Rocco Baldelli must trim down the group of men on the roster, and tighten up his clubhouse. After a game against the Baltimore Orioles today (Mar 9), Minnesota began the process of whittling down their options.

Nine players optioned to minor league camp for Minnesota Twins

There are a handful of Minnesota Twins players that were never going to make the major league club. Invited to big league spring training for a myriad of reasons, their time to be optioned was always going to come. A handful of veterans and minor league prospects are now among the group sent to the back fields.

Most notable of the cuts would be Cory Lewis. He looked sharp in two innings of Grapefruit League action and picked up a pair of strikeouts. His knuckleball pitch may be a record-breaking offering in speed at the big league level. He’ll be part of a talented rotation at Triple-A St. Paul, and should appear at Target Field at some point this season.

Twins prospect Cory Lewis throws a mid-80's knuckleball. It has reportedly reached 87-mph this spring.

It has a chance to be the fastest knuckleball ever recorded in MLB history.

Here it is on display, striking out Gleyber Torres. pic.twitter.com/L7v2xxylm8

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) February 26, 2025

Related: Minnesota Twins Provide a Bunch of Injury Updates

Last season, Randy Dobnak made his way back up to the big leagues, and finished with a 5.59 ERA over 9.2 innings, for the Twins. Mot recently, he pitched six scoreless innings, including a three-inning outing on Sunday. Dobnak picked up seven strikeouts in the outing. No longer on the 40-man roster, Dobnak is in the final year of a five-year extension worth $9.25 million.

Minnesota brought Erasmo Ramirez in as a late addition to compete for a bullpen spot. He was an easy choice to option after suffering a significant tear that could threaten his season as a whole.

Related: Minnesota Twins Bullpen Harboring Dark Horse Stud Nobody is Talking About

Both Alex Isola and Yunior Severino are Triple-A depth pieces. The former will rotate time at catcher alongside Jair Camargo, and the recently acquired Diego Cartaya. The latter was previously on the 40-man roster but his .254/.342/.434 slash line at Triple-A across 128 games last year played himself out of the picture.

MN Twins 40-man talent headed to St. Paul

The Saints rotation should have plenty of talent in it this year, and they will all be depth pieces that the Minnesota Twins can rely on. Marco Raya and Travis Adams were added to the 40-man roster this offseason. Now, each is looking for the opportunity to make their big league debut.

Emmanuel Rodriguez hit Triple-A last season despite an injury-plagued campaign. He had thumb surgery this offseason, and was already behind schedule after suffering an ankle injury. But, he should be running this week and will get in minor league action before the season kicks off.

Matt Canterino also is among the 40-man group that was optioned. He is dealing with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for months, after making just one Spring Training appearance. It’s a tough blow for a prospect that needs to make it work this season. His injury may make it difficult for the Twins to keep him on the 40-man over others over the course of the year.

After trimming down the group by nine spots, the Minnesota Twins still have 48 players in big league camp. They have 17 days to make the final 22 roster moves.

There are a plethora of pitches in camp, including even more that were non-roster invitees. Among them is pitching prospect Cory Lewis. He is knocking on the door of a big league promotion and could bring something nobody has ever seen before with him.

Cory Lewis brings a unicorn arsenal to the Minnesota Twins

Cory Lewis isn’t a prospect in the same tier as someone like Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez. He is among the best Minnesota has to offer though, and could soon be pitching in the big leagues. When he does, his knuckleball will be something nobody has ever seen before.

“[Cory] Lewis, the Twins’ ninth-round pick in 2022, threw a pitch and the radar-tracking confirmed it: 85 mph. A couple of pitches later, Lewis hit 86. And before he finished, he showed off one that the equipment said reached 87 mph…In fact, MLB’s Statcast system has never in its 17 seasons recorded a knuckleball in the majors faster than the 84.2-mph pitch that Padres righthander Matt Waldron threw last June. It becomes more difficult for pitchers to keep it from spinning as they throw it harder — but not for Lewis.”

Phil Miller on Cory Lewis (Star Tribune)

As Miller notes, there have been plenty of knuckleball pitchers over the years. Former Minnesota Twins pitcher R.A. Dickey used one on his way to a Cy Young award. Tim Wakefield popularized it with the Boston Red Sox. The former averaged 76.2 mph on his with the latter flipping it over at 65.7 mph.

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

— Ethan Chapman (@EthanMChapman) August 28, 2023

Plenty of the arms from yesteryear became synonymous with the pitch. None of them have shown it with the lack of frequency and upward velocity that Lewis brings to the table.

Related: Minnesota Twins Get Credit for Reliever’s Success With Orioles

Cory Lewis is not a knuckleballer. He is a starting pitcher that happens to make you look silly. At Triple-A last season he averaged 89.8 mph on his fastball. He paired it with a few pitches, one of which is the knuckleball that sat at 83.3 mph.

The knuckleball is supposed to be a deceptive pitch because of an unknown location. It isn’t supposed to get on a hitter with the velocity he throws it at, but that’s what makes him unique.

“How he gets it up to that velocity, I don’t know. Everybody pays attention when they know they’re going to see something exciting and different…Cory’s is a completely different version of the knuckleball than I’m familiar with. His is a mid-80s [pitch]. It comes out almost like a fastball, but it’s not spinning. It’s very hard to catch and also difficult to hit.”

Rocco Baldelli on Lewis (Star Tribune)

Not long after Lewis was taken in the 9th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, his agent Ethan Chapman reached out to me. The message was simple, “keep an eye on this guy.”

MN Twins rise for Cory Lewis has been impressive

Lewis spent some of last season working his way back from injury, but he compiled 79 innings. 66 of them came at Double-A Wichita, but he put a mark on the year reaching Triple-A St. Paul for his final start.

Cory Lewis filthy knuckleball 🤮 pic.twitter.com/twfD30gzUl

— TFTwins (@TFTwins) July 21, 2024

After posting a 2.49 ERA across 101 1/3 innings during his first professional season, Lewis remained strong last year. He had a 2.51 ERA with 92 strikeouts. He has given up just 13 professional home runs, and none have been hit off his knuckleball.

Related: Twins Add Veteran to Crowded Bullpen Competition

Last season the Twins got depth starting pitching in the form of David Festa and Zebby Matthews. That tandem remains, but the new names include Andrew Morris, Marco Raya, and Lewis.

Minnesota is relying on a lot of internal depth of standing pat most of the offseason. That’s a viable strategy if it works out. Lewis is the type of pitcher who can factor into the equation. If and when he does, he’ll throw a pitch that Major League Baseball has never seen in this context before.

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.