As spring training winds down, the competition for Minnesota’s final bench spot is one of the most intriguing roster questions. The Twins appear to have most of their position player group set, but the backup shortstop job is still unsettled. With Brooks Lee expected to be the team’s primary shortstop, Minnesota needs a reliable defensive option behind him.
That competition currently centers on two players with very different profiles. Ryan Kreidler is already on the 40-man roster and offers defensive versatility, while Orlando Arcia brings a decade of big league experience and a past All-Star selection. Neither player is expected to contribute much with the bat, which places even greater pressure on Lee to produce at shortstop in his age-25 season.
Why Kreidler Should Make the Roster
Kreidler appears to have the inside track entering the final week of spring training. The biggest reason may have nothing to do with his on-field performance. He is already on the Twins’ 40- man roster, making the decision much simpler from a roster management perspective. Teams often prefer to keep depth options they already control, especially when the alternative requires adding a non-roster player. That factor alone could give Kreidler the edge.
Defensively, Kreidler offers the type of versatility that managers value on the bench. He has experience at all three infield spots to the left of first base and has also logged time in both center field and left field. That ability to move around the diamond could make him a valuable late-inning defensive replacement.
Kreidler has also flashed some offensive potential in the minor leagues. Across 1,963 career minor league plate appearances, he has posted a .236/.342/.401 slash line with a 106 wRC+. His most recent season produced a .238/.363/.389 line and a 109 wRC+ in 401 plate appearances. Those numbers suggest that if even a portion of his minor-league production translates to the majors, Kreidler could develop into a useful utility player.
Why Kreidler Could Be Left Off the Roster
While Kreidler’s minor league numbers offer some optimism, his major league track record has been extremely limited and largely unproductive. He has appeared in parts of four big league seasons but has accumulated just 211 plate appearances during that span. In those opportunities, Kreidler has struggled to make consistent contact, owning a slashline of .138/.208/.176. The strikeouts have been particularly concerning. Kreidler has struck out in 31.8 percent of his major league plate appearances, contributing to an overall .383 OPS.
Even if the Twins primarily value his defense, it becomes difficult to justify a roster spot when the offensive production has been so minimal. If Minnesota decides they need even marginally better offense from the final bench spot, Kreidler could lose ground in the competition.
Why Arcia Should Make the Roster
Arcia represents the veteran alternative in this battle. The 31-year-old is entering his 10th major league season and brings a wealth of experience compared to Kreidler. At one point in his career, Arcia was a reliable everyday shortstop and even earned an All-Star selection with the Atlanta Braves. While that version of Arcia may be in the past, the Twins could value the presence of a seasoned player on their bench.
He appeared in 76 games during the 2025 season, splitting time between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies. After Atlanta released him in May, Colorado quickly signed him to a major league deal and used him in a variety of roles.
Arcia’s versatility has grown in recent years. Once known strictly as a shortstop, he played all four infield positions in Colorado, including the first appearance of his career at first base. That expanded defensive role could make him an appealing utility option. If Arcia proves capable of handling multiple infield spots, he might provide more flexibility for manager Derek Shelton when constructing the bench.
Why Arcia Could Be Left Off the Roster
Despite his experience, Arcia faces significant challenges in earning the final roster spot. His offensive production has declined sharply over the past two seasons. In 214 plate appearances during the 2025 season, Arcia hit just .202/.238/.291. His 33 wRC+ ranked as the lowest mark of his career and the second-worst among players with at least 200 plate appearances last year.
The decline has also extended to his defense. During his early years with the Milwaukee Brewers, Arcia was considered an excellent defensive shortstop. In recent seasons, however, his glovework has graded closer to average.
Age and roster logistics could also work against him. As a non-roster invitee, Arcia would require the Twins to make a corresponding move to add him to the 40-man roster. In contrast, Kreidler already occupies a spot and can be added to the Opening Day roster without additional maneuvering. If the Twins prioritize roster flexibility and long-term depth, Arcia may ultimately fall short in this competition.
The battle for the final bench spot reflects two different approaches to roster construction. On one side, Kreidler offers youth, defensive versatility, and the convenience of already being on the 40-man roster. Additionally, his glove could make him a useful late-inning option even if the bat never fully develops.
Arcia brings experience and a track record, including years as a starting shortstop in the majors. Even if his best seasons are behind him, the Twins may believe the veteran still has something left in the tank.
Regardless of who ultimately earns the job, the situation underscores the importance of Lee’s development. With limited offensive expectations from either backup, the Twins need their young shortstop to anchor the position throughout the 2026 season.
Who will win the backup shortstop role for Opening Day? Leave a comment and start the discussion.