Twins claim former top-100 prospect Vidal Bruján from Braves as Mickey Gasper loses 40-man roster spot
The Minnesota Twins announced on Wednesday that they have claimed utilityman Vidal Bruján off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, who designated him for assignment last week. Minnesota designated catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper for assignment as a corresponding move.
Bruján, 28, ranked among MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects from 2020-22. He has struggled to live up to his prospect rankings, hitting .199/.267/.276 (55 OPS+) with five home runs, 48 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 261 games across parts of five big-league seasons.
Bruján began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting .157/.218/.221 (27 OPS+) in 99 games for the team from 2021-23 before being traded to the Miami Marlins along with righty pitcher Calvin Faucher for third baseman Erick Lara, righty Andrew Lendsey and a player to be named later, who ended up being outfielder Jake Mangum, on November 17, 2023.
The new Twins utilityman appeared in 102 games with Miami in 2024, posting 0.5 bWAR and a .222/.303/.319 slash line with two home runs and 16 RBI over 278 plate appearances. The Marlins designated him for assignment on December 20, 2024, then dealt him to the Chicago Cubs for first baseman Matt Mervis and cash.
Bruján struggled in 36 games with the Cubs, hitting .222/.234/.289 (51 OPS+) in 47 plate appearances before being designated for assignment on July 30 to help clear space for trade deadline acquisitions. The Baltimore Orioles claimed him off waivers from the Cubs. He played in just one game with Baltimore, then was claimed off waivers by the Braves. In 47 plate appearances across 23 games with Atlanta, Bruján hit .268/.362/.317 (95 OPS+) with two doubles and five RBI.
Do Twins view Vidal Bruján as team's new Willi Castro?
Like Castro, Bruján can play almost every position on the diamond. Except for catcher, he's logged innings at every position, including pitcher, in the big leagues.
Bruján will likely have to perform well during spring training to earn a 26-man roster spot. But with his defensive versatility, he has an edge over the other players who are hoping to crack the Opening Day roster. Additionally, the fact that he was recently viewed as one of the game's best prospects likely helps his odds of donning a Twins uniform during the 2026 regular season.
Mickey Gasper's loss of 40-man roster spot with Twins was long time coming
Just one week ago, I wrote that Gasper was in danger of losing his 40-man roster spot. He was valuable for Minnesota last year, serving as the team's primary catcher when both Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez were sidelined with injuries. But most Twins fans knew he most likely wouldn't be with the team in 2026, as he hit just .158/.257/.232 (37 OPS+) with two homers, one double and 11 RBI in 110 plate appearances with the Twins in 2025.
Gasper will now go through waivers. If no team picks him up, the Twins can stash him in the minor leagues. There's also a strong possibility he will pursue an opportunity to play overseas, which would likely allow him to maximize his earnings.