Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Twins continue to shuffle their roster this offseason and moves have largely been made on the fringes. Eric Orze is really the only needle-mover in the bullpen, and Josh Bell has been the most significant lineup addition.
Beyond just the projected 26-man Opening Day roster, Derek Falvey needs to have his 40-man roster in order as well. Rocco Baldelli utilized the entirety of the group plenty last year, and that should be a similar expectation for Derek Shelton.
Earlier this winter DaShawn Keirsey Jr. found himself jettisoned from the group. Now he has a new home.
Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. signing with Atlanta Braves
After making his major league debut in 2024, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. made the Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster in 2025. He spent 74 games at the big league level, but was often the last player on the bench. Rather than keep him around, the MN Twins designated him for assignment. After clearing waivers, he elected free agency. Now he has a new team.
Signing with the Atlanta Braves, Keirsey Jr. has been assigned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. It’s the first time he has been in an organization other than Minnesota after being a 4th round pick in 2018 out of Utah.
Last season with Minnesota, Keirsey Jr. had just 88 plate appearances in 74 games. He batted .107/.138/.317 and posted an unprecedented -13 OPS+. Across 80 big league games (102 plate appearances) he has just three extra-base hits, all of which were home runs.
While Keirsey Jr. has looked inept with the bat, he plays a strong defensive centerfield, and he was 10-for-13 on stolen base attempts last season. Logging just 250 2/3 innings as a defender, he still was worth 2 OAA (outs above average).
Atlanta is hoping that Keirsey Jr. can flash more of his minor league numbers and earn a trip back to the show. In 2024 at Triple-A, the speedster batted .300/.368/.476 with 22 doubles, seven triples, and 14 home runs. He also stole 36 bags.
It’s a very thin margin of error for a player like Keirsey Jr. and at 28 years old he’s unlikely to truly revolutionize his play. That said, there is clearly a usable set of skills even if the overall package leaves something to be desired. He’ll be competing with Eli White and Mauricio Dubon for an Opening Day bench spot this spring.
The MN Twins host the Braves August 17-19, 2026. It’s possible Keirsey Jr. has made his way back to the big leagues in time for a return to Target Field.
Mentioned in this article: DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
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