A Way-Too-Early 2028 Twins Roster Projection

[Ray Stuedemann]

With the 2028 season still two years away, the Minnesota Twins have time to reshape their roster and determine if their young players will turn into franchise cornerstones. The decisions on current veterans, development of young prospects, and potential additions through free agency and trades will all play in a role in what the team looks like by then. Looking ahead, here is a projection of the Twins’ 2028 roster and the players who could create the team’s next core.

Starting Lineup

• C - Vahn Lackey
• 1B – Kody Clemens
• 2B – Kaelen Culpepper
• 3B – Brooks Lee
• SS – Marek Houston
• LF – Emmanuel Rodriguez
• CF – Byron Buxton
• RF – Walker Jenkins
• DH – Luke Keaschall

Bench

• 1B Andrew Vaughn
• OF Alan Roden
• C Carson Kelly
• UTIL Amed Rosario

A New Era for the Twins Offense

This starting nine would be not only one of the most intriguing groups in recent Twins history, but one of the youngest. Former first-round picks Vahn Lackey and Marek Houston make their first Opening Day roster and start at their respective positions. With Houston coming up as an elite defender at short, Kaelen Culpepper slides over to second base, pushing Kody Clemens to first. Brooks Lee stays at the hot corner for what would be his second full season there, assuming he plays third all of 2027.

As for the outfield, the actual positions are up for debate. Byron Buxton is Minnesota’s center fielder as long as he can still play there at an above-average level, but a move to the corners could be beneficial. If that were to happen, Walker Jenkins would probably slide into center, with Buxton, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Luke Keaschall splitting time between the corner outfield spots and designated hitter.

When it comes to the bench, Andrew Vaughn could be a player to target after the 2027 season to platoon with Clemens at first base. Alan Roden could stick around as a backup outfielder, though prospect Hendry Mendez or another signing could fill that spot. Free agents this offseason, Carson Kelly and Amed Rosario each sign two-year deals in this scenario. Kelly would start in 2027 and pair with Victor Caratini behind the plate before shifting to the bench to make way for Lackey, while Rosario would be the primary backup to Lee at third base, as well being able to play second and the corner outfield spots.

Overall, this would be a good group of position players for the Twins, and what would appear to be a good mix of young upside and potential with proven veterans. Time will tell if the Twins’ lineup looks anything remotely like this, but I feel that the starting nine may be close to accurate, as Minnesota looks to see what they have in their top prospects over the next few seasons.

Starting Rotation

• RHP Pablo López
• RHP Taj Bradley
• RHP Mick Abel
• LHP Connor Prielipp
• LHP Kendry Rojas

A Rotation Built On Current Potency

Although Pablo López is set to become a free agent after the 2027 season, he has meant so much to the organization that he should be a Twin for life. Taj Bradley enters 2027 coming off his best professional season, wherein he was worth 4.4 bWAR. Bradley could be the face of the rotation by 2028, and he should be a long-term extension candidate this offseason.

As for the rest of the rotation, Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp, and Kendry Rojas are (admittedly) wild cards, to some extent. Abel was good in only 20 1/3 innings before undergoing right elbow surgery in July. He should be a piece of the rotation moving forward, though his durability will be a major question. Prielipp had an up-and-down 2026 season, which saw him earn Twins Daily’s Rookie of the Year award—though there wasn’t a ton of competition in that field. Rojas bounced between starting and coming out of the bullpen as a long reliever, and even though command and walks were an issue, he is still just 23 years old and has huge potential to become a frontline starter.

All this being said, the biggest omission from this list is Joe Ryan, as it doesn’t seem likely the Twins will sign him to a long-term extension after his final year of control in 2027. If they trade him, part of that return could contribute in 2028, but that remains to be seen. Other notable names would be David Festa and Zebby Matthews, who have had their struggles at the big-league level, but it would not be shocking for either of them to be a back-end starter or a long reliever out of the pen.

The rotation, led by López and Bradley, could grow and develop over the 2027 season into a formidable force for 2028 and beyond. It remains to be seen if arms like Abel, Prielipp, and Rojas will develop as the Twins envision, but hopefully, new pitching coach Brian Reith maximizes their potential.

Bullpen

• RHP David Bednar
• LHP AJ Minter
• RHP Jeff Hoffman
• RHP Andrew Morris
• RHP Yoendrys Gomez
• RHP Cole Sands
• RHP Marco Raya
• LHP Kody Funderburk

At Last, Investment in the Bullpen

Leading the way for this group would be the trio at the top of the list. David Bednar would sign in the 2027 offseason for multiple years, reuniting with Derek Shelton from his time in Pittsburgh and allowing the Pohlads to put their money where their mouth is. A.J. Minter would get a multi-year extension this offseason to be the primary left-handed reliever coming out of the bullpen, while Jeff Hoffman would receive an extension as well, after his contract expires after the 2027 season. These three would handle the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th innings during competitive games and be a formidable back end of the bullpen in 2028.

The remainder of the bullpen is filled with familiar faces. Andrew Morris and Yoendrys Gómez threw quality innings in 2026, though they both tailed off into September. Cole Sands was injured for much of the past season, throwing only 13 innings, but he was solid the previous two years, when the 29-year-old was worth 1.7 bWAR. Marco Raya pitched only six innings for the Twins in 2026, but has potential to be a crucial bullpen piece. Kody Funderburk would be the second left-handed arm in the bullpen, and he too has been good for Minnesota the past two seasons, worth 1.7 bWAR.

This bullpen would give the Twins a strong combination of younger pitchers with room to develop and established late-inning arms. Bednar, Minter, and Hoffman would provide stability in high-leverage situations, while the rest of the group would offer depth and flexibility throughout the season. The biggest question would be whether Morris, Raya, and the other less established arms can consistently perform at the major-league level. If they can, Minnesota could enter 2028 with a bullpen fully capable of holding leads.

The Future of the Twins Starts Here

This roster projection represents a potential turning point for the Minnesota Twins. Jenkins, Culpepper, and Lackey could form the foundation of the next core, while established arms such as López and a strengthened bullpen would provide valuable experience and leadership. Of course, a lot can change over the course of the 2027 season, and the development of the team’s young players, decisions on veterans, and willingness to invest in the roster will determine how realistic this projection becomes. If things break the right way, the Twins could have the pieces in place to be a contender in 2028 and build a foundation for sustainable success in the future.

Image courtesy of Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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[jmlease1]

Interesting projection. For the lineup, it's definitely predicated on several top prospects being ready/not falling apart, which as we saw with Lewis, Miranda, Julien, and Wallner certainly is not a sure thing. I do think there's a real possibility that Tait is with the club as a backup catcher option, and I could see the team picking one out of the Kreidler/Ross/DeBarge basket for the "utility guy who can play SS" dude. I suspect if/when Culpepper moves to 2B to make room for Houston they won't be using him as the backup SS, but I could be wrong. Certainly have to hope that we see enough out of Jenkins & Rodriguez that they're part of the future, and that Keaschall doesn't slide back (for the record, I don't think he will). It certainly would be interesting to have a lineup that has 8 players who were all drafted & developed by the Twins, but it seems unlikely.

Rotation is going to be an interesting one. I could definitely see them extending Lopez if they can find a number and term that works, and I would not be upset about that at all. I think there's a real possibility that Quick is in the rotation instead of Rojas, whom I still have many questions about from a control perspective. There's also a non-zero chance that they would sign a veteran starter to be the 5th guy for 2028 in order to hold some depth, which will likely be challenged a bit against by then unless some additional depth rises from the minors.

I'm doubtful we'll be seeing Sands or Raya in the bullpen in 2028. Much more likely that Zebby is in there, and at least one other unfamiliar name; bullpens just churn more. I think there's zero chance the 2028 bullpen is made up of 7 guys who all pitched in relief for the Twins in 2026.

[mike8791]

Have to mildly disagree.  If TP's actions are to coincide with his pledge to field a team competitive enough to be considered a solid WS competitor, if not in '27, than certainly by '28, that roster will not cut it, unless by some miracle, 2 or 3 all stars emerge from the rookie crop.  One, maybe, is more likely;  2 or 3 a pipe dream.  It's nice to be an optimist, but the odds are against this roster getting past a 1st playoff round, if that.

First, the Twins need a solid top 3 rotation, each one capable of a shutdown playoff game.  I agree Ryan will not be a member in 2028, but will Lopez retain his health and effectiveness? will Bradley continue to emerge into a top #1/2 starter? and most problematically, will any of Abel, Prielipp or Rojas be solid at #3?  No, the Twins need to spend some money on a top starter - maybe Sonny Gray, maybe Michael King or Trevor Rogers.  In any case, the money needed to procure such a starter would preclude spending big on someone like Bednar.  Better to concentrate on some lesser reliever to move up to closer role.  Based on his run in Toronto, Hoffman is probably not the man nor is Minter, Morris or Gomez.  Morejon or Vesia might be more affordable and capable.

As for the offense, there is still no proven veteran to step in at a glaring cleanup hole.  Jenkins could possibly fit, but I don't see any others in your 2028 lineup that are likely to even equal Bell's 2026 stats.  Going the FA route, even for a re-energized FO determined to win back fans, looks like a remote possibility, especially if the $ are spent on pitching.  A trade, perhaps involving Ryan, one of our pitching prospects, and perhaps an excess OF prospect could be feasible, if you believe in Zoll's ability to pull off a blockbuster trade.

Attaining realistic contention possibilities depends on significant increase in the budget, reasonable progression of the rooks, and astute negotiations by the GM.  We haven't seen this combination for almost 40 years, but there's always next year.

[William K Johnson]

Like the Andrew Vaughn idea.

[Danchat]

This seems mostly reasonable. Don't know if I see Buxton in CF in two years time over Jenkins and Rodriguez. I doubt most of those arms will still be in the pen, this team paying up for Bednar? Funny. Hoffman and Minter probably won't be Twins in 2028.

[MackMan]

I'm not totally against this offensive lineup. But sadly, I think it the following will probably more than likely:

• C: Lackey
• 1B: Tinney
• 2B: Culpepper
• 3B: Lee
• SS: Houston
• LF: Emma/Keaschall split
• CF: Jenkins
• RF: Buxton/Emma
• DH: Keaschall

Bench:

• UTIL: Ross/Winokur
• OF/1B: Rodon
• C/1B: Tait
• OF/1B: Mendez

As for our pitching. I couldn't even guess where it would be. 

 

[weitz41]

Probably a little too optimistic about none of the Twins prospects ending up being AAAA players.

I'll keep with the theme and add Diaw as the backup catcher/RH outfielder, Clemens, Ross and Roden as the bench players. 1B will continue to be a revolving door of veterans from other teams.

I like the Lopez extension. Bradley #2 and Prielipp #3. After that I'm not sure Abel or Rojas are starters. Bohorquez and Quick might pass them on the depth chart by 2028.

In the BP I expect or maybe hope for a bit different group. I'd have Matthews or Festa (maybe both) in the BP over Sands. Minter will be 35? in 2028. That's a little too far past his prime for me. Same for Hoffman. This offseason has some quality set up guys. I'd sign a couple for 3 years. Let's say Versia and Abreu. Then 2027 offseason our old buddy Johan Duran is a free agent. Sign him! That would be a stout BP with Morris, Gomez, Funderburk, Matthews and Festa.

 

[DocBauer]

I think it's a mistake to leave Quick and Bohorquez out of the equation. And if Matthews isn't part of the rotation, I'd expect him on the pen.

I'd absolutely love to see Rojas as a quality SP. But until I see him stretched out to at least 5 successful IP most days in 2027, I'm going to be on him for the pen.

I like Tinney as our 1B and #3 catcher.

[tony&rodney]

I could see 15 of these players on the team. 2028 is a long way off.

[Nashvilletwin]

Lackey and Tunney do not arrive to open the ‘28 season.  That’s not happening.

Here is an alternative for the opening day ‘28 offense that is wishful thinking, but creates both a contender as early as ‘28 as well as positions the team for success in ‘29-‘30.  This proposal requires two significant signing this off season: Jeffers and Arraez.  Jeffers is critical: Arraez is more of a luxury.  

LF Keaschall.  
CF Jenkins.  
RF Rodriguez.  
3B Lee.  
SS Houston. 
2B Culpepper. 
1B Arraez. 
C Jeffers.  
DH Buxton

C2 Diaw. 
Super Utility 1 Clemens. 
Roden/Gonzalez/Ross/Winokur/et al fight it out for the other utility roles. 

Buxton, Clemens, Culpepper and Arraez provide positional flexibility to cover the OF and both sides of the infield,  Jeffers moves to 1B/DH in ‘29 making room for Lackey at C.  Tinney and Diaw also make the ‘29 club providing C/1B/OF flexibility.  Buxton and Arraez are more than likely gone for ‘29. 

Agree that Lopez has a chance to sign an extension and be a part of the rotation in ‘28-‘30. 

 

 

[MeleMouth]

A bunch of expensive contracts for four pitchers in their mid 30's who between them have made it to four All-Star games in their careers?

Can you identify one successful team in the past several years that did this?

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Lackey and Tunney do not arrive to open the ‘28 season.  That’s not happening.

Here is an alternative for the opening day ‘28 offense that is wishful thinking, but creates both a contender as early as ‘28 as well as positions the team for success in ‘29-‘30.  This proposal requires two significant signing this off season: Jeffers and Arraez.  Jeffers is critical: Arraez is more of a luxury.  

LF Keaschall.  
CF Jenkins.  
RF Rodriguez.  
3B Lee.  
SS Houston. 
2B Culpepper. 
1B Arraez. 
C Jeffers.  
DH Buxton

C2 Diaw. 
Super Utility 1 Clemens. 
Roden/Gonzalez/Ross/Winokur/et al fight it out for the other utility roles. 

Buxton, Clemens, Culpepper and Arraez provide positional flexibility to cover the OF and both sides of the infield,  Jeffers moves to 1B/DH in ‘29 making room for Lackey at C.  Tinney and Diaw also make the ‘29 club providing C/1B/OF flexibility.  Buxton and Arraez are more than likely gone for ‘29. 

Agree that Lopez has a chance to sign an extension and be a part of the rotation in ‘28-‘30. 

 

 

I can appreciate that you or anyone is a fan of Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner or past Twins like Luis Arraez. We are all going to have out thoughts on rosters. Some of us disagree with each other,

Jeffers may work as a DH. Can he hit 20 plus home runs and drive in 90 plus runs. Jeffers is not good enough as a defensive catcher. It is past time to pretend that there are not consequences for pitchers of throwing to guys who cannot block or throw. Jeffers seems like a good guy and I hope he gets a pile of money from some team. It could be the Twins, but I would be surprised.

The Twins traded a pile of players at the July 2025 trade deadline but then sat on their hands all winter and basically returned the same group. There was little action this summer in trades but the lineup of Jeffers-C, Bell-1B, Keaschall-2B, Lewis-3B, Lee-SS, Larnach/Martin-LF, Buck-CF, and Wallner-RF underwent quite a bit of change by the end of the season. It would be surprising if the Twins retreated to that formula for 2027. Defense matters.

[D.C Twins]

I think Ross will be our dependable low cost UTL in 2028 and beyond

[Nashvilletwin]

22 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I can appreciate that you or anyone is a fan of Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner or past Twins like Luis Arraez. We are all going to have out thoughts on rosters. Some of us disagree with each other,

Jeffers may work as a DH. Can he hit 20 plus home runs and drive in 90 plus runs. Jeffers is not good enough as a defensive catcher. It is past time to pretend that there are not consequences for pitchers of throwing to guys who cannot block or throw. Jeffers seems like a good guy and I hope he gets a pile of money from some team. It could be the Twins, but I would be surprised.

The Twins traded a pile of players at the July 2025 trade deadline but then sat on their hands all winter and basically returned the same group. There was little action this summer in trades but the lineup of Jeffers-C, Bell-1B, Keaschall-2B, Lewis-3B, Lee-SS, Larnach/Martin-LF, Buck-CF, and Wallner-RF underwent quite a bit of change by the end of the season. It would be surprising if the Twins retreated to that formula for 2027. Defense matters.

No one is advocating for Larnach, Wallner or Bell to be on the ‘28 Twins.   Defense does matter.  But so does offense.  Jeffers provides us with probably the best combination at C over the next two years until our young guys show up.  And if he still produces at the plate in ‘29 and ‘30 as a 1B/DH, that would be great.

Arraez we could live without, of course.   But, hey, when heathy he is a great option to play 1B while providing flexibility at DH and 2B for at least the next two years.   Clements is a really good baseball player and should be a Twin for a while playing a super utility role and likely being in the lineup more days than not.

Do we have better options at C and 1B than Jeffers and Arraez?   If so, the list of possibilities cannot be long.

[Woof Bronzer]

34 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

It is past time to pretend that there are not consequences for pitchers of throwing to guys who cannot block or throw.

Off topic, but I have been in awe of Contreras in the Series and I'm sure you have too.  His pitchers bounced so many pitches late in the game with runners on base in both Game 1 and 2 and he blocked every single one.  Also threw out runners.  Almost perfect on challenges.  Dude is incredible.  

[tony&rodney]

38 minutes ago, Woof Bronzer said:

Off topic, but I have been in awe of Contreras in the Series and I'm sure you have too.  His pitchers bounced so many pitches late in the game with runners on base in both Game 1 and 2 and he blocked every single one.  Also threw out runners.  Almost perfect on challenges.  Dude is incredible.  

Not off topic at all. Contreras has been Exhibit A for defense matters for catchers this postseason. Ask yourself how much it changes a pitcher's approach if he cannot throw down because the catcher cannot block the ball and runners on the bases are a major problem if they can run if the catcher cannot throw. Zoll has his work cut out for himself. 

[jmlease1]

People around here are obsessed with getting Arraez back. Good luck with that.

[Cris E]

Waaay too many familiar names on this list.  Go back two years and a third of these guys were not even in the organization. This is the primary reason no one writes these.

You're standing on the edge of a change to the CBA which should directly affect how orgs like the Twins spend their money. There will be changes, perhaps even by Dec 1, which makes this an unwise waste of time. (But hey, clicks.)

[tony&rodney]

3 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

People around here are obsessed with getting Arraez back. Good luck with that.

Not all people. Maybe only a couple of folks like the idea of bringing back Arraez. All we can do is hope for change for the better (defense,speed) and then support to some extent whatever comes along. I guess some people switch teams.