St. Paul – Minor League free agency can be a daunting time, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time. That was the case for one of the newest St. Paul Saints, Cody Morissette, whom the Miami Marlins released a month ago.
Morissette was Miami’s second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Boston College. He excelled as a contact hitter and on-base machine, putting up a .337/.400/.507 slash line over 114 career games with the Eagles.
However, he’d been a slow riser through the Marlins farm system. He was limited to 14 games with Triple-A Jacksonville this season, spending most of his time on the development list. When he got playing time with the Jumbo Shrimp, he performed well with a .282/.364/.410 slash line, a walk-off grand slam on May 23 against the Norfolk Tides, and another walk-off hit the next day.
Even with a strong performance in a small sample size, it wasn’t enough for the Marlins to warrant keeping him around, and Morissette entered Minor League free agency for the first time.
“It’s definitely scary,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen once you’ve been released. So, to be able to have the Twins reach out as soon as they did, it was a big relief, a weight lifted off my shoulders. And they’ve shown they believe in me, and now I’ve just got to go out there and perform and have fun.”
Morissette has been the standout hitter in the Saints lineup during their most recent homestand. He crushed his second grand slam of the year in the first inning of the Saints’ 12-6 win over Buffalo on June 30, and followed up with a multi-home run game in a 3-2 loss on July 1.
The Twins pursued Morissette shortly after Miami released him because of his former status as a high-round draft pick, as well as his plate discipline and defensive versatility.
“I know he’s excited to be in the organization,” Saints manager Brian Dinkelman said regarding Morissette. “I think anytime somebody comes from a different org, there’s kind of a breath of fresh air for him to be here. So yeah, he’s done a nice job with us so far, nice play in the one inning on defense today to save a run. He’s been good for us.”
After they signed him on June 8, he spent a quick week at Double-A Wichita playing in four games to adjust to changing organizations. He’s only played in 12 games with the Saints since being promoted on June 15. Still, he’s been a solid addition to the Saints infield, putting up a .250/.340/.545 with four home runs and 10 RBI.
“Everyone has been open and honest, communicated with me, made sure I know what I’m doing,” Morisette said. “Dinkelman has been a great manager, making sure I know what I’m doing out on the field and making sure I know what I’m doing in work, and it’s been great. Love the teammates; we have a really fun group of guys.”
“I watch him go about his business in the cage and doing his stuff, and he works his butt off,” said Saints outfielder Walker Jenkins. “So when you see guys that reap what they sow type of thing, it’s awesome. And same thing: he’s another great guy. We all want him to succeed.”
His next three games played will already exceed the number of games he played in the Marlins organization this season (14). It’s disappointing for Morissette to have the team that drafted and developed him into the player he is today let him go. Still, he’s relishing the opportunity he has with the Saints and how quickly he’s earned his teammates’ respect.
“I pride myself on that, just going to work, working hard,” he said. “That’s one of the things you can control. Can’t really control much else other than that, but I appreciate the praise from [Jenkins]. He’s a heck of a ballplayer, and I enjoy sharing a clubhouse with him.”
