The 7 Biggest Decisions for the Twins’ Offseason: Alan Roden’s Evaporating Role

[Jacksson]

If Buxton starts out as DH due to recovering from surgery and if Jenkins begins the year in AAA, Roden could be starting in the OF.

[DJL44]

16 hours ago, DataNerd said:

Does anyone feel confident in Buxton/Jenkins/ERod's ability to stay healthy?  We need to be prepared for the scenario for an OF next year with none of those guys, and Roden easily works there.

I expect those three to combine to miss at least 200 games. They combined to play 224 games in 2026 which is not quite 1-1/2 full time players (262 games missed to injury). They should have 100 games for Roden and 80 for Martin and will still need Kody Clemens to cover some outfield starts to get through the season.

[MinnInPa]

Teach him 1B.... starting right now... Starting 1B in Spring.. Lewis cannot be on the roster next year

[LA Vikes Fan]

11 hours ago, DocBauer said:

I liked Roden's approach when he first came up, even though the results weren't immediate. He sure looked pretty good later in the season. I believe he's a ML ballplayer. Nothing wrong with him as the Twins #5 OF.

LF/CF/RF/DH will MOST days be handled by Rodriguez, Buxton, Jenkins, and Keaschall. That makes Roden almost a defacto 4th OF. All 4 of those guys will need full days off once in a while. And even with good health, we'll probably see a couple IL stints here and there.

Roden is quality insurance and quality depth. I believe he played something around 40-50 games at 1B in college. So unless he just stinks at it, why not get him a glove and let him get some time there and work at it during the offseason. It just increases his versatility to help the team.

There's definitely room for him on the 2027 Twins.

Agreed. I see 350-400 ABs for another OF next year without an injury to one of the other 4 guys. One of those 4 gets hurt and that guy does not and he could get 500 ABs. Who do you want taking those ABs, Roden, Martin, or one of the guys now in AAA? To me, Roden has shown the most and has the best chance to be the right answer. Also, Roden has hit LH pitching well so far so he can help there and eliminate the need to have Martin around just to have a RH bat. 

The choice if the roster stays as it is now and Larnach is gone is this - keep 2 of Lewis, Martin and Roden. Based on performance to date, Roden is one of those 2, probably with Lewis. Give Roden a 1B mitt and get him working there. Now. 

[Jeff K]

20 hours ago, Linus said:

I don’t see a problem. There is a half a chance that EmRod really struggles. He is the very definition of boom or bust. If it’s bust Roden is a nice backup plan. To a lesser degree you can say the same thing about Jenkins - he might have to go back to AAA for a minute. Or Buck isn’t healthy- there are all kinds of scenarios where Roden is needed. 

Exactly.  I'm pulling for Emma to be successful, but the jury is definitely still out.  Roden is a solid player and is a reasonably known quantity.   And he brings more to the table than Larnach given his ability to play all outfield positions and maybe first base.