6 Things That Have Gone Right in a Twins Season Gone Wrong

[Eric Blonigen]

Okay. Before I get pilloried in the comments section, a note: 2025 has been an incredibly disappointing season, with a second straight second-half collapse, a wildly underperforming lineup, a bad record, and calls for everyone to be fired — from the owners, to the front office, to the manager and coaching staff, to the players themselves. Many of the games haven’t been fun to watch. It’s been tough remaining engaged at times. Despite all that, there have been a handful of things worth celebrating throughout the 2025 season, and many of them hint at a brighter tomorrow. 

Byron Buxton’s Health and Production
Did you really thing I would start anywhere else? Nah. Buxton has had the season true believers always knew he was capable of. Not only has he stayed relatively healthy despite some injury scares, the games he has missed have been to normal baseball injuries — a concussion, bruised rib cartilage, soreness — rather than the sort of snakebit, multi-month soft tissue or knee issues that have cost him nearly half his playing career so far. On top of the healthy year, he crossed 100 games for the second straight season, and is having a career year offensively, even as his defense slips a bit with age. He still has a real chance at a 30-30 season, and a 30-25 season is all but a lock. The last time a member of the Twins put up even a 30-20 season was Kirby Puckett in 1986. That’s, um, good company. The best part? There’s no reason to think Buck can’t be counted on to be a star again next season.

Luke Keaschall Showed He Belongs
Luke Keaschall has taken a similar path as many other Twins top prospects — by which, I mean, he got almost immediately injured after being called up. Despite the broken forearm in within his first week in the bigs, Keaschall has done a little bit of everything: he’s popped a handful of homers, stolen a bunch of bases, shown the sort of grit and hustle that can jumpstart an offense and undoubtedly sets an example for his peers. In fact, Keaschall had one of the best offensive starts to his career in Twins history. With his short swing, he is capable of overcoming his limited power and lack of bat speed. His pitch selection and patience at the plate elevates his on base rate, and one can hope that being a full year removed from Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm will help him cement himself as the Twins everyday second baseman in 2026 and beyond.

The Twins Learned To Get Frisky
Dating back to the Bomba Squad, the Twins have embodied a slow, station-To-station, plodding style on the bases. That works well when you hit home runs in bunches, and less well when the power disappears. Luckily, since the trade deadline fire sale, the Twins have been running at will. Such speedsters as Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, and Royce Lewis have been stealing bases at an exciting and unexpected clip. Dating back to August 1, the Twins are second in baseball in bags swiped. Since September 1, they are first, and it’s not close. There’s no reason for this style of play to be discontinued after the season, particularly with James Outman, Alan Roden, and likely Austin Martin part of the 2026 plans.

 

Joe Ryan Elevated to Near-Ace Status
Joe Ryan, first-time All Star, was having a Cy Young type season until very recently. He didn’t had a real chance at the award itself, because, you know, Tarik Skubal and Garret Crochet exist in the same timeline, but he has still been incredible. Now, over the past few starts, he has suffered from an illness, and that has impacted his results significantly. But, looking at his season through August 15, he had a 2.72 ERA, was walking about one guy a game, was striking out nearly 10 per nine innings, and was even limiting the home runs that have plagued him throughout his career. If the Twins don’t trade him in the offseason, he remains a pitcher to front a quality rotation.

The Farm System Got Deeper
Were the moves at the deadline popular. Certainly not, and I think you would be hard-pressed to find many fans that would disagree. What they did, though, was deepen an already strong farm system. Adding Eduardo Tait and Enrique Jimenez bolstered the catching future. Mick Abel should be a legit major leaguer, brief Twins debut notwithstanding. Kendry Rojas has real potential as a lefty starter, and has a real chance to stick as a starter. Even Ryan Gallagher and Hendry Mendez, not quite lauded prospects, slot in among the Twins top-25, per MLB.com.

Depth Pieces Made Their Cases
Taj Bradley, former Rays top prospect, has frontline starter upside, with relief ace a fallback plan. He’s reading scouting reports for the first time in his career, and his heater is touching 99 now. With a little progress in pitch sequencing and mix, the future is bright. 

Austin Martin has been putting up roughly a .400 OBP while hitting nearly .300 over his 26 games so far this season. While the power may never develop at this stage of his game, a guy that can put up an OPS close to .800 with speed on the bases has a future, and at the league minimum. Similar to Outman, that has value and makes roster construction a bit easier next year.

So, that’s six bright spots in an otherwise gloomy season. Did I miss anything? And, are you more hopeful for 2026 after thinking about these things?

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[nclahammer]

Well that's searching for a silver lining, but you do bring up some valid positives.    But as much sugar as you try to sprinkle on top, it's still one turd of a season underneath.

[Whitey333]

What a tragedy this team and organization have become.  There really isn't much hope is there!  You keep mentioning the deep farm system.  That has been the Twins mantra for years. Especially during the Falvey regime.  Sell hope and hype because there is very little else.  Same old thing with the current can't miss prospects only the names have changed.

[LeatherAntenna]

8 minutes ago, nclahammer said:

Well that's searching for a silver lining, but you do bring up some valid positives.    But as much sugar as you try to sprinkle on top, it's still one turd of a season.

They should reduce ticket prices significantly until play improves.

[LeatherAntenna]

6 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

What a tragedy this team and organization have become.  There really isn't much hope is there!  You keep mentioning the deep farm system.  That has been the Twins mantra for years. Especially during the Falvey regime.  Sell hope and hype because there is very little else.  Same old thing with the current can't miss prospects only the names have changed.

Deep farm, yes tired hearing this.  Nice seeing Keaschall doing well. Given the recent years though, we expect him to regress in his second year to a struggling below average player.

[LeatherAntenna]

Sincerely hope I am wrong on Keaschall.

[Russ]

Farm System is deeper with influx of "prospects" ?   2025 in the minors has been mediocre like tge majors.

Is it better?  Don't think so

[Yoke]

I definitely prefer the aggressive base running they’re doing now compared to standing around on the base paths and hoping someone hits a homer soon.

 

If I have to watch bad baseball, let’s sprinkle a little excitement in there.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

get him! Get the heretic!

I would also add Hatch looks like he could be a decent reliever.

what a dumpster fire of a season

[mikelink45]

Quote

There’s no reason for this style of play to be discontinued after the season, particularly with James Outman, Alan Roden, and likely Austin Martin part of the 2026 plans.

This essay just does not move me past Buxton and Keaschall.  Make it two - Ryan would have been there, but as usual his season ends meekly, whether injury or illness.  Our best pitcher, but not ready for a CY - just a sigh!  

The quote kills the essay - Outman and Roden do not give me hope for 2016.  Rodriguez and Walker could.  Outman has -0.8 WAR and is hitting 145 with 54 Ks in 117 ABs.  Roden has a -0.6 WAR in 136 ABs with a 191 average.  

True it is fun to run - Whitey ball When the Cardinals did it and won.  Little league chaos when you have the worst record and it does not matter.

Retitle you essay 2 1/2 things that went right!

[Nashvilletwin]

A really solid take.  There have been some positives for sure and those highlighted are pretty much the closest ones. Buxton, Keaschall and Martin have all been a joy to watch.  Same with Ryan for the most part, but it’s clear he is mentally checked out and can’t wait to leave the organization.

The TDers posting about the depth not meaning much are 100% completely justified: it’s been all hat and no cattle under Rocco’s regime when it comes to establishing our incredibly successful minor league prospects as true major leaguers. 

There may be possible seventh and eighth positives and they could be the most impactful.  Namely, this team has been so bad we might not only luck into the #1 pick and get that SS from USC, but also there really should be no way we keep Rocco.  And that means that our improved depth might actually be worth something after all. 

[Parfigliano]

Strike Outman can't possibly be in TC plans for 2026.

[old nurse]

2 hours ago, LeatherAntenna said:

Deep farm, yes tired hearing this.  Nice seeing Keaschall doing well. Given the recent years though, we expect him to regress in his second year to a struggling below average player.

We? 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I have been pleased with Lewis's improvement in defense at 3B. 

[Blyleven2011]

1 hour ago, Yoke said:

I definitely prefer the aggressive base running they’re doing now compared to standing around on the base paths and hoping someone hits a homer soon.

 

If I have to watch bad baseball, let’s sprinkle a little excitement in there.

Alittle excitement playing the stealing game could help win some games ....

We still have a whole off season before anyone can really know how the FO will contruct this 2026 team ...

I hope the purse strings are untied and payroll is adequate to add some offense that can hit the opponents better pitchers  , we know our offense as of now can hit the opponents lesser pitchers ...

There is also the realism that the roster could be purged further in trading off Lopez and Ryan  ...

FO did a lousy job in 2025 hoping the offense would better than 2024 ...

There is one reason the hitting didn't improve and that is because of baldelli and his numerous coaches fail to teach these players to be better at the major league level  ...

Cleveland's Kwan hits the other way and very sucessful at it  , hitting to all fields is necessary so the opponents pitcher will have a more difficult time getting the batter out , even good power hitters hit the opposite field homeruns  ...

Hope some of these players reach out for help elsewhere like driveline for a different voice to perform better in 2026 , WALLNER is one example that needs better instructions on batting stance, pitch recognition , a shorter swing , homeruns will come but maybe not hit as far,  but better contact is needed ...

Enough said ... 

[GNess]

2 hours ago, nclahammer said:

Well that's searching for a silver lining, but you do bring up some valid positives.    But as much sugar as you try to sprinkle on top, it's still one turd of a season underneath.

Talk about a mixed metaphor! (But I agree with the sentiment.)

[jmlease1]

Can't agree that the deepening of the farm system is something that went right in a season gone off the rails, because a) it was part of a surrender flag, and 2) unclear the Twins actually made the right moves. None of Bradley, Abel, Rojas, Outman, or Roden have stepped in and looked impressive. (at this point it doesn't matter if Outman plays well in AAA) Tait and Mendez have shown promise, but they're also the furthest away.

A healthy Buxton season, Keaschall looking great, Martin performing...all good. Ryan broke through with first half recognition, but has finished the season poorly, which has been an issue for him. 

Of course, the bigger issue is the Twins need a lot more than 6 things to go right to start turning the ship.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I have been pleased with Lewis's improvement in defense at 3B. 

I think his improvement on defense and regaining most of his speed are positives. 

[bean5302]

Joe Ryan has been much the same as previous years. Despite a brilliant first half, he owns a 4.92 ERA after the All Star Break.

Ryan's season FIP and xFIP are both right in line with his career rates at 3.78 and 3.76, respectively. His ERA has outperformed this year. Despite the outstanding first half's 2.70 ERA, the regression to the mean caught up as the home run vs. fly ball rate luck faded. Ryan left the All Star break with a 2.70 ERA and a 3.71 xFIP.

SIERA likes Ryan better, but it's always been seemingly bullish on him. xERA has been bullish, too. Maybe Ryan is an upper #2 guy, but he's going to have to put together a full season to rank higher than that. Then again, I'd always expected his ceiling was a #3 arm, but it's clear he works hard every year to improve his approach. 

[bean5302]

Keaschall needs more plate appearances to get a good feel for what he brings to the plate. His speed is certainly impressive. I sure wish the Twins would hire a couple infield coaches who understand how to catch and throw baseballs, though. Keaschall's ceiling is being wasted.

[bean5302]

Buxton's health has been stunning. I would have taken a bet for $100 that he wouldn't hit 100 games this year, let alone qualifying for a championship trophy. Buxton getting over 120 games has been a real boon to the team, but there have to be major questions on whether or not he's played his way out of Minnesota at this point based on his production and more recent statements. I really couldn't be happier for the guy, he's gained some leverage.

[Fatbat]

Just a reminder that what works one season isn’t necessarily the best going forward.  There is a laundry list of players that may be average MLB’s and a shorter list of high upside MLB prospects that are very close to becoming MLB’s with positive WAR and OPS+.  
There is no reason to play the Outman’s and Miranda’s instead of the high upside guys. The future is definitely brighter with KCulpepper, WJenkings, Erod, Gabby etc in MLB than watching Outman, Fitzgerald, Julien, Miranda, Gasper, Roden and so many more dudes that can’t hit for average and aren’t elite Defensively. It might be harsh but why waste time by playing someone that just isn’t very good. 
Planning for 2026 should include TL or Wallner to take over LH ab’s at 1B. Clemons is fine platooning but so far, he is far from a fulltime 1B guy. 
2B should be LK until if/when he becomes mortal. Pencil him in.

SS is Lee’s for the short term. he is destined to be the utility guy. Planning for KCulpepper should have already begun. 
3B is Lewis’s. Pencil him in because he is likey to have a monster ‘26. Healthy and happy days at the hot corner. 
The OF should include 3 rookies and Buck. 5th OF can be split between TL and Wallner. 
DH is a bunch of rotating Dudes, Martin because he gets on base and should steal bases. His defense is sketchy.  TL and Wallner can also rotate in as well as any hot bat. 
C is Jeffers and insert any young guy for 35 games. If Jeffers goes down with a long term injury, we might be in trouble. 
This is all assuming that no actual MLB position players (with above average track record) will be signed.

Sad, kind of, but way worse if the Juliens get Gallo type run at the full season. 
 

[Eric Blonigen]

5 hours ago, LeatherAntenna said:

They should reduce ticket prices significantly until play improves.

The absolutely should. What a message that would send to fans. They will need to do something, for sure, to regain fans’ trust.

[Eric Blonigen]

4 hours ago, Yoke said:

I definitely prefer the aggressive base running they’re doing now compared to standing around on the base paths and hoping someone hits a homer soon.

 

If I have to watch bad baseball, let’s sprinkle a little excitement in there.

100%. Hitting for consistent power is great, and wins a ton of ballgames. If that’s not the team you have, though, you gotta do something to give the team a chance of scoring runs. Ideally, they would have a roster that can do both.

[Eric Blonigen]

3 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I have been pleased with Lewis's improvement in defense at 3B. 

Yeah, he has looked pretty good to the eye test, and with adding speed, is becoming a more complete player. Now, if he can get back towards having 30 homer power too, then look out.

[Eric Blonigen]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Buxton's health has been stunning. I would have taken a bet for $100 that he wouldn't hit 100 games this year, let alone qualifying for a championship trophy. Buxton getting over 120 games has been a real boon to the team, but there have to be major questions on whether or not he's played his way out of Minnesota at this point based on his production and more recent statements. I really couldn't be happier for the guy, he's gained some leverage.

Oh, he has all the leverage in the world. He’s not going anywhere though unless he decides he wants out. With Buck’s no-trade clause, affinity for MN, and loyalty (remember, he took the new deadline teammates out to dinner to smooth tensions, and has spoken kind words towards the Pohlad family) he would need to be the one to decide to go. Personally, I don’t see it happening.

[gman]

1 hour ago, Fatbat said:

Just a reminder that what works one season isn’t necessarily the best going forward.  There is a laundry list of players that may be average MLB’s and a shorter list of high upside MLB prospects that are very close to becoming MLB’s with positive WAR and OPS+.  
There is no reason to play the Outman’s and Miranda’s instead of the high upside guys. The future is definitely brighter with KCulpepper, WJenkings, Erod, Gabby etc in MLB than watching Outman, Fitzgerald, Julien, Miranda, Gasper, Roden and so many more dudes that can’t hit for average and aren’t elite Defensively. It might be harsh but why waste time by playing someone that just isn’t very good. 
Planning for 2026 should include TL or Wallner to take over LH ab’s at 1B. Clemons is fine platooning but so far, he is far from a fulltime 1B guy. 
2B should be LK until if/when he becomes mortal. Pencil him in.

SS is Lee’s for the short term. he is destined to be the utility guy. Planning for KCulpepper should have already begun. 
3B is Lewis’s. Pencil him in because he is likey to have a monster ‘26. Healthy and happy days at the hot corner. 
The OF should include 3 rookies and Buck. 5th OF can be split between TL and Wallner. 
DH is a bunch of rotating Dudes, Martin because he gets on base and should steal bases. His defense is sketchy.  TL and Wallner can also rotate in as well as any hot bat. 
C is Jeffers and insert any young guy for 35 games. If Jeffers goes down with a long term injury, we might be in trouble. 
This is all assuming that no actual MLB position players (with above average track record) will be signed.

Sad, kind of, but way worse if the Juliens get Gallo type run at the full season. 
 

For players we have now (since I don't think you can plan to add any meaningful free agents) I'd add in Fitzgerald as the main utility infielder and Pereda as backup catcher. I'd also subtract Larnach as a corner outfielder. Hopefully trade him for a relief pitcher even if that's a failed starter in the minors with a very good fastball and some breaking ball, that has a bid of command.

[Mahoning]

All of the starting pitchers (Lopez excluded because he didn't pitch) got worse as the year wore on, except for Simeon. Some teams (like Cleveland) bring up pitchers from AAA and they shine. Zebby, Festa, Bradley, and Abel have mostly been bad. If the Twins continue their cost-cutting over the winter (so long, Pablo, maybe Ryan too), then despite these little bright spots, they could be even worse next year. Rocco today before the telecast signalled as much -- he said improvements will be "slow." He also managed to emit the amazing statement that he liked what the lads have shown in the second half. Whew! 

[stringer bell]

6 hours ago, Eric Blonigen said:

Yeah, he has looked pretty good to the eye test, and with adding speed, is becoming a more complete player. Now, if he can get back towards having 30 homer power too, then look out.

Since the All-Star break, Royce has hit 11 homers and stolen 12 bases. That is almost a 30/30 pace. He was brutal when he returned to the Twins and he’s had quite a few dry spells even in the second half, but there is progress IMHO. 

[RpR]

8 hours ago, Fatbat said:

Just a reminder that what works one season isn’t necessarily the best going forward.  There is a laundry list of players that may be average MLB’s and a shorter list of high upside MLB prospects that are very close to becoming MLB’s with positive WAR and OPS+.  
There is no reason to play the Outman’s and Miranda’s instead of the high upside guys. The future is definitely brighter with KCulpepper, WJenkings, Erod, Gabby etc in MLB than watching Outman, Fitzgerald, Julien, Miranda, Gasper, Roden and so many more dudes that can’t hit for average and aren’t elite Defensively. It might be harsh but why waste time by playing someone that just isn’t very good. 
Planning for 2026 should include TL or Wallner to take over LH ab’s at 1B. Clemons is fine platooning but so far, he is far from a fulltime 1B guy. 
2B should be LK until if/when he becomes mortal. Pencil him in.

SS is Lee’s for the short term. he is destined to be the utility guy. Planning for KCulpepper should have already begun. 
3B is Lewis’s. Pencil him in because he is likey to have a monster ‘26. Healthy and happy days at the hot corner. 
The OF should include 3 rookies and Buck. 5th OF can be split between TL and Wallner. 
DH is a bunch of rotating Dudes, Martin because he gets on base and should steal bases. His defense is sketchy.  TL and Wallner can also rotate in as well as any hot bat. 
C is Jeffers and insert any young guy for 35 games. If Jeffers goes down with a long term injury, we might be in trouble. 
This is all assuming that no actual MLB position players (with above average track record) will be signed.

Sad, kind of, but way worse if the Juliens get Gallo type run at the full season. 
 

Daydream
I fell asleep amid the flowers
For a couple of hours
On a beautiful day

Daydream
Come share a dream amid the flowers
For a couple of hours
On a beautiful day