The Twins’ Under-the-Radar Offseason Moves Are Already Paying Off

[Sam Caulder]

Image courtesy of © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

While the Minnesota Twins didn’t make any blockbuster trades or hand out massive contracts this past offseason, the moves they did make are already paying off in a very real, measurable way early in 2026. The front office targeted specific needs and filled them with experienced, complementary pieces. A couple of weeks into the season, the numbers are already backing up that approach.

The most impactful additions so far have been veteran free agents Josh Bell and Victor Caratini, both of whom have stepped in and immediately elevated the lineup.

Starting with Bell, he’s been exactly what this offense was missing in the middle of the order. Entering Friday, he’s slashing .317/.431/.634 with an OPS over 1.000. He leads the team in hits, doubles, OPS and RBIs, while also tied for the team lead in homers.
 

Bell yeah!!!! pic.twitter.com/7TT6RiGIsT

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 9, 2026

 

The underlying metrics suggest this is no fluke. Bell owns a hard hit rate north of 50 percent, and even with a strikeout rate hovering in the mid 20s, his expected production remains elite with a .385 xwOBA and a barrel rate comfortably above league average. For a $7 million signing, that’s middle-of-the-order production at a fraction of the cost.

Caratini has been just as valuable in a different way. He enters the weekend hitting .289 with a .350 on-base percentage. He’s already collected multiple multi-hit games and has consistently hit in the middle of the order.

His approach has been incredibly steady. Caratini is striking out less than 10 percent of the time, while maintaining a contact rate well above league average. His squared-up rate sits near the top tier of hitters, and his whiff rate is among the lowest in the league.

The power hasn’t really been there, but that’s not his game. He’s consistently putting the ball in play and moving runners with good old-fashioned singles and situational hitting.

Behind the plate, his impact has been just as important. Caratini has a 95th percentile blocks above average metric, and he’s helped guide a young pitching staff through some important spots. For another $7 million investment, the Twins have gotten stability from him across the board.

The bullpen was another clear focus this offseason, and the early returns there have been just as encouraging.

A familiar face in Taylor Rogers has quickly re-established himself as a quality option. Rogers ranks in the 69th percentile in chase rate despite overpowering velocity, and hitters are really struggling to square him up. His average exit velocity allowed, along with his hard-hit and barrel rates, are all comfortably above league-average. 

He’s not blowing hitters away, but he’s executing. That has made him one of the more trusted arms in tight situations, and at just $2 million, he’s been a value thus far.

Eric Orze has also emerged as a key piece. Acquired from Tampa Bay this offseason, Orze has already logged multiple high-leverage appearances and has picked up a save as part of a bullpen that has spread those chances around.

He’s leaning heavily on his splitter, throwing it 64 percent of the time so far, and it’s been effective at generating weak contact. Opponents are hitting just .150 against him, and they haven’t been able to jump on any of his pitches.
 

Eric Orze, Dirty 84mph Splitter. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/UnXvt5GnhE

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 9, 2026

 

There have been some walks, and since splitters are generally tough to command consistently, that’s not super surprising. But the damage has been minimal. He’s allowing very few hits, keeping the ball on the ground, and stranding runners when needed.

Like Rogers, his value comes from limiting quality contact rather than overpowering hitters, and so far, it’s working.

Then there’s Tristan Gray, who’s carved out a role despite limited opportunities.

Gray has just a fraction of the at-bats compared to everyday players, yet he ranks second on the team with eight RBIs, trailing only Bell. Six of those RBIs have come with the bases loaded, highlighting just how impactful he's been.

In high-leverage situations, Gray has been one of the team’s most productive hitters. His ability to deliver in those moments has given the Twins the clutch hitting they’ve desperately needed.

Defensively, he’s been steady on the left side of the infield, providing reliable play at both shortstop and third base. That versatility only adds to his value, especially considering the defensive performances of Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee up to this point.

Individually, none of these moves dominated headlines over the winter. But collectively, the impact has been clear, and the numbers back it up.

Bell has provided elite production in the middle of the order, while Caratini has brought consistency and contact. Rogers and Orze have helped stabilize the bullpen, and Gray has delivered in big moments despite limited playing time.

It’s a good reminder that building a winning roster doesn’t always require massive moves. Sometimes, it’s about identifying the right pieces and putting them in positions to succeed.

Through the first stretch of the season, the Twins have done exactly that. And it’s a big reason why they currently find themselves above .500.

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[tony&rodney]

Josh Bell and Victor Caratini are solid baseball players. They take professional at bats and provide veteran leadership to the clubhouse. The problem is that both these guys are best at DH or if they play in the field hopefully there are not any other DH guys also playing in the field. However, the Twins routinely play multiple DH fellas in the field with the expected consequences. Nobody should object to adding Bell and Caratini to a team but any  team with a plan would then find a way to trade/release two guys from the roster who are DH players.

Unfortunately, the Twins have not seen DH filled rosters as an issue. It isn't the specific player that is the problem, although as the games play out we can see the lack of defense hurt the club. It is the failure by the front office to see baseball as a game that requires a balanced roster.

[bean5302]

Through 4/11

2023 Joey Gallo .278/.350/.833 OPS 1.188
2024 Carlos Santana .125/.222/.156 OPS .378
2025 Ty France .300/.364/.480 OPS .844

Probably a little early to be taking much from performances.

[twinstalker]

I'm thinking all-stars, all of them.

[jmlease1]

I'm less enthusiastic about Rogers, who hasn't looked great IMHO: far too hittable, and eventually that's going to catch up to him. But Caratini, Bell, and Orze in particular have looked good so far.

I always felt like Bell was going to be a good signing: dude can hit. He's not impressive defensively, but we need the offense. Caratini isn't setting the world on fire, but the bar for offense at catcher is so low that he's clearing it easily. But the more he plays at 1B the less exciting his .300 SLG looks.

[stringer bell]

I liked the signings of Bell and Caratini when they happened. I think Bell should mostly DH. I don’t have a big problem with Caratini being the alternate first baseman. Playing first more than anyone else is probably overuse.

Did Bell suffer some sort of arm injury early in his career? He seems to shot put the ball when he throws and his swing looks rather strange as well. I guess it works for him. 

[bean5302]

14 hours ago, twinstalker said:

I'm thinking all-stars, all of them.

It's going to be so tough to figure out which of them wins the MVP, amirite?