The longtime minor-leaguer has caught the attention of Twins coaches this spring. His “throwback” style might put him in position for the team’s final bench spot.

Mickey Gasper has been making waves in spring training, showcasing a blend of versatility and determination that has caught the attention of both fans and coaches.

Acquired from the Boston Red Sox in December for left-handed pitcher Jovani Morán, Gasper has already shown resilience and adaptability during his professional career.

A Versatile Asset

Gasper’s ability to play multiple positions is a significant asset for the Twins.

Primarily a catcher and first baseman for most of his tenure in the minors, he has also logged innings at second base, providing the team with valuable flexibility.

This spring, the Twins have been testing his capabilities at the keystone, where he had limited experience before this camp.

Manager Rocco Baldelli has been impressed with Gasper’s work ethic and adaptability.

“He’s a guy that you have to watch play and watch produce to see what he is,” the skipper said. That support has been echoed by other members of the field staff.

“He’s made all the plays that he’s supposed to. He seems like a good decision-maker,” said Twins bench coach Jayce Tingler. “After he catches it, he knows what to do with the ball. Kind of a throwback, just a good, solid baseball player.”

Gasper has been making a compelling case for a roster spot at the plate. He’s played eight games, going 8-for-23 with one home run and a stolen base.

Spring numbers can be taken with a grain of salt, but he’s been known for his contact skills throughout his professional career. His consistent performance in these exhibition games highlights his potential to contribute offensively at the major-league level.

“He has definitely had a good start to camp. We were excited when we acquired him,” Tingler said. “He’s been everything as advertised. It’s been very good at-bats. He certainly has a knack for getting on base. He’s hit from both sides of the plate.”

Roster Implications

Twins coaches have referred to Gasper as a “throwback” player style, a nod to his old-school approach and versatility on the field.

This characterization reflects his ability to adapt and excel in various roles, much like utility players from earlier eras of baseball.

“The main thing is, he’s kind of an old-time baseball player,” Tingler told reporters. “Whatever you feel like you’re going to get, it’s always his best effort. Running down the line, great at-bats, he’s been solid defensively. He’s gotten off to a nice start in camp.”

Gasper’s emergence presents the Twins with some intriguing roster decisions.

That could mean that younger players like Austin Martin, Brooks Lee, or Edouard Julien might begin the season at Triple A, as the team balances player development with immediate needs.

Gasper wasn’t on the team in Twins Daily’s most recent roster projection, but there is still an opportunity for him to take a spot from another player.

In recent games, Gasper and Julien have regularly been in the lineup together at some combination of first and second base.

This is likely a sign that the Twins believe both players can fill a similar role with the Twins, but they offer contrasting styles. Gasper is a contact hitter, while Julien has the potential to hit for more power.

Julien’s struggles in the second half of 2024 have him in a position where he needs to prove himself this spring—although, since Gasper is much older (29) and has never had success in the majors, he must prove even more.

As spring training progresses, Gasper’s performance will be closely monitored.

If he continues to impress both defensively and offensively, he could secure a spot on the Twins’ Opening Day roster, embodying the “throwback” spirit that has endeared him to coaches and fans alike.