Twins Add Four to their 40-Man Roster

[Seth Stohs]

With the deadline at 5:00 central time, the Minnesota Twins have made four additions to their 40-man roster. To the surprise of no one, the Twins added infielder Edouard Julien, right-handed pitchers Matt Canterino and Casey Legumina, and left-handed pitcher Brent Headrick. 

Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

There were two Givens for the Twins to add to their 40-man roster. The team simply was not going to leave Edouard Julien and Matt Canterino at risk to be lost in the Rule 5 draft next month. So they were added. Here is what I wrote about them in my 40-man roster prediction column: 

1.) 2B Edouard Julien - The 23-year-old from Quebec was the Twins 18th round pick in 2019 out of Auburn. Just this weekend, he was named the Breakout Prospect in the Arizona Fall League after he hit .400/.563/.686 (1.248) with five doubles and five home runs in 21 games. However, you could argue that he broke out during the 2022 regular season in Wichita where he hit .300/.441/.490 (.931) with 19 doubles and 17 home runs in 113 games. He even stole 19 bags. Of course, I would argue that he broke out in 2021, his professional debut after missing 2019 and 2020 due to Tommy John surgery and the Covid pandemic. He split that season between Ft. Myers and Cedar Rapids. In 112 games, he hit .267/.434/.480 (.914) with 28 doubles, 18 home runs, and 34 stolen bases. Where will he play? Well, he spent most of 2022 at second base. He has played first and third base in pro ball. Yes, he played a couple of games in left field in 2021, but that isn’t an option. Regardless, his all-around offensive game makes him a future top-of-the-lineup contributor. 

For more Twins Daily content on Edouard Julien, click here. 

2.) RHP Matt Canterino - Maybe not quite as “given” as Julien, but Canterino is absolutely a given to be added. He was the team’s second-round draft pick in 2019 out of Rice University. Since turning pro, two things have been true of the 24-year-old righty. First, when he has pitched, he has been absolutely dominant. In 11 games and 34 1/3 innings for Wichita in 2022, he posted a 1.83 ERA and struck out 50 batters. In 23 innings in 2021, he struck out 45 batters. His stuff is electric. Unfortunately, the second truth is that he has missed a lot of time with injury. He was shut down early in the 2021 season after experiencing some elbow pain. The rest-and-rehab was tried, but in 2022 at Wichita, he was limited to three innings per start and eventually four innings, but as his arm threw more, the pain continued. Finally, in mid-August, he underwent Tommy John surgery in Arlington making his availability to pitch in 2023 unlikely. But again, with this kind of talent, particularly with a pitcher, you keep him around and add him and don’t even give it a second thought. 

For more Twins Daily content on Matt Canterino, click here. 

Lefty Brent Headrick was my #3 prediction to be added, and here's what I wrote about him. 

3.) LHP Brent Headrick - In 2022, Headrick made 15 starts in Cedar Rapids before moving up to Double-A Wichita. In 2021, he was limited in the second half with some shoulder impingement. He stayed healthy throughout the 2022 season and went 10-5 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. In 108 1/3 innings, he walked just 25 batters and struck out 136 batters. Now, his Double-A numbers don’t look as good. In 10 games, he went 2-3 with a 4.81 ERA. However, in his first Wind Surge appearance, he gave up seven runs on 10 hits (including five home runs) in 2 1/3 innings. Take away that outing, and he went 2-2 with a 3.54 ERA, and in 40 2/3 innings, he gave up just six more home runs. Headrick was the Twins seventh-round pick in 2019 out of Illinois State. 

For more Twins Daily content on Brent Headrick, click here. 

4th addition.) But I completely missed on Casey Legumina . He was the Twins 8th round draft pick in 2019 out of Gonzaga. He had Tommy John surgery that spring and therefore didn't make his professional debut until 2021. He was given some opportunities to star, but he has had his most success out of the bullpen. In 2022, he made three appearances in Cedar Rapids before jumping up to Wichita for 30 games. He went 2-6 with a 4.80 ERA in 33 games (16 starts). In 86 1/3 innings, he walked 36 and struck out 92 batters. He's got a closer's potential when healthy. 

For more Twins Daily content on Casey Legumina, click here. 

 

However, there are several players that were left unprotected who now could be selected by other teams. 

Catchers, or at least guys that can catch and also play first base, that could be lost include Chris Williams and Alex Isola. Williams provided power for Wichita and St. Paul. Isola played well in Wichita but missed a couple of months with an injury. He just finished his stint in the Arizona Fall League. 

High-upside prospects can be scary to be left unprotected. The Twins left toolsy outfielder Misael Urbina off of their 40-man roster. He probably isn't ready for the big leagues at this point, but his talent will be intriguing. Yunior Severino is a talent, and he did well in 2022 in High-A, but also in Double-A, so for the right team, he could be a bench fit for the 2023 season. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is a little older than those two, but his athleticism, speed and defense are incredibly intriguing. He was finally healthy in 2022 and started to show what he is capable of. 

Michael Helman could certainly be selected. His ability to play at least seven positions well would make him intriguing to teams. However, he broke out in the upper levels with 20 homers and he also had 40 stolen bases. In the same vein, Anthony Prato is another utility player, capable of playing at least four positions. He was healthy in 2022 and did well in Cedar Rapids and Wichita. Utility players are one of the areas that do often get selected in the Rule 5 draft. 

So do relief pitchers who are, or very soon could be, big-league ready. Twins Daily's 2022 Relief Pitcher of the Year Evan Sisk was dominant in Wichita and at St. Paul. He's also left-handed and mixes pitches well with his low-90s fastball. Austin Schulfer keeps producing in whatever role the Twins have had him work in, starting or relieving. He ended the season with the Saints as well. 

Sisk isn't the only left-hander that could be at risk either. Southpaw Kody Funderburk pitched very well in 2022 for Wichita, posting a sub-3.00 ERA. He mostly started but has worked in various roles out of the bullpen as well. 

So, what do you think about the fourTwins additions? Which of the Twins minor leaguers left off of the roster are most at risk of being selected in the Rule 5 draft and lost? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. 

For more Twins Daily content on other players mentioned in this article, click the links below: 
Chris Williams, Alex Isola, Michael Helman, Anthony Prato, Evan Sisk, Austin Schulfer, Kody Funderburk. 

 

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[DJL44]

I get that they want to keep the lefty. Hope he's ready for the bullpen soon.

They must know something about Legumina because based on his stat sheet he looks like a pitcher I would sell for $100k without worrying about it.

[mikelink45]

Casey Legumina - this is a Casey who?  I hope I see why soon, but Sisk is the one I would have added, and I expect he will be gone.  I also think teams will take a flyer on the catcher options.  With the new bases and the possibility of a running game Helman is intriguing.   I would say the same about Urbina and Severino.  I wish them all well and I hope they are all chosen.  

[baul0010]

5 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

Casey Legumina - this is a Casey who?  I hope I see why soon, but Sisk is the one I would have added, and I expect he will be gone.  I also think teams will take a flyer on the catcher options.  With the new bases and the possibility of a running game Helman is intriguing.   I would say the same about Urbina and Severino.  I wish them all well and I hope they are all chosen.  

I agree.  I'm not sure why Evan wasn't called on to pitch last year.  I have a feeling a couple will be plucked and Sisk will be one of them.  It'll be disappointing if he has a solid reliever career and we are still wondering who Casey Legumina is.

[Vanimal46]

Legumina is an off the radar add for sure. Doesn’t make a lot of sense from the stat sheet but obviously they have way more info to feel good about adding him. 

[weitz41]

 

 

Casey Legumina surprises me but congrats to him! Plenty there to like. Sisk is the only one I wonder about. There will be  probably be a silly amount of rule 5 players available so maybe me stays put. Casey Legumina has starter innings probably a smart play to hold onto an AA starter over a AAA reliever..

[stringer bell]

This brings the total to 40. I would think the Twins would be tempted to claim a player or two that was removed from other team's 40-man. Also, they'll most likely claim someone during the Rule V Draft. 

[roger]

Like most I am surprised by Legumina.  Fortunately, the Twins know a lot more about him than I.

The roster is full.  Should they want to pick someone in the Rule 5 they need to create a spot.  They are also gonna have to create at least three spots for a catcher, shortstop and top reliever.  And that would give them only two catchers on the roster.  That seems unlikely.  
 

Will they begin the process Friday by non tendering someone?  I look at their roster and see 8 outfielders, well 7 plus Gordon.  Will there be some trades coming, hopefully soon.

[BSLinPA]

19 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

This brings the total to 40. I would think the Twins would be tempted to claim a player or two that was removed from other team's 40-man. Also, they'll most likely claim someone during the Rule V Draft. 

Guess we may get an indication of this as soon as Friday, the deadline to tender a contract to the arb and pre-arb players.  Could sign player(s) removed from other teams' rosters to a minor league deal with ST invite, but must clear 40 man space for Rule V participation.  

GM meetings Dec 4-7, so trades from 40 man roster possible there.......Rule V draft on last day of those meetings.

As is, the only 40 man slot is the one that will open at end of Spring Training when Paddock goes onto 60 DL.  Will be interesting to watch how this plays out.   

GO TWINS!!

[IndianaTwin]

15 minutes ago, BSLinPA said:

Guess we may get an indication of this as soon as Friday, the deadline to tender a contract to the arb and pre-arb players.  Could sign player(s) removed from other teams' rosters to a minor league deal with ST invite, but must clear 40 man space for Rule V participation.  

GM meetings Dec 4-7, so trades from 40 man roster possible there.......Rule V draft on last day of those meetings.

As is, the only 40 man slot is the one that will open at end of Spring Training when Paddock goes onto 60 DL.  Will be interesting to watch how this plays out.   

GO TWINS!!

Paddack can be put on the 60-day IL at the beginning of spring training. 

[Doctor Gast]

I had 9 Rule 5 prospects I wanted the Twins to protect, Legumina was #9. Very disappointed the Twins didn't do more to protect more. I expect 5 Twins to be selected away.

[MN_ExPat]

1 hour ago, baul0010 said:

I agree.  I'm not sure why Evan wasn't called on to pitch last year.  I have a feeling a couple will be plucked and Sisk will be one of them.  It'll be disappointing if he has a solid reliever career and we are still wondering who Casey Legumina is.

In short, I would say one reason... control. 

Sisk has pretty good stuff, but control seems to have always been an uphill battle for him.  The couple of times I caught an appearance of his on MiLB, he looked good, but he seemed like he falls into the "effectively wild" category.

Not that he couldn't fine tune whatever mechanical issues lead to this, but until he shows an extended period without lots of walks, he probably won't be getting the call.

[roger]

26 minutes ago, BSLinPA said:

Guess we may get an indication of this as soon as Friday, the deadline to tender a contract to the arb and pre-arb players.  Could sign player(s) removed from other teams' rosters to a minor league deal with ST invite, but must clear 40 man space for Rule V participation.  

GM meetings Dec 4-7, so trades from 40 man roster possible there.......Rule V draft on last day of those meetings.

As is, the only 40 man slot is the one that will open at end of Spring Training when Paddock goes onto 60 DL.  Will be interesting to watch how this plays out.   

GO TWINS!!

Canterino will also go on the 60 day IL at that time.

[FlyingFinn]

6 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

Paddack can be put on the 60-day IL at the beginning of spring training.

Same with Canterino if we are okay with him earning major league service time (someone correct me if I'm wrong about that).

If adding Legumina costs Pagan a 40 man spot, I'm all for it. Contreras will be run through waivers at some time. Garlick too. To me, filling the 40 man means we plan to do some trading.

[MN_ExPat]

3 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I had 9 Rule 5 prospects I wanted the Twins to protect, Legumina was #9. Very disappointed the Twins didn't do more to protect more. I expect 5 Twins to be selected away.

Except that most other teams are in similar positions roster wise as the Twins.  Not saying that there won't be a single player taken in the V, but it will probably not be the bloodletting predicted by some .

[FlyingFinn]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

Sisk is the one I would have added

If the Twins didn't add Sisk and Helman in September to check them out against mlb teams, that told me they weren't going to add them now. They will hope to keep them with the Saints. Sisk is more at risk of being selected in the Rule 5 just because he is a pitcher but I still don't think he will be.

[Linus]

I guess one advantage of trading away prospects at the deadline is it makes these roster decisions pretty easy. There really isn’t anything leftover to be worried about. I doubt they lose anybody and nobody they care about. 

[DocBauer]

We always have to remember that on average, a team will only see 2-3 players selected. And even then, very often some just aren't ready and will be offered back. And very few "lost" players turn out to be difference makers. Doesn't mean they can't turn out to be solid ballplayers, just not often anything approaching stardom.

I do think this went about according to expectation, primarily Julien, Canterino, and Headrick. Legumina was a bit if a surprise as I thought it might come down to him, Laweryson or Sisk. When in doubt, always keep arms you like. Legumina is a bit of a flier, but IIRC, he's got more pure stuff than Laweryson, and is still finding his way a bit after TJ. I am a somewhat surprised by not protecting Sisk. I thought he should have been brought up late in 2022 for a looksee. I'm betting he's gone.

I don't see Williams or Isola being selected. They catch but have mostly played 1B. Some of that is get a number of different guys time behind the plate while keeping their bats in the lineup. But I'm not sure either is ready for any sort of regular duty at this time and doubt they'd be stashed on a roster. 

The two guys I'd really hate to see go would be Helman and Severino. Helman is not a top prospect by any means, but he can fill a role with an OK bat, some power and good speed. And he can be plugged in almost anywhere in the field as a last bench player. He ABSOLUTELY should have been with the Twins late in 2022 when the OF was in disarray and short of RH bats. Cave and Contreras were marched out daily instead. And Severino finally began to flash last year. I don't think he's ready, but he's talented enough to be a stash for a rebuilding team. 

While not top prospects, the "depleted" system still has some intriguing guys who will get selected. Really hoping Helman and Severino are not, or are offered back. 

[DocBauer]

15 minutes ago, Doctor Gast said:

I had 9 Rule 5 prospects I wanted the Twins to protect, Legumina was #9. Very disappointed the Twins didn't do more to protect more. I expect 5 Twins to be selected away.

Legumina wasn't in my top 4, that's for sure. But I understand holding on to the potential they feel he has, pure arm talent. Not sure he would have been selected, but that's just my opinion.

Personally, I think the idea of the Twins system suddenly being "down" is a combination of trades, graduations and injuries. There's still a lot to like, overall, while granting there is a bit of a gap from some very good, young talent on the 40 man already, as well as some AAA names, and then a dip down to A and rookie level ball. And I think there's a few very interesting names not protected that might intrigue a team to draft them. But you have to remember there are 29 other teams with non-protected players also available. So for the Twins to have 5 picked might be high. 

I sure hope you're wrong as I'd certainly like to keep some of the guys not protected. I guess if there are, it would, in a bizarre way, be a compliment to the 40 man talent and the depth of the system. Let's just hope it's only 2 or 3 and they don't all stick and are returned back.

 

[Danchat]

Feels like every year there is one surprise who gets protected, Legumina certainly profiles as that. I don't see the need to protect him, as I doubt teams would care much about a 26 year old reliever in AA.

I think Severino is the most likely to be claimed. I could see Helman or one of the relievers get claimed, but I don't think they have a ton of upside. Urbina is too raw and hasn't shown enough at this point to be claimed.

[Seth Stohs]

59 minutes ago, roger said:

Canterino will also go on the 60 day IL at that time.

Only if they keep him on the MLB roster and give him service time for the year. I would assume they'll just option him and try to keep him off the 60-Day unless absolutely needed (which wouldn't be particularly surprising either). 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Doctor Gast said:

I expect 5 Twins to be selected away.

I'll take the under on that

[ashbury]

The roster's now at 40, and the pitcher-hitter split is 24-16.  Arms are what's valuable and with all the shuttling in and out sheer numbers are needed.  Nobody does a 20-20 split anymore.

With only 1 catcher on the roster, there is still work to do - I mean, of course the off-season is not over, it's just barely begun, but apart from the individuals they still will bring on board, the overall shape of the roster is a bit unsettled.

[Dman]

The first three were no brainers to me.  Jullien is everything you want in a bat and Canterino when healthy is very to tough to hit and gets K's in bunches.  Headrick is big Lefty with starter potential who could also be a pen arm if needed.  The team is short on Lefties so I can see why Headrick was appealing.  

I really liked what Sisk did last year.  The stat sheet looked good and there wasn't much difference in performance between AA and AAA.  He didn't give up a ton of HR's I guess I don't understand why they wouldn't make room for him?  I would prefer him over any rule V guy they decide to grab.

Lawyerson had a really good year stat wise as well he had a serious dominant stretch but his fastball isn't that fast so he would have to be a finesse starter and or reliever.  So I can see the hesitation.  Things could fall apart for him at AAA but he looks like someone with a chance as a reliever IMO.

If you look on MLB.com though Legumina is rated at 26 and Sisk and Lawyerson are not in the top 30. Legumina has a legit 4 pitch mix and the potential devastating slider the Twins love so I guess it makes sense they added him.  Still his stats from last year are ugly.  I hope this isn't another Strotman type pitcher taking up space.

I know position players generally don't get taken that often in rule V because teams just can't afford to carry those players all year and Severino isn't fast, doesn't have amazing power numbers and isn't a defensive wizard.  The bat is his carrying tool but is that enough for another team to keep him on the 27 man?  I would be hard pressed to say yes.

I think you can wave goodbye to Evan Sisk as that is a risk I can see any bottom team taking.  Possible that Lawyerson and or Funderburk get taken but I have to believe there are better arms out there to choose from but who knows.

The power Chris Williams showed last year could get him picked by a bottom team but he had a pretty large drop off from AA to AAA. I might be alone on this but I really like Anthony Prato as a utility player and I think he could stick on a MLB roster and be valuable but that might be a reach.

In summary I am OK with the 4 guys they chose.  I like Sisk better than Legumina but I will trust they see more potential in the righty.  As always it will be interesting to see what teams do in Rule V and I hope none of our guys get picked.

[beckmt]

Maybe the difference with Sisk is stuff.  IF Legumina has high 90's heat that could be the difference.  There are probably a lot of relievers like Sisk out there.  I could be wrong, but that is my guess.  

With only 13 players in the majors (non pitchers), it is much harder to stash a player who will not have to be used at some point.  I believe this is the gamble the FO is taking.

[Linus]

Wow. Lots of worrying here. I would say there is a slight chance one guy gets picked. Every team has a bunch of guys people are worried about. 

[Rosterman]

3 hours ago, ashbury said:

The roster's now at 40, and the pitcher-hitter split is 24-16.  Arms are what's valuable and with all the shuttling in and out sheer numbers are needed.  Nobody does a 20-20 split anymore.

With only 1 catcher on the roster, there is still work to do - I mean, of course the off-season is not over, it's just barely begun, but apart from the individuals they still will bring on board, the overall shape of the roster is a bit unsettled.

Yeah, the days of 20/20 split may be long and gone. Yet with teams carrying 13 on the field, that's not a lot od bench depth to call upon. The Twins have, what, 8 outfielders? They HAD to sign Garlick?

Five of the pitchers have little chance of pitching for the team in 2023, is the way I see some names on the roster. Sure, two pitchers will go on the 60-day IL (and Canterino will get service time for a year). 

And the roster is full, so we won't be getting any signings like Cotton or Megill, unless one of the signings do replace...Megill.

Sisk should've been added in September (insteda of the umpteenth recall of Sanchez) just for a peek. He is, after all, a lefty. Moran has shown he can go multi-innings. Twins cut bait with junkballer Smeltzer. Thielbar may not be ageless. Fundeburk is still a ways away.

One catcher?!?

[Doctor Gast]

8 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I'll take the under on that

I expected Miranda to be taken in '21 but fortunately he wasn't so I don't think all 5 would be taken either. But to me it's like playing Russian roulette. I'd rather not play that game.

[Doctor Gast]

Just thinking & hoping that some of our prospects not to be selected in the Rule 5 draft. But then I put myself into the prospects shoes, & feel their excitement for the chance to prove themselves on the MLB level & living their dream. So I if the FO chose not to protect them, believing they have a long ways to break the barrier of MLB. Then I choose to be happy for the ones that get selected, (although as a fan & investor  it's tough)

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Over the last decade, the most players selected was 18, and the most frequent results were in the 12-15 players selected range.

the average mlb team loses half a player to the rule 5.

Not sure what the fret is about. The Twins lost 2 or 3 in a season, but if the Twins can’t find a spot for them, who can?

that I can see in the last decade, the Twins lost and not returned Stuart Turner, Akil Baddoo, Luke Bard, Nick Burdi and Tyler Wells.