Which Players In St. Paul Are Most Likely To Fill Minnesota's Open 40-man Roster Spot? - Zone Coverage (2024)

The Minnesota Twins have an open spot on their 40-man roster after they designated reliever Jay Jackson for assignment on June 20. The Twins recalled Kody Funderburk from St. Paul the next day to fill his spot on the active roster. However, Minnesota’s front office has taken its time to weigh their options for the 40-man spot.

At least five Saints players have made their case for their first opportunity with the big league club this season. These five players range from top prospects to long-time minor leaguers itching for their first chance in the majors and long-time veterans hoping to return.

Here are the five Saints with the best chances to fill in the Twins open spot on their 40-man roster.

Brooks Lee

A herniated disk has kept Lee on the injured list for the first two months of the season. However, since the Saints activated him on June 4, Lee has been living up to expectations over his three weeks at Triple-A.

Lee picked up where he left off as one of Minnesota’s top prospects this season. In only 14 games with the Saints, Lee hit .350/.400/.617, four home runs, including a grand slam. He also had his first-ever multi-home run game, 15 runs batted in, and a 1.017 OPS.

The biggest uncertainty with Lee entering the season was how he’d improve as a right-handed hitter. Lee had a mediocre .231/.266/.337 triple slash from the right side in 109 plate appearances. While the sample size is smaller this year, Lee’s results are much better. He has a .321/.367/.679 triple slash from the right side in 30 plate appearances.

There’s no question Lee will make his major league debut this season. However, the Twins must add him to the 40-man roster before giving him that special moment.

David Festa

According to MLB Pipeline, Festa is Minnesota’s top pitching prospect, and he has made his case for a call-up to the big leagues this season. Festa has had a phenomenal 35.1% strikeout rate and has kept his walk rate low at a staggering 9.7%. His 87 strikeouts on the season are only second in the International League, and his 13.12 K per 9 is the best in the league among qualifying starters.

Like with Lee, it’s a matter of when, not if, Festa will make his MLB debut in 2024. However, Minnesota’s rotation is productive and healthy, so there hasn’t been an opening for Festa.

Still, Chris Paddack is dealing with arm fatigue and might need to skip a few starts. That would allow Festa to debut and would be the quickest way for him to be added to the 40-man roster.

Tony Kemp

The 32-year-old, nine-year MLB veteran had a slow start to his 2024 season. He bounced from the Cincinnati Reds to the Baltimore Orioles in Spring Training and signed a minor-league deal with the Twins in mid-April.

Kemp’s tenure with the Twins organization started slow, but he’s settled into a leadership role in the Saints clubhouse. He’s posted a .280/.355/.447 triple slash and is rolling on one of the best power streaks in his career, hitting six home runs in 42 games. Kemp’s career high in home runs at any level of professional baseball is 10, and Kemp is on pace to hit 32 this year.

His performance in St. Paul is notable. However, Kemp’s positional versatility is almost identical to Austin Martin’s. He is playing at second base, left field, and center field in St. Paul. While Kemp is still hoping for the opportunity, he’s making the most out of mentoring his teammates in St. Paul, who are working to get back to the majors or doing everything they can for their first opportunity.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr.

Keirsey has had a great season with the Saints, leading the team in hits (59), batting average (.307), and stolen bases (16). The 27-year-old outfielder has been consistent for the team all year, but a calf strain sidelined him for three weeks.

He returned to the lineup on June 22, going 3-for-5 with his ninth homer of the season. Keirsey has positioned himself as a solid fourth outfielder for the Twins if they need another. However, like many outfielders on the Twins 40-man, he bats left-handed.

An opportunity may present itself for Keirsey to get on the 40-man if Max Kepler lands another stint on the injured list following his exit with neck stiffness on June 20. However, the Twins are likelier to call Matt Wallner up to replace Kepler.

Randy Dobnak

Dobnak is having his best season on the mound since 2020 with St. Paul this year, posting a 4.35 ERA in 68.1 innings over 15 games. He may be the least likely of these five to get the call-up because Minnesota’s pitching staff isn’t in the dire status of his services. Still, he’s making the most of his time in St. Paul, winning the International League pitcher of the week honors a week ago.