The Twins have signed outfielder Wynton Bernard to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. He had previously been with the White Sox on a minor league deal but was released a few days ago.
Bernard, 33, got into 41 games with Triple-A Charlotte prior to being released. His 3.2% walk rate in that time was well below average but he also kept his strikeouts down to a 16.8% clip. His .306/.328/.446 batting line translates to a 97 wRC+ in this year’s International League environment. He also stole 11 bases in 12 tries and played all three outfield positions.
That’s a perfectly solid performance but the White Sox are deep in a rebuild and probably prefer to give their minor league playing time to younger players who could perhaps progress towards helping the club in the future.
For the Twins, they are in win-now mode and are a more logical fit for a veteran depth guy like Bernard, though his path to a big league roster spot in Minnesota will be steep. The Twins currently have an outfield mix consisting of Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner and Manuel Margot, with Willi Castro splitting his time between the infield and outfield. Alex Kirilloff and Austin Martin would also be in the infield/outfield camp but both are currently on the injured list.
Buxton and Margot both have pretty checkered injury histories, so it’s possible the need for help on the grass could emerge at any point. Bernard has also stolen quite a few bases in his minor league career and could perhaps serve as a bench piece as a September call-up, jumping in for some pinch-running opportunities or to serve as a defensive replacement. His major league track record consists of 12 games with the Rockies in 2022, during which time he hit .286/.286/.310 and stole three bases in four tries. If he gets a 40-man roster spot at any point, he still has a couple of options remaining.
I’d rather see Keirsey called up. Dudes been hitting and stealing bases all year in AAA. He can play all three outfield positions too.
minor league deal. not on the roster. Keirsey should be trade bait.
OF injury report incoming
Buxton?
Probably just adding some depth as we approach the trade deadline. If someone knocks their socks off for, say, Kepler or Kirilloff they won’t be flat-footed. Plus Bernard can stay in St Paul if Keirsey is the one called across the river.