Week in Review: Battling the Big Dawgs

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Weekly Nutshell:
The Astros and Yankees have collectively made 11 appearances in the ALCS dating back to their showdown there in 2017. These are two of the league's powerhouses of this century: big payrolls, big starpower, big expectations. The Twins have long had their share of trouble with both, including October, so the opportunity to face off against both back to back during their latest road trip figured to be a good measuring stick for a Minnesota team teetering between buyer and seller status.

The outcome, a 4-2 week that saw the Twins battle hard and come up big in harsh environments, was a resounding success. If not for a rare implosion from their ace on Tuesday in Houston, the Twins easily could have won five of the six games. They scored their first series win at Yankee Stadium since 2014, and it was fairly convincing. Now they return home with a chance to bring real momentum into the All-Star break and bolster their case for addition rather than subtraction at the deadline.

Weekly Snapshot: Mon, 6/29 through Sun, 7/5
***
Record Last Week: 3-2 (Overall: 43-47)
Run Differential Last Week: +13 (Overall: -17)
Standing: 3rd Place in AL Central (4.0 GB) 

Latest Game Results

Game 86 | MIN 5, HOU 4: Zebby Cruises Through Seven, Bullpen Holds Off Comeback

• Matthews: 7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K

Game 87 | HOU 6, MIN 4: Ryan's 4th-Inning Implosion Sinks Twins to Even Up Series

• Ryan: 4 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K

Game 88 | MIN 8, HOU 3: Early Leads Holds Behind Bradley's Historic Strikeout Streak

• Larnach: 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI

Game 89 | NYY 5, MIN 2: Familiar Result in Yankee Stadium, Lineup Goes 1-12 with RISP

• Kreidler, Gray: 0-8, 6 K

Game 90 | MIN 11, NYY 4: Explosive Twins Offense Launches Six Homers to Sink Yankees

• Bell: 3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI

Game 91 | MIN 6, NYY 1: Ryan Bounces Back as Twins Score a Rare Series Win in the Bronx

• Ryan: 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K

NEWS & NOTES

A couple of key players who've been sidelined are tracking toward returns at or around the All-Star break. 

Bailey Ober moved his rehab up to Triple-A on Saturday and threw five innings (76 pitches) against Buffalo. He gave up four earned runs but struck out five with no walks. In terms of workload build-up, Ober is pretty much ready to go and he could make his next start for the Twins, which would likely push Mike Paredes to long relief or back to the minors. Paredes has done an admirable job filling in.

Catching Ober in his Saturday start for St. Paul was Ryan Jeffers, back in action for a second game in his own rehab after losing six weeks to a fractured hamate. Jeffers exhibited no rust or ill effect from the injury, at least in terms of his swing: he notched two hits in each of his first two games back, including a homer against old friend Simeon Woods Richardson.

 

While Ober and Jeffers should be back soon, Anthony Banda won't be. We learned early in the week that the injury that forced him out of last Sunday's game is a significant lat strain that will keep him out for months. That means his season might be over, in a tough blow for a relief corps that was already thin on dependable options. For now, Cody Laweryson has returned to fill the open bullpen spot.

For a second straight year, Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan were named to the American League All-Star team. Unfortunately, Buxton's ability to participate is in doubt after he exited Sunday's game with an aggravation of his hip injury, suffered while suffered while sliding into second on a steal attempt. 

 

HIGHLIGHTS

The Twins offense is not slowing down as the calendar flips to July. They scored 36 runs in six games, adding onto their American League-leading total and distancing themselves from the second-place Yankees by outsourcing them 19-10 in their own house..

Josh Bell led the charge by crushing four home runs, including a pair in Saturday's blowout win. He also doubled twice and drove in nine runs across six games. His season is going pretty much exactly to script, with a slow start giving way to a scorching midsummer surge. Bell is off to a stellar start in July after posting an .891 OPS in June. Notably, the Twins have completely given up on using him defensively — his last start anywhere other than designated hitter was in May. But this output will absolutely play at DH.

 

A more unexpected source of power: Luke Keaschall. During this road trip at least, he fit the bill of a right fielder, homering twice with a double among his five hits in 13 at-bats. Keaschall has as many extra-base hits in the first five days of July (3 in 16 PA) as he did in the entire month of June (3 in 93 PA). He saw zero action in the infield last week.

Some other strong offensive performances from the road trip:

• Kody Clemens went deep three times, pushing his season total to to 16 as he hunts a 30-homer season. He drove in nine runs and lifted his OPS to .799 on the season. The defensively versatile Clemens has settled in, for now, as Minnesota's regular second baseman, with his last nine consecutive starts coming there. His bat is a big asset at the position; only five qualified MLB second basemen have an OPS above .800.
• Trevor Larnach kept things clicking at the top of the lineup, collecting six hits (including a double and home run) along with four walks in 22 plate appearances. He's slashing .421/.476/.684 in his past 15 games, and his .368 wOBA on the season led all AL left fielders entering play on Sunday (250+ PA). 
• The catcher position continues to produce in the absence of Jeffers, with Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson each popping a home run. In one of the season's most surprising twists, Minnesota has the highest OPS in the AL at the catcher position since Jeffers went down. I'm curious to see how the Twins handle his return. Jackson has looked good enough that you don't want to expose him to waivers. Maybe they carry three catchers for a couple weeks and look to flip Jeffers at the deadline?

When you look at the Twins offense, which is relatively short on clear standout hitters, you might wonder just how they've been able to pace the AL in run-scoring. It comes down to examples like these: players such as Clemens and Larnach and Caratini who have been vastly better than the norm at their positions. That and Bell being one of the game's best hitters since the start of June.

On the pitching side, Ryan bounced back brilliantly from Tuesday's midgame meltdown with one of his finest outings of the season on Sunday, striking out nine over seven scoreless at Yankee Stadium. On Wednesday, Taj Bradley struck out 11 Astros over five innings in a series-clinching victory, setting a franchise record by recording 10 consecutive outs via the K. Following a bit of a stumble off the injured list, he's turned in three strong outings in a row, striking out 22 over 17 innings with just 10 hits and one home runs allowed. The control could be a little better but the stuff is back in peak form.

 

Minnesota's bullpen was fairly effective coming off one of its worst weeks of the season. Kody Funderburk tossed a couple of much-needed scoreless (and walkless) innings in New York on Friday. Marco Raya followed with two shutout frames on Saturday. Andrew Morris, Taylor Rogers and Laweryson combined for 5 ⅓ innings with no runs allowed.

LOWLIGHTS

While the lineup has been highly effective overall, it is plagued by one clear and seemingly correctable weakness: the shortstop position. Tristan Gray continues to start on regular basis, despite being one of the worst players in the league. Last week he went hitless in 14 at-bats, striking out six times with one walk and lowering his OPS to .601.

Gray hasn't homered since June 1st, and he's batting .210 with two doubles and two walks over 65 plate appearances since then. Poor plate discipline, no power, and bad defense. There have been no redeeming aspects of Gray's performance, making the team's unwavering faith in him one of the bigger head-scratchers of this season. Kaelen Culpepper can't come up soon enough, but unfortunately he hasn't played in a week since taking a pitch to the hand with the Saints.

In the meantime, Ryan Kreidler certainly looks like the superior option, even as his bat gravitates back to earth. He went just 3-for-24 last week, dropping his OPS by more than 100 points. With Buxton looking likely to miss more time, will Kreidler slide back to center field or will the Twins make a move to add outfield depth (say, Alan Roden) and keep Kreidler at short? The logical move seems obvious, but for what it's worth, Roden didn't get pulled from the lineup for St. Paul on Sunday. I don't think an increased opportunity for Kyler Fedko, off to an 0-for-14 start as a big-leaguer, is going to be the answer.

TRENDING STORYLINE

This is the moment for the 2026 Twins to make their stand. There are 22 games until the trade deadline, at which point the front office will face some weighty decisions. They're very much on the border of buy or sell status, with a sub-.500 record that nevertheless puts them well within range of a postseason spot. The rebuild was already put into motion, but this team has done its part to remain relevant and earn belief. You can't take for granted an opportunity to make a push with multiple All-Stars.

What's interesting is that some of the players who've been pivotal in keeping the Twins afloat are also among their most viable (and low-risk) trade chips. Clemens, Bell and Larnach have been on fire but don't necessarily fit into the team's future plans. Jeffers was arguably their best player before going down but he's an impending free agent and the catcher position has held up fine without him. 

Fascinating decisions are looming for Jeremy Zoll and Co. approaching his first deadline in the head chair. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Twins attempt to thread the needle between buying and selling, and in some ways I think it's an advisable course of action. But this also might be their last chance to trade Ryan for premium value, so if you're going to go for it, you've got to have a certain level of confidence. The Twins need to make their case by staying in the fight over the next month, starting with a key final home stand heading into the All-Star break. 

LOOKING AHEAD

The Twins conquered their demons in Houston and New York, but now they'll confront another one: those eternally pesky Cleveland Guardians. Minnesota took two of three from the Guards on the road back in early May, but will now welcome them to Target Field for the first time. Cleveland is tangling with the White Sox atop the Central, four games in front of the Twins, raising the implications of this series. The down-bad Angels, who are characteristically almost 20 games below .500, will give the Twins a chance to finish the first half strong.

TUESDAY, JULY 7: GUARDIANS @ TWINS — LHP Joey Cantillo v RHP Taj Bradley
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8: GUARDIANS @ TWINS — RHP Slade Cecconiv. TBD
THURSDAY, JULY 9: GUARDIANS @ TWINS — RHP Gavin Williams v. RHP Mike Paredes
FRIDAY, JULY 10: ANGELS @ TWINS — LHP Sam Aldegheri v. RHP Zebby Matthews
SATURDAY, JULY 11: ANGELS @ TWINS — RHP Ryan Johnson v. RHP Joe Ryan
SUNDAY, JULY 12: ANGELS @ TWINS — RHP Jose Soriano v. RHP Taj Bradley

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[LastOnePicked]

"You can't take for granted an opportunity to make a push with multiple All-Stars."

You're not wrong, Nick - but you also can't take for granted an opportunity to sell high on Ryan, Jeffers, Clemens and Larnach to replenish your farm system with potentially high-impact prospects.

This team has hung in there, but teams in the Twins position absolutely have to maximize trade value when the opportunity is there. 

Unless they bottom out over the next week, there are going to be some very tough decisions ahead for Zoll.

[Vanimal46]

This team is interesting, regardless of their record. Josh Bell hit one of the longest HRs I have ever seen from a Twins player. Not sure that ball landed yet…

The lineup will hopefully get better sooner than later by calling up Culpepper and Roden. 

Pretty key roster decisions to be made in the next few weeks. Gotta keep 3 catchers for the time being when Jeffers returns from his rehab assignment…

[LA Vikes Fan]

I see them trying to thread the needle if we don’t bottom out the next 3 weeks. 
first move is Jeffers up for Fedko, then Roden for a DFA’d and traded for cash considerations Gray. Roden is CF insurance with Clemens so Kriedler can be the everyday SS. 
 

Jeffers is traded for pitching including relief help. Much speculation about Ryan, not even close to a trade unless we bottom out and even then we keep him to the offseason. He just said very nice things about Shelton, Caratini, and Team chemistry. Things a guy angling for an extension would say. Much smoke on Larnach, Bell, and Clemens. No fire, all 3 stay. Wallner moved for an A ball Lotto ticket or as part of a package with a prospect for a AA pitcher. 

[Church of Kreidler]

This last week has been one of my favorite this year as a Twins fan! I was terrified going into this weekend, especially after Friday. But then Saturday… Might end up being the best game all season.

And considering this was without America’s Favorite Tinman, our 3x All-Star?! And Kreidler needed a week to recharge… His chakras… The outfield caused them to fall out of retrograde. As we saw today, just a few innings at shortstop and they should be fully synced again.

Very excited to be seeing the last game against the Angels next week! The chance to be in the same ballpark as Our Most Athletic Leader?! I’ll have so many sermonettes to make…

[mikelink45]

I am enjoying this team out performing my preseason expectations.

[stringer bell]

Up and down, then back up again. Last week I was ready to throw in the towel on 2026, now I'm not so sure. It seems that critics and naysayers dominate this site, but wins like today and yesterday offer a lot of hope. The team is certainly not buried and adding a crucial piece or two might really help.

[Saxophone Joe]

14 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

It seems that critics and naysayers dominate this site,

But like the man says:

[Vanimal46]

13 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

It seems that critics and naysayers dominate this site,

You including yourself in this description? 

[USAFChief]

This team is somewhat oddly fun to watch. 

Also, really enjoy the weekly recaps, @Nick Nelson. Always a great read with interesting and not always conventional takes.

[TheLeviathan]

It was a good week, but the Yankees are reeling and we caught them at a good time.  

Reminder - this team is still under .500 and still has a negative run differential  We've been on this ride a few times this year.

[Blyleven2011]

The weekly reviews are so much better than the past few years  ..

Thanks twins ...

[FlyingFinn]

Irony - we want some of trade chips to play great so they have the highest trade value and then those players suddenly play so well that we can't trade them because we are in the race for the playoffs?

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Last year many of you predicted that the Twins strong pitching staff would  far outweigh the offense for the 2026 season. Am I the only one who predicted that the Twins would lead the American League in runs at midseason, but have the third highest ERA in the AL at midseason? Thank you very much.  (Please note that the forgoing claims were clearly  lies about how great a prognosticator I am, but then that seems to be the norm for our country these days.)

[Saxophone Joe]

Andrew Morris has flat out been huge for this team - key roles in a bunch of wins lately, Saved the season with the 10th inning performance against Colorado & came up clutch in all 3 appearances this week, Cool customer. Bright future!

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

This team is somewhat oddly fun to watch. 

Also, really enjoy the weekly recaps, @Nick Nelson. Always a great read with interesting and not always conventional takes.

Agreed! On both counts. 

Nice week for sure. 

[Mike Sixel]

55 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

It was a good week, but the Yankees are reeling and we caught them at a good time.  

Reminder - this team is still under .500 and still has a negative run differential  We've been on this ride a few times this year.

And other years, but I'm just going to enjoy the week for a few minutes. 

[Vanimal46]

1 hour ago, USAFChief said:

This team is somewhat oddly fun to watch.

We’ve seen a lot of boring baseball the last 5-6 years. This team has different player archetypes compared to the sell out for the HR, station to station types from 2021-2025. 

[tony&rodney]

Twins are playing well. There are a few players who might step forward from St. Paul after the All Star Game.

As always if there is a trade that makes the team demonstrably stronger, adding talent, do it. There is zero reason to trade for the sake of trading. If all that is available is AA and AAA players with questionable skills, hold. If there is a gain, act.

[LyleCole]

Yes, the Twins have made another amazing acquisition trading Cash Consideration.  We acquired We Suk Now, or something like that from Detroit. 

[DocBauer]

I probably should have saved most of my coments made after today's game for this OP, lol. I guess, skip most of what I say if you've read those already. 

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. But IF YOU DO, I think you're going to agree with me.

Agree on the Ryan lost in Houston was an opportunity for 5-1, but I'm super happy with 4-2, while initially crossing my fingers for 3-3. The defense didn't help Ryan in the Astros game, and I believe he wasn't close to 100%. He commented after the game how exhausted he was. IIRC, that bizarre 6 run inning was IT for the Astros. Just something closer to normal, we can win that game as well. 

1] This road trip in particular was nice due to two tough places to play. And Buxton only played 1 game, not including 1 inning in Sunday's game. It really has been a team effort. Forgive me if i missed this in the OP, are am just wrong, but haven't we won 5 of 6 series?

You chip away one series at a time.

2] I'm discouraged by Matthews' final line. Kudos to him for trying to "work his way through it to save the bullpen" but he admitted later he was struggling and trying to land differently to avoid coming out of the game. The good news it's just a cut on his foot and it shouldn't stop him from his next start. Still, I wonder if they will try to find a way to skip him or push him back a couple of days "just in case".

3] Keaschall is looking like a natural OF. He's getting better and better. So OK, he's no longer a 2B. Maybe that's best for HIS future and the Twins. But the future OF is crowded already. He's going to be a 5 position utility player come 2027. Mark my words.

4] It was really nice/fun to watch Raya finish Saturday's game. Even though it was a blowout, he showed control, velocity, and breaking stuff that showed movement and depth. Other than a SSSS, so far, he's only looked poor in his 1st inning debut. I am NOT going to believe he's going to make a difference until I see more...and I can easily see a few bad games where he gets sent down and comes up later...but I'm starting to see "IN PERSON" the type of potential he has. And I'll say again, I care more about growth and development than I do about immediate results. His FUTURE with the Twins is WAY MORE important than any disappointment for not turning out to be a SP.

5] Perhaps Martin isn't done yet. But he's also had enough time to prove he's a role player, not a starter.

6] I just HAD to throw this in. I still have no idea if Fedko is a legitimate ML 4th OF or not. He's still hunting for hits. BUT, he might not only be pressing, but his game action has also been severely limited. Unfortunately, he's been given the Keirsey, Outman role of barely playing. I don't think that's fair at all. Especially considering I simply DON'T UNDERSTAND this idea of playing with a 12 1/2 man roster.

But, IMO, I've liked what I've seen of him in very limited action. He's looked comfortable in the OF. He produced a solid SF for a run, and has looked like he knows what he's doing on the bases. With the Twins, or another team, I think he can play MLB.

7] THIS is the BIG ONE. I LOVE the Twins winning. I'd LOVE to see a .500 or better record or better when the season is done. And IF the Twins could somehow sneak in to the playoffs, it just makes the season that much more fun, regardless of final results. 

I have really enjoyed what Larnach has done this season. And I love that Bell is doing what he has done for his whole career, which is basically suck to begin the season and then crank it up to be a very dangerous BAT.

And I really don't want to deprive the 2026 Twins from having the best season they can, for the players, and for the fans. But at some point, we HAVE to be talking about 2027 at the same time!

Gomez has been an uncovered steal who might not be quite this good in the future, but he damn sure looks like a late inning keeper for the future. And Morris looks like the next great late inning reliever for the pen. Rojas's future is yet to be determined, but boy has he flashed! Bradley has flashed, got hurt, looked mortal, and has recently flashed again. Abel has flashed liked crazy, and should STILL be considered part of the future. Matthews has been OUTSTANDING save a couple of games. And Prielipp has not only debuted early, like Rojas, but has probably been even better than expected while going through normal growing pains.

We've already seen PART of the pitching future of the Twins. There are others in the immediate wings, some injured, that are part of the future as well.

And AGAIN, I DON'T want to derail a potentially interesting and fun season, but WHEN do the position players get their opportunity?

K-Pepper should be up in July. That means Gray is down, Kreidler gets to the SU player, and the INF is largely set, and better than how the season began.

Nick, you mentioned Clemens as a pissible trade piece. I disagree. I'm not an ignorant fan. And while I recognize Clemens BEST ML season was with the Twins in 2025, I just can't ignore that he has been even better, and more consistent in '26. I just can't believe that 3+ months of this season has him as a flash in the pan. He's not great, but he is good. And I think he has 2B locked down until Houston develops/debuts down the road. Unless, of course, the Twins suddenly acquire a 2B for 2027, which I doubt. He just means more to the Twins than moving him.

But let's be honest, Larnach and Bell just don't have a future on this team. And while I'd love to extend him, I just don't believe TP and the FO will extend Jeffers.

So Jeffers is moved. (Chringe). And while few fans want him to go to the Yankees, the truth is they can EASILY see him as a resign, and not just a rental. So the return might be solid.

If the Twins move both Larnach and Bell at the deadline, would that really mean they "gave up" on the season? 

Rodriguez is out of options and should be ready sometime in August. HE NEEDS TO PLAY. Roden appears beyond READY to contribute. (I see him as a better defender with more speed and AT LEAST as much power as Larnach to take over the same role). And Jenkins is looking more and more ready.

PLUS, Mendez and Gonzalez are also sitting and waiting for their opportunity as well.

Does moving Larnach and Bell automatically mean the Twins are giving up on 2026? I'd say NO when the forthcoming promotions are K-Pepper, Roden, and probably Jenkins with Rodriguez sometime mid August. 

Do the young players flash immediately? Maybe. Maybe not. But not only are they more interesting, and more fun to watch, they are part of the future. Additionally, what if they actually do well? While it didn't turn out in the long run the way we hoped, a collection of young players helped the 2023 Twins have a great 2nd half to reach the playoffs and win a series.

It's FUN to watch this mis-rostered 2026 team still fight and claw and change in front of us. And there have been a LOT of changes. (Not all good certainly due to injuries). But the reality is this was DESIGNED to be a transitional team. They were SUPPOSED to be a competitive team come the deadline...whatever that really means...but I've always believed that was around .500-ish. That would allow moves to ADD, or at least avoid another sell off. PLUS, it meant mid season was about the time various PROSPECTS were also about ready to debut. 

Well hell, it didn't turn out as expected. Lopez and Festa weren't supposed to be hurt. Lewis and Wallner weren't supposed to be unplayable. And here we are, changes making a difference defensively, a rotation of young arms and unknown arms still providing glue, and a bullpen that is BAD, but sometimes OK, and an offense that is a group effort. 

So here I AM, asking for part of that lineup to be moved on. The Twins not only aren't going to bring Bell back, but they just aren't going to pay Larnach around $6-7M to be a part time player with all of their prospects. 

Move Larnach and Bell. Get Roden and Jenkins up. Rodriguez in August. It's almost disgusting to say, but Gonzalez and Mendez might have to wait. You, as an organization, aren't punting on 2026, you're just allowing younger, more talented players to show what they can do, and getting ready for 2027 and beyond, and hopefully bringing back a couple decent prospects back.

Buxton, Keaschall, Clemens, Lee, Lewis, are still in place. K-Pepper settles at SS and might provide some solid offense as well. Kreidler is free to play anywhere. Roden could be an immediate replacement for Larnach in LF, even better defense, and a top of the order kind of bat. Even though Bell is a really good bat a playoff team would like to have, isn't there room for Buck to play there, or Clemens, or Lewis, or Keaschall, to allow time for Jenkins?

LOVE what the Twins are doing. But rebuilding on the fly just shouldn't stop!

**FINAL NOTE: Moving Ryan offers up a lot of opportunity to add additional PROSPECTS, NOT ML players. It would be for prospects, even very good prospects. ONLY my gut opinion, TP has had enough time to watch what he's in charge of. And he recognizes the already diluted fan base might be even WORSE with a Ryan trade. It would affect 2027, AND his continued rhetoric of competing in 2026. 

I actually he gives a crap about his family's perception, and the future value of the organization. 

So Ryan is NOT going to be traded unless there's an offer that Zole presents him that is just too good to turn down. It whipes away any initially credibility TP wanted to state. While no numbers were ever given, word is the Twins actually offered a decent contract for Valdez that Detroit won.

So why not an extension for Ryan that makes TP look really good? Even if it brings nothing but a QO offer after 2027?

Again, just my opinion. Ryan stays for now. The Twins move Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell and become light buyers. And Ryan stays and is offered a decent contact eventually.  And that's a different discussion for a different day. But he's going NOWWHERE for this season for PR if nothing else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bracky]

18 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

Again, just my opinion. Ryan stays for now. The Twins move Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell and become light buyers. And Ryan stays and is offered a decent contact eventually.  And that's a different discussion for a different day. But he's going NOWWHERE for this season for PR if nothing else.

As always, DocBauer with the great post.

I feel about the same with most of your takes on this and like your overall post. 

Unless we crater, I feel the same on Ryan. I get he potentially has some of the highest value for trade but he also could anchor our starting pitching lineup for years. So even if we want to do some rebuilding and re-fill our farm system, I still think you need some veterans as a part of it.

Agree with Larnach and Bell (as you noted, even if we are potentially still playing well) since they don't seem like long term parts of our building a team. Biggest question I think there is just what value would we be able to get back for them.

Also agree on Clemens. Maybe he has a market but between Larnach, Bell and Clemens I definitely see Clemens as having more value to the Twins compared to the other two. He really has been a good player for us and you can't complain about his defense overall. He seems like a great teammate too. (Disclaimer: I have been a Clemens fan since he started with the Twins so may be biased, Also Disclaimer: I may need to move along the lines of the Church of Kriedler and start the Church of Clemens myself)

Love Jeffers game but I feel like with the performance from our two catchers since he has been out makes it seem like moving him makes sense. Try and get value where we can there (unless the front office is convinced to extend him). But as noted, our two catchers have looked good enough I feel like Jeffers could be our best trade piece (if we keep Ryan as noted above).

So all in all, agree with the thoughts. Ideal situation is we can get above .500 throughout the year then I think it would be great to see us try and do some smart buying and selling. 

[IndianaTwin]

For the upcoming games, MLB.com lists Prielipp as the starter for Wednesday. 

[RpR]

This indicates you seem to care not for 2026 and are dreaming of a wishful thinking 2027 pipe dream preview with wonder kid rookies.   Dump well performing veterans for rookies who could show that doing well against AAA pitching has minimum value when they hit the Bigs.

2027 is a long ways away and to throw away this season because of a rookie fantasy vision would be obtuse but thankfully the gents running the Twins do not live a Fantasy Baseball world.

 

[Connor Gould]

I'll be real, I understand that selling of Bell, Larnach, Clemens, and Jeffers (if no extension, I'd extend but that's another discussion) is the smart move to make, they're not long term guys and we could use the lineup slots to look at some guys instead of playing out the season as is. And I'd agree 99% of the time.

But at this point, it just felt like morale was all around bad between fans and team from last August and into the offseason, so I think there's actually more value this year in standing pat and playing out the season just to rebuild the culture. Things are delicate, but the vibes are up and that means something, I wouldn't risk it.

Also, I'm not sure that those guys are actually valuable on the market outside of Jeffers. Rentals like Larnach and Bell who are mostly bat first guys will probably only bring in a prospect that's around 20-30th in the org. Normally, I'd say better than nothing, but I'm just feeling different this year.

[Mike Sixel]

41 minutes ago, Connor Gould said:

I'll be real, I understand that selling of Bell, Larnach, Clemens, and Jeffers (if no extension, I'd extend but that's another discussion) is the smart move to make, they're not long term guys and we could use the lineup slots to look at some guys instead of playing out the season as is. And I'd agree 99% of the time.

But at this point, it just felt like morale was all around bad between fans and team from last August and into the offseason, so I think there's actually more value this year in standing pat and playing out the season just to rebuild the culture. Things are delicate, but the vibes are up and that means something, I wouldn't risk it.

Also, I'm not sure that those guys are actually valuable on the market outside of Jeffers. Rentals like Larnach and Bell who are mostly bat first guys will probably only bring in a prospect that's around 20-30th in the org. Normally, I'd say better than nothing, but I'm just feeling different this year.

But those guys will be gone, and no one is going to the games with them on the roster.... What do you really think you gain?

[USAFChief]

2 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

But those guys will be gone, and no one is going to the games with them on the roster.... What do you really think you gain?

Neither Larnach or Clemens are necessarily gone next year.