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      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins entered the offseason navigating a unique organizational crossroads. After spending much of the past year evaluating a potential sale, the Pohlads abruptly pulled the franchise off the market in August. Instead of changing principal ownership, the club pivoted to bringing in two new minority partners. Reports said that one group would be based locally and the other led by an investor family from the East Coast. Now, the first half of that picture is finally coming into focus.

      Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press reported the development earlier this week, writing, “Look for Minneapolis based Varde Partners, a worldwide multi billion dollar credit investment corporation, to be announced soon as a limited partner with the Minnesota Twins. The firm is one of at least two limited partners expected to assist in diminishing the team’s reported 500 million dollar debt.” 

      The addition of Varde Partners marks a notable shift in the composition of Twins leadership. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Varde is a global credit and investment firm overseeing an estimated $16 to 17 billion in assets with more than 300 employees across the world. The company is led by managing partners Brad Bauer, Francisco Milone, and Tim Mooney, all of whom bring deep experience in large scale financial strategy and corporate development.

      Given their background, it is difficult to imagine that Varde Partners will be anything less than a stabilizing force for a franchise navigating a sizable debt load. Their presence alone signals that the Twins are looking for more structured, more sophisticated financial guidance than the current iteration of the Pohlad family has typically leaned on. For an organization supposedly carrying around $500 million in debt, a partner with extensive investment acumen is not a small addition.

      What remains unclear is how much influence these new partners will wield when it comes to baseball decisions. Minority stakes rarely dictate roster construction, but their involvement does lighten the financial strain on the club. If that reduction in debt eventually leads to more flexibility in retaining talent or supplementing the roster, fans will welcome the impact. At a minimum, the presence of motivated and financially savvy investors should nudge the overall organizational direction toward a more modern and competitive mindset.

      With one partner now identified, attention naturally turns to the second expected minority owner from the East Coast. If the timing of this first announcement is any indication, that reveal may not be far behind. As the Twins navigate a pivotal offseason, the business side of the franchise is reshaping itself in a way that could have long term implications for the organization’s stability and ambition.

      Matthew Lenz

      The Minnesota Twins have gotten off to an unsurprisingly slow start in the offseason. To this point, their most notable move is tendering a contract to Trevor Larnach, who many thought might be non-tendered. However, this morning, Jeff Passan of ESPN ignited the burner on the hot stove with an update on Byron Buxton.

      In ranking the players who could be traded, Passan ranked Buxton as the fifth-best player behind Tarik Skubal, Ketel Marte, Freddy Peralta, and Hunter Green. Passan added, "Buxton is willing to waive his no-trade clause - and not just for Atlanta..." To this point, Buxton has not stated anything publicly to confirm or deny this report.

      If it's true, this is a notable shift in Buxton's mindset, who, on multiple occasions, has said he wants to stay with the Twins. However, at the back end of his prime and with the state of the organization, it's hard to blame him for the change.

      Buxton, coming off a career year, played in 126 games in 2025. He finished with 35 home runs, 97 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases. He posted an impressive .878 OPS, a .367 wOBA, and a 135 wRC+. Defensively, Buxton is starting to slow down in center field with -5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and +3 Outs Above Average (OAA). 

      Do you think the Twins should trade Buxton? Let us know in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      There was a time not long ago when optimism around the Minnesota Twins felt sustainable. Competitive rosters, postseason appearances, and a growing core gave fans reason to believe. Now, according to The Athletic’s annual Hope-O-Meter, that belief has all but vanished.

      The latest fan survey, which included more than 11,000 respondents, paints a fascinating picture of the sport’s emotional landscape. Across Major League Baseball, optimism is actually trending upward. A strong 72% of fans reported feeling hopeful about their favorite team, a notable jump from 66% a year ago. Baseball, broadly speaking, is in a good place when it comes to fan confidence.

      That makes what is happening in Minnesota stand out even more.

      At the top of the rankings sit perennial contenders and rising powers. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way at an eye-popping 99.8% optimism, followed by the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Kansas City Royals. The presence of Detroit and Kansas City is particularly notable for Twins fans, as two division rivals have surged into the league’s emotional elite.

      Minnesota, meanwhile, sits alone at the bottom. The Twins posted a staggering 4.3% optimism rating, the lowest mark in all of baseball. The only team even within shouting distance is the Los Angeles Angels at 5.7%. After that, the gap widens significantly, with no other franchise falling below 24%. This is not just pessimism. It is a complete erosion of belief.

      What makes the drop more jarring is how recent the optimism once was. In 2022, the Twins checked in at 70.1 %, placing them squarely in the middle of the league. By 2023, that number jumped to 91.3%, good for 10th overall, and they remained near that level in 2024 at 86.3%. Even entering 2025, there was still a baseline level of confidence at 52%.

      Now, that foundation has collapsed, and the reasons are not difficult to identify. On the field, inconsistency and underperformance have chipped away at expectations. Off the field, uncertainty surrounding ownership has only deepened the frustration. There was a moment last winter when it seemed possible the Pohlad family might explore a sale of the team, offering a potential reset and renewed direction. That possibility has since faded, and with it, a significant portion of fan optimism.

      The result is a five-year trend line that looks less like a normal fluctuation and more like a free fall. The Twins Hope-O-Meter arc resembles a slow climb to a peak followed by a sudden and dramatic plunge. There were real highs, but the landing has been hard.

      Rebuilding that trust will not happen overnight. It will take more than a hot streak or a promising prospect. Fans are looking for a clear vision, a commitment to winning, and signs that the organization understands the weight of this moment. That responsibility falls on everyone, from the front office to the clubhouse to ownership itself.

      For now, the numbers tell the story. In a league where hope is rising, Minnesota has run out of it. The next chapter for the Twins will not just be about wins and losses. It will be about convincing a disillusioned fan base that there is something worth believing in again.

       

      Cody Christie

      There was plenty for the Minnesota Twins to celebrate on Tuesday night at Target Field after a 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. Still, by the time the clubhouse doors opened and the postgame conversations began, the focus had shifted away from the box score.

      The moment everyone wanted to talk about happened in the fifth inning, and it had nothing to do with a pitch or a swing.

      As Boston’s Jarren Duran returned to the dugout following a groundout, he directed an obscene gesture toward a fan seated near the Twins’ dugout. The interaction quickly became the center of attention, especially after Duran explained what led to his reaction.

      "Somebody just told me to kill myself," Duran said. "I'm used to it at this point, you know? I mean, s--- happens. I mean, I'm going to flip somebody off if they say something to me, but it is what it is. I shouldn't react like that, but that kind of stuff is still kind of triggering."

      It is a jarring quote, and it reframes the moment immediately. What may have looked like a simple loss of composure becomes something far more complicated when placed in that context.

      Duran has been open about his mental health journey, including severe depression and a past suicide attempt that he discussed publicly in a Netflix series released last year. That transparency has helped humanize a player often seen only through the lens of performance, but it has also opened the door to a darker side of fan interaction.

      "Honestly, it's my fault for talking about my mental health because I kind of brought in the haters. So I've just got to get used to it," Duran said. "I was just trying to hold it in and not really bring that up to the team. I mean, we're trying to win a game. I shouldn't even bring that up to anybody. ... It just happens."

      There is a lot to unpack in those words. The idea that speaking openly about mental health invites abuse is a troubling reflection of how conversations like these are still handled in public spaces. At the same time, Duran acknowledges that his reaction crossed a line, even if the comment that sparked it went far beyond anything acceptable.

      Boston manager Alex Cora said he did not see the incident unfold and had not yet reviewed the video afterward, leaving the situation to be addressed more fully at a later time.

      This is not the first time Duran has found himself in the spotlight for an interaction with a fan. In 2024, he served a two game suspension after directing an anti gay slur during a separate incident. That history adds another layer to how moments like this are perceived, both inside the game and across social media, where reactions were predictably split.

      Some defended Duran’s response, arguing that players should not be expected to absorb deeply personal and harmful comments without reacting. Others pointed to the need for professionalism, regardless of circumstance, especially given his prior discipline. Both perspectives exist because this is not a simple issue.

      What should be simple is the baseline expectation for fan behavior. There is a difference between heckling and crossing a line into something personal and dangerous. Players are public figures, but they are not immune to the impact of words that go well beyond the boundaries of the game.

      But baseball does not exist in a vacuum. Moments like this serve as reminders that what happens in the stands can carry just as much weight as what happens between the lines.

      Matthew Taylor

      In his latest article, Bobby Nightengale reported that the Twins had talks with the Mariners at the trade deadline, but a deal never came together because Seattle was unwilling to include two of their best prospects. Minnesota’s ask? Two top-100 prospects.

      Nightengale also noted that the Twins actually preferred 18-year-old catcher Eduardo Tait over Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller. The hesitation with Miller, ranked #17 in baseball by MLB Pipeline, came from concerns about his ability to stick at shortstop long-term. Miller, currently in Double A, has posted a .740 OPS this season. The Twins felt Tait carried more upside and made him their request from Philadelphia instead.

      You can read the rest of Bobby’s piece here.

      What do you think, do you like Tait over Miller?

      Seth Stohs

      On Friday afternoon, Major League Baseball announced that former Twins and Phillies outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a performance-enhancing substance. It is an item that violates MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.     

      Max Kepler will turn 33 years old in a little more than a month. He is currently a free agent looking for his next home. After signing with the Twins in 2009 out of Germany, he spent parts of the 2015-2024 seasons in a Twins uniform. Over those 10 seasons, he was worth 20.5 bWAR. In 1,072 games, he hit .237/.318/.429 (.746) with 205 doubles, 161 homers and 508 RBI.

      His best season came in 2019 when he hit .252/.336/.519 (.855) with 32 doubles and he led the Bomba Squad with 36 home runs. He was never able to replicate those numbers. 

      He became a free agent for the first time last offseason. He signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Phillies. In 127 games, he hit .216/.300/.391 (.691) with 19 doubles and 18 home runs. 

      Free agency just became more difficult for Kepler. Some team will sign him and not have to pay him for the first half of the season. He can come back for the final 82 games of the season, but because of the suspension, he will be unable to play in the playoffs should the team make it. 

      Share your thoughts. 

       

      Cody Christie

      The Twins lost a depth piece on Monday as the Dodgers claimed infielder Ryan Fitzgerald off waivers, according to ESPN’s Alden González. Minnesota designated Fitzgerald for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster after acquiring Eric Wagaman from the Marlins, a move that quietly set off a chain reaction between three clubs.

      Los Angeles had the roster flexibility to make the claim after trading outfielder Esteury Ruiz to Miami late last month. That deal sent Ruiz to the Marlins in exchange for minor league pitcher Adriano Marrero and opened a 40-man spot for the Dodgers. Miami then designated Wagaman for assignment, flipped him to the Twins for minor league pitcher Kade Bragg, and in turn pushed Fitzgerald off Minnesota’s roster. A couple of weeks later, Fitzgerald landed with the Dodgers, turning a series of unrelated transactions into something resembling an accidental three-team trade.

      Fitzgerald had openly expressed interest on social media in playing professionally in Asia. Still, the Twins blocked that path, likely hoping he would clear waivers and remain in the organization as upper-level depth. Instead, another club with roster space and a reputation for maximizing role players scooped him up.

      Fitzgerald’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Now 31, he spent the early part of his career in independent ball, where he played well enough to earn a minor league deal with the Red Sox in 2018. Five years later, he was selected by the Royals in the minor league phase of the 2023 Rule 5 draft, the same draft that saw Wagaman head to the Angels. Fitzgerald never cracked the Royals’ big league roster and opted for free agency after the 2024 season.

      That decision led him to Minnesota on a minor league contract and, finally, to the majors. Just shy of his 31st birthday, Fitzgerald made his MLB debut in 2025. His first stint lasted less than a week, but he earned another call-up in August after the Twins shifted into sell mode at the trade deadline and remained with the club for the rest of the season.

      The production was solid at every stop. Fitzgerald posted an .837 OPS and a 119 wRC+ in 59 games at Triple-A and followed that up with a .758 OPS and a 110 wRC+ across 24 major league games. He also provided defensive versatility, appearing at all four infield positions. Still, with Minnesota prioritizing roster flexibility and younger options heading into 2026, that combination was not enough to secure his spot.

      For the Dodgers, Fitzgerald represents a low-risk depth addition with real versatility, the kind of player they have turned into meaningful contributors before. For the Twins, it is another reminder of how thin the margin can be for fringe roster players, especially in an offseason filled with 40-man juggling.

      The ending is bittersweet. Fitzgerald’s path to the majors was long and winding, and his time in Minnesota was brief but productive. Now, he heads to Los Angeles with a chance to stick on one of baseball’s deepest rosters. Even if the Twins could not keep him, something is fitting about a late bloomer getting his opportunity with the defending World Series champions.

      Cody Christie

      On Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins sent catcher Jhonny Pereda to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. Pereda was designated for assignment on Friday as the club managed a crowded catching situation from several offseason moves.

      Pereda joined the Twins as experienced depth and did exactly what the organization asked of him when injuries and roster needs created an opening last season. The Venezuelan-born catcher appeared in 28 games with Minnesota and the Athletics in 2025, slashing .246/.325/.333 (.658 ) with an 84 OPS+. Across his major league career, he has appeared in 48 games, compiling a .241 average in 118 plate appearances.

      While the offensive production at the major league level has been modest, Pereda has long been valued internally for his defensive reliability and work with pitching staffs. He owns a strong arm and a solid overall defensive reputation, traits that have helped him carve out a lengthy professional career. In the upper minors, he has been a consistently productive hitter, slashing .296/.392/.419 (.811) across nearly 1000 Triple-A plate appearances.

      The reality for the Twins is that the catching picture changed significantly this winter. The signing of Victor Caratini to a two-year deal gave the club a veteran complement to Ryan Jeffers. New manager Derek Shelton expects Jeffers to handle close to 100 games behind the plate this season. Caratini provides flexibility with the ability to contribute at first base or designated hitter,

      Earlier this winter, the Twins traded for Alex Jackson, another catcher, from the Orioles in exchange for minor league infielder Payton Eeles. Jackson doesn’t have any minor league options, so it might be a situation where the Twins carry three catchers. However, it's hard to imagine any team surrendering a valuable bench spot to a catcher who would be used sparingly.

      With Pereda, the numbers simply did not work on the 40-man roster. Moving him now allows another organization to benefit from his depth and experience while giving the Twins additional roster clarity heading toward spring training.

      Pereda’s career reflects perseverance. Signed internationally by the Cubs in 2013, he spent over a decade in the minors, passing through several organizations before reaching the majors in 2024. His journey has earned respect and trust in the clubhouse.

      As camp nears, the Twins will keep evaluating roster fit, especially behind the plate. Moving Pereda reflects a logjam from offseason additions, not his ability. More adjustments may come as Minnesota fine-tunes the roster for Opening Day.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins made another round of spring roster cuts, optioning both Ryan Kreidler and Eric Wagaman to Triple-A as Opening Day draws closer. While neither move comes as a complete surprise, the decisions help clarify how the bench picture is forming under new manager Derek Shelton.

      Kreidler’s path to the roster always felt like a narrow one. Claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh organization in October, he brought some familiarity for Shelton, who previously spent time with the Pirates. That connection made him an intriguing under-the-radar candidate to win a backup middle infield role, especially given his defensive versatility.

      Ultimately, the bat did not provide enough support for the glove. Kreidler appeared in 17 spring games and went 6-for-39, good for a .154 average, with one home run and an 11-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The broader offensive track record paints a similar picture. Across 89 career big-league games, he owns a .383 OPS, which translates to an 11 OPS+. That level of production makes it difficult to justify a roster spot unless the defensive value is elite, and even then, there are limits to how much a team can carry offensively.

      Wagaman’s case is a bit different, but the result is the same. Acquired in early January in a trade that sent left-handed reliever Kade Bragg to Miami, Wagaman brought a more balanced offensive profile. He logged 140 games for the Marlins last season and hit .250/.296/.378 (.674). His 28 doubles and nine home runs helped him post an 86 OPS+, suggesting he can at least provide some pop off the bench.

      This spring, Wagaman showed flashes of that ability, going 10-for-39 with one home run and a 13-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 18 games. Still, without the same defensive upside as Kreidler, he needed to clearly separate himself offensively. That did not quite happen, leaving him on the outside looking in as the Twins finalized their bench mix.

      All signs now point to Orlando Arcia securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. The veteran infielder and former All-Star brings a longer track record and the ability to handle shortstop behind Brooks Lee. Even with a difficult 2025 season that saw him post a 42 OPS+ and -1.2 rWAR across 76 games between Atlanta and Colorado, Minnesota appears willing to bet on experience and defensive reliability in a reserve role.

      There is still time for things to shift at the margins, but this decision signals a clear preference from the Twins coaching staff. They are prioritizing stability up the middle while keeping additional depth in Triple-A should injuries or performance issues arise.

      In the end, both Kreidler and Wagaman remain part of the organizational picture. Each offers a different skill set that could become useful over the course of a long season. For now, though, the message is simple. The Twins are narrowing their focus, and the Opening Day roster is beginning to come into view.

      Matthew Lenz

      Every year, MLB Trade Rumors releases a list of the most likely trade candidates for the offseason. In this season's edition, they named a total of 40 players, including three Minnesota Twins in the top nine.

      Starting Pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, as well as Catcher Ryan Jeffers, were named the 2nd, 6th, and 9th most likely trade candidates, respectively.

      Ryan, expected to make around $6 million in his second year of arbitration, is coming off a season highlighted by a Cy Young caliber 1st half. As has been the case throughout his career, Ryan cooled off in the second half of the season with a 4.59 FIP. In all, Ryan finished with a 3.74 FIP and a 22.5% K-BB rate across a career-high 171 innings pitched. He was the subject of trade talks at the deadline, with a late push from the Boston Red Sox, and will likely be a popular topic of trade conversations throughout the offseason.

      Lopez, who is owed more than $43 million through 2027, only made 14 starts in 2025. In 75 2/3 innings, the righty sported a solid 3.19 FIP and mediocre 17% K-BB rate. While he had been one of the game's more durable pitchers before last season, his tenure with the Twins has been very up and down. While trading the 30-year-old at some point seems likely, Lopez's value right now is lower than it's ever been. While the Twins are more concerned with the bottom line than maximizing value, they would be remiss to deal the righty now instead of waiting until the 2026 trade deadline.

      Jeffers, expected to earn more than $6 million in his final year of arbitration, represents the only MLB-caliber player on the roster. While he remained as one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball last season, his power output left more to be desired. He graded out as a below-average catcher, which is likely what he is, even after three years under the tutelage of Christian Vazquez, but that could be somewhat mitigated by the introduction of the ABS system. Unless the Twins plan to add a catcher via trade or free agency, I would be shocked to see them deal Jeffers, as there is nobody in the entire organization ready to take his job.

      Do you think the Twins will trade any of these guys over the offseason? Let us know what you think in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      There are growing pains that come with any new technology, and Major League Baseball’s Automated Ball Strike challenge system is no exception. On Thursday, the Minnesota Twins found themselves in the middle of one of the most talked-about moments yet in the early days of ABS, a call so close that it is now fueling debate across the sport about what the strike zone should actually be.

      In the bottom of the second inning, Royce Lewis stepped to the plate against Jack Flaherty with a runner on first base. The count moved to 3-1, and Flaherty delivered an 91.3 mph fastball that was ruled a ball by the home plate umpire. Lewis began his routine jog to first base, shedding his gear as if the walk was already secured.

      Detroit catcher Jake Rogers tapped his helmet, signaling for a review. Within seconds, the Hawk Eye system took over and delivered its verdict. The call was overturned. Strike two.

      Not just a strike, but the closest confirmed strike yet under the system, according to Codify Baseball. Hawk Eye showed that the tiniest sliver of the baseball clipped the strike zone, enough to flip the call and send Lewis back into the box. Instead of standing on first base, Lewis was suddenly in a 3-2 count, and Flaherty finished the at-bat with another fastball that Lewis swung through for strike three.

      It is exactly the type of moment ABS was designed to handle, but it is also the type of moment that exposes how different a rulebook strike zone can feel compared to the one players and fans have grown used to seeing.

      The debate picked up quickly. MLB analyst Ryan M. Spaeder voiced frustration with how the system currently interprets the zone. He suggested a 50-50 rule, where at least half the baseball must cross into the strike zone to be called a strike. His argument centered on the idea that the current system effectively expands the zone beyond its traditional 17-inch width. When accounting for the baseball's full diameter, Spaeder argued, the zone can be closer to 22.8 inches wide.

      That interpretation has raised eyebrows, especially for hitters who now must account for pitches that barely graze the edge rather than clearly enter the zone. From a hitter’s perspective, the difference between a ball and a strike has never been thinner, literally.

      Still, not everyone sees a problem. There is a strong contingent across the league that believes this is exactly what ABS is meant to accomplish. For pitchers, a pitch that clips the zone is a perfect pitch, and the system rewards that precision without bias or inconsistency. In a sport that has long struggled with inconsistent strike zones from umpire to umpire, ABS offers a level of consistency previously unattainable.

      Royals reliever Matt Strahm even pushed back on Spaeder’s idea publicly, noting that if baseball is going to start redefining what counts as a strike based on partial entry, then the same logic would need to apply elsewhere. He suggests that the foul line/pole shouldn’t be fair then.  

      For the Twins, the moment was more frustrating than philosophical. What looked like a routine walk turned into a strikeout, and a potential scoring opportunity disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. It is the kind of swing that can change an inning, or even a game, and it underscores how impactful the challenge system can be in high-leverage spots.

      At the same time, it is hard to argue that the system got the call wrong. By definition, it got it exactly right.

      That is where the tension lies as baseball continues to adapt. The ABS system is doing what it was designed to do, but it is also forcing players, analysts, and fans to reconsider what they expect the strike zone to look like. The human element has not disappeared, but it is now being checked by a level of precision that leaves little room for interpretation.

      Moments like this one involving Lewis are likely to keep popping up as the season unfolds. Each will add another layer to the conversation about fairness and consistency.

      For now, the early returns suggest that while there may be flaws to iron out, the overall reception to ABS has been positive. Players are adjusting, fans are learning, and the league is gathering valuable feedback in real time. The strike zone may not look the way it used to, but it has never been more exact.

      Matthew Lenz

      In the latest update of the sale of the Minnesota Twins, Charley Walters is citing industry sources who say "the [Minnesota] Twins have an offer on the table."

      He goes on to say that "Major League Baseball is expected to guarantee the Twins' debt reportedly more than $400 million."

      So, why isn't this bigger news? Well, it's not been confirmed outside of an "industry source" and it's in the "Don't print that" section of the article linked in the tweet above. At this point, it's just a rumor.

      What does it mean that MLB is "expected to guarantee the Twins' debt?" Well, that answer is also a bit unclear, but our own @Peter Labuza did some speculating and digging saying "If I had to guess, MLB would "buy" the debt and then have the team pay MLB rather than the Pohlad's...?" He goes on to cite the Debt Service Rule from the Atlanta Braves public filings:

      "Each MLB Club is subject to certain MLB imposed restrictions on its ability to incur indebtedness in amounts that exceed specified thresholds. In particular, each MLB Club is generally required to keep outstanding indebtedness minus a certain amount of excludable indebtedness at or below 8.0x available cash flow (or in the case of MLB Clubs which have a new stadium, at or below 12.0x available cash flow), with the amount of excludable indebtedness for fiscal year 2023 set at $125 million and for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2026 set at $100 million. This is referred to as the Debt Service Rule. MLB Clubs must certify compliance with the Debt Service Rule annually and the failure of an MLB Club to comply during two consecutive fiscal years may lead to certain remedial measures being imposed by the Commissioner of Baseball, including, but not limited to, prohibitions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness and repayment of outstanding indebtedness."

      Moreover, using the NFL as an example, Labuza says "[NFL] owners can "borrow" from the league at a cheaper interest rates than banks, etc."

      On the other hand, @John Bonnes speculates at a more simple explanation,  asking "rather than come up 1.5B cash, [maybe prospective owners] can come up with 1.1B cash and take on the $400M loan gradually?"

      While it's our speculation and educated guesses on our end, it helps provide a little bit of clarity on a somewhat vague and unclear statement from Walters piece.

      Do you have any insight on the matter? Please share in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins continued reshaping their bullpen on Saturday by signing veteran left-hander Andrew Chafin to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. As camp opens in Fort Myers, the organization is clearly investing in relief depth and experience. Chafin’s addition may seem modest on paper, but in what figures to be a tightly contested American League Central race, reliable left-handed options could quietly influence the team’s postseason outlook.

      News of the agreement was first reported by Jon Heyman, who noted that Chafin will report to Minnesota’s big league camp to compete for a bullpen job. According to Darren Wolfson, Chafin would earn $2 million if he makes the active roster, with an additional $1.25 million available through incentives.

      Chafin enters his age-35 season, and what would be his 13th year in professional baseball. While the deal does not guarantee him a spot on the Opening Day roster, it immediately throws him into legitimate competition for a role. This is less of a speculative flyer and more of a calculated depth play by a front office intent on fortifying the relief corps after last season’s midyear bullpen turnover.

      The veteran split the 2025 campaign between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels, posting a 2.41 ERA across 33 2/3 innings. He struck out 36 hitters against 19 walks and limited left-handed batters to a .136 average. That type of platoon effectiveness remains especially valuable when navigating late-inning matchups against division rivals built with left-handed thump throughout the middle of the order.

      Even with strong run prevention on the surface, some of Chafin’s peripherals told a more complicated story. His elevated walk rate, paired with an 81.9 % strand rate, pushed his SIERA to 4.11, a number that sat well above his actual ERA. Outside of the command concerns, many of his underlying indicators remained encouraging, though durability remained his biggest hurdle. A right hamstring strain and later inflammation in his left triceps each led to injured-list stints that cost him more than five weeks of the season.

      This also marks the second consecutive offseason in which Chafin has signed a non-guaranteed contract. He followed a similar path last year after agreeing to a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers in February. Chafin exercised an opt-out near the end of April and soon secured a major league opportunity with the Washington Nationals, making 26 appearances before being dealt to the Los Angeles Angels at the trade deadline.

      Minnesota has now added three left-handed relievers in the past month. Taylor Rogers signed earlier in free agency, and Anthony Banda arrived via trade. Minnesota also already had Kody Funderburk on the 40-man roster. Chafin’s presence intensifies competition while expanding the Twins’ flexibility against left-handed heavy lineups within the division.

      Across 12 major league seasons, Chafin owns a 3.35 career ERA while pitching for eight different organizations. If he can replicate anything close to last season’s surface-level results, this minor league deal could evolve into meaningful in-season value rather quickly.

      The message from Minnesota’s front office is straightforward. The Twins are stockpiling experienced arms in an effort to stabilize the late innings and create internal competition before Opening Day decisions are finalized. With multiple non-roster invitees and recent acquisitions now in camp, the bullpen battle is shaping up to be one of Spring Training’s defining storylines.

      Cody Christie

      Spring training is always about optimism, but it is also about information. The Minnesota Twins added a healthy dose of both on Friday when they announced their internal non-roster invites for major league camp. These are players already in the organization but not on the 40-man roster who will get a chance to share fields, lockers, and moments with the big-league group in Fort Myers.

      The headliners are impossible to miss. Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper are two of the most important position players in the system, and both arrive with plenty of helium. Jenkins continues to look like the rare prospect who forces timelines to move, not because of need but because of undeniable talent. He finished last season at Triple-A after posting a 154 wRC+ at Double-A.

      Culpepper took a massive step forward last season, showing he can impact the game with his bat while sticking at shortstop. In 113 games, he posted a 138 wRC+. The organization named him the minor league player of the year, and he enters 2026 as a consensus top-100 prospect. His presence, along with Jenkins's, guarantees that early-morning workouts will draw extra eyes.

      The list also rewards performance: Kala'i Rosario and Kyler Fedko were among the system’s most productive hitters last year. Spring training is typically where that type of momentum earns recognition. Rosario brings loud contact (25 homers, 131 wRC+) and improved plate discipline, while Fedko made his mark on the bases (38 steals, 130 wRC+). Neither is expected to break camp, but both gain from time around the major league staff early.

      Beyond the marquee names, this group offers a little of everything. Trent Baker and Cory Lewis provide rotation depth and a chance to evaluate arms against higher-level competition, while Christian MacLeod continues his push back into the picture after showing signs of life last season. Meanwhile, Ricardo Olivar and Noah Cardenas give the catching group extra reps and flexibility during long camp days.

      On the position player side, Aaron Sabato, a former first-round pick, remains one of the more fascinating cases in the system. The power is real, and spring training offers another opportunity to show progress in the rest of his game. Tanner Schobel and Patrick Winkel are solid organizational performers who do many things well and help keep the environment competitive.

      Non-roster invites rarely tell a complete story on their own, but together these players offer clues about the Twins’ current priorities. By bringing in their best prospects, recent standouts, and valuable depth, the Twins reinforce that spring training isn’t just about preparing the Opening Day roster; it’s also about developing the next wave by giving them firsthand experience of what it takes to succeed.

      Matthew Lenz

      With the World Series nearing its end, teams will soon be allowed to complete trades. With that, you can expect to hear rumors surrounding the Minnesota Twins, who could look to shed more salary by dealing one or both of their top starting pitchers.

      Jen McCaffrey, who covers the Boston Red Sox for The Athletic, is already stoking the stove in a recent mailbag article. The team that made a late push at the deadline to acquire the 29-year-old Ryan is expected to add to their starting rotation this offseason and will likely be calling the Twins again.

      While they may pursue more elite options, such as Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, they could also opt for more of a number two type like Ryan. At the deadline, Dan Hayes suggested the Twins would be looking for two top-50 prospects in return - "one with a mid-ceiling and one more of a lottery ticket." McCaffrey goes on to speculate that a package including one of shortstop Franklin Arias or outfielder Jhostynxon "The Password" Garcia, plus 2025 first-rounder right-hander Kyson Witherspoon, would be a good "start" to a potential deal.

      Arias, the Red Sox's top prospect and 24th in all of baseball (per MLB Pipeline), started the 2025 season in Single-A Salem before being promoted to High-A Greenville Drive and eventually Double-A Winchester. He posted a .278 AVG with eight home runs, 66 RBI, and 12 stolen bases over 479 at-bats in the minors.

      Garcia split his 2025 season between the minor and major leagues for the Red Sox organization. In the minors, he hit 21 home runs and drove in 75 RBI. He appeared in 5 games for the Red Sox, recording one hit (a double) over seven at-bats with two walks. He ranks as the 85th best prospect in baseball and third in the organization.

      Witherspoon, who didn't appear in a game for the Red Sox organization, finished his NCAA season with a 2.65 ERA and 124 strikeouts across 95.0 innings for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was named a Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist and a Consensus First Team All-American. He is currently the 89th prospect in baseball and 4th fourth-best prospect in the organization, according to MLB Pipeline.

      Who do you think the Twins should look to land if they tango with the Red Sox? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      With an excess amount of depth from the outfield at both the major league and minor league levels, the Minnesota Twins are exploring the possibility of a recently acquired prospect trying their hand at a new position in 2026.

      In a recent episode of Inside Twins, general manager Jeremy Zoll said that Hendry Mendez would get an opportunity to play first base in 2026. Though it's not a position that Mendez has experienced, it is surely a position of need within the organization, and he's shown that outfield defense is not a strength of his.

      At the major league level, the Twins will likely use a combination of Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, and Victor Caratini at first. Behind those three, Aaron Sabato is the only real option, and it's pretty clear he's a long shot to contribute to the Twins, if there's a shot at all.

      Mendez, 21, was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in the Harrison Bader trade. He was added to the 40-man roster in November after a successful season at Double-A and in the Arizona Fall League. Though he didn't crack Twins Daily's top 20 prospect list in the last update, he was ranked as the Twins' 25th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline at the end of last season. After such a successful 2025, it's almost a guarantee he will move up in both lists.

      Do you think he can establish himself as a candidate for the Twins' first baseman in the future? Let us know in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      Right-hander David Festa is inching closer to getting back on a mound after dealing with a shoulder issue that surfaced during Spring Training. The next step in his progression is scheduled to come this week, as Festa is expected to face live hitters. If that goes well, a rehab assignment should not be far behind, putting him on a clearer path back to the Twins pitching staff.

      That timeline alone would be encouraging, but Festa’s situation carries another layer of intrigue. The Twins are in need of bullpen reinforcements, and his power arsenal could make him a natural fit in a relief role. General manager Jeremy Zoll acknowledged that the organization is actively evaluating how Festa might be used once he is healthy.

      “I know the role conversation remains a relevant question,” Zoll said. “We’re going to have more to come probably next week on that.”

      The uncertainty surrounding his role is tied, in part, to a string of health interruptions. Festa dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the 2025 season, and this spring brought a new issue. He was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement, an injury the Twins have indicated is unrelated to last year’s TOS concerns, but still enough to halt his throwing program for a couple of weeks.

      “I’ve kind of felt it on and off the last week or two,” Festa said in spring training. “Didn’t really say anything, because sometimes when you’re building up, you don’t always feel great. But once my bullpen wasn’t as good as it probably should’ve been, I just spoke up and got an image done. And everything lines up pretty well with what I’m feeling.”

      Following an MRI, Festa received an injection and was shut down for roughly two to three weeks. Now, with that downtime behind him, the focus shifts toward ramping back up and proving he can handle game intensity again.

      Originally a 13th-round pick in 2021, Festa moved quickly through the minor leagues and debuted in June 2024. His rookie season showed flashes of real promise. After a rocky introduction, he settled in with a 3.81 ERA and 69 strikeouts across his final 54.1 innings. His ability to miss bats with a three-pitch mix stood out immediately.

      Expectations rose heading into 2025, but the results never quite matched the underlying talent. Festa posted a 5.40 ERA over 53.1 innings, though inconsistency and lingering health concerns likely played a role. Even so, his 130 strikeouts against 42 walks in 117.2 career innings point to a pitcher with more upside than his surface-level numbers suggest, reinforced by a 4.27 FIP that paints a more optimistic picture.

      That upside is exactly why the Twins have a decision to make. As a starter, Festa has shown he can turn a lineup over and generate swings and misses. In shorter bursts, his velocity and raw stuff could tick up even further, potentially making him a high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen.

      That possibility becomes even more relevant when looking at the current state of Minnesota’s relief corps. The Twins have operated with the lowest average fastball velocity among MLB bullpens, a profile that can work when command and sequencing are sharp but leaves little margin for error. Adding a pitcher like Festa, who can bring power and miss bats, could give the group a different look and help balance the group.

      For now, the priority is simple. Festa needs to get through live batting practice, build up innings, and prove his shoulder can hold up. Once that box is checked, the Twins will have a much clearer picture not just of when he can return, but also of how he can make the biggest impact.

      Matthew Lenz

      Derek Shelton continues to put his own touch on the Minnesota Twins' coaching staff. Since he's taken the role of manager, Shelton has named a new hitting coach, bench coach, bullpen coach, first base coach, and field coordinator. Recently, he made another addition to the coaching staff by bringing in someone who recently played for the club.

      Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Minnesota Twins are hiring Michael A. Taylor as the team's Outfield Instructor. Michael A. Taylor retired following the 2025 season after a 12-year career with five different clubs, most recently with the Chicago White Sox.

      For what Taylor lacked in offense (a career 79+ OPS), he made up for in his outfield defense. Throughout his career, Taylor was known as an elite glove-first center fielder, which is evident by being a three-time Rawlings Gold Glove finalist and the award in 2021. It's likely he would have received recognition (and hardware) if his bat had allowed him to stay in the lineup more regularly.

      Regardless, Taylor will shift from patrolling the outfield to patrolling the outfielders with the Twins in 2025. A role that he seems perfectly suited for, given the 62 Outs Above Average (OAA) he accrued in the Statcast era.

      Do you think Taylor can help strengthen the outfield defense, particularly when it comes to Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach? Let us know in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      Rocco Baldelli’s time in Minnesota officially came following the 2025 season, but his next chapter has already begun. After a difficult 92 loss season led to his dismissal, the former Twins manager is joining the Los Angeles Dodgers front office according to reporting from the Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale. The move brings Baldelli into the heart of baseball’s most dominant organization and reunites him with a familiar face.

      The Twins chose to move on from Baldelli after missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. It was a decision driven more by frustration than by a clear indictment of his abilities. Baldelli was never the sole reason the team stumbled through 2025, and he certainly was not the source of the deep flaws that defined the club’s roster and performance. Instead he became the public face of accountability when those above him would not accept their share of the responsibility.

      Even so it was never expected that Baldelli would remain unemployed for long. The real question was whether he wanted to jump back into the grind immediately. His answer came sooner than many anticipated. The Dodgers have brought him aboard in a front office role, a path he knows well from earlier in his career.

      Before he ever filled out a lineup card Baldelli worked in the Tampa Bay Rays system after a mitochondrial disorder ended his playing career in 2010. He joined Andrew Friedman’s baseball operations group as a special assistant and quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful evaluator with a strong grasp of player development. That experience helped launch his coaching and managerial trajectory, and now he returns to work alongside Friedman for an organization with unmatched resources and championship expectations.

      Baldelli’s tenure in Minnesota ends with a 527-505 record across seven seasons, including three American League Central titles and the drought breaking playoff series win in 2023. He captured the American League Manager of the Year award in 2019 and helped guide several young players into key roles. With one year left on his contract the Twins dismissed him after their 70-92 finish, setting off broad changes across the staff. Many of his former coaches quickly landed on their feet in new roles around the league, a sign of how well respected that group had become.

      While Baldelli is stepping out of the dugout for now, a front office role does not signal the end of his managerial aspirations. Minnesota even considered a similar transition with Scott Servais earlier this winter. If anything this move may serve as a launching pad. The Dodgers operate with a level of infrastructure and financial backing that could not be more different from what Baldelli experienced with the Twins. Working under Friedman again and within an ownership group that pushes relentlessly for championships may give him an even broader skill set.

      For Baldelli this is a chance to reset and reemerge. For the Dodgers it is another savvy addition to a front office that rarely misses.

      Matthew Lenz

      Whether new Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton planned to or not, he'll need to find a new bench coach for the 2026 season. 

      Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic is reporting that the San Francisco Giants are hiring Minnesota Twins bench coach Jayce Tingler for the same position. It has not been reported whether Tingler has been informed that he was or was not going to return for 2026. It is also not known whether he was considered for the Twins' managerial vacancy.

      Before serving as the Twins' bench coach, Tingler managed the San Diego Padres for two seasons, leading them to a 116-106 record. In an article written by Megan Ryan of the Minnesota Star Tribune, he is described as "someone who, really, the key trait, what stood out the most, is who he is as a person, who he is as a leader, and how he goes about in helping players and staff and everyone around him" by Derek Falvey.

      Tingler and the new Giants manager, Tony Vitello, were college teammates at the University of Missouri and are "close friends", per Baggarly. That, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding his standing with Shelton and the Twins, likely explains the lateral move.

      How do you think the Twins will be impacted by his departure? Let us know what you think in the comments!

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins are wasting little time challenging their top draft pick. Shortstop Marek Houston, the 16th overall selection in July’s draft, has been promoted to High-A Cedar Rapids after just 12 games with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.

      Houston impressed immediately in Low-A, slashing .370/.424/.444 with 13 strikeouts, five walks, and plenty of highlight plays in the field. His advanced glove work, considered the best among shortstops in this year’s draft, was a major factor in the Twins selecting him in the first round.

      He now joins a Kernels team that already has its ticket punched for the postseason after winning the Midwest League West Division’s first half. Houston will get a taste of playoff baseball right away, with 18 regular-season games left plus Cedar Rapids’ postseason run. His High-A debut could come as soon as tomorrow, August 19, when the Kernels visit the South Bend Cubs.

      What do you think of Houston’s early showing in the Twins organization? Is he tracking even faster than expected? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

      Cody Christie

      Preseason rankings abound, but MLB.com recently delivered a bleak forecast for the Minnesota Twins. MLB.com’s Mike Petriello recently grouped every Major League club into tiers reflecting their potential to win during the 2026 season. Instead of ranking teams from 1 to 30, he grouped organizations into roughly 8 or 9 groups based on expectations, roster strength, and overall outlook.

      At the very top sits a tier of its own occupied by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The next level includes a collection of clear contenders like the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Yankees. Minnesota, however, landed on the opposite end of the spectrum.

      Petriello placed the Twins in the lowest league tier, with only the Angels sharing that spot. It's a grouping that raises a pressing question: What is the path forward?

      To be clear, Petriello did not suggest these teams will necessarily finish with the worst records in baseball. In fact, he acknowledged that both the Twins and Angels still have talent on their rosters, including superstar players like Byron Buxton and Mike Trout. The concern is less about pure ability and more about the direction of the organizations themselves.

      According to Petriello, the issue primarily concerns the vibe around the clubs. For Minnesota, the last several months have shaped those vibes. Uncertainty after last year’s trade deadline and injuries to key pitchers like Pablo Lopez and David Festa have created a sense that the franchise is straddling competing and retooling. Outsiders often struggle to interpret that ambiguity positively.

      The data-driven projections do little to calm those concerns either. FanGraphs currently projects the Twins for the 23rd most wins (78 wins) in baseball during the 2026 season. The Angels sit even lower at 27th in those projections (73 wins). Only a handful of teams project worse, including the Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, and Colorado Rockies, who FanGraphs expects to finish with fewer than 70 wins.

      Ironically, Petriello placed several of those clubs in a higher tier than Minnesota. The Cardinals, Rockies, Nationals, and White Sox all landed in the eighth tier rather than the ninth. His reasoning was that those organizations appear to have a clearer long-term plan in place, even if the short-term results may still be rough. That distinction highlights the real criticism facing the Twins right now. It is not just about wins and losses. It is about perception.

      Minnesota still features a roster capable of surprising people if things break the right way. Young players could step forward, the pitching staff could stabilize, and a few early-season wins could quickly change the narrative around a team. But heading into the season, the national view of the franchise remains uncertain.

      The Twins may not accept the assessment, but it clearly outlines the challenge they face as they enter 2026. If the organization wants to shift the conversation about its future, it must do so on the field once the games start.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins announced on Thursday that they have claimed right-handed reliever Zak Kent off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals after he was designated for assignment earlier this week. In a corresponding move, Pablo López was transferred to the 60-day injured list following the internal brace procedure that will sideline him for the entirety of the 2026 season.

      Kent is now on his third organization since the start of spring training and his fourth of the offseason after previously bouncing between the Cleveland Guardians, Texas Rangers, and back to St. Louis before landing with Minnesota. He is clearly viewed as a fringe player for the 40-man roster, but the Twins have a bullpen need, and Kent has one minor league option remaining.

      The 28-year-old made his big league debut during the 2025 season with Cleveland, logging 17 2/3 innings with a 4.58 ERA to go along with a 21.1 K% and a 10.5 BB%. He spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A, where he posted a 2.84 ERA and struck out an impressive 31.4% of opposing hitters despite a disappointing 13.2 BB%.

      Kent does not overpower hitters with velocity as his four-seamer averaged 93.1 miles per hour last season, but his mid-80s slider and low-80s curveball helped generate plenty of swings and misses at the upper levels of the minors. Across parts of four Triple-A seasons, he owns a 3.74 ERA with a 26 K% and a 12 BB%.

      Kent is entering what will be his final minor league option year after being granted a fourth option due to injury history and developmental timeline. He now becomes another name in what is shaping up to be a wide-open bullpen competition that currently has Cole Sands, Anthony Banda, Taylor Rogers, and Justin Topa penciled into roles. Other relief options include Liam Hendriks, Eric Orze, and Andrew Chafin. There was a glut of left-handed relievers, so adding a righty to the mix could help to balance the roster.

      With López out for the season, Minnesota will need to find value on the margins, and Kent represents the type of low-risk addition that could pay dividends over the course of a long season. If his swing and miss stuff translates consistently at the big league level, the Twins may have quietly added a bullpen arm capable of providing meaningful innings in 2026.

      Matthew Lenz

      It's been two weeks since Royce Lewis strained his left hamstring leaving the Minnesota Twins scrambling to cover the hot corner.

      In a positive development, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic is reporting that Lewis will begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, June 27th.

      While Lewis struggled to find his bat after missing the first month of the season, but seemed to be turning a corner before his latest injury. In the meantime, Brooks Lee has been a solid replacement for Lewis and is recently enjoyed an 18-game hitting streak and his hit safely in 22 of his last 23 games.

      Once Lewis' rehab assignment is over, should he join the Twins ASAP or get extra reps in St. Paul? Join the conversation in the comments!

      Matthew Lenz

      Derek Shelton, hired earlier in the week, has made his first move as Minnesota Twins manager locking down the teams new bullpen coach.

      Dan Hayes of The Athletic is reporting that the teams are naming LaTroy Hawkins for the role.

      There may be no one more qualified for the role as Hawkins pitched across 21 major league seasons, accumulating 944 career relief appearances. Initially a starting pitcher with the Twins, he transitioned to the bullpen permanently in 2000. Hawkins recorded 127 career saves with 11 different teams in his career. Given his longevity, he filled many different bullpen roles in his career, most notably finding success in a setup role.

      Since retiring following the 2015 season, Hawkins is stayed busy in professional baseball. He served as a special assistant in the Twins' front office in 2016 and had maintained that role through the 2025 season. He has taken on coaching roles with USA Baseball, including serving as the pitching coach for the 18U National Team in 2023. Additionally, he has been a part-time analyst for Twins television broadcasts since 2017.

      What do you think of the hire? Let us know in the comments!

       

       

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