already at Triple-A are often the easiest to project as ready for the limelight.

Minnesota acquired Hendry Mendez from the Philadelphia Phillies in the Harrison Bader deal. He had an .837 OPS at Double-A and went to the Arizona Fall League. Kala’i Rosario parlayed a second-straight AFL experience into a career-best .844 OPS and his 32 steals came out of nowhere. He went unclaimed in the Rule 5 Draft last season, but that seems unlikely to be the case again.

Guys like C.J. Culpepper, John Klein, and Kyler Fedko are typically seen throughout competing organizations. Culpepper had a 2.65 ERA at Double-A though, and Fedko blasted 28 home runs. That sort of production is always going to sting and create a what if scenario.

Several other notable names include Jose Olivares, Ricardo Olivar, Cory Lewis, Tanner Schobel, Noah Cardenas, Andy Lugo, Danny De Andrade, Aaron Sabato, and Christian MacLeod. Minnesota, as a mediocre team looking to limit spending, is a logical franchise to select a player in the Rule 5 Draft as well.

Rocco Baldelli has plenty of the position players already locked in to their positions. And, unless there is injury, the rotation is probably already set as well. With time in Fort Myers dwindling, playing time for regulars becomes more and more important.

Three players sent to minor league camp by Minnesota Twins.

Andrew Morris started today for the Minnesota Twins against the Toronto Blue Jays. He turned in three strong innings, and made another good impression as he attempts to make his big league debut this season. Morris can continue to stretch out so he starts strong in the St. Paul rotation.

Pitchers Ryan Jensen and Andrew Morris, who struck out three over three scoreless today, were re-assigned to #MNTwins minor-league camp. Catcher Diego Cartaya was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) March 11, 2025

Among the three players cut by the Twins today, Morris is the highest-level prospect. He’s among the group that includes David Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Cory Lewis when it comes to consideration for a major league promotion.

Related: Insider Calls Minnesota Twins Starter a Breakout Candidate

Over the offseason, Morris was an addition to the 40-man roster. He pitched in three games this spring, and has allowed just two hits across seven innings. He also struck out five and walked two while not allowing a run.

Veteran Ryan Jensen pitched 56 2/3 innings with St. Paul last season. The former first round pick owned a 4.76 ERA, and struck out 81. Unfortunately he also walked a whopping 50 batters, and control has remained a bugaboo for him. He will stay in St. Paul as Triple-A depth.

The final player sent packing was catcher Diego Cartaya. The former top Dodgers prospect was acquired this offseason and is on the 40-man roster. He remains depth for Minnesota behind Jair Camargo, and the pair should split time catching with the Saints.

Related: Minnesota Twins Make First Round of Spring Training Cuts

Cartaya has fallen apart in recent seasons. After an .892 OPS as a 20-year old in 2022, he posted a .656 OPS at Double-A in 2023. Last season he slashed .221/.323/.363 split between Double and Triple-A. He was just 1-for-7 this spring, but will continue to be developed as the minor league season opens.

The latest cutdown has the Twins sitting with 45 players in camp. They’ll need to make 19 more in the coming days.

Roster building has been somewhat subdued this offseason due to limited funds from ownership. However, a recent influx of dollars has enabled the Twins to make a few strategic moves. While there’s still a possibility they could make more additions, it seems they’re ready to roll. Today, the Minnesota Twins announced their non-roster invitees, which includes both familiar and new faces.

Top prospects highlight MN Twins non-roster invitees

A non-roster invite to Spring Training is always seen as a door being opened to eventually making the 26-man roster. It’s an uphill battle during just a few weeks in Florida to make the MLB squad, but a strong showing could put a player on the fast track to be called up during the season.

Minnesota’s sixteen non-roster invites include one top-100 prospect, and some recognizable names.

Introducing our 2025 Non-Roster Invitees! pic.twitter.com/N16xEfmWk5

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) February 10, 2025

Luke Keaschall is fully healthy after season-ending UCL surgery. He posted a strong 2024 campaign even with that injury, and could quickly push for big league playing time this season.

A consensus top-100 prospect, Keaschall posted a .303/.420/.483 slash line across 102 games at High-A and Double-A last season. He hit eight of his 15 home runs at Double-A Wichita, and his .393 on-base percentage while there may be enough to propel a quick move to Triple-A St. Paul.

Luke Keaschall, the No. 54 prospect in MLB by @BaseballAmerica, launched his third HR in four days 💣

2-for-6
HR (105 mph)
2 RBI

His 2024 ranks amongst Double-A Texas League players (min. 200 PA):

OBP – 1st (.407)🥇
OPS – 2nd (.886)🥈
wOBA – 1st (.385)🥇#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/uda0hlusG3

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) July 28, 2024

Keaschall has spent the majority of his time defensively at second base. He did sprinkle in some outfield last season, but the games at first base may be the most intriguing. The Minnesota Twins don’t have a great answer to replace Carlos Santana, and he could prove to be the ideal outcome.

Related: Suddenly Spend Happy Twins Want to Make More Moves

Beyond just Keaschall, pitching prospects Andrew Morris and Cory Lewis are certainly names to know as well. Both pitched at Triple-A last season and should be depth considerations for Rocco Baldelli’s starting rotation.

Morris owned a 3.48 ERA across seven starts in Triple-A, but had a 2.37 ERA on the full year and struck out 133 batters in 133 innings. The former fourth round pick looks like a back-end rotation type guy, and while the ceiling may not be super high, the floor is solid.

Beautiful Slo Mo Knuckleball from #MNTwins Top Prospect Cory Lewis (@clewis_22) pic.twitter.com/NDPghbogNF

— Ethan Chapman (@EthanMChapman) August 28, 2023

Lewis battled injuries early on last season, but the former 9th round pick is among the most intriguing in the system. He has mid-90’s stuff, but mixes in a knuckleball. He made one start in St. Paul, but posted a 2.51 ERA across 79 innings last season. His 92 strikeouts are reflective of a starter that can put the ball by any batter.

Each of these three Twins prospects should have a legitimate case to make their big league debuts this season. Former 40-man member Yunior Severino is among that consideration as well.

Recognizable names for Minnesota Twins get invites

It’s not just the top prospects that are notable for the Twins this spring. They signed major league veteran Mike Ford to a minor league deal this offseason. The first baseman will be looking to compete for that role as well. Former prospect Huascar Ynoa is also back in the organization, and he could pitch in the big leagues with Minnesota for the first time.

Randy Dobnak returned to the big leagues last season after spending the previous two in the minors. He struck out 134 batters across 133 1/3 innings at Triple-A St. Paul and will again be a depth arm for the Twins.

pic.twitter.com/5rYEvi39sf

— Randy Dobnak (@Dobnak_) July 30, 2024

Minnesota brought both Alex Speas and Anthony Misiewicz in on minor league deals this offseason. Each of them get a chance to carve out a future role this spring. Both are veteran arms with a chance to get some serious run this year.

Infielder Armando Alvarez joined the organization after making his major league debut at 29 last season. He has utility all over the infield and can compete for multiple spots.

Related: Minnesota Twins Trying to Add More Infield Depth, Specifically SS

With the Super Bowl now in the rearview mirror, it is officially baseball season. The Twins will kick off their Spring Training schedule with game number one on February 22nd.

The Twins’ core of Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez gives the roster a good starting point in all three corners of the clubhouse. But with Carlos Santana, Max Kepler and other veterans no longer on the team, Minnesota will have to rely even more this season on it organizational depth.

When we could see Minnesota Twins top prospects in 2025

And being we are knocking on the door to February, here we go again with my list of one prospect call up for every month of the upcoming MLB season. Three prospects from last year’s projection — Austin Martin, Brooks Lee and David Festa — did receive a call up in 2024 and all three will have a chance to make a difference in 2024, too. Which Minnesota Twins prospects can we expect to get the call during the 2025 season, and when?

April – Connor Prielipp LHP

There’s a real chance that April is too late for Connor Prielipp. The former second round pick has an enormous amount of talent and an immensely high ceiling. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed Prielipp’s career thus far, throwing just 30 innings since being drafted in 2022.

But while his MiLB resume may be short, the small sample size of results are quite impressive. In the back half of las season, after spending the entire first half out with an injury, Preilipp was dominant for High-A Cedar Rapids. After a few short rehab starts in Low-A, the Alabama Crimson Tide struck out 32 of the 91 batters he faced with the Kernels… in 19 1/3 innings.

Twins prospect Connor Prielipp pitched a pair of shutout innings and struck out four batters in his 2024 Kernels debut. Touched 96 mph. pic.twitter.com/1TReNImh2h

— TFTwins (@TFTwins) July 28, 2024

Maybe it’s too aggressive to include him in the Opening Day bullpen, so I won’t. I will make him an April call up instead. But seriously, the stuff is that good. As of now, Minnesota lacks immediate left-handed answers in the bullpen.

If Prielipp — who posted a 2.70 ERA , 0.900 WHIP and absurd 15.81 SO/9 ratio in 23.1 total minor league innings last season — proves he can stay healthy for a month of spring training and looks as good as advertised on the hill training, why let him waste innings in the minors? Let’s see what the kid can do in the big leagues while he is still healthy.

Related: Four Minnesota Twins Prospects Make Coveted Top 100 List

Worst case scenario should see Prielipp kicking off the year at Double-A, and quickly advancing to Triple-A. It’s going to take longer if he works as a starter, but that’s also risking his health. Matt Canterino, who was featured in last year’s version of this article, has a very similar outlook as Prielipp.

May – Emmanuel Rodriguez

If Rodriguez was right-handed there’s a decent chance he’d make the Opening Day roster. He’s a corner outfielder that would be stretched in centerfield, but despite time missed, he’s ready for the big leagues.

Rodriguez will be the first man up when either Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach struggle. He has elite plate discipline and big time power. He’s not a slow runner either and is going to be an asset in either corner at Target Field.

This is one way to hit your first Triple-A home run. The
number 15 prospect in baseball and the #MNTwins number 2 prospect, Emmanuel Rodriguez with an inside the park grand slam. pic.twitter.com/zybTQkmiWY

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) September 8, 2024

Last season Rodriguez played just 47 games after dealing with a pair of thumb injuries. In 37 games at Double-A Wichita he slashed .298/.479/.621 with eight home runs and a near-even strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Related: New Minnesota Twins President Has His Eye on One Almost Ready Prospect

Rodriguez is coming into Spring Training healthy having had surgery on his thumb. He debuted at Triple-A to end the season. He’s going to be an impact player quickly and is among the best prospects in baseball.

June – Luke Keaschall

There is no prospect that has risen the ranks more in the past year for Minnesota than Keaschall. As a second round selection he was obviously highly regarded. Still, his .903 OPS last season was only going to vault him forward.

Keaschall dealt with a torn UCL last year and underwent Tommy John surgery late in the season. He still posted a .303/.420/.483 slash line in 102 games. He hit 15 home runs and had 21 doubles. The profile here is just easy power, and he’s a fine defender.

It Isn't A Long Ball Party Without Luke!

Luke Keaschall twists a two-out, two-run home run down the left field line to triple the lead.

M8
Wind Surge: 3
Hooks: 0 pic.twitter.com/dzEqgoVWak

— Wichita Wind Surge (@WindSurgeICT) August 8, 2024

How his arm responds to the surgery remains to be seen, but there’s no reason he can’t stick at second base. Arguably the most intriguing option is for Keaschall to learn first and become a mainstay there.

Related: Exclusive: Twins Top Prospect Opens Up About Torn UCL That Eventually Ended His Season

The Twins had Keaschall play 13 games at first base for Double-A Wichita at the end of last season. He could be an early option there in 2025 should the Jose Miranda experience flop.

July – Andrew Morris

Last season the Minnesota Twins used 10 different starting pitchers. Zebby Matthews and David Festa were the two prospects that found themselves featured prominently. With a similar group this year, it should be expected that Baldelli will need depth again.

Andrew Morris may not have the ceiling of traditional top prospects, but his floor is exciting. The former forth round pick owned a 2.37 ERA across 133 innings last year. He took seven turns at Triple-A St. Paul, and although the strikeouts faded, he was still plenty successful.

Twins prospect of the day: Andrew Morris, 23 year old RH starting pitcher. Moved from A to AAA in 2024, has excellent control (less than 3 walks per 9), in 133 innings had a 2.37 ERA…Ks were down in his 7 starts with the Saints (7.2 K/9). Needs more AAA time. Future #3/4 guy. pic.twitter.com/o3a18EuYnp

— Jeff (@MNTwinsZealot) January 17, 2025

Morris should be viewed as an ideal candidate to provide depth for the Twins. He’s not likely to earn a promotion and light up the opposition, but he shouldn’t be blown up on a regular basis either.

Related: 2025 Minnesota Twins Minor League Coaching Staff Revealed

A midseason addition to the group makes a good deal of sense. Maybe he sticks, or maybe he shuttles back and forth from St. Paul. Either way, he can help the big league staff.

August – Marco Raya

Last season there was plenty of talk about whether it was David Festa or Marco Raya who deserved the top Twins pitching prospect honors. The former wound up making his big league debut while the latter had quite a confusing year.

Minnesota allowed Raya to throw 97 2/3 innings, but that was split between 25 starts. He’s still working as a starter, but with an average of four innings per outing, it’s clear the kid gloves are fully engaged.

Prospect of the day #14: Marco Raya, No. 5 prospect in the Twins system…

A 65 gr fastball that’s around 96 mph, elite slider is the K-pitch. Career 3.75 MiLB ERA.

A 2020 4th round pick. pic.twitter.com/AcrcM3aXZJ

— Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) November 6, 2024

Raya owned a mediocre 4.05 ERA but struck out 103 batters. He allowed just eight home runs but issued 44 free passes. He still needs to hone command in a bit further, and then there are questions of durability. This offseason the Twins added him to the 40-man roster.

Related: Minnesota Twins Reveal Broadcast Team for First Season on MLB TV

It makes some sense that Raya could be a future reliever. He hit Triple-A last season, and should work in the starting rotation to begin the year. If Minnesota needs bullpen help down the stretch, Raya profiles as a guy who could play up and also stay more healthy in that role.

September – Cory Lewis

If there’s a late-season starter that makes sense for Minnesota it might be Cory Lewis. C.J. Culpepper could have value here too, but Lewis brings a unique repertoire.

Lewis is a former ninth round pick that would follow in the footsteps of a developmental success story like Bailey Ober. Injuries capped his innings total to just 79 last season, but the Twins prospect posted a 2.51 ERA with 92 strikeouts.

Cory Lewis
5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 7 K pic.twitter.com/Q8wN78B16p

— TFTwins (@TFTwins) August 15, 2024

The California native has a very intriguing pitch mix. He throws a knuckleball but is hardly a soft-tosser. His ability to blow a fastball by the opposition is real, and his offspeed stuff keeps them guessing.

Related: Minnesota Twins Trying to Trade Veteran Catcher for Major Rotation Upgrade

Last season Lewis made a single start at Triple-A. He’ll begin there in 2025, and plenty of seasoning should be expected. If he can hold things down for manager Toby Gardenhire, then a late season promotion as either a depth or necessary option makes sense.

National lists will still take some time to come out, but one of the most intriguing collections each season comes from The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman. He often deviates from the general consensus and that lends his top 40 to providing some interesting inclusions.

Here are five players that you should get to know ahead of 2025.

3. Luke Keaschall, 2B/CF, Highest Level – Double A

This is probably too high for inclusion as an intriguing prospect given Keaschall’s status, but he’s definitely a name you need to know. Recently Major League Baseball executives voted him as the most underrated prospect in the game.

He reached Double-A last season and played in the Futures Game despite dealing with a torn UCL. He has undergone surgery and will be back at full strength in 2025.

Luke Keaschall: good at baseball#MNTwins

pic.twitter.com/oayCTQyvJI

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) August 8, 2024

Keaschall’s first full professional season ended with a .303/.420/.483 slash line across 102 games. He hits for average, power, and has plenty of speed. He’ll get a taste of Triple-A soon this season, but the reason to keep an eye on him is the transition to first base.

Related: Exclusive: Twins Top Prospect Opens Up About Torn UCL That Eventually Ended His Season

Last year Keaschall played 13 games at first base. The Twins have a hole there and he could be a long term answer. If he starts out hot, and acclimates to the position, then Rocco Baldelli will have a new option to consider.

5. Andrew Morris, SP, Highest Level – Triple A

This is the first eyebrow raiser from Gleeman’s list. At fifth overall, Morris checks in as the second-best pitching prospect for Minnesota behind only Zebby Matthews. That puts him ahead of Charlee Soto, Marco Raya, and plenty of others.

Morris was a 4th round pick back in 2022. He hasn’t had the same fanfare as some of the other aforementioned pitchers, but it’s hard not to be excited about the track record.

Andrew Morris was solid in his Triple-A @StPaulSaints debut💥

6 IP / 2 H / 1 R / 1 BB / 2 K

In 105.1 innings pitched this season across threes levels, he has a 1.97 ERA‼️#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/zhtFODAGFu

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) August 14, 2024

Minnesota saw Morris dominate Single-A to the tune of a 2.88 ERA across 84 1/3 innings in 2023. Last season he posted a 2.37 ERA and made seven starts at Triple-A St. Paul. His strikeouts dipped to a 7.2 K/9 with the Saints, but he doesn’t walk anyone and doesn’t give up home runs.

Related: MLB Execs Love Minnesota Twins Top Prospects, Past and Present

Last season the Twins needed big innings from both David Festa and Matthews. This year it’s Morris that will be in that next man up category. The former Texas Tech Red Raider looks cut out for a real shot at the rotation.

15. Kyle DeBarge, SS/3B, Highest Level Low A

We are just 26 games into Kyle DeBarge’s professional career. He was a first round pick (33rd overall) in the latest draft, and there is plenty to like about his profile.

It wasn’t until his junior year at Louisiana-Lafayette, after a summer with wood bats on The Cape, that DeBarge really broke out. He blasted 21 homers before the draft and brings that approach to the professional ranks.

Kyle DeBarge, the 33rd overall pick in this years 2024 draft, had two hits including a triple in his first career pro game🌟

The @RaginCajunsBSB alum had 4 balls in play hit 95+ mph in the game 🚀#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/kBUQZgTdCA

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) August 7, 2024

He started with Low-A Fort Myers in the Twins organization. In 26 games he owned a .235/.322/.343 slash line. There was just one home run, but he had a pair of doubles and three triples. At his best, DeBarge will hit for average and power at a premium position.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings (2025 ed.)

It’s possible that Minnesota moves DeBarge around defensively. An offseason of preparation for pro ball should do him well though. This is a prospect that could have a huge 2025.

21. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, Highest Level High A

When the Twins traded Jorge Polanco last offseason, they did so looking to shed salary and move an oft-injured player. The big league return wound up being inconsequential with Anthony DeSclafani never appearing in a game and Justin Topa being hurt.

Gabriel Gonzalez is the saving grace there, and despite dropping from top-100 status, there is still so much to like. He was often injured in his first season with Minnesota, but still performed above league-average in the Midwest League where he was more than two years below the average age.

Rally time for the @Twins.

Gabriel Gonzalez (MLB's No. 79 prospect) comes through with the bases loaded in #SpringBreakout. pic.twitter.com/zxutZp4QX1

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 16, 2024

Minnesota wants to see better than the .255/.327/.379 slash line Gonzalez owned in 76 games for Cedar Rapids last season. He hit 18 home runs two years ago as a teenager in the Mariners system, and that production should come back with a clean bill of health.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sale May Be Nearing the Finish Line

Given what the prospect stock was when Gonzalez came to Minnesota, 2025 may wind up being a big bounceback year. He has the tools to be a power producer as a corner outfielder, and health being on his side may make all of the difference.

26. Payton Eeles, 2B/SS, Highest Level Triple A

Arguably the best Twins prospect you’ve never heard of is 25-year-old Payton Eeles. He gained some recognition when sticking up for former teammate Derek Bender last season. That isn’t why you should be familiar though.

Eeles went undrafted out of Coastal Carolina, and his 39 games for Chicago in the American Association during 2023 weren’t exactly notable. Then he found his way to the Minnesota Twins organization.

Payton Eeles was undrafted second baseman who opened the 2024 season in independent ball and ended it as shortstop and leadoff hitter for Triple-A St. Paul.

“One of the best climbers we’ve ever had in our system.”

(🎥 @StPaulSaints)pic.twitter.com/Z16vtHAX1d

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) October 11, 2024

The Twins have seen some success stories from indy ball types in recent history (shoutout Randy Dobnak), but Eeeles could be the next one to be written. In 64 games at Triple-A, he owned a .299/.419/.500 slash line. The infielder had 11 doubles, four triples, and eight home runs. His K/BB was also near-neutral (38/33).

There isn’t an exact path to playing time with the Twins, and he isn’t on the 40-man roster. Still, Eeles could factor in as a utility player and that only gets more possible if Willi Castro is traded.

Related: Twins’ Byron Buxton Lands Way High on the List of Top MLB Center Fielders

Rounding out the group for Gleeman are a few other names of note. Christian MacLeod (29) could work his way into future pitching plans. Matt Canterino (32) is an Opening Day bullpen candidate if he’s healthy. Recently acquired Mickey Gasper (36) also makes the list. Carson McCusker (38) is a giant, and cut of that Eeles indy ball cloth as well.

Many of those call-ups have been made in an effort to beef up a depleted version of what was one of the best starting rotations in baseball last season.

Andrew Morris may be next man up for Minnesota Twins

Top prospects David Festa and Zebby Matthews have made their big league debuts. Simeon Woods Richardson is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. Louie Varland has gone back and forth across the river, too.

But according to MLB.com, the Twins have yet another starting arm who could get his turn at in Minnesota’s September (maybe October?) rotation. Andrew Morris is a former 4th round pick out of MLB Pipeline tabs the former fourth round pick as a name to watch.

“It’s almost an art form the way the Twins find pitching talent in later rounds of the Draft, and they’ve already gotten help from David Festa (13th round) and Zebby Matthews (eighth round). Could Morris, a fourth-rounder in 2022, be next? He started the year at High-A and now he’s in Triple-A, leading the organization in ERA (2.16) to go along with a .214 BAA and 1.05 WHIP. The Twins’ staff is deep, but Morris looks ready to assist when called.“

MLB Pipeline on the possibility of an Andrew Morris promotion

Similar to Matthews, Morris would be ascending to the big league level in the same summer he started at High-A. With just two Triple-A starts (9 innings) under his belt, Morris owns a 4.00 ERA, and 1.00 WHIP.

He may need a few more turns to settle in, which seems like a nerves thing. He has already walked 5 batters, just two short of how many he walked earlier this season, at Cedar Rapids. His numbers, prior to landing in St. Paul, are undeniable.

Related: Minnesota Twins Could Still Luck into Pitching Help… if Pohlads Play Ball

Minnesota may not need another rotation arm the rest of the way, but Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack are both uncertain to return. His emergence has been invaluable.

Andrew Morris would unleash Louie Varland

If the Twins feel confident in Morris’ readiness to be the next man up, Louie Varland becomes a much more usable asset. He made a spot start, but then was sent back to Triple-A. Minnesota appears set on keeping Matthews in the rotation. That’s a fine stance, and Varland moving to the bullpen improves the roster as a whole.

Four strikeouts in two scoreless innings for Louie Varland, who is consistently working at 97-100 mph out of the #MNTwins bullpen. pic.twitter.com/wxziEvxf9y

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) September 16, 2023

Varland currently remains in the rotation as a depth piece. He worked out of the bullpen down the stretch last season, and can push triple-digits in that role. Varland has 87 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings at Triple-A this year. Rocco Baldelli’s bullpen has been awful in the second half, and he needs more good arms out there.

Minnesota pairing Varland with Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran as a high-quality reliever would be a huge boost. They aren’t getting Brock Stewart back like they did last year, and Varland has familiarity with this switch. It’s time to get the best talent on the roster, and Morris being next up in the rotation accomplishes that.

Related: Just How Bad is the Minnesota Twins Bullpen Right Now?

The Twins have just over a month left to chase down the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central.