Minnesota Twins clear roster space by outrighting Anthony Banda, Tristan Gray and Aaron Sabato

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins kicked off their offseason work on Thursday with roster moves designed to clear space on the 40-man roster. Minnesota announced that Anthony Banda, Tristan Gray and Aaron Sabato all cleared waivers and will be outrighted off the Twins’ 40-man roster, a transaction that makes each player a free agent.

With those outrights complete, Minnesota’s roster is down to 43 players. The Twins also noted that five players remain on the 60-day injured list and therefore are not counted against the 40-man limit.

The three players are among a group Minnesota expects will change status as its roster work continues. The team said several other players will soon become free agents, including Ryan Jeffers, A.J. Minter and Josh Bell.

Banda was the most prominent name among Thursday’s departures. Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in February, the right-hander gradually became a factor in the Twins’ late-inning bullpen mix after a slow start. His season ended early when he suffered a significant left lat strain, and he subsequently underwent surgery.

Minnesota said Banda is likely to be out until at least July as part of the rehabilitation process. The Twins also indicated that, if they chose to, they would have the option to try to work out a deal for Banda to return, though the club characterized that as not a front-burner item given the rehab still ahead.

Gray, listed as a 30-year-old utility option, appeared in 66 games for Minnesota in 2026. The club described his season as including early offensive contributions, followed by a reduction in playing time after a slump at the plate.

Sabato, 27, was Minnesota’s first-round Draft pick in 2020. The Twins said he made his Major League debut in September, marking the end of his initial phase with the organization at the big-league level this season.

The outrighting of Banda, Gray and Sabato is another step in the Twins’ offseason roster management and sets up a period in which multiple players, including those named by Minnesota for impending free agency, could become available for new opportunities. For the Twins, the immediate priority is maintaining roster flexibility while working through the next phase of roster decisions.