As has been the expectation now for week, the St. Paul
Saints will officially join the Minnesota Twins organization in 2021 per reports from the Star Tribune. Previously playing in the American Association as
an Independent Baseball team, they’ll now assume the role of the Twins Triple-A
affiliate.
For years there has been talk about the convenience having an
affiliate just down I-94 would provide the Twins. Then during the pandemic
shortened season, CHS Field acted as the alternate site for the Major League
club. With Major League Baseball throwing around its weight and controlling baseball
across the country, a massive reshuffling has taken place. Gone are roughly 40
minor league clubs as 120 total affiliates is the new number. Regional
restructuring has taken place, and new draft feeder leagues have emerged.
Impacting the Twins is a new partner at the highest minor
league level. Having been affiliated with the Rochester Red Wings since 2003,
the Minnesota Twins will now turn a new chapter in their developmental history.
The Saints were founded in 1993 and were originally part of the Northern League
prior to joining the American Association.
As it’s the Saints joining the Twins organization, they’ll
inherit talent from within. Minnesota will now send Triple-A destined prospects
to St. Paul rather than Rochester. This means that the players previously under
contract with the Saints will be displaced throughout Independent Baseball. Per reporter Chelsea Ladd, there have been talks the American Association will hold
a draft of sorts to find those players new teams.
Also, of note is the Twins swapping their Double-A
affiliate. After just one season working with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the
Twins will now join forces with the Wichita Wind Surge. The Wind Surge were
originally scheduled to operate as the Miami Marlins Triple-A affiliate, with
2020 being their first season. Obviously with the pandemic that never happened.
It’s not great news for Wichita, who will drop a level in with the affiliation,
but Minnesota inherits a closer Double-A club and one that is opening a brand-new ballpark and facilities.
Certainly, Major League Baseball expanding its reach across
Major League, Minor League, and now even amateur baseball is a suboptimal
development. Having such a monopoly over the sport, ownership groups continue
to line their pockets while paydays for future generations of talent can continue
to be stifled. However, if you’re simply a Twins fan, having the ability to
watch future franchise pieces just 13 miles from Target Field, and a driveable
journey to Wichita as a possibility, isn’t the worst silver lining.
For years, the St. Paul Saints possibility has been kicked
around, and now in the first year it will happen top prospects like Royce
Lewis, Alex Kirilloff, Jordan Balazovic, and Jhoan Duran should all be featured
for a time in St. Paul. We may have to wait through the waning stages of a
pandemic to see them in person, but a new era of baseball in Twins Territory
has been ushered in.
