It was Carson McCusker that was optioned (following Sunday’s game) to make room for Buxton. Matt Wallner has been on the paternity list for a couple of days after he and his wife Sydnie welcomed their first child.

When the Twins activated Wallner on Tuesday, the roster move had multiple ripple effects that provide differing levels of intrigue.

Jhonny Pereda optioned by Minnesota Twins for Matt Wallner

The Minnesota Twins claimed Jhonny Pereda from the Athletics late last month. He took the 40-man spot from Jair Camargo and immediately became a depth catching option. Despite being promoted as a catcher in the wake of Christian Vazquez’s emergency surgery, he never got behind the plate.

We have made the following roster move: pic.twitter.com/SsIvmhNxgg

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 12, 2025

It’s not all that surprising the Minnesota Twins would prefer not to play Pereda. He has a 40 OPS+ in 37 big league games, and despite an .890 OPS in 33 Triple-A games this season, he’s just never been able to put it together beyond that.

The intriguing thing here is that the demotion of Pereda, with Vazquez on the injured list, makes Mickey Gasper the backup catcher. Ryan Jeffers has rotated with Christian Vazquez for the past three years because his defense holds him back. It’s unlikely that he’ll now catch every day, and Gasper leaves plenty to be desired on his own.

Related: Minnesota Twins Veteran Undergoes Serious Emergency Surgery

Gasper was utilized in a utility role for the Twins earlier this year. Minnesota had him working on both second base and first base because his ability behind the dish was questionable at best. Now that’s where he’ll be needed most.

Mickey Gasper now big part of the Twins roster

For the vast majority of the 26 games Gasper has played with the Twins, he has been little more than an overlooked part of the roster. As the lone backup catcher, that all changes.

The Twins hoped a .918 Triple-A OPS would eventually translate to the big league level. That has yet to take hold, as he owns just a .137/.279/.157 slash line for Minnesota.

Mickey Gasper going coast to coast for the #ꓘsoftheDay pic.twitter.com/1SXeyxWgby

— Xan Barksdale (@xanbarksdale) August 11, 2025

With 44 games remaining, it’s unlikely that Vazquez makes it back to a clean bill of health. Gasper will need to do what he can to prop up his own value. This may be the one and only shot he has to carve out a major league career, and the Minnesota Twins have cleared the runway for him.

Related: Update Reveals New MN Twins Top 100 Prospect; Others Tumble Down List…

The Gasper selection doesn’t speak highly of expectations for Pereda, but the final month and a half is a proving ground for everyone.

Unfortunately for career minor leaguers (OF) Ryan Fitzgerald and (UF) Mickey Gasper, they will not be around when the Royals roll in this weekend. They no longer have Thursday night off, either.

Twins send Ryan Fitzgerald, Mickey Gasper down to Triple A

Instead, Fitzgerald (30 y/o) and Gasper (29 y/o) will be across the river, in St. Paul, playing for the Triple-A Saints, after both players were sent back to the minors this afternoon. Prior to Thursday’s roster move, the Minnesota Twins active roster had been expanded to 27 players, due to their doubleheader Wednesday. After the moves, the 26-man roster sits at just 25.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/ZTRie5zhaK

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 22, 2025

Most likely, the Twins wanted both Gasper and Fitzgerald available for the Saints today, thus why they pulled the demotion trigger early on both guys. Ryan Fitzgerald — who was called up for his MLB debut — played in two games and got three at-bats, while up with the Minnesota Twins. He scored one run, but did not record a hit or strikeout.

Gasper has not seen the MLB field since May 2. He was called up as the Twins’ 27th man for the doubleheader, but never saw the field. Gasper hit .176 (.488 OPS) with 4 walks and 3 RBI in 17 big league games prior to that early May demotion. Since being sent down.

The 29-year-old utility man has been crushing Triple A pitching, putting out a .333 batting average (1.170 OPS with 7 triples, 5 doubles and 15 RBI, in the same exact 17 games. How about that for a turnaround…

Carlos Correa set to return to Minnesota Twins active roster

According to multiple reports, the corresponding roster move that’ll eventually put the MN Twins back at 26 active players is expected to (eventually) be the activation of Carlos Correa off the 7-day concussion list. Why the delay? C4 is not eligible to return until Friday, per MLB concussion protocol.

#MNTwins option Ryan Fitzgerald to Triple-A St. Paul and returned 27th man Mickey Gasper. Both playing tonight.

No corresponding move today but it’s safe to say Carlos Correa is expected to return for Friday’s game against Kansas City.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 22, 2025

On Wednesday, reports broke that Correa was feeling much better, and that he had mostly passed all tests and protocols, even resuming baseball activities. Thus, today’s news isn’t surprising. The question now becomes… what Carlos Correa will we see step back into the batter’s box on Friday?

Related: Royce Lewis is Back and Better Than Ever… on Defense

That’s the question, because prior to his collision with Byron Buxton, which caused both players’ concussions, the 30-year-old former top 5 MVP candidate was just starting to dig himself out of the .236 BA, .605 OPS, 69 OPS+ hole he had dug himself into, to start the 2025 season.

Speaking of Buck, Hayes is being told by Minnesota Twins trainers that he too is “trending in the right direction”.

Everything Nick Paparesta said about Carlos Correa on Weds was positive. Concussion symptoms were gone after he’d performed a bunch of baseball activity. He said Byron Buxton also is trending the right direction, but was a step behind Correa. #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) May 22, 2025

Minnesota Twins roster moves: Castro –> IL | Festa –> AAA | Gasper –> MLB

Prior to the game this afternoon, Minnesota announced a couple of roster moves — 2024 MLB All-Star utility man Willi Castro is finally going on the injured list. Taking his place on the big league roster is career minor league utility man, Mickey Gasper.

Oh, and right-handed starter David Festa — who threw 84 pitches (4 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 5 SO) vs Chicago on Wednesday is being optioned to Triple A St. Paul. For now, there is no corresponding move for Festa’s demotion, but there will be soon, as the Twins are expected to activate their ace Pablo Lopez from the injured list.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/U9JpdcWR9p

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 24, 2025

The most notable piece of Thursday’s roster move announcement is Willi Castro’s new injured list designation. In hopes of a fast recovery from his oblique strain, the MN Twins kept Castro on the active roster for a full week while he was unavailable.

Because of that, they can only set his IL date back to April 21. Now, instead of 10 days without Willi Castro, the Twins will go at least two weeks without him. It’s just the latest in head-scratching injury decisions by this organization. Before his injury, Castro was batting .227 with .655 OPS and 87 OPS+.

Related: MLB Insider Names Minnesota Twins Most Likely Trade Candidate

Mickey Gasper, 29, got the second legitimate MLB opportunity of his professional baseball career early this season with the Minnesota Twins and he fumbled it, batting .111 with a brutal .384 OPS and 16 OPS+ in 18 at bats. If he can’t turn things around, he might be selling insurance by the end of the season.

Pablo Lopez ready for return to Minnesota Twins staff

Pablo Lopez is expected to pitch for the Twins on Friday, in game one of three vs the Angels. It will be nice having him back in the rotation, especially if he can return to his pre-injury form. Through his first three starts (16.2 IP), Lopez has compiled a 1.62 ERA, 1.020 WHIP (14 K, 2 BB).

Pablo López, Filthy 88mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/4sEQCQ51SP

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 9, 2025

While he was out, though, David Festa did a great job in his place. The two runs he allowed on Wednesday vs the White Sox were the first earned runs he’s given up all season (3 starts). Over 13 innings pitched, Festa racked up 15 strikeouts to 5 walks, posting a 1.38 ERA and 2.33 FIP in that time.

After blowing a lead late against the New York Mets, the Twins were able to grab an extra innings victory on Wednesday. Surprisingly, Rocco Baldelli pinch hit Mickey Gasper for Willi Castro in the 8th inning. We found out after the game that Castro had suffered an oblique injury.

News broke on Thursday evening that top infield prospect Luke Keaschall was coming up to the show for his major league debut, sparking questions over the Twins’ corresponding roster move. On Friday, when the roster move became official, the answer was career minor league utility man, Mickey Gasper heading to St. Paul.

Luke Keaschall call up official – Mickey Gasper optioned – Matt Canterino DFA’d

To make room for Keaschall on the 40-man, the Minnesota Twins DFA’d one time promising pitcher prospect Matt Canterino. On Friday night, the 23-year-old Luke Keaschall — who’s ranked as the No. 57 overall prospect (MLB.com) — will bat 8th in the Twins lineup.

Thankfully, the Twins do not feel like Will Castro’s his injury is serious enough for a trip to the injured list… at least for now. We’ll see how that story develops over the coming days, but the medical staff must feel pretty good because DFA’ing Canterino is risky. He has a lot of talent.

Luke Keaschall has been called up by Twins, will bat 8th as DH vs Braves tonight. Mickey Gasper has been optioned to AAA St Paul. RHP Matt Cantetino has been DFA’d off 40-man roster to make room. Willi Castro recovering, stays on roster for now.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) April 18, 2025

Mickey Gasper couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity for the 29-year-old career minor leaguer to finally catch on in the big leagues. Unfortunately, he failed to take advantage, batting .111 in 22 plate appearances (.384 OPS. Gasper managed just 2 hits and 4 walks to go with his 7 strikeouts.

With their two most flexible defensive players now out of the lineup, in Gasper and Castro, Luke Keaschall — who played infield and outfield in 2024 — has only played 2B and DH since undergoing Tommy John surgery in August, 2024. In fact, it wasn’t until Tuesday April 15 with St. Paul that Keaschall played his first full nine-inning game.

Other MN Twins infielders will get chances

Thus, it’s no surprise Luke Keaschall is making his debut as a DH. It’s something he proved he could handle down in the minors, where he was written into the lineup for much of last season, posting a .303/.420/.483 slash line across 103 games between Single and Double-A.

Luke Keaschall's first Triple-A @StPaulSaints homer was a no-doubter 😤

MLB's No. 57 prospect has soared up the @Twins' system since being a second-round pick in 2023. pic.twitter.com/r1aL4kRyAI

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 12, 2025

Edouard Julien has not been the player he was as a rookie in 2023, but looks much closer to it than last season. His .250/.304/.385 slash line leaves room for improvement, but offensively he may be as capable or better than Castro was or will be, when he gets healthy.

The final two Twins who are sure to be most impacted by Keaschall’s addition to the dugout are newly acquired Jonah Bride and regular DH Trevor Larnach. If Keaschall is going to be the designated hitter, Larnach could lose at bats. Harrison Bader and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. give the Twins a much better defensive outfield when paired together.

Related: Minnesota Twins Calling Up Latest Top Infield Prospect

Over the course of his career, Bride has spent the majority of his time at corner infield spots. He does have 35 big league games at second base as well. It’s been a slow start for him in 2025 (4-for-40), but he batted .276/.357/.461 in 71 games with Miami last year.

Man Jonah Bride was a pulled fly ball expert in 2024 pic.twitter.com/YptSPf4Hs3

— FreeMNTWINS (@freemntwins) April 17, 2025

Ultimately Baldelli is going to rely on some youth and new faces to step up and bring the Twins back to a level of competitiveness. It’s not the path they planned, but with Keaschall in tow, could be a fun one to watch.

Manager Rocco Baldelli set the starting rotation over a week ago, but the rest of the roster has been more in flux, due to injuries all over the infield and in the bullpen. Monday, however, has brought more clarity to the Opening Day roster than anything we’ve seen since the starters were set.

Two New Minnesota Twins make Opening Day roster

In somewhat suprise fashion, two career minor leaguers were told on Monday by Rocco Baldelli that they will make the final cut for the 2025 Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster, which will be on display for the first time this Thursday, in St. Louis.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. has also been informed that he has made the Opening Day roster.

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) March 24, 2025

Mickey Gasper showed us a picture of a nasty cut but says he’s doing okay after getting six stitches. He was just informed he’s making the roster.

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) March 24, 2025

The Minnesota Twins traded for Mickey Gasper over the offseason, and he spent Spring Training proving himself as every bit the versatile utility man they were hoping to get when they traded for him earlier this offseason

Gasper played in 13 games for the Boston Red Sox last season, as a 28-year-old rookie. He slashed .308/.417/.487 this spring in 17 games. Gasper is still looking for his first big league hit, but he’ll have an opportunity to play multiple positions with Minnesota as he seeks that milestone.

Mickey Gasper makes MN Twins roster after stitches

His spot on the roster was put in question, when Gasper suffered a serious cut on his ankle after he ran into shortstop Brandon Winokur going for a ground ball on the other side of 2nd base, Sunday. He needed six stitches and left the ballpark on crutches. Clearly, the MN Twins are confident he’ll be find.

Guess who’s making the Twins Opening Day roster?! pic.twitter.com/BqPFEcSJXb

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 23, 2025

Similar to Gasper, Keirsey Jr. is a late-blooming prospect. He made his major league debut last season at 27 years old. The outfielder went just 2-for-13 but launched his first big league home run. This spring Keirsey Jr. owns a .275/.375/.375 line in 18 games.

DeShawn Keirsey Jr makes Twins roster too

Still, DaShawn Keirsey Jr’s spot on the roster has been more in question. Outfield hasn’t hasn’t seen the same injury issues as the infield. All he had to do was beat out former first round pick Austin Martin, who was optioned down to Triple A on Monday. Keirsey Jr, a former 4th round draft pick out of Utah, gets rewarded for a strong spring.

What also hurt Keirsey’s chances of making the roster was his left-handedness. Both Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner are left-handed. The Twins would have preferred another righty option in the outfield.

Related: Failed Twins Experiment is Back in the AL Central

Nonetheless, Baldelli & Co opted to bring his best talent, not lineup fit. Keirsey Jr. and Harrison Bader on either side of Byron Buxton in center field would make for arguably the best defensive outfield in baseball.

Minnesota can also utilize Keirsey Jr.’s speed on the basepaths. He went 3-for-4 stealing bases during Grapefruit League action. Last season, at Triple-A St. Paul, Keirsey Jr. went 36-for-43 on stolen base attempts.

Offensive/Defensive depth chart set for Minnesota Twins

Austin Martin’s transition to the outfield is still a work in progress. Last season, Martin was worth -13 defensive runs saved -7 outs above average, while playing outfield. That hurt him this spring, when competing with Keirsey Jr.

More time at St. Paul will give Martin an ability to continue refining his new position. Across 16 Grapefruit League games, Martin slashed .275/.333/.325. Minnesota begins the regular season on Thursday March 27th in St. Louis against the Cardinals First pitch is set for 3:15pm CT.

Both Brooks Lee (back) and Royce Lewis (hamstring) will start the year on the injured list for the Minnesota Twins. The former should be back sooner than the latter, but Baldelli will be hoping he gets a pair of his top talents back in short order.

Prior to the game, the Twins provided a couple of injury updates that helped bring clarity to what will soon be their finalized Opening Day roster. Among the likely bubble players expected to make the 26-man was newly acquired utility infielder and catcher, Mickey Gasper.

MN Twins Mickey Gasper injured on poor play

Unfortunately he got a bit overzealous on defense Sunday, while playing second base against the Boston Red Sox, and it cost him. It happened in the second inning, when Gasper tracked a ground ball up the middle way too far beyond the other side of second base.

Instead of letting Brandon Winokur make an easy play from shortstop, Gasper cut off his teammate unexpectedly, resulting in Winokur’s left cleat cutting through his teammates leg. Gasper told Phil Miller (Star Tribune), as he walked off the field in crutches, that his self-inflicted spiking resulted in six stitches.

Mickey Gasper may have cost himself an Opening Day roster spot on this play after needing stitches. pic.twitter.com/AmDSMDE1f2

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 23, 2025

Rocco Baldelli on Mickey Gasper's six-stitch cut: "It's about as bad a cut as I've seen on a baseball field, but it also was stitched up and right now it's closed. We'll keep it clean and let it heal and see what he's capable of this week." #MNTwins

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) March 23, 2025

Rocco Baldelli has seen what Mickey Gasper — who at 29 years old finally made his big league debut last season — can do during a very good Spring Training. Earlier today, Gasper started the game with a solo home run, his second of the spring, which pushed his slash line up to a pretty ridiculous .308/.417/.487, in 39 at bats. His production and positional versatility is why the Twins were likely inclined to roster him in the first place.

Related: MN Twins Opening Day Roster Starting to Take Shape

Though the ankle injury shouldn’t have lingering effects, the reality is that the body needs time to heal. It seems unlikely that Gasper’s skin would seal in the four days allotted before Opening Day in St. Louis. There’s no sense in putting him out there only to have them come open again.

That's how you start a game, Mickey 👏 pic.twitter.com/tsQ2fVNSOc

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) March 23, 2025

The injury is unfortunate for Gasper. He got just 23 plate appearances across 13 games last year for Boston, but is still searching for his first hit. Across 407 minor league games, Gasper owns a .392 on-base percentage, and he posted a 1.062 OPS in 48 Triple-A games last season. There may still be an opportunity with Minnesota, but it’s a larger uphill battle at this point.

What are the Minnesota Twins roster options?

After Royce Lewis went down with a hamstring injury there was a path for Gasper to make the Opening Day roster. The reality that Brooks Lee will begin on the injured list all but guaranteed it. Now with an additional opening, the Twins will need to figure out their plans.

Austin Martin and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. were the most likely bubble candidates with two players for just one spot. They could now both be kept as additional outfield options. Martin isn’t really an infielder anymore, and Willi Castro could then focus solely on the dirt.

That may leave Rocco Baldelli’s roster construction a bit lopsided with both Lewis and Lee unavailable. The only other versatile infielder remaining in camp is Armando Alvarez, who signed a minor league deal this offseason. He made his major league debut with Oakland at 29 years old last season, but hit just .200/.243/.257 this spring. Mike Ford is around, but plays only first base.

Related: Minnesota Twins Pitcher to Begin Season on Injured List

It’s possible the Twins opt to find another option on the waiver wire. They could recall a previously optioned 40-man player, but the only minor league options there are catchers Diego Cartaya and Jair Camargo. This is an unfortunate way for an otherwise fun spring to end for Gasper. The third notable infield injury also puts Minnesota in something of a bind.

It was a relatively quiet offseason for the MN Twins, who waited until the final hour before they made any moves at all. For the most part, manager Rocco Baldelli will be working with the same talent as he did in 2024, especially in the infield.

Minnesota Twins infield looking very set for Opening Day (health permitting)

The only 2025 projected starter in the Twins infield who was not on the roster in 2024 is newly signed first baseman — 30-year-old former All-Star, Ty France — who’s expected to get most of the reps, replacing last season’s gold glove winner, Carlos Santana.

Of course, we all know this is Carlos Correa’s infield, until proven otherwise. The 10-year veteran will be locked in at shortstop all season, as long as he is healthy. Then, in a bit of a surprise move, Rocco handed Royce Lewis third base at the start of camp, in order to preserve his mental health.

In case you haven’t been keeping track, that leaves second base as the only infield position up for grabs at Minnesota Twins Spring Training. But, a recent report out of The Athletic calls into question how much of a competition is really being had at 2nd base.

Theoretically, the Minnesota Twins have multiple legitimate options to partner next to Correa up the middle. They could go with 2024 Do-It-All-Star Willi Castro OR left-handed hitting machine Edouard Julien, who was out of order last summer OR newly acquired minor league veteran Mickey Gasper OR former top prospect Brooks Lee.

Willi Castro penciled in as Minnesota Twins second baseman

In a pinch, any of the above players could play a competent big league second base. Well, unless Julien can’t hit again. If that happens, his baseball career is in trouble. But in reality, it probably doesn’t matter how Julien, or any of the other second base options play down in Fort Myers.

Because unless there’s an injury in the infield, there really is no competition at second base, according to Dan Hayes (The Athletic). Even if the Minnesota Twins are trying to sell 2B as an open competition, Hayes reported Tuesday that Rocco’s plan is to have Willi Castro take the bulk of reps there, health permitting.

“In an ideal world, the Twins would be injury-free as they embark for St. Louis two weeks from now. Were they to be in such a position, the Twins likely would give the bulk of their plate appearances at second base to Castro, the team’s reigning most valuable player.”

Dan Hayes – The Athletic

Of course, Castro is Rocco’s swiss army knife, who can play any position on the field. So any injury the Twins suffer, will likely require Willi to move positions, thus opening up second base for one of the other guys.

Willi Castro was an All-Star for the Minnesota Twins in 2024. He also looked like a potential trade candidate this offseason given the arbitration salary increase. That didn’t happen and he’s now looking like the Opening Day second baseman.

When injuries hit, shuffling is imminent at 2B

Baldelli told The Athletic that, as of this moment, he doesn’t see a player that will get 600 plate appearances at second base, because there will be a lot of shuffling at that position throughout the season, but those will mostly be due to injury, according to the Twins. When healthy, it’s Willi Castro’s job to lose.

Where does that leave Brooks Lee? Probably down at Triple-A St. Paul. If the Twins are focused on playing time for Willi Castro, then Lee won’t get starting reps on a healthy team. At 24 years old, he’s a kid who needs to be playing, even if that means getting reps at a lower level.

Related: Insider Calls Minnesota Twins Starter a Breakout Candidate

If that isn’t going to be with the Twins, then he needs to get those reps with the Saints. Brooks was quoted in Hayes’ story, and you can tell he knows his fate, barring an injury he does not want to see happen to one of his teammates.

Lee is following a rookie season in which he hit well early before cooling off, batting .221/.265/.320. He’s more eager to prove he belongs than he is focused on winning a job.

“We just get better every day,” [Brooks] Lee said. “At the end of the day, we’re teammates. So I really wouldn’t view it too much as competition. If we all get better at what we’re doing, then it’s great to be a better team, and that’s what matters.”

The Athletic

It’s hard to put a ton of weight on Spring Training statistics, but Lee needed to do everything he could to put the .221/.265/.320 slash line from 2024 behind him. He’s responded with a .267 batting average and .757 OPS so far down in Florida. Barring an unforeseen injury, it won’t matter how well he hits though (see below).

Tale of the Minnesota Twins second base situation

Of the four players who have supposedly been vying for time at second base with the Minnesota Twins this spring, Mickey Gasper has played the best, by far, followed by Brooks Lee, then Eddie Julien. The crowned starter at 2B, Willi Castro, is batting .174 with a .557 OPS. Anyone who says Spring Training performance matters is a liar.

Last season, Castro played six different positions for the Twins. He got 40 games at second base, which trailed his time in the outfield and at shortstop, much of which was due to Correa’s injury issues in the second half.

The Minnesota Twins may plan to play Castro more, come the regular season, but they have maintained his positional flexibility this spring, where he has played just three of his nine appearances at second base. If he is going to open the year as the regular second basemen, it would make sense for the Twins to stack some starts for him over the next couple weeks.

Related: Minnesota Twins Make First Round of Spring Training Cuts

It’s a very real possibility that Gasper winds up being the backup second baseman for the Twins to start the season. It makes more sense to have him sit and fill in, when necessary, while Brooks Lee gets reps across the river. Gasper got a taste of the big leagues for the first time last season with the Boston Red Sox. The 29-year-old has an impressive career .317/.422/.498 slash line at Triple-A.

Although it’s not a move that will rock the boat, new team president Derek Falvey stuffed the organization’s stocking on Christmas Eve with the first move of the offseason. He traded left-handed reliever Jovani Moran to the Boston Red Sox for utility man Mickey Gasper.

Jovani Moran on the way out for Minnesota

We have acquired UTL Mickey Gasper from the Red Sox in exchange for LHP Jovani Móran.

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 24, 2024

The Minnesota Twins made an appearance at the Winter Meetings, but they weren’t very active while present. The lone move came in the form of Rule 5 Draft selection Eiberson Castellano. Jovani Moran was available for clubs in that draft, but he went unselected. So instead, the Twins shipped him out for utility help.

Moran didn’t pitch for the Twins last season as he underwent Tommy John surgery. He posted a 5.31 ERA across 42 1/3 innings in 2023 and a 2.21 ERA in 40 2/3 innings during 2022. The lefty looked like he could be an option for Rocco Baldelli’s bullpen this season.

Related: Minnesota Twins Free Agent Success Story Heading Back to Division Rival

Boston needed to clear room for the acquisition of Walker Buehler. Moran gives them a young left-handed bullpen option, if his command ever tightens up. Jovan’s best pitch is his changeup, which can be deadly.

Mickey Gasper could solve Twins catching depth

Gasper has an interesting profile. The 29-year-old was a 27th round pick by the New York Yankees in 2018. He made his major league debut last season with the Red Sox. The switch-hitter played in 13 games and tallied just 23 plate appearances. He scored a run while walking four times but is 0-for-18 to start his career.

Minnesota doesn’t have to put Gasper on the 40-man as he has three minor league options remaining. He has primarily split time between first base and catcher. This could be a move that paves the way for Christian Vazquez to be traded as the roster has only Ryan Jeffers and Jair Camargo as alternatives.

Think Mickey Gasper is comfortable at TD Bank Ballpark?

In his first game back, the @PortlandSeaDogs first baseman swats a home run against his former team.

Watch @RedSox prospects FREE: https://t.co/FYs0Hvr5VW pic.twitter.com/oNIrABy0KY

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 14, 2024

Mickey Gasper is on a TEAR. pic.twitter.com/jNvF1ElvFm

— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) August 10, 2024

A 15% caught stealing rate isn’t exactly ideal, but Gasper owns a better offensive profile. Across 407 minor league games, he has a .275/.392/.449 slash line. Last season between Double an Triple-A, Gasper owned a .970 OPS with 12 home runs. He has elite plate discipline and that was reflected by a 42/56 K/BB rate.

Related: Minnesota Twins Fanbase Ranked Among Most Frustrated in MLB

It remains to be seen where the Minnesota Twins will go from here. This is another piece of the offseason puzzle though, and comes just before Santa Claus passes over Target Field.