2026 Position Analysis: Infield

[Mike Sixel]

I mean, Lewis is a lock at third, though I'm not hopeful. Lee at short, though I've lost hope there also. What a bad pick that's turned out to be so far. Ugh. Keaschell starts at 2nd, though I think he's a long term 1B. 

First? Yuck. I think it is Clemens to start, but he's had 1 amazing month and otherwise been terrible in the majors. I'd move Wallner there, or just let Mendez start the year there. (or, I'd move Keschell there asap, and put in a stop gap at 2nd until one of their many SS moves there). 

I really don't know what to do about first.....

[DocBauer]

4 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

I mean, Lewis is a lock at third, though I'm not hopeful. Lee at short, though I've lost hope there also. What a bad pick that's turned out to be so far. Ugh. Keaschell starts at 2nd, though I think he's a long term 1B. 

First? Yuck. I think it is Clemens to start, but he's had 1 amazing month and otherwise been terrible in the majors. I'd move Wallner there, or just let Mendez start the year there. (or, I'd move Keschell there asap, and put in a stop gap at 2nd until one of their many SS moves there). 

I really don't know what to do about first.....

We're going to have to agree is disagree here. Sorry.

I trust a very talented 26yo Lewis to finally adjust to his changed body to figure stuff out. So I remain hopeful. 

I'm admittedly a little less hopeful on Lee as I thought natural bat talent would start to take hold. We saw glimpses this season. But then I remind myself, and everyone else, that he entered 2025 with 180AB, which is only 30 removed from rookie status. So despite hype, he was a 24yo barely removed from rookie status. He is NOT the future at SS. I think he ends up as a 3B or 2B, but if other young talent comes through, he might be a TREMENDOUS 4 position utility player. But can we just allow a little more time for him to grow as a hitter and defender? Again, honestly, he was almost rookie status when 2025 began.

(I expect K-Pepper to take over SS at some point in 2026).

Can we give Keaschall an offseason and another ST before we decide he can't play 2B? He played 1B and LF, with a little time in CF, but mostly 1B and DH because everyone KNEW about his impending TJ surgery. He didn't even play ANY 2B before the Twins broke camp. Then he comes and does great and gets his forearm broke.

The whole point is he's BARELY played 2B for 2yrs now. He needs playing time to just do the little things like being in front of the ball. Little things like making sure the glove and ball meet properly. So can we give him a little time to adjust?

NO to Clemens as the full time 1B. Not sure where anyone has suggested that's an actual good idea.

 

 

[RpR]

On 10/17/2025 at 11:54 AM, Mike Sixel said:

First? Yuck. I think it is Clemens to start, but he's had 1 amazing month and otherwise been terrible in the majors. .... I'd move Wallner there...

Hmm, what you said about Clemens sounds a lot like Lewis.

Lurch at 1st, heaven help us.