The Twins acquired the following players for their 2025 active roster:
- Ty France, first baseman
- Harrison Bader, outfielder
- Danny Coulombe, relief pitcher
- Eiberson Castellano, relief pitcher
Minnesota acquired Castellano in the rule five draft, and he should be the only player on the active roster with no major league experience. He posted somewhat better three-true outcomes as he moved up through the minor league system, bringing his walks down a great deal. With a high K rate, he also allows few hits. He mostly started in 2024, so the Twins could use him as a swing man.
FanGraphs projects France to bat eighth. Whenever I see a first baseman batting that low, I think the team could have done better. France rates as a poor defensive player, so unless he hits well he brings little value to the table. It seems the Twins thinking might have been, “We need somebody to play first base, and France is somebody!” It doesn’t look like the Twins have anyone waiting in the wings to fill the position.
Bader serves as the reserve outfielder. While he won’t give the team much with the bat he’ll provide them defense when they need it.
Coulombe returns to the Twins after two very good seasons with Baltimore. He posts excellent three-true outcomes.
I don’t think any of these moves make the Twins that much better. France might even hurt them.