The Minnesota Twins are set to begin a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego at 8:40 p.m. CDT on Friday after having the day off on Thursday. While we wait for the series to begin, let's take a look at a few former memorable Twins with their new clubs.
Kepler, who played in parts of 10 seasons with the Twins, signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks in June after serving an 80-game PED suspension. Arizona activated the outfielder on June 25.
Kepler, who played for the Philadelphia Phillies last year, has overall struggled since joining the Diamondbacks. The outfielder has slashed .216/.282/.333 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 35 games with Arizona. He has only played left field for the Diamondbacks.
Kepler has performed better lately, collecting four hits over his last 14 at-bats.
The Twins have an opportunity to help Kepler's new team this weekend, as the Diamondbacks are just one game behind the Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot. Unfortunately, if Arizona reaches the postseason, Kepler will be ineligible for the team's playoff roster due to his suspension.
The Twins traded Castro to the Chicago Cubs at last season's trade deadline. Despite Castro posting a rough .485 OPS over 34 games with Chicago, the utilityman landed a two-year, $12.8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies over the winter.
Castro has been a bit inconsistent at the plate this year, but his numbers are solid overall. In 109 games with Colorado, Castro has hit .264/.335/.425 with 14 home runs, 18 doubles and 52 RBI. He has recorded innings at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field for the Rockies.
Before the All-Star break, Castro had a .709 OPS with seven home runs. Since then, he has slashed an outstanding .276/.345/.561 with seven home runs. If Castro's hot streak continues, he could be a valuable trade chip for the Rockies in the offseason. However, it's also worth noting that he has an .858 OPS at the Rockies' Coors Field, an extremely hitter-friendly ballpark, and a .668 OPS on the road.
Yep, the 39-year-old Minnesota native is still pitching in the big leagues. Thielbar re-signed with the Cubs on a one-year, $4.5 million contract over the winter.
Thielbar had a strong 2025 season with Chicago, posting a 2.64 ERA over 58 innings, but has struggled significantly this year. The southpaw has recorded a 5.35 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and 47 strikeouts over 38 2/3 innings with the Cubs in 2026.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Checking in on 3 former memorable Minnesota Twins players with their new clubs .
