The Orioles traded catcher Alex Jackson to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor league infielder Payton Eeles, reducing the Orioles’ 40-man roster count to 39. Jackson, who turns 30 on Christmas, was arbitration-eligible, with an estimated salary around $1.8 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Trade details
- Orioles receive Payton Eeles, a 26-year-old infielder/outfielder who signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent after playing at Coastal Carolina and in the independent American Association in 2023. In 210 minor league games, Eeles has batted .285/.410/.417 with 28 doubles, 10 triples, 16 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 68 stolen bases in 86 attempts, plus 120 walks and 141 strikeouts. He appeared in 86 games for Triple-A St. Paul in 2025, posting a .379 on-base percentage.
- Eeles is noted for defensive versatility, having played second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions, making him a potential utility option for the Twins.
Context and projections
Jackson’s potential role with the Twins would be as a veteran backup behind primary catcher Ryan Jeffers, filling a backing role behind a developing pitching staff. The Orioles designated him as expendable, partly due to arbitration eligibility and the presence of two established catchers on the roster. Analysts have suggested the trade may reflect balancing payroll and roster needs, with the Twins seeking added depth behind Jeffers while the Orioles recoup a prospect asset.
Notes on implications
The move tightens the Orioles’ roster flexibility by converting Jackson into a prospect asset, while giving the Twins a veteran option to bridge behind Jeffers and potentially stabilize the catching position in 2025. Arbitration considerations place Jackson’s salary in a region that could influence whether teams evaluate him primarily as a catcher or as a defensive utility piece in the roster.
“Jackson was traded today for minor league infielder Payton Eeles, reducing the number of players on the 40-man roster to 39.”
Author summary: The Orioles swapped veteran catcher Alex Jackson for the Twins’ Payton Eeles, trimming Baltimore’s 40-man roster and adding a defensively versatile, prospect-priced player to Minnesota’s system in a move underscored by arbitration dynamics and roster needs. 120–200 characters.
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