Twins Opening Day infield
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Carlos Santana | 1B/DH |
Alex Kirilloff | 1B/DH |
Edouard Julien | 2B/DH |
Carlos Correa | SS |
Royce Lewis | 3B |
Ryan Jeffers | C |
Christian Vazquez | C |
Kyle Farmer | INF |
It was once looking like Brooks Lee might edge his way into a roster spot, but that now seems like a long shot that will only happen if an injury opens something up. After signing Carlos Santana, the Twins infield looks pretty much set and there's not a ton of mystery or wiggle room at any position.
The only questions that really remain here are where players already on the 26-man roster will end up playing, as that could shift around a bit as we approach Opening Day. Alex Kirilloff is a wild card as a lot depends on his health heading into the season. He's expected to be ready to go, but the Twins will likely still want to be careful with how much is put on him to start the year, which might mean Edouard Julien sliding over and spending some time at first.
This scenario is why it made some sense to have Austin Martin on the Opening Day roster but that no longer seems to be in the cards. Instead, Kyle Farmer can play second while Julien is at first and Santana serves as DH -- a combo we might see even see a version of with Kirilloff in the lineup.
Minnesota needs Julien's bat in the lineup, and Farmer getting $6 million in arbitration means the team plans on using him regularly this season in a utility role. That could result in Julien serving as DH more often than not while Farmer's glove is at second, with Lee potentially getting called up at some point early on in the year once someone hits the IL.
On the bubble:
- Brooks Lee, 2B
- Jose Miranda, 3B
- Yunior Severino, 1B/2B
Jose Miranda is someone to keep an eye on for a number of reasons. He's been boxed out of an everyday role on the corners of the infield but could bounce back and serve as useful depth there this season. He doesn't figure to make the Opening Day roster but if he puts together a solid spring don't be surprised to see him hit the Majors over Lee.