The Minnesota Twins are turning Spring Training into a full-blown infield audition.
With Opening Day inching closer, the Twins are clearly prioritizing depth and versatility across the diamond. Their latest move?
Acquiring utility infielder Tristan Gray from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league catcher Nate Baez. To make room on the 40-man roster, Minnesota designated Vidal Bruján for assignment-a quick turnaround after claiming the former top-100 prospect off waivers just a week ago.
Let’s unpack what this means for the roster battle brewing in Fort Myers.
Tristan Gray: Another Swiss Army Knife Joins the Mix
Gray, who turns 30 in March, brings a left-handed bat and the ability to play all four infield spots. He’s not a household name, but he’s got some intriguing tools.
In 122 career MLB plate appearances across stints with the Rays, Marlins, and A’s, Gray has hit .207/.264/.369 with four homers and a 0.3 bWAR. Not eye-popping numbers, but he’s shown flashes-especially against lefties.
In a small sample size, Gray has mashed southpaws to the tune of a .360/.407/.680 slash line.
That kind of reverse-split potential could be valuable for a Twins team looking to optimize matchups late in games. In Triple-A, Gray’s posted a respectable .242/.310/.472 line, showing some pop and positional flexibility-traits that often earn a utilityman a seat on the bench come April.
The Infield Puzzle: Gray, Arcia, Kreidler in the Mix
Gray joins a growing group of utility options vying for what’s likely one or two open roster spots. The Twins already added Ryan Kreidler off waivers back in October and signed former Braves All-Star Orlando Arcia to a minor league deal. Kreidler, a glove-first infielder, has struggled offensively in the big leagues (.383 OPS in 211 plate appearances), while Arcia brings the most experience of the trio-including a 2023 All-Star nod and the ability to play anywhere in the infield.
Arcia might have the inside track based on his résumé alone, but Spring Training will be the ultimate decider. With Gray’s lefty bat and Arcia’s experience, the Twins are giving themselves options depending on how the rest of the roster shakes out.
Vidal Bruján’s Short Stay
Bruján’s time in Minnesota was brief. Once a top prospect in the Rays’ system, he’s yet to translate that promise into consistent big-league production. His designation for assignment signals that the Twins saw more immediate upside in Gray’s profile, or simply preferred his fit within a crowded infield picture.
Roster Math: Who’s In, Who’s Competing
Assuming health, several position players are locks for the Opening Day roster: Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, Kody Clemens, and Josh Bell. That leaves three open spots.
At least one of those will go to an outfielder-Alan Roden and James Outman are the frontrunners, unless the Twins make the bold move to fast-track top prospect Walker Jenkins. There's also the possibility both Roden and Outman make the roster, depending on how the outfield shakes out.
Catcher Alex Jackson is in the mix if Minnesota opts to carry three backstops, and Eric Wagaman-who offers corner infield and outfield coverage-has a strong shot to stick as well. Trevor Larnach remains a factor, though trade rumors continue to swirl around his name.
That leaves a narrow path for Gray, Arcia, or Kreidler to crack the Opening Day squad. It’ll likely come down to who shows the most in camp-both at the plate and defensively. Arcia’s experience gives him a leg up, but Gray’s left-handed bat and positional versatility could make him a sneaky candidate if he gets hot in March.
Bottom Line
The Twins aren’t just stockpiling utility players-they’re building a competitive environment where roster spots have to be earned. It’s a smart play for a club looking to contend in 2026. Injuries happen, slumps happen, and having a bench full of players who can move around the diamond and handle different matchups is a luxury.
Tristan Gray is the latest piece in that puzzle. Now it’s up to him-and the rest of the utility crew-to prove they belong when the lights come on in Spring.