Minnesota Twins 2026 Opening Day Roster Projection, v. 1.0

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins have been somewhat active early this offseason, protecting six prospects from Rule 5 Draft eligibility; trading pitching prospect Jacob Kisting to the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed reliever Eric Orze; and swapping Triple-A utility player Payton Eeles for former Baltimore Orioles backup catcher Alex Jackson. More moves should occur this offseason. Still, it's vital to take note of where the club's 26-man roster currently stands. Which players could form Minnesota's 2026 Opening Day roster, if the season began tomorrow?

Catchers (2): Ryan Jeffers, Alex Jackson
Since 2023, catcher has been the easiest position to project for the Twins, with Jeffers and veteran backstop Christian Vàzquez fixed in a 50/50 split at the position. With Vázquez parting ways with the organization this offseason, team decision-makers elected to bring in a new veteran backstop to team with Jeffers.

Expected to earn roughly $1.8 million in arbitration this offseason, Jackson is a much more cost-effective option than Vázquez, who was earning $10 million annually. At this stage of their respective careers, Jackson is a defensive upgrade from Vàzquez. He has more pop in his bat, though the utility of that power is limited by a catastrophic 40.7% career strikeout rate. Jeffers will be a bellcow behind the plate for the first time in his career. As the sturdy backstop enters his final season of team control, the front office would be wise to lock him up.

Infielders (6): Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, Ryan Fitzgerald, Edouard Julien
As things stand, Minnesota's primary infield configuration entering next season is clear-cut, with Clemens at first base, Keaschall at second, Lewis patrolling third, and Lee at shortstop. Team decision-makers could bring in a right-handed-hitting corner infielder like Miguel Andujar or Rhys Hoskins to pair with Clemens at first. Unless and until that happens, though, the club's primary starting infield group is set.

Fitzgerald is penciled in as the backup shortstop and third baseman. Yet, the front office could elect to acquire a higher-upside option like Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Jordan Lawlar, pushing Fitzgerald back to the fringes of the 40-man roster. Julien could enter the season occasionally mixing in at first base, second base, and designated hitter. Still, given his poor performance at the plate and in the field the past two seasons, that spot on the roster is written in pencil, not pen.

Julien is out of minor-league options, meaning the club would risk losing him on waivers if they elect not to award him a 26-man roster spot out of spring training. That risk shouldn't stop the front office from scouring the trade market and free agency for an infielder with a higher offensive and defensive floor.

Outfielders (5): Austin Martin, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Alan Roden, Trevor Larnach
James Outman is a notable omission from this five-player corps. The left-handed-hitting outfielder struggled in his brief stint with Minnesota, generating an alarming 52 wRC+ and 43.3% strikeout rate over 104 plate appearances. Outman is a viable defender at all three outfield positions. Still, given his significant offensive struggles over the past two seasons, I project the 28-year-old to be the odd player out of the Twins' outfield crunch.

Getting the nod over Outman, Roden could mix in at center (as Buxton's backup) and right field, while forming a platoon in left with Martin. Despite being listed as an outfielder, Larnach projects to be the club's primary designated hitter against right-handed starting pitching. The left-handed-hitting veteran could be moved this offseason. Strangely, though, Minnesota appeared to hitch its wagon to Larnach for at least one more season after tendering him a 2026 contract, which (despite popular sentiment) is a sound decision. The 28-year-old has been an above-average hitter (111 wRC+ over 967 plate appearances) the past two seasons.

Wallner will enter the season as the club's primary right fielder, hoping to regain his well-above-average 2023 and 2024 form at the plate. The husky Minnesotan could also mix in at designated hitter with Larnach. Despite recent trade rumors, Buxton is expected to remain the Twins' center fielder, playing an integral role in their ability to (eventually) return to the postseason.

Starting Rotation (5): Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley
Trade speculation will continue to swirl around López and Ryan all winter. The two will form one of the AL's best frontline duos as long as they remain with the organization. Ober is penciled in as Minnesota's third starter, hoping to rebound from his second-least effective season as a major-league starting pitcher. This trio could give Minnesota one of baseball's best rotations in 2026. Yet, questions surrounding roster status (López and Ryan) and effectiveness (Ober) raise significant questions about whether that outcome will become a reality next season.

Woods Richardson impressed late last season, posting a 3.52 ERA, 3.95 FIP, and a 38-to-11 strikeout to walk ratio over 30 2/3 innings after the trade deadline. The 25-year-old has become a fixture in Minnesota's starting rotation, earning the fourth spot entering next season while potentially developing into one of the club's frontline arms if López or Ryan are traded.

If Bradley wins the fifth and final spot in the club's rotation, David Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel will likely enter 2026 as the club's primary Triple-A starting pitching depth options, alongside Andrew Morris and Kendry Rojas. Bradley could still blossom into a frontline major-league arm, but he'll need to refine his secondary pitches to reach that potential. 

Bullpen (8): Cole Sands, Kody Funderburk, Justin Topa, Eric Orze, Connor Prielipp, Pierson Ohl, Marco Raya, John Klein
Those who follow the Twins won't like hearing this, but the eight pitchers who form the club's 2026 Opening Day bullpen might already be in the organization. Sands, Funderburk, Topa, and Orze are all but guaranteed spots entering next season. This quartet will likely earn most of the early-season high-leverage situations, with Sands being the primary closer. They should be closers by committee, with all four earning save opportunities.

The final four bullpen spots could be a smorgasbord of young, inexperienced arms. Derek Falvey named Prielipp and Raya as candidates to enter 2026 in the club's bullpen. Ohl and his near-elite changeup impressed in short relief opportunities last season, giving him an inside track to an Opening Day relief role. The one surprise in this collective is Klein earning the final spot over Travis Adams, but given Adams's significant struggles in the majors last season and Klein's superior stuff, Klein should have the inside track.

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[jorgenswest]

If Festa, Matthews and Abel have better arms than three currently in the bullpen they should be in the bullpen. They can get AAA hitters out. They need work getting major league hitters out.

[Permanent Twins Fan]

If it was up to me, I would put Zebby in the rotation in place of S-W-R. I know that S-W-R flashed a bit of upside in the second half of last season, but he has now thrown over 250 innings with the Twins, and has yet to show any real consistency. The Twins aren't likely to compete with this roster, and I think that Zebby is more likely to slot into their future plans than S-W-R is.  I would also put Festa in the bullpen in place of Prielipp. Ideally, I would want to give Prielipp a little bit more time to try to prove himself in the AAA rotation, and Festa seems destined toward the bullpen anyway. 

[Cody Schoenmann]

5 minutes ago, Permanent Twins Fan said:

If it was up to me, I would put Zebby in the rotation in place of S-W-R. I know that S-W-R flashed a bit of upside in the second half of last season, but he has now thrown over 250 innings with the Twins, and has yet to show any real consistency. The Twins aren't likely to compete with this roster, and I think that Zebby is more likely to slot into their future plans than S-W-R is.  I would also put Festa in the bullpen in place of Prielipp. Ideally, I would want to give Prielipp a little bit more time to try to prove himself in the AAA rotation, and Festa seems destined toward the bullpen anyway. 

Woods Richardson is out of minor-league options and has been a significantly better starting pitcher than Zebby the past two seasons. He's a lock to make the rotation. 

[GNess]

This projection looks like a floor/baseline for the Twins in 2026. (And not a very encouraging one at that.) Not sure what resources if any beyond smart trades, they'll have to make some moves to improve things, but this roster needs some moves.

[terrydactyls]

When do World Series tickets go on sale?

[tony&rodney]

December 1, 2025. The front office is on the clock. The roster could all come together and win 75 games next season. Or things fall apart and the Twins panic/sell in late July on their way to 60 victories. There is quite a span between the two outcomes.

The Twins changed the manager and added coaches. It is time to make the moves toward a future that promises 83 plus wins in a couple of years. The winter meetings in a couple of weeks should provide some direction, unless the Twins front office has already decided to roll with this roster.

I'm not sure why people are not seeing Simeon in the starting rotation. He has earned a slot. I could see if the comments suggested using Woods Richardson in a transaction, but he really isn't an option for the bullpen. I would offer SWR or Ober to Arizona for Jordan Lawler, but plan for Simeon in the #4 slot now.

[Nashvilletwin]

Among the position players, we have exactly one above average major leaguer (Buxton, when healthy) and one average major leaguer (Jeffers).  The rest are below average, albeit, with some playing time, a few might be able to become average big leaguers.  If Buxton were to miss any extended time (which given history seems more than likely), our position player lineup is, on paper, as unexciting as it is non-competitive.

On the mound, we have two above average starters (solid #1 or #2s), two about average (i.e. decent #4 or #5s) and one project. Coming out of the bullpen, we have no clear studs, no clearly defined roles, limited depth, and even more limited experience. Do not expect Ryan and Lopez to win many games they leave leading by a run or two after five or six solid innings.

So is this the lineup for which you waste the trade values of Ryan, Lopez, Buxton and even Jeffers - none of whom will be Twins in ‘28 after the strike shortened ‘27 campaign?  With the proven managerial maestro Shelton at the helm?

Sure, lightning might strike and this team might look competitive through mid year. Given the lack of money to bolster the lineup as the season progresses, that delusion would likely be the worst case scenario for the future of the Twins.

The more likely scenario is that every player outside of the few tradable assets enters the season knowing they are fighting for their big league careers and not all (or even many) will make it.  Consequently, this roster, particularly the position players and starting pitching, should look incredibly different by August 1st. And that just may be the best outcome for the team and franchise long-term.

[D.C Twins]

Wow... that position player group and bullpen look truly awful.

Outman, Fitzgerald, Julian, Clemens, Rodan, and Martin.... on the same 26 player roster?!?!  

Oh, be still my heart!

There is no way that Buck wants any part of this team.... especially after Lopez is traded. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I suggest trading Larnach and E Rod for a left-handed flame thrower, like Jamie Arnold of the A's or Liam Doyle of the Cardinals., promote Jenkins to the majors to begin his adjustment to the big leagues now and sign Kiner-Falefa to a one year deal, sending Fitzgerald to AAA. I also like the idea of Raya, Prielipp, Festa and Able going to the bullpen for this year. I realize this leaves the Twins a little short in AAA starters, but the pen will be a real mess this year if the Twins don't take some action to put some better pitchers in the pen.

[MGX]

If the Twins do nothing, which seems improbable, then the opening day roster could look like what is suggested in the article.

The bottom line for me is until we know the direction the team is taking with Ryan & Lopez it's just guessing. If they move both of them then Jeffers is likely gone as well & maybe even Buxton. Then we know the full rebuild is moving forward.

If they retain all 4 of those players they need to be all in on competing. This means adding at least two high leverage arms for the bullpen, a RH hitting utility player who consistently hits LHP & can play 1B(someone like Romy Gonzalez on Boston) or a FT 1B & Clemens is used in a utility role. They also need to add a second utility player who is a quality defender at SS or a starting SS & Lee is used as a utility player. Whether these moves are done through trade or Free agency doesn't matter they need to be done if they plan to compete.

I've seen many people projecting wins for the 2026 Twins, which to me is almost impossible until we know the direction.

One last comment - I hope they choose one or the other & go 100% in that direction. For me the worst scenario is to choose something in between. Unfortunately, that is what I think we'll see.

[The Great Hambino]

Roden has options and Outman doesn't.  I don't see Roden bumping Outman off the 26-man if it comes to it for that reason, at least not on Opening Day.  It's how the Twins roll

[nicksaviking]

"Fitzgerald is penciled in as the backup shortstop and third baseman. Yet, the front office could elect to acquire a higher-upside option like Isiah Kiner-Falefa"

Quite possibly the most depressing statement ever written on Twins Daily.

[nicksaviking]

Also, if this team were to sign Rhys Hoskins, he wouldn't be the short side platoon with Kody Clemens. Hoskins doesn't have a discernable issue with splits and isn't a giant liability in the on-base department like Clemens is.

[Nashvilletwin]

16 minutes ago, MGX said:

If the Twins do nothing, which seems improbable, then the opening day roster could look like what is suggested in the article.

The bottom line for me is until we know the direction the team is taking with Ryan & Lopez it's just guessing. If they move both of them then Jeffers is likely gone as well & maybe even Buxton. Then we know the full rebuild is moving forward.

If they retain all 4 of those players they need to be all in on competing. This means adding at least two high leverage arms for the bullpen, a RH hitting utility player who consistently hits LHP & can play 1B(someone like Romy Gonzalez on Boston) or a FT 1B & Clemens is used in a utility role. They also need to add a second utility player who is a quality defender at SS or a starting SS & Lee is used as a utility player. Whether these moves are done through trade or Free agency doesn't matter they need to be done if they plan to compete.

I've seen many people projecting wins for the 2026 Twins, which to me is almost impossible until we know the direction.

One last comment - I hope they choose one or the other & go 100% in that direction. For me the worst scenario is to choose something in between. Unfortunately, that is what I think we'll see.

Well said MGX.  I agree, pick a lane.  Sadly, your second option just doesn’t appear to truly be on the table given the lack of financial resources seemingly available.

I also agree 100% that the in-between option is what will be selected entering the season.  The FO and ownership will delude themselves into taking the chance that this lineup can compete. The toggle back to your first alternative then happens sometime around the all-star break when trades start to be made and prospects (Jenkins, ERod, Culpepper, Gonzalez, etc.) start to get called up.

The risk, of course, is what happens to the trade values of Ryan, Lopez, Buxton and Jeffers - do they go up or down as the season progresses?  I’d argue that Ryan and Buxton are at peak risk-adjusted value now.  Lopez’s value may go up as he reproves his durability and effectiveness through the first two months or so. Jeffers is the ideal trade deadline type candidate - keep him until then (and we might have a little more depth at catcher by then anyway).

[Nashvilletwin]

9 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

"Fitzgerald is penciled in as the backup shortstop and third baseman. Yet, the front office could elect to acquire a higher-upside option like Isiah Kiner-Falefa"

Quite possibly the most depressing statement ever written on Twins Daily.

Nick, don’t let your heart be troubled. It won’t always be like this. Pray we win the draft lottery and we will then have multiple big league SS prospects (Culpepper, Houston, Chowolsky) from which to choose in ‘28.  Heck, all three may be in our starting infield by then along with Keaschall at 1B.  

[Patzky]

1 hour ago, GNess said:

This projection looks like a floor/baseline for the Twins in 2026. (And not a very encouraging one at that.) Not sure what resources if any beyond smart trades, they'll have to make some moves to improve things, but this roster needs some moves.

I see no Saints beside Prielipp in this outlook .. no Gonzalez, nobody. Sadness..

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, terrydactyls said:

When do World Series tickets go on sale?

Not until October.  You'll have plenty of time.

[Parfigliano]

55 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

"Fitzgerald is penciled in as the backup shortstop and third baseman. Yet, the front office could elect to acquire a higher-upside option like Isiah Kiner-Falefa"

Quite possibly the most depressing statement ever written on Twins Daily.

It's depressing.  I think Outman on the 26 man roster far more depressing.

[ashbury]

Quote

if the season began tomorrow

Under this ground rule, I would start with the 40-man roster.  The roster that exists, as it is - not a different 40-man that I would wish.

On that larger roster are Ryan Kreidler and James Outman.  They do not have minor-league options remaining.  If they're on the 40-man, then they're on the 26-man.  I don't even see Kreidler mentioned in this article - presumably the author assumes he is in DFA land, but that opens up a spot on the 40-man that might play a significant role in this 26-man exercise*.  By this logic, "if the season began tomorrow" Kreidler and Outman stay, Fitzgerald and (I guess) Roden go.

Fortunately the Twins are not otherwise very constrained by players who lack minor-league options (or, equivalently, have sufficient service time to refuse a trip to the minors even if options technically remain).   Buxton, Clemens, Jeffers, Jackson, Julien are the others besides Kreidler and Outman who would have to pass through waivers to be sent to the minors.  On the pitching side there is Pablo and SWR and Topa - the team can play mix-n-match with everyone else.

You know who has one minor-league option and only 4+ years of service time?  Trevor Larnach.  Is someone brave enough to construct a roster that has Larnach laboring in AAA for X million dollars this season so that, say, Roden can be up on Opening Day?   😁

 

* Or who could have been protected from the Rule-5 draft, and thus hanging onto Kreidler was a complete waste of a roster spot

[rdehring]

Expecting that the most important activity for the Twins at next week's winter meetings is that their ownership situation should be finalized.  Shouldn't it?

Perhaps when we know who the new partners are we may have a better idea of what direction this team will be headed. 

[Parfigliano]

That lineup will not be able to score 530 runs.

[ashbury]

8 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

That lineup will not be able to score 530 runs.

Only one team since 2014, not counting the Covid Season, has failed to score that many runs.  That would be the legendary '24 White Sox,  Are you suggesting we are entering legend-making territory?

[DJL44]

4 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

It's depressing.  I think Outman on the 26 man roster far more depressing.

Kreidler, Outman and Julien should be replaced on the 40-man. Right now, using the Fangraphs depth chart, they're all on the 26-man roster. After that, they can work on replacing Gasper and McCusker on the 40-man. I don't think they will acquire enough new players to bump Fitzgerald, Clemens and Pereda off the roster.

[Danchat]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

On that larger roster are Ryan Kreidler and James Outman.  They do not have minor-league options remaining.  If they're on the 40-man, then they're on the 26-man.  I don't even see Kreidler mentioned in this article - presumably the author assumes he is in DFA land, but that opens up a spot on the 40-man that might play a significant role in this 26-man exercise*.  By this logic, "if the season began tomorrow" Kreidler and Outman stay, Fitzgerald and (I guess) Roden go

There's a high chance Kreidler will get DFA'd sooner than later with intent of getting him back to play at AAA assuming he clears waivers. They've done this several times in past years with similar players.

[CRF]

Somebody needs to talk me off the ledge...and I thought the weather was depressing. 

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, Danchat said:

There's a high chance Kreidler will get DFA'd sooner than later with intent of getting him back to play at AAA assuming he clears waivers. They've done this several times in past years with similar players.

Could well be; that often happens with players obtained on waivers in the first place.

I'm planning to second guess the timing of this strategy if we lose someone via Rule-5.

Meanwhile, "if the season began tomorrow...."

[sweetmusicviola16]

So we traded in July one of the best relievers in the ML's, Duran, for ML ready Abel and Abel will be in AAA. Makes sense.

[mikelink45]

It is my birthday and you give me this depressing prediction.  Let's hope there is a massive shift or we really are looking at a long year and lot's of empty seats.  

[Thumbs Down Guy]

24 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

It is my birthday and you give me this depressing prediction.  Let's hope there is a massive shift or we really are looking at a long year and lot's of empty seats.  

HB!