As the Minnesota Twins look to find offensive consistency, amidst the struggles of Royce Lewis, it's a reminder of the two players the Twins moved on from this past offseason in first baseman Carlos Santana and outfielder Max Kepler.
Santana is finding success with the Cleveland Guardians, entering Tuesday with a slash line of .262/.371/.401/124wRC+ with seven home runs. Meanwhile, Kepler is putting up familiar production with the Philadelphia Phillies. Through his first 200 plate appearances with the Phillies, Kepler has a slash line of .222/.310/.392/96 wRC+.
While Santana and Kepler were among the notable departures from the Twins this past offseason, there were several other more forgotten players who went on to new teams this season.
Checking in on forgotten Twins' players
Caleb Thielbar, LHP
After being a dependable southpaw out of the Twins' bullpen since 2020, Caleb Thielbar's final season with the Twins was forgettable in 2024. In 59 appearances with the Twins last season, Thielbar posted a 5.32 ERA. Given where the Twins' bullpen was headed and his struggles, it wasn't a surprise that Thielbar didn't return to Minnesota this past offseason.
Despite his struggles, Thielbar did land a major league deal with the Chicago Cubs. Thielbar has emerged as a dependable out-getter for Cubs' manager Craig Counsell, having an ERA of 2.21 through his first 24 appearances this season.
Kyle Farmer, utility infielder
Kyler Farmer was a jack of all trades for the Twins' bench last season, registering appearances at every infield spot except for catcher. In 242 plate appearances last season, Farmer posted a slash line of .214/.293/.353 with an OPS+ of 81.
Farmer is now with the lowly Colorado Rockies, still demonstrating an ability to play all across the infield. He remains a below-average offensive contributor, registering a slash line of .236/.274/.365 through his first 157 plate appearances this season.
Josh Staumont, RHP
In 25 appearances out of the Twins' bullpen last season, Josh Staumont gave the impression of a veteran who might be able to find a landing spot on a big-league pitching staff this season. Staumont posted a 3.70 ERA with the Twins, but given the structure of the Twins' bullpen, he was someone who wasn't going to be back with Minnesota in 2025.
Staumont landed a minor-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds but has yet to pitch this season at any level as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury. The Reds have yet to provide any further updates on the veteran pitcher.