MINNEAPOLIS — Following an unfortunate injury to rising star Luke Keaschall, the Minnesota Twins quickly moved to bolster their roster by acquiring a versatile infielder and outfielder from the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday morning in exchange for cash considerations.
The move came less than a day after Keaschall was diagnosed with a nondisplaced fracture in his right forearm, an injury that placed him on the 10-day injured list.
The infielder, who is the son of MLB legend Roger Clemens, had recently been designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday. Despite a strong showing in spring training—where he hit .327 and earned a spot on Philadelphia’s Opening Day roster — Clemens saw limited action during the regular season. He appeared in only seven of the Phillies’ first 26 games, going hitless in six at-bats with one walk, all in pinch-hit or late-game situations.
TRADE DETAILS
- Twins receive: INF/OF Kody Clemens
- Phillies receive: Cash considerations
Kody Clemens wasted no time joining his new team. He arrived at Target Field just a couple of hours before the Twins’ matchup against the Los Angeles Angels and was immediately brought into manager Rocco Baldelli’s office for a quick introduction.
“He told me to get as many reps as I can at first and second base, and be ready to help there,” Clemens said of his initial conversation with Baldelli. “He knows I’ve played third and some corner outfield, so he mentioned being available for emergency situations out there too. He just said he’s really excited I’m here.”
A Texas native and former third-round draft pick by the Detroit Tigers in 2018 out of the University of Texas at Austin, Clemens brings some big-league experience to the table. Across parts of three seasons (2022 with Detroit, and 2023–25 with Philadelphia), he has compiled a .197 batting average with 20 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, 22 walks, and 45 runs scored, along with a .611 OPS in 157 MLB games.
Throughout his career, Clemens has shown defensive versatility. Primarily manning first, second, and third base, he has also made several starts in left field, one appearance in right field, and even briefly filled in at shortstop. He was active and available for Saturday’s game wearing jersey No. 18.
“I’ve seen Kody play a bit over the years,” Baldelli said. “We’re adding a quality left-handed bat and a guy who can defend well at multiple positions. We view him as a very solid second baseman, comfortable at first base, and someone who can give us coverage at third and the outfield corners when needed.”
Meanwhile, Keaschall’s injury is a tough blow for the Twins, given how quickly the rookie made an impact. After starting the year at Triple-A St. Paul, the Twins called up their No. 3 organizational prospect — also ranked No. 57 overall in MLB — ahead of their series in Atlanta last week. Upon returning to Minnesota, Keaschall was already hitting third in the lineup and had quickly emerged as one of the Twins’ most reliable offensive threats.
Reflecting on his setback, Keaschall expressed his disappointment but remained focused on recovery.
“I was a little angry,” he admitted, “but I’m trying to think about the big picture — getting healthy as fast as I can.”
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