Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

  • Major League Notes

    Notes about the team are posted here.

    180 rumors in this category

      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.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have been searching for consistency in the early part of the season, and over the past week, Byron Buxton provided exactly that. When he is healthy and locked in, there are few players in baseball who can impact a game in as many ways, and this latest stretch served as a reminder of his game-changing ability on both sides of the ball.

      Buxton put together one of the most productive weeks of his career, appearing in seven games and collecting 10 hits in 29 at-bats for a .345 average. His power was on full display as he launched five home runs, added a double, and swiped two bases. He also crossed the plate six times and drove in seven runs, serving as the catalyst for Minnesota’s offense throughout the week. Notably, he homered in five of those seven games, including a streak of three consecutive contests, marking the sixth time in his career he has accomplished that feat.

      This recognition marks the third time in Buxton’s 12-year career that he has earned American League Player of the Week honors. His previous awards came on August 26, 2017, and June 11, 2022. It also represents a milestone for the Twins lineup, as Buxton becomes the first Minnesota hitter to take home the award since Luke Keaschall did so on August 9 of last season.

      With this latest honor, Buxton continues to climb into elite territory within franchise history. He is now one of six players in Twins history to win the award at least three times while with the organization. That group includes Kent Hrbek, Joe Mauer, Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, and Johan Santana, a collection of names that highlights just how impactful Buxton has been when at his best.

       

      Buxton got off to a slow start at the plate to begin the season, and some have pointed to his limited action in the World Baseball Classic after being hit by a pitch as a contributing factor. Through his first eight games, he went just 4-for-30 (.133) with 10 strikeouts. Since then, the turnaround has been significant. Over his next 24 games, he has posted a .288/.351/.615 (.966) slash line with 10 home runs and four doubles, a stretch that looks much more like the All-Star level production the Twins have come to expect.

      If this stretch is any indication of what Buxton can provide moving forward, the Twins lineup may have found the spark it needs. His combination of power, speed, and defensive excellence makes him one of the most dynamic players in the game, and when he is producing at this level, Minnesota looks like a much more dangerous team.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have spent much of the early portion of the 2026 season trying to survive wave after wave of pitching injuries. From key starters to important bullpen contributors, the organization has rarely had its preferred staff intact for more than a few days at a time.

      Tuesday finally brought some encouraging news. Both Taj Bradley and Cole Sands made progress in their recoveries, offering some hope that reinforcements may not be too far away for a pitching staff that desperately needs stability.

      Bradley, who landed on the injured list Saturday with right pectoralis muscle inflammation, resumed throwing and played catch out to 90 feet. The 25-year-old also sought a second opinion from noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister after an MRI came back clean. That clean MRI result was already an encouraging development. Seeing Bradley begin throwing again only adds to the optimism surrounding his recovery timeline.

      “He played catch up to 90 feet today,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “So I think from there we’ll make sure we appropriately put the program together.”

      The Twins can hardly afford to lose him for an extended period. Bradley has been nothing short of electric in his first season with Minnesota, posting a 2.87 ERA and 52 strikeouts across 47 innings through his first eight starts. More importantly, he has brought a level of swing-and-miss dominance that the Twins' rotation has largely lacked in recent years.

      His raw stuff has consistently jumped off the screen. Earlier this season against the Kansas City Royals, Bradley became the first Twins starting pitcher to hit 100 mph since pitch tracking began in 2008. That type of velocity is rare anywhere in baseball, but especially within Minnesota’s pitching history.

      While any pectoral injury raises concern for a pitcher, there is at least some precedent for optimism. Bradley dealt with a similar injury while pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. That strain sidelined him for roughly a month before he returned to make 25 starts and throw 138 innings by season’s end.

      The Twins will likely proceed cautiously this time as well, especially considering how valuable Bradley has become to the rotation almost immediately after arriving in Minnesota.

      The encouraging updates did not stop there. Sands also took an important step forward Tuesday by throwing a bullpen session as he works his way back from a right forearm strain. Sands has been sidelined since late April and could soon progress to facing live hitters if everything continues moving in the right direction.

      Even though Sands’ traditional numbers do not immediately stand out, the Twins' bullpen has clearly missed him. The right-hander owns a 4.63 ERA in 11 2/3 innings this season, but some of the underlying metrics paint a more favorable picture. Sands has posted a solid strikeout rate while carrying a 3.65 SIERA, suggesting he has pitched better than his ERA indicates.

      His final appearance before going on the injured list may have offered a clue that something was physically wrong. Sands allowed two runs against Seattle on April 28 in an outing where his stuff appeared noticeably diminished.

      Perhaps most concerning was the drop in velocity. After averaging roughly 95 mph on his fastball in 2025, Sands sat closer to 93.1 mph this season before landing on the injured list. Any time a pitcher experiences declining velocity alongside forearm discomfort, alarms naturally go off. That is why simply getting back on a mound for a bullpen session qualifies as meaningful progress.

      The Twins currently have eight pitchers on the injured list, including starters Bradley, Mick Abel, David Festa, and Pablo López. That level of attrition would challenge any organization’s depth, even one that had eight or more starting pitchers on their depth chart to start the year.

      For now, there is still no official timetable for either Bradley or Sands to return. The Twins will almost certainly remain cautious, particularly with Bradley, given both his importance to the rotation and the nature of his injury.

      Still, after weeks of increasingly discouraging injury news, Tuesday finally gave the organization something it has not had much of lately: optimism. If Bradley can continue to progress without setbacks and Sands can build toward live batting practice soon, the Twins may finally begin to see light at the end of what has been a brutally difficult stretch for their pitching staff.

       

       

      Cody Christie

      Trades at the deadline can seem sudden. A contender needs pitching. A rebuilding team moves veterans. In hours, deals are done and players introduced. Yet, most conversations start months before.

      That was the case for the Twins and Blue Jays last summer. Long before the trade deadline approached, Toronto had already begun checking in with Minnesota about reliever Louis Varland. According to reporting from the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Blue Jays began making inquiries roughly three months before the deal was finalized.

      Minnesota’s front office was assertive in talks. The Twins set a high price, asking for young arms Trey Yesavage and Kendry Rojas. Yesavage, seen as a top Blue Jays pitching prospect, was not available. Still, those talks shaped the final package.

      At the deadline, Minnesota traded Varland and Ty France to Toronto for outfielder Alan Roden and left-hander Kendry Rojas. The deal is now shaping the Twins' roster decisions in camp.

      Alan Roden: Pushing for an Opportunity
      Roden joined as an advanced hitter known for his strike zone control. He quickly became a notable new position player after last year’s deadline and is now poised to make an immediate impact.

      During spring training, Roden has found himself in the mix for a starting job in the Twins outfield. In his first six spring games, he went 7-for-17 (.412 BA) with a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored. Minnesota's outfield remains unsettled, giving Roden a chance to break in. Even if he starts in the minors, the team sees him as a near-term contributor.

      Kendry Rojas: A Power Arm with Upside

      While Roden could help sooner, Rojas may ultimately carry the highest ceiling from the deal. The 23-year-old left-hander has been one of the more talked-about pitchers in Twins camp thanks to a fastball that can reach the upper 90s. The raw stuff has always been enticing, but his development will hinge on improving command.

      Last year showed more work lies ahead. Rojas struggled in 32 1/3 Triple-A innings in 2025, allowing too many baserunners and posting a 15.9 BB% after the trade. The Twins still see potential for him as a starter and plan to keep developing him there.

      At the same time, some evaluators see a future in which his power arsenal plays in high-leverage relief situations. If the Twins decide to bring him to the majors later this season, a bullpen role could offer a natural transition. It would allow Rojas to get his first taste of big league competition without completely closing the door on his long-term potential in the rotation.

      The Varland trade was the product of months of dialogue between two front offices. What started as early-season check-ins eventually turned into a deadline deal that sent a pair of intriguing young players to Minnesota.

      Spring training has already offered a glimpse of what the Twins might gain from that patience. Roden is fighting for a roster spot in the outfield, while Rojas is flashing the kind of velocity that turns heads around the back fields.

      Much like many deadline trades, the full impact of this deal may not be known for years. Still, the proactive conversations that began early last season are already shaping the Twins as they prepare for 2026.

      Cody Christie

      The Twins will have to finish the 2026 season without one of their veteran left-handed relievers. Anthony Banda told reporters that he recently underwent surgery to repair his injured lat, ending his season. The veteran southpaw expects to be fully recovered in time for spring training next February.

      While the news isn't entirely surprising, it officially closes the door on any chance of Banda returning for a late-season playoff push.

      Banda was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier this month with what the Twins initially described as a lat strain. At the time, manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the injury was significant and suggested Banda's recovery would be measured in months rather than weeks. There was still some optimism that he could return, but this specific surgery eliminates that possibility. Minnesota will eventually transfer him to the 60-day injured list once it needs another spot on the 40-man roster.

      Although Banda's overall numbers don't jump off the page, he had quietly become one of the Twins' more dependable relievers before getting hurt. He finished the year with a 4.46 ERA across 34 1/3 innings, but those numbers were heavily skewed by a difficult start to the season. Beginning on May 5, Banda posted a 1.33 ERA over his final 20 1/3 innings. That stretch came with some favorable fortune, including a .259 batting average on balls in play and a 90.6% strand rate, but he consistently gave the Twins quality innings during that stretch.

      That's a difficult arm to lose for a bullpen that has struggled to find consistency all season. Minnesota's relievers own a collective 5.24 ERA, tied with the Royals for the worst mark in Major League Baseball. Even if Banda's dominant stretch wasn't completely sustainable, his absence leaves the Twins with even fewer reliable late-inning options as they continue to chase a postseason berth.

      Despite those bullpen struggles, Minnesota remains in the thick of the American League playoff race, sitting just a half-game out of a Wild Card spot. For now, Taylor Rogers and Kody Funderburk become the club's primary left-handed relief options, while Kendry Rojas was recalled to provide additional length out of the bullpen. If the Twins remain in contention over the next few weeks, adding another bullpen arm could become an even bigger priority before the trade deadline.

      For Banda, the injury comes at an unfortunate time in his career. After spending 2025 with the Dodgers, Banda struggled during the postseason and found himself designated for assignment in February because he was out of minor league options. The Twins acquired him by sending international bonus pool space to Los Angeles, hoping his recent success would carry over to Minnesota.

      Financially, the Twins still have a decision looming this offseason. Banda is earning $1.625 million this season and remains arbitration eligible for 2027. Minnesota will need to determine whether to tender him a contract before November, and the progress of his recovery will likely factor into that decision.

      Unfortunately for both Banda and the Twins, they'll have to wait until 2027 to find out whether he can continue building on his success with the club.

       

      Cody Christie

      For much of the 2026 season, the Twins have been forced to navigate an endless stream of injuries. While the club continues to battle through those setbacks, Friday brought several pieces of positive news.

      Three notable names—top prospect Walker Jenkins, right-hander Mick Abel, and left-hander Kendry Rojas—are all progressing toward returns. Each player reached a significant checkpoint in his recovery process this weekend, offering hope that reinforcements could soon be on the way.

      Walker Jenkins Nearing Return to Game Action

      The Twins expect Jenkins to begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Fort Myers on Saturday, marking his first game action since suffering a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder on May 5. The injury occurred while he crashed into an outfield wall while making a catch for Triple-A St. Paul.

      Minnesota's top prospect was still finding his footing early in the season after arriving at Triple-A, but he entered the injured list on a much stronger note than he started. Before getting hurt, Jenkins had improved his season line to .256/.396/.389 (.785) across 111 plate appearances. That followed a 2025 campaign in which he posted a .286/.399/.451 (.850) slash line while climbing all the way to Triple-A.

      Since being selected fifth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, the 21-year-old has dealt with a series of injuries. A hamstring strain cost him significant time in 2024, while an ankle sprain sidelined him for nearly two months in 2025. He also battled another hamstring issue during spring training this year.

      When healthy, Jenkins has consistently looked like one of baseball's premier prospects. If he returns from this latest injury and performs well at Triple-A, the possibility of a major-league debut later this season remains very much alive. At minimum, he appears poised to put himself in a position to contribute in Minnesota sometime during 2027.

      Mick Abel Closing In on Return to Rotation

      Abel's next step comes Saturday when he is scheduled to throw a light bullpen session following an impressive rehab outing earlier this week.

      Pitching for Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, Abel tossed three scoreless innings, striking out five while allowing only two hits. Perhaps most encouraging was the quality of his stuff. His fastball averaged 96.3 mph and topped out at 97.9 mph, looking much like the weapon that helped him dominate before landing on the injured list.

      The Twins shut Abel down on April 20 because of inflammation in his right elbow. His recovery appeared to be nearing completion in early May before lingering soreness in his right triceps after a simulated bullpen session temporarily halted his progress. The setback eventually led to a cortisone injection and additional recovery time.

      Before the injury, Abel was pitching some of the best baseball of his young career. He had thrown 13 consecutive scoreless innings over his final two starts and looked increasingly comfortable against major-league hitters.

      His return would arrive at an ideal time for Minnesota. Bailey Ober remains sidelined with a right flexor strain, leaving the Twins scrambling to piece together a rotation. The club has relied on multiple bullpen games in recent weeks, with Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Connor Prielipp, and Zebby Matthews carrying the workload. If Abel continues progressing without issue, he could soon provide the stability Minnesota desperately needs in the fifth spot.

      Kendry Rojas Taking Another Step Forward

      Rojas is scheduled to face hitters in a live batting practice session Saturday in Fort Myers as he works his way back from left triceps inflammation. The 22-year-old has been sidelined since May 29.

      Few pitchers have exceeded expectations this season the way Rojas has. He quickly established himself as a valuable multi-inning weapon. In 14 1/3 innings, Rojas has posted a sparkling 1.26 ERA while striking out 14 hitters. He has also demonstrated the flexibility to help in multiple roles. Earlier this season, Rojas made a spot start against the Houston Astros and responded by throwing four scoreless innings at Target Field.

      That versatility has become increasingly important as injuries continue to pile up throughout Minnesota's pitching staff. Whether he returns as a long reliever, spot starter, or bulk innings option, Rojas would give the Twins another reliable arm capable of reducing the burden on an already stretched pitching corps.

      After weeks of discouraging injury news, Minnesota finally has reason for optimism. None of these returns is guaranteed to happen immediately, but the progress of Jenkins, Abel, and Rojas offers a reminder that help may finally be on the horizon.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have watched Byron Buxton put together plenty of memorable seasons throughout his career, but 2026 has been something different. Healthy (knock on wood), productive, and once again one of the game's most dynamic players, Buxton is now one step closer to receiving the recognition that has long felt overdue.

      Major League Baseball announced the results of Phase 1 of All-Star voting on Thursday, and Buxton advanced to Phase 2 as one of six American League outfield finalists. Now, with the vote totals reset, Twins fans have one more opportunity to help send their center fielder to Philadelphia as a starting outfielder in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.

      Finally Getting the Recognition

      Buxton's talent has never been questioned. Staying on the field has often been the only thing standing between him and national superstardom. This season, he's erased those questions.

      After launching 35 home runs during his All-Star campaign in 2025, Buxton has somehow raised the bar even higher. Entering the final days before voting resumes, he is tied with Yordan Alvarez for the American League lead with 25 home runs, putting him on pace to eclipse the 50-homer mark for the first time in his career.

      His .912 OPS ranks as the second-best mark of his career, trailing only his remarkable 2021 season, when injuries limited him to just 61 games despite producing like one of baseball's best hitters. It's the kind of production Twins fans have always believed was possible when Buxton is healthy. Now the rest of baseball is taking notice.

      A Crowded Race in the AL Outfield

      Phase 2 won't be easy. Buxton will compete with Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Cody Bellinger, Daulton Varsho, and Jesús Sánchez for one of three starting outfield spots.

      Judge and Trout remain two of the sport's biggest stars, but both enter the final round while on the injured list. Judge is recovering from a stress fracture in his ribs and is not expected back until after the All-Star break. Trout is dealing with a right hamstring strain but could return before the Midsummer Classic.

      Meanwhile, Bellinger has enjoyed a strong bounce-back season after returning to New York, while Toronto teammates Varsho and Sánchez are both looking to earn the first All-Star selections of their careers.

      Despite the talented field, Buxton has a compelling case that extends well beyond his home run total. He continues to provide strong defense in center field while serving as the centerpiece of Minnesota's offense nearly every night. That's the type of complete player deserving of an All-Star start.

      Twins Fans Can Finish the Job

      The biggest twist in MLB's voting process is that nothing from Phase 1 carries over. Although Buxton received more than 1.6 million votes to comfortably advance, every finalist now starts back at zero.

      Phase 2 voting opens at 11:00 a.m. CT on Monday, June 29th, and runs through 11:00 a.m. CT on Thursday, July 2nd. Fans can cast one ballot every 24 hours through MLB's website, club websites, the MLB App, and MLB Ballpark App. The winners will be announced on July 4, with pitchers and reserves revealed shortly afterward.

      Buxton has spent more than a decade giving Twins fans highlight-reel catches, breathtaking speed, and tape-measure home runs. This season has showcased everything that has made him one of baseball's most exciting players, only this time with the consistency that comes from being healthy.

      Now comes the final push. Phase 1 showed that Buxton has earned national attention. Phase 2 will determine whether he takes the field at Citizens Bank Park as a starter.

      If Twins fans want to see one of the franchise's best seasons in recent memory rewarded with a place in the starting lineup, voting begins Monday. With the totals reset, every vote matters once again, and Minnesota has four days to help send Byron Buxton where he belongs: the All-Star starting lineup.

      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

      Monday's pregame news immediately raised concern when Byron Buxton was scratched from the lineup before the series opener against the Houston Astros. Fortunately for the Twins, the initial diagnosis could have been much worse.

      An MRI revealed that Buxton is dealing with a right hip impingement and is considered day-to-day. Manager Derek Shelton said the club has no plans to place him on the Injured List, offering encouraging news after another injury scare involving the franchise centerpiece.

      The issue became more apparent during Sunday's victory over Colorado when Buxton served as the designated hitter. Although he finished 0-for-4 with a strikeout, the bigger concern was how uncomfortable he looked at the plate.

      "He's dealing with a little hip thing that's going on," Shelton said. "We had some imaging done, we're waiting to get back on it. Yesterday after watching him in the box, it didn't look right to me, so we had a conversation. Just giving him a day."

      Shelton remained optimistic after receiving the imaging results.

      "I think right now we're at a day-to-day place. Really never want to get any farther than that. I think over the course of the last week we've seen how well he's moved. We've seen him on the bases. Just yesterday it just didn't look as comfortable."

      For Twins fans, hearing "day-to-day" attached to Buxton is about as positive an outcome as they could have hoped for.

      After years of seeing injuries derail outstanding stretches of play, 2026 has looked different. Buxton has stayed on the field for the overwhelming majority of the season despite a few minor scares. He missed a short period in May because of hip discomfort and later spent time at designated hitter after jamming his shoulder, but he has avoided an Injured List stint altogether.

      That availability has coincided with one of the best offensive seasons of his career. Buxton enters July slashing .268/.325/.573 with 25 home runs, tied for the American League lead. His 43 RBIs don't fully capture his impact, as he's once again become the top of the lineup force Minnesota envisioned years ago. That production has made him one of the favorites to start in the American League outfield at next month's All-Star Game.

      Even without him, Minnesota found a way to pick up an important victory. The Twins opened their series in Houston with a 5-4 win as Royce Lewis, Josh Bell, and Victor Caratini each homered. The victory improved Minnesota to 41-45, leaving the club 4.5 games behind in the American League Central while sitting just two games out of the final Wild Card spot.

      Those standings reinforce why avoiding an extended absence from Buxton matters so much. Minnesota has spent much of the first half hovering around .500, unable to string together the sustained winning streak necessary to climb into playoff position. With the All-Star break approaching, every game carries additional significance.

      Now the focus shifts toward getting him back into the lineup. The Twins continue their series against Houston on Tuesday night before wrapping things up Wednesday. Then comes a trip to the Bronx for a weekend showdown with the Yankees, a venue that has historically been one of Minnesota's toughest road assignments.

      If the Twins hope to build momentum heading into the All-Star break, having Buxton back in center field would be the biggest boost they could ask for. Monday's diagnosis doesn't guarantee he'll avoid further issues, but for a team whose season has already featured plenty of uncertainty, "day-to-day" qualifies as very good news.

      Cody Christie

      Minnesota's roster makeover continued Saturday. Less than 24 hours after adding another starting pitcher before the trade deadline, the Twins announced another round of transactions ahead of their matchup with the Seattle Mariners. The headline move was expected: newly acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Minter was officially activated. 

      To make room on the 26-man roster, the Twins optioned right-hander Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul. The move isn't necessarily an indictment of Matthews' performance on Friday night. He gave Minnesota five innings, allowed three earned runs, and struck out an impressive 10 hitters against Seattle. However, his overall July results painted a different picture. Across 24 2/3 innings, Matthews posted a 7.66 ERA and 5.69 FIP while recording 23 strikeouts against 14 walks.

      With Dean Kremer acquired to bolster the rotation, Matthews became the logical candidate to head back to Triple-A. The timing gives the Twins a fresh bullpen arm in Minter while creating what appears to be a clear opening for Kremer to slide into the starting rotation.

      Minnesota also made a change to its 40-man roster, designating right-hander Cody Laweryson for assignment. Laweryson appeared in 15 games for the Twins this season, logging 16 2/3 innings with a 4.86 ERA and 5.08 FIP while striking out 18 and walking eight. Although he flashed intriguing stuff at times, injuries have impacted him this season. A right forearm strain sidelined Laweryson for much of April and May, and after he was optioned to Triple-A in early July, Laweryson has been on the St. Paul injured list since July 19.

      His departure immediately created room for another pitcher. Right-hander Garrett Acton was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota acquired Acton from the Miami Marlins this spring in exchange for Logan Whitaker, but he has been limited to four appearances after suffering a right shoulder strain that landed him on the injured list at the end of April.

      Acton's rehab assignment offered plenty of encouragement. In six innings for St. Paul, he surrendered just one earned run while striking out eight and walking only one. Opponents managed just a .053 batting average against him during that stretch. If the shoulder continues to respond well, Acton could quickly emerge as another bullpen option for a Twins club that has spent the past week aggressively reshaping its pitching staff.

      With Minter now in the bullpen, Kremer expected to join the rotation, and additional depth returning from injury, Minnesota's pitching staff looks noticeably different than it did just a few days ago, and the Twins might not be done adding before Monday’s deadline. 

      Matthew Lenz

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

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

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

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

      Matthew Lenz

      Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic is reporting that Minnesota Twins starting pitcher prospect, Andrew Morris, was placed on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain.

      The news is yet another pitcher injury for the Twins, who recently lost Pablo Lopez and Zebby Matthews to injury. In addition, Bailey Ober recently mentioned a hip issue that's impacting his mechanics, though he's been able to continue pitching.

      Morris has been very up and down for Triple-A St. Paul with five starts of four earned runs or more and seven starts of two earned runs or less. In all, it had amounted to a 4.41 ERA across 63 1/3 innings.
       

      With all the injuries, Morris was on the short list of pitchers who could be next in line to head West down 94 to Target Field.  Now, we await to learn the severity of his injury but it's safe to assume he'll be shut down for awhile.

      Do you think there is something to all these injuries or is it just coincidence?

      Matthew Lenz

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

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

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

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

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

      Cody Christie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins, who had a massive sell-off at last year's trade deadline, appear to be a buyer this year.

      The Twins on Friday acquired right-handed reliever Tommy Nance from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor-league catcher-third baseman Ryan Sprock.

      Nance is a 35-year-old who has appeared in 32 games this year for the Jays, posting a 4.20 FIP (3.82 ERA) in 33 innings, walking 9.4% of batters, while striking out 24.5%. Nance made his MLB debut in 2021 and has appeared in 144 games, all but two in relief, with a 3.72 FIP (4.25 ERA). He has a 9.3% career walk rate and 25.3% strikeout rate.

      Nance is making $809,700 this season and is under club control for another three seasons.

      Sprock, 21, was an eighth-round draft choice a year ago out of Elon. He was just promoted to High-A Cedar Rapids, where he played two games, going 0-for-7. He had been at Low-A Fort Myers, where he had a .306/.436/.441 slash line with five homers and 37 RBIs in 65 games. He also had 14 stolen bases. Sprock is not on Twins Daily's Top 20 prospects list. He made 31 starts at catcher, 18 at third base and five in left field in addition to 11 as a designated hitter.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins made a small but notable adjustment to their spring training lineup on Thursday when Royce Lewis was scratched before first pitch. In late February, even minor changes draw attention.

      According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, Lewis was removed from the lineup after experiencing tightness on his right side while running the bases during pregame work. The Twins’ media relations department labeled the move as being made out of an abundance of caution.

      For an organization that has spent the winter publicly elevating Lewis, there was little incentive to push him through discomfort in a Grapefruit League game. The new regime has been intentional about its messaging, and protecting one of its most talented players in February aligns with that philosophy.

      Since being hired, manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that Lewis is central to the Twins’ vision. Lewis was reportedly one of the first players Shelton sought out after taking the job. In radio interviews at the GM Meetings and Winter Meetings, Shelton did not shy away from calling Lewis a “superstar.” That is not language this organization has historically thrown around lightly.

      Lewis spent the offseason working with an outside hitting coach recommended by Bobby Witt Jr., another young star who has navigated early expectations with poise. The emphasis this winter has been on simplifying Lewis’s offensive operation.

      Observers this spring have noted fewer moving parts and a calmer pre-swing setup. The mechanical work has focused on getting Lewis into the best possible position before the swing even begins. The idea is repeatability. If Lewis can consistently win the pre-swing phase, the athleticism and bat speed take care of the rest.

      Early returns have been encouraging. His posture looks quieter. The leg kick appears more controlled. There is less wasted motion and more direct intent. That makes Thursday’s scratch feel more like a pause than a setback.

       

      Still, the Twins are well aware of Lewis’ history and the importance of availability. Even minor tightness becomes headline material when attached to a player who has battled lower-body injuries in previous seasons. Spring training is about preparation, not proof of toughness.

      Behind Lewis, the depth chart at third base is serviceable but uninspiring. Ryan Kreidler offers defensive versatility and contact skills. Gio Urshela brings veteran steadiness and familiarity. Tanner Schobel represents more of a developmental option than an immediate solution. None of them carries Lewis’ upside or middle-of-the-order presence. That reality underscores why caution is the correct play.

      For now, the Twins appear to be choosing patience over panic. And if Lewis is indeed the superstar Shelton believes him to be, a quiet afternoon in February will be long forgotten by the time the games start to matter.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins officially unveiled their 2027 regular season schedule, providing fans with their first look at next year's road map. While game times and promotions will come later, the schedule already offers several intriguing storylines, including the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, another road opener, and a summer packed with marquee opponents at Target Field.

      Here's a closer look at what stands out from Minnesota's 2027 schedule.

      Earliest Opening Day in Twins History

      The Twins will begin the 2027 season on Thursday, March 25, when they travel to Kauffman Stadium to face the Kansas City Royals. It marks the earliest Opening Day in franchise history, one day earlier than last season's March 26 opener.

      Minnesota will spend the opening week on the road before returning to Target Field for its home opener on Friday, April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

      The club will play six games during March, the most the franchise has ever played before the calendar flips to April. It also continues a recent trend, as the Twins will open the season away from Target Field for the fifth consecutive year and for the 14th time in the past 18 seasons.

      Target Field Loaded with Summer Marquee Matchups

      Fans won't have to wait long for attractive home series. The Twins will play 16 home games during April, welcoming the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres alongside several American League opponents. Once summer arrives, the home schedule becomes even more appealing.

      Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Minnesota will play 44 of its 81 home games, giving fans plenty of opportunities to catch baseball during the warmest months of the season.

      Some of the biggest draws coming to Target Field include the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants.

      The schedule also includes two separate seven-game homestands in June featuring opponents such as the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.

      Balanced Schedule Continues Across Baseball

      Major League Baseball's balanced scheduling format remains in place for 2027, meaning the Twins will once again play every other club in the league.

      Minnesota will face each of its four American League Central rivals 13 times, splitting home and road games against the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.

      The interleague schedule brings 24 National League games to Target Field. Home opponents include the Nationals, Padres, Pirates, Mets, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Brewers and Giants. On the road, the Twins will visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins.

      One of the highlights comes during MLB's annual Rivalry Weekend, when Minnesota travels to Milwaukee from July 16-18 before welcoming the Cubs to Target Field the following weekend, July 23-25.

      Road Trips and September Finish

      The longest trip away from home comes early in the season. Minnesota's toughest stretch will run from May 28 through June 6, a nine-game, 10-day trip that includes stops in Toronto, Detroit and Atlanta.

      When September arrives, the Twins will finish the regular season at Target Field. They'll host the San Francisco Giants from Sept. 21-23 before closing the regular season with a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers from Sept. 24-26. 

      Ending the season at home could prove significant if Minnesota finds itself battling for an American League Central title or postseason berth down the stretch.

      Still Waiting on the Details

      While the schedule is now official, several pieces of information remain to be announced.

      Game times, television schedules, promotional nights, giveaways and ticket sale dates will all be released at a later date. Those announcements typically come throughout the offseason as clubs finalize broadcast schedules and promotional calendars.

      For now, Twins fans can begin planning around an early Opening Day, another full slate against every Major League club and a summer schedule filled with some of baseball's biggest attractions.

       

      Cody Christie

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Cody Christie

      Spring training is entering its final stretch, and the roster decisions are starting to come quickly.

      With Opening Day set for March 26 against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, the Minnesota Twins are beginning to finalize the final pieces of their pitching staff. On Monday, the club reduced its bullpen competition by sending two relievers out of major league camp.

      Minnesota reassigned right-handers Julian Merryweather and Grant Hartwig to minor league camp as the organization inches closer to setting its Opening Day bullpen.

      Both pitchers entered camp as non-roster invitees looking to pitch their way onto the major league roster. With the calendar now showing mid-March, the Twins are clearly entering the phase of spring where roster battles become more defined.

      The moves leave the organization with 45 players still active in big league camp, including 21 pitchers. However, that number does not fully reflect the group competing for Opening Day jobs. Right-hander David Festa is expected to begin the season on the injured list, while right-hander Travis Adams has been limited by elbow inflammation during camp.

      If Adams is not ready for the start of the season, the Twins would be left with roughly 13 relievers competing for what is expected to be eight bullpen spots on the 26-man roster.

      Merryweather showed flashes early in camp before his progress was halted by injury. The hard-throwing right-hander strained his left hamstring during his first Grapefruit League appearance on February 24. Since then, he has thrown several bullpen sessions but has not yet returned to game action.

      Hartwig saw plenty of work this spring, appearing in seven Grapefruit League games. The results were uneven as he allowed eight earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 7 1/3 innings.

      For both pitchers, the reassignment does not necessarily close the door on helping the Twins later this season. Injuries and performance fluctuations often lead to bullpen shuffling throughout the year, and strong outings in the minors can quickly put a reliever back on the radar.

      For now, though, Minnesota continues narrowing the field. With only days remaining before the season opener in Baltimore, the Twins are quickly approaching the moment when speculation ends, and the final 26-man roster becomes reality.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins created space on their 40-man roster on Wednesday morning, placing outfielder Carson McCusker on unconditional release waivers. The move comes just hours before the Rule 5 Draft, where the club is expected to make at least one selection. It is a procedural decision with immediate implications for roster construction, but it also marks the end of a unique and memorable chapter in the organization.

      McCusker’s story has been anything but conventional. He joined the Twins as a signing out of the independent leagues, a late bloomer with imposing size and raw power who needed the right environment to refine his game. Minnesota believed there was more in his swing and approach than previous evaluations suggested, and McCusker rewarded that faith with one of the better early-season performances in the system during 2025.

      At Triple-A St. Paul last spring, McCusker put together an impressive first half with a 1.048 OPS in April and a .948 OPS in May. He controlled the strike zone better than expected, posted strong on-base numbers, and showed the kind of damage potential that made him a frequent middle-of-the-order presence. His run of production pushed him firmly onto the radar for a big league opportunity, and the Twins eventually called him up during a stretch when they needed additional depth

      The opportunity, however, never fully developed. Despite earning his way to the highest level, McCusker saw limited action and never received the extended look some thought he had earned. The Twins used him primarily as a bench option and sporadic pinch hitter, a role that made it difficult for him to build rhythm or make a lasting impression. In 16 games, he went 5-for-29 with 16 strikeouts and no extra-base hits. When the roster became crowded again, he was optioned back to St. Paul and remained there for most of the second half.

      Even with minimal major league exposure, McCusker did enough within the organization to maintain interest from clubs abroad. While nothing is finalized, industry speculation suggests he will explore opportunities to play in Asia during the 2026 season. His size, power, and plate discipline make him an intriguing fit for teams in Japan or Korea, where a change of environment could offer consistent at-bats and a more defined role.

      For the Twins, Wednesday’s decision reflects the tight roster calculus that comes with balancing present depth and future investment. Opening a spot before the Rule 5 Draft signals that Minnesota sees value in adding an external player it believes can contribute in the near future.

      McCusker’s release is a reminder that player development paths are rarely linear and that opportunities often hinge on timing as much as talent. His journey from the independent leagues to the doorstep of a major league job was a success story in itself, even if the Twins chapter concludes earlier than anticipated. Now he will look for the next stage of his career while the Twins move forward into the offseason with another key decision ahead.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins checked off another vital offseason box by avoiding arbitration with Ryan Jeffers. According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.7 million, covering Jeffers’ final season of arbitration eligibility.

      The number landed almost exactly where industry expectations pointed. MLB Trade Rumors projected Jeffers to earn $6.6 million. With free agency now looming next winter, both sides secured cost certainty while keeping flexibility for what comes next.

      That flexibility matters because Jeffers’ name continues to surface in trade speculation. Rumors have linked the Philadelphia Phillies to the Twins catcher if they are unable to come to terms with longtime backstop J.T. Realmuto. Minnesota could theoretically hold Jeffers into the regular season and revisit trade discussions closer to the trade deadline. Still, most teams prefer stability at catcher from the first day of spring training. Catchers need time to build trust with a pitching staff, and that reality often pushes deals earlier rather than later.

      While Jeffers is not Realmuto, the gap between the two is smaller than it might appear at first glance. During the 2025 season, Jeffers slashed .266/.356/.397, adding nine home runs and 47 RBI across 119 games. Realmuto produced a .257/.315 /.384 line, along with 12 home runs and 52 RBI in 134 games. The larger body of work still favors Realmuto, who owns a .270/.328/.447 career line over 1,373 games, while Jeffers sits at .239/.321/.419 through 515 contests. Even so, Jeffers has quietly grown into a better-than-average offensive catcher, especially over the last three seasons.

      Minnesota has leaned on a tandem behind the plate in recent years, splitting time between Jeffers and Christian Vazquez, who is now a free agent. The Twins have indicated that Jeffers will see more regular work moving forward, though few catchers reach 120 games caught in a season. Depth remains a concern. Alex Jackson and Jhonny Pereda currently profile as the next options, leaving the organization thin at the position with no clear answers knocking on the door in the upper minors.

      For now, the arbitration agreement keeps things simple. Jeffers remains the Twins’ top catcher, the payroll stays predictable, and the front office retains options. Whether Jeffers spends all of 2026 in a Twins uniform or becomes a trade chip later on, Minnesota has positioned itself well. Avoiding arbitration was not just about dollars and cents. It was about buying time, and in this case, time may prove to be the most valuable asset of all.

      Cody Christie

      According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the Twins and Trevor Larnach have agreed to terms on a $4.475 million contract for next season, avoiding an arbitration hearing. MLB Trade Rumors had projected Larnach to earn $4.7 million, so the final number comes in just under expectations and gives the Twins a bit of financial clarity as they continue to shape the roster for 2026.

      On the surface, avoiding arbitration feels like standard operating procedure. Dig a little deeper, though, and this agreement says more about the Twins’ current roster crunch than it does about a long-term commitment to Larnach. There had been speculation that Minnesota could non-tender the outfielder altogether, mainly because the organization is flush with younger, cheaper alternatives. While $4.475 million is not the most expensive arbitration salary on the roster, it represents roughly five percent of a payroll estimated to land around $100 million in 2026. For this front office, every dollar still matters.

      Larnach agreeing to terms with the Twins does not mean his future in Minnesota is secure. In fact, the opposite may be true. The Twins now have six left-handed hitting outfielders on the 40-man roster, and that group includes Larnach, Hendry Mendez, James Outman, Alan Roden, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Matt Wallner. That list does not even include top prospect Walker Jenkins, who is waiting in the wings at Triple-A and is very much part of the long-term plan.

      As things stand, the Twins favor Wallner and Roden for regular roles early in 2026, with Outman serving as the primary backup to Byron Buxton in center field. Rodriguez and Mendez are expected to open the season in the minors, though Rodriguez in particular has the kind of upside that will force the issue if he is healthy and productive. In that context, it is difficult to find a clear path to consistent playing time for Larnach outside of a shared DH role.

      With a set salary in place for 2026, Larnach becomes easier to move in a trade than he was during the arbitration guessing game. Cost certainty matters to other clubs, especially those trying to fill a corner outfield need without committing to a long-term deal.

      From a performance standpoint, Larnach’s 2025 season was steady but unspectacular. He set a career high with 142 games played and led the team in that category, but his overall production landed just below league average. A 99 OPS+, a .250/.323/.404 (.727) slash line, 17 home runs, 60 RBI, a 9.3 BB%, and a 21.5 K% added up to a 0.1 bWAR. There is value there, particularly in durability, but it is not the kind of profile that brings back a significant return on its own.

      The most realistic recent comparison for a potential Larnach deal is the Twins trading Nick Gordon for Steven Okert during spring training in 2024. That type of modest swap feels far more plausible than anything splashy. The challenge will be finding the right partner. Minnesota needs a team that is thin in the corner outfield and deep in bullpen arms, a combination that is not especially common around the league.

      In the end, the Twins and Larnach avoiding arbitration is less about stability and more about flexibility. Minnesota gets a known cost on a player who still has some appeal, and Larnach gets paid without the uncertainty of a hearing. Whether he spends that season in a Twins uniform is another question entirely. As the outfield picture continues to crowd itself, this agreement feels like one step toward an eventual resolution rather than the final word.

×
×
  • Create New...