Is Dan Altavilla Becoming a Lock For Minnesota Twins’ Bullpen?

[Cody Schoenmann]

Image courtesy of © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

In the five weeks since Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Ft. Myers, the most closely monitored position group has been the bullpen, with fans and pundits interested in how the eight-pitcher collective will look as the team travels to Baltimore to face the Orioles on Mar. 26. Right now, Cole Sands is a lock to be part of the Opening Day group. Veteran southpaws Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, and Andrew Chafin are strong candidates to join Sands, with 35-year-old righty Justin Topa also likely earning a spot. However, three spots remain in flux, with spring training set to conclude in just over a week.

Lefty Kody Funderburk is a strong candidate to fill one of those three spots. Because they're already lefty-loaded and Funderburk can still be optioned to the minors, though, the front office could send him to St. Paul to begin his 2026 campaign at Triple-A, to maximize depth. Righty Eric Orze, 28, is in the same boat as Funderburk; the team still holds the right to option him. Liam Hendriks has an automatic opt-out clause in his contract, but the Twins could add him to the 40-man roster only to move him to the injured list to begin the season. Prioritizing depth with Funderburk and Orze and health with Hendriks, Minnesota could be poised to hand one of its final bullpen spots to Dan Altavilla.

 

Signed to a minor-league contract in mid-December, the 33-year-old Altavilla joined Minnesota after strong persuasion from new bullpen coach LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins is a “big fan” of Altavilla, and expects the veteran to be “a big asset for [the Twins] this year.” That piece from Zone Coverage ran on Feb, 19. The hard-throwing righty has only improved his case over the past month, performing like one of the club’s best relievers this spring.

 

Over three innings pitched, Altavilla has a 0.00 ERA, a 2.34 FIP, and a 22.2% strikeout rate. Spring results don't matter, of course, and three innings' worth of spring results matter even less. Yet, his impressive performance this spring comes off a 2025 campaign with the Chicago White Sox in which he posted a 2.48 ERA, 4.66 FIP, and a 21-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 29 innings. Altavilla’s alarming underlying metrics and well-below-average walk rate suggest he should have performed worse last season. Still, he managed to induce an incredibly low hard-hit rate and average exit velocity when attacking the zone, resulting in a near-elite ground ball rate (50%; the league averages roughly 43%).

 

With an above-average sinker and slider, Altavilla has a profile roughly similar to that of Topa. Topa has regressed since joining Minnesota, and those who follow the Twins shouldn’t expect Altavilla to sustain a sub-2.50 ERA if he pitches for the club this season. Still, if Altavilla could perform at a similar rate to Topa’s 2025 campaign (wherein he netted a 3.90 ERA and 3.04 FIP while generating weak contact), he'd give them a harder-throwing insurance policy against further injury or regression by Topa himself.

 

Currently pitching for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, Altavilla fits a comparable archetype to Chafin and Hendriks, in that he's a veteran brought in on a minor-league deal who is out of minor-league options. After a solid Grapefruit League look and two innings in which he's surrendered one homer but struck out four and walked just one in the WBC, there's little chance Minnesota would be able to stash him at Triple A to begin the 2026 campaign. Altavilla would likely refuse his assignment, enter free agency, and join a different organization. Instead, Twins decision-makers would be wise to prioritize organizational depth and add the sturdy righty to the 40-man roster, awarding him a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

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[thelanges5]

He would be a nice addition to the RH side of the bullpen. 

[stringer bell]

Mid to upper 90s velocity for Altavilla. He is on a minor league contract and hasn't exceeded six years of service. Does he have the right to refuse assignment to the minors. There's about 10 days until Opening Day, so something could happen for him to not make the team.

I'm looking at about four non-roster players making the team, which means that four guys would have to be DFA'd. Alex Jackson and James Outman could provide two spots, as they are out of options and do can't be sent to St. Paul without being exposed to all the other teams. I'm not sure who the other guys would be--if Topa is let go, it would open a spot.

[Cody Schoenmann]

33 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Mid to upper 90s velocity for Altavilla. He is on a minor league contract and hasn't exceeded six years of service. Does he have the right to refuse assignment to the minors. There's about 10 days until Opening Day, so something could happen for him to not make the team.

I'm looking at about four non-roster players making the team, which means that four guys would have to be DFA'd. Alex Jackson and James Outman could provide two spots, as they are out of options and do can't be sent to St. Paul without being exposed to all the other teams. I'm not sure who the other guys would be--if Topa is let go, it would open a spot.

I think only three non-roster players will make the team in Chafin, Hendriks, and Altavilla. I don't see Urshela or Arcia making the club.

Alex Jackson and Tristan Gray are strong DFA candidates on the position player side. Zak Kent could also be DFAd. I would say Travis Adams is a DFA candidate, too, but his elbow injury muddies that equation. Either way, I think there are clear pathways for the FO to open three 40-man roster spots. 

Edited March 15 by Cody Schoenmann

[JD-TWINS]

38 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Mid to upper 90s velocity for Altavilla. He is on a minor league contract and hasn't exceeded six years of service. Does he have the right to refuse assignment to the minors. There's about 10 days until Opening Day, so something could happen for him to not make the team.

I'm looking at about four non-roster players making the team, which means that four guys would have to be DFA'd. Alex Jackson and James Outman could provide two spots, as they are out of options and do can't be sent to St. Paul without being exposed to all the other teams. I'm not sure who the other guys would be--if Topa is let go, it would open a spot.

Curious about 4 non-roster guys making the Roster? Am not a huge follower of Spring Training details - are these guys to make the 26 man or 40 man in your opinion. Who has a shot that’s not rostered?

[Danchat]

6 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Mid to upper 90s velocity for Altavilla. He is on a minor league contract and hasn't exceeded six years of service. Does he have the right to refuse assignment to the minors. There's about 10 days until Opening Day, so something could happen for him to not make the team.

I'm looking at about four non-roster players making the team, which means that four guys would have to be DFA'd. Alex Jackson and James Outman could provide two spots, as they are out of options and do can't be sent to St. Paul without being exposed to all the other teams. I'm not sure who the other guys would be--if Topa is let go, it would open a spot.

I would bet one of Tristan Gray or Ryan Kreidler get DFA'd. 

[DocBauer]

I commented much the same in previous posts, including moments ago in an OP that @Nick Nelsonposted. Jackson and Outman being gone and opening up 40 man spots make real sense. Chaffin needs a roster spot if kept. And I believe I may have forgotten Hendricks needed one as well. I think my brain may be getting fuzzy with all of these possible interations of the final roster, lol.

MANY seasons, I would be very happy to see Rogers added, even at this point in his career, as well as Banda and Chaffin. But the younger Funderburk is having a quality ST following a really good 2 months to end 2025 that offers promise that he has turned a corner and might be a factor in the bullpen for the next few years. But he might get sent to St Paul to begin the season ONLY because he has options doesn't really compute with me.

But let's ignore that for a moment and just address the RH side of the pen, which is SERIOUSLY LACKING. 

There is an actual chance that Hendricks throwing 95, with his secondary offerings and experience, might succeed at 85-90% of his previous self. We might have a few nail biting moments, but he might be solid. 

We've seen what Sands might be able to do with glimpses in 2023, a great 2024, and moments in 2025. At least the potential is there to be pretty good.

Topa had a good game recently, but has had an AWFUL ST. But reports say the velocity is there. Has he been working on or trying something different? Only the coaches know. And his contract is easily removed considering it's value. But I still have a hard time seeing him not making the opening day roster at this point.

But what else is there from the RH side? ANSWER: Not much! Festa and Lewis and Adams are out, and the other prospect arms are already gearing up in MILB camp.

So far, Kent has looked pretty good. And he's on the 40 man. He might be a late bloomer, and Orze hasn't inspired much hope so far.

Altavilla would need a 40 man spot. And as questionable as the Twins 40 man is, I'm still not certain who is any easy cut beyond Jackson and Outman. (There's a pretty good collection of prospects on the current 40 man). But despite a BB issue, Altavilla has a really solid HIT/IP number and decent K numbers. Reportedly, before he left for the Classic, he was throwing harder than he ever had before, sitting around 98-99. That's a lot to consider for a team desperate for RH arms that don't make you cringe when they come in to games.

If Altavilla is cut, you can damn well expect another team grabbing him to be their 7th or 8th man at this point. IMO, the Twins can't afford to lose him. They desperately need at least a couple viable RH ML arms to work with WHAT THERE IS from the LH side, along with Hendricks, Sands, and MAYBE Topa to have a bullpen that doesn't completely SUCK to open the season.

It's possible in 2 or 3 months that we see a healthy Festa and Lewis get their opportunity. (No guarantee they are great initially). We might see Rya have ACTUAL SUCCESS in his new role. And I have a belief that Klein might just surprise the hell out of people and be the next Varland. But AT THE LEAST you don't want to just give away winnable ballgames in bunches before reinforcements...that have a future...begin to arrive.

I'm desperately hoping for COMPETENCE out of the bullpen. And while not a betting man, I'd bet Kent and Altavilla MIGHT help achieve that with the other arms projected to make the pen. At this point, who else is there? 

I agree with @stringer bellthat there's a chance for 4 additions needed to be added. Outman and Jackson should be gone. Altavilla requires another move. And IF the Twins decide Arcia should be the backup SS/utility player to begin the season, yet another move is required.

Perhaps the currently injured/delayed Adams is a logical choice. Perhaps the Twins go with the NO HIT Kreidler as the 13th man simply because his defense and position versatility warrants a spot despite being an almost automatic out. (The guy hits like a NL pitcher back in the day). But if you have an arm, even a 33yo arm...think Stewart and Thielbar for a moment...that might ACTUALLY be able to get some hitters out, you've got to keep him.

[DocBauer]

32 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Curious about 4 non-roster guys making the Roster? Am not a huge follower of Spring Training details - are these guys to make the 26 man or 40 man in your opinion. Who has a shot that’s not rostered?

I don't like speaking for others, but I believe he's looking at Hendricks and Chaffin in the pen, Arcia as the backup SS/utility...based on experience...and then including Altavilla.

Arcia remains a question mark. While the Twins like his experience, does he show ENOUGH with the glove and bat to take that spot over Kreidler...great glove and versatility who can't hit his way out of a wet paper bag...or Gray who can hit a little, play all 4 INF spots, but can he play an acceptable SS 2 times a week? 

[Blyleven2011]

 This is such a mess to sort out , has anyone from the organization leaked anything to the media ...

Is there a favorite or two to fill the bullpen  , is hendriks injured as someone mentioned we could stash him on the injured list ...

Altivilla is pitching for Italy  , are they monitoring him as he pitches there for a bullpen spot  , he pitched 28 innings for White Sox but his walks need to be harnessed ...

Topa is not doing himself any favors but most likely will start the year with the twins ...

Are they going with the veterans and using minor league options on players that should make the team , Zoll is probably following Falvey's example of constructing a team ...

Who has the talent to make this team competitive  , start the season with the best options to get the job done ...

What a difficult mess shelton has to sort through ...

I dont know exactly how to put it except our chance of competing are looking grim  ...

[RaoulDuke]

He can have Topa's spot, either one is likely a placeholder or at best a year or 2 worth of middle relief.  

[stringer bell]

Here’s my take: Since this thread started with Altavilla, he’ll be the first topic. He has experience and a couple good pitches. He’s helped his case in limited work. I think he makes the Opening Day roster. Liam Hendriks is throwing mid-90s and has been pretty effective. I think he’s in as well. Andrew Chafin doesn’t wake up radar guns, but has been an effective reliever for a while. I think he’s the third non-roster pitcher add. #4 is Orlando Arcia. He’s hit a bit in ST and has been a capable shortstop. With the ability to play other positions. Kreidler hasn’t hit this spring or ever in the majors. I don’t think the Twins trust Gray at short. James Outman has had a good ST, as has Roden. 
 

Back to Altavilla—He doesn’t have 6 years of service, so I believe he’s doesn’t have the right to opt-out unless it is written in his minor league contract. Gio, Hendriks, Chafin and Arcia should be able to opt-out, so that if any of them don’t make the team, they’ll likely become free agents.

Jackson not making the club would add one 40-man spot. Outman could be the second, but I’m not sure the Twins will expose him. After that are tough calls. Maybe Kreidler or Gray could be DFA’d but there isn’t much minor league infield depth and both have an option. 

[bean5302]

Altavilla hasn't done a lot to make the team AFAIC. I'd be surprised if he didn't remain in the minors.

[CRF]

Love to see him take Topa's spot. Topa needs to be DFA'd. 

[MinnInPa]

agreed ..all Topa does is get shelled

[laloesch]

11 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

What a difficult mess shelton has to sort through ...

I dont know exactly how to put it except our chance of competing are looking grim  ...

There was never a doubt that would NOT be the case after the selloff last trade deadline. Whether the Pohlads are willing to admit it or not, the Twins are in rebuild mode.

[JD-TWINS]

13 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I don't like speaking for others, but I believe he's looking at Hendricks and Chaffin in the pen, Arcia as the backup SS/utility...based on experience...and then including Altavilla.

Arcia remains a question mark. While the Twins like his experience, does he show ENOUGH with the glove and bat to take that spot over Kreidler...great glove and versatility who can't hit his way out of a wet paper bag...or Gray who can hit a little, play all 4 INF spots, but can he play an acceptable SS 2 times a week? 

Of this group, Arcia gets cut or signed to Minor League deal - his choice. Gray is on 26 man. Kriedler is released or fills Arcia’s void with same MiLB contract offer…… seems realistic…….can’t have a non-factor guy in the box routinely with Kriedler.

Per others, can Adam’s slot open up with him on the IL? ……… this a spot for Altavilla.

[Jeff K]

Topa should not be an automatic.  His best is years ago and he has been, at best, ok with the Twins.  Why keep him?

[Fire Dan Gladden]

A lot of talk about the lefty/righty balance off the BP, but very little talk of pitching splits, which is really what it comes down to. If a LHP can get RHB out at a decent enough rate, it doesn't matter.

The Twins acquired arms with possibilities, not slots. Altavilla may have been more of a lock then the fans believe, especially with Hawkins stumping for him. After last season, there were probably a few teams calling on him, he probably would not have signed in MN without some assurances.

The Twins have historically not thrown money away. Expect Jackson and Outman to make the team (or be traded for something), guys that can be optioned will be optioned to create spots.

[stringer bell]

I bit the bullet and asked Google if a guy with less than six years of service on a minor league deal can opt out and Google answered that they cannot unless they negotiated an opt-out. Altavilla might have an opt-out option in his contract, but I doubt it. If he does have an opt-out, I think he's close to a lock to make the Opening Day roster. Google contradicts itself about more veteran players on minor league contracts, but MLB Trade Rumors quotes the Basic Agreement stating that free agents with more than six years of service time who were on a major league roster or Injured List at the close of last season have automatic opt-outs. That would include Urshela, Chafin, Arcia and Hendriks. 

[stringer bell]

18 minutes ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

A lot of talk about the lefty/righty balance off the BP, but very little talk of pitching splits, which is really what it comes down to. If a LHP can get RHB out at a decent enough rate, it doesn't matter.

The Twins acquired arms with possibilities, not slots. Altavilla may have been more of a lock then the fans believe, especially with Hawkins stumping for him. After last season, there were probably a few teams calling on him, he probably would not have signed in MN without some assurances.

The Twins have historically not thrown money away. Expect Jackson and Outman to make the team (or be traded for something), guys that can be optioned will be optioned to create spots.

Pretty much agree with all of this, although they may try to move Jackson through the DFA process. He hasn't hit. They may also try the same with Kreidler and/or Gray although I doubt they would expose both infielders. I don't think they will DFA Outman despite his poor performance in '24 and '25. 

[saviking]

14 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

 This is such a mess to sort out , has anyone from the organization leaked anything to the media ...

Is there a favorite or two to fill the bullpen  , is hendriks injured as someone mentioned we could stash him on the injured list ...

Altivilla is pitching for Italy  , are they monitoring him as he pitches there for a bullpen spot  , he pitched 28 innings for White Sox but his walks need to be harnessed ...

Topa is not doing himself any favors but most likely will start the year with the twins ...

Are they going with the veterans and using minor league options on players that should make the team , Zoll is probably following Falvey's example of constructing a team ...

Who has the talent to make this team competitive  , start the season with the best options to get the job done ...

What a difficult mess shelton has to sort through ...

I dont know exactly how to put it except our chance of competing are looking grim  ...

Not to worry. Shelton proved with Pittsburgh he's a great manager for teams that lose more games than win ..

[USAFChief]

2 hours ago, Fire Dan Gladden said:

A lot of talk about the lefty/righty balance off the BP, but very little talk of pitching splits, which is really what it comes down to. If a LHP can get RHB out at a decent enough rate, it doesn't matter.

The Twins acquired arms with possibilities, not slots. Altavilla may have been more of a lock then the fans believe, especially with Hawkins stumping for him. After last season, there were probably a few teams calling on him, he probably would not have signed in MN without some assurances.

The Twins have historically not thrown money away. Expect Jackson and Outman to make the team (or be traded for something), guys that can be optioned will be optioned to create spots.

I can't see any way Jackson makes the team. Three catchers? You only have 13 roster spots. 

[Riverbrian]

It's been a long time since I've seen a collection of arms in the bullpen as crafty as this one is shaping out to be. 

Personally... I don't like Crafty in my bullpen. I like heat. 

According to my research... right or wrong. Altavilla and Banda are the only arms that toss over 96 mph. Sands is close. 

Otherwise... we have a bunch of craftiness. 

Nobody is going to frighten major league hitters from our current collection. 

I'll take Altavilla just to add some velocity to the pen. 

 

 

[Fire Dan Gladden]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

I can't see any way Jackson makes the team. Three catchers? You only have 13 roster spots. 

I agree, but I don't see the Twins throwing his $1m+ guaranteed salary out the window for nothing. A trade makes more sense, even if it is for a partial-salary recoup.