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  • MLB Notes

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

    235 rumors in this category

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins have some important decisions to make behind the plate this offseason. Ryan Jeffers is coming off another productive season, but the organization allowed him to reach free agency without agreeing to a long-term extension. That decision doesn't necessarily mean his time in Minnesota is over.

      According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins could still explore bringing Jeffers back on a multiyear contract. Hayes offered some insight into Minnesota's thinking, writing, “Even though the club didn’t re-sign Jeffers ahead of free agency, don’t be surprised if the Twins pursue him while he explores his options.”

      That possibility makes sense for a team looking to improve its roster without creating another significant hole.

      Jeffers Remains an Important Part of the Catching Market

      Minnesota made Jeffers one of eight players across Major League Baseball to receive a qualifying offer this offseason. The offer is a one-year contract worth $23.15 million, giving Jeffers a decision to make before the November 17 deadline.

      If he accepts, Jeffers would return to Minnesota on a lucrative one-year deal. However, he is expected to decline the offer and explore his options on the open market. If he signs with another team, the Twins would receive draft-pick compensation.

      Jeffers enters free agency as the top available catcher in a relatively thin market. Teams looking for an established option behind the plate won't have many alternatives with his combination of experience and offensive production. That could create a competitive market for his services, even if the qualifying offer makes his free agency more complicated.

      Many national outlets recently projected several possible contract outcomes for Jeffers. Those estimates ranged from a three-year contract worth $45 million to a four-year agreement totaling $75 million. The difference between those projections is significant, and Minnesota will need to determine how much it values keeping its veteran catcher.

      A Potential Fit With Caratini and Lackey

      The Twins already have some pieces in place behind the plate. Victor Caratini provides an experienced option, and Minnesota could pair him with another established catcher rather than relying on an inexperienced player to handle a significant workload.

      Re-signing Jeffers would give the Twins a familiar option who understands the pitching staff and has already established himself within the organization. He wouldn't need an adjustment period with a new coaching staff or teammates. That familiarity can be valuable, especially for a pitching staff looking to establish consistency.

      There is also a longer-term consideration involving Vahn Lackey, Minnesota's first-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. Lackey represents another potential catching option for the organization down the road, but he isn't someone the Twins should need to rush through the minor leagues. A multiyear agreement with Jeffers could provide stability while Lackey continues developing. Minnesota could maintain a productive catching tandem now without forcing its top young catching prospect into the majors before he is ready.

      The financial side will ultimately determine whether a reunion makes sense. The Twins have indicated they need to be more competitive with their payroll, but that doesn't mean they will spend without considering long-term value. A three-year agreement might be easier to justify than committing to four seasons at the higher end of the market.

      Hayes' reporting suggests Minnesota hasn't completely closed the door on Jeffers. The two sides didn't reach an agreement before free agency, but negotiations can continue as the market develops. The Twins have a clear need behind the plate, and Jeffers is arguably the most straightforward solution. If his asking price remains within a reasonable range, Minnesota could still find a way to bring him back.

      Steve Drumwright

       

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

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

      We have made the following roster moves:

      [image or embed]

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

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

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

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The setback sustained by right-hander Mick Abel has a trickle-down effect.

      The Minnesota Twins on Sunday activated left-hander Kendry Rojas from the 15-day injured list, with right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence designated for assignment. Rojas, Twins Daily's No. 9 prospect, had been out since May 29 with inflammation in his left elbow.

      Abel, on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation, threw a bullpen session Friday in anticipation of him starting Sunday, but woke up Saturday with a sore elbow, forcing the Twins to come up with an alternate plan. That will be right-hander Mike Paredes starting the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

      Rojas could be a relief option for Sunday. He has made five appearances (one start), including his MLB debut, and been very good. Rojas has a 1.26 ERA in 14⅓ innings, walking 10 and striking out 14.

      Lawrence has been DFA'd for the second time this season. The Twins acquired Lawrence for cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 2 after he was DFA'd. His brief time with the Twins did not go well. In six innings across seven appearances, Lawrence had an 18.00 ERA, getting tagged for 12 runs on 10 hits with nine walks and 12 strikeouts. This came after a 5.32 ERA in 22 games with the Pirates.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      Just in time for a push before the trade deadline, Buck is back.

      The Minnesota Twins on Monday activated All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Tristan Gray to Triple-A St. Paul.

      Buxton had been out since going on the IL July 7 with a strained right hip, the same ailment that kept him out for four games that week. Now, Buxton rejoins the Twins after being out for nearly two weeks and will be in the lineup Monday as Minnesota opens a big four-game series on the road against the Cleveland Guardians, who are in second place in the AL Central, just three games ahead of the Twins and one game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox.

      Buxton is slashing .271/.328/.575 with 25 homers, which ranks eighth in MLB, and 45 RBIs. Buxton, who has a lengthy injury history, hit a career-high 35 homers last year.

      Gray has been a valuable defensive piece on the infield, seeing quite a bit of time at shortstop, but has a slash line of just .232/.271/.333 with four homers and 29 RBIs. This likely opens the door for Ryan Kreidler to see a bulk of the time at shortstop and Brooks Lee backing him up.

       

      Matthew Taylor

      Joe Ryan's recent struggles may not simply be a matter of poor execution.

      According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Twins manager Derek Shelton said Ryan left the club in Kansas City to be evaluated by team physician Christopher Camp in Minneapolis. The development comes after Ryan turned in his third consecutive disappointing start following the All-Star break, allowing four earned runs over 5 1/3 innings against the last-place Royals on Tuesday night.

      Over his last three starts, Ryan owns a 9.39 ERA across 15 1/3 innings. While he has developed a reputation for fading in the second half of seasons, this latest update suggests there could be more going on than a typical late-season slump.

      Hayes also reported that Shelton acknowledged the possibility of something physical contributing to Ryan's recent performance.

      "He's frustrated and not able to replicate his delivery...I'm not going to say it's not physical. But we owe it to him and to us to find out what he's feeling and how he's going about it."

      Whether Ryan will require a stint on the injured list remains to be seen, but if he is sidelined, the most logical replacement would be Zebby Matthews. Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul over the weekend to make room on the active roster for newly acquired starter Dean Kremer, but he would be an obvious candidate to return if another rotation spot opens up.

      Do you think Joe Ryan is dealing with an injury, or is this simply another case of his second-half struggles resurfacing? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Steve Drumwright

      As teams get set to attack the offseason, the Minnesota Twins have lost one of their pitchers.

      Right-handed reliever Eric Orze was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on Monday. That takes the Twins' 40-man roster down to 37 as free agency is set to kick off at 4 p.m. CT.

      Orze was acquired last offseason in a trade for minor-league right-hander Jacob Kisting. Orze spent the first half of the season on the Twins' roster, appearing in 36 games and 41⅓ innings, putting up a 3.34 FIP but 5.66 ERA with an 11.1% walk rate and 19% strikeout rate. He was then sent to Triple-A St. Paul, where he had a 2.35 ERA in 19 games and 23 innings.

      The 29-year-old has a 4.68 ERA over 71 games and 84⅔ innings with the Twins, Rays and New York Mets in the last three seasons.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins have lost one of their left-handed relievers for a bit.

      The Twins on Monday placed lefty Anthony Banda on the 15-day injured list due to a strained left lat and called up right-handed reliever Cody Laweryson from Triple-A.

      In 39 games and 34⅓ innings this year, Banda has a 4.32 FIP (4.46 ERA) with a 9.6 walk rate and 21.2 strikeout rate. He has already hit a career-high eight batters. He appeared in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, allowing a hit, hitting a batter, walking another and striking out a pair in two-thirds of an inning.

      Laweryson is with the Twins for a second time this year after making the Opening Day roster. He also spent time on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right forearm. When healthy, Laweryson appeared in 14 games and had a 4.97 FIP (5.06 ERA), posting a 9.7% walk rate and 25% strikeout rate. He has given up three homers in 16 innings.

       

      Cody Christie

      Royce Lewis’ difficult 2026 season took another frustrating turn on Sunday. The Minnesota Twins announced that Lewis exited Sunday’s 9-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians after five innings because of left shoulder soreness. Lewis made a diving play to record the final out of the fourth inning at first base, and it appears that play caused the issue to flare up again.

      Lewis remained in the game for the bottom of the fourth, where he flew out to right field in his final at-bat. Victor Caratini replaced Lewis at first base to begin the sixth inning.

      Following the game, Twins manager Derek Shelton said Lewis aggravated the soreness during the defensive play that ended the fourth inning.

      “Two pitches before he had the F9, I think he kind of tweaked it a little bit again,” Shelton said. “He’s day to day, and we’ll kind of see how he is tomorrow.”

      The injury is another concern for a player who has struggled to find consistency throughout the 2026 season. Lewis has appeared in 114 games for Minnesota, hitting .230/.297/.391 (.6880 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI.

      It has been a particularly challenging year for Lewis after the Twins gave him a reset in the minor leagues earlier this season. Minnesota sent Lewis to Triple-A in an effort to get him regular at-bats and allow him to work through some of the issues that had plagued him at the major-league level. The reset provided some reason for optimism, but Lewis has struggled to maintain any momentum since returning to Minnesota.

      His recent stretch has been especially difficult. Lewis has hit just one home run since August 7, and over his last 131 plate appearances, he has slashed .228/.267/.317 for a .584 OPS. He has struck out 34 times during that span while drawing only seven walks.

      Those numbers help put Sunday's injury into a larger context. Lewis was already trying to find his footing at the plate, and now the Twins will have to wait and see whether his shoulder soreness forces him to miss additional time.

      For a player Minnesota once viewed as a potential cornerstone of its lineup, the 2026 season has been filled with more questions than answers. The Twins will hope Sunday's issue is minor and that Lewis can get back on the field quickly. For now, though, Lewis is officially day-to-day.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Twins have spent much of September trying to keep their lineup intact, but another injury concern surfaced Tuesday night. Kaelen Culpepper was forced to leave Minnesota’s game after the sixth inning because of left hamstring tightness. The timing is particularly frustrating for a young player who had just returned to the lineup after missing two games because of a hit-by-pitch.

      Culpepper appeared to feel the issue while trying to beat out a potential double-play ball. After being ruled out at first base, he reached toward the back of his left leg before eventually leaving the game. Ryan Kreidler took over at shortstop for the seventh inning.

      Manager Derek Shelton said after the game that Culpepper noticed the problem almost immediately.

      “What he told me was that he felt it the first move out of the box,” said Shelton. “So we’ll get an MRI in the morning and see where he’s at. Honestly, it sucks. Just because of the fact that we’re late in the schedule and how well he’s played and what he’s done.”

      The Twins should have a better idea of the severity after Culpepper undergoes an MRI. Until then, the team will have to wait to determine whether this is something that could cost him additional time or simply require some rest.

      This is another frustrating development for Culpepper, who has been an important part of Minnesota’s lineup during the second half. The former first-round pick has been given an extended opportunity at the major-league level, and his recent performance has helped strengthen his case for being the club’s Opening Day shortstop next season.

      Culpepper is hitting .275/.333/.404 (.737) with five doubles, three home runs, and a 107 OPS+. Defensively, he’s also been an upgrade over other options for the Twins. He has a 1 OAA and his 88.2 mph arm strength ranks in the 75th percentile. 

      The injury also comes at an unfortunate time for the Twins. With only a little more than a week remaining in the regular season, there isn't much calendar left for injured players to work their way back. Culpepper already spent time recovering from Saturday’s hit-by-pitch against Cleveland. Now, Minnesota will hope Tuesday’s hamstring issue is a short-term setback rather than another extended absence.

      Steve Drumwright

       

      With the Minnesota Twins bringing in bullpen help from outside the organization, left-hander Kody Funderburk lost his roster spot.

      The Twins on Tuesday optioned Funderburk to Triple-A St. Paul. The move came the day after the Twins acquired rigjt-hander Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Lawrence had been designated for assignment by the Pirates.

      Funderburk has been doing well in the bullpen, posting a 3.44 ERA in 21 appearances covering 18⅓ innings. However, walks have hurt Funderburk as he has issued 16 free passes, while striking out 10.

      Lawrence had a 5.32 ERA in 23 outings and 22 innings with 12 walks and 25 strikeouts with the Pirates.

       

      Cory Moen

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

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

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

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

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

      Matthew Taylor

      According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, rival executives are increasingly expecting the Minnesota Twins to move catcher Ryan Jeffers before the trade deadline.

      In his latest report, Nightengale wrote, "Rival teams now believe that the Minnesota Twins will trade catcher Ryan Jeffers, with the Yankees the leading candidate to sign him."

      The report lines up with what has seemed like the most logical outcome for weeks. Jeffers is set to become a free agent after the season, meaning the Twins risk losing him for nothing this winter. Even if Minnesota decides to make a modest buy at the deadline instead of becoming outright sellers, dealing Jeffers could still make sense if it allows the organization to add long-term value while replacing his production internally.

      The timing of the report is also notable because the catching market changed dramatically on Sunday morning. Athletics All-Star Shea Langeliers suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and could miss the remainder of the season. Langeliers was widely viewed as the premier catcher available at the deadline thanks to his offensive production and team control through the 2028 season. With him now likely off the market, Jeffers becomes the clear top catching option available to contenders.

      That shift in the market only increases Jeffers' value and could make it even more difficult for the Twins to justify holding onto him through the end of the season. If multiple contenders are searching for catching help and the best alternative is no longer available, Minnesota could find itself in an excellent position to maximize Jeffers' trade value.

      Do you think the Twins should capitalize on Jeffers' value and trade him before the deadline, or should they keep him for a postseason push? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins officially added newly acquired right-handed starting pitcher Dean Kremer to the active roster on Sunday, optioning right-handed reliever Jack Anderson to Triple-A St. Paul in the corresponding move.

      Minnesota acquired Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night in exchange for 18-year-old outfield prospect Jhomnardo Reyes, and this move confirms the club's intention of immediately inserting him into the major league rotation. Combined with Saturday's decision to option Zebby Matthews to St. Paul, Kremer is now expected to take over Matthews' spot in the rotation. If that lines up as expected, Kremer will make his Twins debut on Thursday, August 6, in Kansas City. Kremer last pitched for Baltimore on July 28 when he allowed eight earned runs against the Detroit Tigers.

      The decision to option Anderson is a logical one. The Twins claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Red Sox earlier in July, and while he impressed during his brief stint in Minneapolis by tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings, most of his appearances came in low-leverage situations. With Kremer needing a roster spot, Anderson was the easiest move.

      The more intriguing question is what comes next for Matthews. Will he remain stretched out as rotation depth at Triple-A? Could he replace Connor Prielipp in the Saints' rotation if the organization wants to manage Prielipp's workload after the heaviest season of his professional career? Or do the Twins see Matthews as a potential bullpen option down the stretch? Those answers should become clearer over the next few weeks.

      What do you expect to see from Dean Kremer in the Minnesota Twins' rotation? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Cory Moen

      The Twins have released RHP Cody Laweryson. He was designated for assignment on August 1 after the Twins needed room on the 40-man roster after acquiring A.J. Minter to bolster the bullpen.

      Laweryson made 15 appearances with the Twins this season, throwing 16 2/3 innings, recording 18 strikeouts and eight walks. He's recorded a 4.86 ERA and a slightly worse 5.08 FIP along with a 1.380 WHIP.  He made his major league debut in 2025 and was DFAed during the offseason. He was claimed by the Angels, but the Twins brought him back in mid-February.

      He has also made eight relief appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, throwing nine innings, with eight strikeouts and three walks.

      Laweryson will now look for his next opportunity, whether that be re-signing with the Twins or taking a new opportunity elsewhere.

      Seth Stohs

      After Team USA clinched a spot in the Quarterfinals round of the World Baseball Classic, speculation was that Joe Ryan would replace Clayton Kershaw on the Team USA roster. 

      Following their quarterfinal win over Team Canada on Friday night, Kershaw officially said that he was retiring. It was quickly announced that Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman was replacing Kershaw. But it was possible there could still be more moves. On Saturday afternoon, we got confirmation that Joe Ryan will be sticking with the Twins rather than joining Team USA in Miami. 

      Selfishly from the Twins perspective, I think it's a good decision. Since he was slowed to start spring training and is still working his way to be ready near Opening Day, it doesn't make a lot of sense to have him push himself to max effort. Paul Skenes is making the start for the USA in Sunday night's semi-final game against the Dominican Republic. The four pitchers added to the USA roster since pool play have all been relievers. Presumably, Ryan could be lined up to make the start for Team USA in the championship game (if the US gets past the DR).       

      Logan Webb has been tremendous for Team USA this year. In two starts, he has thrown 8 2/3 scoreless innings. He was in a similar situation during the last WBC. He wasn't quite 100% and he was about to make some money, so he didn't pitch.  Likewise, with a strong, healthy 2026 season, Ryan would line himself up for a lucrative extension with the Twins or with another team. 

      Selfishly as a baseball fan, it would have been fun to watch him pitch for Team USA. Think about it. When the Twins traded Nelson Cruz to the Rays in 2021, Ryan (and Simeon Woods Richardson) was in Tokyo, pitching for Team USA in the Olympics. So had he made the decision to go pitch for Team USA, one really couldn't fault him at all. 

      This is one of those scenarios that doesn't necessarily have one right and/or wrong answer.  My hope is simply that Joe Ryan is happy with the choice and then has another All-Star caliber season. 

      Cody Christie

      Deron Johnson did not stay unemployed for very long. The former Minnesota Twins scouting director is joining the New York Mets as a special assignment scout, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. The move brings Johnson back together with Derek Falvey, who joined the Mets in September as a senior advisor to baseball operations.

      Johnson recently parted ways with the Twins after the organization eliminated his senior advisor position. His departure ended a 32 year run with Minnesota, where he worked in nearly every area of the scouting department and helped oversee several amateur drafts. Now, Johnson will have an opportunity to continue his scouting career with another organization looking to improve its baseball operations department.

      A Long History in Minnesota

      Johnson originally joined the Twins in January 1994 as an area scout covering Northern California. He worked his way through the organization, eventually becoming the club’s West Coast supervisor before receiving a promotion to scouting director in September 2007.

      He held that position through the 2016 season, overseeing nine amateur drafts. During that stretch, Minnesota selected several first round picks who generated significant attention within the organization.

      The Twins selected Aaron Hicks with the 14th overall pick in 2008, Johnson’s first draft as scouting director. Four years later, Minnesota made Byron Buxton the second overall selection in the 2012 draft. Other notable first round picks during Johnson’s tenure included Kohl Stewart, Nick Gordon and Tyler Jay.

      The results varied among those selections, but Johnson played a significant role in evaluating and acquiring amateur talent during an important period in the franchise’s history. Scouting directors must balance immediate needs with long term organizational planning, and their decisions can influence a team’s roster for years.

      Following the 2016 season, the Twins moved Johnson into a senior advisor role. Although he was no longer leading the amateur scouting department, he continued evaluating players and contributing to professional, international and minor league scouting efforts.

      That experience should provide a useful foundation for his next position in New York. The Mets have not publicly outlined the specific responsibilities Johnson will handle as a special assignment scout, but his decades of experience give the organization another veteran evaluator.

      Reunited With Falvey

      Johnson’s hiring also creates a familiar connection within the Mets organization. Falvey served as Minnesota’s top baseball operations executive for nearly a decade before the two sides mutually agreed to part ways in January 2026. The Mets hired Falvey on September 24, naming him senior advisor to baseball operations. He reports directly to president of baseball operations David Stearns, adding another experienced voice to the organization’s decision making process.

      Falvey and Johnson worked together in Minnesota for years, giving the Mets an opportunity to bring in someone familiar with the former Twins executive’s approach to building a baseball organization. For Minnesota, Johnson’s departure represents another change as the club continues reshaping its baseball operations department. His position was eliminated as the organization looked toward the 2027 season, ending a tenure that began more than three decades ago.

      Johnson’s time in Minnesota included multiple front office roles, nine drafts as scouting director and years of additional work behind the scenes. His next chapter will take him to New York, where he will continue evaluating talent alongside a familiar face from his long career with the Twins.

      Steve Drumwright

       

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

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

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

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

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

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins are welcoming one of the franchise’s most beloved figures back into the fold as they approach the 2026 season. Paul Molitor’s connection to the Twins stretches back decades, both as a hometown player and an influential presence in the organization. His return in a new capacity is sure to resonate with long-time fans and offer fresh insight to viewers tuning in this year.

      This week, the Twins revealed Molitor’s latest role. “Hall of Famer Paul Molitor is joining the Twins' rotation of TV analysts this season, along with Justin Morneau, Trevor Plouffe, Denard Span, and Glen Perkins. Cory Provus returns as the play-by-play voice and Audra Martin is back as the sideline reporter,” reported Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic on Tuesday.

      Molitor’s addition to the broadcast team brings a respected voice with firsthand experience in nearly every corner of the sport. He has been a superstar player, a veteran leader, a manager, and a special assistant in the front office. There are not many perspectives within baseball that he has not experienced.

      His playing credentials remain among the most impressive in the game’s history. Over a 21-year career, Molitor compiled 3,319 hits, a .306 batting average, 234 home runs, 1,307 RBIs, and 1,782 runs scored. He also stole 504 bases, making him one of the rare players to pair 3,000 hits with 500 steals. His .817 OPS reflected a balanced offensive profile built on consistency, durability, and intelligence. Those accomplishments secured his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004.

      Although Molitor built the bulk of his playing legacy with the Milwaukee Brewers and added a World Series title with the Toronto Blue Jays, his time with the Twins holds a special place. A native of St. Paul, he finished his career in Minnesota from 1996 through 1998, batting .312 across those three seasons, earning a Silver Slugger Award, and producing 5.2 bWAR in what were supposed to be his twilight years. For a player in his late thirties, that level of production was remarkable, and it provided a bridge between eras for the franchise.

      Molitor’s impact in Minnesota extended well beyond his playing days. He managed the Twins from 2015 through 2018 and authored one of the more memorable managerial seasons in team history. In 2017, he guided Minnesota to the postseason one year after a 100-loss campaign, earning American League Manager of the Year honors in the process. Even after being let go from that role, Molitor remained involved as a Special Assistant in Baseball Operations, helping shape player development and instruction throughout the organization. He has also made radio appearances over the years, offering thoughtful and measured analysis.

      There is a reason Molitor has remained intertwined with the Twins for much of the past decade. His Hall of Fame resume commands respect on its own, but his steady demeanor and deep understanding of the game make him a natural fit in any role. He is not necessarily remembered first as a Twin when it comes to his playing career, yet his post-playing identity has become closely tied to Minnesota. That matters to him, and it matters to the organization.

      Now, as he joins a television rotation that already includes Morneau, Plouffe, Span, and Perkins, Molitor brings historical context and credibility to the broadcast. He understands what it means to chase 3,000 hits. He understands what it feels like to manage through a 100-loss season and then turn it into a playoff berth. He understands the pressure of expectations in this market.

      For fans, that means more than just another analyst in the booth. It means hearing the game explained by someone who has lived every angle of it. Even if the Twins encounter bumps along the way in 2026, Molitor’s presence on the broadcast will offer perspective, nostalgia, and a connection to the franchise’s past. That is a win for the organization and a win for viewers tuning in all summer long.

      Matthew Taylor

      Former Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Matt Shoemaker has a new job outside of baseball. Shoemaker was elected to a seat on the Saline Area Schools Board of Education in Michigan during Tuesday's election, winning by just 28 votes, according to The Detroit News.

      Shoemaker explained his decision to run for the school board to the Saline Post, saying, “I’m running for School Board to support our teachers and staff, expand opportunities for our students and help every kid succeed in school, on the field and in life.”

      He added, “I’ve learned great teams succeed when people are supported, everyone has a voice, and you work toward something bigger than yourself.”

      Shoemaker joined the Twins in 2021, signing a one-year, $2 million contract to serve as the team's No. 5 starter. Unfortunately, his time in Minnesota didn't go as planned. He posted an 8.06 ERA over 60 1/3 innings that season, before being DFA'd. Shoemaker never pitched in the major leagues again.

      Now, Shoemaker will take the lessons he learned in professional baseball into a new role, working to support students, teachers, and staff in his local community.

      Matthew Taylor

      Josh Donaldson has never been shy about sharing his opinion, and the former Minnesota Twins third baseman is making waves with some rather unflattering comments about his former team and the state of Minnesota.

      On a recent episode of his Get It Done League podcast, Donaldson was discussing Jeff Hoffman being traded to the Twins at the deadline and his thoughts on Minnesota as a destination. Donaldson did not exactly give his former home a ringing endorsement.

      "He's going to get to go to Minnesota, where it's 'Minnesota Nice'... people in Minnesota... I don't think they even care about baseball that much... Playing there for two years, I thought it was mediocre at best," Donaldson said.

      Parker Hageman of Twins Daily shared a clip of Donaldson's comments on X, and it quickly generated plenty of engagement from Twins fans, many of whom remember Donaldson's own two-year run in Minnesota quite well.

      Donaldson signed with the Twins as a free agent ahead of the 2020 season and spent two seasons with the club. While he was productive when on the field, posting a .829 OPS, many fans had a sour taste in their mouths over Donaldson's time in Minnesota. Injuries limited him to just 163 games over those two years, and he missed the Twins' 2020 postseason run because of injury.

      Donaldson's tenure in Minnesota was also defined by his personality. He became a polarizing figure among Twins fans, with his attitude, controversial comments and perceived lack of leadership rubbing plenty of people the wrong way.

      After spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons in New York and Milwaukee, Donaldson retired following the 2023 season. He now hosts Get It Done League alongside former teammate and All-Star Russell Martin and veteran broadcaster Arash Madani.

      Now, his comments about Minnesota have given Twins fans another reason to revisit the Donaldson era.

      What do you make of Josh Donaldson's comments? And what is your overall opinion of Donaldson's time with the Twins? Let us know in the comments.

      Cody Christie

      Minnesota's bullpen took a hit late in the 2026 season when Jeff Hoffman landed on the injured list, and the veteran reliever is now addressing the issue with an offseason procedure. Aaron Gleeman reported on the latest episode of Gleeman and the Geek that Hoffman is undergoing a minor elbow cleanup procedure, likely related to bone spurs or bone chips.

      Although any procedure involving a pitcher's throwing arm is worth monitoring, the early indications suggest the injury is not a significant concern for the Twins as they prepare for the 2027 season.

      Hoffman Shut Down Late in the Season

      At the end of September, Minnesota placed Hoffman on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation. The move came after the reliever acknowledged that he was not recovering between outings as well as he would have liked.

      Hoffman struggled in his final appearance during the Twins' last road trip, pitching in San Francisco. Rather than continue pushing through the discomfort, he and the organization decided it was best to shut him down for the remainder of the season.

      At the time, Hoffman expressed little concern about the injury. He believed rest would help resolve the problem and expected to follow a normal offseason schedule. He also indicated that there were no issues involving the elbow joint or ligaments, providing some reassurance about the nature of the injury.

      The reported cleanup procedure appears consistent with Hoffman's earlier comments. Bone spurs or loose bone fragments can create discomfort and interfere with a pitcher's recovery, making a minor procedure a reasonable step toward getting him ready for another season. The exact details of the procedure have not been fully outlined, however, so the Twins will have to evaluate his recovery before determining whether any adjustments to his offseason throwing program are necessary.

      A Valuable Bullpen Addition

      Minnesota acquired Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the August 3 trade deadline, hoping the 2024 All-Star could provide another reliable option in high-leverage situations. The right-hander delivered on that expectation during his limited time with the club.

      Hoffman posted a 2.50 ERA and struck out 27 batters across 18 innings with Minnesota. Those numbers represented an encouraging return from a pitcher brought in to help stabilize the late innings during the second half of the season.

      His performance also gives the Twins a reason to feel optimistic about their bullpen heading into 2027. Relief pitching can be unpredictable, and Minnesota will need multiple dependable options if it hopes to improve its postseason chances. Hoffman demonstrated that he could handle important situations and miss bats against major league hitters.

      The late-season injury interrupted that progress, but the initial reports do not suggest that the Twins should expect a lengthy absence extending into next season.

      What It Means for 2027

      Hoffman is under contract with Minnesota for 2027 and projects to be one of the team's top relievers. With the organization looking to build a more competitive roster, retaining dependable bullpen arms will be an important part of the offseason plan. The Twins still have plenty of questions to answer about their overall relief corps. Hoffman's presence gives them a potential foundation, provided he returns to full strength and performs near the level he showed after the trade.

      For now, the reported elbow cleanup appears to be more of an offseason maintenance issue than a major setback. Minnesota will undoubtedly monitor Hoffman's recovery, but his expectation of a normal offseason offers some encouragement. The Twins acquired Hoffman to strengthen their bullpen for the stretch run and beyond. If the procedure allows him to enter spring training without lingering discomfort, he should remain an important piece of the team's plans for 2027.

       

      Cody Christie

      The Minnesota Twins will have one of their most important bullpen pieces unavailable for the final two games of the season, but they are getting a key piece of their future back on Saturday. The Twins activated shortstop Kaelen Culpepper from the injured list Saturday while placing veteran reliever Jeff Hoffman on the 15-day injured list with right forearm inflammation.

      Minnesota acquired Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the August 3rd Trade Deadline, hoping the 2024 All-Star could provide another reliable option in the late innings. He has done exactly that since arriving, posting a 2.50 ERA with 27 strikeouts across 18 innings for the Twins.

      Hoffman last pitched Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants, earning his first save with Minnesota in a 3-2 victory. The right-hander allowed one run while walking two and hitting a batter in his lone inning of work. It was an unusual blemish for a pitcher who had not allowed a run in his previous 11 appearances, covering 9 1/3 innings.

      Now, Hoffman will have to watch the final two games from the sidelines. His absence leaves the Twins without one of their most dependable bullpen arms, but the timing also gives the organization a chance to get Culpepper back on the field.

      The 23-year-old shortstop landed on the 10-day IL after suffering a mild left hamstring strain against the New York Yankees. Culpepper tweaked the hamstring in the sixth inning while running out a ground ball, with an MRI the following morning confirming the strain. Minnesota recalled infielder Ben Ross from Triple-A St. Paul when Culpepper went on the IL.

      Culpepper has given the Twins plenty of reasons to want an extended look at him. He has hit .275/.333/.404 across 31 games, with three home runs, five doubles and 11 RBIs. While the offensive numbers are still developing, his defensive work at shortstop has been particularly encouraging. Culpepper has looked comfortable at a premium position and has graded out as an above-average defender up the middle. That matters as the Twins continue looking toward a younger core for 2027 and beyond.

      There isn't much left to accomplish in the standings for Minnesota, but these final games still provide an opportunity to evaluate pieces of the roster. Hoffman won't be part of that evaluation because of his forearm issue, but Culpepper will. And after spending nearly two weeks on the injured list, getting Culpepper back on the field for the final weekend gives the Twins one more opportunity to see what they have in a player who could be an important part of their next roster.

       

      Steve Drumwright

       

      The Minnesota Twins are shaking up their pitching staff from a leadership perspective.

      Pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez will not return to the Twins for 2027. It is not known whether one or either was under contract for next season. One more change is athletic trainer Jason Kirkman will not return after seven seasons with the franchise.

      No other changes are expected to the Twins' coaching staff.

      Maki took over as the Twins' pitching coach in July 2022 following the sudden departure of Wes Johnson, who became the pitching coach in college at LSU. Maki had been in the Twins' organization since 2018 in a variety of roles and was on the major-league staff when the 2022 change happened.

      Ramirez has been in the org since 2006, spending the last five years of his 21-year tenure as the major-league assistant pitching coach.

      The Twins finished 25th this season in ERA at 4.56 in what was expected to be a rebuilding season, particularly in the bullpen, but with a handful of quality returning starters led by Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez. They finished 24th in ERA in 2025 (4.55) and 21st in 2024 (4.26) after ranking sixth in 2023 (3.87).

       

      Matthew Taylor

      The Minnesota Twins have added some veteran pitching depth, signing right-hander Germán Márquez to a minor league deal, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Márquez will report to Triple-A St. Paul.

      Márquez was designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres on August 5 to make room for Robbie Ray, whom San Diego acquired at the trade deadline.

      The 31-year-old Márquez has spent 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, with the first 10 coming with the Colorado Rockies. He earned an All-Star selection in 2021 and has made 210 career starts. Despite carrying a 4.70 ERA for his career, Márquez has posted a 103 ERA+, which is above league average and speaks to just how difficult it is to pitch half of your games at Coors Field.

      Márquez primarily works with a mid-90s fastball and a knuckle curve that has generated a 27% whiff rate. However, the underlying numbers haven't been particularly encouraging in recent seasons, which helps explain why the Padres ultimately moved on.

      He doesn't miss many bats, averaging six strikeouts per nine innings over the past two seasons, and he's also been prone to giving up hard contact. Over the past two seasons, Márquez has allowed 37 home runs in 179 innings.

      There's certainly a chance Márquez doesn't have much left in the tank. That's also why the Twins were able to sign him to a minor league deal rather than making a significant commitment. There's a good chance he never makes an appearance for the big league club.

      Still, Márquez provides the Twins with something valuable at this point in the season: veteran starting pitching depth. He's been through just about everything a pitcher can experience over an 11-year Major League career, and if the Twins suddenly need someone to make a spot start because of an injury or another roster need, Márquez has plenty of experience doing exactly that.

      It's a low-risk move for the Twins, but one that could potentially pay off if they find something in Márquez that the Padres couldn't.

      What do you think of the Twins signing Germán Márquez to a minor league deal? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!

      Peter Labuza

      In the hours before the trade deadline, rumors swirled around a trade that would send Angels shortstop Zack Neto to the Minnesota Twins. That didn't happen. Thanks to Bob Nightengale at the Star Tribune, we now know that price included top prospect Walker Jenkins among other names.

      Neto was considered a highly valued piece at the trade deadline. Though Neto has had a relative down year, he has had three consecutive 20-home run seasons and will likely make 20 steals (also his third season in a row). While the defense grades below average, Neto could have likely had defensive versatility for the Twins.

      But asking for Jenkins was almost certainly a bridge too far for the team. There was certainly a case for trading Kaelen Culpepper - using Neto as a bridge to quickly rising prospect Marek Houston - but the young outfielder Jenkins remains a centerpiece for Minnesota's future. As Nightengale reported, talks never got too far in part due to Jenkins' inclusion.

      Jenkins is currently batting .297 / .388 / .493 and was likely due for a callup if Trevor Larnach had been traded. With Larnach staying put, it is unclear when to expect the Twins' top prospect to be roaming Target Field. 

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