The Twins released right-handed pitcher Matt Canterino, who will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in March, last week.
According to MLB’s Matthew Leach, Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said Canterino could be out for over 12 months.
But Canterino isn’t done with the Twins just yet.
Minnesota signs Matt Canterino to two-year minor league deal after season-ending shoulder surgery
Luckily for the Twins, they were able to hold on to their talented right-handed pitcher.
After being released, Canterino cleared waivers and became a free agent. The Twins then signed him to a two-year minor league contract, according to Betsy Helfand of The St. Paul Pioneer-Press.
The Twins have signed Matt Canterino, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery and out for the season, to a two-year minor league deal.
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) April 28, 2025
Canterino, 27, has a 1.48 ERA with 135 strikeouts over 85 career minor league innings.
Because of excessive injuries, Canterino hasn’t had a chance to make an impact at the major league level quite yet. He received Tommy John surgery in 2022, which kept him sidelined for two seasons.
Once one of the Twins’ most highly regarded prospects, Canterino has a mid-90s fastball, plus slider and reliable curveball.
Canterino, who last pitched on July 30, 2022, clearly has potential, and the Twins are hoping the former second-rounder can stay healthy long enough to climb the organizational ranks.
The only reason they released him in the first place is that he was holding a valuable spot on the 40-man roster, and placing him on the major league IL would have cost $760K+.
If the former prized pitching prospect can finally get his shot at a big league roster, it will probably be out of the bullpen.
He has started and pitched in relief in the minors, but it would make sense for the Twins to keep him as a reliever to reduce the risk of more injuries.
Canterino is on a long list of players in the Twins organization dealing with injuries. Although Royce Lewis should be returning soon, he has yet to play a major league game this season.
Matt Wallner was the Twins’ best hitter this year before landing on the injured list, and Walker Jenkins has been hurt most of the season.
