Did We Just Witness Jeremy Zoll Implement a Change in Roster Construction Philosophy?

[Nate Palmer]

Image courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

As the Minnesota Twins gear up for their season opener in Baltimore, the major-league roster continues to be trimmed down to its appropriate 26-player size. Friday, two recognizable veteran relievers, Andrew Chafin and Liam Hendriks, were granted their release after being informed they wouldn't make the team.

Considering the depleted state of the Twins bullpen after the trade deadline sell-off, this seems like a strange move and one that should invoke panic. It may instead be the exact opposite: a move that signals a lesson learned from past roster mistakes. 

Hendriks, at the outset of camp, was a leading candidate to be the top right-hander at the back end of the bullpen, vying for save opportunities. Coming off injuries and a cancer battle, the Twins needed to see Hendriks regain form closer to his 2022 self. While Hendriks was able to ramp up to the mid-90s in velocity, general manager Jeremy Zoll stated they didn’t see the consistency they had hoped to from their reliever. 

The most recent of those inconsistencies was on display Thursday evening as the Twins visited the Red Sox. Hendriks, in his one inning of work, gave up two hits, two walks, threw a wild pitch, and allowed one run. Evidenced by his release the next day, it was not what the Twins and Zoll were looking for in the veteran. 

 

Chafin came to the Twins with a similar good veteran track record, offering continued hope for the rebuilding bullpen. When the left-hander was at his peak of success, he was able to throw 93 mph with his sinker. As Chafin worked through spring, he was never able to touch 90 mph and sat at only 86 mph in Monday’s outing. It's a continued negative trend from his 89 mph average in 2025. 

Moving on from those two veterans represents a shift from what we have traditionally seen from the Twins. The club is giving a chance to an unproven group that may have upside, rather than potentially watching some name-worthy veterans continue to trend in the wrong direction. This means that now the likes of Cole Sands, Zak Kent, Eric Orze, Dan Altavilla, Matt Bowman, Trent Baker, and Cody Laweryson will have a shot at being the arms that rebuild the Twins bullpen. 

It may be too early to call this a full-on change in philosophy, but it is a positive sign that there may be one in process. Twins fans have had to endure watching the Twins hang onto veterans of the likes of Joey Gallo way beyond their usefulness. Instead, we will get to see if one of these low-wattage additions can have the sort of success the team desperately needs for the sake of the bullpen. It should be a welcome change from the post-deadline stretch in 2025 when veteran placeholders got most of the innings rather than anyone with much future potential. 

It wasn’t too long ago that the Twins had both Danny Coulombe and Jeff Hoffman in camp and released them just before they had great success elsewhere. While Derek Falvey is gone, others like Zoll have been part of a leadership that has been able to identify good arms, but hasn't held onto them long enough. Just a fraction of that sort of success from one of the group of relievers still in camp would be great development for the 2026 roster. 

If this is a true signal of a renewed willingness to move on from veterans sooner rather than later, it could be a significant advantage on the positional side as well. Right now, the Twins will have an exciting group of outfield prospects in St. Paul to start the season, including Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzelez, and Walker Jenkins. If the likes of James Outman or Trevor Larnach struggle out of the gate, fans can be hopeful that a Zoll-led front office may be willing to move on with appropriate timing, paving the way for this exciting group of prospects ready to hit the majors. 

What do you think? Did the Twins make a grave mistake by letting go of two proven veterans, or do you have faith that this is a sign that the tide is turning in Minnesota in how the front office handles veterans? 

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[arby58]

"Proven veterans" don't magically escape the sands of time. Neither pitcher was passing the "eye test" (ok, radar gun test) this year.

That said, there are far better examples of veterans who outwore their welcome than Joey Gallo (maybe one with the initials MM?). Gallo carried the team's offense early in 2023, hit 21 HRs, had a .741 OPS, 100 OPS+, 0.5 WAR and played decent defense.  The Twins should be so lucky if Larnach replicates that this year.

Manual Margot, by contrast, was .626 OPS, 76 OPS+, -0.9 WAR in 2024 and far from a good defensive outfielder.

[nclahammer]

Nice write up Nate, hopefully a change of philosophy for the better.   One quick note, the link to the outfielder prospects should include Gabriel Gonazalez https://www.milb.com/player/gabriel-gonzalez-694224, instead of Carlos Gonzalez.  The kid really surprised me last season compared to his first in the Twins organization and I wish him the best of luck this season.  He could be knocking on the door to Target Field too this season.

[Whitey333]

No extra confidence in their decision making.  If this were true many of those "can't miss" prospects we keep hearing about would have been kept on the 26 man roster.  Time will tell.  Dumping veterans may work.  What we have left are just as suspect.  Going to be a very long and boring summer of Twins baseball im afraid.

[killertwinfan]

The grave mistakes have already been made.  These are just normal mistakes.  

[Doctor Wu]

Did the Twins make a grave mistake by letting go of two proven veterans, or do you have faith that this is a sign that the tide is turning in Minnesota ...

Grave mistake? Not at all. A bit surprising, sure, but obviously neither pitcher looked "lights out" enough to hang on to him for the coming season. Maybe they want to try some of the younger prospects in the pen? But I'm also not sure any sort of tide is turning. Not until we fork out some real money and sign, or trade for, a truly effective relief pitcher with a proven track record that will make us all sleep blissfully at night. But I don't see that happening this year. 

[Doctor Wu]

20 minutes ago, Whitey333 said:

No extra confidence in their decision making.  If this were true many of those "can't miss" prospects we keep hearing about would have been kept on the 26 man roster.  Time will tell.  Dumping veterans may work.  What we have left are just as suspect.  Going to be a very long and boring summer of Twins baseball im afraid.

Yeah, this is not the same as when we let go of guys like Hoffman before the season started.

[big dog]

There's at least a chance that a couple of these young players develop. It's worth taking, compared to hoping older relievers get young again.

[Coach Wheels]

It's never a mistake to let guys go who can't help your club and it is the job of the G.M. to make those calls. Zoll doing his job, doesn't call for high 5's in the room.

The G.M. has plenty of work to do with the rest of this roster; the OF needs 4 guys and right now I trust 1.5 of the 6 in camp. Still work to do before Thursday.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

1 hour ago, arby58 said:

"Proven veterans" don't magically escape the sands of time. Neither pitcher was passing the "eye test" (ok, radar gun test) this year.

That said, there are far better examples of veterans who outwore their welcome than Joey Gallo (maybe one with the initials MM?). Gallo carried the team's offense early in 2023, hit 21 HRs, had a .741 OPS, 100 OPS+, 0.5 WAR and played decent defense.  The Twins should be so lucky if Larnach replicates that this year.

Manual Margot, by contrast, was .626 OPS, 76 OPS+, -0.9 WAR in 2024 and far from a good defensive outfielder.

In 2023 Gallo had 282 at bats. He struck out 142 times. He batted .177.  Watching him at bat for the Twins  almost drove me crazy. You are correct about Margot, the Twins' record setting,  "pinch hitting specialist". 

[Elliot]

As has been the story in the past, the next effective bullpen will appear when 2 or 3 of the young “starters” move to the bullpen. Maybe Festa, Matthews, Rojas, Raya; or some of the next group of hard throwing college arms taken in the past couple of years. 

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Good article Nate. I hope this becomes a trend of letting the youngsters play for the Twins big league club earlier in their careers.

[thelanges5]

2026 is the year to see what we’ve got. Might be ugly but it should be interesting. 

[TopGunn#22]

If velocity and command were clearly lacking this was an obvious decision for Hendricks and Chafin.  And it's something that is unlikely to suddenly turn around for these aging veterans.  "Smart" GM's and organizations usually trade guys like this away before it's obvious to the rest of the league they've got nothing left in the tank.  With Chafin and Hendricks this was evident.  With guys like Larnach and Ober, it's even MORE obvious.

I'm not going to delude myself that something "remarkable" is happening to the Twins ownership/brain trust.  I'm not against scooping up a Hendricks or Chafin to see whether or not they have anything left.  Every MLB team (except maybe the Dodgers) should try to find a diamond in the rough.

But with the Hendricks/Chafin play having failed, I think the Twins should be looking at a Kopech move to shore up the BP and at least have someone other than Taylor Rogers that has some closing experience.  We're on the doorstep of the season and a relief pitcher with proven effectiveness, albeit shaky health is still unsigned.  It sounds like a 2-year contract for $13 million would get it done,  

The Brewers are scuffling through multiple SP injuries to begin this season.  Might they be interested in Bailey Ober?  Trading Ober would see Zebby Matthews take the #5 spot in the rotation.  To me, finding out what all these young SP's can do in 2026 is more important than supposedly "competing for a playoff spot." 

What exactly IS our payroll at right now?  What wiggle room do we actually have?  If Ober and Larnach were traded, shedding salary and allowing younger players a spot on the team could Kopech be added at no additional cost?  It seems that would be a good strategy.  Unfortunately, Larnach hasn't hit his weight in spring training and Ober's velocity is quite concerning.  

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Maybe.  But it’s also not 3D chess.  The team has vastly more info than we do and it’s not surprising to think that these guys just didn’t have it anymore (or again). I think it’s going to be a rough season for the bullpen though.   

[jorgenswest]

Urshela, Chafin and Hendriks were all acquired after Falvey left as well as some other veterans. I wonder if Falvey’s plan was to avoid those veteran signings. The time Zoll gave to those veterans in camp and in games is wasted.

I am glad they are moving on though.

[terrydactyls]

IMHO.... 

Releasing two dead bodies does not indicate a change in philosophy.

[Brandon]

Looking at each reliever separately, with Chaffin, he was up against Funderburk who looks ready to go but has an option so that could go either way.  I suspect if his velocity was closer to 89 they might have kept him.  86 is a big drop.

With Hendricks, They probably think he needs more reps.  If Hendricks is trying to extend his career having an option out after a month would be the right thing for him to do.  The Twins still have an iffy pen.  But Hendricks doesn't see it that way as I read he asked for his release.  If this is what happened the Twins made the right decision.  But it would be nice to have the extra depth.  I have a feeling we will need it at some point this season 

[saviking]

As much as I hope we have changed our way in regards to hanging into players too long like Gallo our financial comment to these two wasn't much .. It was more just a try out. 

[Nshore]

I know 99% disagree with me, but IMO the Twins should put some of those strong right arms that they optioned out to work in the bullpen.  Matthews and Klein are 2 examples that could probably help.  It doesn't have to mean they're relievers for life.  Garrett Crochet, for example, started in the bullpen and is now an elite starter.  But Zoll doesn't return my calls.

[ziggy]

2 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

But I'm also not sure any sort of tide is turning. Not until we fork out some real money and sign, or trade for, a truly effective relief pitcher with a proven track record that will make us all sleep blissfully at night. But I don't see that happening this year. 

Doc, I'm not trying to be sarcastic but Duran, Eddie, Berenger, Aggie and others always raised my blood pressure when they were on the mound. They always seemed to have base runners on. It's the reason they get the big bucks. There was only one Mario Rivera and he wasn't a Twin.

[USAFChief]

Interesting reading here, when Chafin was inked:

 

 

[ziggy]

1 hour ago, Elliot said:

As has been the story in the past, the next effective bullpen will appear when 2 or 3 of the young “starters” move to the bullpen. Maybe Festa, Matthews, Rojas, Raya; or some of the next group of hard throwing college arms taken in the past couple of years. 

There value is much higher if they can develop into starters than relievers so I'd rather give them every chance to be a starter. 

This team is not competing for anything other than a particiation trophy this year, let the front office see if they can strike gold with some other teams cast offs and go for the gusto in 2027 (or 28 if there's a work stoppage)

[DarrenPS]

Great day to learn we got a new top prospect in Carlos Gonzalez!

[Greglw3]

Im hoping this is an indicator and I think you hit on it when you mention how they handle their young players will be critical too. I’m hoping to see 2 of 3 or all 3 of Gabby Gonzalez, Jenkins and E-Rod. I get nervous with running back essentially the same outfield but we don’t know yet what they are planning on doing with the OF. I’d guess Shelton will lean toward speed there except for Wallner, who looks to have leveled out his swing for more line drives.

[High heat]

The hope for a competitive team in the first half I think is pretty well gone.  
 

The hope for a 63 win team is starting to dwindle. 
 

This bullpen is going to be so bad early in the season they will likely be picking off the waiver wire all season.  They might find 1 Hoffman but there going to go thru so many others that completely bust.  

[bean5302]

Definitely no change in philosophy. There have been plenty of MiLB contracts handed out to former veterans with ST invites where the players didn't make the roster in recent years. Nothing to see here.

A change in philosophy would be DFA'ing an MLB contract player who was performing poorly in spring training. 

[Fatbat]

It has to be a change in philosophy. They sent a dozen guys out, young and old last year so they could get younger, better and CHEAPER.  Younger and better is a good thing while being absolutely CHEAP is the issue.  Since we have to be CHEAP, we might as well be young. Take our lumps and bumps of inexperience and build up some young studs. 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

3 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

In 2023 Gallo had 282 at bats. He struck out 142 times. He batted .177.  Watching him at bat for the Twins  almost drove me crazy. You are correct about Margot, the Twins' record setting,  "pinch hitting specialist". 

agreed - Larnach has and should hit .730ish OPS and 100ish OPS+, similarly to Gallo, with similar defensive chops. They just get there differently, and Gallo was a $10m free agent, not a $5m arb guy. equally mediocre and baffling as to why they acquired/kept..

[Wedman13]

7 hours ago, arby58 said:

"Proven veterans" don't magically escape the sands of time. Neither pitcher was passing the "eye test" (ok, radar gun test) this year.

That said, there are far better examples of veterans who outwore their welcome than Joey Gallo (maybe one with the initials MM?). Gallo carried the team's offense early in 2023, hit 21 HRs, had a .741 OPS, 100 OPS+, 0.5 WAR and played decent defense.  The Twins should be so lucky if Larnach replicates that this year.

Manual Margot, by contrast, was .626 OPS, 76 OPS+, -0.9 WAR in 2024 and far from a good defensive outfielder.

Another great article, but I found the Gallo reference odd, since we have Gallo-light as our starting right fielder.  Sooo many more better examples.

i like the direction Zoll is going