Twins Trade for Son of Baseball Royalty

On Friday afternoon the Minnesota Twins outrighted Diego Cartaya off the 40-man roster. The former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect has failed to perform at Triple-A and found himself clearing waivers.

The good news for Minnesota is that Cartaya passed through waivers unclaimed and will stay in the organization. His departure from the 40-man roster left an open spot for the front office to work with.

It seemed like the opening could have been for standout Triple-A outfielder Carson McCusker. For now at least, that’s not going to be the case. Roger Clemens hasn’t played since 2007. His son Kody is now coming to the Twins organization.

Kody Clemens joins the Minnesota Twins organization

The Philadelphia Phillies recently designated utility player Kody Clemens for assignment. As the Minnesota Twins did with Jonah Bride from the Miami Marlins, they swung a trade to add him to the roster.

Twins acquiring Kody Clemens from the Phillies, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 26, 2025

Kody Clemens is not his father. He hasn’t been connected to steroids, but he also hasn’t been very good. Roger Clemens should be in the Hall of Fame. Kody Clemens has never played more than 56 games at the big league level during a single season.

This season Clemens has just six at bats in seven games for the Philadelphia Phillies this season. He is hitless with a walk. Across 153 career games Clemens owns a .197/.244/.367 slash line. He has 20 doubles, a triple, and 14 home runs.

Thank you Philly! It was an amazing chapter in my book! Thankful for all the memories and relationships I’ve created over the past 3 seasons!

Extremely excited for this new opportunity in Minnesota!

Let’s go Twins! pic.twitter.com/DrcQwTj2Ka

— Kody Clemens (@kodyclem) April 26, 2025

The former third round pick plays all over the place but primarily has factored in at first and third base. He could spell Ty France for the Minnesota Twins, and he’ll add additional depth after the injury to Luke Keaschall. Minnesota will be without their second base prospect for a matter of weeks after he suffered a forearm fracture on Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels.

Clemens has a level of familiarity with the AL Central as he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He made his big league debut with the organization in 2022 as well.

MN Twins roster shuffle incoming

It was announced that Keaschall fractured his forearm after Friday night’s game. Of course the Twins didn’t make an immediate roster move. He will be placed on the injured list Saturday, and it stands to reason that Clemens will take his spot.

Royce Lewis is currently rehabbing with the St. Paul Saints. He hadn’t played since injuring his hamstring during Spring Training on March 16. He could rejoin the big league club on Monday in Cleveland if they want to expedite his timeline.

Related: Minnesota Twins Lose Exciting Young Call Up to Injury

Clemens will get an immediate opportunity to factor in for Minnesota. Rocco Baldelli’s infield is relatively stretched while rostering Jonah Bride, Mickey Gasper, and Clemens. The sooner they can return to a relative level of health, the better.