Twins Claim Versatile Infielder Vidal Brujan Off Waivers from Braves

The Atlanta Braves saw their infield depth decrease on Wednesday as the Minnesota Twins claimed Vidal Brujan off waivers, ending his brief tenure with the organization. Atlanta had designated Brujan for assignment on January 8, creating the opportunity for another club to add the 27-year-old to their roster.

Brujan, a Dominican native turning 28 on February 9, is out of minor league options, meaning the Braves could not send him to Triple-A without exposing him to other teams. Minnesota immediately designated catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper for assignment to open a spot on its 40-man roster and acquire the versatile switch-hitter.

During the 2025 season, Brujan split time among three teams. He appeared in 36 games with the Cubs, a single contest with the Orioles, and 23 games with the Braves, totaling 95 plate appearances. With Atlanta, he posted a .268/.362/.317 slash line, driving in runs and providing consistent contact in limited opportunities.

Despite flashes of success, Brujan’s major league track record remains modest. Across parts of five seasons with five teams, he holds a career batting line of .199/.267/.276 in roughly 645 plate appearances, with five home runs and a .543 OPS. His offensive production has never fully matched the promise shown earlier in his career.

1. Versatility as Brujan’s Asset

Brujan’s value largely stems from his ability to play multiple positions. Over his major league career, he has seen action at first base, second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots. Additionally, he has thrown 3⅔ innings in relief on rare occasions, demonstrating his willingness to contribute wherever needed. This flexibility has allowed Brujan to remain on big league rosters despite limited offensive production. Teams can view him as a utility option capable of filling in during injuries or late-game situations. Brujan’s ability to play multiple positions also provides strategic depth for Minnesota, particularly on a roster with other versatile, out-of-options players. Managers can rely on him to cover gaps without making roster disruptions. While his offense may lag behind league averages, his defensive adaptability and willingness to contribute in various roles make him a useful bench option for teams seeking flexibility in a long season.

2. Minor League Success and Prospect Background

Brujan has historically excelled in the minors, where his offensive and speed tools were more pronounced. Over more than 1,000 Triple-A plate appearances, he compiled a .273/.356/.450 slash line with a 10.6% walk rate and a 16.5% strikeout rate. Early in his career, he ranked among the top-100 prospects and participated in the 2021 All-Star Futures Game. His speed was once a defining feature, leading to multiple minor league seasons with 40 or more stolen bases. Although Statcast ranked his sprint speed in the 37th percentile last season, he still brings a level of athleticism rare among utility players. The combination of speed, on-base ability, and defensive versatility made him a highly regarded prospect, and teams continue to value these tools when building depth. While his offensive production in the majors has lagged, his minor league performance provides evidence of untapped potential. Brujan’s track record suggests he can contribute in high-leverage situations if given the right opportunities, particularly as a late-inning replacement or pinch runner.

3. Role in Minnesota’s Depth Chart

In Minnesota, Brujan joins a crowded group of out-of-options players competing for bench roles, including James Outman, Edouard Julien, and Kody Clemens. His experience and versatility make him a strong candidate for a utility spot, though roster flexibility will remain key. Any attempt to assign him to Triple-A in the future would again require clearing waivers, which complicates long-term roster planning. The Twins will need to balance Brujan’s upside against the risk of losing him to another team. Brujan’s ability to play multiple positions could give him a slight edge over other bench candidates, particularly if injuries or lineup adjustments arise during the season. Managers value players who can fill in across both infield and outfield without a steep drop-off in defensive capability. As spring training approaches, his role will likely hinge on performance and health, but Minnesota’s acquisition signals that the organization values flexibility and depth heading into the 2026 season.