Twins Taking Closer By Committee to a New Level

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

The closer-by-committee approach is common in today’s game, but the Minnesota Twins are taking it further early in 2026. In just the opening stretch, five different pitchers have recorded saves, and there’s no sign this number will settle soon.

If someone had told you that five different pitchers would get the Twins’ first five saves of 2026, that probably wouldn’t have shocked you. What is surprising, though, is just how committed the organization appears to be to avoiding any traditional bullpen hierarchy.

There is no set closer or defined eighth-inning bridge. Instead, Minnesota rotates relievers into late-inning roles based on matchups, relying on depth and adaptability.

“I think that was the plan going in,” Eric Orze said. “Closer by committee. Everybody ready to go at all times. The boys are doing their job.”

Cole Sands Continues to Evolve
Though Sands has now moved into more frequent high-leverage spots, early in the season, he initially appeared to be Derek Shelton’s preferred late-innings option. However, due to a high walk rate, his role has shifted somewhat, and he was even removed mid-inning after issuing multiple walks versus Detroit.

Still, his ability to navigate different pockets of a lineup makes him an ideal candidate for this kind of bullpen structure. Whether it’s the seventh inning against the heart of the order or the ninth against the bottom third, Sands can be deployed wherever the matchup calls for it. That flexibility is precisely what Minnesota values most right now.

Justin Topa Brings Stability
Topa was brought into the Twins organization as part of the Jorge Polanco trade and came with late-inning experience. The Twins haven’t seen the same version of Topa since he joined the organization. However, he is not being pigeonholed into a single role. When healthy, Topa offers a power sinker and the kind of ground-ball profile that plays in tight spots.

Orze was given the initial save opportunity but was pulled after yielding an RBI double to Kevin McGonigle. With Cole Sands and Taylor Rogers already deployed earlier in the game, the Twins turned to Topa, who proceeded to seal the win for Minnesota after getting two of the next three batters to ground out. In this system, Topa is less a closer and more a fireman.

Eric Orze Adds Another Option
Orze brings a different look to the bullpen. With a lively split-finger fastball and the ability to miss bats, he gives Minnesota an option for situations where strikeouts matter. That skill set is especially valuable against contact-oriented lineups. Rather than relying on contact management, Orze can overpower hitters when needed.

Orze earned his first save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Tigers, recording one strikeout in a hitless and scoreless ninth inning. With Kody Funderburk, Justin Topa, and Cole Sands all pitching three of the previous four days, manager Derek Shelton went to Orze in the ninth inning on Thursday. Orze threw 12 of his 14 pitches for strikes and set down the Tigers in order. Orze has a 1.59 ERA and a 4-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 5 2/3 innings this season.

His role among the early save-getters highlights how the bullpen is constructed on complementary strengths instead of fixed roles.

Kody Funderburk and the Left-Handed Factor
Funderburk walked one and hit one batter while not allowing a hit or a run in two-thirds of an inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 8-6 win over the Tigers. Funderburk made things interesting, but he managed to get the job done for his first save of the season. The Twins utilized Topa and Sands earlier in the contest, and Rogers may have been unavailable after pitching three times in the previous four days, leaving the bullpen short-staffed. This was a fifth straight scoreless outing for Funderburk, who has pitched three hitless innings while issuing four walks in that span.

Funderburk rounds out the group, giving a left-handed option for tough late-game matchups. In a traditional bullpen, he might be called a matchup specialist; here, he is simply another path to the final three outs. And he likely won’t be the last new name in the mix.

More Arms Waiting in the Wings
Don’t expect the list of pitchers with a save to stop at five. With Rogers and Anthony Banda also capable in leverage situations, the pool could expand.

Manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that this is by design.

“Well, I think, number one, it's kind of sitting before the game and saying, ‘Hey, we like this group of hitters with this pitcher,’” Shelton said. “And then the game dictates. That's why everybody gets caught up in analytical decisions and all these things. The numbers are really good, and we use them for that, but then ultimately, the game tells you.”

That philosophy eliminates the rigidity often associated with bullpen roles. Instead of predetermined innings, the Twins react in real time, letting matchups and game flow drive decisions.

“I think it's just a matter of who's available, and then also, there's a little bit of meritocracy to it. You start to pitch well, you're going to pitch yourself toward the back of the game, or you're going to pitch yourself into the leverage game. And I think that's where too many people get caught up. They think just because you pitch the eighth and the ninth there’s so many games that are won in different situations, and you may have to use who you think is your best arm available at that juncture of the game.”

Altogether, the Twins aren't just using a closer-by-committee approach—they are redefining the committee, building a bullpen that adapts in real time to any situation.

It may lack the simplicity of sticking with one closer, but it offers something more: options. In a long season where bullpen usage is critical, having as many paths to the ninth inning as possible could be Minnesota’s biggest advantage.

Can the Twins be successful with their closer-by-committee model? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

 

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[Fire Dan Gladden]

I have long thought that the "Save" is one of the more useless stats in baseball. Starting the 9th inning with a 3-run lead and holding it is not exactly something that should be glorified with a stat.

While I do understand the mental argument for "knowing your role" situational repetition, I have no problem with a weak BP that is trying to find the optimal usage of it's pitchers.

[Craig Arko]

With the personnel available, this seems like the most effective handling. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

I think you're right on the current approach but it would be nice to have another late inning option that you can count on to close. Morris throws hard, which helps this group a lot, but he is properly targeted as more of a long man given his starting experience.

Is there anyone in AAA that could be a late inning guy/closer? Altavilla was good last year in ERA and throws 98, but his FIP was lousy and he's 33. Do you guys think Klein or Baker can pitch late innings in the majors? The other obvious choices are Prielipp and Matthews but I'd like to see both try to be starters first. We are going to need another late inning reliever or 2 by mid season if not sooner. 

[mickster]

15 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I think you're right on the current approach but it would be nice to have another late inning option that you can count on to close. Morris throws hard, which helps this group a lot, but he is properly targeted as more of a long man given his starting experience.

Is there anyone in AAA that could be a late inning guy/closer? Altavilla was good last year in ERA and throws 98, but his FIP was lousy and he's 33. Do you guys think Klein or Baker can pitch late innings in the majors? The other obvious choices are Prielipp and Matthews but I'd like to see both try to be starters first. We are going to need another late inning reliever or 2 by mid season if not sooner. 

David Festa's future role

[bean5302]

Considering the Twins don't have any obvious guy they'd want on the mound to close out a game, somebody is going to have to earn it. We'll see as the season goes on, but I'd wager there will be an established closer role by June. If there isn't, that's not a great sign for the Twins' bullpen.

Relievers have talked for a long time about the closer role and the added pressure which comes with it. Some pitchers aren't suited for the mental side of things, and some pitchers aren't suited well from a "stuff" standpoint. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

57 minutes ago, mickster said:

David Festa's future role

I think you're right, but just a little delayed. 

[Nshore]

I almost have to avert my gaze when any of these guys is pitching in a close game.  By the AMG stat, they desperately need an upgrade.

[Rod Carews Birthday]

5 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Relievers have talked for a long time about the closer role and the added pressure which comes with it. Some pitchers aren't suited for the mental side of things, and some pitchers aren't suited well from a "stuff" standpoint. 

Since there aren't any obvious candidates for the "permanent" closer role, maybe moving it around helps make sure nobody gets crossed up in the mental side of things. If they don't really know it's coming, and they just have to be ready, maybe they are all fresh enough to be effective.  I don't really know this, but it's possible that it keeps everybody a little looser.  I think it may also keep us from having a guy completely implode out there -- there can't be five guys in a row in a funk. . . . can there?

I too would like a strong back end of the bullpen, but we don't really have that yet, so I guess we make the best case with who we've got.  It's working for now.  Let's revisit this when it becomes a bigger problem.

 

[terrydactyls]

"The numbers are really good, and we use them for that, but then ultimately, the game tells you.

That statement is music to my ears.

[twinfan]

My biggest concern going into the season was the bullpen or lack of it. Yes, the closer by committee is working right now but history is not on it's side. Actually, almost everything is working right now which is fun to watch. However, the relievers are walking too many, giving up runs though fortunately we have been hitting, and are not striking out enough. It's bound to catch up to them but let's hope not until next Spring.

[Jim H]

Since none of the 8 guys are obviously better than any of the others, they just seem to be rotating thru them without over using anybody while paying some attention to matchups.  That is probably as good as anything else you could do with this crew.  

For a guy who had been DFA twice this winter, Laweryson had been working his way to a high leverage role, till he got hurt.  Morris is interesting. He will probably get longer inning opportunities at least for awhile. Maybe he will be a closer candidate eventually. Using everybody else for 3-5 outs seems to be working, sort of.

[Bangkok Twins Fan]

This bullpen will be in a state of flux for a few more months. I have no idea who the "closer" will be come August, and I'm not sure that it matters at this point. Sure, a guy like Duran would be great to close out games, but until we find that magical arm it will be a game of trial and errors.