A former 27th-round pick by the New York Yankees out of Bryant University where he hit .344/.469/.524 over four seasons, Mickey Gasper made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2024 at the age of 28.
He was selected in the Triple-A Rule-5 draft in December of 2023 and absolutely crushed Double- and Triple-A pitching in the Red Sox system, hitting .328/.440/.531 in 92 games combined between the two levels.
Gasper was mainly a catcher in college, making just a handful of appearances at first base and in left field. When he got into affiliated ball, he appeared semi-regularly behind the plate but started to get more appearances as a first baseman.
The Twins acquired Gasper from the Boston Red Sox in a trade this offseason in exchange for left-handed reliever Jovani Moran. Gasper was an interesting return for a pitcher that had his ups and downs with injuries since being called up.
Gasper might be part of the Twins' catching depth, but he will likely see more time at other positions because players like Diego Cartaya and Jair Camargo get most of the catching at-bats in Triple-A.
We have acquired UTL Mickey Gasper from the Red Sox in exchange for LHP Jovani Móran.
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 24, 2024
When Gasper was called up to the major leagues in 2024, he played in 13 games and did not get a hit over 23 plate appearances.
He did take four walks in that time, however.
That shows pretty solid plate discipline, so there is upside in his offense, even without getting a hit in his first taste of the big leagues.
Gasper did not get any time behind the plate with the Red Sox, spending time at first base, and some at second base, where he does not have much professional experience.
He's seen some time at second base this spring already, so he will likely see time there with Triple-A St. Paul, as well. Gasper will likely serve as depth at a few different positions, but if he hits Triple-A pitching like he did in 2024, he will get the folks at Target Field to consider calling him up.
Mickey Gasper is a career .275/.392/.449 hitter in the minors, including .317/.422/.498 with more walks than strikeouts at Triple-A.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) December 24, 2024
Lacks power for first base, but his bat would certainly work at catcher if the Twins think he's viable there defensively.pic.twitter.com/jQY7YKOYDu
While never being a top prospect, over six minor league seasons, Gasper has a .841 OPS in his minor league career. The Twins acquired Gasper as someone who can serve as organizational depth, and possibly provide some upside offensively if the big league team needs it mid-season.
While Gasper might not start the year with the big league club, he is versatile enough that he could earn a call up at some point when the team needs another bat. Gasper is somecall-up at some point when the team needs another bat.
Gasper has proven he can hit over his career; the big question will be what position he will play defensively.
It appears he will get the opportunities at Triple-A and don't be surprised if you see him at Target Field at some point this coming season.