At the Minnesota Twins’ spring training camp in Fort Myers, several players are competing for spots in the bullpen. Among the group, Dan Altavilla stands out as one of only two non-roster invitees departing early to represent Team Italy in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). The 33-year-old reliever signed a minor-league contract with the Twins in December, bringing experience from pitching in the Dominican Winter League and the WBSC Premier12 tournament during recent off-seasons.
Connection with LaTroy Hawkins Influences Altavilla’s Signing
Altavilla’s decision to join the Twins was heavily influenced by bullpen coach LaTroy Hawkins, who also coached Team USA in the 2024 WBSC Premier12. The two met while Hawkins was still active in international competition and Minnesota’s coaching staff convinced Altavilla to consider the Twins after Hawkins joined the organization following his retirement in 2015. Having Hawkins in the clubhouse was a decisive factor in Altavilla signing with Minnesota.
There was some mutual respect there,
Altavilla said.
I mentioned it to my agent, then I texted it to LaTroy, and they were just really interested, so we went with the Twins.
Hawkins Advocated for Altavilla Over Multiple Seasons
LaTroy Hawkins recommended the Twins pursue Altavilla for two off-seasons before, but the Chicago White Sox secured him first in the 2024-25 off-season. When Altavilla became available again nearly a year later, Hawkins identified him as a valuable candidate to strengthen Minnesota’s bullpen depth. Hawkins praised Altavilla’s pitching arsenal, noting impressive swing-and-miss rates and similarities to current Twins pitcher Joe Ryan.
[I’m a] big fan, Hawkins said.
His fastball, especially, I think his fastball is 33% swing-and-miss rate, which is pretty impressive. And the way the ball comes out of his hand, he has a fastball very similar to Joe Ryan’s, which definitely helps his cause. And he’s spinning a really good changeup, so he’s a big asset for us this year.
Altavilla Adapts Quickly to New Organization and Role
Altavilla is no stranger to changing teams, having played for four different organizations in three seasons. Despite the frequent moves, he praised the Twins’ structured approach and welcoming environment, crediting the coaching staff and teammates with easing his transition. This is particularly important as he enters his ninth MLB season and continues to seek stability amid a journeyman reliever’s demanding path.
I love it, Altavilla shared.
It’s really structured, it seems like they have [a] plan for everybody in here, and it’s been a nice start to it.
Improved Fastball Velocity Raises Optimism
Altavilla’s fastball velocity has shown encouraging signs early in camp. Last year with the White Sox, he averaged 96.3 MPH over 28 relief appearances and can reach up to 99 MPH. However, he has struggled in past spring trainings to hit those top speeds. This year, after skipping winter league play, Altavilla has already matched or exceeded his top velocity in live bullpen sessions and is focusing on refining his execution and pitch selection.
I think the past two years I probably came into camp probably anywhere from 93 to 96 MPH, and in my first two [live bullpens] I’ve been anywhere from 96 to 99 MPH,
Altavilla said.
Stuff’s up. Right now, it’s just focusing [on] execution and pitch selection. So I think we’re in a good spot.
Altavilla Prepares for First World Baseball Classic Appearance
The WBC will mark Altavilla’s first opportunity to compete in the tournament, after being ruled ineligible for Team Italy in 2017. Since then, he and his family traced his heritage to one of his great-grandfathers, born in Italy before emigrating to the United States, confirming his eligibility. Team Italy is expected to field its strongest roster ever, featuring MLB stars like Phillies ace Aaron Nola, Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino, pitcher Jac Caglianone, and former White Sox player Kyle Teel.
Coming off a strong 2025 season where he posted a 2.48 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a .188 opponent batting average over 29 innings, Altavilla aims to contribute significantly to Italy’s bullpen depth. His early camp velocity boost and improved command have raised hopes for Italy to make a serious push in the highly competitive Pool B, which includes Team USA and Team Mexico.
I think they kind of loosened that just to get as many players in as possible, but I’m excited to represent Italy and hopefully make a run,
he said.
It’s just the family name to see how it traces back, and being able to represent that is pretty special to me.
