Celestino's Strong Second Impression

[Ted Schwerzler]

I was the conductor of Byron Buxton’s “Pay the Man” campaign, and while doing so was always the right move, it came with the caveat that Minnesota needed insurance. In January, I wrote about potential options being internal and external, while thinking Gilberto Celestino may make all points moot.

It was more than evident last season that Gilberto Celestino was in over his head. The Twins were incredibly depleted and needed to call up Celestino despite having played just 21 games above Single-A. He had a .725 OPS for Wichita and looked like he had the chops to command the outfield defensively, but there was no denying it was much sooner than desired.

As you may expect, and remember, that didn’t go well. Celestino played 23 games at the Major League level and posted a .466 OPS. On August 1, he was jettisoned back across town and would remain there for the duration of the season. As you may not remember, that went extremely well. In 49 games with the Saints last season, Celestino posted a .290/.384/.443 line with 18 extra-base hits, of which five were homers. He took what didn’t work for the Twins and got rid of it while looking both comfortable and confident at Triple-A.

This season Celestino started out at Triple-A once again but made just two starts before needing to be used as insurance for Minnesota. This time though, he was ready and it’s shown.

In that January article, I said this about Celestino, “Handing him the fourth outfielder role on Opening Day may be a bit soon, but a repeat of the Triple-A numbers should suggest he’s ready. This could become an option sooner rather than later.” In two games, he didn’t get much of a chance to repeat the Triple-A numbers, but he’s done more than enough to substantiate them for the Twins.

Now having played in 31 games this season, Celestino has been used across the outfield and as a regular fourth outfielder to replace Buxton and others. His bat has been among Minnesota’s best at times, and his .324/.398/.378 slash line is all but a continuation of what he found in St. Paul. Without being a traditional power hitter it’s understandable that he hasn’t displayed the power stroke working against an altered baseball. He’s got just four doubles to his credit, but the plate discipline has taken a step forward. While he wasn’t a strikeout machine a season ago, he’s now drawing walks at a much more consistent rate as well.

The way the game is being played in 2022 does tend to benefit guys who lack power. Despite having zero home runs and just four extra-base hits, Celestino owns a 134 OPS+. With power production down across the board, his moderate power potential from Triple-A not coming with hasn’t stopped him from being a competent hitter.

Then there’s the defense. Last season, despite fielding being a strength, it was clear the struggles at the plate were brought out to the field at times. That couldn’t be further from the truth in 2022. When subbing in for Buxton, Celestino has made multiple highlight-reel catches that beg the question as to who is really in the jersey standing near the batter's eye. Having been worth -2 outs above average last season in 152 innings, Celestino has already been worth 3 OAA this year in just 133 innings.

Knowing that it was the right thing for Minnesota to do in signing Buxton, having someone who could mitigate the impact felt when he was off the field was also a must. When it looked like that may need to come from outside of the organization, the Twins' front office never wavered in their belief and Celestino continues to pay dividends. He’s probably never going to be an All-Star, but there’s no denying multiple teams would covet him as a regular. With a roster leaning heavily towards left-handed bats on the grass, this fit couldn’t be more perfect.

How impressed with Celestino are you this season, and what do you hope for his future in Minnesota?

 

 

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[4twinsJA]

I really like Celestino, the 4th OF that bats RH and can play all 3 OF positions, that the Twins have been needing. Celestino appears ready to be a contributor at the MLB level. Should be plenty of playing time, rest days for Buxton, platoon against LH pitching, and covering injuries. 

[Seansy]

We got both Celestino and Alcala for 1.5 years of Pressly. I know some people will complain that the Twins somehow would beat NY instead of getting swept with an unavailable "ace" and Pressly on the team but that trade is clearly a win for the FO given how well both players have turned out.

[Rosterman]

Plus, he can sacrifice bunt....right?!?

[Doctor Gast]

I am really impressed with Celestino in how he has bounced back from a very difficult situation. And I'm really, really,really happy that he's filling that black hole that have been so evident for so long (legit CF sub). He's one of the main reasons why we're doing so well. He's much better than a big bat no glove. Although Gordon is doing OK in CF, I'm wishing Celestino a speedy return.

 

[Whitey333]

Celestino has been great.  I hope he gets back soon.  Buxton?  Who's Byron Buxton?  Oh yes the greatest player in the game that misses a lot of games.  Sound familiar? He's hitting around .200.  I always said, if he can get 100 mill for being a part time player he better sign before they change their mind.  Not a bad outcome for a player that has a career .248 average in 7 years.  And that's when he plays.  Yes it was a good deal.  For Byron Buxton.