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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

      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

      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.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With rosters formally expanding to 28 on Tuesday, the Minnesota Twins made the move official and added a familiar face.

      Shortstop Ben Ross had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul and will be making his MLB debut, while right-handed reliever Garrett Acton was also called up from the Saints. To make room for Ross on the 40-man roster, outfielder Kyler Fedko was designated for assignment.

      Ross' addition was known before rosters expanded Tuesday. The 25-year-old has a .274/.378/.506 slash line with 20 homers and 71 RBIs over 118 games between Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul.

      Acton has pitched in four games this season for the Twins, allowing five runs (two earned) over 6⅔ innings.

      Fedko made his MLB debut with the Twins this year, appearing in 14 games but going 0-for-16 with a run scored and an RBI. He did walk twice and struck out eight times.

       

      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

      The Minnesota Twins announced Thursday that former pitcher Al Worthington passed away earlier this week at the age of 97.

      For younger Twins fans, Worthington's name may not immediately jump off the page. However, his impact on some of the most successful teams in franchise history is impossible to overlook. Long before closers became baseball celebrities and bullpen usage charts consumed front offices, Worthington quietly became one of the game's most reliable late-inning arms and a key contributor to Minnesota's first American League pennant.

      Worthington arrived in professional baseball after starring at the University of Alabama and signing with the Chicago Cubs organization in 1951. After only one season in the minors, he was traded to the New York Giants, a move that would launch a major-league career spanning parts of 14 seasons.

      His introduction to the majors was memorable. Called up in 1953, Worthington opened his career by throwing complete-game shutouts in each of his first two appearances. He posted a 3.44 ERA as a rookie and appeared briefly for the Giants during their 1954 championship season. Although he did not pitch in the World Series, he was part of the club that defeated Cleveland in a Fall Classic best remembered for Willie Mays' iconic over-the-shoulder catch at the Polo Grounds.

      Worthington spent six seasons with the Giants organization, including the franchise's historic move from New York to San Francisco in 1958. Along the way, he transitioned from starting pitcher to reliever, a role that ultimately prolonged his career. Stops with the Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds followed before his baseball journey took an unexpected turn.

      By 1964, Worthington was 35 years old and back in the minor leagues. Many players at that stage are contemplating retirement. Instead, the Twins purchased his contract from the Reds organization and gave him another opportunity. It turned out to be one of the better under-the-radar moves in franchise history.

      From 1964 through 1969, Worthington became a bullpen cornerstone for Minnesota. He won 37 games, recorded 88 saves, and posted four consecutive seasons with an ERA below 3.00. His finest season came in 1965 when he went 10-7 with 14 saves and a sparkling 2.14 ERA across 62 appearances.

      That season, the Twins captured their first American League pennant and advanced to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Worthington delivered four scoreless innings during the series, allowing only an unearned run despite Minnesota ultimately falling in seven games.

      The right-hander remained a valuable contributor through the end of the decade, including a final postseason appearance during the Twins' 1969 American League Championship Series run. By the time he retired after the 1969 season, he had established himself as one of the most effective relievers in franchise history.

      Although the save did not become an official Major League Baseball statistic until the final year of his career, Worthington was retroactively credited with 111 saves. He finished his major-league career with a 75-82 record, a 3.09 ERA, 834 strikeouts, and 602 appearances. More than half of those outings ended with him recording the final outs of the game.

      His baseball accomplishments extended well beyond the major leagues. Before reaching the majors, Worthington spent four seasons with the Minneapolis Millers and helped lead the club to the 1955 American Association championship while posting a 19-10 record with 18 complete games. In nine minor-league seasons, he compiled a 98-69 record.

      After retiring as a player at age 40, Worthington dedicated nearly two decades to coaching and administration at what is now Liberty University. From 1973 through 1986, he amassed a 343-189-1 record as the school's baseball coach and later served as athletic director. His contributions earned him induction into both the Liberty University Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

      In 2010, the Twins recognized his place in franchise history by naming him one of the organization's "50 Greatest Twins." Worthington was the fourth-oldest living former major-league player at the time of his passing and one of the last remaining players who wore a Giants uniform before the franchise relocated to San Francisco.

      For Twins fans, however, his legacy will always be tied to the club's first pennant winner. More than 60 years after arriving in Minnesota as a veteran searching for one last opportunity, Worthington remains one of the most successful bullpen arms the franchise has ever had.

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins have traded right-handed pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations.

      The move comes just days after the Twins designated Woods Richardson for assignment following his emergency start on Saturday. In that outing, the right-hander allowed five runs in 2 2/3 innings, raising his season ERA to 7.74.

      Once Woods Richardson was designated for assignment, the Twins had the opportunity to trade him before placing him on outright waivers. Teams interested in acquiring him could jump the waiver line by working out a trade, and the Blue Jays were seemingly the only club willing to do so. As a result, Minnesota's return was limited to cash considerations.

      The trade marks a return to the organization where Woods Richardson first emerged a top pitching prospect. He was acquired by the Twins alongside Austin Martin from Toronto at the 2021 trade deadline in exchange for José Berríos.

      Over parts of five seasons with Minnesota, Woods Richardson logged 302 1/3 innings at the major-league level, posting a 4.76 ERA while making 62 appearances.

      What do you think of the move? Did the Twins make the right decision by moving on from Woods Richardson, or would you have preferred they hold onto him for additional depth?

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins lost a member of their extended family this week with the passing of former outfielder and coach Joe Nossek. While his time as a player may not stand alongside some of the more recognizable names in franchise history, his role in one of the most important seasons the organization has ever experienced ensures that his impact will not be forgotten.

      Nossek joined the Twins during their early years in Minnesota and quickly became part of a club that was building toward something special. The 1965 season remains a defining moment in franchise history, and Nossek was a member of that American League pennant-winning team. That group, led by stars like Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva, captured the imagination of baseball fans across the Upper Midwest and helped solidify Major League Baseball in Minnesota following the franchise’s relocation just a few years earlier.

      Nossek appeared in 87 games for the Twins during that 1965 campaign, serving primarily as a depth outfielder and defensive replacement. While his contributions did not always show up in the box score, his presence on a roster that went on to win the American League pennant connected him forever to one of the greatest teams the organization has fielded. 

      During Game 7 of the 1965 World Series, Nossek was involved in a controversial play. AL MVP Zolio Versalles singled with one out in the sixth inning and tried to steal second base. As Nossek swung, Versalles broke and had the base stolen easily, but umpire Ed Hurley ruled that Nossek had interfered with catcher John Roseboro’s throw. Versalles had to return to first base, and Nossek was called out for interference.

      Nossek denied that he interfered: “I just went for an outside pitch. I tried to duck when I heard Roseboro coming.” The Dodgers, behind Koufax’s three-hit, 10-strikeout performance, defeated the Twins 2-0 to win the World Series.

      Following his playing career, Nossek remained involved in the game and returned to the Twins organization in a coaching capacity. He served as the third base coach during the 1976 season but was released following a disappointing season (85-77, 3rd place in the AL West). Nossek bounced around to multiple other organizations during his coaching career, including the Indians, White Sox, Brewers, Mariners, Royals, and Astros.

      Baseball is built on more than just the stars who dominate headlines. It is shaped by role players, coaches, and lifelong contributors who help create a culture inside the clubhouse and maintain continuity across eras. Nossek’s career represented exactly that type of impact. His connection to the 1965 pennant winners ensures that his name will always be part of Twins history.

      As the organization reflects on the legacy of that era, Nossek’s passing serves as a reminder of how many individuals helped build the foundation that still exists today. His contributions to the Minnesota Twins, both on the field and in the dugout, remain an important chapter in the story of baseball in Minnesota.

      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

      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

      As spring training enters its final stretch, roster decisions accelerate. For the Minnesota Twins, Monday brought further clarity as the club trimmed nine players from big-league camp.

      The group included several names with at least some path to the Opening Day roster, as well as a few prospects whose strong springs made the timing a little surprising. With less than three weeks until the regular season begins, the Twins are now narrowing their focus to the players who will make the final push.

      Among the pitchers sent out of camp, Connor Prielipp and Marco Raya were probably the closest to legitimate Opening Day roster consideration. Both pitchers have already reached Triple-A and could have potentially filled bullpen roles if the Twins wanted to bring a young arm north.

      Prielipp, however, is still being stretched out as a starter and did not do enough this spring to earn more time in camp. Across three Grapefruit League appearances, he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, including two home runs. He also finished with six strikeouts and six walks. The raw stuff is still intriguing, but the command will need to sharpen as he continues building innings.

      Raya’s outing this spring was even more difficult. Last season was already a challenging one as he posted a 6.02 ERA across 98 2/3 innings at Triple A. Now transitioning into a relief role, Raya allowed five runs in just 2 1/3 innings this spring while issuing five walks and striking out only two.

      Both pitchers still appear likely to factor into the major league picture at some point during the season. For now, though, they will head back to the minor leagues to continue refining their roles and consistency before Minnesota calls again.

      The same can be said for Andrew Morris and John Klein. Morris struggled during Grapefruit League action, giving up four runs on seven hits across 6 2/3 innings. He currently sits as the seventh or eighth starter on the organizational depth chart, so he will be in Minnesota at some point this year. Klein appeared in only a single game during camp, limiting his evaluation. However, the Twins added him to the 40-man roster this winter, making him a call-up candidate when the need arises. 

      The most surprising move from Monday’s cuts was the demotion of top outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez. There was never a strong expectation that Rodriguez would break camp with the Twins, but the timing still stands out considering how well he performed during exhibition play. In 11 Grapefruit League games, Rodriguez slashed an impressive .421/.476/.789 (1.265). He collected a double and two home runs while drawing two walks and striking out nine times.

      Rodriguez already has experience at Triple-A after posting an .853 OPS in 52 games there last season. Capable of playing center field, he continues to look like one of the organization’s most dynamic offensive talents. The next step in his development remains familiar. Rodriguez does an excellent job commanding the strike zone and has often produced walk rates north of 20 percent. The issue is that the strikeouts remain high as well, with the outfielder still striking out close to one-third of the time. If he can trim that rate while staying healthy, the Twins may not be able to keep him in St. Paul for very long.

      Another hitter sent out at the same time was Gabriel Gonzalez, who also enjoyed an impressive spring. Gonzalez homered on Monday and finished camp 9-for-18 (.500 BA) with three doubles and a home run. If he can carry that momentum into the regular season, he could quickly put himself into the conversation for a corner outfield role. Hendry Mendez remains a bit further from the big league picture, while catcher Patrick Winkel profiles primarily as organizational depth behind the plate.

      Kendry Rojas, however, is a name that could become important again this season. The left-hander is expected to serve as part of the starting pitching depth at Triple-A, a role the Twins leaned on heavily a year ago. Rojas was part of the reason Minnesota felt comfortable moving Louie Varland at last year’s trade deadline. A fringe Top 100 prospect at the time, the young left-hander flashed impressive velocity and the type of strikeout ability that caught the organization’s attention.

      This spring, Rojas allowed seven runs on seven hits in Grapefruit League action, but the underlying numbers were encouraging. He recorded seven strikeouts compared to just one walk, continuing to show the swing-and-miss ability that has long made him intriguing. A strong start at Triple-A St. Paul could quickly put him back on the radar as a promotion candidate.

      For the Twins, these latest cuts help finalize the Opening Day roster and strengthen organizational depth. Players sent down Monday are still key for 2026, and could return if there are injuries or new opportunities, making them important to follow in the coming months.

      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!

      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

      Fresh off what has arguably been the most successful World Baseball Classic to date, Rob Manfred is already looking at ways to adjust the event’s future. That instinct is understandable given the tournament’s rapid growth, but it also raises a familiar question. Why fix something that is clearly working?

      Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show to discuss the beginning of the 2026 MLB season, Manfred was asked whether the WBC could become a more frequent event. His answer made it clear that Major League Baseball is seriously considering changes to the tournament’s cadence.

      “We’re gonna have a meeting on the WBC, which we always do after it is completed. I think the event was so successful this time that we need to talk about frequency, regularity of schedule,” Manfred said. “It’s one thing to not to do it every year, our problem because of COVID, labor negotiations, whatever, you can’t even say it’s every four years. It hasn’t been. Given how popular it is, we need to get into a regular rotation.”

      The desire for consistency is not unreasonable. Since its debut in 2006, the World Baseball Classic has never truly settled into a rhythm. It began on a three-year cycle before shifting to four years, only to see that plan disrupted by a six-year gap following 2017 due to the pandemic. When the tournament finally returned in 2023, it delivered one of the most iconic moments with a Japan versus the United States championship for the ages. That game alone proved the event had evolved far beyond exhibition status.

      By the time the 2026 tournament wrapped up, the momentum had only grown. Television ratings climbed, global interest surged, and the overall product felt bigger than ever. Fans were invested, players were all in, and the atmosphere carried a level of intensity that even October baseball sometimes struggles to match.

      That is exactly why Major League Baseball should proceed with caution. Manfred is correct in identifying the need for a clear and predictable schedule. A defined rotation benefits fans trying to plan around the event and gives broadcast partners something concrete to build around in future media negotiations. It is difficult to maximize value when networks are unsure when the next tournament will take place.

      However, consistency does not have to mean increased frequency. There has already been discussion of experimenting with more dramatic changes, including moving the WBC to the middle of the MLB season. That concept feels misguided. Players already balance a demanding 162-game schedule, and the mid-summer break serves a purpose. Asking them to replace rest with high-intensity international competition risks diminishing participation, which is the lifeblood of the tournament.

      Even a small adjustment, such as shifting to a two-year cycle, could have unintended consequences. Part of what makes the World Baseball Classic special is its rarity. When players know the opportunity only comes around every few years, the urgency is real. National pride carries more weight. The stakes feel higher. If the event becomes more frequent, that edge could soften.

      The World Baseball Classic absolutely needs structure. The past two decades have proven that a floating timeline creates confusion and limits its long-term growth. But structure does not require reinvention.

      Baseball finally has something that captures global attention in a meaningful way. The solution is not to tinker with its foundation, but to solidify it.

      Cody Christie

      The season-ending elbow injury to Pablo López has forced a reality check for the Twins before the regular season has even begun. With their ace now set to undergo Tommy John surgery, questions about Minnesota’s direction are surfacing once again.

      Appearing Monday on Fair Territory, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal was asked whether López’s absence could impact how the organization approaches trade discussions involving key players such as Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan.

      "I would expect the Twins are going to be sellers, but not just yet," Rosenthal said Monday.

      Rosenthal pointed to the immediate impact López’s injury has on the club’s competitiveness, especially when evaluating how the roster stacks up against the rest of the division.

      "Certainly with losing Pablo Lopez, the team is not as competitive as it might have expected," continued Rosenthal. "But their new ownership, or I should say their shift in control people, to a different Pohlad, he's talking like they want to compete, and he keeps saying that, and he keeps coming out saying, 'We intend to be competitive in the AL Central.' So, I don't expect a trade of either of those players, Ryan or Buxton, to happen this spring."

      Both Buxton and Ryan have remained popular names in trade speculation dating back to last summer’s deadline when Minnesota reshaped much of its roster but ultimately held onto several cornerstone pieces.

      Ryan recently told The Athletic’s Dan Hayes he was "really happy" to still be in Minnesota after the front office opted against dealing López or Buxton earlier in the process. Buxton, meanwhile, has consistently stated his desire to remain with the Twins, even as rumors have continued to circulate.

      “All it takes is for somebody at the top to go to the media: ‘We’re not trading you.' Trade rumors stop," Buxton said recently.

      Ownership, led by controlling owner Tom Pohlad, has been clear in its desire to remain competitive rather than move additional talent. Still, Rosenthal noted that stance may become more difficult to maintain if Minnesota struggles in the standings.

      "Could it happen down the line, by the deadline? Certainly could happen if the Twins don't contend," Rosenthal reasoned. "And I'm still having a hard time seeing how they will contend. Now, they're in the forgiving AL Central. That will help. But the Tigers should be really good. The Guardians always seem to figure it out. The White Sox are improving. And the Royals, they see themselves as a contender as well."

      Rosenthal also referenced last July’s deadline decisions and the inherent risk of holding onto players who could have been moved at peak value.

      “The Twins are a team that, of course, deconstructed in a major way last July at the deadline. You remember all the players that they moved, Correa being the headliner, but a number of others as well, including really their entire bullpen.”

      “At that time, they chose not to trade Joe Ryan, not to trade Pablo Lopez, who was hurt. And the danger when you do that is you’re risking a player or pitcher getting injured or not performing to his previous norms. The Twins, in this case with Pablo Lopez, they were probably going to trade him at the deadline if he was healthy this year.”

      “Joe Ryan might have been a trade candidate and still might be a trade candidate for them at the deadline. They talk about competing. The Twins keep saying, ‘we want to compete, we want to be back in the AL Central mix,’ and all that. Well, they haven’t spent enough money to do that, and now they have this question of their rotation without one of their big premier starters.”

      Whether Minnesota stays the course or pivots later this summer could ultimately depend on how it navigates the first few months of the season without its ace leading the rotation.

      Matthew Lenz

      Major League Baseball wasted no time announcing the 2025 Gold Glove winners less than 24 hours removed from one of the best World Series in recent memory.

      While no current Minnesota Twins were finalists (was Buxton snubbed??), two former Twins first basemen were up for the award. On Sunday evening, it was announced that Ty France beat out Carlos Santana and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his 1st career Gold Glove.

      France, signed by the Twins last February,  is not typically known for his glove, but something changed in 2025. After posting six consecutive seasons of a negative Outs Above Average (OAA) to start his career, France produced 10 OAA this season between the Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. The number ranked in the 96th percentile across baseball, per Baseball Savant. Additionally, his defense provided a Run Value of 7, which was second best of all first basemen, one behind Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves.

      From MLB.com, Established in 1957, the Gold Glove Award honors the best defensive player at each position in each league. The voting process is made up of MLB managers and coaches (75%) and the sabermetrics community (25%). Managers and coaches vote only within their own league and cannot vote for players on their own teams.

      The Twins are in need of a first baseman. Despite his hitting woes, should they look to bring back France? Let us know in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      There are nights when the conversation after a game centers on a big swing or a dominant pitching performance. Then there are nights like this one, where the spotlight shifts squarely behind the plate.

      On Sunday, home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt had a difficult outing in the matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins, missing 22 ball and strike calls over the course of the game. Notably, sixteen of those calls went against Cincinnati, including four blown strikeouts, ultimately creating a +2.78 run value in favor of Minnesota. Despite that imbalance, the Reds walked away with a 7-4 win in 10 innings, overcoming both the Twins and a strike zone that never quite settled in.

      Missed calls occur in every game, but this game's total and several key mistakes significantly affected the outcome and further highlight debates on umpire reliability. It was also the seventh game this season in which an umpire has missed 20 or more ball-and-strike calls, continuing a trend that has kept the automated ball-strike system in the conversation around the league.

      The Calls That Mattered Most
      While the total number is eye-opening, a few specific moments carried the most weight in terms of run expectancy.

      In the top of the fourth inning, with one out and a runner on first, Bailey Ober appeared to lose a full count battle against Spencer Steer. A pitch ruled a strike should have been ball four, ending the at-bat and putting another runner aboard. Instead, the Reds lost that opportunity.

      An inning later, Ober benefited again. Facing Matt McLain with two outs and a runner on second in a 1-2 count, a pitch off the plate was called strike three to end the inning. That erased a chance for Cincinnati to extend the frame and potentially push across a run.

      Minnesota was not entirely immune. In the bottom of the seventh, Connor Phillips appeared to punch out Trevor Larnach on a full count with two outs and nobody on. Instead, the pitch was called a ball, resulting in a walk that prolonged the inning.

       

      Still, the overall trend was clear. The majority of impactful misses leaned in Minnesota’s direction. To Cincinnati’s credit, the game did not spiral. Even with the inconsistencies, the Reds continued to grind through at-bats and leaned on timely hitting to keep things close. They also successfully used a challenge in extras, a fitting end on a night where the strike zone had been under scrutiny from the first inning on.

      For Minnesota, this is a frustrating kind of loss. The numbers suggest they were on the favorable side of the missed calls, yet they still could not convert that advantage into a win.

      Games like this highlight a larger issue. Even when external factors tilt in a team’s favor, execution still determines the outcome. The Twins had opportunities, some aided by the strike zone, but could not deliver the knockout blow.

      Umpiring will always be part of the game’s human element, but nights like this add fuel to the ongoing debate about consistency and potential technological solutions. When 22 calls are missed, and the imbalance is this pronounced, it becomes impossible to ignore.

      Cody Christie

      For most players, playing catch is about as routine as it gets. For Pablo López, it represented something much bigger.

      After spending the first several months of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, López finally picked up a baseball and started throwing again Friday at Petco Park. It was a small session, with the Twins right-hander working from approximately 30 to 45 feet.

      But after everything López has been through, it was a significant moment.

      “It felt good, and what a place to do it, San Diego is perfect,” López said. “It was nerve wracking. I felt like I was warming up to throw a postseason game, because they let me do my normal pre-throw routine, which I had to figure out on the spot. I was trying to remember. So I went through some muscle memory, transitioned from one station to the other. But once I got out there, I was able to just feel the arm path. From such a short distance, 30-45 feet, there’s not going to be a lot of air under the ball. It’s really just getting into a good rhythm, feeling your tempo.”

      That first throwing session came after López received clearance from Dr. Keith Meister, who performed the right-hander’s second Tommy John surgery on February 25. Meister met with López in Texas earlier this month and gave him the green light to begin the throwing program he had been waiting to start.

      López's last throw before Friday came on February 16, when he was attempting to work through his first live batting-practice session of spring training. That session was cut short by right elbow soreness, leading to an MRI that revealed significant damage to his ulnar collateral ligament. After seeking a second opinion from Meister, López underwent surgery later that month.

      Now, the process of working his way back has finally entered a new phase.

      “It’s not a small step,” said Twins manager Derek Shelton. “It is a large step because his arm was moving forward and there was a baseball that came out of it. I mean, even though it was 30 feet and 45 feet, I think it was very encouraging. He left with a smile.”

      Shelton wasn't the only one smiling. López described the session as nerve-wracking, which is understandable considering the circumstances. But once he got through the initial routine and began throwing, the focus shifted toward finding his rhythm and trusting his arm again.

      The next part of the rehab will involve gradually increasing both the distance and volume of López's throwing. Exactly when he moves to each stage will depend on how his arm responds and what Meister sees during future evaluations.

      López said he has a general idea of what the next steps could look like, but there is still plenty of uncertainty. His body will ultimately dictate the pace. That's particularly important given the history involved. This is the second Tommy John surgery of López's career. He previously underwent the procedure in 2014 while in the Seattle Mariners organization.

      The Twins acquired López from the Miami Marlins before the 2023 season for Luis Arraez, and he quickly became an important part at the top of the rotation. His return won't come soon enough for Minnesota, but the organization has been clear that there is no reason to rush the process.

      The goal is to have López healthy and ready to contribute in 2027. Friday didn't guarantee that outcome. It wasn't supposed to. It was simply the first throw. But after months of waiting, wondering and rehabbing, that first throw represented something López and the Twins hadn't seen since February: progress.

      And sometimes, after Tommy John surgery, progress is worth celebrating.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins will once again get a chance to showcase the future of their organization later this month.

      Major League Baseball’s third annual Spring Breakout event will take place from March 19 through March 22, highlighting the game’s top prospects in exhibition matchups during spring training. Minnesota will host the Philadelphia Phillies prospects on Thursday, March 19, at 12:05 p.m. CT. Fans will have several ways to watch the game. It will air on MLB Network and MNNT, and stream for free on MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB app.

      For the Twins, this year’s game should feature several players who could eventually factor into the team’s long-term plans.

      The Twins were hoping to showcase outfielder Walker Jenkins, the club’s top-ranked prospect. However, his status for the event remains uncertain after he recently suffered a left hamstring injury. He is still included in the initial player pool listed below. 

      Because pitchers must remain on their scheduled throwing days during spring training, it can be difficult to predict exactly who will appear in the game. Even so, Minnesota has no shortage of candidates who could take the mound during the showcase.

      How the roster works
      According to MLB.com, Spring Breakout rosters are created using MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 prospects for each organization as a foundation. Players who still maintain rookie eligibility for the 2026 season are eligible to be selected for the event.

      This year, the process includes two phases. Teams first submit a preliminary 40-player pool, then trim it down to a final roster of roughly 23 to 27 players shortly before the event.

      The larger pool allows teams to adjust for injuries, pitching schedules, and the player movement that can occur during spring training. It also accounts for prospects who may be unavailable because of assignments in the Dominican Summer League or other roster considerations.

      Minnesota’s preliminary group features a strong mix of highly ranked prospects and additional depth players. Even if a few names are unavailable by the time the final roster is set, the Twins should still field a group worth watching when they face the Phillies' prospects.

      Preliminary 40-man player pool
      Pitchers (24)

      Catchers (4)

      Infielders (7)

      Outfielders (5)

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have spent the past three seasons watching one of the most talented prospects in baseball climb through their farm system. Now, after a brief injury scare this spring, Walker Jenkins appears to be getting back on track.

      According to Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Jenkins is “tracking well” to be available for Opening Day with the St. Paul Saints. The update came Sunday from Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll, offering a positive outlook for the organization’s most important young player.

      Jenkins suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on February 28, an injury that forced the Twins to slow his spring workload. Fortunately for both the player and the organization, the strain was considered mild, and his recovery has gone smoothly.

      The 21-year-old outfielder is expected to begin appearing in Minor League games by the end of the upcoming week as he continues ramping up his activity. His availability for the Twins’ upcoming Spring Breakout showcase on Thursday remains uncertain, and the club is unlikely to rush him into that event if he is not fully ready.

      Even without the Spring Breakout appearance, the most important goal for Jenkins is simply returning to a regular schedule before the Minor League season begins. Jenkins is widely considered the top prospect in the Twins system and one of the best prospects in baseball. Baseball America ranks him as the no. 9 overall prospect, a reflection of the tools that made him the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Last week, Twins Daily profiled him as the organization’s top prospect.

      Since entering professional baseball, Jenkins has done little to challenge those expectations. Scouts praise his advanced hitting approach, elite bat-to-ball skills, and the type of plate discipline rarely seen from a player his age. His combination of athleticism and offensive potential has led many evaluators to project him as a future cornerstone in the middle of the Twins' lineup.

      The Twins believe the best path forward is allowing Jenkins to start the season with St. Paul, where he can continue facing upper-level pitching while adjusting to the grind of a full professional season. Triple-A will provide the final developmental stage before a potential big league opportunity.

      That timeline also gives the organization flexibility. If Jenkins performs well and stays healthy, the Twins could view him as a legitimate option for the major league roster during the second half of the season. For now, the most important step is simply getting back on the field.

      A return to Minor League games in the coming days would represent another step in Jenkins’ steady climb through the system. If everything continues trending in the right direction, the Twins may soon have one of baseball’s brightest young talents knocking on the door of the big leagues.

      Cody Christie

      Major League Baseball released its annual snapshot of Opening Day demographics this week, and while the numbers still point to a long road ahead, there are signs of meaningful progress. After dipping to a historic low in 2024, the percentage of African American players across the league has now risen in consecutive seasons, something the sport has not seen in roughly two decades.

      This year, African American players make up 6.5% of Opening Day rosters and injured lists, a noticeable increase from 5.7% the year prior and slightly above the 6.0% mark from two seasons ago. It is not a dramatic jump, but it is a step in the right direction for a league that has been searching for ways to rebuild its connection with Black communities.

      Development Programs Beginning to Show Results

      League officials have pointed to their investment in youth initiatives as a key factor behind the recent uptick. Programs such as MLB’s youth academies, the Dream Series, and the Breakthrough Series are starting to produce big-league talent. Of the 62 African American players on Opening Day rosters, 20 have participated in one of those pipelines.

      There is also a growing presence of high-end talent within that group. Nine of those players were former first-round picks, suggesting that the league is not only increasing participation but also developing impact players.

      The age distribution offers additional optimism. More than half of the current group is 27 or younger, while only a small handful are on the back side of their careers. That youth movement could help sustain growth if development systems continue to feed the pipeline.

      Twins Among League Leaders

      While the league-wide numbers are trending upward, the distribution across teams remains uneven. Six organizations began the season without a single African American player, highlighting how inconsistent representation still is from roster to roster.

      That is where the Minnesota Twins stand out. Minnesota enters the season with six African American players, tying them for the highest total in baseball alongside the Cincinnati Reds.  For a smaller-market club, that level of representation is significant, especially when considering that the Twins alone account for a sizable portion of the league’s overall total.

      The group is not just filling out the roster either. It includes key contributors on both sides of the ball, including starting pitchers Taj Bradley and Simeon Woods Richardson, along with Byron Buxton and Josh Bell on the offensive side. Having that presence in prominent roles matters, both in terms of visibility and impact.

      At a time when more than a third of the league has one or zero African American players, the Twins are providing a blueprint for what a more inclusive roster can look like.

      Areas Where the Game Still Lags

      Despite the positive momentum, representation remains limited in some areas. Certain positions continue to lack diversity, particularly behind the plate and on the mound.

      There are only a small number of African American pitchers across the league, a striking reality given the size of pitching staffs. Catcher is another position where representation has been historically low, making each breakthrough at that spot even more meaningful.

      Additionally, more than a third of MLB teams have one or fewer African American players, including several high-profile organizations. That imbalance underscores the importance of continued investment in grassroots development and access to the sport.

      A Path Forward

      The broader picture shows a sport attempting to reverse a decades-long decline. International participation continues to grow, and MLB remains a global game, but rebuilding domestic diversity is clearly a priority.

      For the Twins, this moment reflects both organizational success and an opportunity. Their roster composition places them among the league leaders in representation, aligning with MLB’s broader efforts to create more inclusive pathways to the majors.

      Progress is happening, even if it is gradual. And for a franchise like Minnesota, being at the forefront of that movement is something worth recognizing as the game continues to evolve.

       

      Cody Christie

      Ryan Jeffers has spent his entire professional career in the Twins organization, dating back to Minnesota selecting him in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. After nearly a decade with the organization, though, the veteran catcher could be approaching the end of his time in Minnesota.

      Jeffers is not closing the door on a return. In fact, he made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to stay with the only organization he has known. At the same time, he wants to experience free agency and find out what opportunities exist beyond Minnesota.

      “I’ve worked too hard to corner myself into one team or two teams,” Jeffers said Sunday, via The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. “I love the idea of a reunion. I also love the idea of going out there and seeing what else is out there.”

      There should be plenty of interest. Jeffers enters the offseason as arguably the top catcher on the free-agent market and one of the better offensive players available at the position. Since his breakout 2023 season, he has posted a 119 wRC+ across 1,632 plate appearances. That ranks eighth among catchers during that stretch.

      His 2026 season was particularly encouraging considering the circumstances. A hamate fracture suffered in May cost Jeffers roughly two months and limited him to 92 games. Despite the lost time, he hit .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs in 368 plate appearances.

      More importantly, several underlying numbers moved in the right direction. Jeffers posted career-best strikeout and walk rates, striking out in just 17.9% of his plate appearances while walking 12.5% of the time. His 128 wRC+ means he was 28% better than the league-average hitter, while the average MLB catcher finished at just 91.

      The defensive questions remain. Jeffers has generally been a below-average defensive catcher, and 2026 followed that trend. He caught only 10.6% of potential base stealers and ranked in the 37th percentile as a pitch framer. He performed well with ABS challenges, finishing 12th among 107 catchers in Overturns Vs. Expected.

      Now the Twins must decide whether Jeffers is worth a $23.1 million qualifying offer. The decision will come shortly after the World Series, and Hayes reports Jeffers is unlikely to accept it.

      That could leave Minnesota with Victor Caratini as its most experienced catcher heading into 2027. Vahn Lackey, the third overall pick in the 2026 draft, represents the organization's long-term answer, but he is probably still a couple of years away. If Jeffers leaves, the Twins could look for a short-term veteran through free agency or trade. Several experienced catchers, including Tyler Stephenson, Austin Hedges, Jonah Heim, James McCann and former Twin Christian Vázquez, could be available.

      For now, Jeffers is keeping both possibilities open. After spending his entire career in Minnesota, he has earned the opportunity to see what the rest of baseball thinks he is worth.

       

      Cody Christie

      Fort Myers felt a little more official on Thursday. Pitchers and catchers reported to the Lee Health Sports Complex, the Florida sun was beating down on the back fields, and a new chapter began as Derek Shelton officially started his first spring training as Twins manager. Bullpens popped, catchers dropped into their stances, and optimism was easy to find.

      One notable arm, however, was not firing away. Twins pitching prospect Cory Lewis has been shut down from throwing after being diagnosed with a moderate subscapularis strain in his right shoulder. Lewis reported discomfort following a bullpen session on Saturday after arriving at camp early. Shelton told reporters that Lewis will be reevaluated in two weeks. For a player trying to force his way into the big-league conversation, it is far from an ideal start.

      Lewis, 25, entered camp as a non-roster invitee after spending last season at Triple-A. The numbers were not kind. In 73 innings with the Saints, he posted a 7.27 ERA while striking out 87 and walking 68. The uneven command and high traffic outings made for a frustrating campaign. He also missed time with a right shoulder issue last season, though it is not yet clear whether this strain is connected to that prior injury. The disappointment of 2025 stands in sharp contrast to the trajectory Lewis was on before reaching Triple-A.

      When the Twins selected him in the ninth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of UC Santa Barbara, he was viewed more as an intriguing project than a fast-moving arm. What set him apart was not overpowering velocity but creativity. Lewis featured an unorthodox delivery and a deep mix of pitches, highlighted by a knuckleball that has become increasingly central to his identity.

      In 2023, he split his professional debut between Low- and High-A. Across 22 starts, Lewis posted a 2.49 ERA with a 28.6% strikeout rate and an 8.0% walk rate. His poise and command stood out as much as the knuckleball itself. By the end of 2024, he had reached Triple-A and continued to miss bats, posting a nearly 28% strikeout rate, a 2.51 ERA, and a 1.31 WHIP.

      In many farm systems, that type of rise would have generated louder buzz. In Minnesota, he was somewhat overshadowed by Zebby Matthews and a wave of pitching prospects who grabbed headlines. Still, evaluators appreciated Lewis for what he was becoming. Not a traditional power arm, but a different look. A pitcher capable of disrupting timing in a sport increasingly built around velocity.

      That is what makes this spring important. With Shelton taking over and the Twins once again leaning on pitching depth as an organizational strength, camp reps matter. Lewis was unlikely to break north with the club, but a healthy and productive spring could have reestablished him as a depth option and potential call-up candidate during the season.

      Instead, the focus shifts to recovery. Shoulder injuries are always delicate, and a subscapularis strain impacts one of the key stabilizing muscles in the shoulder. For a pitcher who relies heavily on feel and touch, especially with a knuckleball, any interruption to throwing progression can complicate timing and command.

      The Twins will reevaluate Lewis in two weeks, and the hope is that this is merely a short-term pause rather than a lingering issue. Minnesota has seen how quickly pitching depth can evaporate over a long season. They will need arms at St Paul ready to contribute.

      For Lewis, the path forward remains the same even if the timeline shifts. Embrace the uniqueness. Refine the knuckleball. Regain the command that fueled his rise. The Twins believed enough in the profile to invite him to big league camp. Now the challenge is getting back on the mound and proving that last season was a detour, not a destination.

      Spring training is about fresh starts. For Lewis, that fresh start may just have to wait a few weeks.

      Cody Christie

      The Twins made multiple roster moves on Thursday, but one came much later than expected. Just a couple of hours before first pitch against the Marlins, Minnesota scratched center fielder Byron Buxton from the lineup because of soreness in his right hip flexor. Buxton had originally been scheduled to serve as the designated hitter and hit leadoff before the club made the late change.

      With Buxton unavailable, Austin Martin moved into the leadoff spot while Josh Bell stepped in as the designated hitter. Given how important Buxton has become to Minnesota’s offense over the last month, any injury concern immediately grabs attention.

      The timing is especially unfortunate because Buxton is in the middle of arguably the best power stretch of his career. After launching another leadoff home run on Wednesday night, he now has 15 home runs in his last 26 games dating back to April 13. No player in baseball has hit more homers during that stretch, with Buxton sitting two ahead of Kyle Schwarber.

      Even with a relatively quiet opening couple of weeks to the season, Buxton’s 15 home runs still rank tied for second in the American League and tied for third in all of baseball entering Thursday’s games.

      What has made the run even more impressive is the consistency. Since April 21, Buxton has not gone more than three games without leaving the yard. Wednesday’s blast was the 23rd leadoff homer of his career and his third already this season. The Twins have leaned heavily on his ability to create instant offense at the top of the lineup, especially with injuries and inconsistency affecting other parts of the roster.

      Over a larger sample, the production becomes even more eye-opening. Since May 14, 2025, Buxton has hit 41 home runs in just 128 games. Expanding the sample to his last 162 games dating back to April 1, 2025, he has clubbed 50 home runs. He is also currently on pace for 56 home runs this season, which would easily surpass his previous single-season career high of 35 set in 2025. That is superstar-level production from a player who has often battled injuries throughout his career.

      That is why Thursday’s scratch immediately raises concern, even if the Twins are initially calling it soreness. Minnesota has already dealt with a wave of pitching injuries this season, and the lineup looks entirely different when Buxton is unavailable.

      The Twins are already adjusting to life without Matt Wallner after his surprising option to Triple-A St. Paul earlier in the day. That move opened the door for Martin to take over as the club’s primary right fielder, making Buxton’s absence even more noticeable in an already reshuffled lineup.

      For now, the Twins will hope the move was simply precautionary and not something that lingers. Because over the last month, few players in baseball have been more dangerous than Byron Buxton.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins earned a 6-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday night, but the win came with an unsettling development behind the plate. Catcher Ryan Jeffers exited the game late after suffering what the club is calling a left wrist sprain.

      Jeffers will undergo an MRI on Tuesday morning after leaving during the middle of an at-bat in the eighth inning. The injury occurred after he fouled off the first pitch from Astros reliever AJ Blubaugh and shattered his bat. Jeffers initially stayed in the box and took two pitches for balls before calling timeout and signaling that something was wrong.

      “I was kind of going through the mental battle of whether I could swing or not, and then made the decision,” Jeffers said after the game. “We’ll know more tomorrow.”

      Manager Derek Shelton and athletic trainer Masa Abe came out to check on Jeffers before he walked off the field and headed to the clubhouse. Veteran catcher Victor Caratini entered as a pinch hitter and remained in the game behind the plate.

      The timing could not be worse for the Twins because Jeffers has been playing the best baseball of his career. He finished Monday’s game 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored, continuing a scorching start to the season. Through his first stretch of games in 2026, Jeffers is slashing .295/.408/.541 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs while emerging as one of the most productive offensive catchers in baseball.

      For a Twins lineup that has dealt with inconsistency throughout the year, Jeffers has been one of the few dependable middle-of-the-order bats. His combination of patience, power, and quality contact has elevated his value significantly as he approaches free agency following the season.

      If the MRI reveals a more serious injury, Minnesota may need to make a roster move quickly. Jeffers and Caratini are currently the only catchers on the Twins’ 40-man roster, leaving the organization thin on immediate depth.

      That situation would likely open the door for Alex Jackson to return to the major leagues. The veteran backstop has quietly put together a strong offensive season at Triple-A St. Paul, hitting .239/.295/.511 (.806) with notable power production across 95 plate appearances.

      The Twins can survive injuries at several positions because of their organizational depth, but catcher is not one of them. Losing Jeffers for any extended period would remove one of the club’s best hitters and force Minnesota to rely heavily on Caratini while searching for additional help.

      For now, the organization and its fans will wait for Tuesday’s MRI results, hoping that one awkward swing did not sideline one of the most important players in Minnesota’s lineup.

       

      Cody Christie

      The race to determine the starters for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game is entering its final stretch, and Byron Buxton is putting himself in position for a memorable milestone.

      The first phase of fan voting opened on June 3 and will conclude on Thursday, June 25, at 11 AM CT. During this opening phase, fans can vote for the starting lineup in each league, selecting eight position players and one designated hitter. Ballots are available through MLB.com, all 30 club websites, the MLB app, and the MLB Ballpark app. Fans can vote up to five times every 24 hours.

      When Phase 1 concludes, MLB Network will reveal the top vote-getters at every position. The leading vote-getter in each league automatically earns a starting spot, while the remaining finalists advance to Phase 2, where fans determine the rest of the starting lineup.

      Buxton Climbs Into Prime Position

      The latest voting update released Monday brought encouraging news for Twins fans. Buxton moved into third place among American League outfielders with 1,106,264 votes.

      American League Outfield Voting Leaders (June 22 Update)

      1. Aaron Judge, Yankees — 1,788,499
      2. Mike Trout, Angels — 1,735,051
      3. Byron Buxton, Twins — 1,106,264
      4. Cody Bellinger, Yankees — 1,067,622
      5. Julio Rodríguez, Mariners — 819,514
      6. Randy Arozarena, Mariners — 793,017
      7. Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays — 782,016
      8. Jesús Sánchez, Blue Jays — 764,037
      9. Riley Greene, Tigers — 751,512

      Buxton's rise is notable because he sat fourth among American League outfielders in the previous update. A dominant stretch over the last few weeks has helped him leapfrog Cody Bellinger and move firmly into position to advance to Phase 2 voting.

      His performance has backed up the support. Buxton enters the week ranked second in the American League with 24 home runs and third in slugging percentage at .591. After years of battling injuries, he has remained on the field and produced at an elite level, giving Twins fans a compelling case to rally behind during the final days of voting.

      Injuries Could Change the Picture

      The voting leaderboard may not tell the entire story. Judge currently leads all American League outfielders, but he is expected to miss the All-Star Game after suffering a rib stress fracture. Judge's absence would leave one of the outfield starting spots open regardless of where he finishes in the voting process.

      Meanwhile, Trout's status has become less certain after he landed on the injured list last week with a right hamstring strain. Trout remains second in the voting, but his availability for the Midsummer Classic is now unclear.

      If both stars are unable to participate, Buxton's chances of earning a starting assignment improve significantly. Even if Judge and Trout remain among the leading vote-getters, MLB would need replacements should either player be unavailable.

      Final Week Push Ahead

      Minnesota has not had many realistic candidates for fan-elected starting spots in recent seasons, but Buxton has changed that narrative in 2026. His combination of power, highlight-reel defense, and durability (knock on wood) has made him one of the American League's most valuable players through the season's first half.

      The final days of Phase 1 voting will determine whether he advances comfortably to the next round, but his recent climb up the leaderboard shows that fans across baseball are taking notice. For a player who has spent much of his career battling injuries and unrealized All-Star potential, Buxton is now closer than ever to hearing his name announced as an All-Star Game starter.

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