The 5 Players Bolted Down in the 2027 Minnesota Twins Lineup

[Greggory Masterson]

Image courtesy of Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

There’s a lot of uncertainty about Twins baseball right now, and a ton of questions about the hitting group manager Derek Shelton will have at his disposal next spring. About a month ago, I posted on Twitter the group I believe will almost certainly be locked into the Twins lineup next year (spoiler below). Now that the season is over, let’s go through those names.

But first, defining what I mean by bolted down: I’m just going to say beyond a reasonable doubt as my standard. There might be a world in which any of these names are traded over the offseason, or the Twins might acquire players that squeeze someone on this list out of a starting job, but it’s so unlikely that it’s not worth considering. Likewise, I probably failed to include someone that you’re confident will be an everyday player. If they’re not on the list, though, I can easily envision a scenario in which they aren’t an everyday player for the Twins next season (when healthy).

Let’s dig in.

Infield: Brooks Lee
Brooks Lee is probably the lowest-ceiling inclusion on this list. However, it’s very difficult to see him not penciled into the Opening Day lineup next season. He was a league-average hitter this season, with a .728 OPS and a low-OBP profile bolstered by a career-high 24 home runs. After being moved off shortstop midway through the season, Lee settled in well at third base, posting 6 outs above average (OAA) in about 100 games at the hot corner.

A league-average bat with above-average defense at third base is a valuable secondary piece, and there’s some hope that the 25-year-old can continue to develop at the plate with better plate discipline and consistent pop. It’s very difficult to see the Twins moving on from Lee. I have him listed as a general infielder, though, because there’s a world in which he’s playing second base, instead, should the Twins bring in a third-base-only option. It’s unlikely, but hey, reasonable doubt.

You might have expected Royce Lewis or Kody Clemens to appear here. Clemens is the more likely to return, but it’s hard to see both of them back in 2027, at least as everyday players. Maybe one of them is at first or second base, but the offseason was probably a failure if the Twins didn’t upgrade at either position. Neither is expensive, but neither is young, either. There are just too many ways that either could find themselves out of the picture to make this list.

Shortstop: Kaelen Culpepper
Kaelen Culpepper is the Twins' shortstop—at least for now. He'll still be rookie-eligible next year, after 128 plate appearances in which he slashed .274/.328/.393. Culpepper showed flashes that should get Twins fans excited for his career prospects, and there's no one crowding him out of shortstop at this point.

He had moments that showed why some are skeptical about his shortstop defense, but he did enough, along with a league-average bat (which is a great thing!), to solidify his spot next season. Perhaps he has a sophomore slump that necessitates a detour to Triple-A, and maybe fellow prospect Marek Houston moves him to second or third base, but it’s very unlikely he won’t be the Opening Day shortstop.

Outfield: Walker Jenkins
Walker Jenkins, the Twins' No. 1 prospect, struggled in his first taste of the bigs, beginning his career 4-for-45 and making me nervous about my initial prediction. Over his final 10 games, though, he slashed .385/.400/.615. It’s clear that the global top-15 prospect will very much be in the picture next season.

It’s unclear whether the Twins prefer him in right or left field, and that’s probably dependent on who the other corner outfielder is. Jenkins exclusively played center field in the majors, filling in for the sidelined Byron Buxton. When Buxton is unavailable, Jenkins is the likely fill-in.

The other corner position? There are too many names to feel confident in any of them being the everyday guy. Emmanuel Rodriguez, Luke Keaschall, or even Alan Roden could be slotted into that other spot. Rodriguez has to be on the roster (or someone else’s) because he’s out of options and held his own in limited late-season MLB action, but it’s possible the Twins aren’t ready to foist him into everyday action quite yet. (Leadership did name him as part of the core around which they're building for next year, though, so he's closing in on this list.)

Center Field: Byron Buxton
Speaking of outfielders, Byron Buxton is the most obvious name on the list, when healthy. Being realistic, if he’s available, he’s playing. And yes, until further notice, he’s the center fielder. This almost isn’t even worth discussing. Yes, he’s coming off of labrum repair, and there’s uncertainty about his status, but if he’s healthy, he’s playing. You can’t stop it from happening.

????: Luke Keaschall
Finally, Luke Keaschall. He’s probably going to be hitting leadoff. I have no idea where he’s going to play, though. The two most likely options are a corner outfield spot or a designated hitter role. Shoot, maybe even first base. I don’t know where he’s playing, but I know he will be at the top of the batting order.

After a dreadful start in 2026, Keaschall rebounded to finish the season slashing .282/.374/.407, about 20% better than an average hitter. Although most designated hitters or left fielders have more power in their profiles, Keaschall’s overall line is more than sufficient to occupy one of those spots, making him a lock for next season. He added power as the season progressed, anyway.

For the other four positions, your guess is as good as mine. But these five guys are locks.

Potpourri
This was put together with a focus on the lineup against right-handed pitching. Jenkins might not play every day against lefties. However, there’s not a platoon partner for him set in stone, either. Austin Martin got off to a great start in 2026, but he hit just .164 in the second half when he was mostly facing lefties. Gabriel Gonzalez or Aaron Sabato could factor in, but the Twins showed very little interest in playing them down the stretch.

The catcher position is a mystery. Victor Caratini is under contract for next season, and it’s unlikely that the Twins cut him or find a trade partner willing to take on the $10 million he’s owed after barely playing enough late in 2026 to call him a second catcher. There’s reasonable doubt that he’s the everyday catcher, even if that is the most likely scenario. The Twins could get Ryan Jeffers back on a qualifying offer or pursue a different catcher in free agency that clears Caratini’s bar.

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So then, are you in agreement with this assessment? Do you have someone else bolted down, or do you think the screws are looser on any of the names I gave here?

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[MeleMouth]

Don't be so certain about the place in the lineup for Walker Jenkins. Like Mauer, Buxton, and Lewis before him, injuries seem to be a recurring problem. Further, his performance at the tail end of the year did not scream "put me in coach, I'm ready to play!" 

[DJL44]

Clemens will be in the lineup every day

[miller761]

There are few 2B out there better than Clemens defensively or batting. He can even hit LHP. 

[The Great Hambino]

?? is probably Keaschall's best position.  I hope he drills it hard this offseason

In their best form, I see Clemens filling the Marwin Gonzalez super utility role where he has no defined position but plays mostly every day.  If they can build up the rest of the roster to the point where that's where he fits best, they'll have a contender on their hands

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Three things must happen in order for Jeffers to consider signing a qualifying offer with the Twins. These 3 things must happen for it to be to Jeffers' financial advantage to sign a qualifying offer with the Twins 1) If Jeffers and his advisors are pretty confident there will be a lockout in 2027 and 2) that Jeffers could not get a long term contract that pays him for 2027, even if there is a lockout and 3) his qualifying offer will pay him even if there is a lockout. 

[LA Vikes Fan]

57 minutes ago, MeleMouth said:

Don't be so certain about the place in the lineup for Walker Jenkins. Like Mauer, Buxton, and Lewis before him, injuries seem to be a recurring problem. Further, his performance at the tail end of the year did not scream "put me in coach, I'm ready to play!" 

I agree if performance is the measure. Jenkins did not perform well enough in 2026 to be considered any sort of "lock" for 2027. He is big potential, but as of yet there's no there there. 

However, I agree that he is a lock at least at the start of the season. The Twins have not yet established a core for next season beyond the other 4 in the post. Jenkins will get a chance to become part of that core in 2027 by playing pretty much every day unless he completely tanks at the plate. We got nobody else for that 3rd OF spot behind Buxton adn Keaschall. It's his to lose.  

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

Kody Clemens is your best and most consistently healthy hitter on the team for 2027.  I think he is locked in as and IF before Brooks Lee who I am fine with locking in a spot for at 3rd.  What Kody provides is flexibility,  but he can be your 1st or 2nd baseman, or outfield in a pinch.  It doesn't force the Twins at a specific position.   

C - ????

1st   ?????/Clemens

2nd ?????/Clemens or try Keaschall again

SS   Culpepper

3rd  Lee

RF   Keaschall

CF   Jenkins

LF  Rodriguez

DH Buxton    

 

Personally I think this lineup is more locked in that what this article purposes and Buxton will not be the CF moving forward as a mainstay.   With the hip injury I see DH becoming is primary home with possibly RF.   His defensive metrics were already declining significantly at CF.   

[LA Vikes Fan]

46 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Clemens will be in the lineup every day

I think you're right, the question is will it be at 1B or 2B. That all depends on whether we keep Lewis, where he plays if we do, and whether we can pick up a quality 1B or 2B via trade or in free agency. I like the idea of getting a 2B in trade or as a free agent and moving Clemens to 1B. He's an above average fielder at 1B, a below average fielder at 2B. Still, a lot has happened for that to work so like much of the roster, his position is still up in the air.

[MeleMouth]

3 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

I agree if performance is the measure. Jenkins did not perform well enough in 2026 to be considered any sort of "lock" for 2027. He is big potential, but as of yet there's no there there. 

However, I agree that he is a lock at least at the start of the season. The Twins have not yet established a core for next season beyond the other 4 in the post. Jenkins will get a chance to become part of that core in 2027 by playing pretty much every day unless he completely tanks at the plate. We got nobody else for that 3rd OF spot behind Buxton adn Keaschall. It's his to lose.  

Let's see how he gets through surgery, rehab, and spring training first.

[DJL44]

4 minutes ago, Hawkeye Bean Counter said:

LF  Rodriguez

I think Rodriguez is going to spend a lot of time on the bench. His bat is going to need more time to develop.

[SE23]

46 minutes ago, miller761 said:

There are few 2B out there better than Clemens defensively or batting. He can even hit LHP. 

Put Kody where he belongs -- Super Util. He can rotate between 1B, 2B, LF and RF as needed and play almost every day. Brandon Lowe or Xavier Edwards on a two-year deal lets us utilize Clemens' versatility and upgrades 2B for the Twins.

[Mai.K]

There are also service-time requirements for Rookie of the Year eligibility, in addition to the limits on at-bats and innings pitched.

The service-time limit for Rookie of the Year eligibility is 45 days. Culpepper was called up on August 7 and stayed with the team through the end of the season, so he appears to have accumulated a little over 50 days of service time.

So I don’t think Culpepper will be eligible for Rookie of the Year.

[Whammy]

Bolted? Sure... but who's attached to this roster by silly string?

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

I have the same players on my list with the addition of Clemens. I think defensively, he's better than most or all free agent 2B. I think he starts the year playing 2B until Houston is ready to come up. Then its probably Houston or Culpepper playing 2B. 

Lee at 3B. The team is in love with him, putting him near the top of the lineup far too often. 

Culpepper starts the year at SS. Easy decision there. 

Buxton in CF. If he's healthy, thats his spot. 

Jenkins in the OF. If Buxton isnt ready, he plays CF. Otherwise corner OF is his home. 

Keaschall will also be batting leadoff for us. OF or DH. 

I would think ERod and Roden are the other OFers. Im not sure how it would work, but between the 3 OF spots and DH, I'd imagine these 5 guys, Buck, Jenkins, Keaschall, ERod, and Roden, will all rotate through those positions. I feel like Jenkins will play CF and Buck DH a bit, especially at the beginning of the season. 

Caratini CAN NOT be the starting C for this team if we want any chance at all to compete. 

1B also needs a HUGE upgrade. 

To be honest, 1B and C are the only offensive signings I would make. We have the players in house to fill out the rest of the roster. 

1 high end Starter and a shut down Closer, also. 

[LastOnePicked]

"Speaking of outfielders, Byron Buxton is the most obvious name on the list, when healthy. Being realistic, if he’s available, he’s playing. And yes, until further notice, he’s the center fielder. This almost isn’t even worth discussing. Yes, he’s coming off of labrum repair, and there’s uncertainty about his status, but if he’s healthy, he’s playing. You can’t stop it from happening."

This is really weird phrasing, Greggory. Do you think there's a large continent of fans here who would actually want to keep a healthy, productive Byron Buxton from playing?

I think the concern that some folks here have is: what if he's not healthy but says he is? What happens if he's hitting .190 in June and his defensive metrics really start to lag? 

Shelton has already declared the clubhouse here "Buxton's Clubhouse." They've doubled and tripled down on him being the face of the Twins over the years, but it's a face fans are still more likely to see in a billboard than on the field.

If it's not coming together in 2027, how long are they going to defer to him and keep doing what isn't working? But if he's actually healthy and actually producing, then of course we want him playing. Who would think otherwise?

[Greggory Masterson]

1 hour ago, Whammy said:

Bolted? Sure... but who's attached to this roster by silly string?

Aaron Sabato

[Greggory Masterson]

1 hour ago, Mai.K said:

There are also service-time requirements for Rookie of the Year eligibility, in addition to the limits on at-bats and innings pitched.

The service-time limit for Rookie of the Year eligibility is 45 days. Culpepper was called up on August 7 and stayed with the team through the end of the season, so he appears to have accumulated a little over 50 days of service time.

So I don’t think Culpepper will be eligible for Rookie of the Year.

September days and days on the injured list don't count. 

 

 

[Greggory Masterson]

12 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

This is really weird phrasing, Greggory. Do you think there's a large continent of fans here who would actually want to keep a healthy, productive Byron Buxton from playing?

It depends on your definition of "large," but yes, there are many fans who would prefer to not see Buxton play for the Twins again, one way or another. As for being healthy and productive, that also depends on your definition; many would say that Buxton has never been healthy and productive. I doubt anyone has ever thought, "I don't want a healthy and productive Buxton playing for the Twins," but that's probably because playing 100 games with a well above-average OPS isn't their version of "healthy and productive," given the time lost to injury. The best ability is availability, and all that.

[Cory Engelhardt]

3 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Clemens will be in the lineup every day

Hopefully as a utility and mostly against righties.

That said, if he is paying, 2b is probably his best spot as of now right? If everyone is healthy I can’t see him in the outfield as much. And hopefully 1b is improved so he doesn’t HAVE to play there often

[Twins GFP]

Not sure why the author poured gasoline on Clemens when he is at worst #4 on this list (Buxton, Lee, Keaschall).

[Coach]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

I think Rodriguez is going to spend a lot of time on the bench. His bat is going to need more time to develop.

Buxton 2.0

[MeleMouth]

11 minutes ago, Greggory Masterson said:

It depends on your definition of "large," but yes, there are many fans who would prefer to not see Buxton play for the Twins again, one way or another. 

Most of these are people who think the Twins would have been better off in the long term by trading him and getting valuable prospects in return. That ship has probably sailed, along with the ships for Lopez and Ryan.

Instead, we've gotten to enjoy them playing occasionally for teams that won 70 and 77 games over the last two years, while recognizing that neither they nor the mythical players they could have gotten in return will be of much assistance to some mythical better team that will happen when their current young core is in their primes.

[Coach]

2 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Three things must happen in order for Jeffers to consider signing a qualifying offer with the Twins. These 3 things must happen for it to be to Jeffers' financial advantage to sign a qualifying offer with the Twins 1) If Jeffers and his advisors are pretty confident there will be a lockout in 2027 and 2) that Jeffers could not get a long term contract that pays him for 2027, even if there is a lockout and 3) his qualifying offer will pay him even if there is a lockout. 

Plus, he has to perform (at the highest level) for an entire year to command a salary that high, while hamstringing the team financially. 

[Coach]

36 minutes ago, LastOnePicked said:

"Speaking of outfielders, Byron Buxton is the most obvious name on the list, when healthy. Being realistic, if he’s available, he’s playing. And yes, until further notice, he’s the center fielder. This almost isn’t even worth discussing. Yes, he’s coming off of labrum repair, and there’s uncertainty about his status, but if he’s healthy, he’s playing. You can’t stop it from happening."

This is really weird phrasing, Greggory. Do you think there's a large continent of fans here who would actually want to keep a healthy, productive Byron Buxton from playing?

I think the concern that some folks here have is: what if he's not healthy but says he is? What happens if he's hitting .190 in June and his defensive metrics really start to lag? 

Shelton has already declared the clubhouse here "Buxton's Clubhouse." They've doubled and tripled down on him being the face of the Twins over the years, but it's a face fans are still more likely to see in a billboard than on the field.

If it's not coming together in 2027, how long are they going to defer to him and keep doing what isn't working? But if he's actually healthy and actually producing, then of course we want him playing. Who would think otherwise?

Elephant in the clubhouse.

[bjorks]

My biggest issue with the roster and our needs is it's going to take trading a Ryan type player unless someone is impressed enough in what they saw in ERod. The options in the FA pool at 1B/C are not great. Alec Bohm is the best option, but it's going to cost a pick AND you'd have to significantly overpay to get him not to go back to Philly. C'ing is a little better, but much like my Sam Darnold argument, they've solved one of the most difficult positions in baseball (at least offensively) what is the alternative? Tyler Stephenson? Carson Kelly? Or worse, they kick the bucket on a trade for a Christian Walker and get them to eat some $? My dream offseason in no order

1) Attempt to resign Jeffers - Any FA deal he's probably trying to get something like a $75/5, but if we offered a $32/2 with the chance to hit FA one final time at age 31, it could be a perfect scenario with Jackson backing him up. 28% better than average offensively and 9% below on defense, I can live with the defensive metrics. 

2) Trade Ryan, maybe you have to attach ERod et al, but go get a legit 1B. Keaschall is not a 1B and Lewis at this point is a utility player. I don't have a particular 1B in mind, but we're not finding one not named Josh Bell in the FA market. 

3) With Ryan gone, go after Sonny. $60/2 + mutual option for $25

4) Find a RH bat

 

[LastOnePicked]

18 minutes ago, Greggory Masterson said:

yes, there are many fans who would prefer to not see Buxton play for the Twins again, one way or another.

Hmm. You must be picking up on something I'm not.

All I'm getting - and I feel it myself - is that folks are very weary that Buxton will be clearly not healthy and clearly unproductive but they'll keep putting him in CF and keep deferring to his judgement because he's the "team leader."

He's got real competition for CF now. Hopefully Shelton remembers that, if they're really trying to win, the needs of Buxton's reputation are secondary to the needs of the team. I don't doubt Buxton's resolve one bit, but I do sense that it comes with a kind of stubbornness.

[Cory Engelhardt]

33 minutes ago, Twins GFP said:

Not sure why the author poured gasoline on Clemens when he is at worst #4 on this list (Buxton, Lee, Keaschall).

You are only thinking of past production, not future results. 
Clemens won’t play over Jenkins, as an example

[Greggory Masterson]

38 minutes ago, Twins GFP said:

Not sure why the author poured gasoline on Clemens when he is at worst #4 on this list (Buxton, Lee, Keaschall).

fwiw I expect Clemens to be a major factor next year, but I just have reasonable doubt that he's their first or second baseman on Opening Day

[Mai.K]

52 minutes ago, Greggory Masterson said:

September days and days on the injured list don't count. 

 

 

Ah, so it’s actually active roster time, not service time!!

The rules really are complicated. 😭

I learned something new today. Thanks!