Jake Cave

After a career-best season at the plate in 2019, Cave struggled in 2020, hitting just .221 with a .674 OPS and 82 wRC+. His walk rate declined (4.1%) sharply and his strikeouts increased (35.8%), leading to slumps like a 1-for-23 stretch in late July. Cave can play all three outfield positions (82nd percentile for Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant) and has above-average speed (74th percentile sprint speed, per Statcast). He previously drew walks at a decent clip and makes hard contact, so he could bounce back if he can reduce his strikeouts. He may also fit better as a platoon option given his struggles against left-handed pitching (.548 OPS vs. lefties last season). He'll try to win a reserve role again this spring.

Cave proved to be a valuable reserve outfielder for the Twins as he was pressed into regular duty in the second half due to injuries and responded with an .806 OPS and eight home runs in 76 games. Cave can play all three outfield positions, but is challenged to be more than a spot starter in center field (-3 DRS in CF). He draws walks at a decent clip and makes hard contact. However, a high strikeout rate (31.1 K%) can get him in trouble. He may also fit better as a platoon option given his .732 OPS vs. left-handed pitchers. He'll try to win a reserve role again this spring, and again likely needs an injury to one of the three primary outfielders or to the DH, Nelson Cruz, in order to get regular at-bats.

Cave was blocked in the minors with the Yankees, but found new life and a path to the majors with the Twins. He hit .265/.313/.473 with 13 home runs in 91 games, getting an extensive trial as a starter late in the season. However, his .363 BABIP, 23.2% HR/FB and 33.0 K% did not back up his surface stats. Cave can play all three outfield positions, but would be challenged to be more than a spot starter in center field. He showed decent power in the upper levels of the minors, with strikeout percentages in the mid-20s, but has typically been old for his level. Cave could profile on the strong side of a platoon, as he hit .287/.335/.509 with a slightly better strikeout rate (30.8%) against righties while posting just a .642 OPS against lefties. Unfortunately, Cave will likely need an injury to one of the three primary outfielders or to the DH, Nelson Cruz, in order to get regular at-bats.