Three Players We Wish We'd Seen More Of In 2026

[Cody Pirkl]

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Despite hanging around in a historically bad AL Central for a good chunk of the season, much of 2026 felt as though the biggest goal was taking steps toward determining the next core of the Minnesota Twins' roster. While we saw steps toward this goal, it felt like we missed out on seeing the full potential of several players who could be a part of the next competitive Twins’ team. There are three players in particular we wish we’d seen more of in 2026.

Mick Abel

After surprisingly winning an opening-day roster spot, Mick Abel flashed his dominant stuff for a brief period before being shut down by an elbow injury for the remainder of the season. His last start on April 14 was seven shutout innings with 10 Ks against Boston. The Twins hoped Abel could be a future rotation piece, with his performance the biggest question mark. Now, health will be a factor moving forward as well.

The good news is that Abel is on track to be fully healthy for the start of 2027, and he should have every opportunity to open the season in the rotation. If he can reach his ceiling of a playoff-caliber starting pitcher, the Twins' rotation would be the strength of the team next season. It would also make the Jhoan Durán trade look much better, considering former top prospect Eduardo Tait, with whom Abel was acquired, has had a very disappointing tenure so far in the Twins’ organization.

Alan Roden

It’s hard to say what Alan Roden’s role will be with the Twins moving forward, or even whether he’ll remain with the team through the offseason at all. After he was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, the team seemed to believe in his on-base ability and defense in the corner outfield, but injuries may have disrupted their plans for him, and his left-handedness at the plate makes him an odd fit for the roster. Though he posted fewer than 100 plate appearances at the MLB level this season, his production was encouraging, and his skillset should be useful to the Twins if they can fit him on the roster.

Alan Roden is barely more of a known commodity than much younger players like Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins. He has fewer than 250 MLB plate appearances as a soon-to-be 27-year-old, and he’ll be competing with several top prospects for playing time who play the same position and also hit left-handed. He has a history of playing first base, a position the team doesn’t have any immediate answers at. Still, his offensive profile doesn’t fit that of your typical corner infielder, and it’s unclear whether his bat can meet the higher standards of a position at the bottom of the defensive spectrum. It would be nice to have more data on Roden at the MLB level at this point in his career.

Emmanuel Rodriguez 

We likely would have seen Rodriguez much earlier this season, but injuries once again prevented him from playing anything close to a full season. He has yet to appear in even 100 games in a single season and was healthy for just 71 between the minor and major leagues in 2026. His swing-and-miss profile is still a red flag at the MLB level, but his plate discipline and ability to impact the baseball showed up in his brief 13-game debut.

Rodriguez is out of options in 2027, meaning he is essentially a lock to make the opening day roster. There’s no denying his talent, but consistency will be the big question in 2027, both in his ability to stay on the field and in making enough contact at the plate. It would be great to have a better idea of what to expect from Rodriguez next season, as giving him more time in St. Paul will not be an option. Instead, the Twins will have to count on Rodriguez to keep himself afloat, with little data to support their hopes.

 

It would be nice if the Twins missing the playoffs yet again in 2026 came with more clarity on some of their potential future contributors. While we did see some positive developments and questions about the future answered, there were certainly a handful of players we’d have liked more answers on. Are there any other players you’d have liked to see more from in 2026? Let us know below!

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[tony&rodney]

Any way a person spins it, the July 2025 trade deadline moves were confusing given the lack of further moves, either at that time or in October or November of 2025. So that is all in the past and should just remain a loud wtf.

Mick Abel and Emmanuel Rodriguez are incredibly important to any odds of the 2027 Twins finding wins. Both players have promise, are inexperienced, and have missed time due to injuries. We want their best and we want it now.

Alan Roden had some fun games in September for the Twins. He seems like a player that people find easy to support. Where will he play? His defense is not adequate in the outfield. He looks like a DH out there, but he is much better than Wallner if we want to be kind. There have been many suggestions that Roden play first base. He has played exactly one inning at first base (A+ ball, 2023) in the minor leagues. There is no chance that the Toronto organization just never considered trying to see if Roden could field ground balls or scoop throws from infielders. All teams work players at multiple positions to see where they might best fit and/or help their club. Every organization does this and in a more limited time period so do high school coaches. This (just put a guy at first base) is the same discussion that has occured with Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner. Slow reactions in the outfield and cautious approaches on hard hit base hits out there don't suddenly become quickness and sure hands in the infield. This is also why Luke Keaschall should never be shuttled back into the infield too. So, what can the Twins do with Alan Roden? It will be interesting to watch. I hope Roden has a fantastic year.

[stringer bell]

10 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Any way a person spins it, the July 2025 trade deadline moves were confusing given the lack of further moves, either at that time or in October or November of 2025. So that is all in the past and should just remain a loud wtf.

Mick Abel and Emmanuel Rodriguez are incredibly important to any odds of the 2027 Twins finding wins. Both players have promise, are inexperienced, and have missed time due to injuries. We want their best and we want it now.

Alan Roden had some fun games in September for the Twins. He seems like a player that people find easy to support. Where will he play? His defense is not adequate in the outfield. He looks like a DH out there, but he is much better than Wallner if we want to be kind. There have been many suggestions that Roden play first base. He has played exactly one inning at first base (A+ ball, 2023) in the minor leagues. There is no chance that the Toronto organization just never considered trying to see if Roden could field ground balls or scoop throws from infielders. All teams work players at multiple positions to see where they might best fit and/or help their club. Every organization does this and in a more limited time period so do high school coaches. This (just put a guy at first base) is the same discussion that has occured with Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner. Slow reactions in the outfield and cautious approaches on hard hit base hits out there don't suddenly become quickness and sure hands in the infield. This is also why Luke Keaschall should never be shuttled back into the infield too. So, what can the Twins do with Alan Roden? It will be interesting to watch. I hope Roden has a fantastic year.

Vladdie Jr. is a good reason for Roden not to do much work at first base. There is a real opportunity for someone to get a lot of playing time at first base and I hope Roden gets a shot. Also, his Statcast data for 2025 put him above average as a defender. Not so much in 2026, but I would say he's a passable outfielder who doesn't have the tools to be much more than that. Kind of the same thing with his hitting--he doesn't really have corner outfielder or DH power, but again in a small sample size, his Statcast profile is pretty promising. Given the injury histories of the outfielders who are presumed to be ahead if him, it figures that Roden will get chances to play the outfield corners.

[tony&rodney]

43 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Vladdie Jr. is a good reason for Roden not to do much work at first base. There is a real opportunity for someone to get a lot of playing time at first base and I hope Roden gets a shot.

Not sure what you are saying here. Vlad? Roden at first base?

[bean5302]

Come on, what about James Outman?

[Althebum82]

Interestingly, as soon as I saw the headline the first name that came to mind for me was Jack Anderson.  After his demotion to St Paul his success in the bullpen continued to reaffirm the glimpse that we got of him in a Twins uniform.  So, an experiment was done to see if he also had the potential to return as a starting pitcher.  Alas, that wound up being a disaster over five starts at the close of the season.  

Still, I would be interested to see if he could be a steady contributor next season's bullpen.

[Patzky]

19 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Come on, what about James Outman?

Every year has a Margot.

[SE23]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Any way a person spins it, the July 2025 trade deadline moves were confusing given the lack of further moves, either at that time or in October or November of 2025. So that is all in the past and should just remain a loud wtf.

Mick Abel and Emmanuel Rodriguez are incredibly important to any odds of the 2027 Twins finding wins. Both players have promise, are inexperienced, and have missed time due to injuries. We want their best and we want it now.

Alan Roden had some fun games in September for the Twins. He seems like a player that people find easy to support. Where will he play? His defense is not adequate in the outfield. He looks like a DH out there, but he is much better than Wallner if we want to be kind. There have been many suggestions that Roden play first base. He has played exactly one inning at first base (A+ ball, 2023) in the minor leagues. There is no chance that the Toronto organization just never considered trying to see if Roden could field ground balls or scoop throws from infielders. All teams work players at multiple positions to see where they might best fit and/or help their club. Every organization does this and in a more limited time period so do high school coaches. This (just put a guy at first base) is the same discussion that has occured with Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner. Slow reactions in the outfield and cautious approaches on hard hit base hits out there don't suddenly become quickness and sure hands in the infield. This is also why Luke Keaschall should never be shuttled back into the infield too. So, what can the Twins do with Alan Roden? It will be interesting to watch. I hope Roden has a fantastic year.

Roden played 39 games at 1B while at Creighton and 11 more in the Cape Cod League. I think it would be an easy transition for him. But will he ever profile as an MLB first baseman? Maybe not, but he's an upgrade over Royce...

[tony&rodney]

7 minutes ago, SE23 said:

Roden played 39 games at 1B while at Creighton and 11 more in the Cape Cod League. I think it would be an easy transition for him. But will he ever profile as an MLB first baseman? Maybe not, but he's an upgrade over Royce...

Can you guess why Roden was never used more than one inning at first base since he signed a pro contract? Easy transition? He also was used as a catcher. Maybe Roden can be our backup catcher? Infield is different than outfield.

Royce Lewis had never played first base at any level in his life until 2026. There was clearly a learning curve for Lewis but he fields ground balls and scooped throws adequately by any measure, metric or eye test. While I believe the Twins should free Royce Lewis (via a trade) to give him an opportunity for a fresh start somewhere else, he did better at first base than the other options last year. Clemens was more comfortable moving to cutoffs and fielding but not very good at receiving throws. 

It would be wonderful if Alan Roden could magically fill the first base spot but he is nearly as likely to fill a backup catcher position. I'm not betting on either. Roden definitely fits as a 4th/5th OF or DH/PH spot if the Twins choose that route. Injuries happen and we can all be nervous about Buxton, Rodriguez, and Jenkins due to their histories.

[Riverbrian]

5 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Vladdie Jr. is a good reason for Roden not to do much work at first base. There is a real opportunity for someone to get a lot of playing time at first base and I hope Roden gets a shot. Also, his Statcast data for 2025 put him above average as a defender. Not so much in 2026, but I would say he's a passable outfielder who doesn't have the tools to be much more than that. Kind of the same thing with his hitting--he doesn't really have corner outfielder or DH power, but again in a small sample size, his Statcast profile is pretty promising. Given the injury histories of the outfielders who are presumed to be ahead if him, it figures that Roden will get chances to play the outfield corners.

I liked the @tony&rodneypost but I like yours better. 

I have no idea if Roden can actually play 1B. And no... we shouldn't force it. However... as you point out... The presence of Vlad Jr at 1B. Moving him to 1B in that organization would have made it hard to make the major league level. 

Chances are he can't so Tony or Rodney might be right but he would slide in nice there if he could. 

[Riverbrian]

Abel... He looks real good. The guy has stuff. I think a healthy Abel would have done wonders for the pitching staff. 

Emma... his injury last year was really unfortunate. With last year being his last option. I really wanted to get a look at him. Get him the exposure he needs. When they called Gabriel Gonzalez instead of Emma in September...That really bugged me. A left right decision instead of a talent decision or instead of a Arbitration clock ticking decision. Two considerations that are more important than a left right decision that rules the world. 

Roden... He really struggled statistically for his first 37 AB's. He may have struggled statistically... however... he looked good doing it. He was was making decent contact... he wasn't chasing. He looked professional. Then the hits start to fall and his stats went off like a rocket (still inside a small sample). And as soon as he started to hit... he is sent down. Left/Right thing cost him the chance to continue and that's not how you treat a hot streak or a developing player. 

I agree with this list... these are 3 players that I would have liked to see more of. 

[JADBP]

I definitely would like to have seen more of Cullpepper and Jenkins this year.  Sad to wait out the clock on both of these promising players.  I am not sure Jenkins will be in the running for ROY next year, so I think waiting was a wasted bench spot.  He needs MLB experience and didn't get enough last year.  That said, I believe both, and Emma, will be in the starting lineup next spring.  

I am still a little indifferent about Abel.  Maybe it is because of the trade.  Is he going to be another Prielipp?  Greatness held back by injuries?  

Roden....1B....uhhhh,,,NO!!!  In fact, NFW!  For three reasons:  1,  Power: none. 2. Experience: See #1.  3.  Speed/Quickness:  See #1.  Strike 3, take a seat, Alan.  He is just not built for 1B. 

Roden was a throw-in for the horrific Varland trade (worst Twins trade ever!), so I am sure the Twins will try to play him somewhere, somehow, just to make the trade look better.  The best thing they can do at this point is just move on (even though I find it difficult to do so).  The trade is in the past and we cannot undo it.  We have Rojas so let's just focus on that. 

Roden doesn't have much of a home on this roster, just like Larnach, Wallner, Sabato, Tristan Gray, among others.  Just move them along to another team where they can hopefully find a home.  We are better off starting over with new prospects for these unneeded players.    

[old nurse]

Alex Jackson rather than Caratini

[JADBP]

2 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Can you guess why Roden was never used more than one inning at first base since he signed a pro contract? Easy transition? He also was used as a catcher. Maybe Roden can be our backup catcher? Infield is different than outfield.

Royce Lewis had never played first base at any level in his life until 2026. There was clearly a learning curve for Lewis but he fields ground balls and scooped throws adequately by any measure, metric or eye test. While I believe the Twins should free Royce Lewis (via a trade) to give him an opportunity for a fresh start somewhere else, he did better at first base than the other options last year. Clemens was more comfortable moving to cutoffs and fielding but not very good at receiving throws. 

It would be wonderful if Alan Roden could magically fill the first base spot but he is nearly as likely to fill a backup catcher position. I'm not betting on either. Roden definitely fits as a 4th/5th OF or DH/PH spot if the Twins choose that route. Injuries happen and we can all be nervous about Buxton, Rodriguez, and Jenkins due to their histories.

Yes, Royce was pretty good with the glove at 1B.  I think all of that SS coaching helped him with his receiving at 1B.  He's no longer super fast, but could be fast enough for 1B. 

I think the only thing that is holding him back at 1B now is his bat.  If he can get back to a good AVG and SLG, he would be a very good 1Bman.  He will never be Vladdie Jr, but he could be very good. 

Maybe we were spoiled by Hrbek and Morneau?  We just don't have a lot of good history at 1B.  We gave up one Big Papi, who would have been the 2nd coming of Harmon!  I am amazed at how similar their stats were!  

[stringer bell]

6 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Not sure what you are saying here. Vlad? Roden at first base?

Roden wasn’t giing to get any firdt base reps with Vlad Jr. on the roster. 

[mnfireman]

7 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Roden wasn’t giing to get any firdt base reps with Vlad Jr. on the roster. 

He wouldn't have had to, TOR OF was pretty weak last year, he more than likely would have been given a better chance to earn regular playing time there than he was given in MN.

[tony&rodney]

20 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Roden wasn’t giing to get any firdt base reps with Vlad Jr. on the roster. 

True.

[stringer bell]

When the Twins got Roden, he was billed as a finished product who played good defense, including center field. Apparently not. He wasn’t used in center and Austin Martin and Luke Keaschall were instead. He doesn’t have above-average speed either. I’m seeing a Larnach replacement with less power, but better contact and defense and some ability to hit southpaws. 

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

I’m seeing a Larnach replacement with less power, but better contact and defense and some ability to hit southpaws. 

Your assessment is fair. As the Twins move forward there needs to be a recognition that defense matters. Emmanuel Rodriguez is not Andruw Jones but he made nearly ten catches in left field that drop with Larnach out there in very limited playing time. The club needs to roster gloves that turn outs into outs and I'm not sure Roden works unless it is in limited quantities. Perhaps he works as a DH.