A Look at the Twins 40-Man Roster Heading into a Key Offseason

[Nick Nelson]

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Twins finished the 2026 season with a full 40-man roster, but there's plenty of movement ahead as the front office works to reconfigure and revamp its collection of usable talent over the winter. As we start thinking about where the Twins might add or overhaul during the offseason, it's helpful to get a clear read on where they stand heading in.

Below, you can find a breakdown of the 40-man roster as it sits before things get moving. I've broken the 40 players down into three groups: locked in, on the bubble, and pending free agents. The latter four players will officially hit the open market the day after the World Series ends, opening up four spots immediately, although several of those spots will be filled by players needing to be activated from the 60-day injured list (Mick Abel, David Festa, Pablo López).

Locked In

1. B. Buxton, OF 
2. V. Caratini, C 
3. K. Clemens, 2B 
4. K. Culpepper, SS 
5. G. Gonzalez, OF
6. W. Jenkins, OF 
7. L. Keaschall, OF 
8. R. Kreidler, UTIL
9. B, Lee, 3B
10. A. Martin, OF
11. H. Mendez, OF
12. A. Roden, OF
13. E. Rodriguez, OF
14. T. Adams, RHP
15. T. Bradley, RHP
16. K. Funderburk, LHP 
17. Y. Gomez, RHP 
18. J. Hoffman, RHP
19. D. Kremer, RHP
20. Z. Matthews, RHP
21. A. Morris, RHP
22. C. Prielipp, LHP 
23. M. Raya, RHP
24. K. Rojas, LHP
25. J. Ryan, RHP

On the Bubble

1. T. Gray, IF
2. T. Larnach, OF
3. R. Lewis, 1B
4. B. Ross, UTIL
5. A. Sabato, 1B
6. M. Wallner, OF
7. G. Acton, RHP
8. J. Anderson, RHP
9. T. Nance, RHP 
10. B. Ober, RHP
11. E. Orze, RHP

Pending Free Agents

1. J. Bell, DH
2. R. Jeffers, C
3. A. Minter, LHP
4. T. Rogers, LHP

60-Day Injured List

1. M. Abel, RHP 
2. A. Banda, LHP 
3. D. Festa, RHP
4. P. Lopez, RHP
5. M. Paredes, RHP
6. C. Sands, RHP

Breaking Down the Bubble Candidates

I characterized 11 players who are currently on the 40-man roster, and three players on the 60-day IL, as "on the bubble." They are still under team control for 2027, but there's at least a reasonable chance the Twins will choose to move on via non-tender, DFA, or low-scale trade. There's a range for degree of likelihood here — they are almost certain to move on from Matt Wallner, and I can't imagine Aaron Sabato makes it past the first cut. Someone like Royce Lewis or Eric Orze, meanwhile, is more of a coin flip.

Either way, between the four pending free agents and those bubble candidates, that's 15 total spots that could be cleared up without a whole lot of pain. Again, we have to assume that three will be taken over by the returns of Abel, Festa and López — TBD on Anthony Banda, Mike Paredes and Cole Sands — but there is no shortage of available space for new additions.

Protecting Prospects from the Rule 5 Draft

Of course, another key consideration for 40-man roster planning is the need to protect eligible prospects from being plucked away in the Rule 5. Last year's batch included Kendry Rojas, Connor Prielipp, Andrew Morris, John Klein, Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez. The first three went on to play fairly significant roles for the Twins staff in 2026.

This year, there are relatively few obvious names who would merit consideration for this purpose. That's not to say there aren't plenty of prospects capable of contributing to the team's future, but there's little urgency to add them now, especially since it means starting up a young player's three-options timeline. 

Among newly eligible players, Yasser Mercedes is the standout name. Cody Christie wrote about the tough decision the Twins face here, as Mercedes has plenty of intriguing tools but hasn't turned them into consistent performance in the low minors. think they'll lean toward protecting him, and there might be some other sleepers that aren't really on the radar (such as Klein a year ago), but I don't envision the Twins needing to set aside nearly as many roster spots for incoming prospects.

An Open Slate

Maybe it's not surprising for a team that won only 77 games, but the Twins are far from facing a 40-man roster crunch. They will have plenty of flexibility to add during the offseason, so it comes down to how ambitious the front office will be in shaking things up, and how aggressive ownership will be in providing resources to support meaningful upgrades.

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[stringer bell]

Even though he spent a majority of 2026 with the Twins, I can't see the Twins keeping Gray on their 40-man roster, especially since his last option was used this year. I'm also thinking Kreidler should be in the bubble group as his value is diminished by the use of his last option in '26 and his hitting declined dramatically in the second half of the year. I'd probably put Kremer in the bubble category, as well. He and Ober have similar age and projected arbitration numbers and there is a possibility that the Twins could keep Ober and let Kremer go.

 

[TJSweens]

Players like Gray and Kriedler are a dime a dozen. There is zero reason to keep them on the 40 man roster.

[stringer bell]

1 minute ago, TJSweens said:

Players like Gray and Kriedler are a dime a dozen. There is zero reason to keep them on the 40 man roster.

I'd say that there are many possible players like Gray--he's neither average as a hitter or fielder--but guys like Kreidler are a little tougher to find. Kreidler is a good defender in both the infield and the outfield and plays a capable shortstop. If the Twins let him go, I think he would get a contract with another team.

[Reptevia]

11 minutes ago, TJSweens said:

Players like Gray and Kriedler are a dime a dozen. There is zero reason to keep them on the 40 man roster.

I would say they same for Martin and Roden. 

[Whitey333]

For a team that has done very little the past many years the 40 man roster construction has let's of opportunities.  We have a lot of dead weight that can easily br removed.  Not that many tough decisions really.  Unless the team decides two roll out the same thing next season.  

[stringer bell]

Over the course of a season, so much changes every year. The Twins infield was set to start 2026--Bell/Caratini/Clemens at first, Keaschall, Lee, and Lewis and by midseason it was Lewis, Clemens, Kreidler/Gray and Lee with Culpepper coming on board in August. More changes will come and the key thing is to have players ready to fill the spots. I see a role for Roden, not so much for Martin and who really knows about bullpen arms.

They need to add at least one catcher, preferably a good defender who can slow down a running game. 

[nclahammer]

Royce Lewis is going to be a tough decision, I can't see the Minnesota Twins parting ways with him yet though.  If they do move on from Lewis, this would indeed be a new Minnesota Twins front office moving in a different direction.

[thelanges5]

Ross should stay in Kriedlers spot. Hope they can find another trade partner for Larnach. Banda won’t be ready until mid-season so I’d move on from him. Martin is on the bubble for me. 

[Vanimal46]

There’s plenty of room for Tom P to “meaningfully invest” in the team. 

[saviking]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

Even though he spent a majority of 2026 with the Twins, I can't see the Twins keeping Gray on their 40-man roster, especially since his last option was used this year. I'm also thinking Kreidler should be in the bubble group as his value is diminished by the use of his last option in '26 and his hitting declined dramatically in the second half of the year. I'd probably put Kremer in the bubble category, as well. He and Ober have similar age and projected arbitration numbers and there is a possibility that the Twins could keep Ober and let Kremer go.

 

I much prefer keeping Kremer over Ober ..

[Blyleven2011]

We need to strengthen the lineup and pitching …

yes with little pain a bunch of these players can be traded , non tendered and DFA’d  …

non tendering arbitration players with higher salaries projected I can see to being realistic if they are injury prone or just didn’t contribute in a meaningful way  …

will be interesting as it’s Zoll’s call this off season with not much advise from personnel because they have cleaned house in scouting and FO positions …

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, Reptevia said:

I would say they same for Martin and Roden. 

Martin and Roden have options. Kreidler and Gray do not. 

[DJL44]

50 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Banda won’t be ready until mid-season so I’d move on from him. 

Banda should be ready by spring training.

[Parfigliano]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

Even though he spent a majority of 2026 with the Twins, I can't see the Twins keeping Gray on their 40-man roster, especially since his last option was used this year. I'm also thinking Kreidler should be in the bubble group as his value is diminished by the use of his last option in '26 and his hitting declined dramatically in the second half of the year. I'd probably put Kremer in the bubble category, as well. He and Ober have similar age and projected arbitration numbers and there is a possibility that the Twins could keep Ober and let Kremer go.

 

My eye test says keep Kremer throw Ober overboard.

[thelanges5]

15 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Banda should be ready by spring training.

Per Matthew Leach 9/29:

• Anthony Banda (left lat surgery) is likely out until around the All-Star break of next season.

[HarmonK03]

31 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

will be interesting as it’s Zoll’s call this off season with not much advise from personnel because they have cleaned house in scouting and FO positions …

I don't think much has changed, they have been reducing the scouting staff for a few years now.  The only real change is Falvey is gone along with a couple of the a couple of assistant GM's.  So who does Zoll listen to among the baseball development i.e. analytic geniuses is the biggest question.  And one of the assistant GM's was probably a Falvey guy as he was helping on the business side of the operations which is why he left, so there hasn't much turnover.  And there really should be more.

[Linus]

There are several players in the “locked in” group that should be on the bubble. When you perform as the Twins have the last few years there better be change. 

[Jeff K]

I would retain both Ober and Lewis, but try like heck to trade both.  For now, I would keep Banda and let Sands go.  Plenty of easy choices to part ways with the player.

[old nurse]

They have 42 players on the roster, they need to get to 40, so 2 must go. Although multiple sites seem to think Mercedes needs to be protected, there isn’t much more than a high ceiling that his performance is nowhere near. Nowhere near is also his status as a mlb player. There doesn’t seem to be much else for the content creators to write about. If the FO thinks there are multiple overlooked players going to be available, they could go down to 38 or 39. Yes there are players to be considered on the bubble. Gray, Sabato and Walllner are probably at the top of thhe list. Any pitcher on the list is more likely to be traded than released. Pitching is always scarcer than utility players. From there it is Ross’s potential versus Kreidler’s pulse. Lewis or Larnach are not going anywhere unless there is some confidence in a replacement. Despite all of the thoughts expressed on the talent level of the bubble list, most aren’t going anywhere until better is found. The replacements will mostly comes from their own system.    The chances of finding significant upgrades elsewhere is to bet that you can find the guy who will have the turnaround year. Trades require assets you don’t love and, look good to someone else. The Twins no longer have Ryan’s prospects to trade 

[darin617]

I Would easily keep Kremer over Ober. If they can work with Kremer more he could be even more effective than last year. It seemed like he had a bad inning every so often and they didn't know how to work him out of it. 

Let him work with the catchers hopefully a full spring training and it could be very helpful.

[darin617]

39 minutes ago, Jeff K said:

I would retain both Ober and Lewis, but try like heck to trade both.  For now, I would keep Banda and let Sands go.  Plenty of easy choices to part ways with the player.

They tried that with Larnach last season and were stuck with him. I would give Lewis another shot since he was drafted so high and you can't just give up on him without giving it another shot.

I throw Ober to the curb since even if they could find a trade partner the return is just a lottery ticket. It's not worth it and put that money towards a legit closer.

[darin617]

Any reason why the 60 day IL guys aren't listed in the locked category? The need to be added to the roster and can't be on the 60 day IL until the season starts.

[Riverbrian]

3 hours ago, stringer bell said:

Even though he spent a majority of 2026 with the Twins, I can't see the Twins keeping Gray on their 40-man roster, especially since his last option was used this year. I'm also thinking Kreidler should be in the bubble group as his value is diminished by the use of his last option in '26 and his hitting declined dramatically in the second half of the year. I'd probably put Kremer in the bubble category, as well. He and Ober have similar age and projected arbitration numbers and there is a possibility that the Twins could keep Ober and let Kremer go.

 

I thought Kreidler had an option left. 

I stand corrected. 

 

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, thelanges5 said:

Per Matthew Leach 9/29:

• Anthony Banda (left lat surgery) is likely out until around the All-Star break of next season.

That is an unusually long recovery from lat surgery, and contradicts the reports from when he had the surgery. I wonder what complications caused the setback.

[strumdatjag]

1 hour ago, thelanges5 said:

Per Matthew Leach 9/29:

• Anthony Banda (left lat surgery) is likely out until around the All-Star break of next season.

But consider that the season could very well start late anyways.  In other words, until the labor issues are resolved, ALL players are OUT.   The Twins should find a way to keep Banda, since much of the time he loses to injury prior to midseason is likely lost due (along with all other players) to MLB labor/CBA issues. 

[MeleMouth]

Gonzalez should be on the bubble, at best. Little about him looks like a player who will contribute to a major league team. Unless Mendez was affected by injury last year, he's approaching that status, also. The Twins don't need any more poor fielding outfielders or corner infielders who aren't likely to provide plus offense. Of course, this is a team that put Eric Wagaman on the 40-man in this calendar year, so who knows.

Almost no players need to be protected from Rule V. Mercedes doesn't need to be protected and shouldn't be, because if he's protected now he'll be on a path where all three of his option years will be used up before he's potentially ready for sustained success in the majors. The team shouldn't worry about his having one lucky year for a bad team like Akil Baddoo did in 2021.

Pasqualotto should be the top and probably only candidate for protection from Rule V, because he could give relief innings at least as well as many of the waiver wire pick-ups they've made over the last few years. Last year, in 70.1 innings in A+/AA/AAA, he had 12.21 K/9 against 3.34 BB/9, with an overall contact rate of a low 65.8%. If they don't protect him, several teams who have succeeded with previous Twins reliever discards, such as MLW, BAL, TBR, and even NYY, will probably be interested in taking him. Following previous patterns, they could probably find one thing to change that makes him successful, but which Twins development failed to do.

Wallner should be in the "He Gone" category. Perhaps Sabato, also.

Several of the 60-day IL players are also on the bubble, at best, including Festa. Only two players on the 60-day IL, Lopez and Abel, are "Locked In."

[tony&rodney]

Maybe someone should ask the pitching staff why Ryan Kreidler works on the roster.

[terrydactyls]

For "decision makers" people listed Zoll, scouts, and other front office types.  But no one mentioned the manager.  Does Shelton get any say in who he gets to work with?