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Kody Clemens earning Silver Slugger finalist cements his remarkable career turnaround

The Philadelphia Phillies cut Clemens in April 2025. Now, he is the Twins' MVP and a Silver Slugger finalist.
ByJackson Kruse
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Jul 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Kody Clemens (2) runs the bases after hitting a walk-off grand slam against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Jul 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Kody Clemens (2) runs the bases after hitting a walk-off grand slam against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If Luke Keaschall hadn't fractured his forearm in April 2025, the Twins likely wouldn't have acquired Kody Clemens. After Keaschall's injury, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Clemens to the Twins for cash. The Phillies designated Clemens for assignment a few days earlier.

At the time of the trade, Clemens was 28 and had played just 153 games across parts of four seasons. The Twins brass likely viewed Clemens as a temporary replacement for Keaschall and never expected him to become a vital part of the team.

Fast forward to the present day, and Clemens is the Twins' 2026 MVP and a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award finalist for American League second basemen, according to FanSided. It's a remarkable career turnaround for a journeyman utilityman who had been designated for assignment less than two years ago.

Twins' Kody Clemens named Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award finalist after breakout season

Clemens, now 30, posted 2.5 fWAR and a .239/.298/.460 (108 wRC+) slash line with 27 home runs and 81 RBI over 145 games with Minnesota in 2026. While he is a Silver Slugger finalist for second basemen, Clemens also played first base and all three outfield positions this year. His power and defensive versatility made him Minnesota's most valuable player last season in the minds of many.

Clemens performed best when it mattered, slashing .307/.368/.559 (153 wRC+) in 147 plate appearances with runners in scoring position this year. He had as clutch a moment as any player could have against the Kansas City Royals in late July, hitting a two-out, walk-off ultimate grand slam on an 0-2 count to give the Twins a 4-3 win at Target Field.

The other Silver Slugger finalist for American League second basemen is Chase Meidroth of the Chicago White Sox. Clemens had more home runs and RBI than Meidroth this year, but the White Sox second baseman leads in batting average, slugging percentage and doubles. Here is how the two AL second basemen compare:

Player

Kody Clemens

Chase Meidroth

Home runs

27

16

RBI

81

63

Doubles

22

31

Triples

7

0

BA

.239

.276

OBP

.298

.350

SLG

.460

.415

wRC+

108

118

Unfortunately, Meidroth appears to be the favorite to win the award. Regardless, it's an honor for Clemens to be named a finalist.

For now, it looks like Clemens will be Minnesota's starting second baseman in 2027. Royce Lewis can also play second, but Lewis will likely start at first base unless the Twins trade or non-tender the struggling 2017 first-overall pick. If the Twins keep Lewis and add another bat this offseason, Clemens would likely play all around the diamond in 2027, giving everyday players an occasional day off.

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