DaShawn Keirsey Jr. has found a new home after eight years with the Twins.
The Minnesota Twins’ offseason has been defined by change, and one of the quieter departures involved outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr., who has officially joined the Atlanta Braves on a minor league contract (h/t Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic).
For Twins fans, Keirsey’s exit marks the end of a long developmental journey that began when the club selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Keirsey’s path through the Twins’ system was steady but rarely spotlighted. He worked his way up the ladder with flashes of speed and defensive versatility, carving out a reputation as a reliable center fielder who could cover ground and impact games on the bases.
His minor league numbers reflected that potential, as he posted a .284/.363/.448 slash line with 19 home runs and 51 stolen bases across 186 Triple-A games. That blend of offense and athleticism kept him on the radar, even as strikeouts remained a concern.
Keirsey made his big-league debut in 2024, appearing in just six games and logging 14 plate appearances. His role expanded in 2025, but not in the way many envisioned. Keirsey appeared in 74 contests, yet logged only 88 plate appearances.
He was deployed almost exclusively as a late-game defensive replacement, pinch runner or occasional pinch hitter. In those limited opportunities, the 28-year-old hit just .107 with two home runs, though he did swipe 10 bases in 13 attempts. While his offensive struggles were evident, his speed and glove provided value in tight situations.
Ultimately, the Twins designated Keirsey for assignment and non-tendered him in November, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. That decision reflected the organization’s crowded outfield picture, where younger talents and established veterans left little room for a player still searching for consistent production.
Now, Keirsey will attempt to carve out a role with the Braves, who signed him in December. Atlanta’s roster is already deep in outfield options headlined by Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar and Mike Yastrzemski, but Keirsey’s ability to play all three spots should give him a chance to compete for a bench role.
Keirsey’s time in Minnesota may have been brief at the big-league level, but his years in the system showcased the organization’s commitment to developing versatile athletes. Whether he finds success in Atlanta or not, his story underscores the difficulty of turning minor-league promise into an impact in MLB.