Twins Re-Sign 29-Year-Old David Bañuelos to Minor-League Deal With Non-Roster Invite

The Minnesota Twins added catching depth when they signed David Bañuelos to a minor-league contract that includes a non-roster invitation to spring training. The deal, reported as agreed on Feb. 5, brings a 29-year-old glove-first backstop into big-league camp as the Twins sort their catching pecking order before the season.

"The Minnesota Twins agreed Feb. 5 to a minor‑league deal with catcher David Bañuelos that includes a non‑roster invitation to spring training. Bañuelos (29) has limited MLB experience (two big‑league games across 2024–25) and has been viewed as a glove‑first backstop; MLBTR says he’ll likely provide" captures the transaction details and the scouting shorthand that follows Bañuelos through his professional career. Another short report summarized the move simply: "David Banuelos has agreed to a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins. He will be in big league camp as a non-roster invitee."

The signing is straightforward roster economics. Non-roster invitations let clubs evaluate defensive-minded veterans without committing a 40-man roster spot, and Bañuelos fits the archetype of a veteran catcher who can steady a pitching staff in camp and serve as depth at Triple-A if he does not break with the big club. For the Twins, that depth matters during spring training when the handling of pitchers and late-game defense can decide bullpen roles and roster bubbles.

There is a discrepancy in how different reports describe Bañuelos’ big-league experience. One account notes "two big‑league games across 2024–25" while another states, "his major league experience amounts to a single plate appearance." Those competing figures highlight the importance of confirming service time and appearance records, but both accounts agree on the overall arc: Bañuelos has had very limited MLB exposure and is primarily valued for his defense and experience in the minors.

For fans and roster watchers, this signing is a reminder that spring training is not only about marquee hopefuls but also about veteran catchers jockeying for backup jobs or organizational roles. Bañuelos’ immediate task will be to show pitch framing, game-calling, and durability in camp to earn consideration for a 26-man Opening Day roster spot or to secure the kind of Triple-A role that keeps him on the radar for a midseason call-up.

What comes next is straightforward: Bañuelos will report to big-league camp and the Twins will evaluate his defensive work alongside their young pitchers. His spring performance will determine whether he becomes a depth piece at Rochester or a late-inning option in Minnesota, and for fans who follow roster battles closely, his presence adds another layer to a competitive spring training.