3 Twins prospects who won't make the Opening Day roster, 2 who still have a chance

The youth movement could get started early this year for the Twins.

Minnesota Twins v Boston Red Sox
Minnesota Twins v Boston Red Sox | Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages
5 of 5

Simeon Woods Richardson, P

Simeon Woods Richardson might be a lot closer to the roster bubble than it may seem. He hasn't been discussed nearly as much as Austin Martin or Brooks Lee, but he's someone with enough experience that he could make a case with a strong spring performance that he deserves a spot as a long reliever.

Minnesota has questions about the starting rotation that Woods Richardson could help answer. Specifically, the Twins need to figure out what the deal is with the No. 5 starter role. Anthony DeSclafani projects to be the guy but pitching depth might be a way that presents a path to the Opening Day roster for Woods Richardson.

He got called up last year but was hardly impressive in the innings he saw. Woods Richardson has fewer than 10 innings of big league work under his belt and a less than ideal 6.52 ERA across two appearances. Despite making his debut back in 2022 he's still viewed as a prospect for the Twins and perhaps the third time is the charm for finally figuring out how to be a meaningful part of the pitching situation.

It seems like a long shot but Woods Richardson deserves more credit than simply being written off before he can attempt to prove himself in Spring Training. That's going to be critical, though, as he's running out of chances but there's enough upside with him that potentially pitching his way into a bullpen role -- or a sixth starter role -- can't be outright dismissed.

Even if he's not on the initial 26-man roster, the likelihood we see Woods Richardson in the majors for a third straight year seems pretty high.

Chances of making Opening Day roster: None

More Minnesota Twins news and rumors

Schedule