The Twins are selecting the contracts of catcher Jair Camargo and infielder Yunior Severino, per Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune. Both players were scheduled to reach minor league free agency, though the Twins have prevented that outcome by adding them to the 40-man roster.
Camargo, 24, made his professional debut with the Dodgers back in 2016. After three seasons in the rookie leagues, he eventually made his full-season debut in 2019, slashing .236/.301/.342 in 316 plate appearances while splitting time between catcher and third base at the Single-A level. Camargo was then packaged alongside veteran right-hander Kenta Maeda and shipped to Minnesota in exchange for Brusdar Graterol, Luke Raley, and a 2020 draft pick during the 2019-20 offseason.
After scuffling to a .236/.279/.418 slash line at the High-A level during his first season with the Twins, Camargo broke out during his age-22 campaign by slashing .262/.310/.483 with 18 home runs in just 326 trips to the plate primarily between the High-A and Double-A levels.
Severino, 24, was originally signed by the Braves as an amateur but was declared a free agent when the league sanctioned the Atlanta organization in the wake of violations on the international free agent market. He subsequently signed in Minnesota and, after a few nondescript minor league campaigns, has elevated his stock and now played his way onto the 40-man roster.
The 2023 season saw Severino slash .272/.352/.546 with 35 homers, 17 doubles and three triples between the Double-A and Triple-A levels. That marked an impressive followup to 2022’s .278/.358/.530 output between High-A and Double-A. Severino has worked primarily as a third baseman in recent seasons but logged notable reps at first base and second base this past season as well. He adds to a wealth of infield depth in a Twins organization that currently has Jorge Polanco, Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Eduoard Julien and Alex Kirilloff at the MLB level, in addition to prospects like Brooks Lee and Austin Martin knocking on the door after impressive minor league campaigns.
I hope a few more selections are coming down the pipeline
Another option is that if a team was eyeing to grab Severino (or Camorgo, for that matter) in the Rule 5 the Twins could make a trade. The Twins also value power bats, even on a 3 true outcome player. He’s got a ways to go on the depth chart, but not a guy you want to risk losing for nothing.
Camargo may be playing his was into the conversation for 3rd catcher. Miraculously we only had to use 2 catchers this past year. But Camargo is insurance (although not great defensively). Also if we decide to unload Vasquez (we’d have to pay most of his contract) then Camargo takes his spot.
With a 37% K rate in AAA and a league average bat (wRC+ 100) for the level while playing mostly at 1B, I don’t know as it’s worth it to keep Severino on the 40 man. I suppose the Twin can always DFA him and try to sneak him through later. He’s a long ways removed from a top prospect, but I suppose somebody might have grabbed him in rule 5.
Jair Camargo makes sense as the Twins don’t have much to rely upon to back up the catchers in their system. He’s not a great defensive catcher, strikes out a ton and doesn’t take walks, but he does have some pop. Catchers are always in demand, I suppose.
Man, all those signings the Braves lost, and I think only 2 have even made a ML appearance thus far.
Pretty sure Severino would be the third if he does make it alongside Soto for the angels I believe and I think a pitcher for the Royals.
“He subsequently signed in Minnesota and, after a few nondescript minor league campaigns, has elevated his stock and now played his way onto the 40-man roster.”
The comma after “and” is wrong. And there needs to be a subject before “as elevated.” Below is correct:
He subsequently signed in Minnesota, and after a few nondescript minor league campaigns, he has elevated his stock and now played his way onto the 40-man roster.