Mitch S’s 2026 Payroll Blueprint: Play the Kids

[Mitch S]

I've left two free agent signings in the bullpen.  These could also come from the Twins farm system.  High leverage relievers are Sands, Able, and Rojas.  Let the kids play and provide leadership through Buck, Jeffers, Pablo, and Joe.  Gear 'em up for 2027 and surprise em in 2026.

 

• C: Ryan Jeffers ($6.60M)
• 1B: Kody Clemens ($1.10M)
• 2B: Luke Keaschall ($0.80M)
• 3B: Royce Lewis ($3.00M)
• SS: Brooks Lee ($0.80M)
• LF: Walker Jenkins ($0.8M)
• CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M)
• RF: Matt Wallner ($0.80M)
• DH: Luis Arraez ($12M)
• 4th OF: Emmanuel Rodriguez ($.8M)
• Utility: Austin Martin ($.8M)
• Utility: Kaelen Culpepper ($.8M)
• Backup C: Jhonny Pereda ($.8M)
• POS: Add Dead Money Here ($10M)
• SP1: Pablo Lopez ($21.75M)
• SP2: Joe Ryan ($5.80M)
• SP3: Bailey Ober ($4.60M)
• SP4: Simeon Woods Richardson ($0.80M)
• SP5: Zebby Matthews ($0.80M)
• RP: Mick Abel ($.8M)
• RP: Kody Funderburk ($0.80M)
• RP: Cole Sands ($1.30M)
• RP: Kendry Rojas, ($.8M)
• RP: Connor Prielipp ($0.80M)
• RP: Andrew Morris ($0.80M)
• POS: Add Dead Money Here ($0M)

Payroll is 11.68% under budget