Unexpected Twins performer is probably going to squeeze James Outman off roster

Two big swings from utilityman Ryan Kreidler, who replaced Royce Lewis on Minnesota's 26-man roster after the 2017 first-overall pick landed on the injured list with a knee sprain, may be enough to force James Outman off the Twins' big-league roster. Kreidler, 28, hit a solo homer off Boston Red Sox lefty Garrett Crochet on Monday and a three-run home run off Boston righty Ryan Watson on Wednesday.

Lewis expects to return from the IL on the first day he is eligible, April 21 vs. the Mets in New York, per MLB.com. Assuming Lewis is activated when expected, one player will be forced off the Twins' 26-man roster in five days.

Twins UTL Ryan Kreidler deserves to keep roster spot when Royce Lewis returns from IL

Kreidler could lose his 26-man roster spot when Lewis returns, but it makes more sense for the Twins to designate Outman for assignment. Outman, 28, is hitless in 20 plate appearances with two walks this season. Even though he finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2023, he hasn't looked like a bit leaguer since, posting -1.5 bWAR in the last two seasons amid numerous Triple-A stints.

While Outman provides value as a solid defender and pinch-runner, he isn't worth keeping on the team if he cannot hit. It's time for the Twins to move on from the former Dodger.

Kreidler and Austin Martin can serve as Minnesota's backup center fielders if the Twins want Outman off their roster. If Minnesota wants to keep Kreidler over Outman, the former Dodger would have to be designated for assignment and placed through waivers since he's out of minor-league options. There's a good chance Outman would clear waivers, which would allow the Twins to stash him in Triple-A for non-roster depth.

After replacing Lewis on Minnesota's 26-man roster, Kreidler has started three games at third base. All three of those games were when the opposing team had a lefty starting on the mound. Tristan Gray has been the primary third baseman against righties in Lewis' absence.

Since Kreidler can play center field and all infield positions besides third base, he provides more defensive versatility than Outman, who can only play outfield. Kreidler is clearly more valuable than Outman, barring a major turnaround.

Even if Minnesota opts to keep Kreidler over Outman on its big-league roster, Kreidler still has to perform much better than expected to keep his spot on the team. In 223 career MLB plate appearances, Kreidler has posted an awful .141/.210/.206 (19 OPS+) slash line.

It's doubtful Kreidler is in the Twins' long-term plans, with top prospects Emmanuel Rodríguez, Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper nearing their MLB debuts. But for now, it makes sense for the Twins to keep Kreidler on their roster over Outman.

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