The Minnesota Twins had just released Carson McCusker, and then the news that followed made sense.
McCusker has signed to play in Japan.
Yakyu Cosmopolitan broke the news Thursday that the 27-year old outfielder has a contract in NPB.
McCusker just made his MLB debut this season for the Twins. He had five hits in 29 at bats.
He was originally a 26th-round pick of the Brewers in the 2017 MLB Draft out of Folsom Lake College.
McCusker, at 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds, has always been noticeable, but it wasn't always clear he'd make it.
He actually never played in the Brewers' system after being drafted, instead going to Oklahoma State.
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After playing at OSU, McCusker could only latch on in the independent Frontier League for two-and-a-half seasons.
Finally, the Twins signed him for some action in the 2023 season at Single-A and High-A.
He moved up to Double-A and Triple-A in 2024, and saw time at Triple-A and the majors in 2025.
As a minor league hitter, McCusker has an .828 OPS. His swing will likely translate well in Japan.
And at his age, McCusker could still earn himself a trip back to MLB after yet another step in a long baseball journey.
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