Who Will Be Buxton’s Backup in 2022?

[Theo Tollefson]

I know I left Gordon out of this article when considering him as a back up and that is because with Cave likely to be on the MLB roster Opening Day, I don't see Gordon as the main back up in center. I still see him more as an infielder than an outfielder, but I would not rule him out at all as still seeing playing time in center if needed. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, Theo Tollefson said:

I know I left Gordon out of this article when considering him as a back up and that is because with Cave likely to be on the MLB roster Opening Day, I don't see Gordon as the main back up in center. I still see him more as an infielder than an outfielder, but I would not rule him out at all as still seeing playing time in center if needed. 

Cave was waived, passed through waivers, and outrighted to St Paul. He’s now a break glass type of player

[Squirrel]

18 hours ago, Sconnie said:

Cave was waived, passed through waivers, and outrighted to St Paul. He’s now a break glass type of player

Unless they sign someone else, which I doubt, it looks like what gman said above ... Gordon for a spot start here and there to give Buxton a day off. Even Kep could do that less often. If Gordon hits the IL, Celestino will be called up

[bean5302]

On 11/29/2021 at 11:16 PM, Seth Stohs said:

...Did Celestino do enough late in the season at AAA to tell us that he is ready to contribute offensively and defensively in the big leagues? He's only 22 years old...

Celestino will be 23 at the start of the season and he hit well at AAA across 211 plate appearances. Backing up Buxton could be viewed as sitting on the bench and playing every once in a while or I view it as when Buxton gets hurt and goes down for an extended time, that's when Celestino takes his place. 

I don't know as any amount of raking at AAA guarantees success at MLB because AAA pitchers don't necessarily expose the same weaknesses as MLB pitchers will. I think the question of whether or not Celestino is ready for MLB will be settled at the MLB level. He's proven he was able to adapt to AAA pitching and that's all we learned.

[Rosterman]

Well, Twins will be playhing musical chairs again DH will be Sano (fulltime, I hope) with Garver and Donaldson getting some play. I want to see Kirilloff at 1B. But who is in left field? Larnach can grab it in spring training, otherwise looks like Rooker. Then the decision is: does Celestino play everyday at St. Paul or is he the backup. Do the Twins just grab someone, anyone else, or do they feel they have enough in Gordon and Arraez as being the spare outfielders.

 

Someday the Twins will have position players that just play a position.

 

Let's start with at least 155 games by Buxton in centerfield!