Predicting the Minnesota Twins Lineup One Year From Now

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey (Photos of Walker Jenkins & Kaelen Culpepper), Rob Thompson (Photo of Emmanuel Rodriguez)

The Twins’ front office has tried to walk a fine line in recent years: remaining competitive while holding onto top prospects that represent the future core. That balancing act is nearing its end. Within the next year, Minnesota is expected to see one of the largest waves of homegrown talent the franchise has had since the early 2000s. The result could be a lineup packed with youth, upside, and plenty of growing pains.

Here’s a look at what the 2026 Twins lineup might realistically look like in the second half of next season, and why these names are part of the long-term plan.

Catcher: TBD
The catcher position remains a question mark, after years of stability. With Ryan Jeffers likely on the move by the 2026 trade deadline, Minnesota seems sure to bring in a stopgap veteran. That player will handle most of the second-half catching duties in 2026, while the organization takes a longer look at its internal options. Most fans will be waiting on Eduardo Tait, the top prospect acquired for Jhoan Duran, but he won’t be ready for Target Field until 2027 or later. 

First Base: <Insert Veteran First Baseman Name>
First base continues to be a revolving door. The club has gone the veteran route in recent years, with Ty France underperforming and Carlos Santana exceeding expectations defensively en route to a Gold Glove. Aaron Sabato lingers as a potential internal option, but the Twins have yet to show real belief in him. Expect another short-term veteran acquisition until a long-term solution emerges—but don't expect it to be a high-profile or high-cost one.

Second Base: Luke Keaschall
The former third-round pick has made his mark on the Twins this season and pushed himself into the team’s long-term plans. Keaschall’s feel for contact and his athleticism make him a strong candidate to grab hold of the second base job. He likely will also see some time in the outfield as he gets further away from last summer’s Tommy John surgery. His steady bat gives the Twins a reliable option in the middle infield, and his on-base skills fit nicely into a developing core.

Third Base: Brooks Lee
While Royce Lewis has been the face of the franchise’s future at third base, the Twins may look to move on from him this winter in an attempt to shake up the core of the roster. That would shift Lee to the hot corner, as other shortstop prospects matriculate through the farm system behind him. Lee’s switch-hitting ability and consistent contact skills have shown some flaws in his first full season in the big leagues. He must start proving he can lay off borderline pitches and hit for more power. 

Shortstop: Kaelen Culpepper
Drafted as a projectable shortstop, Culpepper has made steady progress offensively and answered some draft day questions about his defense. His development with the glove gives him a chance to stick at one of the most demanding positions, and his emerging bat could make him a long-term answer up the middle. In his first 100 games this season, he posted an .843 OPS while being two years younger than the average age of the competition in the Texas League. With Lee’s speed as a question mark up the middle, Culpepper may get the nod sooner, rather than later.

Left Field: Walker Jenkins
The Twins’ crown jewel prospect should be ready to take on Target Field’s spacious left field as early as next year. An argument can be made that the Twins should have him on next year’s Opening Day roster. That likely won’t happen, but Jenkins has all the makings of a franchise cornerstone, including size, power, patience, and an advanced feel for hitting. Minnesota promoted him to Triple-A this weekend, where the 20-year-old will get an opportunity to compile numbers in the offense-friendly International League. When he reaches the majors, he likely will endure some early struggles, but his upside is unmatched in the organization.

Center Field: Byron Buxton
The heart of the franchise still beats in center field. While health remains an ongoing concern, Buxton continues to be a difference-maker when on the field. If he’s able to stay in the lineup like he has in 2025, his veteran presence will be invaluable to a young group learning how to win. This is a similar role to the one played by Matt Lawton in 2001, when the Twins surprised many by being in contention in the first half (before slumping down the stretch). 

Right Field: Emmanuel Rodriguez
Rodriguez brings a tantalizing power-and-patience profile that should translate well at the big-league level. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him throughout his pro career. His ability to get on base and drive the ball into the gaps could make him one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup. The Twins see him as a key part of the corner outfield mix moving forward.

Designated Hitter: Matt Wallner
Wallner has shown flashes of becoming a serious power threat, and the designated hitter role gives him the flexibility to focus on his bat. While contact issues remain a concern, his left-handed power is an asset the Twins will need as they enter a new era. He’s been the team’s second-best hitter (behind Buxton) over the last two seasons. Like Lewis, he could be a trade candidate if the Twins want to shake up the core. 

Projected 2026 Twins Batting Order (2nd Half of Season)

1. Luke Keaschall – 2B
2. Byron Buxton – CF
3. Matt Wallner – DH
4. Brooks Lee – 3B
5. Walker Jenkins – LF
6. Emmanuel Rodriguez – RF
7. Kaelen Culpepper – SS
8. First Base – TBD
9. Catcher – TBD

If this lineup comes together as expected, it will be one of the youngest rosters in baseball. That means plenty of ups and downs, similar to the early-2000s Twins teams at the Metrodome. But like those squads, this group has the potential to grow together into a contender. The stands at Target Field may look sparse at first, but the next wave of Twins baseball could bring fans back in a big way.

---

What changes will occur to this lineup before the second half of next season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

View full article

[TL]

They have to figure out first base. Julien looks lost there. Would love to have Sabato get ABs in Sept to see how it looks, but otherwise one of Wallner, Keaschall, Fedko, Roden (or even Jeffers if they can find a C) should be considered. I believe in Keaschall at 2B as he gets more experience, but he has looked rough  the last few weeks. 

[Doctor Wu]

8 minutes ago, TL said:

They have to figure out first base. Julien looks lost there. Would love to have Sabato get ABs in Sept to see how it looks, but otherwise one of Wallner, Keaschall, Fedko, Roden (or even Jeffers if they can find a C) should be considered. I believe in Keaschall at 2B as he gets more experience, but he has looked rough  the last few weeks. 

First base DOES look like another unstable position heading into next year. I hate the idea of just putting players there that have failed at other positions. But other than signing another free agent in the vein of Santana or France, we don't have many options. And as for backup catcher .... we are taking applications. 

[Reptevia]

This lineup together with the loss of Lopez and Ryan will lose 100+ games. If management remains unchanged, maybe a record number of losses. 

[Jack207]

This team is an absolute JOKE! The only solution is to stop attending games to force a sale.

 

[HrbieFan]

Has Wallner ever played 1B? His speed is better for 1B than OF. And why not give Sabato a 30 game audition? Julien looks lost at the plate and is not an option IMO at 1B 

[Jeff K]

I think first base is Wallner's best bet to remain on the team.  His play in the outfield is not acceptable.  Also, I don't trust Emma as a guy who can hold down an everyday position (health).  He has been unable to do so in the minors.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I have a hard time seeing Royce go, but if he is traded he would bring back something. Still, his savant page is a LOT more red than Lee's for example. 

Why not Royce at 1B if that is the case? Otherwise maybe Keaschall could be in left with Culpepper at 2b? 

Hard to pencil E Rod in anywhere at this point. I'd love to be wrong.

[Hubie29]

23 minutes ago, HrbieFan said:

Has Wallner ever played 1B? His speed is better for 1B than OF. And why not give Sabato a 30 game audition? Julien looks lost at the plate and is not an option IMO at 1B 

Wallner needs to be gone. Hits a home run every blue moon, then strikes out for a week. Fringe MLB player at best. Noone would want him. 

[mluebker]

No spot for Kody Clemens?

[strumdatjag]

You all have this wrong.  MLB has several second-generation players with great talent, Vlad Jr,, Witt Jr. ….     The Twins will follow this trend with their team of “Juniors”.  I have only a few examples here (feel free to add some more) - 
1B - Stahoviak Jr.  2B - Nishioka Jr - Catcher - Dave Engel Jr (even though his dad had trouble throwing back to the mound) - Outfield - Bombo Jr., Powell Jr, Delmon Young Jr. - Pinch Runner La Tortuga Jr.    

Pitching Staff Ace, Terry Felton Jr  - Closer, Ron Davis Jr.  

Get to know them.   But the new slogan will be “Hope Talent Skips a Generation”

[Nashvilletwin]

Why in the world would they bring up all those solid prospects and still have Rocco at the helm?  Why infect them with the same losing culture/mentality that has proven to be the case under Rocco?  Wow, that would be a complete waste.

If this team is looking to build a new core, it must not be afraid to embrace new leadership in the dugout to get the most out of the young talent comprising the entire strategy.

Question for my fellow TDers: how badly must this team play over the last month to finally move on from Rocco?  What are we  3-14 over our past 17 games? How long can this last? Over the past 12 months, we must be the worst performing team in baseball.  (As an aside, Ryan looks so pissed off he can barely stand it - he’s wondering why he had to stay with this hot mess).

What our roster looks like next year will not matter if Rocco stays.  The entire discussion is a complete waste of time. 

[jorgenswest]

25 minutes ago, HrbieFan said:

Has Wallner ever played 1B? His speed is better for 1B than OF. 

Wallner has not played first base in college, the cape cod league, the minor leagues or with the Twins. I would assume he was given a look there along the way and doesn’t have the necessary hands and feet to play at a passable level. His best defensive asset is his arm strength.

[Bodie]

So we are supposed to be looking forward to our undisputed number one prospect, a center fielder, making it in LF????

Those sorts of hopes and dreams have the unmistakable stink of Falvey, with an added dash of Rocco tactical idiocy!

[Hubie29]

1 minute ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Why in the world would they bring up all those solid prospects and still have Rocco at the helm?  Why infect them with the same losing culture/mentality that has proven to be the case under Rocco?  Wow, that would be a complete waste.

If this team is looking to build a new core, it must not be afraid to embrace new leadership in the dugout to get the most out of the young talent comprising the entire strategy.

Question for my fellow TDers: how badly must this team play over the last month to finally move on from Rocco?  What are we  3-14 over our past 17 games? How long can this last? Over the past 12 months, we must be the worst performing team in baseball.  (As an aside, Ryan looks so pissed off he can barely stand it - he’s wondering why he had to stay with this hot mess).

What our roster looks like next year will not matter if Rocco stays.  The entire discussion is a complete waste of time. 

Rocco has a free pass into next year. Even if they don't win another game it will be blamed on the roster. 

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 minutes ago, Bodie said:

So we are supposed to be looking forward to our undisputed number one prospect, a center fielder, making it in LF????

Those sorts of hopes and dreams have the unmistakable stink of Falvey, with an added dash of Rocco tactical idiocy!

If Jenkins is up and producing, does it matter if he is in cf or lf or rf? Really? 

That said, maybe Buxton is the one that moves to a corner at some point. I could see that too.

[Nshore]

"Wallner has been the Twins'  SECOND BEST hitter over the last 2 seasons".  Sit down and meditate upon that for a moment.

[Nshore]

42 minutes ago, Doctor Wu said:

First base DOES look like another unstable position heading into next year. I hate the idea of just putting players there that have failed at other positions. But other than signing another free agent in the vein of Santana or France, we don't have many options. And as for backup catcher .... we are taking applications. 

Hrbek is still living in the Twin Cities area I think.

[tony&rodney]

9 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

how badly must this team play over the last month to finally move on from Rocco?

It is not about how the team plays. The hope, perhaps both ironically and tragically, is with the Pohlads. Can they take an interest in their team? If they do, both Falvey and Baldelli are gone. If they continue to ignore everything, then nothing changes in management. It is as simple as that.

[Twinkie in Deutschland]

43 minutes ago, Reptevia said:

This lineup together with the loss of Lopez and Ryan will lose 100+ games. If management remains unchanged, maybe a record number of losses. 

That one I fully agree. The Twins will become celler dwellers until 2029 and maybe, just maybe they will finally win the World Series in 31, for the first time in 40 years. Unless the Pohlads sell the team to someone willing to keep the team in MN.......  But for now, expect the Twins to go for the top draft pick in 26 and 27, unless we have a lockout. 

 

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, Nshore said:

"Wallner has been the Twins'  SECOND BEST hitter over the last 2 seasons".  Sit down and meditate upon that for a moment.

Which is why he should be the every day DH.

The alternative is finding a team that likes him and his bat and will trade a significant player to acquire him.

[Cory Engelhardt]

18 minutes ago, mluebker said:

No spot for Kody Clemens?

Maybe on the bench. But if younger players are performing more to their career norms, he isn't performing well enough to start anywhere.

I  mean, do you enjoy seeing someone with a .281 on base percentage listed as a starter?

[Cory Engelhardt]

Just now, tony&amp;rodney said:

Which is why he should be the every day DH.

The alternative is finding a team that likes him and his bat and will trade a significant player to acquire him.

Agreed on this. I think he'd be good in that role potentially.

[Bodie]

12 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

If Jenkins is up and producing, does it matter if he is in cf or lf or rf? Really? 

That said, maybe Buxton is the one that moves to a corner at some point. I could see that too.

Yes, it does.

[Cory Engelhardt]

1 minute ago, Bodie said:

Yes, it does.

Why? 

[Peter]

I like this lineup for next year!!! Twins need a major shake up!!! Could see Royce being here next year as it’s put up or shut up season for him!!! Something is going on behind the scenes we don’t know about!!! We have to much talent to be this bad!!! But yes this lineup will be way better then what we have now!!!

[Peter]

7 minutes ago, Twinkie in Deutschland said:

That one I fully agree. The Twins will become celler dwellers until 2029 and maybe, just maybe they will finally win the World Series in 31, for the first time in 40 years. Unless the Pohlads sell the team to someone willing to keep the team in MN.......  But for now, expect the Twins to go for the top draft pick in 26 and 27, unless we have a lockout. 

 

Twins aren’t moving anywhere!!! 

[bunsen82]

Unless you get a premium prospect for Jeffers I think you keep him for the season, hope he goes back to 2-3 WAR player and could be eligible for a comp pick. Odds are around 25% but it’s possible. 
 

Lewis has 1 more full year at 3rd. Beyond Keaschall at 2nd and Buxton at Center there is a lot of uncertainty. I don’t think that’s bad. 
 

It opens an opportunity for someone like Fedko. Jenkins will most likely be in play. Culpepper could be ready and Gonzalez and ERod will have something to say about it as well. 

[tony&rodney]

20 minutes ago, Bodie said:

So we are supposed to be looking forward to our undisputed number one prospect, a center fielder, making it in LF????

I'm not sure how many games you have watched that include Walker Jenkins in centerfield. Someone who has watched him play in person a couple of dozen times could better answer how Jenkins looks in the middle of the outfield. I have seen him play about 50 times via milb.com (games, not highlights). I think Jenkins is ok as a centerfielder. He doesn't look as good as Emmanuel Rodriguez but he has been fine. It sure would be super uplifting to have a Jenkins, Buxton, Rodriguez outfield for the pitchers. At some point Buxton will either be moved to a corner or his contract runs out. I'm not sure how Byron views playing somewhere other than centerfield. It would not be a bad thing to have Walker Jenkins playing a good left field and hitting .300. 

FWIW, pretty much most scouts viewed Jenkins as a corner outfielder at some point but stated that he does a decent/passable job in centerfield. So left field has always been the projection.

[Bodie]

10 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

Why? 

You don't take fillet mingon and turn it into hamburger.  And then use said hamburger in hamburger helper!