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  • MLB Notes

    Read quick notes on the Minnesota Twins big league club, including injuries, lineup changes and roster moves.

    226 rumors in this category

      Cody Christie

      There are plenty of moments that define a player’s tenure with the Minnesota Twins, but for Carlos Correa, one of the most impactful experiences happened away from the field. In a recent conversation with MLB.com reporter Brian McTaggart, Correa shared details of a terrifying moment on Lake Minnetonka that nearly cost him and his young son their lives.

      The incident occurred in mid-July, while Correa was out on the water with family. At one point, he and his three-year-old son Kylo found themselves separated from their boat and struggling to stay afloat. Without a life jacket and with his son clinging to his back, Correa quickly realized the situation was more dangerous than it first appeared.

      As he fought to keep them both above water, severe cramping set in throughout his legs. The physical toll made it increasingly difficult to stay afloat, forcing Correa to search for anything nearby that could provide support. Eventually, he reached a buoy, but even that proved challenging. After initially losing his grip and slipping beneath the surface, Correa injured his left hand while grabbing onto the chain.

      With limited strength and fading energy, he alternated hands to maintain his hold while keeping his son secure. It was a desperate effort just to buy time. Correa was eventually able to call out for help, catching the attention of his father-in-law near the boat. He swam over and delivered a life jacket, bringing a frightening situation under control before it turned tragic.

      Looking back, Correa credited his faith for helping him endure the ordeal, describing it as a moment that tested both his body and mindset. The timing only adds another layer to the story. Correa indicated the scare occurred around the All-Star break, and within a couple of weeks, his time in Minnesota came to an abrupt end.

      The Twins moved on from Correa at the trade deadline in what amounted to a financial decision. The return was minimal, Matt Mikulski, a minor league player who did not factor into the organization’s long-term plans and was eventually released after the 2025 season.

      Correa’s tenure with Minnesota still carried significance. After signing one of the largest contracts in franchise history prior to the 2023 season, he provided stability at shortstop and delivered consistent production. Across three and a half seasons, he posted a 118 OPS+ with 61 home runs and earned an All-Star selection during his time in Minnesota. He also played a key role in the 2023 club that finally snapped the franchise’s lengthy postseason drought, helping the Twins secure their first playoff series victory in more than two decades.

      However, the momentum did not carry over. A reduction in payroll the following offseason limited the team’s ability to build on that success, and Minnesota was unable to return to the playoffs before ultimately parting ways with its star shortstop.

      After returning to the Houston Astros, where his career originally began, Correa found another gear at the plate. He combined for a 117 OPS+ over 51 games down the stretch, a noticeable jump from his .94 OPS+ in 93 games with Minnesota earlier in the 2025 season.

      In the end, Correa’s departure will be remembered for what it meant on the field and in the front office. But his story now carries something deeper. Before the trade, before the roster decisions, there was a moment on a Minnesota lake that nearly changed everything.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins finally welcomed Cole Sands back from the injured list over the weekend, hoping the right-hander could stabilize a bullpen that has searched for reliable late-inning options all season. Instead, his return lasted just one appearance.

      Before Tuesday's game, the Twins placed Sands back on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow strain and recalled right-hander Jack Anderson from Triple-A St. Paul to take his place on the active roster. The move comes just days after Sands completed a lengthy rehabilitation process that had already been interrupted once by another setback.

      Another Setback for Sands

      Sands had been sidelined since early May with a right forearm strain. Minnesota originally believed the injury would keep him out for only a short period, and he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in early June. Those plans quickly unraveled. Inflammation returned during the rehab process, forcing the Twins to shut him down and restart his recovery from scratch. After weeks of waiting, Sands finally made it back to the major league bullpen this weekend.

      His return could not have gone much worse. Sands recorded just one out while allowing five earned runs, finishing with a -0.14 Win Probability Added (WPA). While the Twins had built enough of a lead to survive against the Athletics, it was evident that something wasn't right.

      Now, the club has its answer. Instead of building momentum after months of rehab, Sands is back on the injured list with an elbow strain, creating even more uncertainty around his future.

      Anderson Gets Another Opportunity

      To replace Sands, the Twins recalled Jack Anderson, who has quietly impressed in his first taste of the majors with Minnesota. After being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, Anderson has appeared in three games for the Twins. Across 3 1/3 scoreless innings, he has allowed just one hit while striking out four and walking one.

      His previous major league experience came with Boston earlier this season, where he logged eight innings over three appearances. Anderson allowed three earned runs on eight hits while recording six strikeouts and only two walks. Although the sample size remains small, it was enough for Minnesota to see something worth developing.

      His numbers at Triple-A Worcester were less dominant. Anderson posted a 4.57 ERA while striking out 20.0% of opposing hitters and walking 8.1% before the Twins claimed him.

      A Tough Blow for Minnesota's Bullpen

      Few relievers seemed more likely to impact Minnesota's postseason push than Sands. After establishing himself as one of the Twins' most dependable bullpen arms over the past two seasons, the expectation was that he would eventually return to reclaim a meaningful role in the late innings. Instead, injuries have limited him to just 13 appearances, and his long-awaited return ended almost as quickly as it began.

      Now, with an elbow strain sending him back to the injured list, the outlook becomes much more concerning. Depending on the severity of the injury, Sands may have already thrown his final pitch of the 2026 season.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins have lost one of their bullpen stalwarts to an injury.

      Right-hander Cole Sands was put on the 15-day injured list by the Twins on Saturday due to a strained right forearm. Right-hander John Klein was called up from Triple-A St. Paul to make his MLB debut.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) May 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM

      Sands made 131 appearances out of the Twins' bullpen the last two seasons and had made 12 in 2026. In 11⅔ innings, he had a 4.63 ERA with six runs on 12 hits with four walks and 11 strikeouts. He last appeared in a game Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, giving up two runs on three hits, including a homer, in two-thirds of an inning. He came on with one on and one out in the eighth and gave up a double to Julio Rodriguez and a three-run homer to Josh Naylor, turning a 2-1 Twins deficit into a 5-1 disadvantage.

      Klein had made seven appearances, six starts, at St. Paul this year. He had a 7.48 ERA in 21⅔ innings, walking six and striking out 24. Klein signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Twins have spent much of the season trying to patch together their bullpen without one of their most dependable relievers. Right-hander Cole Sands has been sidelined since early May with a right forearm strain, but after navigating a frustrating rehab process that included an unexpected setback, he appears to be trending in the right direction.

      Minnesota placed Sands on the 15-day injured list on May 2 after forearm discomfort forced him out of action. The organization originally hoped he would return relatively quickly, and he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in early June. Those plans were delayed when inflammation resurfaced, forcing the Twins to shut him down and allow the injury to calm before restarting the process.

      After completing another throwing progression, Sands resumed his rehab assignment and immediately showed encouraging signs. During one of his recent appearances, his fastball averaged 93.7 mph, a noticeable improvement from where it had been earlier this season and an indication that his arm strength is continuing to return.

      His latest outing may have been his most encouraging yet. Pitching for Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Sands tossed a scoreless inning while once again seeing all of his pitch velocities climb above his season averages. It marked the second consecutive rehab appearance in which his velocity ticked upward, another positive indicator that he is getting closer to full strength.

      Even with the improved results, the Twins aren't quite ready to activate him. Saturday's outing came four days after his previous appearance, and Minnesota wants to see how Sands responds to a more typical major league workload before bringing him back. That likely means pitching on shorter rest, with back-to-back appearances a possibility, before the club is convinced he can handle the demands of a late-inning role.

      Before the injury, Sands wasn't producing at the level Twins fans had become accustomed to seeing. Over 11 2/3 innings this season, he owns a 4.63 ERA with a 22% strikeout rate and an eight percent walk rate. Opposing hitters have also produced a hefty 51.4% hard-hit rate against him.

      One of the biggest differences has been his fastball. Sands averaged 95 mph during the 2025 season, but that figure dropped to 93.1 mph before landing on the injured list. Even so, there were signs that better results could have been on the horizon. His 3.65 SIERA sits nearly a full run lower than his actual ERA, suggesting his underlying performance was stronger than the surface numbers indicate. It's also fair to wonder whether his forearm issue contributed to his rough final outing on April 28 against Seattle, when he surrendered two runs while recording just two outs.

      Despite his uneven start to 2026, Sands has earned the benefit of the doubt. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, he has developed into one of Minnesota's most dependable relievers, regularly taking on high-leverage innings while providing valuable multi-inning flexibility.

      The Twins have managed to survive his absence by leaning on relievers such as Yoendrys Gomez, Andrew Morris, and Anthony Banda before Banda's season-ending injury further thinned the bullpen. While several pitchers have stepped into larger roles, adding an experienced arm like Sands would give manager Derek Shelton another trusted option for the stretch run.

      If Sands continues checking the remaining boxes during his rehab assignment, his return may not be far away. A healthy version of the right-hander could help stabilize a relief corps that has spent much of the season searching for consistency. With velocity returning and his workload gradually increasing, the Twins finally have reason to believe one of their most reliable relievers is nearing his return.

      Cody Christie

      The Twins received discouraging news this week when right-hander Cole Sands was pulled off his rehab assignment after experiencing continued issues with his strained right forearm.

      Sands made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, and the outing appeared to be a positive first step toward rejoining Minnesota's bullpen. In one inning, he didn’t allow any hits and struck out one batter on 13 pitches. He had two swinging strikes and three strikes looking. 

      However, his arm did not recover quickly enough afterward to allow him to continue pitching. As a result, the Twins have shut down the rehab assignment and will give him additional time to rest and receive treatment before restarting a throwing program.

      At this point, there is no clear timeline for when Sands could return to the major league roster. Under league rules, the Twins must wait at least a week before he can begin another rehab assignment. Even then, the organization will likely proceed cautiously given the nature of the injury.

      While Sands' traditional numbers do not jump off the page, his absence has been felt. The right-hander owns a 4.63 ERA across 11 2/3 innings this season, but the underlying metrics suggest he was performing better than the results indicated. He maintained a strong strikeout rate and carried a 3.65 SIERA, pointing toward a pitcher whose effectiveness was better than his ERA suggested.

      Looking back, there may have been warning signs before Sands landed on the injured list. His final appearance came against Seattle on April 28 when he surrendered two runs in an outing that lacked the crispness typically seen from him. The quality of his stuff appeared diminished, and the radar gun provided additional evidence that something was wrong.

      Velocity declines are often one of the first indicators of a physical issue. After averaging roughly 95 mph on his fastball during the 2025 season, Sands sat closer to 93.1 mph this year before being sidelined. When forearm discomfort accompanies a noticeable drop in velocity, teams naturally become cautious. That reality makes every step forward in his recovery process meaningful, even if those steps are currently smaller than the Twins had hoped.

      Sands entered the season expected to be a significant contributor in Minnesota's late-inning mix. Few relievers on the roster possess his combination of experience and ability to handle leverage situations. Although his early-season results were inconsistent, the Twins viewed him as an important piece of a bullpen that has spent much of the year searching for consistency.

      Minnesota's relief corps has been in near-constant flux throughout the season as injuries and performance fluctuations have forced the club to shuffle roles. The Twins have received strong contributions from several relievers like Yoendrys Gomez and Anthony Banda, but the group still lacks the stability that teams need over the course of 162-games. 

      Getting Sands healthy remains one of the organization's priorities because his return would provide another trusted arm capable of handling meaningful innings. Until then, the Twins will continue looking for answers while hoping one of their most important bullpen reinforcements can eventually make his way back to Target Field.

      Cody Christie

      For months, the Minnesota Twins hoped Cole Sands could finally put his injury troubles behind him. Every time it looked like the right-hander was nearing a return, another setback followed. Now, his frustrating 2026 season has officially come to an end.

      The Twins announced that Sands will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, ending any chance of him pitching again this season. He'll also receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, with the organization optimistic that the procedure will allow him to have a relatively normal offseason and report healthy for Spring Training in 2027.

      It's an unfortunate ending to what became one of the most frustrating injury sagas of the Twins' season. Sands first landed on the injured list on May 2, retroactive to April 29, with what was initially diagnosed as a right forearm strain. At the time, Minnesota believed the injury would only sideline him briefly. Instead, it lingered for months.

      He began a rehab assignment in early June but was shut down after inflammation returned. As the forearm strain improved, Sands still wasn't feeling right, prompting the Twins to continue searching for answers. He underwent multiple MRIs and a CT scan before doctors determined arthroscopic surgery to clean up his elbow offered the best path forward.

      The 28-year-old restarted his rehab assignment earlier this month and finally appeared to be turning a corner. Over seven scoreless innings in the minors, Sands struck out eight hitters and earned another call back to the major league bullpen.

      Unfortunately, his return lasted just one appearance. Facing the Athletics over the weekend, Sands recorded only one out while allowing five earned runs. He finished with a -0.14 Win Probability Added (WPA), and although Minnesota held on for the victory, it was immediately apparent that something wasn't right. The Twins placed him back on the injured list shortly afterward, and the decision to proceed with surgery followed.

      It marks a disappointing interruption for a reliever who had quietly become a valuable piece of Minnesota's bullpen. Since making his major league debut in 2022, Sands has logged 207 1/3 innings with a respectable 4.21 ERA while consistently limiting free passes with a better-than-average 6.9% walk rate. 

      His breakout came in 2024 when he struck out 29.1% of opposing hitters, though that figure dipped to 21.5% beginning in 2025 as he transitioned into more of a contact-management role.

      Before the injury, Sands owned a 4.63 ERA across 12 appearances this season, but the numbers hardly tell the story of a year defined by rehab assignments, shutdowns, and unanswered questions.

      The good news for both Sands and the Twins is that the organization believes the surgery addresses the underlying issue that repeatedly derailed his comeback attempts. With the procedure coming now, the expectation is that he'll still have something close to a normal offseason rather than facing a prolonged rehabilitation into next year.

      For a bullpen that has already endured its share of injuries and turnover, losing Sands for the remainder of the season is another difficult blow. But after months of uncertainty, both player and club finally have a clear path forward. The focus now shifts from returning in 2026 to making sure Sands is fully healthy when pitchers and catchers report next February.

       

       

      Brock Beauchamp

      It's hard to predict how this offseason will unfold, as there is an increasing chance of (yet another) MLB lockout following the 2026 season. Will teams spend big this offseason, hoping to create surety in the face of an unknown collective bargaining agreement? Or will they be hesitant in hopes of a favorable outcome for ownership groups?

      No matter how it shakes out, teams will need to compete in the 2026 season, and they'll need to sign free agents this winter. DiamondCentric has compiled a complete list of free agents, sortable and searchable by pretty much any metric you need. Looking for a first baseman? A catcher? We have you covered. We offer two pages for your reference: one for position players, the other for pitchers.

      Free Agent Hitters In the 2025-2026 MLB Offseason

      hitters.jpg

      dc-initials.png Complete List Of 2025-2026 MLB Free Agent Hitters

      DiamondCentric.net
      Here is a complete list of free agent hitters in the 2025-2026 MLB offseason.

      Free Agent Pitchers In the 2025-2026 MLB Offseason

      pitchers.jpg

      dc-initials.png Complete List Of 2025-2026 MLB Free Agent Pitchers

      DiamondCentric.net
      Here is a complete list of free agent pitchers in the 2025-2026 MLB offseason.
      Steve Drumwright

       

      This is the day Connor Prielipp has been waiting for.

      The Minnesota Twins called up the left-hander to make his MLB debut by starting Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. Outfielder Ryan Kreidler was sent back to Triple-A St. Paul.

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

      — Minnesota Twins (@twinsbaseball.bsky.social) April 22, 2026 at 8:58 AM

      For the 25-year-old Prielipp, Twins Daily's No. 5 prospect, the path to his debut has been a rocky road. The Tomah, Wis., native had Tommy John surgery in college at Alabama, but the Twins still took a chance on him with their second-round pick in the 2022 draft. Unfortunately, Prielipp needed an internal brace procedure on the same elbow after two appearances in 2023.

      In 2024, Prielipp returned to make nine starts with a 2.70 ERA in 23⅓ innings, walking seven and striking out 41. He made 23 starts and one relief appearance in 2025 between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul, with a combined 4.03 ERA, with 31 walks and 98 strikeouts in 82⅔ innings. At St. Paul this season, Prielipp appeared in four games, three starts, pitching 15⅔ innings and posting a 2.30 ERA with eight walks and 22 strikeouts.

      Kreidler was called up from St. Paul on April 11 and appeared in five games, going 3-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs. His demotion puts an even split on the 26-man roster of 13 position players and 13 pitchers after a one-day imbalance.

       

      Cody Christie

      Spring training is always about progression, but for David Festa, the climb toward Opening Day may be a little more deliberate this year.

      According to The Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale, Festa is “gradually ramping up” this spring after ending the 2025 season on the injured list. In September, Festa was diagnosed with a mild form of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, which caused nerve compression in his right shoulder. He underwent treatment that included Botox injections in an effort to avoid surgery.

      Over the weekend in Fort Myers, Festa took another step forward by throwing live at-bats on a back field. Nightengale reported that his fastball sat between 91 and 92 miles per hour during the session. That mark falls short of last season when Festa averaged 94.1 miles per hour on his four-seamer, but it is also an indication that he is trending in the right direction after previously being limited to bullpen sessions.

      The nerve issue near his pitching shoulder required a cautious offseason approach, and the Twins are clearly taking the same path this spring. Even so, Festa still has a legitimate opportunity to win a spot in Minnesota’s rotation as camp progresses.

      Earlier in the winter, there was some speculation that Festa could shift to the bullpen in order to bolster a group lacking high upside right-handed options. However, starting pitching depth has quickly become a priority for the Twins following the news that Pablo López will miss the 2026 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

      Minnesota’s projected rotation currently includes Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Taj Bradley. The final spot could ultimately come down to Festa, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel as the calendar inches closer to Opening Day. Whichever two pitchers fall short in that competition will likely begin the year with the St. Paul Saints and serve as early-season depth should injuries arise or performance dictate a change.

      Festa entered last season as arguably Minnesota’s top pitching prospect after posting a 34.9 K% with a 4.00 FIP at Triple-A in 2024. However, his big-league tenure has matched those upper-minors results. In 117 2/3 innings, he has posted an 83 ERA+, 4.27 FIP, and 25.7 K%.

      For Festa, Saturday’s live session was not about velocity as much as it was about availability. If the trend continues upward, he could still find himself in the Opening Day conversation even as the Twins take a patient approach to his return.

      Cory Moen

      Twins GM Jeremy Zoll reported that Mick Abel and David Festa are both unlikely to pitch this year.

      Abel had arthroscopic elbow surgery on July 1. He looked good before going on the injured list. In his two starts before going on the injured list, he threw 13 innings, giving up zero runs and recording 16 strikeouts with just three walks. The hope when he went on the injured list was that he would be back later in the summer, but after surgery, it looks unlikely he will pitch again in 2026.

      Unfortunately for Festa, he has been on the injured list all year after dealing with a shoulder impingement in Spring Training. He was starting to work back, and in unfortunate circumstances, symptoms resurfaced, which put his rehab on pause. 

      Zoll stated that Festa may be dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome, but the team would know more once he visits a specialist. Festa dealt with thoracic outlet syndrome in September of last season, so the hope is that this isn't a recurring issue but something else. 

      With this news, the Twins rotation loses potential depth options, and maybe this leads to the Twins adding a starter if they do decide to buy at the trade deadline in a few weeks. 

      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.

      Cody Christie

      Prior to Sunday’s matchup with Toronto, Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll met with reporters and shared updates on several injured players across the organization. Among those, David Festa’s status stood out for all the wrong reasons.

      Festa had been building toward a return after dealing with a shoulder issue during Spring Training, but that progress hit a snag. Following his third live batting practice session, he experienced renewed discomfort, forcing the organization to halt his ramp-up and reassess. The timing is unfortunate, as he appeared to be nearing a minor league rehab assignment before this latest development.

      He has yet to pitch in a game this season, and the road back has already been complicated. Festa was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome late in 2025 and then dealt with right shoulder impingement earlier this year. Each step forward has required patience, and now that patience will be tested again.

      The situation leaves the Twins balancing short-term needs with long-term value. When healthy, Festa still projects as a meaningful piece of the organization’s pitching depth. Entering last season, he was arguably the team’s top pitching prospect. However, shoulder concerns can quickly alter timelines, and the team may need to remain flexible about how they eventually deploy him.

      There is at least some reason to believe a different role could unlock more consistency. Over the past two seasons, Festa has posted a 5.12 ERA alongside a more encouraging 4.27 FIP, backed by a 25.7% strikeout rate and an 8.3% walk rate. Those underlying metrics hint at a pitcher whose arsenal could benefit from shorter bursts, where his stuff may play up, and the physical demands are easier to manage.

      Even so, any conversation about role changes is secondary right now. The Twins are focused on getting Festa back to a place where he can throw regularly without setbacks. That means taking a deliberate approach and avoiding any temptation to accelerate the process.

      There is still a path for Festa to contribute in 2026, but it will depend on how his body responds in the coming weeks. Whether he ultimately returns as a starter or shifts into a relief role will sort itself out over time. For now, the objective is straightforward. Get healthy and stay healthy.

      For a team already navigating questions about its pitching depth, every update carries weight. This one may not be what Minnesota hoped for, but it does not close the door. If Festa can resume his progression without further interruption, he still has a chance to factor into the picture later this season.

      Cody Christie

      Spring training is supposed to be about ramping up, refining mechanics, and building momentum toward Opening Day. For David Festa, it has instead become another exercise in patience.

      Festa felt discomfort in the back of his right shoulder during a bullpen session on February 24, a moment that immediately raised concern given the neurological thoracic outlet syndrome that cut short his 2025 campaign. This time, however, the news carried a different tone. An MRI revealed that the issue is unrelated to last fall’s diagnosis. Instead, Festa is dealing with a rotator cuff impingement, a far more familiar and, importantly, manageable obstacle.

      According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Festa remains several weeks away from leaving Florida as he continues his recovery process. That timeline is not insignificant, especially for a Twins club already navigating early-season pitching uncertainty, but the right-hander’s outlook provides reason for encouragement.

      “Honestly, it feels better than I probably expected,” Festa said. “I never want to make too much of it because it’s light catch from a shorter distance, but I feel like the arm’s moving cleaner.”

      At the moment, Festa is playing catch at 90 feet, a modest but meaningful step in the progression. The long-term plan remains fluid. Festa intends to build up like a starting pitcher, which aligns with how the organization has developed him to this point. There have been no formal discussions about a defined role, but the reality is difficult to ignore. The Minnesota Twins are already dealing with the loss of Pablo López for the season, and pitching depth will be tested early.

      That creates an interesting tension. On one hand, Minnesota would prefer to preserve as much starting depth as possible. Festa, once viewed as arguably the organization’s top pitching prospect, fits into that equation when healthy. On the other hand, shoulder issues have a way of reshaping development paths. If the Twins need immediate innings and Festa proves healthy but not fully stretched out, a move to the bullpen could be a practical solution.

      It is not as though Festa lacks the tools to succeed in that role. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 5.12 ERA with a 4.27 FIP, backed by a strong 25.7 K% and a manageable 8.3 BB%. Those numbers suggest a pitcher whose underlying skills are more intriguing than the surface results. Shorter outings could allow his stuff to play up while limiting exposure and workload.

      Still, the organization will not rush that decision. Health comes first, and Festa will need to demonstrate that he can handle a consistent throwing program before anything else is considered. For now, the focus remains simple. Keep progressing. Keep building. Keep listening to the arm.

      If Festa continues on his current trajectory, he could still factor into Minnesota’s plans at some point this season. Whether that comes as a starter or in a relief role will depend on timing, health, and organizational need. What matters most is that the early signs suggest this setback is just that, a setback, not a turning point.

      In a season where pitching depth is already under strain, the Twins will take every bit of good news they can get. Festa’s recovery may not solve everything, but it is a step in the right direction at a time when those steps are especially important.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins received official confirmation on one of the organization's longest-running injury situations Wednesday. Right-hander David Festa will undergo two separate surgeries on Thursday, bringing an end to any possibility of a return during the 2026 season.

      According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Festa will have a procedure to correct a shoulder impingement while also undergoing surgery to treat neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition caused by compressed nerves between the neck and shoulder.

      General manager Jeremy Zoll hinted last week that Festa was unlikely to pitch again this season. These operations make that outcome official and shift the focus toward getting the 26-year-old healthy for 2027.

      A Seemingly Endless Injury Journey

      Festa's shoulder troubles are nothing new. What initially appeared to be a manageable issue has lingered for nearly two years, preventing him from building any momentum.

      The Twins first sought answers last September when Festa met with a thoracic outlet specialist. Doctors determined that a compressed nerve was contributing to his discomfort, though surgery wasn't recommended at the time. Instead, he attempted to rehab the issue.

      Unfortunately, the symptoms resurfaced during Spring Training, preventing Festa from getting through his normal throwing program. He has remained on the 60-day injured list throughout the season and hasn't appeared in a regular-season game since last July.

      A Promising Arm Looking for a Fresh Start

      Before the injuries piled up, Festa was viewed as one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects. The former Seton Hall standout reached the majors in 2024 and flashed the swing-and-miss arsenal that made him such an intriguing prospect.

      Across 25 big-league appearances, Festa owns a 5.12 ERA over 117 2/3 innings. His ability to generate strikeouts has remained encouraging (25.7 K%), and his walk rate (8.3 BB%) has generally been under control. The biggest obstacle has been limiting home runs (1.45 HR/9), which have inflated his results despite otherwise solid underlying numbers.

      With two surgeries now scheduled, the Twins will be hoping this finally addresses the physical issues that have stalled his development.

      What Comes Next

      Because Festa has spent the entire season on the 60-day injured list, Minnesota will need to make a decision on his roster status once the offseason begins. The club will either have to restore him to the 40-man roster or expose him to waivers.

      Given Festa's age, prospect pedigree, and the flashes he has shown when healthy, it would be surprising if the Twins moved on. The more likely scenario is that they keep him on the roster while he continues his recovery, hoping the surgeries allow him to return at full strength for the 2027 season.

      Cody Christie

      When the MLB All-Star Game rolls around each summer, it serves as more than just a midseason showcase of the game’s brightest stars. It is also a reflection of the people shaping the sport behind the scenes. This year, the Minnesota Twins will have representation in the dugout as well, with manager Derek Shelton earning a spot on the American League coaching staff.

      Shelton has been tapped to join the American League staff for the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia, a role extended by John Schneider, who will lead the AL squad after guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to the AL pennant. While All-Star managers typically lean on their own coaching staff, they are also given the opportunity to bring in an outside voice. Schneider’s choice of Shelton speaks volumes.

      The connection between the two goes back nearly a decade. In 2017, Shelton was working in a quality control role within Toronto’s system, while Schneider was managing at the High-A level. Their paths crossed early, and the respect built during that time clearly stuck. That relationship resurfaced this spring when Schneider reached out personally to invite Shelton to join him for the Midsummer Classic.

      This will not be Shelton’s first experience on an All-Star staff. Back in 2023, he was managing the Pittsburgh Pirates when Philadelphia’s Rob Thomson selected him to be part of the National League staff. That opportunity came during a difficult stretch in Pittsburgh, but it underscored how Shelton was viewed across the league. Even as the results lagged, his peers recognized his baseball acumen and leadership.

      That reputation has carried over to his current role in Minnesota. Early in the 2026 season, the Twins have looked like a club with direction and energy. Whether it is lineup construction, bullpen usage, or simply the tone set in the clubhouse, Shelton has helped guide a team that is outperforming expectations. Managers rarely get full credit when things go right, but they are often first in line when things go wrong. In this case, Shelton deserves acknowledgment for helping steady the ship.

      The All-Star Game coaching nod is not about one hot stretch or a handful of wins in April. It is about trust, relationships, and respect built over years in the game. Being chosen twice by two different managers in separate leagues reinforces that Shelton is valued well beyond his own clubhouse.

      As the All-Star break approaches, Shelton will step onto one of baseball’s biggest stages once again. This time, he does so representing a Twins team that is attempting to build something meaningful. It may only be a few days in July, but it is another sign that Minnesota’s manager is earning his place among the game’s most respected voices.

      For a franchise looking to turn the page and establish consistency, that is exactly the kind of recognition that matters.

       

      Cody Christie

      Major League Baseball spent years testing the automated ball strike system in the minors before finally rolling it out at the big league level in 2026. The early days of any new rule come with a learning curve, and on Sunday, that adjustment period produced a moment that will live in the record books.

      Twins manager Derek Shelton became the first manager to be ejected in Major League Baseball history over an ABS-related dispute. The moment came in the ninth inning of Minnesota’s 8-6 loss against Baltimore, and it unfolded in a way that perfectly captures both the promise and the confusion surrounding the league’s newest technology.

      With two outs and the Twins mounting a potential rally, Ryan Helsley appeared to issue a walk to Josh Bell. That would have brought the tying run aboard and shifted the pressure squarely onto Baltimore. Instead, Helsley signaled for a challenge, tapping his hat to trigger the ABS system. The call was overturned to a strikeout, abruptly ending Bell’s plate appearance and changing the complexion of the inning.

      Shelton immediately took issue, not necessarily with the result of the challenge, but with its timing. Under MLB’s ABS guidelines, players must initiate a challenge almost instantly after the umpire’s call. The unofficial benchmark has been about two seconds, leaving little room for hesitation. In real time, Helsley’s motion looked quick, but Shelton clearly saw it differently from the dugout.

      "I didn't think Helsley tapped his hat quick enough," Shelton said after the game. "Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. But I didn't feel he did. I feel it's gotta be something that's in the three seconds and I didn't think it was there. But the umpiring crew thought it was."

      The disagreement escalated quickly, and Shelton was tossed, cementing his place in MLB history as the first casualty of the ABS era.

      From Helsley’s perspective, the sequence was not as clear-cut either.

      "I understood where he was coming from, because I felt like the umpire didn't see me right away and so I was kind of confused," he said after the game. "(Home plate umpire Laz Díaz) behind me kind of took up for him. He was like, 'He did it right away,' which I know we're probably going to go through some growing pains with this since it's so new and I think we saw that today. And I can respect Shelton for trying to not get him to do it there, because it did seem like it was a little long in that moment."

      That last part might be the most important takeaway. MLB’s ABS system is designed to eliminate missed calls, but it introduces a new layer of subjectivity in how and when challenges are initiated. What feels immediate to one person may look delayed to another, especially in a high-leverage situation with the game on the line.

      The inning did not end quietly after the ejection. The next batter reached on an error, briefly extending Minnesota’s hopes, but Helsley regrouped and induced a game-ending flyout to shut the door.

      MLB and the ABS system will have some kinks in the season’s early weeks. Shelton’s ejection might be just the first step as the league and teams adjust to a new normal.

      Matthew Lenz

      With MLB The Show 26 soon to be released, they're releasing hype videos to hook convince consumers to purchase the latest version of the game. In one of those trailers, it seems they have leaked a new uniform for the Minnesota Twins 2026 season.

      Though not official, MLB The Show is an officially licensed product by Major League Baseball. It stands to reason that any uniform seen in their gameplay, content, trailers, etc. is likely something that you could see in a really MLB game. Additionally, we don't know which uniform could be replaced however it's fair to think that they replace the navy blue jerseys shown in the cover image of this post due to their similarities. See the jersey highlighted in the MLB The Show trailer below.

      Colorful Photographic Diverse Women Fashion Photo Collage.png

      The two notable diffferences are "Twins" replacing "Minnesota" across the chest and a Minnesota patch on the right sleeve instead of a "TC" patch. In other images circulating around social media, you can also see the "Securian" advertisement patch on the left sleeve.

      Its not unusual for teams to release new uniforms without going through a major rebrand as the Twins did ahead of the 2023 season.

      What do you think about the uniforms? Let us know in the comments!

      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.

      Matthew Lenz

      Baseball America released their June top 100 prospect rankings and it doesn't come as a surprise to see one name fall. While Luke Keaschall  and Emmanuel Rodriguez saw their stocks jump two spots, Walker Jenkins saw his fall two spots despite two people ahead of him in the May rankings graduate.

      It's not surprising to see Jenkins drop on the list, going from #11 in May to #13 in June, as he's been out for a majority of the season. He just returned on June 3rd in the Florida Complex League. A good month could see him back in the top 10 for the July Update.

      On the other hand, Rodriguez has been his typical "on-base machine" self with the St. Paul Saints this year carrying a .400 OBP. Along with a high walk rate, he has a high strikeout rate due to his patient plate approach. He's annually towards the bottom of the Minor League leaderboard in swing and contact rates. More than most prospects, Rodriguez is a massive wild card as to whether the prospect pedigree will turn into production at the big-league level.

      Finally, Keaschall was moved to the 60-day IL and is expected to be out for the foreseeable future although should return this season.

      Seth Stohs

      It was in September of 2020, the Scott Erickson and his girlfriend Rebecca Grossman (wife of a prominent LA surgeon) made the decision to grab a couple of drinks. Then they decided to race their matching Mercedes-Benz SUVs at speeds between 70 and 80 miles per hour. 

      Those decisions contributed to the deaths of Mark (11) and Jacob (8) Iskander. The boys were out walking with their mother and a younger sibling. Reports are that the mother grabbed the younger sibling and dove out of the way of Erickson's car. Grossman was driving the car that hit and killed the two boys. 

      In criminal court in 2024, Grossman was sentenced to 15 years to life for two counts of second-degree murder. 

      On Wednesday, a civil court, the jurors awarded the Iskander family $176 million. Not only were they negligent, but the jury said that both Erickson and Grossman acted with malice. That could lead to a punitive damages phase of the civil trial. And in that phase, they could be awarded significantly more than the $176 million from this phase. 

      That phase begins this week as well. 

      Cody Christie

      David Popkins’ 2024 season in Minnesota ended with a thud, but his work in 2025 has now earned him one of baseball’s most notable coaching honors. Baseball America named Popkins its MLB Coach of the Year, highlighting a philosophy that has resonated across one of the league’s most improved offenses. For a coach who was dismissed after Minnesota’s late-season collapse, the honor marks a dramatic reversal in how his skill set is viewed across the sport.

      Baseball America emphasized that Popkins’ entire approach revolves around problem-solving. He believes that every hitter presents a unique puzzle. By identifying the underlying issue and drawing on a wide range of systems and instructors, he can craft individualized solutions. The publication credited this method with laying the foundation for Toronto’s offensive revival, noting that many players described his teaching style as both modern and deeply adaptable.

      The Twins did not get to see that evolution firsthand. Popkins was one of four coaches dismissed following Minnesota’s disappointing finish in 2024. This group also included assistant hitting coaches Derek Shomon and Rudy Hernandez, as well as assistant bench and infield coach Tony Diaz. General manager Thad Levine was also let go in the same sweep. According to reporting from The Athletic, Popkins even held early-season discussions about a contract extension, but the talks never progressed. When the offense unraveled down the stretch of an injury-riddled season, he was left as one of the clearest scapegoats.

      What happened next showed how highly the rest of the league regarded him. Popkins received calls from three teams within hours of his dismissal, and the Toronto Blue Jays moved quickly to bring him aboard. The fit proved immediate and impactful. His communication style meshed well with a clubhouse seeking a new direction after its own disappointing offensive year. Under his guidance, veterans and young players alike found renewed confidence.

      George Springer became the most prominent example. At 35 and coming off a decline in production, Springer looked rejuvenated with Popkins’ help, finishing the year with a 161 OPS+. Toronto finished the regular season third in baseball in OPS, fourth in runs scored, and fifth in xwOBA. The turnaround pushed the Blue Jays all the way to the brink of their first World Series title since 1993. Players and team officials repeatedly pointed to Popkins’ influence as a key reason for their sustained improvement.

      For the Twins, the award serves as a reminder of what might have been. For Popkins, it is proof that his approach works when given trust and time. His journey from early-season extension talks to post-collapse dismissal to industry-wide acclaim in just over a year is one of the more remarkable coaching arcs in recent memory.

      Cody Christie

      The 2026 season did not end where the Minnesota Twins wanted it to, but the organization still has five players receiving recognition from Major League Baseball as All-MLB Team nominees. Kody Clemens, Brooks Lee, Ryan Jeffers, Byron Buxton, and Taj Bradley are all on the ballot. Fans can vote once per day at MLB.com through Friday, October 9, giving Twins fans an opportunity to make their voices heard and reward several players who made significant contributions during the season.

      Clemens was one of the year's biggest surprises. He appeared in 145 games and provided a power boost that few could have predicted, launching 27 home runs and driving in 81 runs. His ability to move around the diamond also made him a valuable piece of the roster. Lee supplied plenty of power of his own. The young infielder hit 24 home runs with 83 RBI while batting .253 over 156 games. He spent 110 games at third base, continuing to establish himself as an important part of Minnesota's future.

      Bradley arguably has the strongest case among the five nominees. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2025 trade deadline, he took another step forward in his first full season with Minnesota. Bradley went 12-6 with a 3.73 ERA and 205 strikeouts across 178 1/3 innings in 31 starts. He also established personal bests in several categories while becoming a dependable piece of the Twins' rotation.

      Jeffers and Buxton were two of Minnesota's most valuable players when healthy. Jeffers hit .256 with a .353 on-base percentage, 14 home runs and 56 RBI in just 92 games. His season was interrupted by a broken left hamate bone that kept him on the injured list from May 19 until July 10, making his production even more impressive.

      Buxton hit 25 home runs and posted an .830 OPS in 93 games. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely because of a right hip impingement, and he has not played since late August.

      How the Voting Works

      The All-MLB Team includes a first team and second team, with each featuring a catcher, every infield position, three outfielders, a designated hitter, five starting pitchers and two relief pitchers. Selections are made without regard to league.

      Fans and a panel consisting of media members, broadcasters, former players and other officials each have an equal say in the final results. The winners will be announced November 11 at the MLB Awards in Las Vegas.

      Cody Christie

      Butch Huskey, who spent parts of seven seasons in the majors and played his last season with Minnesota in 2000, has died at the age of 54. The New York Mets announced his death Friday. A cause of death was not included in the team's announcement, though Mets vice president of alumni relations Jay Horwitz told The Athletic's Tyler Kepner that Huskey died from a blood clot in his lung.

      A seventh-round selection by the Mets in the 1989 MLB Draft, Huskey reached the majors in 1993 and spent five seasons with New York. He also played for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Twins and Colorado Rockies. Over his seven-year career, Huskey compiled a .267/.318/.442 slash line with 86 home runs, 98 doubles and 336 RBI. He was a versatile player who saw time at third base, first base and both corner outfield positions.

      His final season came with Minnesota. Huskey appeared in 64 games for the Twins in 2000, hitting .223/.306/.353 with five home runs and 13 doubles. In July, Minnesota traded him and Todd Walker to Colorado in July for Todd Sears and cash. The move to Colorado gave Huskey an opportunity to finish his career on an impressive note. He played 47 games for the Rockies and posted a remarkable .998 OPS before his major-league career came to an end.

      Wearing Jackie Robinson's Number

      Huskey is perhaps best remembered for being one of the final players to wear No. 42 after Major League Baseball retired the number across the sport in honor of Jackie Robinson. When Huskey began his major-league career, he wore No. 10. In 1995, however, he switched to No. 42 as a tribute to Robinson, a number he continued to wear with the Mets, Mariners and Twins.

      Then, on April 15, 1997, commissioner Bud Selig made one of baseball's most significant announcements at Shea Stadium. Robinson's No. 42 would be retired throughout Major League Baseball.

      Players already wearing the number were allowed to keep it for the remainder of their careers. That group included Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, but Huskey was another prominent player who continued wearing Robinson's number during the transition.

      His decision to wear No. 42 wasn't something he took lightly. Huskey had learned about Robinson while he was in high school and made a promise to himself.

      "I told myself if I ever got a chance to play professional baseball, I would wear his number," he told the New York Daily News in 1997. "I think about it quite often … It means a lot to me just to be put in the same sentence with him."

      Huskey's Final Connection to the Twins

      Huskey wasn't the last player to wear No. 42 for Minnesota, either. Mike Jackson, a veteran relief pitcher who spent 17 seasons in the majors, wore the number during his time with the Twins in 2002. Jackson appeared in 58 games that season and posted a 3.27 ERA while contributing 1.2 rWAR to a Minnesota team that reached the ALCS.

      Huskey’s time in Minnesota was relatively short, but his seven-year major-league career provided plenty of memorable moments. Huskey was a powerful, versatile player who carved out a role across several positions, and his decision to wear Robinson's number gave his career an added historical significance.

      That makes Huskey's name a memorable one in both Mets and Twins history, even more than two decades after his final major-league appearance.

      Cody Christie

      Former Twins outfielder Carson McCusker has found his next baseball home. According to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR, McCusker has signed a one year contract with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. The move comes shortly after Minnesota placed McCusker on unconditional release waivers during the Winter Meeting.

      At the time, reports indicated McCusker was expected to play in Asia in 2026, though the destination had not yet been finalized. The timing mattered for Minnesota. Releasing McCusker dropped the club’s 40-man roster count to 39 just hours before the Rule 5 draft, opening the door for activity. The Twins used that flexibility to select catcher Daniel Susac from the A’s organization and quickly flipped him to the San Francisco Giants for rookie ball catcher Miguel Caraballo.

      From the Twins’ perspective, the transaction was more about roster mechanics than performance. From McCusker’s perspective, it marked another unexpected turn in a career defined by persistence.

      McCusker will turn 28 in May and his path to the big leagues was anything but traditional. He went undrafted out of college and spent parts of the 2021 and 2022 seasons in independent ball. The Twins signed him with little fanfare, and over the next few years he steadily climbed the ladder. In 2025, that work paid off with a call to the majors.

      His time in Minnesota was brief but meaningful. McCusker appeared in 16 games and stepped to the plate 30 times, posting a .172/.200/.172 (.372) slash line. The production was below average, but simply reaching the majors represented a massive personal victory for a player who had been outside affiliated baseball not long before.

      The more compelling case for McCusker has always lived in the minors. From 2023 through 2025, he logged 1,146 plate appearances across multiple levels of the Twins system. The strikeouts were plentiful, with a 32.1 percent rate, but so was the power. McCusker launched 55 home runs and slashed .265/.335/.494 (.829), good for a 119 wRC+.

      Opportunity, however, was going to be scarce going forward. Minnesota’s outfield picture is crowded with Byron Buxton, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner, James Outman, Alan Roden, Austin Martin, and Kody Clemens. Top prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, and Hendry Mendez all played in the upper minors last season and will be on track to debut in 2026.

      By heading overseas, McCusker likely secures a stronger financial guarantee and a clearer path to regular playing time. Success in Japan could open the door to a return to North America or additional opportunities abroad. Given the route he has already taken, betting on another unconventional chapter feels entirely on brand.

       

      Cody Christie

      Liam Hendriks announced his retirement this week after a 14-year Major League career that included three All-Star selections, back-to-back AL Reliever of the Year awards, and a remarkable comeback from cancer. For the Minnesota Twins, however, Hendriks’ retirement also offers a reminder of what might have been.

      The Twins signed Hendriks as an international free agent in 2007, and the Australian right-hander eventually reached the majors with Minnesota in 2011. Unfortunately, the version of Hendriks the Twins saw was not the one who would eventually become one of baseball’s best relievers.

      From 2011 through 2014, Hendriks bounced between the Twins, Royals, and Blue Jays while making 39 appearances, including 34 starts. Across 188 2/3 innings, he posted a 5.92 ERA. Minnesota eventually moved on, and Hendriks continued searching for a role that would unlock his considerable talent.

      That answer came in Toronto. In 2015, the Blue Jays moved Hendriks into the bullpen full-time. The results were immediate. He posted a 2.92 ERA with a 27.2% strikeout rate and a 4.2% walk rate across 64 2/3 innings. Suddenly, the pitcher who had struggled to establish himself as a starter looked like a legitimate weapon coming out of the bullpen.

      The Blue Jays traded him to Oakland that offseason, and Hendriks eventually developed into one of the premier closers in the sport. From 2019-20, he posted a 1.79 ERA with a 38% strikeout rate and a 5.7% walk rate over 110 1/3 innings.

      That success earned Hendriks a three-year, $54 million contract with the White Sox before the 2021 season. He rewarded Chicago by becoming an elite closer and earning consecutive All-Star selections. He would make three All-Star teams overall and win AL Reliever of the Year honors in both 2020 and 2021.

      Of course, Hendriks' career became about much more than baseball. He battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023, returned to the mound later that season, and won AL Comeback Player of the Year. Tommy John surgery and additional elbow problems eventually limited his ability to continue his career.

      Hendriks finishes with a 3.88 career ERA, a 26.7% strikeout rate and 6.0% walk rate over 663 2/3 innings. As a reliever, he posted a 3.16 ERA.

      For the Twins, there is an obvious what-if attached to Hendriks' career. Minnesota had the pitcher first. What it never found was the role that allowed him to thrive.

      Hendriks needed a move to the bullpen to become the pitcher he was always capable of being. The Twins never gave him that opportunity before moving on, leaving them to watch from afar as their former international signing developed into an All-Star closer.

      His career ultimately became a remarkable story of perseverance, reinvention and resilience. For Minnesota, it also remains a reminder that sometimes the biggest challenge isn't finding talent. It's figuring out where that talent belongs.

       

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