Twins option Alan Roden to Triple-A St. Paul
The Minnesota Twins optioned outfielder Alan Roden to Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday, according to the team's transaction log.
With Roden joining the Saints, Outman is pretty much guaranteed to be on the Opening Day roster along with outfielders Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, who should frequently start in the DH spot, and Austin Martin, who rejoined the Twins' lineup on Sunday after suffering a concussion last week. Kody Clemens and Ryan Kreidler can also play outfield and have good chances to break camp on the 26-man roster.
Roden, whom the Twins acquired along with left-handed pitcher Kendry Rojas from the Toronto Blue Jays for right-handed reliever Louis Varland last summer, has had a strong spring training, slashing .302/.362/.395 with a grand slam and seven RBI over 47 plate appearances. He's primarily played left field but has also received playing time in center.
While Roden may deserve to make the Opening Day roster, it isn't a surprise he didn't make the cut. It appeared he was battling for a roster spot with outfielder James Outman, whom the Twins acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart in July. Since Outman, who is hitting .220/.340/.366 with two homers and six RBI this spring, is out of minor-league options and has more experience, it makes sense that the Twins want to give the former Dodgers Rookie of the Year candidate the roster spot over Roden.
Trevor Larnach earning roster spot over Roden is puzzling move
What doesn't make sense is that the Twins would prefer to pay Trevor Larnach $4.475 million to remain on the 26-man roster rather than pay Roden the league minimum. Roden is a strong defensive left fielder, has shown he can also play center field, and has a much higher offensive ceiling than Larnach, who has proved he's a league-average hitter and a poor defender.
Regardless of what we fans think, it appears the Twins plan to keep Larnach on their roster for the rest of the year. For Roden to find himself on the 26-man roster as soon as possible, Outman would have to start the season poorly, or an injury would have to occur.
Outman needs to perform at a high level early if he wants to keep roster spot
Outman will have to prove he's worthy of remaining on the 26-man roster early in the season, which will be tough since it's doubtful he'll be in the starting lineup regularly.
The Twins would prefer for the Stewart trade to help the team, but Minnesota's brass should still be quick to designate Outman for assignment if he struggles again in 2026. Outman finished third in 2023 Rookie of the Year voting after finishing the season with 3.4 bWAR and a 114 OPS+. Since then, he has failed to hit above .200, leading him to spend a lot of time in the minors. Given his outstanding rookie season, Outman clearly has the potential to perform at a higher level. But it's also likely he won't return to the 2023 version of himself, and Roden finds himself back in the majors soon.