The Twins have acquired numerous infielders who will likely compete for a utility role this Spring Training. In October, they claimed utilityman Ryan Kreidler, who has a .383 OPS in 211 career MLB plate appearances, off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Then, Minnesota signed former Braves All-Star infielder Orlando Arcia, who can play all four infield positions, to a minor league deal.
The Twins also claimed utilityman Vidal Bruján, a former top-100 prospect per MLB Pipeline, off waivers from the Braves one week ago. However, the Twins announced today they designated him for assignment to make room for utility infielder Tristan Gray, whom Minnesota just acquired from the Boston Red Sox for minor league catcher Nate Baez, who has a career .787 OPS in parts of four minor league seasons. MassLive's Chris Cotillo was first to report Gray is heading to the Twins, and ESPN's Jeff Passan was first to report Baez as the return.
Twins increase infield competition by acquiring utility infielder Tristan Gray from Red Sox, DFA utilityman Vidal Bruján
Gray, 30 in March, can play all four infield positions. He has 122 plate appearances across 47 career MLB games with the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins and Athletics, posting 0.3 bWAR and a .207/.264/.369 (77 OPS+) slash line with four home runs, six doubles and 10 RBI. The Rays traded Gray, who was selected in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, to the Red Sox earlier in the offseason.
Gray, a left-handed hitter, has hit .360/.407/.680 in 27 plate appearances against southpaws in his MLB career. At the Triple-A level, he holds a career .242/.310/.472 slash line.
As far as the Twins' position players go, Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, Kody Clemens and Josh Bell are locks to make the Opening Day roster, barring injuries. That leaves three open spots. At least one will go to an outfielder, with Alan Roden and James Outman being the main candidates (unless Minnesota wants to fast-track top prospect Walker Jenkins). Both outfielders could also make the roster.
Catcher Alex Jackson also could be on the roster if Minnesota wants three catchers. Corner infielder/outfielder Eric Wagaman will also likely be on the roster. Not to mention, outfielder Trevor Larnach will be on the roster unless he is traded this offseason, which many expect to happen.
The Twins will likely have one or two spots available for either Gray, Arcia or Kreidler. Whoever has the strongest Spring Training will have the best chance to make the roster. Arcia likely has the biggest advantage of the three, considering he has the most MLB experience and is a former All-Star.