Projecting the Minnesota Twins’ 2025 Opening Day Roster, v. 2.0

[Cody Christie]

The Twins have been quiet this offseason, with minimal moves made around the margins and a couple late signings. With spring training on the horizon, who is projected to make the team’s Opening Day roster?

Image courtesy of © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the lack of splashy additions, the team is positioned to enter the 2025 season with a strong core of returning players. Last month, Seth Stohs looked at the team’s projected roster, but there have been some changes since that point. Let’s take a look at the projected Opening Day roster and how the lineup might shake out based on matchups.

Starting Rotation (5): RHP Pablo López, RHP Bailey Ober, RHP Joe Ryan, RHP Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP Chris Paddack
Minnesota’s rotation remains largely intact from last season, with López set to lead the staff. Ober and Ryan provide stability, while Woods Richardson is expected to take on a larger role. Paddack, now further removed from Tommy John surgery, will look to regain his pre-injury form. David Festa and Zebby Matthews could push for spots if injuries arise, while Brent Headrick offers a left-handed alternative. 

There is no such thing as too much pitching depth, but the Twins are in a good spot at the start of spring training. However, the club has been rumored to be interested in adding another frontline starting pitcher like San Diego’s Dylan Cease. More depth can help the club through the rigors of a 162-game season. 
Others on the 40-man roster: RHP David Festa, RHP Zebby Matthews, RHP Travis Adams, LHP Brent Headrick, RHP Marco Raya

Bullpen (8): RHP Jhoan Durán, RHP Griffin Jax, RHP Cole Sands, LHP Danny Coulombe, RHP Jorge Alcalá, RHP Justin Topa, RHP Michael Tonkin, RHP Eiberson Castellano (Rule 5), RHP Brock Stewart (IL)
Durán remains one of the most electric closers in baseball, while Jax continues to be a high-leverage weapon. Sands and Coulombe provide middle-relief depth and (especially in Sands's case) some serious upside, with Alcalá looking to build off a strong 2024. Tonkin and Topa bring experience, while Castellano will need to stay on the roster as a Rule 5 pick.

Louie Varland, Kody Funderburk, and Matt Canterino provide intriguing depth options. Brock Stewart is a little behind heading into spring training, which might put him on the IL to begin the year. However, limiting Stewart’s innings in the season’s early months might help him to be more available in the season’s second half. 
Others on the 40-man roster: RHP Louie Varland, LHP Kody Funderburk, RHP Matt Canterino, RHP Ronny Henriquez (Out of Options)

Catchers (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
Jeffers and Vázquez are expected to split the bulk of the playing time, as the duo has done over the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see if the Twins give Jeffers a higher percentage of the work since Vázquez is in the final year of his deal—assuming, of course, that Vázquez is still around come Opening Day. Jair Camargo got his feet wet at the big-league level last season, but the Twins seemed hesitant to use him behind the plate. The Twins have also added multiple catching options to the 40-man roster this winter including former top prospect Diego Cartaya and utility man Mickey Gasper. Minnesota could start using a three-man catching rotation if any of the other catchers start to produce at Triple-A. 
Others on 40-man roster: Jair Camargo, Diego Cartaya

Infielders (6): Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Edouard Julien, Willi Castro
Lewis and Correa form one of the league’s most dynamic left sides of the infield, assuming they stay healthy. Julien provides a potent left-handed bat at second, while Lee could push for more playing time as he develops. There is also a chance the Twins have Lee start the season at Triple-A, so he can play regularly enough. Miranda’s bat gives him a role at first or DH, with Castro providing valuable utility depth. Mickey Gasper and Michael Helman are on standby in Triple-A.
Others on 40-man roster: Mickey Gasper, Michael Helman

Outfielders (5): Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Harrison Bader, Austin Martin
The outfield mix hinges on Buxton’s availability. If he’s healthy, he remains the team’s center fielder and offensive catalyst. Minnesota added Bader as an insurance option behind Buxton Wednesday, and he continues to be one of baseball's best outfield defenders (10 OAA, 95th percentile). DaShawn Keirsey is a strong backup option in center, but his flaws will come to the forefront if he is forced into an everyday role. Larnach and Wallner bring power from the corners, while Martin offers versatility and speed. Emmanuel Rodriguez is a high-upside prospect to watch later in the season.
Others on 40-man roster: Emmanuel Rodriguez, Michael Helman, DaShawn Keirsey

While this roster seems likely to break camp with the team, there are still questions to answer in spring training. Will Castellano stick as a Rule 5 pick? Will Festa push Paddack (if he's around) for a rotation spot? Will any non-roster invitees force their way onto the team? With plenty of competition and depth waiting in the wings, the Twins will have decisions to make before Opening Day.

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Are these the 26 players who will come north with the Twins? What would your ideal lineup look like? Leave a comment and join the discussion.

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[tony&rodney]

What would your lineup look like? 

SP = Lopez, Cease, Ober, Ryan, Woods Richardson

RP = Jax, Sands, Stewart, Alcala, Coulombe, Varland, Henriquez, and Tonkin

Bats = Rodriguez-LF, Buxton-CF, Wallner-RF, Correa-SS, Eeles-2B, Lewis-1B, Miranda-DH, Jeffers-C, Lawler-3B with Bader-OF, Vazquez-C, Lee-ut, Martin-ut.

[roger]

These moves sure make it interesting.  I for one am gonna sit back and see what they do.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I have a hard time reading projections when they don’t truly have a starting caliber 1b on the roster, as well as Paddack being listed in the rotation. I’m not certain they will be able to bring in a big name starter like Dylan Cease, but I am certain that our starting 1b isn’t in the organization today. Moves are still coming, and these next week(s) will be interesting to say the least.

Also, are we truly listing Brent Headrick as a starter option? Is he even the 6th starter in Saint Paul as currently constructed today?

[chpettit19]

I think Gasper makes the roster over one of Lee or Julien. With that being said, I can't make an "ideal lineup" because I don't see 9 guys worthy of a spot in an "ideal lineup." The Twins are still at least 1 bat short. They have plenty of "floor" style backup guys worth about 200 PAs in a season. Correa, Buxton, Lewis, Miranda, Larnach, Wallner, Jeffers, and Castro are the only hitters worthy of 400+ PAs. I very much hope they aren't trading offense for pitching. Even if that pitching is Cease or King. Seattle has spent a long time showing us what happens when you can't hit a lick. No matter how well you pitch you won't make the playoffs and won't advance if you do sneak in.

The Twins need position players! Or to turn some spots over to youngsters and let them grow (Emma being my first pick). 

[LewFordLives]

I would rather have Festa or Matthews over Paddack, and Henriquez over Tonkin. 

[stringer bell]

I think Julien needs to win a spot although he he could be in as a 1B/2B/DH. 
 

I wonder if Tonkin survives this week, but most closer to the team seem to think he makes the Opening Day.

It seems this really puts Keirsey Jr. out of consideration until one of the veteran center fielders gets injured. 

[arby58]

I'm still not sold on Martin. His outfield play is near-brutal, and his 2024 89 OPS+ and -1.0 WAR don't scream out MLB-worthy. If Emma has a decent spring training, my guess is he ends up in LF and Larnach spends a lot of time at DH. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

31 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I think Gasper makes the roster over one of Lee or Julien. With that being said, I can't make an "ideal lineup" because I don't see 9 guys worthy of a spot in an "ideal lineup." The Twins are still at least 1 bat short. They have plenty of "floor" style backup guys worth about 200 PAs in a season. Correa, Buxton, Lewis, Miranda, Larnach, Wallner, Jeffers, and Castro are the only hitters worthy of 400+ PAs. I very much hope they aren't trading offense for pitching. Even if that pitching is Cease or King. Seattle has spent a long time showing us what happens when you can't hit a lick. No matter how well you pitch you won't make the playoffs and won't advance if you do sneak in.

The Twins need position players! Or to turn some spots over to youngsters and let them grow (Emma being my first pick). 

I too believe Gasper will be on. Difference is I think Martin gets bumped. But yes, Go Emma!

[Fire Dan Gladden]

39 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

I think Gasper makes the roster over one of Lee or Julien.

100% agree

[DocBauer]

I don't know how they'd accomplish it without BOTH Paddack and Vazquez being moved, but at this point I'd hope/pray they move Paddack, but keep Vazquez at this point, add another $5M to payroll, and make a deal with Tampa for Diaz to play 1B. I believe his team option for 2026 is around $16M if the new owners want to pick it up. But since he's over 30, and TECHNICALLY only on a 1yr deal, I'd like to think Tampa would be interested in something like Raya/Morris/Lewis/Culpepper as a P, Mercedes as a talented OF, but maybe Gonzalez or Rosario interests more, and Dancon or DeAndrade as an INF as a 3 for 1 type of deal that covers all 3 spots and potential. A nice collection of top 20-25 prospects and Tampa gets out from Diaz's $12M deal. 

CATCHER: Jeffers and possibly still Vazquez. There's still a couple decent veteran options if Vazquez is moved, but the well is drying up.

INF: Lewis, Correa, Lee, Diaz, Miranda. Miranda is also part of DH as well as 3B/1B. I think a healthy Lee proves he's ready, even if he won't perform as well as he will with time.

OF: Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Bader. This works best if Bader is a true 4th OF.

SUPER UTILITY: Castro. Enough said.

13th MAN: TBD. I can see Julien suddenly getting his game back. But I can see Gasper as a switch hitting, contact bat for 1B/DH/PH, though he doesn't inspire me. Do they possibly keep a 5th OF?

ROTATION: Lopez, Ober, Ryan, SWR, Festa. SWR has the potential to grow and be better. Festa might surpass him by mid season.

BULLPEN: Duran, Jax, Stewart, Sands, Coulombe are 5 locks if Stewart is ready and not held back a couple of weeks. (He might be as a precaution).

I DON'T like Castellano as a rule 5 AA pitcher being stashed as an occasional long reliever. If the Twins really like him that much, they trade to keep him and send him down. Otherwise, he shortens the pen and offers little. So I'm leaving him out of the equation. 

Alcala...FINALLY used 1 batter at a time, Tonkin as a rubber arm 2 IP veteran middle man, and then IDK for the 7th spot. Topa has an option, but might be that 8th man. Varland SHOULD be up, but based on options and depth, could begin the year at AAA just waiting to be the next man up. Do they keep Henriquez if he has a great ST? If so, that means Topa AND Varland begin in St Paul. It's not fair, but it creates some amazing depth with them, plus Funderburk, and Headrick...who is a RP now...plus the possible debut of Canterino, and the return of Duarte and a few other non roster arms that could surprise and help. 7 set, the 8th spot up for grabs, an almost inevitable injury or delay on SOMONE pushes everyone up a notch or opens up a spot.

13th man and 8th man in the pen are my open spots if everything went the way I want. 

[Connor Gould]

I really like Henriquez, and given that he's out of options, I'd cut Castellano or Tonkin for him. Although a pitching staff is rarely all healthy at once, someone in the pen might be hurt come Opening Day, so I won't sweat that.

 

As for position players, I could see them starting whoever is lower on the depth chart between Lee and Julien in the minors for either Helman or Gasper. Castro has the 5th infield spot locked up, so whoever doesn't get the spot would be position player #13 who starts about once a week. And that's more of a job for a fringe prospect or midtier veteran than it is a prospect who actually matters.

 

Appreciate the article, always fun to speculate on this stuff.

[twinstalker]

7 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

What would your lineup look like? 

SP = Lopez, Cease, Ober, Ryan, Woods Richardson

RP = Jax, Sands, Stewart, Alcala, Coulombe, Varland, Henriquez, and Tonkin

Bats = Rodriguez-LF, Buxton-CF, Wallner-RF, Correa-SS, Eeles-2B, Lewis-1B, Miranda-DH, Jeffers-C, Lawler-3B with Bader-OF, Vazquez-C, Lee-ut, Martin-ut.

Love the Eeles at 2B selection even more than Cease.  Unfortunately for both of us, Eeles doesn't doesn't have to be put on the 40 until the offseason prior to his age 29 season, so it will be a while getting the Twins to cooperate.

How'd we get Lawlar and Cease?  You can't give up Keaschall.  He's better than y'all think, and I'd much rather have him in left than EmRod.  Or at 2B if the Twins want to wait until Eeles has grandkids.

 

[twinstalker]

6 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I think Julien needs to win a spot although he he could be in as a 1B/2B/DH. 
 

I wonder if Tonkin survives this week, but most closer to the team seem to think he makes the Opening Day.

It seems this really puts Keirsey Jr. out of consideration until one of the veteran center fielders gets injured. 

I'm not sure whether the Twins had an open spot prior to Coloumbe, but it's pretty clear Helman is going to be a victim to the 40 probably before anybody,  Keirsey could also be that if they needed even another.

As for Julien, I don't care as long as the Twins don't stick with him when he's still not "getting it."  Since I doubt he will, that means they should really try to deal him if there's any interest whatsoever.

[twinstalker]

6 hours ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

I too believe Gasper will be on. Difference is I think Martin gets bumped. But yes, Go Emma!

They will likely break camp or plan to break camp with Gasper, Julien, and Martin with Lee in AAA.  I don't think that lasts very long, though I think Martin is here to stay.

I also think a healthy Martin improves a lot and maybe even gets numerous starts at 2B.  His main offensive problem is that he doesn't hit the ball very hard, and that will never change.  But I could see .280/.350/.380, which would be just peachy.

 

[miracleb]

Paddock hasn't been good for over 5 years now.  Getting "further removed from Tommy John surgery" is hoping he can get BACK to his previous poor performances.  He should be in the bull pen if he is able to get out of spring training with the Twins.

[Doctor Gast]

I'm happy Gasper is off the active list, How can a player who was projected not to play any MLB games for BOS in '25, be on the opening-day roster for the Twins (only Falvey's weird analytics)? The league has figured out Julien & he's terrible defensively. Send him down to AAA until he figures it out, if he figures it out, Better yet trade him while his trade value is still up there. Twins addressed our LHRP need, let's see if it's enough. 

2 MLB catchers & 3 fringe catchers that aren't MLB-ready is roster mismanagement. Just ask LAD if roster spots are very valuable. A 3rd catcher rotating in & out is needed to help keep Jeffers fresh & effective, is a great idea. But we don't have a 3rd MLB catcher; I'd trade these three fringe catchers for one promising young MLB-ready catcher (figuratively speaking, because nobody would be that stupid to do it & someone would take me literally). We are very fortunate that Jeffers & Vazquez have been so healthy these past 2 years. This 3rd catcher would help relieve the tandem & gain valuable MLB experience. Trading Vazquez, we'd need two more catchers which pushes to 3 MLB catchers & 3 non MLB catchers. 6 catchers on the roster, that's even more ridiculous.

I don't get being afraid that MLB will discover Keirsey's faults, what faults? & how much playing time will he get subbing Buxton? I imagine very little in the beginning by that time Emma will be ready to make his debut. (RH) Bader & his $6.5M salary does very little except blocking valuable MLB playing time for our inhouse players that we know for a player we don't know (he could easily be another Margot at the plate). I also don't get how MN was so eager to push Miranda to important 3B & yet so reluctant to commit to him at less important 1B? Miranda will mash at 1B, commit to him. We don't need to sign another expensive FA to drive Miranda off 1B. If you want a RH bat, here at 1B is where we could use a RH power bat to sub Miranda & maybe RF. Not a wimpy Margot to sub Buck.

I was excited to see how some of our capable inhouse players would produce. Acquiring Bader has put a damper on that. There are too many ?s on the roster. Some MLB-ready players like Helman are easy, if they don't produce send them down to AAA. Castellano is a bit trickier if PHI doesn't want to trade. he'll have to produce or be sent back. I lean towards Julien not being able to transform himself offensively & besides not being able to play at 2B, he wouldn't be able to profile at 1B if he does. I highly doubt any of the 3 fringe catchers can contribute this season.  So far I'd grade the Twins a C this offseason because they got Coulumbe (a slight +) & Bader (a slight -). If they trade Vazquez or Castro which would seriously affect the core & acquire a replacement for Miranda, I'd give them another F, again not addressing the real needs properly, acquiring expensive players we don't need & trading away players we need to pay for it.

[Jeff K]

i can't imagine Tonkin or julien on the opening day roster.  I know tonkin is signed, but even if they pull him from the 40 man roster, it's possible no one else will pick him up.

[tony&rodney]

6 hours ago, twinstalker said:

Love the Eeles at 2B selection even more than Cease.  Unfortunately for both of us, Eeles doesn't doesn't have to be put on the 40 until the offseason prior to his age 29 season, so it will be a while getting the Twins to cooperate.

How'd we get Lawlar and Cease?  You can't give up Keaschall.  He's better than y'all think, and I'd much rather have him in left than EmRod.  Or at 2B if the Twins want to wait until Eeles has grandkids.

 

Keaschall stays; didn't trade him.

[LambchoP]

I would love it if we could get Cease. We'd have one of the best pitching staffs, rotation and bullpen, in the game. I think we need a big bat more than we need pitching though, and first base would be the best place to upgrade. Diaz, MountCastle, Casas.... There are options out there, let's get it done!

[JD-TWINS]

15 hours ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I have a hard time reading projections when they don’t truly have a starting caliber 1b on the roster, as well as Paddack being listed in the rotation. I’m not certain they will be able to bring in a big name starter like Dylan Cease, but I am certain that our starting 1b isn’t in the organization today. Moves are still coming, and these next week(s) will be interesting to say the least.

Also, are we truly listing Brent Headrick as a starter option? Is he even the 6th starter in Saint Paul as currently constructed today?

Agree on Headrick - seems exclusively like PEN depth at this point.

Team needs a 1B! Agree that acquisition needs to take place.

No way, IMO, Paddack is in Opening Day rotation…..agreed! I like him as spot starter half-dozen times and PEN weapon on 2 days per week regimen. Varland same type of role on alternate days, as needed. Obviously, Paddack may be traded.

[mikelink45]

I think the talk about trades is fodder for hot stove, but I am not excited by the options. I like Keirsey and would have him 4th OF instead of Bader - I know that everyone writes his flaws would be exposed, but what are those flaws?  But with Bader he is not needed so he should be moved, I would not have Martin or Gaspar on the opening roster.

Cease sounds great especially if we trade Paddock for him.  Not sure if Vasquez goes too.  Gaspar, Camargo are not exciting catcher prospects for me and the Dodgers prospect has to reestablish his value after a down year.

For me the projection is too soon, it is the time of year the Twins make moves and then there is ST where we start to see how things really come together. 

[jmlease1]

I think this is probably right for the 26-man projection, but I could see Gasper making it if he looks good in spring training and the Twins want Lee playing every day, especially if Julien looks like he's gotten back to the 2023 version. Pitching staff is probably right as well; if they didn't think Castellano was worth a bullpen slot, they wouldn't have picked him, and I think Stewart starts on the IL.

Rotation is: Lopez, Ober, Ryan, SWR, and Paddack (for now).

Bullpen hierarchy is probably: Duran, Jax, Sands, Coulombe, Alcala, Tonkin, Topa, and Castellano.

Lineup: C: Jeffers, 1B: Miranda, 2B: Lee, SS: Correa, 3B: Lewis, LF: Larnach, CF: Buxton, RF: Wallner, DH: Julien? Bench of Vazquez, Castro, Bader, and Martin.

Batting order will be interesting. I'm not sure who leads off here? Maybe it's Julien, Correa, Buxton, Wallner, Lewis, Larnach, Jeffers, Miranda, Lee? Julien sees a fair number of pitches, takes walks, and runs the bases pretty well (good SB numbers in the minors too). 

(Clearly, I'm not nearly as ready to give up on Julien as some are around here.)

[mnfireman]

TD on a roll today, Julien provides a potent left-handed bat. That potent bat doesn't leave his shoulder....

[tony&rodney]

Yandy Diaz would be a strong bat to add and play first base. The question is how do the Twins find an exchange suitable to the Rays in order to complete the idea? I'm at a loss for what Tampa Bay would accept for Diaz.

[TheLeviathan]

If people think Gaspar is going to take the spot of Julien or Lee.....then that Bader thread is missing the wrong guy to take their anger out on for blocking young talent.

[arby58]

10 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I think Martin is here to stay.

I also think a healthy Martin improves a lot and maybe even gets numerous starts at 2B.  His main offensive problem is that he doesn't hit the ball very hard, and that will never change.  But I could see .280/.350/.380, which would be just peachy.

By all means, play him at 2B if you're going to keep him - as an outfielder last year he was -30 in defensive runs saved.  You have to hit a lot better than he hits to put up with that level of 'defense.'

[arby58]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Yandy Diaz would be a strong bat to add and play first base. The question is how do the Twins find an exchange suitable to the Rays in order to complete the idea? I'm at a loss for what Tampa Bay would accept for Diaz.

If the Rays want young pitching (they have plenty of established pitching but have done well by selling high and buying low), according to  Baseball Trade Values, Matthews (15.0) and Culpepper (8.2) about balance out Diaz (22.5). I'm surprised they rate Julien as highly as they do (17.6), but the Rays have Brandon Loewe for that spot. Nobody really believes Julien is a bona fide 1B, right? If he were, we wouldn't be having this conversation. The Rays catching corps isn't anything to rave about - hmmm.
 

[tony&rodney]

35 minutes ago, arby58 said:

If the Rays want young pitching (they have plenty of established pitching but have done well by selling high and buying low), according to  Baseball Trade Values, Matthews (15.0) and Culpepper (8.2) about balance out Diaz (22.5). I'm surprised they rate Julien as highly as they do (17.6), but the Rays have Brandon Loewe for that spot. Nobody really believes Julien is a bona fide 1B, right? If he were, we wouldn't be having this conversation. The Rays catching corps isn't anything to rave about - hmmm.
 

That trade doesn't do anything for the Rays this year. Matthews would be too high a price to pay. Julien gets his score about the same way as anyone else. Might be worthwhile to keep in mind that many people on Twins Daily have repeated their disdain enough that there is a bias tilting far away from how he is viewed in the baseball world. I'm not sure if the Rays are still looking for a catcher and whether the Twins would trade Jeffers. But, like I said I have gone over quite a few players and don't see a fit. Maybe though .... we'll see.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Julien gets his score about the same way as anyone else. Might be worthwhile to keep in mind that many people on Twins Daily have repeated their disdain enough that there is a bias tilting far away from how he is viewed in the baseball world. 

It's hard to not have disdain for a pedestrian (at best) defensive player who had a 74 OPS+ last year. Even Margot was better than that (76).