Minnesota Twins Roster Project and Organizational Depth

[Seth Stohs]

Image courtesy of © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The baseball offseason lasts forever, especially for those of us who look out our windows in Minnesota with a Blizzard on the other side of the window. The Twins season ended before October, so it has been nearly two months since we have watched them play. The Twins haven’t been terribly active this offseason, adding just one free agent to a big-league contract. The team did make a Rule 5 draft pick, catcher Daniel Susac, but subsequently traded him before the draft was even completed. They have added a few pitchers as minor-league free agents. 

But as the calendar soon changes from 2025 to 2026, the Minnesota Twins still have work to do to complete their 2026 spring training roster. And while Derek Falvey has been known to make moves, even significant moves, well into spring training, time will move quickly over the next two months. 

By next week, the dorms at the Twins complex in Fort Myers will start filling up. Minor Leaguers will start arriving to prepare for their seasons. Some big leaguers will be in Fort Myers, but they will really start amping up the intensity of their workouts. Pitchers will start doing more throwing, and more throwing with purpose now. Twins Fest will take place in one month, and because of the WBC, spring training starts early, in mid-February. 

With that, if the season was to start today, what might the roster look like? 

The Catchers (2): Ryan Jeffers, Alex Jackson.
There was some thought that the Twins would attempt to trade Jeffers at the trade deadline, and then possibly this offseason. Technically it could still happen, but I would hope not. Jeffers is solid behind the plate. He won’t be winning a Gold Glove, but he does a nice job working with pitchers, calling a game. He also spent most of 2025 hitting in the top half of the Twins lineup. Jackson came to the Twins in November in exchange for infielder Payton Eeles. The sixth-overall pick in the 2014 draft hasn’t hit much in his career, but he can provide a little power from time to time. His defense is what has kept him employed with a variety of teams over the years. 

Catcher Depth
40-Man Roster: Johnny Pereda, Mickey Gasper
Triple-A: Noah Cardenas, Patrick Winkel
Double-A: Ricardo Olivar, Andrew Cossetti, Nate Baez, Khadim Diaw (#20 Prospect)
High-A: Eduardo Tait (#3 Prospect), Poncho Ruiz, Daniel Pena, Luis Hernandez
Low-A: Enrique Jimenez, Irvin Nunez, Ryan Sprock, Ian Daugherty,
FCL/Extended Spring Training: Ricardo Pena, Carlos Silva, Miguel Caraballo. 

The Twins have clearly made catching a priority this offseason. They lost veteran Christian Vazquez and traded for veteran Alex Jackson. Gasper showed again in 2025 that he is a terrific Triple-A hitter who is fine as a team’s third or fourth backstop. Pereda joined the Twins organization late in the season and got to spend some time in the big leagues. He looks the part of a AAAA catcher. I am fine with him being the #2 guy if needed. 

The exciting “prospects” are a lot of the recently acquired players. Eduardo Tait came to the team in the Jhoan Duran deal. Enrique Jimenez came from Detroit in the Chris Paddack deal. When the Twins took Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 draft, they traded him immediately to the Giants for Miguel Caraballo. All three are high ceiling, low floor types with plenty of development in front of them. But they are exciting. I believe the Twins would be confident calling up Cardenas and Winkel as needed just because they are strong defensively.  Khadim Diaw is very exciting as an athlete. He is a solid catcher, but he can also play center field. Likewise, Olivar is a decent backstop who can also play left field in a pinch. 

The Infielders (7): Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Ryan Kreidler, Edouard Julien (Out of Options) 
The Twins added veteran slugger Josh Bell to the roster, and likely to the middle of their lineup, recently. He will get some time at first base, but it’s just as likely that Clemens will get just as much time there. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind the Twins giving Keaschall some time there. After a solid, though injury-plagued rookie campaign, Keaschall certainly would like to stay on the field as much as possible. Getting him time at first base in the right matchup could allow Julien to get some playing time. Out of options, he had newcomer Kreidler will need to make the roster first and then let Derek Shelton figure out how he wants to get them into games. While both former top picks struggled much during the 2025 season, I’d put them both in the lineup almost every day and hope that the talent that made them first-rounders shined through and they put up numbers to impress. I include Kreidler because he is out of options. I much prefer Ryan Fitzgerald in a utility role because he is terrific defensively no matter where he is put in the infield. 

Infielder Depth 
40-Man Roster: Ryan Fitzgerald,  
Triple-A: Aaron Sabato, Ben Ross, Tanner Schobel, Kaelen Culpepper (#2 Prospect), Jake Rucker
Double-A: Nate Baez, Kyle DeBarge (#16 Prospect), Brandon Winokur (#12 Prospect), Danny De Andrade, Andy Lugo, Jose Salas, Jorel Ortega, Miguel Briceno,
High-A: Billy Amick, Dameury Pena, Rayne Doncon, Marek Houston (#11 Prospect), JP Smith, Shai Robinson, Jay Thomason, Harry Genth,
Low-A:  Jayson Bass, Bruin Agbayani, Bryan Acuna, Quentin Young (#17 Prospect), Ramiro Domingues, Ryan Daniels, Yilber Herrera, Ryan Sprock.
FCL/Extended Spring Training: Victor Leal, Santiago Leon, Daiber De Los Santos

Certainly Kaelen Culpepper, the top pick in the 2024 draft, is the name to watch early in the season. He had a very strong season between High-A and Double-A in 2025 and could be ready for the big leagues sometime in 2026. I’m sure the Twins hope that he gives them some difficult decisions to make. Fellow former first-round pick Aaron Sabato has done alright in his time with the Saints, and he has shown good power. I could see him debuting if needed. I believe Ben Ross can play defense in the big leagues, anywhere in the infield, and maybe a little outfield too. 

High draft picks like DeBarge and Winokur showed promise in 2025, but they’re likely at least a year out. 2026 top pick Marek Houston is known more for defense at shortstop as well. I don’t expect him to advance as quickly as Culpepper, but that will depend on if he hits. And at the lower levels, there are some very intriguing, talented player including 2025 prep picks Bruin Agbayani and Quentin Young. 

The Outfielders (5): Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Austin Martin, James Outman (out of options), Matt Wallner. 
This group is certainly up for grabs. Byron Buxton is the lone true “Given” in the group. He is coming off of a season in which he generally stayed healthy and put up terrific numbers, earning his first career Silver Slugger Award. Wallner should be a given too. He struggled, striking out a ton, and getting on base less than 30% of the time. However, he is a power threat in the lineup who can turn a game around on any pitch. Defensively, he’s decent out in right field and has one of baseball’s strongest outfield arms. Larnach is another former top pick who had a relatively disappointing 2025 season. Some were surprised that the Twins tendered him a contract in November, but that was an easy decision. He is perfectly adequate, can get on runs offensively, and he hits around 20 homers each season. He could still be traded. He struggles defensively (more in left than in right field, at least in my mind’s eye). He likely DHs when Bell is in the field.

Austin Martin was hurt and in St. Paul most of the year. But when he finally got an opportunity late in the season, he took advantage. He got on base. He ran. He looked solid defensively in left field. And finally, I went with James Outman as a fifth outfielder, and again, primarily because he is out of options. He looked so good in his first seasons with the Dodgers, hitting a lot of homers. He’s put up big Triple-A numbers, but he really struggled to make contact in the big leagues, Alan Roden is certainly a candidate for a spot on the roster. In addition, Clemens can play in the outfield as needed. 

Outfield Depth 
40-Man Roster: Emmanuel Rodriguez (#4 Prospect). Alan Roden, Gabriel Gonzalez (#9 Prospect), Hendry Mendez 
Triple-A: Walker Jenkins (#1 Prospect), Kyler Fedko (#18 Prospect), Kala’i Rosario,
Double-A: Garrett Spain (MILB Rule 5), Caden Kendle, Ricardo Olivar, Maddux Houghton, Brandon Winokur, Jose Salas, Kyle Hess,
High-A: Jacob McCombs, Yasser Mercedes, Jaime Ferrer, Miguel Briceno,
Low-A:  Jayson Bass, Byron Chourio, Eduardo Beltre, Yandro Hernandez,  
FCL/Extended Spring Training: Luis Fragoza, Yovanny Duran, Carlos Tavares, Murphy Hernandez, Jhomnardo Reyes

There are certainly intriguing players that are nearly ready for the big leagues in the Twins outfield. Emmanuel Rodriguez has fought injuries and missed a lot of time the last two seasons, but when healthy, he splashes potential. Gabriel Gonzalez had a breakout season, impressing with his bat at the three highest levels, and all while still being just 20 years old. Roden appeared in some Top 100 lists. He came to the organization in the trade with the Blue Jays. Mendez is also intriguing. He’s a big, long, strong kid who needs to work on driving the ball for more power, but he has a fantastic approach at the plate. He came to the Twins in the Harrison Bader deal. 

Not on the 40-man roster but potentially closing in on the big leagues are Kyler Fedko and Kala’i Rosario. Both provided power and speed in 2025. But clearly the top prospect in the organization remains Walker Jenkins, the Twins top pick in 2023. Despite missing a little time early in the season, Jenkins reached Triple-A for about a month at the end of the season and held his own. 

Questions to Consider
1) How would you fill out the 26-man roster if you had to today? (Since we just looked at hitters today, assume that 13 hitters and 13 pitchers will be on the roster. Tomorrow, I’ll give my thoughts on the opening day pitching staff.)
2) When looking at the offense only, what do you think could be considered “positions of strength?” In other words, if the Twins are talking trade, which positions could the Twins feel OK about trading from?
3) Then, what are the Twins positions of need? What do they need at the big-league level? What positions could they use more MLB-ready depth at?

 

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[rdehring]

Enjoyed the read, Seth.  Trust you are having an enjoyable Christmas and looking forward to the new Year.

Two catchers, seven infielders and five outfielders is fourteen players.  Assuming the Twins carry thirteen pitchers they will only be able to carry thirteen position players.  Who comes off your list?

 

 

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, rdehring said:

Enjoyed the read, Seth.  Trust you are having an enjoyable Christmas and looking forward to the new Year.

Two catchers, seven infielders and five outfielders is fourteen players.  Assuming the Twins carry thirteen pitchers they will only be able to carry thirteen position players.  Who comes off your list?

I assume that Larnach will come off of the list at some point.  If not, then I think Kreidler and Julien would be at risk. 

Hope all is well with you, Roger! 

[Blyleven2011]

Thanks for the list of players in the minor leagues , some i wasn't sure were in the system any longer ...

Winokur isn't rated as a prospect anymore or was that just overlooked  ...

Surplus of outfielders  , I'm not going to name names but someone needs to go ( it wouldn't do any good , falveywould do the opposite ), we addressed 1st base for another year , we have to address the lineup and defense ... 

Sure hope Sheldon can work sone magic a make this team exciting to watch .....

...

[jorgenswest]

I don’t think all three of Julien, Outman and Kreidler will make the roster. I think each of the three needs to show promise of their upside in team spring training. All teams have a roster crunch as they set their rosters at the end of spring. I don’t think it is a high risk of losing them to waivers unless they have a strong spring. If that happens the Twins will roster them.

I also don’t like projections because I don’t believe players are fixed in their skills. Players with less than 1500 at bats may take a significant step. While spring training stats are pretty useless I don’t believe spring training is useless. The staff has eyes on these players in workouts and drills for several weeks. Any player who finished in AAA last year ought to have a chance to win a job in spring. Players who performed poorly last year should have to show something in spring training to earn a job. It is hard to imagine all of Julien, Kreidler and Outman will have a strong spring.

[D.C Twins]

Ugh..... that is a roster for a 70 win team... Fingers crossed, but breath not held, for improvements!

[TL]

If healthy, I’m confident we will get good, consistent production from Buxton, Bell, Jeffers. 

Keaschall and Martin don’t need to improve, but there is greater risk of them taking a step back. So if they can maintain their production we’ll be in good shape.

Lewis, Lee, Wallner, Roden - 2 or 3 of them need to show material improvement for this team to succeed and for them to remain a part of the future. Big year for these 4.

Julien, Larnach, Clemens, Outman seem like placeholders. If they do well that’s great, but they’re likely biding time until the likes of Culpepper, Jenkins, E-Rod, force their way onto the roster. 

[Drtwins]

I had hope, but this looks a lot more depressing laid out. The battles I see as of today would be Fitzgerald vs Kreidler for the backup SS spot, Outman vs Rodon for the 4th OF spot and Larnach vs Julien for the final roster spot. 

[Nashvilletwin]

1. St. Paul’s OF is looking like it will be hard to find ABs and innings to feed all those mouths.  Something has to give.  

2. Several posters are thinking Julien is the likely man out.  That sentiment seems logical on its face.  But I’m quite interested to see how he (and others, particularly Lewis) perform under a new manager and staff.  I’m not willing to write him off just yet. He might just get things right between his ears now that Rocco is gone.

3.  Josh Bell - I just can’t wait to buy a ticket to see him play (sarcasm).

4. Which opposing pitching staff is this lineup going to intimidate?  Please feel free to list as many as you think.  It’s certainly not reminiscent of the Twins of yore as described by Jim Bouton in Ball Four when the Seattle Pilots pitching staff was going through how to pitch to the Twins batting lineup (think Carew, Olivia, Killebrew, etc.) and they ended up with seven “pitch arounds”.

[old nurse]

36 minutes ago, Nashvilletwin said:

1. St. Paul’s OF is looking like it will be hard to find ABs and innings to feed all those mouths.  Something has to give.  

2. Several posters are thinking Julien is the likely man out.  That sentiment seems logical on its face.  But I’m quite interested to see how he (and others, particularly Lewis) perform under a new manager and staff.  I’m not willing to write him off just yet. He might just get things right between his ears now that Rocco is gone.

3.  Josh Bell - I just can’t wait to buy a ticket to see him play (sarcasm).

4. Which opposing pitching staff is this lineup going to intimidate?  Please feel free to list as many as you think.  It’s certainly not reminiscent of the Twins of yore as described by Jim Bouton in Ball Four when the Seattle Pilots pitching staff was going through how to pitch to the Twins batting lineup (think Carew, Olivia, Killebrew, etc.) and they ended up with seven “pitch arounds”.

Colorado

[DocBauer]

Seth, with the exception of picking an initial 14 man roster, I think you have it pretty much if the season started TOMORROW.

Thankfully, it doesn't start tomorrow and I think...hope...there's at least one more player move involved. IF the payroll was stretched to $120M, there's room to add a 1B still (Lowe?)  and let Bell be the PRIMARY DH. If the payroll comes in around $115M, they can still TRADE for a young 1B at or near the minimum $. Who and who for I'm just not going in to the details at this time. They could also just grab a USEFUL player like switch hitting Ramon Urias...with almost neutral career splits...for help at 1B/2B/3B for around $4-5M based on projected cost.

While I'd prefer a true 1B addition and let Bell be the primary DH, someone like Urias adds a decent, veteran bat with some pop, and his $ is added with the subtraction of Larnach. And while Larnach can still be dropped with ZERO $ spent, I'd still try to package him with a decent prospect to a team that could use a solid, proven LH bat against RHP for a platoon DH/OF role for a solid, young arm that currently sits around 4th or 5th in the pecking order of a team but has upside. Sort of a Varland-ish type.

Whether it's an actual 1B as the BEST addition, or a useful player such as Urias, the roster depth and balance is better.

CATCHER: We have our primary 2. We don't need BOTH Gasper and Pereda. I actually like Pereda better as he's an actual catcher, IMO, while Gasper used to catch, was removed from that duty by the BoSox, and then was ATTEMPTED to return to catcher by the Twins.

DEPTH: Honestly, I think a couple months of AAA experience will make Cardenas the best #3 option. He's solid behind the plate, has a good arm, and has a solid eye and solid contact in his bat. I think he's a young, but better Butera type.

(It also frees up an additional 40 man spot in the future for various moves)

INFIELD: I have objections to Keaschall playing almost anywhere other than 2B in order for him to refine his mechanics there. He can get to balls! He just needs to smooth out his footwork and mechanics when he GETS to the ball. So why mess with his development? And who do you put at 2B if he plays 1B or OF? Clemens? I'm not sure I see a lot of wisdom there, but OK. But IF they DON'T add a TRUE 1B via FA or TRADE, a useful player like Urias can plug in to 2B when/if you really want to mess with Keaschall's development and move him around. He can also form a quasi platoon with Clemens at 1B if/when you want to put Bell at DH. NOT my IDEAL, but I think you can see the versatility at least.

Lewis is at 3B, Lee is at SS, and Keaschall is still your primary 2B. 1B is in flux, IMO, with Bell part of the equation, as well as Clemens, as well as Urias, in my example. 

I simply don't understand any love for Kreidler. IDK how good his glove is, he can BARELY hit at the AAA level. IMO, it's only a matter of time before he's removed from the 40 man in hopes of being added to the AAA roster. Fitzgerald has a solid glove, a little speed and pop, and won't embarrass himself at the plate. 

DEPTH: When K-Pepper is ready, the INF depth suddenly changes. Whether he takes over SS day one, or starts as a utility player, Fitzgerald/Kreidler becomes a moot point. Ross has the ability to play 4-5 positions. He's got some speed and some pop, but he's barely ever hit anywhere. It would take a HUGE step forward for him to be a ML player. HOWEVER, I think a lot of people have forgotten about Schobel. He really turned around his projections in 2025 after a major slump in 2024. He basically RAKED in AA last season, earned a promotion to St Paul, and then got hurt almost immediately. I believe he was healthy for the last couple of weeks, but keep him in mind for the 2nd half of 2026.

*It pains me to say it, but Julien is an easy cut who would probably pass through waivers.

OUTFIELD: This HAS to begin with Outman being OUT. He hasn't hit ML pitching since 2023. He didn't hit with the Twins, and didn't look particularly good defensively either. I don't believe a 24-25-26yo player has NO FUTURE as history has proven some guys just mature in their mid 20's and turn out to be good ballplayers. But to expect a 29yo to SUDDENLY find himself again is a ridiculous waste of roster space. He's an easy cut for a pen addition, should easily pass through waivers, and might stick around for AAA depth. But even THAT is questionable considering the St Paul OF to begin 2026.

With THAT messy business out of the way, let's examine the 2026 OF in detail. 

Martin suddenly looked like a legitimate ML player in 2025. He raked in AAA, had injury issues, and really played well the last 2 months for the Twins when finally healthy. Perhaps just as important, he played a very good LF. Can he take that offensive and defensive development and carry it over to 2026? Can his improvement in LF carry over to being competent in CF as well? With limited pop, can his contact and spraying the ball continue? He's got a role if he can continue. 

And can we give Roden a little break? His MILB numbers are very good. He's a solid defender who can play both corner spots well and can cover CF here and there decently. And he's also got some 1B experience as well. And I don't know about service time, but based on ML AB, he enters 2026 as a rookie. He's a good AVG hitter with decent contact and a solid OB% with a little mix of speed and pop. I don't know that a disappointing debut with less than 150 ML AB should exclude him from being a decent, solid ML player.

Those 2 are probably part of LF to begin 2026, and they should be. This is a lineup in FLUX and Larnach just shouldnt be part of the plan at this point.

Buxton is in CF. Nothing more needs to be said other than Martin and Roden can provide acceptable days off here and there, before we discuss prospects.

Wallner appears to be the opening day RF. That's not MY plan as I'd just "go for it" with a healthy Rodriguez and use his remaining option if needed, but that's not what I see the Twins doing. Between cost control and just a paranoid aversion from promoting too soon, Wallner will be the starting RF. He's not bad, just a little slow getting his body moving forward. And his arm is such a weapon, nobody runs on him. And while many are down on him, and he will always be a bit of a 3 outcome batter, I just don't understand how so many can be so down on him considering his MILB numbers, his decent rookie numbers, TWO consecutive seasons of a .875 OPS, and then an injury affected 2025 where his OPS was STILL above average.

DEPTH: 3 of your TOP 10 prospects are AAA OF with Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Gonzalez. A top 20 prospect in Rosario is ready for the AAA challenge. And a "non prospect" like Fedko...coming off a great season where he challenged a 30/30 year...provides OUTSTANDING depth to the point where you even wonder not only why Outman is still around, but is there even room for him at AAA? Of course, Clemens also provides some OF depth, as does Keaschall, potentially, but I still take that with a grain of salt.

The way the opening day roster SHOULD look like, considering Falvey is always cautious with promoting prospects, and an expected ONE MORE ADDITION considering comments made by Zoll SHOULD be:

CATCHER: SET

INFIELD: Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Bell, Clemens, Fitzgerald over Kreidler because Fitz is simply the better overall player, and a TBD.

OUTFIELD: Martin, Roden, Buxton, and Wallner. 

This is a team trying to compete, but also re-tooling on the fly. And I don't have a problem with that. The single biggest question is whether or not the FO adds a full time 1B via FA or trade, or adds a "useful" player for depth purposes. There is ZERO reason to keep someone like Outman around. Unfortunately, there's also no reason to keep Julien around either.

That's your 13 man position player roster to begin 2026 with ONE open spot to add. And that roster will change come June 1st, and/or July 1st. But there remains ONE open spot to ADD an INF option at 1B, or as a solid utility option for the temporary. 

[DocBauer]

1 hour ago, Nashvilletwin said:

1. St. Paul’s OF is looking like it will be hard to find ABs and innings to feed all those mouths.  Something has to give.  

2. Several posters are thinking Julien is the likely man out.  That sentiment seems logical on its face.  But I’m quite interested to see how he (and others, particularly Lewis) perform under a new manager and staff.  I’m not willing to write him off just yet. He might just get things right between his ears now that Rocco is gone.

3.  Josh Bell - I just can’t wait to buy a ticket to see him play (sarcasm).

4. Which opposing pitching staff is this lineup going to intimidate?  Please feel free to list as many as you think.  It’s certainly not reminiscent of the Twins of yore as described by Jim Bouton in Ball Four when the Seattle Pilots pitching staff was going through how to pitch to the Twins batting lineup (think Carew, Olivia, Killebrew, etc.) and they ended up with seven “pitch arounds”.

A couple of your comments caught my eye.

The Saints OF, opening day, should include Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Rosario, and Fedko. Additionally, Olivar should also be ready to challenge AAA at this point as an OF and part time catcher. So where is the room for someone like Outman as a failed ML player still on the roster?

Is Falvey that stubborn to insist a recent trade acquisition should be kept? Well hell, he ALSO traded for Martin and Roden. So he needs to get over his pride. 

There's also no room for Julien, and I agree with that. Even if he somehow has a great ST, how does he fit with roster construction?

I disagree regarding Bell. But I like him a hell of a lot better as a primary DH with another addition at 1B.

 

[mikelink45]

Quote

I much prefer Ryan Fitzgerald in a utility role because he is terrific defensively no matter where he is put in the infield. 

Me too! He has earned the position.  I also hope Culpepper forces his way mid season and we bid good-bye to Julien.  I am hoping Marek Houston does advance quickly and is a force for 2027.  Kriedler, Clemens, Bell should be gone by then. Walker, Gonzales, Rodrigues cannot get here quick enough.  Only Buxton is a fixture and Outman needs to be gone.

Thanks for a thoughtful article. 

Let's hope this gets more complicated with a move that is more exciting than Outman, Kriedler, and Jackson.  

 

[mikelink45]

4 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I assume that Larnach will come off of the list at some point.  If not, then I think Kreidler and Julien would be at risk. 

Hope all is well with you, Roger! 

I think Larnach goes only if he is included in the trade.  They seem to want to hang on to him,  Kriedler and Julien will not be missed.

What minor prospect will be the first to appear?

[Parfigliano]

Every time I see a projection having Outman on the 26 man roster I'm reminded that this is a Pohlad idea of "go big or go home."

It's comical and pathetic.

[Parfigliano]

3 hours ago, D.C Twins said:

Ugh..... that is a roster for a 70 win team... Fingers crossed, but breath not held, for improvements!

You spelled 65 wrong.

[Brandon]

C Jeffers

1B Bell

2B Keaschal

SS Lee

3B Lewis

LF Larnarch

CF Buxton

RF Wallner

DH Clemens

C Jackson

IF Fitzgerald or Krieger or Julien (2 out of 3)

OF Martin (Outman or Rhoden could make is so only 1 of 3 above make it to the initial roster)

All starters in this lineup could hit 15 + HRs this year.  some are 25+  so the lineup has the power needed the question will be if they can get on base enough for those HRs to not be solo shots.  The bench is not very deep however.  but the minors are so we have reinforcements if there is an injury.  I hope they do not wait too long to disable those who get hurt this year as the minors will have better hitters then the bench will.  

[High heat]

A lot of positions players who have no business being on a 40 man roster all offseason. 
 

Perada, Gasper, Fitzgerald, Clemens, Kreidler, Julien, Outman.

 

I am hoping there is some deck chairs that can be shuffled.  Like a solid fielder RH hitting middle infielder who can fill in against lefties and can cover for Lee. Maybe an everyday 1B.

[Nashvilletwin]

7 hours ago, old nurse said:

Colorado

Good call

[old nurse]

7 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Good call

The irony is that in an article about Twins position players, trading one of those corner outfielders for one of their pitchers is not a bad idea 

[Eris]

8 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

Every time I see a projection having Outman on the 26 man roster

This is in part a Byron Buxton problem. The Twins need to carry someone capable of playing 80 games in CF. Maybe Austin Martin’s defense improves enough to be a serviceable CF. Harrison Bader is still available but zero chance the Twins will sign him given a projected FA salary of 2 years/ 26 million. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

10 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

1. St. Paul’s OF is looking like it will be hard to find ABs and innings to feed all those mouths.  Something has to give.  

2. Several posters are thinking Julien is the likely man out.  That sentiment seems logical on its face.  But I’m quite interested to see how he (and others, particularly Lewis) perform under a new manager and staff.  I’m not willing to write him off just yet. He might just get things right between his ears now that Rocco is gone.

3.  Josh Bell - I just can’t wait to buy a ticket to see him play (sarcasm).

4. Which opposing pitching staff is this lineup going to intimidate?  Please feel free to list as many as you think.  It’s certainly not reminiscent of the Twins of yore as described by Jim Bouton in Ball Four when the Seattle Pilots pitching staff was going through how to pitch to the Twins batting lineup (think Carew, Olivia, Killebrew, etc.) and they ended up with seven “pitch arounds”.

Can we take a moment to remember Carew, Oliva and Killebrew? All in the same line up. Wow !

[tarheeltwinsfan]

6 hours ago, Brandon said:

C Jeffers

1B Bell

2B Keaschal

SS Lee

3B Lewis

LF Larnarch

CF Buxton

RF Wallner

DH Clemens

C Jackson

IF Fitzgerald or Krieger or Julien (2 out of 3)

OF Martin (Outman or Rhoden could make is so only 1 of 3 above make it to the initial roster)

All starters in this lineup could hit 15 + HRs this year.  some are 25+  so the lineup has the power needed the question will be if they can get on base enough for those HRs to not be solo shots.  The bench is not very deep however.  but the minors are so we have reinforcements if there is an injury.  I hope they do not wait too long to disable those who get hurt this year as the minors will have better hitters then the bench will.  

Looing at this post, this lineup looks too similar to last year's lineup. The Twins need to add some young players like Fitzgerald, Rhoden, Jenkins, Rodriguez and Culpepper. And trade Larnach, Wallner and Julian.

[dxpavelka]

I'm more interested in what that roster is going to look like by the end of the year.  ALL of Jenkins, Rodriguez & Gonzalez need to get significant big league time in 2026.  The specter of there NOT BEING a 2027 makes that imperative.  We don't want to be sitting here in January 2028 having no clue as to whether any of those fellas can hit big league pitching.

[EGFTShaw]

13 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

Winokur isn't rated as a prospect anymore or was that just overlooked 

Nice 12-6 curve of a question Bert. :)

Still one of the most beautiful curve balls I've ever seen.  I saw a video of Greg Maddux 2-seamer that just was nasty yesterday.

I think Winokur is the TALLLLLLLL SS/OF at AA 

Am I right or should I wait for caffeine to have kicked in before commenting.

[ToddlerHarmon]

The most-ready impactful prospect might be EmRod, though I suppose you need to see if he is past his injury. To play him every day, either he or Wallner would have to be your DH.

IMO add EmRod and Roden. Drop Outman, trade Larnach, and pick between Julien and Clemens.

Stare pointedly at Brooks Lee while waiting for Culpepper to prove it at AAA.

[Nashvilletwin]

10 hours ago, DocBauer said:

A couple of your comments caught my eye.

The Saints OF, opening day, should include Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Rosario, and Fedko. Additionally, Olivar should also be ready to challenge AAA at this point as an OF and part time catcher. So where is the room for someone like Outman as a failed ML player still on the roster?

Is Falvey that stubborn to insist a recent trade acquisition should be kept? Well hell, he ALSO traded for Martin and Roden. So he needs to get over his pride. 

There's also no room for Julien, and I agree with that. Even if he somehow has a great ST, how does he fit with roster construction?

I disagree regarding Bell. But I like him a hell of a lot better as a primary DH with another addition at 1B.

 

Well, we will see about Bell.  Hope he has a great season.  But at this stage, I just can’t get that excited about a switch hitting 1B or DH who can’t field, hit lefties, cost $7MM (which might have been better spent on the BP), and will take ABs away from a couple of our younger players who definitely need them. He just doesn’t seem like a dial mover on a club which either desperately needs one or should be looking to the future.  

[Nashvilletwin]

45 minutes ago, dxpavelka said:

I'm more interested in what that roster is going to look like by the end of the year.  ALL of Jenkins, Rodriguez & Gonzalez need to get significant big league time in 2026.  The specter of there NOT BEING a 2027 makes that imperative.  We don't want to be sitting here in January 2028 having no clue as to whether any of those fellas can hit big league pitching.

100% 👍🏻.  Throw Culpepper on that list too.

[JBK]

Julien comes off the list.  Bust.

[Jeff K]

13 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

I don’t think all three of Julien, Outman and Kreidler will make the roster. I think each of the three needs to show promise of their upside in team spring training. All teams have a roster crunch as they set their rosters at the end of spring. I don’t think it is a high risk of losing them to waivers unless they have a strong spring. If that happens the Twins will roster them.

I also don’t like projections because I don’t believe players are fixed in their skills. Players with less than 1500 at bats may take a significant step. While spring training stats are pretty useless I don’t believe spring training is useless. The staff has eyes on these players in workouts and drills for several weeks. Any player who finished in AAA last year ought to have a chance to win a job in spring. Players who performed poorly last year should have to show something in spring training to earn a job. It is hard to imagine all of Julien, Kreidler and Outman will have a strong spring.

I'd like to see Julien, Kreidler and Outman all NOT on the team.  And that is assuming no trades.  I would rather have fitzgerald as the 13th player and, hopefully, one of Emma or Gonzalez makes the team out of spring training.  And I would love to see Larnach traded to open up another slot for a position player.  Lastly, if the Twins keep Wallner, they should melt down his iron gloves so he stays out of the outfield.