I recently made a comment on the Josh Bell signing and think his signing makes roster discussion a higher priority here on Twins Daily. Specifically, the Twins have a bunch of left handed hitters who are corner outfielders who could DH and there isn’t room for them all. Further, many of the guys can’t be optioned. It looks like the solution has to be making trades.
Here’s my take: Position player locks: Buxton, Jeffers, Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Bell, Martin, backup catcher, backup infielder. Near locks: Larnach, Wallner, Clemens. Most likely fighting for one spot: Outman, Roden, Julien. Outside looking in: Rodriguez, Gasper, Gonzalez.
As I note here, Julien, Roden and Outman would be in competition for the 13th position player spot. Julien and Outman are out of options, so if one of them didn’t make the team, they would have to be offered to the rest of MLB before they could be sent to St. Paul. Top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are also left handed hitting corner outfielders (center field capable). Roden is the only guy in serious consideration for a 26-man roster spot who can be optioned and he also is a left handed corner outfielder. If Roden is optioned the Saints would project to have Gonzalez, Jenkins, Rodriguez and Roden in their outfield.
What is the solution to this roster imbalance? What should the Twins do to deal with this and who stays and who goes? Let’s discuss!