Minnesota Twins Make Trade to Open Roster Space

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Michael Helman, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

With Spring Training looming the Minnesota Twins have had a busy couple of days. On Tuesday, they added Danny Coulombe to fortify the bullpen. One day later, Harrison Bader signed a deal to become the team’s 4th outfielder in 2025. But after their flurry of signings this week, the Twins’ 40-man roster was suddenly full. So late Thursday, they cleared some space with a trade.

Minnesota Twins send Michael Helman to St. Louis

Michael Helman made his major league debut for Minnesota last season, which made the utility man a member of the 40-man roster this offseason. In fact, Helman even made the trip to Minneapolis last weekend for Twins Fest. Just a few days later, he was shipped off to St. Louis for “cash considerations”.

We may never know how much money the MN Twins received in this deal, but the money is usually considered inconsequential. In this case, it’s the 40-man roster spot that president Derek Falvey and his front office was seeking to clear.

Helman was an 11th round pick by Minnesota back in 2018. After six seasons in the minor leagues he earned a call-up in 2024. Helman played in nine games for the Minnesota Twins last season. He had three hits in ten at bats. Two of them were doubles, and he scored a pair of runs.

After a slow start to his professional career, Helman found significant success at Triple-A each of the past two seasons. In 2023 he hit .296/.356/.546 across 27 games. Last year he had a .271/.350/.487 slash line.

Minnesota needed to clear a pair of 40-man spots in order to add their recent free agent acquisitions. The Cardinals trading for Helman allowed them to find one without needing to designate him for assignment.

Related: Minnesota Twins Trying to Add More Infield Depth, Specifically SS

It would have been difficult for Helman to find playing time at the big league level in Minnesota. He is already 28 years old and behind plenty of other utility options. His spot on the 40-man roster was well-earned, but was always going to be difficult to keep.

With the Cardinals, he can compete at multiple positions and look to break Spring Training with the major league club.

Ronny Henriquez DFA’d by MN Twins

On top of clearing a spot by moving Helman, the Minnesota Twins also designated Ronny Henriquez for assignment. He has seen this fate multiple times over his Minnesota career, and the bullpen was going to be tough for him to crack.

Minnesota acquired Henriquez in the Mitch Garver trade with Texas a couple of years ago. He didn’t pitch in the big leagues during 2023 but made a return last season. Across 19 1/3 innings, Henriquez posted a 3.26 ERA with 15 strikeouts.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sign Gold Glove Outfielder

Command has often been the problem for the young reliever. He is still just 24 years old and should have plenty of opportunities in front of him. If the Twins can squeeze him through waivers again, it makes sense to stash him as a depth arm in St. Paul.

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