The Twins' Biggest Strength Could Create a Major Dilemma

[ashbury]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

If there isn't, a few billionaires may jump off of rooftops. Just imagine the damage to the gambling industry alone.

The gambling industry should move to the top floors of their buildings, to avoid this outcome to their real estate holdings.

[bean5302]

8 hours ago, Sam Caulder said:

Assuming this is in regard to Lopez, had it been Tommy John surgery, I'd agree. But he only had to have internal brace surgery, which is a quicker recovery timeline. It's not 100% certain he'll be ready, but all of the early reports suggest he should be.

Normal TJ normally 15-18 months, but some times quicker.

Brace TJ normally 12-15 months from what I've seen. Lopez being ready for the normally scheduled home opener would be maybe 50/50 IMHO.

I think people have really oversold the internal brace timeline.

[DocBauer]

Is it OK to first state that I appreciate the OP even if I don't 100% agree?

And is it also OK that I believe the next month, and the months beyond that, might change the perception of what the OP states?

Let's just deal with the Elephant first which is Ryan. There are legitimate reasons to trade Ryan for what should be a NICE haul. BUT, it's also a catch 22 dilemma. We've seen some wonderful debuts of arms earlier than expected, and they've done well. We've even got a few surprises. UNFORTUNATELY, we haven't seen a number of TOP prospects ready to debut yet. And that throws off the player profile projection to help set up 2027. So is it better to keep Ryan and form a great rotation betting on those top prospects ready to debut that could change the future? Maybe let him go with a QO with a future pick and enjoy another season?

Or, as I've seen mentioned, maybe the Twins should reach out to his "people" and see if he's interested in an extension. Remember TP has talked about adding to the payroll. Ryan would be a great place to start.

But for argument sake, let's say Ryan is moved. If I had to bet on a SP working hard on a recovery from TJ, I'd rather have Lopez than about anyone else.

Bradley looked so good before his injury. He's been OK since, but not the same. But he's STILL only 25yo. There's a lot of room still for experience and STUFF to be what we saw early this season.

Abel has all the talent in the world. And DAMN didn't he look ready after 1 bad game. He's going to have to build back up, but the arm talent is wonderful, and easy to dream on.

Let's be honest, none of us expected Prielipp to be up so soon. And I understand he needs to have his IP monitored and controlled. But he's also flashed his potential. We should be so encouraged. 

Everyone wants to pick on Matthews because he wasn't a stud from day one. And some of his command is not as advertised. And questions about him are legit. He's not THERE yet. But he's showing improvement. I really like the way he threw Tuesday.  He was almost always ahead of the hitters. And I saw breaking pitches that looked really nice. I'd love to that curve ball being used more. 

Do we trust the new version of Ober? Even with lost velocity, he's so smart, and has such great command he was still pitching great until his injury. But he's got to be the #5 starter currently doesn't he?

Rojas resembles a new version of Santana and Liriano. Maybe he sticks eventually as a SP, but for NOW, he's been an amazing 2-4 option.

Honestly, considering his MILB career, we might not want to dismiss Parades as an 8th man in the pen.

FESTA,  just getting real, is an 8th or 9th arm waiting IF he can get healthy. I think his arm and potential is real. So I'd be patient with him. The dividends could be excellent.

The rotation, IMO, looks solid if Ryan is moved. But it's a hell of a lot better if the Twins offer him an extension that makes sense.

If not, I guess you get the most you can for him.

The 2027 rotation STILL has a lot of potential.  But depth might be an issue. But I'm starting to believe the team might be SLOWLY building a better BP.

 

[HFC]

It seems to me that Zebby has the stuff and mental capacity to be a successful closer.  

[old nurse]

If the Twins have a problem with too many starters that would mean they fixed their development problems. Mathews, Festa and Prelipp have all shown flashes, but not results. Rojas hasn’t pitched enough in the majors to say there are flashes.  Paredes has had 2 turns on the mound as a multiple inning pitcher who happened to start. All 5 could be the bullpen of the future. They all could have a career of seeing the USA through DFA. They are all good enough to intrigue teams 

[1985Fan]

There is no pitching “surplus”. Sign Ryan to an extension or trade him this summer if they can’t sign him. Relying on Pablo coming back next year and being at ace level is not a good strategy. Who knows what Ober will be like when he comes back after elbow/forearm injury. I’m cautious about his short and long term outlook. I wouldn’t plan on him being relied on every fifth day going forward until he proves it. 
Festa’s injury timeline has been pushed back to late July. He had TOS surgery in the offseason and now the shoulder injury. I wouldn’t count on him in future plans as he may not even pitch in MLB let alone be back to his previous abilities. Rojas is also coming off injury, so let’s see how he pitches before we worry about where to fit him on the roster.

In short, pitching is the most injury prone position in baseball. Don’t count on pitchers, and especially pitching prospects, until they prove they’re healthy and productive. Then you can write out the rotation and BP in pencil. 

[Bodie]

On 6/17/2026 at 1:33 PM, ashbury said:

Wake me when we have 10 healthy starters vying for playing time, and then we'll talk.  Nine, even.

Call me when the #5 isn't being run out of town... for any team!