Jeff K’s 2026 Payroll Blueprint: Addition by subtraction

[Jeff K]

The Twins are rebuilding.  For purposes of this exercise, I decided to go with existing players within the organization with the exception of Danny Coloumbe.  Additionally, I did not assume trades.  This meant retaining Matt Wallner and non tendering Larnach.  Clearly, I took a flyer on Kyler Fedko at first base which is why I kept Kody Clemens as a utility player.  The Twins need to either develop or trade for a long term answer at first base.  While the first base rental plan has been decent, it's time to find a long term solution.  I am excited about Kaelen Culpepper and Walker Jenkins making it to the bigs this season, but think they are unlikely to make the team out of spring training.  Lastly, I don't know the salaries of many of the players, but it seems clear that the Twins are not going to invest heavily in salary in 2026.

• C: Ryan Jeffers ($6.60M)
• 1B: Kyler Fedko ($0.80M)
• 2B: Luke Keaschall ($0.80M)
• 3B: Royce Lewis ($3.0M)
• SS: Brooks Lee ($0.80M)
• LF: Austin Martin ($0.80M)
• CF: Byron Buxton ($15.00M)
• RF: Emmanuel Rodriguez ($0.80M)
• DH: Matt Wallner ($1.75M)
• 4th OF: Gabriel Gonzales ($0.80M)
• Utility: Kody Clemens ($1.00M)
• Utility: James Outman ($1.00M)
• Backup C: Jhonny Pereda ($0.80M)
• POS: Ryan Fitzgerald ($0.80M)
• SP1: Pablo Lopez ($21.50M)
• SP2: Joe Ryan ($5.80M)
• SP3: Bailey Ober ($4.60M)
• SP4: Zebby Matthews ($0.80M)
• SP5: Simeon Woods Richardson ($0.80M)
• RP: Taj Bradley ($2.00M)
• RP: Connor Prielipp ($0.80M)
• RP: Pierson Ohl ($0.80M)
• RP: David Festa ($0.80M)
• RP: Cole Sands ($1.30M)
• RP: Justin Topa ($1.70M)
• RP: Danny Coloumbe ($3.00M)
• RP: Kody Funderburk ($0.80M)
• POS: Andrew Morris ($.80M)

Payroll is 27.05% under budget

[Mike Sixel]

The general idea makes sense, but there is 0 chance Prielipp is a RP to start the year. Likely not Morris either, imo. 

[tony&rodney]

Thank you for submitting your proposal. Looks like you tapped four rookies. 

FWIW, all of Wallner, Clemens, Outman, and Bradley are controlled pre-arbitration, which mol means $800,000. Saves less than $3M.

[tony&rodney]

5 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

The general idea makes sense, but there is 0 chance Prielipp is a RP to start the year. Likely not Morris either, imo. 

I'm not certain we can know that decision.

My view is that Andrew Morris needs additional work on command that brings about more chase on the edges or just outside the strike zone as well as adding more late depth to his changeup.

Connor Prielipp has the skills to be an MLB starting pitcher but has to find out which of his pitches to refine or whether to add a pitch. That can be done in the minor leagues as a starter but he would receive a stronger indication of where to head with his arsenal as a relief pitcher for a year or two. His focus would improve at the higher level. In any event there has not been a definitive decision on him yet, although the Twins are leaning more minor league time. That's a good bet which you and I would both take. Where we differ is in the amount to bet and the certainty.