If there is a theme for the Minnesota Twins this offseason, it’s that they continue to hand out minor league deals. Ownership has mandated the front office to not spend any money, so major league deals have yet to take place.
There’s no such thing as a bad minor league deal, but the likelihood they make an impact is slim. Still, the Twins are stacking the odds in their favor and have signed a couple more.
Another Pitcher will compete to make MN Twins roster this spring
Rocco Baldelli has plenty of familiar faces that will join him in Fort Myers this spring. If he’s going to bring some new faces to the season opener in St. Louis, it may be because veterans on minor league deals prove worth it. Per the Twins transaction log, the club added pitching depth in the form of right-handed pitcher Joel Cesar.
Cesar is 29 years old and looking to make his big league debut. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as a 20-year-old back in 2016. After four years in the organization, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021.
In 2023 Cesar didn’t pitch in any sort of organized baseball. Last year he threw a combined seven innings for two separate Mexican League teams. Across six minor league seasons Cesar owns a 3.70 ERA and has struck out 144 batters across 148 1/3 innings. His 79 walks are a bit problematic but he has allowed just 15 home runs.
On the hitting side of things, the Twins have added 30-year-old Ryan Fitzgerald. He’s a utility guy that has capability all over the infield.
This offseason Fitzgerald played in 15 games of Dominican Winter League action. With Licey, he slashed .259/.318/.328 while hitting a double and a home run. He carried an 11/4 K/BB ratio.
Fitzgerald has spent the last three seasons as organizational depth at Triple-A. For both the Red Sox and Royals he saw time in the International League, but never earned a promotion to the highest level.
It’s nearly certain that neither player will crack the big league roster on Opening Day. They could parlay a strong spring into an eye-opening opportunity and earn consideration as the year goes on, however.
