Building a Bullpen from Scratch: How the Twins Can Rebound in 2026

[TopGunn#22]

With the exception of David Festa (who I think can make a Griffin Jax like transition) I don't really want to see a young Twins SP moved to the bullpen.  Matthews, Bradley, and Abel ALL need to stay as possible rotation pieces.  Raya is a possible BP move.  But I'd like to give Prielipp just a little more time to see if he can be a legit SP.  (But I agree with the idea that he could be a really interesting "impact" BP arm).   

But no matter how they build this "new" bullpen, it is absolutely essential to spend a little money and bring in a veteran Closer looking to rebuild his value.  The 2 best guys to consider in my opinion are Ryan Helsley and Devin Williams.  Each has been an elite Closer, and each had a rough year in 2025. 

Helsley was actually pretty good for the Cardinals until he was traded to the Mets at the deadline to be the set up guy for Edwin Diaz.  It flopped in spectacular fashion for the Mets, costing them a playoff spot.  Closers need to CLOSE.

Williams started off pretty well but ran into all sorts of problems trying to hold on to the Yankees Closer role.  I just think he's much better than he was in 2025 and a trip back to the Midwest might be just what gets him back on track.

Each of these guys may sign a contract with what appears to be a non-contender (like the Twins) with the opportunity to prove they can once again anchor a bullpen.  The Twins should be willing to offer a $5-$7 million dollar deal for the opportunity to close games for them.  

It's more than the Twins are accustomed to spending on a Closer in the Falvey era, but there are several scenarios that could play out.

1.  Vet Closer fails terribly and the Twins are left holding the bag.  (I don't think this is likely).

2.  Vet Closer does quite well and is top five in the A.L. in saves leading up to the All Star break.  The Twins however are struggling to stay 10 games under .500 and sell Vet Closer off for a decent prospect (or 2).

3.  Vet Closer is "Lights Out" and the Twins pitching is surprisingly pretty good.  The lineup also sees some bounce back from key hitters like Lewis and Jeffers, and solid seasons from Buxton and Keaschall.  Some kid named Jenkins also makes his debut and early returns look promising.  The Twins are lurking about 5 games out for the Division lead, but in the mix for a Wild Card.  Vet Closer can still be sold to the highest bidder, or offered an extension.

But nothing will matter with rebuilding our BP unless we have a guy that wins the 9th inning.  If the Twins don't have that guy, no matter what else happens, it will look like August and September blowing save opportunities right & left.      

[Chris Hove]

On 11/5/2025 at 1:22 PM, hlsballer318 said:

Could Funderburk develop into a closer? Or is he topped out as a good 7th/8th inning relief guy?

I like Fundy more as a 7th-inning guy; he doesn't have the velocity and strikeout potential I like in a setup/closer role. I do think his sweeper to lefties is a very valuable asset.

[Major League Ready]

I would bet that at least 2 BP spots go to free agents and it's even money on 3 spots.  Of course, a trade could change that outlook.

[Rosterman]

On 11/5/2025 at 5:50 PM, DocBauer said:

But just as a reminder, Aguilera, Guardado, Trombley, Duffy, Duran, Jax, and Varland are only a handful of past and near present former "failed" starters who became excellent RP for the Twins. For some it happened immediately. For some it took a little longer.

Not to mention Hawkins and Perkins. And wasn't Nathan a starter prospect with the Giants? How much time do they need defining their craft is the question.

[Historyking88]

This is perhaps the dumbest way they could rebuild their bullpen. Topa is not a high leverage pitcher and the Twins should NOT resign him nor should they bring back Thielbar! And are you out of your mind converting Matthews to a reliever? If anything move Festa to the bullpen and he can become the new closer. Promote others like Bragg and Klein along with Ohl and Adams and then you might have the makings of something. Or you know make a trade or two.