Position Analysis: Outfield

[stringer bell]

The Twins 2025 MVP plays center field. The outfield will be configured around Byron Buxton as long as he is a Twin and as long as he is healthy. Any discussion of the 2026 outfield starts with Byron Buxton in center field. Other threads have speculated about Buck being traded and I don't think it is out of the question, but that discussion is for other threads. Buxton played 126 games last year, his second best number and started 118 in center field, also the second most in his career. He startedd and finished the season healthy although he spent a total of four weeks on the Injured List. Let's assume he stays equally healthy in 2026 (and remains a Twin) and go from there. 

Left Field--Austin Martin is the incumbent left fielder going into 2026. He played in 37 games as the left fielder and started 28, more than anyone else on the current roster. Will he be the Opening Day left fielder? I think so, but a lot will depend on who the Twins manager is. Martin provided good on-base numbers (.374 OBP) with much improved defense in left field. (+5 defensive runs saved) and according to Baseball Savant, his arm graded out as above average. His profile isn't all roses--his base running was up and down--he made too many gaffes and outs on the bases--and he lacks power (one homer and only a .365 Slug).  Martin turns 27 in spring training, so it would seem it is now or never for him. Martin played some center both in '24 and '25, but it looks like his best defensive position is left field. He started a couple of games at second base and it wouldn't be out of the question that he might do some of that in 2026, but his route to consistent playing time is in left field. It should also be mentioned that Martin suffered two hamstring injuries which probably cost him considerable time in the majors, although he was in the minor leagues when he suffered the injuries.His body of work for the 2025 Twins was only 50 games. There are several other candidates for playing time in left field for the 2026 Twins. Trade acquisition Alan Roden played in 12 games for the Twins and was generally unimpressive, but he has hit at all minor league levels and looks like a good defender who can also cover center field. James Outman auditioned with the Twins in September and hit a few homers, but struggled to make contact. He homered four times in 104 plate appearances, but struck out more than 43% of the time. I think that should disqualify him from making a big league team. Those numbers are in line with his last two years playing for the Dodgers. Trevor Larnach got some starts in left field, but was primarily a DH. Trevor was a league average hitter and grades out as a below-average corner outfielder. He was healthy all year and had career highs in all of the counting stats. A whole bunch of prospects are on the verge of making their major league debut, including Gabriel Gonzalez, Kyler Fedko, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins. Any or perhaps all of them could make their debut in 2026 and play left field. Martin hits right handed as do Gonzalez and Fedko, while Roden, Rodriguez and Jenkins hit lefty. Outman and Larnach are LH hitters, as is Kody Clemens, who also started several games in left field for the Twins in 2025. There are a lot of possibilities for left field in 2026.

Center Field--Byron Buxton had a career year. As mentioned above he played in more than three quarters of the Twins games for the first time in eight year and set career highs in almost all categories. He mostly hit leadoff and provided power and speed at the top of the lineup. He played a good, but not great, center field and did reasonably well in high leverage situations. BBRef gave him 4.9 WAR, slightly less than he accumulated in 2017, but his slugging this year was easily his best for a full season. It will be interesting to see (if he stays a Twin) where he hits in the lineup next year. The team doesn't have a wealth of power outside of him and it might be better to put him in the middle of the order. Buxton was 24-24 in stolen bases and his success rate is among the very best in baseball history. Should he run a bit more? Yeah, but only if he's still able to stay on the field. Any hope for the Twins to be competitive features Buxton playing at least 100 games in center field. It will always be a priority for who is his backup. Many of the guys listed in my left field analysis figure in here. Both Walker Jenkins and e-Rodriguez mostly played center field this season, so they would be candidates to be the primary center fielder in Buxton's absence. The pecking order of those that played for the Twins would be Outman, Roden, and then Martin. Also on the roster is DaShawn Keirsey Jr. who spent the majority of '25 on the Twins active roster, but failed to hit at all in limited opportunities, but who is a good defender with the ability to steal a base. 

Right Field--Matt Wallner was the most-used right fielder in 2025, with Trevor Larnach second in appearances. Both are on the 40-man roster at this time and it would seem that they will see the bulk of playing time in right field as long as they are on the team. Wallner hit 22 homers and compiled a ..776 OPS in almost 400 plate appearances. The production from those numbers was pretty disappointing--47 runs scored and 40 RBI, so he accounted for only 65 runs in those 392 plate appearances. The batting average was barely above the Mendoza Line (.202). Also, by all measures, Wallner was not a good defender, despite a 99th percentile throwing arm. The power is tantalizing, to be sure. Wallner probably gets the Opening Day assignment in right field. As mentioned, Larnach had a full season of league average production as a corner OF and DH. He enters a time where his salary will increase dramatically due to arbitration and he is a good bet to be dealt or non-tendered. All of the guys mentioned in the left field mix could figure in for right field, plus Carson McCusker, who put up great numbers initially in St. Paul, but cooled in the second half. McCusker got 30 PAs for the Twins and did nothing noteworthy.

Barring a trade, I think the starting outfield will be Martin, Buxton, Wallner left to right. I wouldn't be surprised to see many players get time in left unless Martin claims that position for himself. I also think Wallner is on the clock. Last year's season was unacceptable and a continuation of those struggles might mean others will get a chance in right. There are a lot of candidates, but no sure things. I do expect Jenkins and Rodriguez to debut and maybe Gonzalez. Hopefully, one or two of these guys becomes a lineup fixture. IMHO, the most likely player to be gone before Opening Day is Larnach, not that he's the best or the worst, but many other look like they can do what he does for less money. The dream scenario for the outfield is that someone emerges as the left fielder, Buxton stays healthy and productive in center, and Wallner bounces back to become a feared slugger. Most likely we will see something short of that in 2026.

 

[Major League Ready]

I think Roden starts as much or more than Wallner in the OF.  His Milb track record is too good to give up on him after 150 major league ABs.   Wallner starts a lot of games but half or more of them as the DH.  They will both need to prove themselves with Jenkins, GG and others near ready.   He will see very little time in the OF once Jenkins gets established and hopefully that's relatively early in the season.

[LambchoP]

Buxton in center for sure. I like Martin in LF if he can hit for avg, get on base and steal some bags. Outman and Roden should be nothing more than minor league depth. I'm guessing Larnach will be traded, making us keep Wallner. I'll give him another year to see if he can produce, but not in RF. He's a DH or, if he can play a passable 1b, maybe he sticks there until a better option presents itself. Hopefully Jenkins, Rodriguez, Fedko or Gonzalez has a hot start to 26 and can claim an everyday OF gig. 

[tony&rodney]

I'm not sure we can come too close to guessing the outfield for next year. So much depends on what direction the Twins decide to take. It is possible to trade Buxton with his permission. It seems too early to understand if Falvey will, once again, stand still in the offseason or choose to continue the rebuild started in July.

If nothing changes, then the Twins move along with Martin, Buxton, and Wallner. I think Larnach hit reasonable well and folks already know that Wallner can hit some home runs. Unless there is a guarantee that neither will ever play more time in the field than Kyle Schwarber has the last two years, the Twins should find a team that would be excited to acquire Larnach or Wallner. I'm fine with letting one of them serve as a DH.

So much depends on whether the Twins decide to trade Joe Ryan. My hope is that the Twins choose better defenders for the outfield once they choose a direction on Ryan, Buxton, Lopez, and Jeffers.

Youth will be served at some point. Jenkins, Gonzalez, Fedko, and Rodriguez all have some skills and some weaknesses to go along with their inexperience, but they want to show themsleves at their best in MLB soon. How soon? I think they are all are about as ready as the guys who played the corners this year. 

[stringer bell]

@tony&rodney is right, of course. This prediction/projection is a SWAG assuming little movement this offseason. It is entirely possible, if not likely, that players that were commented on are gone by way of trade or non-tender. Specifically, I think Matt Wallner has the speed and arm to be at least an average outfielder. I think the Twins can and should give him another season to see if he can improve there as well as hit more in line with his first two seasons. With the glut of lefty hitting corner OFs (including Jenkins and Rodriguez), I do think Trevor Larnach's time with the Twins is over. He's a major leaguer and might blossom in another environment. Roden probably deserves more of a shot than the few PAs he had before he was injured and there should be DH at bats for corner outfielders, as well.

Ideally, I'd like to see Buxton flanked by Rodriguez and Jenkins, with Wallner as the DH. I am believing that whether the Twins try to contend in 2026 or not, they will move one or both of Ryan and López. They need a bullpen and more infielders. Ryan should net multiple players who can help right now, same with López. I alway try to remember Joe and Pablo are only a couple of months apart in age, so it isn't like there is more upside for Ryan than there is for López.

 

[strumdatjag]

The question isn’t who starts the season in the outfield, it’s who finishes the season in the outfield.   I’m pretty sure two out of three of them will be different. 

[DocBauer]

This has to be the most intriguing spot on the roster doesn't it?

And of course it starts with Buxton in CF. He's proven healthy for the past 2 seasons once his knee was finally "fixed". He's an absolute stud, a difference maker, and I still believe a Twin for life...or at least the remaining years of his contract.

After that, it becomes muddled, but not necessarily in a bad way. There are just so many options, and so many top prospects so close to debuting, that it might be a fluid spot. Whoever begins the season isn't necessarily who's going to finish the season.

WHAT DO I WANT TO SEE HAPPEN? 

I want the Twins to not be afraid to follow the example of teams like the Brewers and get the TOP talent up ASAP and live with some growing pains. I WANT Rodriguez to have a good winter ball, and a healthy ST, and grab a spot DAY ONE. His clock is ticking with 2 yrs already on the 40 man. I can't wait for Jenkins to arrive. But only 21yo and and only 23 G and 102 PA at AAA, I can see him getting a month or so at St Paul to ramp up a bit. The fact that it would affect his service time is a benefit, whether anyone likes that idea or not.

At some point, the dream of Rodriguez and Jenkins BOTH in the OF flanking Buxton is not unreasonable. It could/should happen at some point in 2026, possibly as early as June 1st if everyone is healthy.

I doubt the Twins open the season with more than 2 rookies...or near rookies...in the OF. They are too conservative in their approach at times. That doesn't mean Roden and Fedko are SOL. As stated by Stringer, Roden shouldn't be dismissed just because he had a poor debut in a very limited number of games. And it's not hard to squint a little looking at Fedko and maybe see a young Lew Ford 4th OF.

I WANT them to remove Keirsey...who didn't get a very fair chance, but they seem to have made up their mind on him...as well as McCusker...for the same reasons...and just admit to themselves that Outman is just NOT going to suddenly be "fixed" as a 29yo. My goodness, Outman's OPS for his last 30 days with the Twins was .346! Go ahead and offer MILB deals to all 3, but get them off the 40 man at this point.

I like Larnach, and I've said that repeatedly. He's not a bad ballplayer. But with an expected arbitration number of around $5M for a re-tooling team with all of these OF options, where does he fit? But a career OPS of around .760 against RHP, I believe he's got value to someone else. Therefore, I think he's moved, possibly with a solid prospect, in a deal for either a pen arm from someone else, or at least a decent prospect.

SO AFTER THAT?

Martin has earned the right to play for the LF spot. I still have some doubts, but I'm very impressed by his improvement this season offensively and defensively. Can he continue to refine his defense enough to also be a viable CF? Hopefully. I'd still like him to work out at 2B for emergency situations. Long term, his role is 4th OF once Jenkins and Rodriguez arrive.

Wallner had a very disappointing 2025. But after an OK rookie debut, he was a very productive bat in 2023 and 2024 with a combined OPS of around .880! You just can't ignore that! He's also looked much better defensively before this season. Did his injury this season affect him more than we know? While he Ideally slots in to the role of primary DH and decent backup corner OF, he's absolutely part of the OF picture for 2026.

So we have Martin, Buxton, and Wallner as the initial starters barring a FO surprise of handing Rodriguez or Jenkins and opening day role. But I'd sure like to see that happen! Still plenty of AB to go around!

So what about the 4th and 5th spots? Again, we just shouldn't dismiss Roden and his MILB career after less than 160 PA appearances. He's still a virtual rookie who had a bad debut. He is sorta a LH version of Martin with more power. And while Fedko is a late bloomer in his 25 age season, he's a competent OF by all reports and has speed and newly developed power with a MILB career of having a really good OB%, even if his AVG was never great. 

Gonzalez has reaffirmed that his top 100 prospect status when the Twins acquired him was not an illusion. His 2024 season was a downer due to injury. But similar to Jenkins, he'll oy be 22yo when 2026 begins, with limited AAA PA, and will probably spend a little more time with St Paul to ramp up.

So, unfortunately, I'm starting to believe the Twins will keep Outman around to begin 2026 in the role Keirsey had in 2025; PR and defensive replacement. 

Big mistake, IMO! Cut bait! Let the prospects play!

Want a really crazy idea? IF ownership is stupid and blind and keep the payroll at unreasonable levels, have Roden and Fedko compete at 1B. Roden has a lot of experience at the position, Fedko some. They could play 1B, AND the OF, and Clemens could continue in a possible utility role as the 13th man.

You see how crazy this could be? Crazy insane, or crazy like a fox depending on what the new manager is presented with via the FO.

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO:

1] Just remove Outman, Keirsey and McCusker from the 40 man for prospects and potential FA additions. Offer them MILB deals. 

2] Open the OF competition to ALL of the prospects on hand. If you decide to hold someone back for service time, or more AAA time to "ramp up" and tweak a few things, great. I have no problem with that. But assuming for a moment that Larnach is actually gone, you have Martin, Buxton, Wallner, Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Roden, and Fedko as options for the OF and DH. That's 8 guys proven, or TOP prospects, and a recent climber who shouldn't be ignored that you drafted and developed over time.

*I'm deliberately ignoring Clemens as an OF option at this point.

3] STOP being paranoid about depth. Depth is good. But Margot and Gallo are NOT depth pieces. Maybe build a better AAA roster, but maybe examine other mid market teams that recognize you have to trust in your on hand talent and give them them the opportunity to succeed. 

The opening day OF might not be who finishes the season. But if I might be crass, I'd tell the FO to have the balls to play the best talent and ignore mistakes like Outman, and let it fly. You can always send someone down for a month or so if you really need to. But why are the Brewers doing better with their prospects? Maybe it's opportunity?

[stringer bell]

10 hours ago, DocBauer said:

WHAT THEY SHOULD DO:

1] Just remove Outman, Keirsey and McCusker from the 40 man for prospects and potential FA additions. Offer them MILB deals. 

2] Open the OF competition to ALL of the prospects on hand. If you decide to hold someone back for service time, or more AAA time to "ramp up" and tweak a few things, great. I have no problem with that. But assuming for a moment that Larnach is actually gone, you have Martin, Buxton, Wallner, Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Roden, and Fedko as options for the OF and DH. That's 8 guys proven, or TOP prospects, and a recent climber who shouldn't be ignored that you drafted and developed over time.

*I'm deliberately ignoring Clemens as an OF option at this point.

3] STOP being paranoid about depth. Depth is good. But Margot and Gallo are NOT depth pieces. Maybe build a better AAA roster, but maybe examine other mid market teams that recognize you have to trust in your on hand talent and give them them the opportunity to succeed. 

The opening day OF might not be who finishes the season. But if I might be crass, I'd tell the FO to have the balls to play the best talent and ignore mistakes like Outman, and let it fly. You can always send someone down for a month or so if you really need to. But why are the Brewers doing better with their prospects? Maybe it's opportunity?

As usual, @DocBauer has a lot to say and I don't mean that as a slam. I'll take issue with a statement or two. I don't think the clock is ticking for E-Rod. He has zero major league service time and he's 21 years old. Options come in whole numbers and two options have been used for him. If I am not mistaken, he has two more. I concur and DFAs for McCusker, Keirsey Jr. and Outman, pointing out that both Keirsey and Outman will be playing the majority of the season as 29-year olds and McCusker as a 28-year old. I am ready for the club to move on from Outman. I don't think of it as a mistake that he was acquired, more of a lottery ticket, but one that had been in someone's pocket for a while.

In my mind's eye, I see the Opening Day outfield of Martin, Buxton, Wallner, with Roden as the swing guy, starting in right when Wallner is the DH, center to give Buxton a day off and left on occasion in a quasi-platoon with Martin. If Emma is better than Roden in the spring, he could assume that role. 

Regardless, it would appear that players are going to get their chances. Rodriguez and Jenkins for sure, probably Gonzalez and maybe Fedko. 

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

As usual, @DocBauer has a lot to say and I don't mean that as a slam. I'll take issue with a statement or two. I don't think the clock is ticking for E-Rod. He has zero major league service time and he's 21 years old. Options come in whole numbers and two options have been used for him. If I am not mistaken, he has two more. I concur and DFAs for McCusker, Keirsey Jr. and Outman, pointing out that both Keirsey and Outman will be playing the majority of the season as 29-year olds and McCusker as a 28-year old. I am ready for the club to move on from Outman. I don't think of it as a mistake that he was acquired, more of a lottery ticket, but one that had been in someone's pocket for a while.

In my mind's eye, I see the Opening Day outfield of Martin, Buxton, Wallner, with Roden as the swing guy, starting in right when Wallner is the DH, center to give Buxton a day off and left on occasion in a quasi-platoon with Martin. If Emma is better than Roden in the spring, he could assume that role. 

Regardless, it would appear that players are going to get their chances. Rodriguez and Jenkins for sure, probably Gonzalez and maybe Fedko. 

I should be more clear when I say Rodriguez's clock is ticking. I'm intending to refer to his options clock. He has yet to debut and he's already used up 2 options. Hopefully he doesn't need to use either of his remaining 2, but a lot of times rookies and young players end up needing a re-set at some point.

I should have been more clear in my comments.

[Doctor Wu]

On 10/6/2025 at 9:49 AM, DocBauer said:

Depth is good. But Margot and Gallo are NOT depth pieces.

They are not and WERE not. Please tell me that we aren't thinking about bringing either one of those guys back again!

[Riverbrian]

On 10/6/2025 at 8:36 AM, stringer bell said:

I concur and DFAs for McCusker, Keirsey Jr. and Outman, pointing out that both Keirsey and Outman will be playing the majority of the season as 29-year olds and McCusker as a 28-year old.

I agree on McCusker and Keirsay. The primary reason I agree on those two is "Faith Placed in them" and therefore waste of 40 man or 26 man space. 

A new manager could change that assessment.

Age is not a consideration for me. Nathan Lukes is one reason why. There are others.

Getting 6 years out of a player is wonderful but you don't have to get 6 years out of player to be worth a roster spot in any given year. The Blue Jays will worry about Nathan Lukes at age 33 when Nathan Lukes is 33. 

Outman... It doesn't matter what I think about him personally. I don't care what trade value Brock had.

Trading Brock Stewart for a two month rental in a lost season would be a horrible trade. I understand Brock's injury history but at the very least... Brock could still be a Twin and the Twins could be one less bullpen arm that they have to find for 2026. At least until Brock gets hurt again. Brock didn't have to be traded. 

I can't see Outman not being a part of 2026. And if he is part of it... Age is not a consideration for me. Can he return to his rookie season is the consideration? Much like can Royce Lewis return to his rookie season? I'll worry about Outman at age 33 when he becomes 33.

If Outman can't get it going, he's going to be run over by multiple options. If he continues to struggle and is not run over by multiple options coming from the minor leagues... we are in trouble.  

I'm not defending Outman specifically. But there is no way I will support trading Brock Stewart for a two month rental in a lost season.

If you believe in the guy enough to justify that trade. Then believe in the guy.   

[jorgenswest]

I don’t think they saw Outman as a two month rental. They must have seen the risk though. He is a legit centerfielder and as long as he can hit passably he is a good option as the CF on the bench. They have the winter to work with him and get him to that passable level. He has hit in the minors and hit in his full season. It is a risk but there is upside. If he can get his bat into to the Michael Taylor range he will probably have a spot on the bench in the majors.

They took the risk and they need to be able to take the loss and move on if doesnt improve his hitting. Rodriguez and Jenkins are coming soon and play centerfield. Outman probably has until they are ready to show he is a passable or better hitter.

[chpettit19]

On 10/6/2025 at 8:36 AM, stringer bell said:

As usual, @DocBauer has a lot to say and I don't mean that as a slam. I'll take issue with a statement or two. I don't think the clock is ticking for E-Rod. He has zero major league service time and he's 21 years old. Options come in whole numbers and two options have been used for him. If I am not mistaken, he has two more. I concur and DFAs for McCusker, Keirsey Jr. and Outman, pointing out that both Keirsey and Outman will be playing the majority of the season as 29-year olds and McCusker as a 28-year old. I am ready for the club to move on from Outman. I don't think of it as a mistake that he was acquired, more of a lottery ticket, but one that had been in someone's pocket for a while.

In my mind's eye, I see the Opening Day outfield of Martin, Buxton, Wallner, with Roden as the swing guy, starting in right when Wallner is the DH, center to give Buxton a day off and left on occasion in a quasi-platoon with Martin. If Emma is better than Roden in the spring, he could assume that role. 

Regardless, it would appear that players are going to get their chances. Rodriguez and Jenkins for sure, probably Gonzalez and maybe Fedko. 

 

On 10/6/2025 at 9:45 AM, DocBauer said:

I should be more clear when I say Rodriguez's clock is ticking. I'm intending to refer to his options clock. He has yet to debut and he's already used up 2 options. Hopefully he doesn't need to use either of his remaining 2, but a lot of times rookies and young players end up needing a re-set at some point.

I should have been more clear in my comments.

FYI, next year will be Emma's last option year. His clock is very much ticking. Teams get 3 option years with players. Using 2 of them without a single MLB PA puts them in a very tough spot with him. He needs to stay healthy and get a lot of MLB PAs next year.

[DocBauer]

40 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

 

FYI, next year will be Emma's last option year. His clock is very much ticking. Teams get 3 option years with players. Using 2 of them without a single MLB PA puts them in a very tough spot with him. He needs to stay healthy and get a lot of MLB PAs next year.

Why I have him ranked ahead of Jenkins...BOTH healthy and looking good...since Rodriguez is the older and I don't see the Twins starting TWO rookie OF opening day. 

But again, will BOTH be 100% AND have a great ST? No reason one, Jenkins in theory, getting a little more AAA time and up in May or 1st of June. My opinion. Of course, you could reverse them in my scenario as well.

Question: I was under the impression players had 4 options. I guess I'm probably confusing that with players who occasionally get a 4th due to injuries that slow them. What would be the process of Rodriguez being awarded a 4th option? Is it just a paperwork request due to time missed while rostered?

[tony&rodney]

Falvey needs to find a team that thinks as highly of Matt Wallner as many of his fans. Wallner has more value than Larnach and there is only one DH allowed. Hey, maybe Manfred decides he wants more DH guys.

Time for EmRod or see what value he has on the trade market. Walker Jenkins might be ready soon, depending on his offseason. Roden could be a fair 4th outfielder. 

Still, it is really early. Hopefully, Falvey doesn't have a three month vacation planned. I'm impatiently waiting for some November and December action. How frustrated will I be?

[jorgenswest]

4 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Why I have him ranked ahead of Jenkins...BOTH healthy and looking good...since Rodriguez is the older and I don't see the Twins starting TWO rookie OF opening day. 

But again, will BOTH be 100% AND have a great ST? No reason one, Jenkins in theory, getting a little more AAA time and up in May or 1st of June. My opinion. Of course, you could reverse them in my scenario as well.

Question: I was under the impression players had 4 options. I guess I'm probably confusing that with players who occasionally get a 4th due to injuries that slow them. What would be the process of Rodriguez being awarded a 4th option? Is it just a paperwork request due to time missed while rostered?

from Google AI

In Major League Baseball, a player may be eligible for a fourth option year if they have used their three standard options but have not yet completed five full seasons of professional baseball. This is most common for players who spend time in the lower minor leagues or miss significant playing time due to injury. 

Who is eligible for a fourth option?

A player qualifies for a fourth option year if they meet all of the following conditions: 

• They have used all three of their regular options.
• They have less than five "full seasons" of professional experience. 

What counts as a "full season"?

For the purpose of the fourth-option rule, a full professional season is defined as any season in which a player accrues at least 90 days of active service on either a major league or minor league roster. 

Time spent on the injured list can sometimes contribute to the 90-day total, but only after a minimum number of active days are logged.

Rookie-level leagues and other short-season minor leagues, which have seasons shorter than 90 days, are often a key reason a player doesn't reach the "five full seasons" threshold and becomes eligible for a fourth option. 

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

from Google AI

In Major League Baseball, a player may be eligible for a fourth option year if they have used their three standard options but have not yet completed five full seasons of professional baseball. This is most common for players who spend time in the lower minor leagues or miss significant playing time due to injury. 

Who is eligible for a fourth option?

A player qualifies for a fourth option year if they meet all of the following conditions: 

• They have used all three of their regular options.
• They have less than five "full seasons" of professional experience. 

What counts as a "full season"?

For the purpose of the fourth-option rule, a full professional season is defined as any season in which a player accrues at least 90 days of active service on either a major league or minor league roster. 

Time spent on the injured list can sometimes contribute to the 90-day total, but only after a minimum number of active days are logged.

Rookie-level leagues and other short-season minor leagues, which have seasons shorter than 90 days, are often a key reason a player doesn't reach the "five full seasons" threshold and becomes eligible for a fourth option. 

Yep, looks like the clock is ticking. Thank you for the information. I was a bit confused about playing time vs options.

Here's hoping for a good Winter League performance and a healthy ST.

[DocBauer]

5 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Falvey needs to find a team that thinks as highly of Matt Wallner as many of his fans. Wallner has more value than Larnach and there is only one DH allowed. Hey, maybe Manfred decides he wants more DH guys.

Time for EmRod or see what value he has on the trade market. Walker Jenkins might be ready soon, depending on his offseason. Roden could be a fair 4th outfielder. 

Still, it is really early. Hopefully, Falvey doesn't have a three month vacation planned. I'm impatiently waiting for some November and December action. How frustrated will I be?

I don't feel a lot of belief in Wallner is misplaced. I think recent bias is working against him in a lot of people's mind. Dismissing ONLY 65PA in 2022, his OPS over the past 3 seasons, WITH a disappointing 2025, is still a collective .849 OPS. 

How much did his initial injury affect him? Did it mess with his head? Did it affect his defense? I have to be honest, he was better defensively in 2024. Something just didn't look right most of the year as I watched him play. He was either still playing hurt. OR, he was letting something get in to his head.

He is way better than Larnach in all facets. He could easily be a high 20 and probably 30 HR primary DH and part time OF. But it is still up to him to prove 2024 was a blip, and not what he's actually capable of.

 

[The Great Hambino]

15 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I'll worry about Outman at age 33 when he becomes 33.

If we're worrying about a 33 year old Outman, something either went terribly right or terribly wrong

[tony&rodney]

59 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I don't feel a lot of belief in Wallner is misplaced. I think recent bias is working against him in a lot of people's mind. Dismissing ONLY 65PA in 2022, his OPS over the past 3 seasons, WITH a disappointing 2025, is still a collective .849 OPS. 

How much did his initial injury affect him? Did it mess with his head? Did it affect his defense? I have to be honest, he was better defensively in 2024. Something just didn't look right most of the year as I watched him play. He was either still playing hurt. OR, he was letting something get in to his head.

He is way better than Larnach in all facets. He could easily be a high 20 and probably 30 HR primary DH and part time OF. But it is still up to him to prove 2024 was a blip, and not what he's actually capable of.

 

I fully understand how much you and many others like Wallner. I'm fine with him at DH only if he is on the team. I don't want to see him in the outfield any more. He isn't any better than Nelson Cruz was at the end of his career or Kyle Schwarber is now in the field. Can he hit like either of them?

I saw someone post that Matt Wallner has a BTV around 25-30. I believe Wallner has value somewhere. We shall see how it plays out.

[jorgenswest]

7 hours ago, DocBauer said:

Yep, looks like the clock is ticking. Thank you for the information. I was a bit confused about playing time vs options.

Here's hoping for a good Winter League performance and a healthy ST.

Not sure. His first season in the FCL had 51 games. Would he have accrued 90 days of active service? Seems unlikely. Did injuries prevent him from 90 days of active service in any other season? Maybe.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Not sure. His first season in the FCL had 51 games. Would he have accrued 90 days of active service? Seems unlikely. Did injuries prevent him from 90 days of active service in any other season? Maybe.

Fangraphs say that Rodriguez has one option remaining. 2026 may well be a make or break year for him. 

[jorgenswest]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Fangraphs say that Rodriguez has one option remaining. 2026 may well be a make or break year for him. 

Fangraphs couldn’t know if he will qualify for a 4th option. In order to qualify the Twins will need to use an option this year and one of his injured seasons has to be less than 90 days of active service.

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Fangraphs couldn’t know if he will qualify for a 4th option. In order to qualify the Twins will need to use an option this year and one of his injured seasons has to be less than 90 days of active service.

The last guy who got an extra option year that I remember was Lewis Thorpe (LH Aussie pitcher) who had dealt with injuries prior to making the majors. I think it is pretty rare to get an additional option year. 

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

The last guy who got an extra option year that I remember was Lewis Thorpe (LH Aussie pitcher) who had dealt with injuries prior to making the majors. I think it is pretty rare to get an additional option year. 

It is rare. If Rodriguez qualifies it will be injuries as I said earlier. Did he have 90 days of active service in each of his five full season minor league (one will be 2026)? His first season of complex league ball shouldn’t hit the 90 days. If not he will not have had 5 full seasons and be eligible for a 4th option.

I guess I have to do a little more work here.

In 2022 he had a season ending knee injury on June 8 after playing 47 games. The first day of the season was April 8. Is he credited with 90 or more days of active service that season? I don’t know how active service is calculated. 

In 2024 he also played 47 games but he was in and out so counting the days and interpretation of active service isn’t ac clear. In 2025 he played 65 games. That might not have hit 90 either. 2022 is the most clear. I think it is 62 days April 8 to June 8. I don’t see how that gets to 90 days of active service.

I think Kennys Vargas is the last position player for the Twins getting a 4th option and playing in the majors.

[tony&rodney]

At some point the Twins will need to make a decision about Emmanuel Rodriguez. Most likely, there will be discussions about him after he finishes his stint in the winter league. One option would be to explore interest from other teams in EmRod. 

[MGX]

On 10/11/2025 at 1:06 AM, tony&rodney said:

I fully understand how much you and many others like Wallner. I'm fine with him at DH only if he is on the team. I don't want to see him in the outfield any more. He isn't any better than Nelson Cruz was at the end of his career or Kyle Schwarber is now in the field. Can he hit like either of them?

I saw someone post that Matt Wallner has a BTV around 25-30. I believe Wallner has value somewhere. We shall see how it plays out.

Kyle Schwarber barely plays in the field any more. They play Castellanos over him who put up a -12 OAA this year in RF. In Kyle Schwarber's last two seasons that he played in the OF he was -18 & -19 OAA. Matt Wallner has been -2 in each of his last two seasons. That comp is off by a long ways.

When someone like Emma, Jenkins or anyone (Roden or another prospect) kicks the door down & proves to be a better option, then they should move Wallner to DH or trade him. Until that point Wallner is the best option we have in RF. 

Hopefully, Buxton has another healthy season in CF & Martin continues his stellar play from the last two months. An outfield of Buxton, Martin & Wallner is not going to keep the Twins from winning games.

They have work to do in the IF & bullpen, but that's not for this discussion. 

[stringer bell]

45 minutes ago, MGX said:

Kyle Schwarber barely plays in the field any more. They play Castellanos over him who put up a -12 OAA this year in RF. In Kyle Schwarber's last two seasons that he played in the OF he was -18 & -19 OAA. Matt Wallner has been -2 in each of his last two seasons. That comp is off by a long ways.

When someone like Emma, Jenkins or anyone (Roden or another prospect) kicks the door down & proves to be a better option, then they should move Wallner to DH or trade him. Until that point Wallner is the best option we have in RF. 

Hopefully, Buxton has another healthy season in CF & Martin continues his stellar play from the last two months. An outfield of Buxton, Martin & Wallner is not going to keep the Twins from winning games.

They have work to do in the IF & bullpen, but that's not for this discussion. 

If Wallner were to hit like he did in '23-'24, I think we would all put his "bad defense" in the back of the priorities list. According to BBRef, Wallner was -6 both in DRS and Total Zone with an annual rate around -12 since he only played about half a season in the outfield due to injuries and occasionally DHing. He certainly could make up the runs "lost" with his hitting, but didn't last year. I also think he can and should be a better outfielder than he showed in 2025. He has a great throwing arm and enough speed, but the routes were poor way too often last year.

Wallner had a historically unproductive 20+ homer season in 2025. I hope he's better next year, but I think his runway is much shorter after a disappointing 2025.

[lecroy24fan]

On 10/11/2025 at 11:26 AM, jorgenswest said:

Fangraphs couldn’t know if he will qualify for a 4th option. In order to qualify the Twins will need to use an option this year and one of his injured seasons has to be less than 90 days of active service.

To add to this, CLE is likely getting a 4th option year on one of their prospects in the next few days. So we won't know if Rodriguez is granted one until after the 2026 season.

[Mike Sixel]

On 10/5/2025 at 8:34 AM, Major League Ready said:

I think Roden starts as much or more than Wallner in the OF.  His Milb track record is too good to give up on him after 150 major league ABs.   Wallner starts a lot of games but half or more of them as the DH.  They will both need to prove themselves with Jenkins, GG and others near ready.   He will see very little time in the OF once Jenkins gets established and hopefully that's relatively early in the season.

My thoughts exactly. I wonder how the impending lockout and the FO feeling about control will effect when we see the youth?