Derek Falvey explains why Twins designated Jordan Balazovic for assignment
It sounds like his days in Minnesota are officially over.
Part of the reason the Minnesota Twins were able to bounce back after a summer slump to finally snap a 19-year postseason losing streak was the influx of young talent that boosted the roster. Guys like Royce Lewis and Edouard Julien established themselves as key pieces of the lineup, and were joined by other homegrown players such as Bailey Ober, Matt Wallner, Ryan Jeffers, and Louie Varland.
The fliip side of that coin is what happened with Jordan Balazovic.
Once a promising top prospect for the Twins, Balazovic's time with the team came to an unceremonious end on Wednesday. To make room for the recent additions of Carlos Santana, Jay Jackson, and Zack Wiess, Minnesota desginated three players for assignement with Balazovic being among that group.
Bubba Thompson and Daniel Duarte -- two players the Twins recently claimed off waivers -- were also DFA'd.
It's a bummer way for Balazovic's tenure with the team to end. Just five years ago he was showing signs of being a potential star after posting a 2.69 ERA while striking out 129 batters in 93 2/3 innings at Single-A.
He failed to deliver on that early promise, and fell out of favor due to his performance on and off the field. Now a guy who was once a Top 100 prospect is hoping to find a new team to try and rebuild his career with.
Twins explain decision to DFA Jordan Balazovic
After the move was made, Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey addressed the decision to release Balazovic in a way that makes it seem like his days in Minnesota are over.
"Jordan obviously has had some ups and downs along the way. Has been on a good track at times and then has struggled at different times. That doesn't mean that there isn't a great future ahead for him and you never know how this shakes out," Falvey said. "Ultimately [we] still really think highly of Jordan's mix and things that he can continue to do but at this time, it didn't fit as well on our 40-man.
There's an outside chance he comes back, but he would need to clear waivers. That goes for all three players the Twins DFA'd on Wednesday, as they can be stashed at Triple-A without taking up a 40-man roster spot if another team doesn't claim them.
With that said, the Twins aren't obliged to add any player that cleared waivers back to its system. Falvey left the door slightly propped open for that scenario in speaking highly of Balazovic's potential, but everything else seems to indicate this might be the end of the road for him with the Twins.
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