The Twins and Red Sox have linked up for a small but intriguing trade, with Boston sending infielder Tristan Gray to Minnesota in exchange for catching prospect Nate Baez. It’s a move that doesn’t grab headlines, but it could have ripple effects as both teams look to solidify depth ahead of Spring Training.
**Let’s start with Gray. ** He’s 30 years old in March and has bounced around a bit since being drafted by the Pirates in the 13th round back in 2017.
Over the past few seasons, he’s had brief cups of coffee in the majors with the Rays, Marlins, and A’s, though his total big league experience amounts to just 36 plate appearances across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Last year, he got his longest look with Tampa Bay, logging 86 plate appearances across 30 games and slashing .231/.282/.410.
That’s not eye-popping production, but it’s not nothing either-especially considering he showed some pop and versatility, playing all four outfield spots.
Gray was traded to Boston earlier this offseason, but his stay was short-lived. Now, he’s headed to Minnesota, where he’ll likely be in the mix for a utility role. And while the odds may be stacked against him cracking the Opening Day roster, there’s a path-albeit a narrow one-if things break his way.
One of the more interesting wrinkles in Gray’s profile is his reverse platoon splits. Despite hitting left-handed, he’s actually done his best damage against lefty pitching.
Two of his three big-league homers came off southpaws, and his career line against lefties (.360/.407/.680 in 27 plate appearances) dwarfs what he’s done against righties (.163/.223/.279 in 95 plate appearances). That’s a dramatic difference, though the sample size is small enough that it’s tough to draw firm conclusions.
Still, it’s something for Minnesota to keep an eye on-especially if they’re looking for matchup-based bench options.
At the Triple-A level, Gray has been a solid contributor. He owns a career .242/.310/.472 slash line there and brings defensive flexibility with experience across the infield. That versatility could be key for a Twins team that’s loaded with young talent but also has some durability concerns.
Minnesota’s infield picture heading into 2026 is headlined by Luke Keaschall at second, Brooks Lee at short, and Royce Lewis at third. That’s a trio with loads of upside-but also a history of injuries. Gray isn’t pushing any of them off their spots, but he could be a next-man-up option if health becomes a factor.
In the meantime, Gray will be battling it out in camp with a crowded group of utility candidates. Kody Clemens and Austin Martin probably have the inside track after solid showings last season, but guys like Vidal Brujan, Eric Wagaman, and Ryan Kreidler are also in the mix.
It’s a deep group, and Gray will need to stand out to earn a spot. But if he can flash some power and keep showing that defensive flexibility, he might just carve out a role-especially if injuries open the door.
On the other side of the deal, Boston picks up Nate Baez, a 24-year-old catching prospect who was taken by the Twins in the 12th round of the 2022 draft. Baez had a quietly productive 2025, posting a .278/.371/.423 line over 96 games split between High-A and Double-A. That’s a solid offensive profile for a catcher, and the on-base skills in particular stand out.
Baez isn’t a top-tier prospect, but he brings value as a catcher who can handle the bat and move up the system. For a Red Sox organization that’s been reshaping its catching depth, he adds another name to the developmental mix.
All in all, this is a classic depth-for-depth swap. The Twins take a flyer on a versatile infielder who might be able to help in a pinch, while the Red Sox add a bat-first catching prospect who could develop into something more. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s the kind of move that can quietly pay dividends down the line.