Kreidler's Versatility: A Double-Edged Sword for the Twins
Ryan Kreidler's spring performance at the plate has been, to put it kindly, underwhelming. Through 34 plate appearances, he's batting .133/.235/.233 with a 27 wRC+ and a strikeout rate of 32.4%.
These numbers might raise eyebrows, but for those familiar with Kreidler's track record, this isn't a shocker. His offensive struggles are well-documented, with a career 11 wRC+ over 211 plate appearances with the Detroit Tigers.
Yet, it's not his bat that caught the eye of former Twins president Derek Falvey last October. Kreidler's calling card is his glove and defensive versatility, and this spring, he's been showcasing those skills.
Across 13 games, Kreidler has been a defensive Swiss Army knife: five appearances at third base, four at shortstop, three in center field, and one in right. While he hasn't yet played left field or second base this spring, his skill set suggests he'd be competent there, too.
This makes him a true super-utility player. Unlike Willi Castro, Kreidler won't dazzle with his bat, but his defensive prowess adds value at every position, including the critical spots of center field and shortstop.
As the Twins look to fill four bench spots, Kreidler seems to have the edge over competitors Tristan Gray and Orlando Arcia for the backup shortstop role. His defensive flexibility and reliable glove make him a strong candidate. However, the question remains: how much offensive struggle can the Twins tolerate?
Consider players like Denzel Clarke of the West Sacramento Athletics and Nick Allen of the Houston Astros. Despite Clarke's 75 wRC+ over 159 plate appearances, his exceptional defense in center field earned him 1.3 fWAR, primarily from his fielding. Similarly, Allen was a standout defensive shortstop for Atlanta in 2025, with 17 Outs Above Average, despite a challenging 53 wRC+ over 416 plate appearances.
Clarke and Allen are rare cases, yet their teams continued to roster them, highlighting that teams can overlook offensive shortcomings if paired with elite defense. Kreidler may not match Clarke's or Allen's defensive elite status, but his ability to play multiple positions at a high level offers significant value, akin to what Clarke and Allen provide in their specialized roles.
Still, Kreidler's hitting woes are hard to ignore. His career wRC+ of 11 is significantly below the league's average, making him the lowest-performing hitter among those with at least 200 plate appearances this decade. Even with a slight improvement this spring, including a notable opposite-field home run against Phillies' reliever Jonathan Hernández, his offensive game remains a concern.
In the end, Kreidler's case is a balancing act. His defensive versatility is a tremendous asset, but it can only compensate for so much at the plate. The Twins will need to weigh the scales carefully as they finalize their roster decisions.