Minnesota Twins Roster Project and Organizational Depth

[TwinsDr2021]

1 hour ago, Eris said:

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. 

The Twins top two prospects are Jenkins and Erod and he turns 23 in about a month (and was a top 40 overall prospect going into last year), if he isn't capable of playing 80 games in CF next year, then he really isn't the prospect we hoped he was and baseball people thought he was. Plus Roden. The last thing this team needs is to bring in another outfielder on the wrong side of 30 with no future on this team. Jenkins might not be ready but he is one of the top 10 prospects in baseball and should be capable of filling in and getting some MLB action by mid season.

This year isn't like the last few where the back ups to Buxton where all non-prospects type prospects, this FO has to prove that it is capable of developing players. 

IMO the starting OF for the Twins should be Erod, Buxton, Wallner against right handed pitchers, and Martin, Buxton, Wallner against left handed pitchers. If Martin plays so well,  Wallner can't hit lefties or Erod is struggling then bring up GG to platoon with Wallner or Roden, depending on the situation and need, or even Fedko or Rosario.

Please for the Love of all things good Twins, get rid of Outing and Larnach and don't bring in a veteren outfielder to block at bats from prospect. Because hopefully Mendez isn't too far off as well. 

[rdehring]

14 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! 

Have been hoping since the year ended that the Twins would trade Larnach for a solid, young reliever.  Or maybe Larnach plus a mid-level prospect for a better, young reliever.  

Yes, all is well considering our ages.  Thanks.

[jmlease1]

11 hours ago, DocBauer said:

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. 

Who is giving love for Kreidler? Much like Outman, he's a guy on the roster that it feels like we're stuck with. (It's my biggest issue with Falvey's roster management; they'll grab guys like this and instead of giving them a brief audition and moving on if they suck out, they keep chasing value rather than "lose the asset for nothing")

They need to have a backup SS on the roster. Right now it's Kreidler by default. In this particular case, I'm not sure it makes that much difference if it's Kriedler v Fitzgerald, I guess?

I'm more concerned about the OF and the lack of opportunity for any of the prospects if Outman (who looks like a quad-A guy) and Larnach (who seems to have little upside) stick. As noted elsewhere, there's not even enough PT in AAA for guys right now. Feels like the scars of a few years ago when we literally ran out of competent OF (and it probably cost the team a playoff spot) have lingered too long, and the wrong lessons were learned.

I have no idea what to do with Julien at this point. I was a big backer of his, but he's got a lot more failure on his resume now. Much like Outman, why should we believe he can be fixed in 2026? I don't know that he's really blocking anyone, but 26-man spots have value and unless he figures it out fast, he's not adding any. I'm bummed about that, but feels like it's time to move on.

Looking at the projected lineup, it's clear that it's dependent on several players improving or returning to form to be dangerous. Now, that's possible; Wallner & Lewis in particular should be better in 2026 than 2025 and both can be real threats. But fans should rightfully be skeptical at this point.

[Brandon]

6 hours ago, High heat said:

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.

Those guys are placeholders for Jenkins, Gonzales, ERod, and Culpepper to name a few.

[rv78]

Just think, with the right number of injuries and if Shelton manages like Rocco to give guys a scheduled day off.......... The lineup could consist of 

C-Jackson

1B-Gasper

2B-Julien

3B-Kreidler

SS-Fitzgerald

OF-Outman, Roden, Clemens

DH-Bell

Outside of Julien who looked like a decent prospect, let's give Falvey an A+ for adding these losers to the team.

[Brandon]

1 hour ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

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.

I think this is the starting point.  The Twins have 4 top hitting prospects likely to debut next season.  Jenkins, Gonzales, Culpepper, and E Rod.  Players will get hurt, traded, demoted or released.

[Eris]

2 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Looing at this post, this lineup looks too similar to last year's lineup.

This is too true. While much has been written on TD about the trade deadline tear down, the reality is that most of the underperforming position players are still on the team. The best we can hope for is that this is the year that Lee, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner and Julian get their act together. With Outman and Kreidler the “hope“ list is expanding. Hope is not a strategy. 

[KnoblauchWasFramed]

Looking like a 65 win team as is right now.  Depending on what further free agents are added to fill out the roster I would guess that, based on recent history of signings, this bumps the Twins up to around 68-70 wins.  

Awesome!!  

[JD-TWINS]

17 hours 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?

 

 

Eddie Julien or Eduardo Julien comes off the list……… Playing “Keaschall at 1B so Julien can get some playing time……….” that can’t happen. I’d love Keaschall to play 1B regularly (at least before acquiring Bell) but not so Eddie has a spot - to me, he’s washed!

Lee, for me, should be a solid 2B option OR the roaming back-up at 3B, SS, & 2B.

Needs are for a competent SS, and for one of the minor league OF to step up by end of May …….. preferably, Gonzalez. Lee & Kriedler or Fitzgerald at SS is not inspiring!!

IF, if Wallner hits - Larnach is himself v. RH pitching as DH, the Team will be fine. Lewis, obviously, has to hit .260 plus and stay healthy and he’s a bonus over last 2 seasons.

[JD-TWINS]

45 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Who is giving love for Kreidler? Much like Outman, he's a guy on the roster that it feels like we're stuck with. (It's my biggest issue with Falvey's roster management; they'll grab guys like this and instead of giving them a brief audition and moving on if they suck out, they keep chasing value rather than "lose the asset for nothing")

They need to have a backup SS on the roster. Right now it's Kreidler by default. In this particular case, I'm not sure it makes that much difference if it's Kriedler v Fitzgerald, I guess?

I'm more concerned about the OF and the lack of opportunity for any of the prospects if Outman (who looks like a quad-A guy) and Larnach (who seems to have little upside) stick. As noted elsewhere, there's not even enough PT in AAA for guys right now. Feels like the scars of a few years ago when we literally ran out of competent OF (and it probably cost the team a playoff spot) have lingered too long, and the wrong lessons were learned.

I have no idea what to do with Julien at this point. I was a big backer of his, but he's got a lot more failure on his resume now. Much like Outman, why should we believe he can be fixed in 2026? I don't know that he's really blocking anyone, but 26-man spots have value and unless he figures it out fast, he's not adding any. I'm bummed about that, but feels like it's time to move on.

Looking at the projected lineup, it's clear that it's dependent on several players improving or returning to form to be dangerous. Now, that's possible; Wallner & Lewis in particular should be better in 2026 than 2025 and both can be real threats. But fans should rightfully be skeptical at this point.

Generally agree on all. More bluntly put, Julien is gone - Outman has one foot off the DFA cliff - Clemens is holing on to Outman’s belt.

[DJL44]

8 hours ago, Brandon said:

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

Please, replace all 3 with better players. Fitzgerald hasn't "earned" anything. He's a 32-year-old career minor leaguer.

[JD-TWINS]

11 minutes ago, Eris said:

This is too true. While much has been written on TD about the trade deadline tear down, the reality is that most of the underperforming position players are still on the team. The best we can hope for is that this is the year that Lee, Lewis, Larnach, Wallner and Julian get their act together. With Outman and Kreidler the “hope“ list is expanding. Hope is not a strategy. 

Low expectations for Lee (realistic) - Wallner & Lewis need to get back to their expectations of production, not stars, but can not suck. Julien can’t make the Team unless he hits .400 in Spring Training…….. so he’s gone.

Trade deadline “tear down” was just exchanging established relievers for upside, highly touted youth……….. Abel - Bradley - Rojas. Had to rid organization of Correa’s ups & downs at the plate and physically…… can’t pay $33M for that level of performance!!

Stewart was hurt a handful of days after landing with Dodgers and Coulombe was a pending FA, along with Paddack ……….Bader & Castro were to be FA’s as well.

The only deadline moves that stung were Duran - Jax - Varland, that’s it - the rest is just mob rule bitching. Those 3 relievers are SIGNIFICANT!!! Adding Abel - Bradley - Rojas will “hopefully” be significant in a positive way.

If organization spends another $15-$20M on 3 guys (SS & 2 Relievers) Team could actually approach 90 wins, IMO.

[JD-TWINS]

13 hours ago, Drtwins said:

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. 

Larnach v. Eddie, to me, is laughable. Larnach hits v. RH pitching, period. Larnach wasn’t platooned properly in ‘25 & his numbers took a hit…….. Eddie try’s to walk……and often, takes strike 3.

[DJL44]

This roster would look better if Gasper, Outman, Fitzgerald, Kreidler and Julien were replaced with better players.

To truly contend they will also need better players than Jackson, Clemens, Lee, Larnach and Bell, but let's start by replacing the five AAA players with actual MLB talent.

[TJSweens]

I'm sorry, but awarding three roster spots to players because they are out of options is unacceptable. They either come to ST and out perform their competition or kick them to the curb. Julien and Outman have devoted the last two years to proving that they are not major league ball players. Why are they being projected onto a major league roster?

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

This roster would look better if Gasper, Outman, Fitzgerald, Kreidler and Julien were replaced with better players.

To truly contend they will also need better players than Jackson, Clemens, Lee, Larnach and Bell, but let's start by replacing the five AAA players with actual MLB talent.

Lee - Larnach - Bell are all guys found on good rosters around baseball ……. just not guys expected to carry the heavy load of offense and a bit less defense. They are good 8, 9, 10 guys at least.

Your point is well taken, Team needs more offensive help!!

[karcherd]

4 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

The Twins need to add some young players like Fitzgerald, Rhoden, Jenkins, Rodriguez and Culpepper.

You do know Fitzgerald is 32, I would not consider that young.

[old nurse]

10 minutes ago, karcherd said:

You do know Fitzgerald is 32, I would not consider that young.

Rick Rhoden is in his 70s. I don’t thick many people consider him young., either. Alan Roden at 26 might be considered young 

[DJL44]

There are some interesting things about the Fangraphs 80-82 roster projection.

1) It depends on the Twins starting Kaelen Culpepper at SS. Culpepper projects as the 3rd most valuable player on the roster - ahead of Luke Keaschall, Ryan Jeffers and Royce Lewis. Does anyone see this front office handing Culpepper the job out of spring training? Does anyone think ZIPS might be a bit too optimistic about Culpepper's 2026?

2) It thinks Outman (1.3 WAR), Julien (1.2), Gasper (1.0), Clemens (1.0), Jackson (0.9), Pereda (0.7), Fitzgerald (0.6), Bell (0.5) and Kreidler (0.4) will all be above replacement value contributors. It estimated Keirsey Jr as a 1.0 WAR player. This is due to ZIPS regressing numbers to the mean and only estimating playing time assuming a player will actually contribute. That group combines for 7.5 WAR and I'd put the actual number much closer to zero. Making that contribution zero drops the overall projection from 80 wins to 73.

There is some upside. If the Twins can replace Outman, Julien, Gasper, Fitzgerald and Kreidler with actual 1.0 WAR contributors, they can get back to 78 wins with this roster. Players like that are still floating around in free agency waiting for an opportunity.

[Otaknam]

I don’t understand the Susac trade. He has some offensive potential and ML experience. Jackson is a backup who doesn’t hit at all. Why trade Susac for a low level minor leaguer who may never help this team, especially with the dearth of catchers in the system. 

[SF Twins Fan]

Definitely an ugly roster if this is the team that makes it to the start of the season, but after the all-star break it could look a lot different in a positive way.

If they can get a few of their prospects to earning promotions this year the 2nd half of the season will be more exciting. 

• Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Mendez and Fedko all could push for time in the outfield.
• Culpepper could push for time in the infield.
• Abel, Morris, Prielipp, Raya, and Rojas all could push for time in the starting rotation or bullpen.

[RpR]

18 minutes ago, SF Twins Fan said:

Definitely an ugly roster if this is the team that makes it to the start of the season, but after the all-star break it could look a lot different in a positive way.

If they can get a few of their prospects to earning promotions this year the 2nd half of the season will be more exciting. 

• Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Mendez and Fedko all could push for time in the outfield.
• Culpepper could push for time in the infield.
• Abel, Morris, Prielipp, Raya, and Rojas all could push for time in the starting rotation or bullpen.

Once again the newbie rookies will save the day; that has worked out SO well in the past five or more years.

Once again a Castle in the Air rules the site.

Spring Training will give a hint as to, what is what, May Whine in Dec. is just a bit silly.

[TwinsDr2021]

40 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

There is some upside. If the Twins can replace Outman, Julien, Gasper, Fitzgerald and Kreidler with actual 1.0 WAR contributors, they can get back to 78 wins with this roster

Everyone of the guys are bench guy (or more realistically minor league players)s, the players to replace them are the current starters, and they are to be replaced by prospects. There is NO way the Twins should be signing any free agent for the offensive/defensive side of the team (including they shouldn't have signed Bell) 

[TwinsDr2021]

3 minutes ago, RpR said:

Once again the newbie rookies will save the day; that has worked out SO well in the past five or more years.

Once again a Castle in the Air rules the site.

Spring Training will give a hint as to, what is what, May Whine in Dec. is just a bit silly.

If not the next wave of prospects, who? you, me, free agents that wouldn't be signed? What the hell are these jokers doing in the front office if prospects aren't the answer? 

[DJL44]

2 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Everyone of the guys are bench guy (or more realistically minor league players)s, the players to replace them are the current starters, and they are to be replaced by prospects. There is NO way the Twins should be signing any free agent for the offensive/defensive side of the team (including they shouldn't have signed Bell) 

They have outfield prospects on the cusp, but no infielders above Double-A. "Bench guys" play a LOT of at-bats. Julien, Outman, Kreidler, Gasper and Fitzgerald had 500 plate appearances in 2025 for a combined WAR of -2.0. Replacing their playing time with two 1.0 WAR players adds 4 wins to the team.

I saw this same argument last season. "The Twins shouldn't add Harrison Bader, they have DaShawn Keirsey on the roster already." It was a dumb argument then and looks even dumber in hindsight.

[TwinsDr2021]

53 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Players like that are still floating around in free agency waiting for an opportunity.

Which free agents are out there that makes sense to sign, that makes the Twins better this year and in the future? 

[Major League Ready]

3 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Low expectations for Lee (realistic) - Wallner & Lewis need to get back to their expectations of production, not stars, but can not suck. Julien can’t make the Team unless he hits .400 in Spring Training…….. so he’s gone.

Trade deadline “tear down” was just exchanging established relievers for upside, highly touted youth……….. Abel - Bradley - Rojas. Had to rid organization of Correa’s ups & downs at the plate and physically…… can’t pay $33M for that level of performance!!

Stewart was hurt a handful of days after landing with Dodgers and Coulombe was a pending FA, along with Paddack ……….Bader & Castro were to be FA’s as well.

The only deadline moves that stung were Duran - Jax - Varland, that’s it - the rest is just mob rule bitching. Those 3 relievers are SIGNIFICANT!!! Adding Abel - Bradley - Rojas will “hopefully” be significant in a positive way.

If organization spends another $15-$20M on 3 guys (SS & 2 Relievers) Team could actually approach 90 wins, IMO.

How many wins do you think they have if they don't spend $20M on a SS and 2 RPs?

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Which free agents are out there that makes sense to sign, that makes the Twins better this year and in the future? 

They don't have to make the team better in the future, just 2026. None of the 5 players I want to cut make the team better in the future.

Miguel Andujar and Isaiah Kiner-Falefa (for example) make the team better in 2026. Dump Outman and Julien and add those two. Then watch the waiver wire for players like Kody Clemens to replace Gasper and Kreidler.

[RpR]

4 minutes ago, TwinsDr2021 said:

Which free agents are out there that makes sense to sign, that makes the Twins better this year and in the future? 

Taylor, Farmer, France, Santana were all dissed by the majority of posters here, but the year they were picked up, they did very well.

Time will tell if hte Twins get another bargain buy; do not go off on a Margot rant as he was the odd ball out; even Joey Gallo gave them a good early season performance before he became a Wallner.

[TwinsDr2021]

6 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

They have outfield prospects on the cusp, but no infielders above Double-A. "Bench guys" play a LOT of at-bats. Julien, Outman, Kreidler, Gasper and Fitzgerald had 500 plate appearances in 2025 for a combined WAR of -2.0. Replacing their playing time with two 1.0 WAR players adds 4 wins to the team.

I saw this same argument last season. "The Twins shouldn't add Harrison Bader, they have DaShawn Keirsey on the roster already." It was a dumb argument then and looks even dumber in hindsight.

First I was never on the Keirsey bandwagon, I was one of the most vocal anti-Keirsey guys on this board. 

Second signing Harrison Bader got the Twins 70 wins and Mendez at how many millions? Was that a good signing? Maybe

Third, I agree this year those guys (minus whoever is the back up short stop shouldn't get any at bats this year)

Fourth,. As of today my 13 players would be Jeffers, Jackson, Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Clemens, Martin, Buxton, Wallner, Erod, back up SS, Bell, Roden