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    Trade and free agent rumors posted here.

    202 rumors in this category

      Cody Christie

      Trade speculation is part of the fabric of a long baseball season, and it's still months away from the MLB Trade Deadline. Still, one prominent MLB insider is looking at potential solutions for a struggling American League contender.

      The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently examined early-season trends around the league, including a Boston Red Sox lineup that has yet to find its footing. With the absence of Alex Bregman leaving a noticeable void, Bowden pointed directly to the infield as an area of concern.

      “I’m not sure they’re going to get enough offense — specifically from their infield — to get back to the postseason,” said Bowden. “I believe there is pressure on the front office to find another impact bat to help lengthen the lineup, preferably a third baseman.”

      From there, Bowden began to explore possible solutions, and that is where Royce Lewis’ name entered the discussion.

      “I like Caleb Durbin, don’t get me wrong, but I like him more as a utility player than an everyday player. Perhaps a trade with the Astros for Isaac Paredes or the Twins for Royce Lewis (once he’s healthy again) would work? Or a deal for a younger option, like the Nationals’ Brady House?”

      It is important to note that this is outside speculation rather than any indication that Minnesota is actively shopping Lewis. Still, it highlights how the rest of the league views his upside when healthy.

      At the moment, Lewis is working his way back from a Grade 1 left knee sprain suffered on April 9 when he felt a pop during a game. The initial concern has since subsided following encouraging MRI results, and he is expected to return around April 21. For a player who has dealt with multiple injuries early in his career, even a relatively minor setback is enough to draw attention.

      Before landing on the injured list, Lewis was showing signs of growth at the plate. He posted a .222/.378/.444 slash line with two home runs, eight RBIs, and eight walks across 45 plate appearances. The most notable development has been his patience, with a 17.8% walk rate that nearly triples last season’s mark and sits well above his career average. That approach hints at a more complete offensive profile, one that could further elevate his value.

      In the meantime, the Twins have turned to a veteran platoon of Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler at third base. It has been a functional solution, but not one that replicates Lewis’ upside. His eventual return should stabilize the position and deepen a lineup that has leaned on its versatility.

      If Minnesota were to entertain a move involving Lewis, it would not be without internal alternatives. Brooks Lee has struggled defensively at shortstop, and a shift to third base could better suit his range limitations. That would open the door for top prospect Kaelen Culpepper to step into a larger role at shortstop, giving the organization a different kind of infield alignment.

      Even with those possibilities, dealing Lewis would represent a significant philosophical shift. He has shown the potential to be a cornerstone talent when healthy, and his flashes of impact have reinforced that belief. External interest is not surprising, but it does not necessarily align with the Twins’ current competitive window.

      For now, Bowden’s comments serve more as a reminder than a prediction. When a player with Lewis’ ability shows even incremental improvement, the rest of the league takes notice. Whether that ever turns into something more concrete is a question that will linger, but Minnesota’s focus remains on getting him back on the field and contributing.

      Cody Christie

      This winter has felt like a contradiction wrapped in plausible deniability for the Minnesota Twins. On one hand, the organization has preached restraint while trimming payroll and reshuffling leadership. On the other hand, reports keep popping up that suggest the Twins at least poked around on some of the most expensive starting pitching available.

      Framber Valdez sits at the top of that list. As his free agency dragged deeper into the offseason, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that Minnesota was among the teams involved. That alone raised eyebrows. A Valdez deal would have represented a dramatic shift for an organization that has been cutting costs and just parted ways with president of baseball operations Derek Falvey in a move that landed somewhere between shocking and confusing.

      Valdez was not the only surprise. The Twins also reportedly jumped into conversations on Freddy Peralta before Milwaukee ultimately sent him to the Mets. Whether Minnesota was a serious contender or simply checking in is impossible to know. Given the context of this winter, diligence feels like the safer assumption.

      Ownership has reduced spending. The front office structure is still settling. Plans for a full rebuild were shelved after minority investors came aboard to help stabilize the franchise financially. All of that has happened while the on-field product desperately needs help.

      The Twins lost the second-most games in the American League last season. The winter additions have been modest at best. Victor Caratini adds some flexibility behind the plate. Josh Bell brings a strong bat to an offense that struggled in the second half. Taylor Rogers returns to a bullpen that barely resembles last year’s version. None of that screams urgency.

      And yet, the rotation is quietly one of the more stable areas of the roster. Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober give Minnesota a legitimate top three. Simeon Woods Richardson showed real progress. Taj Bradley brings upside. Zebby Matthews, David Festa, Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp, Kendry Rojas, Andrew Morris, and Marco Raya round out a group that is deep if not perfectly defined.

      Teams never have enough starting pitching, but the Twins might have too many arms for too few rotation spots. Realistically, some of those pitchers will end up in the bullpen, whether by design or necessity. That internal depth is likely a big reason why Minnesota can talk itself out of a major free agent splurge.

      There are still high-end starters available, or they were recently available. Zac Gallen headlines that group after declining Arizona’s qualifying offer. Signing him would cost a draft pick, something the Twins rarely treat lightly. Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, and Zack Littell represent solid but less transformative options. None carries the same impact as Gallen, and none feels like an obvious fit for a team trying to balance competitiveness with financial caution.

      So where does that leave Minnesota? Interested but not aggressive. Aware but not reckless. The Twins can tell agents and rival teams that they checked in on Valdez and Peralta, and technically, that can be true. It also does not mean they were ever close.

      Still, the fact that Minnesota keeps appearing on the periphery of these conversations matters. It suggests a front office that understands the need for impact talent, even if circumstances prevent them from acting on it. For now, browsing might be all they can afford.

      Matthew Lenz

      Not surprisingly, the Minnesota Twins have had a fairly quiet offseason when it comes to player personnel. While they've made

      headlines in the coaching and ownership departments, the only notable addition to their roster to this point is first baseman Josh Bell. However, since the public update on ownership, it's also been reported that the club is looking to rebuild its bullpen and could add players via free agency. We have a little more clarity on that report.

      Darren Wolfson of KSTP is reporting that the Minnesota Twins "briefly inquired" about reliever Seranthony Dominguez last month. While talks are not currently taking place, both Wolfson and our own Cody Pirkl suggested that Dominguez would be an intriguing fit for the club.

      Dominguez, 31, is most known for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he started his career. However, he most recently spent time in the AL East with the Baltimore Orioles for a season and a half, followed by the Toronto Blue Jays, who acquired him at last season's trade deadline. In 2025, he appeared in 67 games, pitching 62 2/3 innings. He posted an impressive 3.16 ERA, though a 3.47 FIP suggests the potential for slight negative regression. Despite walks always being an issue, including last year (13.8% walk rate), he produced a very good 26.5% K-BB rate. Aside from walks, the biggest question is whether the Twins should be targeting a groundball pitcher with the state of their infield.

      Do you think the Twins should pursue Dominguez? Let us know in the comments!

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have spent much of the offseason in a holding pattern, with Josh Bell standing as the lone notable addition. That quiet approach could change quickly if events on the East Coast continue to unfold, as the Twins have been connected to the Philadelphia Phillies in trade discussions centered on catcher Ryan Jeffers.

      According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, the Phillies are exploring backup plans in case they do not re-sign longtime catcher J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto has been a fixture in Philadelphia since 2019, earning three All-Star selections along the way. Now 35 years old and coming off his worst offensive season with the club, he has reached free agency with no resolution in sight.

      With pitchers and catchers set to report soon, Philadelphia’s sense of urgency is growing. As Gelb wrote, “The Phillies have explored contingencies because pitchers and catchers report to Florida in five weeks. It would be ideal to have a starting catcher report. The Phillies have talked trades for catchers, young and old; Minnesota’s Ryan Jeffers is one potential target, league sources told The Athletic.”

      That urgency cuts both ways. Gelb also noted, “But the closer everyone gets to camps opening, the more reluctant teams are to trade away a catcher. Victor Caratini, who has never started more than 87 games in a season at catcher, is still on the free agent market and could wait until Realmuto decides to pick his own destination.”

      Jeffers is not Realmuto, but the comparison is closer than it might initially appear. In 2025, Jeffers slashed .266/.356/.397 with nine home runs and 47 RBI across 119 games. Realmuto posted a .257/.315/.384 line with 12 home runs and 52 RBI over 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. Still, Jeffers has quietly established himself as an above-average offensive catcher, particularly over the past three seasons.

      From Minnesota’s perspective, the timing is complicated. Jeffers is projected to earn $6.5 million in his final year of arbitration in 2026 before reaching free agency. Trading him now could bring back meaningful value, especially if Philadelphia’s leverage erodes as camp approaches. At the same time, the Twins lack a clear replacement. Christian Vazquez is a free agent, and the current depth chart includes Alex Jackson and Jhonny Pereda, neither of whom profiles as a true starting catcher.

      The farm system offers little immediate relief. Eduardo Tait, acquired from Philadelphia in the Jhoan Duran trade, is just 19 years old and several years away despite being the organization’s number three prospect. Ricardo Olivar at Double A is the most advanced catching prospect, but he is not viewed as a near-term solution.

      Any Jeffers trade would almost certainly require Minnesota to add a replacement via trade or free agency. The free agent market includes names like Jonah Heim, Mitch Garver, Victor Caratini, Elias Diaz, Gary Sanchez, and Christian Vazquez, but each option represents some degree of downgrade for a team that still wants to contend in the AL Central.

      If Realmuto’s negotiations continue to stall, Minnesota may find itself holding the leverage. In that scenario, the Twins should be demanding rising young big leaguers and meaningful prospects. Trading Jeffers would hurt in the short term, but if the return is strong enough, it could be a calculated move that aligns with a longer view of the roster.

      For now, it remains a rumor. But it is one that neatly captures where both franchises stand, one searching for stability behind the plate and the other weighing whether its best option might be to cash in before the window quietly closes.

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins entered the offseason surrounded by questions about direction and intent after a trade deadline that saw nearly 40 percent of their major league roster moved to cut payroll and restock the farm system. That kind of sell-off usually signals more changes to come, but the early indications suggest Minnesota is drawing a clear line. The Twins appear committed to keeping their veteran core intact, including Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton, and Joe Ryan, rather than continuing down a full teardown path.

      That commitment has become increasingly apparent as rival teams continue to check in on Ryan. Interest around the league has not slowed, but the Twins’ response has. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Minnesota is no longer engaging in meaningful trade conversations involving the right-hander.

      “Teams continue to ask the Minnesota Twins about right-hander Joe Ryan, who is under club control for two more seasons. The Twins, though, continue to say they are not shopping Ryan, and one person briefed on their talks said they haven’t even discussed him with other clubs since before the GM meetings in early November.”

      This is the second time this winter that Rosenthal reinforced the idea that Ryan is expected to remain in the organization for next season. The message has been consistent, and perhaps most telling is the detail that the Twins have not even discussed Ryan internally with other clubs since early November. This is not posturing or leverage building. It sounds like a firm stance.

      From the outside, the interest makes complete sense. Ryan is under club control for two more seasons, has proven he can miss bats at a high level, and fits neatly into the rotation of almost any contender. For a team that already showed a willingness to move significant pieces in July, trading Ryan would be an easy way to continue shedding payroll while bringing back a meaningful prospect haul.

      But context matters, and this is where the Twins drawing a line feels justified.

      The American League Central remains wide open. Minnesota has endured two straight disappointing seasons, yet a powerhouse rival does not stand in the way of a return to relevance. If Ryan and Pablo Lopez stay healthy, the bullpen finds its footing again, and the young hitters take even modest steps forward, the Twins can absolutely contend for a postseason spot.

      That is a lot of ifs, and nobody should pretend otherwise. Still, there is a difference between acknowledging risk and surrendering before the season begins. Trading Ryan now would be a clear signal that the Twins are not interested in finding out what this roster can be.

      There is also no urgency. If the team finds itself buried again next summer, the trade deadline will still be there. Ryan will still have value. For now, fans deserve to see whether this group can put the pieces together and chase another playoff birth. 

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins appear close to formally announcing a partial sale that does not change who runs the franchise but meaningfully changes the math behind it. By selling just over 20% of the club at a reported valuation of $1.75 billion, the Pohlad family is positioning the organization to finally address debt that has lingered since the pandemic while also improving the team’s standing should a larger sale ever come back into focus.

      The structure of the deal matters. This is not a handoff of power or a succession plan in disguise. According to Dan Hayes, the new investors are limited partners with no path to control and no mechanism to force decisions. The Pohlad family remains firmly in charge, with league sources indicating Tom Pohlad will take on a larger role alongside Joe Pohlad. Three new seats will be added to the ownership advisory board, but the family’s authority remains intact.

      Where the change is real is on the balance sheet. Multiple sources have described the debt reduction tied to this deal as significant, and that word has been repeated intentionally. The Twins accumulated substantial debt over the last five seasons, driven by a combination of COVID disruptions, flat attendance and revenue losses tied to their television situation. Unlike many clubs, the Twins continued paying employees and minor league players during the shutdown, a decision that was laudable but expensive. The debt came on quickly and never truly came off.

      Attendance trends underline the problem. Target Field has not returned to its pre-pandemic levels despite a division title and multiple playoff appearances. Payroll reductions only intensified fan frustration, further limiting gate revenue. At the same time, the collapse of the regional sports network model cost the Twins tens of millions annually. Twins TV keeps games accessible, but it does not replace what was lost financially.

      That context helps explain why this deal took longer than expected and why interest grew rather than faded. Once the franchise made clear it was open to minority investment, more groups stepped forward. Instead of two limited partnerships, three ultimately formed, each purchasing smaller slices that required additional league approval. From the team’s perspective, more interest meant better terms and a cleaner exit from debt.

      The longer view is where this becomes more interesting. A Twins franchise with manageable debt looks very different to potential buyers in the late 2020s than one weighed down by pandemic era obligations. New national television deals arrive in 2029. Any labor uncertainty from the next collective bargaining agreement should be resolved. Franchise values almost certainly continue to rise.

      That future upside likely explains why none of the new investors demanded a roadmap to control. The appeal is growth, not governance. For now, the Pohlad family insists it is committed to owning the team, and several third generation members have expressed interest in staying involved. Still, this deal quietly restores optionality.

      Whether the Twins are ever sold outright remains an open question. What is clear is that the franchise has taken an important step toward financial stability, one that could eventually ripple onto the field.

      Cody Christie

      Joey Gallo has seen a career of highs and lows, but his latest chapter might be his most unexpected yet. After a decade of towering home runs, highlight reel throws, and extended slumps, the 32-year-old is now pursuing a return to the big leagues as a relief pitcher. And according to reports from the Winter Meetings, multiple teams are giving the idea more than a passing glance.

      Gallo sparked renewed attention this offseason by posting a 15-second video on X that showed him unleashing three pitches. The clip was short, and viewers could not see the catcher, but the sound told the story. Each pitch popped the mitt with enough force to make evaluators wonder if his elite arm strength could finally find a new home on the mound. For a player searching for a way back into the league, it felt like a statement that he is taking this transition seriously.

      The interest he has generated is not just social media buzz either. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that several clubs have legitimate intrigue in the former slugger as a pitcher. For someone who launched 208 career home runs and once served as one of the most feared left-handed bats in the game, it is remarkable to see teams now asking whether he can help them in the bullpen instead of the batter’s box. The Twins have multiple open spots in the bullpen, so a minor league deal with an invite to spring training could be on the table.

      It is easy to understand why the idea is compelling. At his peak with the Rangers, Gallo owned one of the strongest throwing arms in the sport. His average outfield throw in 2021 clocked in at 93.9 miles per hour, ranking fifth in MLB. Even as he shifted more toward first base late in his career, he still averaged nearly 90 miles per hour on his throws. Translating that raw arm talent to the mound is far from guaranteed, but the baseline tools give pitching coaches something intriguing to mold.

      Gallo’s decision to remake himself began earlier this year when he told the White Sox that his future was on the mound, not in the outfield. Chicago released him shortly afterward, but the move only opened the door for him to commit to this experiment fully. Since then, he has been posting training clips and working to develop a delivery that can hold up at the professional level. The progress appears real enough that teams are now willing to explore the possibility.

      It would be one of the most surprising reinventions in recent memory if Gallo were to pitch in a major league game. This is a player who once hit 40 home runs in back-to-back seasons and won two Gold Gloves. But careers rarely move in straight lines, and Gallo’s willingness to try something bold has given him a new path. Whether it results in an MLB comeback remains unclear, but for the first time in a while, there is genuine optimism surrounding Gallo again.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins are shopping at the mid-tier level of first basemen, checking in on the likes of Josh Bell, Ryan O'Hearn, and Rhys Hoskins.

      Want to know more about Rhys Hoskins? Read our in-depth write-up on him.

      O’Hearn is 32, a left-handed first baseman who spent 2024 with Baltimore and split 2025 between Baltimore and San Diego. In 2024, he logged 494 plate appearances with 15 home runs and a .264/.334/.427 line, along with a 9.3 percent walk rate, 14.0 percent strikeout rate, .330 wOBA, and 118 wRC+. In 202,5 he collected 544 plate appearances, hitting 17 home runs with a .281/.366/.437 line, 10.7 percent walks, 20.0 percent strikeouts, a .349 wOBA, and 127 wRC+. He's decent with the glove, posting a +3 Outs Above Average at first base in 2025. 

      Bell is 33 and played first base for Miami and Arizona in 2024, then for Washington in 2025. In 2024, he totaled 603 plate appearances across two clubs with 19 home runs and a .249/.319/.405 triple slash; his walk and strikeout rates were 8.5 percent and 19.9 percent, with a .317 wOBA and 101 wRC+. In 2025, with Washington, he made 533 plate appearances, hitting 22 home runs with a .237/.325/.417 line, 10.7 percent walks, 16.5 percent strikeouts, a .324 wOBA, and 107 wRC+. He's a bad defender at first, with a -7 Outs Above Average at first base in 2024 and -3 in 2025. 

      Hoskins is 32 and has played first base for Milwaukee in both 2024 and 2025. After missing the 2023 season recovering from injury, he returned in 2024 for 517 plate appearances with 26 home runs and a .214/.303/.419 line; his walk rate was 10.3 percent, strikeout rate 28.8 percent, with a .313 wOBA and 101 wRC+. In 2025, he appeared in 90 games and 328 plate appearances, hitting 12 home runs with a .237/.332/.416 line, 11.6 percent walks, 27.7 percent strikeouts, a .324 wOBA, and 109 wRC+. Like Bell, he is a bad defender at first base, with -4 Outs Above Average in 2024 and +1 in 2025. 

      Cody Christie

      The Boston Red Sox have hovered around Joe Ryan trade rumors for more than a year, but the conversation appears to be cooling. At last season’s trade deadline, Boston was one of several clubs connected to Minnesota’s All Star right hander as the Twins shipped out 10 players, including multiple relievers with years of team control. The speculation even reached the point where a false social media report briefly had Ryan headed to Fenway Park.

      This winter brought more of the same chatter, though Derek Falvey has repeatedly emphasized that Minnesota intends to build around a core of Ryan, Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez. Any trade discussion involving those players was always going to require an overwhelming offer, and it seems the Red Sox have decided not to press forward.

      Rob Bradford of WEEI is reporting that the Red Sox have “drawn back on their pursuit of Joe Ryan.” He also notes, “Connelly Early was never introduced by the Red Sox as part of the trade deadline talks last season." Bradford added a follow up that said that this could still change. 

      Early would have been a huge pick up for the Twins if he was the trade centerpiece. He is ranked as Boston’s number four prospect by MLB Pipeline after posting a 2.60 ERA with a 31.9 K% and a 9.7 BB% across 100 minor league innings last season. He also made his major league debut and performed well in a small sample size (four starts), raising his value even further.

      While Boston is not the only club with interest in Ryan, their strong farm system made them a logical suitor capable of offering multiple top 100 prospects. For now, though, it appears the Red Sox are stepping aside as the Twins remain committed to keeping their rotation anchored by one of their most dependable arms.

      Cody Christie

      Minnesota’s offseason has been underway for more than two months, but as the Winter Meetings draw near, the Twins still appear to be wrestling with their direction. That uncertainty isn’t just external perception either. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the organization’s internal conversations remain murky. As he put it on Foul Territory, the Twins “are a mystery” because “there is not clarity yet on how they are going to operate this offseason.” 

      Rosenthal emphasized this wasn’t simply a matter of the team keeping plans quiet. “I mean clarity within their own organization. I don’t know that they know what they’re going to do. They’re working through it. What I was told this week is that they’ll have clarity by the winter meetings. OK. It’s probably a good idea to have clarity by the winter meetings.”

      That kind of ambiguity is unusual for this point in the calendar, especially with the annual gathering of front offices set to take place next week in Orlando. The Twins have had over two months since the regular season ended to prepare their approach, and yet the franchise’s posture remains unsettled. Much of that stems from Minnesota’s stumbling ownership transition. The failed sale and the arrival of still-unnamed minority investors appear to be casting a shadow over budget decisions. 

      Rosenthal noted that internal opinions are diverging. “It seems to me that there are factions in the Twins organization that want to start building the team back up again. Good idea since you’ve alienated your fan base. And then there are ownership questions. They just took on the two new investors. How much are they going to spend? All of that.”

      Amid that backdrop, the club’s most significant decisions still loom. What will Minnesota do with its remaining star-level players? Rosenthal wondered aloud: “So, the question then becomes ... where are they going to go? Which way are they going to go? I don’t necessarily expect them to trade (Joe) Ryan, (Byron Buxton), maybe Pablo Lopez.” 

      If the side pushing for a roster rebound wins out, the Twins could arrive at spring training with their core intact. But if the payroll-cutting faction gains control, then difficult choices become more likely. As Rosenthal put it, “But to keep going backwards, if they do that, then yes, Ryan becomes available. Buxton becomes available. They’re probably more valuable separately than they would be (packaged) together.”

      The clock is ticking. With the Winter Meetings just days away, the Twins need to settle on a path that not only clarifies their competitive intentions but also signals to fans that the organization is finally ready to move forward.

      Cody Christie

      The Mets are surveying the trade market for rotation upgrades and have expressed interest in Twins right-hander Joe Ryan, who remains appealing due to his affordability and remaining club control. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Ryan is one of several trade targets for the Mets.

      Minnesota, which unexpectedly tore down much of its roster at the 2025 trade deadline, held onto Ryan despite significant interest from multiple contenders. His strong performance and team-friendly salary make him a valuable asset, and the Twins’ willingness to move him now remains uncertain.

      Much of Minnesota’s direction hinges on ownership and the status of two long-anticipated minority-ownership additions, which could influence the team’s budget. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey has said he intends to build for 2026 unless directed otherwise, though the club’s quiet offseason and drastically reduced payroll leave their true intentions unclear. A deeper sell-off that includes Ryan, Pablo López, Ryan Jeffers, or even a reassessment of Byron Buxton’s no-trade stance becomes more plausible if spending remains restricted.

      If the Twins do consider a Ryan trade, Mets prospect Jonah Tong makes sense as a centerpiece (Heyman mentioned Tong specifically in the article). His rapid rise through the minors and elite strikeout rates have established him as a top-50 prospect, despite early struggles in his MLB debut.

      The upcoming Winter Meetings are expected to reveal whether Minnesota plans to add pieces for a 2026 push or continue stripping down the roster, with payroll flexibility likely determining how aggressively they act and whether their top players become realistic trade chips.

      Seth Stohs

      Reports came out on Wednesday that the Twins have the inside track on signing Dominican shortstop Angel Ozuna for around $500,000 when the 2026 international signing period begins on January 15, 2026. Normally this wouldn't be huge news. Last year the Twins signed several high-profile international free agents for more than $500,000. But this situation is different than others, and it will be interesting to follow over the coming months. 

      Shortstop Angel Ozuna was expected to be one of the top international signings in the Class of 2027, when he turned 16. The Yankees were believed to have an agreement with Ozuna, a product of Los Bauti Baseball Academy, to a signing bonus of at least $5 million.      

      However, last year it came out that he had falsified his age and got busted for it. He was three years older than he was claiming. Instead of being a 13-year-old dominating other 13- and 14-year-olds, he was actually a 16-year-old dominating 13-year-olds.   

      He should have been a part of the 2024 international signing class, but with this new information, Ozuna was suspended for one year. 

      However, it is now being reported, also by Wilber Sanchez, that he has a pre-arranged deal with the Twins to sign for around $500,000. 

      What does that mean? Once Ozuna serves his time, he can be signed. However, since he is signing as an 18-year-old rather than a top 16-year-old, he isn't going to get the $5 million. But, he is still a very talented player, he's just not as young as believed. And there is the whole concern about a person who was willing to falsify his age. 

      Matthew Lenz

      The Minnesota Twins' direction this offseason has been unclear to this point. From Derek Falvey's quote suggesting the team wants to build around its nucleus to rumors suggesting the Twins could continue their trade-deadline fire sale this offseason, it has left fans wondering about the organization's direction. In a recent column in the NY Post from Joel Sherman, the offseason got a little murkier.

      Though he didn't say the Twins are actively shopping either pitcher, he suggested the Twins are "more likely" to move Pablo Lopez than Joe Ryan.

      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. Do you think now is the time to move on from Lopez? Let us know in the comments!

      Seth Stohs

      On Thursday night, the Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale announced that the Minnesota Twins will be hiring their third lead hitting coach in the past three seasons. Keith Beauregard, who has been with the Detroit Tigers hitting coach staff the past four seasons, will head to the Twins.

      Beauregard has been with the Tigers since 2022, but it was announced that he decided not to return to Motown for the 2026 season. He worked with the likes of All-Star Riley Greene and Matt Carpenter. He oversaw the turn around seasons of Javy Baez and Spencer Torkelson. He worked with James Rowson on the Tigers 2023 staff. 

      Matt Borgschulte returned to the Twins organization to become their lead hitting coach in 2024. He will not be returning to the Twins for 2025. "Borgs" replaced David Popkins who was the team's lead hitting coach in 2022 and 2023. Shortly after the Twins let him go last offseason, he was hired by the Blue Jays and led the best offense in the league to the World Series. 

      Nightengale also noted that Trevor Amicone and Rayden Sierra will return as the team's assistant coaches in 2026. 

      Catching up on the Twins coaching situation: 

      Manager: Derek Shelton (replaces Rocco Baldelli)
      Bench Coach: Open (replacing Jayce Tinger)
      Asst Bench Coach: Open: (replacing Hank Conger)
      Pitching Coach: Pete Maki (returns)
      Asst Pitching Coach: Luis Ramirez (returns)
      Bullpen Coach: LaTroy Hawkins (replaces Colby Suggs, who is with the Rangers now)
      Hitting Coach: Keith Beauregard (replaces Matt Borgschulte)
      Asst Hitting Coach: Trevor Amicone (returns)
      Asst Hitting Coach: Rayden Sierra (returns)
      1B Coach/Outfield/Baserunner: Grady Sizemore (replacing Tommy Watkins, now with the Braves)
      3B Coach/Infield Coach: Ramon Borrego (shift from 1B coach to 3B coach)
      Quality Control Coach: Open (replacing Nate Dahmann) 

      Seth Stohs

      With more Twins Coaching news (some coming to the Twins, several former Twins coaches heading elsewhere), Bob NIghtengale reported on Tuesday night from the GM Meetings that the Twins have hired Grady Sizemore to their coaching staff. It isn't official, but we have heard that he will be the team's first base coach and also the outfield and base running coach. Ramon Borrego will shift from first base to third base coach in 2026.    

       

      Sizemore was a big-time prospect in high school, and in 2000, the Montreal Expos made him their third-round draft pick. he became a three-time All-Star centerfielder. He was part of a couple of big trades. He earned two Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger. He was a great all-around player with Cleveland. Unfortunately, he started fighting injuries in 2009, was very limited in 2010 and 2011, and then he missed the entire 2012 and 2013 seasons. He played for three times between 2014 and 2015, but he just was unable to return to his All-Star form. 

      In 2017, he was given a special advisory role in Cleveland but soon after returned home and spent time with his young family. In 2023, he took an internship under the Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen. In 2024, he went to the White Sox and joined their big-league coaching staff. When Pedro Grifol was fired, Sizemore became the interim manager to finish out the season. The White Sox went 13-32 with him leading the way. He remained with the White Sox in 2025 as the team's Offensive Coordinator.   

      As you saw earlier, Pete Maki is returning to the Twins as their pitching coach. We still don't know about Derek Shelton's bench coach or the status of the team's three hitting coaches from 2024. 

      Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves sent out a press release on Tuesday night announcing their 2026 coaching staff. We had heard that former Twins bullpen coach Jeremy Hefner jumped into their pitching coach role and Tommy Watkins will be their third base coach. In addition, former Twins infield and bench coach Tony Diaz has joined the Braves coaching staff. Also, former Cedar Rapids Kernels pitching coach (and assistant minor league pitching coordinator) JP Martinez will be Atlanta's bullpen coach. He has been the Giants hitting coach for the past five or six years.  

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins are starting to piece together their coaching staff under new manager Derek Shelton, and familiar faces will play key roles in the dugout next season. According to multiple reports, Pete Maki will return as the team’s pitching coach while LaTroy Hawkins steps into the bullpen coach role.

      Hawkins’ addition comes after nearly a decade of work in the organization’s player development system and regular appearances on Bally Sports North broadcasts. His move back to the field adds an experienced, respected voice to a staff tasked with helping Minnesota rebuild one of baseball’s most dominant pitching groups from just a year ago.

      Maki’s return provides continuity for a pitching unit that was expected to be a strength in 2024 but stumbled due to injuries and underperformance. Pablo López and Bailey Ober both took steps back, and by the trade deadline, the bullpen had been stripped down as the team dealt Jhoan Duran, Danny Coulombe, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, and Brock Stewart in a series of moves signaling a shift toward the future.

      One notable departure from the organization is longtime coach Tommy Watkins, who spent 27 years in the Twins system as a player, minor-league instructor, and coach. Watkins has accepted a position with the Atlanta Braves, closing a chapter that spanned nearly three decades in Minnesota baseball.

      With Maki and Hawkins in place, Shelton’s coaching staff is starting to form, though several other roles remain undecided as the Twins continue shaping the next phase of their clubhouse leadership.

      Matthew Lenz

      As part of their massive fire sale, the Minnesota Twins traded superstar closer Jhoan Duran to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2025 trade deadline. In the deal, the Twins received a top 100 prospect in catcher Eduardo Tait and a former top 100 prospect in starting pitcher Mick Abel. Now, details are emerging about another offer that included a former top-100 prospect.

      Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media recently reported that the New York Yankees offered former top prospect Jasson Dominguez for Duran at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. He was part of a larger package, though the details of what else may have been included are not immediately available.

      Appearing in 145 games last season, Dominguez finished the year with 10 home runs, 58 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases. In all, he posted a .719 OPS, a .316 wOBA, and a 103 wRC+. Defensively, Dominguez proved to be a liability in the field, posting a -10 Outs Above Average (OAA) across 793 innings in left field.

      Do you think the Twins should have snagged Dominguez, or are you happy with the deal they got from the Phillies? Let us know in the comments!

      Matthew Taylor

      After a dramatic trade deadline selloff, whispers are growing louder that ownership might be nearing a deal, though nothing is confirmed.

      Minnesota Twins fans were still reeling from a flurry of deadline trades, 11 players moved in a week, including eight on deadline day, when a new report from Front Office Sports added fuel to an already simmering rumor: the Pohlads could be closing in on a sale of the team.

      According to FOS, a source claimed a transaction “could be weeks away.” Nothing is official, and no parties have publicly confirmed talks, but the timing has certainly raised eyebrows.

      MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stirred the pot during All-Star week, telling reporters: “I know some things that you don’t know… There will be a transaction. We just need to be patient while they rework.”

      Earlier efforts to sell the team reportedly stalled Justin Ishbia backed out and redirected their focus to the White Sox. But since then, several unnamed suitors have reportedly toured Target Field and met with the Pohlad family as recently as May.

      Whether this is smoke or fire remains to be seen, but for now the front office’s moves and the whispers behind the scenes have fans watching closely.

      Matthew Trueblood

      Wednesday has seen a barrage of trades involving relief pitchers, but if reports are to be believed, the Twins might be about to raise the stakes on that substantially. Several reports (some of which we at Twins Daily can independently confirm) indicate that Jhoan Duran is expected to be dealt by the end of the day, and that the Dodgers and Mariners are especially aggressive in pursuit of him.

      Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has one such report.

      Joel Sherman has a very similar set of conjectures to share.

      Our sources suggest that the Dodgers are in the lead for Duran, but there's still time for Seattle to up their offer. The timeline of a deal is not clear, but it does look likely that Duran will be moved before the deadline—and maybe even within the next few hours.

      Matthew Taylor

      The Phillies have reportedly pivoted from Jhoan Duran to Griffin Jax in their search for bullpen help, according to Jayson Stark in a radio interview with 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia.

      According to Stark, talks between the Twins and Phillies regarding Duran hit a snag when Minnesota asked for top Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter in return. Painter is currently ranked as the number eight prospect in baseball by Baseball America, and Philadelphia has been unwilling to put him on the table. As a result, this has led them to refocus on Jax, whom they may view as more attainable.

      Jax has taken a step back this year in terms of ERA and Win Probability Added, but his underlying metrics paint a different picture. His strikeout and walk rates remain strong, and advanced numbers like xERA suggest he’s been pitching better than the results indicate. He’s been snakebitten by some poor luck, not regression in stuff or command.

      Jax remains under team control through 2027 and has been a high-leverage staple for the past three seasons. Trading him would be a notable blow to the bullpen depth, but if the return is meaningful, it could be the right move.

      Would you move Jax in the right deal? Should the Twins keep pressing for a Painter/Duran deal? Drop your thoughts below.

      Matthew Trueblood

      Carlos Correa's contract is team-friendly. That's an important thing to keep in mind. The salaries might be too high to accommodate for many teams, but the structure of the deal—front-loaded, with team options of diminishing values beginning in 2029—makes the terms favorable to the team. That's why the Twins were willing to jump back in and sign Correa, after he nearly agreed to deals with the Giants and Mets in the winter of 2022-23.

      Keep that in mind today, because Bob Nightengale of USA Today has a report this morning that the Astros are pondering a reunion with Correa, via trade. Correa has a full no-trade clause in there, too, but Nightengale says that he would waive it to go back to Houston. The other key detail of the report is that the Astros would demand that the Twins pay a significant portion of the remaining money on Correa's deal. Therein lies the rub, it seems.

      There's a case to be made for that position, but if the Twins aren't getting either huge savings or a significant prospect in return for Correa, it would seem like a massive mistake to trade him this summer, at a nadir in his value. We'll see what (if anything) comes of this.

      Matthew Taylor

      The Twins may be one of the busiest teams in baseball over the next 48 hours. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, multiple contenders are aggressively pursuing Minnesota as a trade partner. The Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Mariners have all been in regular contact with the front office, showing serious interest in a wide range of players.

      Among the most talked-about names are Joe Ryan, several key bullpen arms, Willi Castro, and Harrison Bader. That level of widespread demand suggests the Twins could be busy over the next few days. With such a deep list of in-demand assets, Minnesota is suddenly positioned as a potential centerpiece of this year’s trade deadline.

      Whether the front office chooses to fully lean into selling or sticks to it's impending free agents remains to be seen. Either way, the next move could shift the tone of the season.

      Where do you stand on it? Drop your thoughts below.

      Brock Beauchamp

      Jorge Castillo of ESPN has written that both New York teams are interested in acquiring Twins outfielder Harrison Bader, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after position players this deadline. In 93 games for the Twins, the 31-year-old right-hander is batting .254/.337/.439 with 12 homers and a .776 OPS. FanGraphs has him at a .340 weighted on-base average and a 118 wRC+, while his 2.0 wins above replacement rank among the top 30 major-league outfielders. Statcast credits Bader with +5 Outs Above Average, underscoring the defense that has defined his career. He has logged innings in left, center, and right this season. 

      The Yankees are monitoring Bader closely as they seek a right-handed bat to stabilize their outfield after placing Aaron Judge on the injured list with a flexor strain on July 27. Manager Aaron Boone has patched together playing time for Trent Grisham and Oswaldo Cabrera. Still, the club lacks a true center fielder.

      Across town, Mets president David Stearns is evaluating upgrades in the same spot. FanGraphs Depth Charts list Tyrone Taylor, Starling Marte, and prospect Jett Williams as the current center-field options, a trio that has combined for modest production. Bader is owed roughly $2 million for the remainder of a one-year, $6.25 million contract that carries only a mutual option for 2026. 

      Matthew Lenz

      The Minnesota Twins are reportedly "seriously listening" to offers on their expiring deals - namely, Willi Castro, Harrison Bader, and Danny Coulombe. However, the rumor mill has been fairly mum regarding any of those names.

      In recent days, the New York Yankees have reportedly been interested in Willi Castro, but that's really the only rumor swirling, excluding Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran, and Griffin Jax.

      Now, Bob Nightengale of USA Today is reporting that the Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in Harrison Bader.

      Bader has appeared in 88 games this season, holding a .251 batting average with a .330 OBP and a .435 SLG. He has hit 12 home runs. He was named an SIS Defensive Player of the Month for March/April 2025, leading all players with 7 Defensive Runs Saved and all outfielders with 9 Good Fielding Plays during that period. His defensive play has included diving catches. His wRC+ is 114, and his wOBA is .335.

      Matthew Lenz

      There haven't been a lot of verified rumors regarding the expendable contracts on the Minnesota Twins roster. Teams are extremely interested in Joe Ryan, Jhoan Duran, and Griffin Jax, however not a lot has been rumored regarding the likes of Harrison Bader, Willi Castro, or Danny Coulombe. Until today.

      Chris Kirschner of The Athletic is reporting that the "Yankees have expressed interest in Minnesota Twins utilityman Willi Castro."

      In 81 games, Castro has an OPS of .765. He has hit 10 home runs and has accumulated 45 runs scored and 27 runs batted in. On the basepaths, Castro has been a threat, recording 8 stolen bases. His ability to play second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots will provide significant defensive value to any team acquiring him.

      What do you think the Twins should get for Castro? Join the conversation in the comments?
       

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