Twins Catching Prospect Wow’d Big League Coaches and Teammates

The Minnesota Twins have rotated Christian Vazquez and Ryan Jeffers on a nearly even split this season behind the plate. Vazquez has had moments of production offensively, but has put on a defensive clinic . Jeffers started strong, cooled off, and has since gotten hot again. Rostered only briefly , Jair Camargo has made an impression too.

Jair Camargo doing it behind the scenes for the Minnesota Twins

Rocco Baldelli has had Jair Camargo on his lineup card only a couple of times this season. Minnesota added the rookie to the 40-man roster this offseason. He didn’t replicate his .826 OPS at St. Paul from 2023 this year, but made his big league debut. In his latest recall, while Vazquez was on the paternity list, Camargo didn’t get any action. That didn’t stop him from turning heads with the Twins. Phil Miller of the Star Tribune notes that the rookie made an impression.

“We should let him go out there and let the other team watch him hit. He’s hitting opposite-field home runs into the upper deck, things like that. Even from guys with incredible talent, you still don’t see things like that very often.”

Rocco Baldelli on Jair Camargo’s batting practice (Star Tribune)

Camargo has yet to record a major league hit . He has played in five games but has just seven plate appearances to show for it. It is the bat that is his carrying tool though, and most notably the power. Camargo launched 21 home runs last season and had 18 in 2022. His 11 at Triple-A this year are a step backwards, but he has dealt with injury as well.

Camargo’s next shot in the big leagues may need to wait until 2025. He’s not an ideal candidate to pair with Jeffers due to the defensive limitations. The big arm is impressive, and he has controlled the running game decently. If Vazquez is moved this offseason to clear salary , a bunch of playing time opens up. The Twins have yet to see the offensive production at the big league level, but Toby Gardenhire can speak to what has taken place in St. Paul.

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Minnesota has a solid history of offensive catchers in recent seasons. Mitch Garver was a member of the 2019 Bomba Squad. Ryan Jeffers paced the club in home runs out of the gate this season. Prior to switching positions, Joe Mauer put up gaudy numbers offensively as well. It’s unlikely that Camargo replicates any of that trio, but he could carve out a nice niche for himself in due time as well.

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The Saints season ends in just over a week. Camargo won’t go into offseason mode just in case the Twins call his number.

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