5 Twins Prospects Who Could Make Their MLB Debut on Opening Day

[Jeff K]

1 hour ago, DocBauer said:

Opening Day? Rodriguez has the best chance for OD, and I've been championing that idea for some time. With only 1 option remaining, a good, healthy ST, I'd give him his shot. If he needs a re-set od any type, I'd rather it be sooner rather than later. But service time, time missed in 2025, and the Twins wanting to take a look at Martin and Roden, I'm betting he begins the year in St Paul.

Presumably, Gonzalez can also hit RHP decently. So no, I don't believe he's used as strictly a platoon bat. So when he does come up, he'll play on a regular basis, no matter the pitcher. But he's also a great candidate for a 1B trial.

I like the inclusion of Fedko even though he's not on the 40 man. He's got a decent eye and some contact ability...witnessed by his career MILB OB%...along with some power and speed. Yes, he's a late bloomer. No, he's not a top prospect. But he's reportedly a quality corner OF, can cover CF acceptably here and there, and can also play some 1B. That's a solid resume for a bench guy. At at 26yo, you don't mind him being an occasional lineup presence. But I doubt he makes it OD. But I can see a possible fit. (The bench isn't great at this point).

I think Raya is behind Prielipp and Klein simply because he might need some better success before getting his ML debut. But I'd like to add Cory Lewis as another OD option. His control abandoned him in 2025, but he still had a quality 10.7 K per 9. Dialing his repertoire down a bit, throwing hard as possible for 1-2 innings, and that CRAZY knuckleball of his, he might be a ST surprise. 

I agree and I can't give much love to Raya, at least at the start of the season.  Last year was too rocky and he needs to prove himself with St. Paul.  It would be great if GG showed aptitude for first base.

[Major League Ready]

If they are going to pretend to compete in 2026, in other words keep Ryan/Lopez, they should trade Ober so that they can dedicate another spot to someone who could someday contribute to a playoff team.  Go with Ryan/Lopez/Bradley/SWR/Matthews.  Add two free agents RP to Sands / Funderburk / Topa and Orze plus two of Festa / Ohl / Morris / Adams / Klein.  Orze could be replaced by any other these five.  Prielipp and Raya have not demonstrated they're ready.  They can compete with the three among Festa / Ohl / Morris / Adams / Klein that don't make the roster.  That's pretty decent depth that should be able to step up when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[h2oface]

To have anyone "crowded out" by anyone except Buxton on this sad roster is ridiculous. Quite a bit of irresponsible mismanagement to add so many lefties, when you need righties. Like Outman and Roden. And they paid way to high for Roden.

[DJL44]

4 hours ago, h2oface said:

To have anyone "crowded out" by anyone except Buxton on this sad roster is ridiculous. Quite a bit of irresponsible mismanagement to add so many lefties, when you need righties. Like Outman and Roden. And they paid way to high for Roden.

Do they need righties? They have Buxton, Lewis, Jeffers, Martin and Keaschall. Caratini, Lee and Bell switch-hit. That's 8 RHB in the line up against lefties.

[D.C Twins]

"For Gonzalez to have a chance, space will need to be cleared ahead of him."

Clear away FO...clear-a-way!

[bean5302]

On 1/17/2026 at 12:54 PM, Danchat said:

This regime has been very reluctant to have rookie hitters on the Opening Day roster, I don't expect any will this year either. As for pitchers, at this point a couple have to make the team, I would put Prielipp as the favorite. I would like to see him, Raya, and Klein get some appearances in the pen at AAA to build up their relieving experience. All of them were quite bad at AAA last year, obviously small sample sizes with Prielipp and Klein.

and the leadership has been very short with their leashes. Have a bad 2 weeks to a month? Back to the minors you go! Even if that does please fans, it's not a great strategy, IMHO. I think a lot of this has to do with just how bad Falvey's roster construction has been. When the Twins have 5-6 poor performing hitters in the lineup and they're losing games, the pressure is on to perform or scapegoat.