The Minnesota Twins are in a bit of a bind with catcher Alex Jackson. As Opening Day approaches, they're exploring trade options for the 30-year-old, according to a National League evaluator. If a deal doesn't materialize, Jackson might find himself on waivers.
Here's the situation: Jackson is out of minor league options, meaning the Twins can't send him down without exposing him to waivers. They picked him up from the Orioles back in November, trading minor league utility player Payton Eeles. While Eeles isn't exactly a top prospect, his departure indicated the Twins saw potential in Jackson to make the big league roster.
Fast forward a few months, and things have changed. The Twins have not only held onto starting catcher Ryan Jeffers despite trade interest, but they've also added Victor Caratini on a two-year free agent deal.
This leaves Jackson in a tough spot, as he's unlikely to surpass Jeffers or Caratini on the depth chart. His roster spot would only be secure if the Twins decide to carry three catchers or if an injury occurs in the final stretch of Spring Training.
There is a possibility Jackson could clear waivers and stay with the organization on a non-roster basis. He agreed to a $1.35 million salary for his first year of arbitration, which any claiming team would have to honor.
With his three years of service time, Jackson could choose free agency if he clears waivers, but that would mean giving up guaranteed money. It's likely he'd accept a Triple-A assignment with St.
Paul instead.
Last season with the Orioles, Jackson showed some pop in 37 games, hitting five home runs and eight doubles over 100 plate appearances. However, his strikeout rate was a concerning 40.7%, contributing to a .153/.239/.288 line over his major league career. If the Twins part ways with Jackson, their experienced catching depth in the upper minors would be thin, leaving David Bañuelos-who's only appeared in two MLB games-as their primary non-roster option.