Twins shed three players for roster room
Minnesota clears space for offseason moves as Banda, Sabato, and Gray become free agents.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Three spots on the Minnesota Twins' 40-man roster will be vacant by the end of this week. Reliever Anthony Banda and infielders Aaron Sabato and Tristan Gray cleared waivers on Thursday. The team will now outright their contracts, making all three players free agents.
The moves secure immediate flexibility for the front office to sign new talent. Banda, 33, arrived in Minnesota in February via trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had been a top performer after a rough April, but a season-ending lat injury in June ended his campaign. Surgery will keep him out until mid-2027. He would have earned approximately $2.3 million if the Twins had tendered him a contract.
Sabato, 27, was called up for the final week of the 2026 season. The 2020 first-round draft pick had fallen off the prospect radar but performed well at Triple-A. He played in three games and went hitless in six at-bats. The call-up served as a reward for his recent improvement.
Gray, 30, started the year in a utility role but lost his spot to Ryan Kreidler as the season progressed. In 66 games, Gray recorded a -0.7 bWAR, the second-worst mark among Twins position players. His departure reflects the team's preference for better defensive options at the infield positions.
These three departures are the Twins' first roster moves since the 2026 season concluded. The team is now prepared to use the opened spots for upcoming signings.
