Minnesota Twins: 5 minor league players who could impact the major league season

Jake Cave

Earlier this year the Twins acquired outfielder Jake Cave from the New York Yankees in exchange for 19-year old right-handed pitcher Luis Gil. Cave became available to the Twins after the Yankees chose to bring in Neil Walker and needed to create a 40-man roster for the infielder. With the logjam of outfielders in New York, Cave became available. It wasn’t the first time the Twins have shown interest in the outfielder, and it quickly has become apparent why they have been drawn to him.

Cave’s ability to hit was on display as he spent last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 104 games Cave hit .305/.351/.542 while adding 20 home runs and 26 doubles. The left-handed Cave only adds to his value by also being able to play all three defensive positions in the outfield.

Cave has also flashed that same ability to hit as he has joined the Twins organization. Before a hitless night Friday night, Cave was hitting over .300 and had collected 6 hits on the young season. With one of those six hits being a home run.

Cave doesn’t ideally fit with what the Twins would hope to have an outfield call-up for the Twins. With an already left-handed heavy lineup, he in ways becomes a bit redundant for the Twins. If Max Kepler or Eddie Rosario were to end up being out of the lineup long-term, Cave’s bat and defensive versatility may make him the replacement over the more obvious replacement in Zack Granite.