The 10 Biggest Questions the Twins Must Answer This Offseason

The Twins have reached the end of another disappointing season, which means that fans' attention has shifted toward the offseason. It'll be an even more uncertain winter than usual, with the team staring down big questions about everything from individual roster moves to the wide-angle view of the organization and its operation. The Twins entered 2026 hoping to compete; eventually became buyers at the MLB trade deadline; and still find themselves watching October baseball from home. That leaves Jeremy Zoll and the rest of the front office with a lot of work to do.

Of course, some of the big questions the team faces aren't even about things within their control. Let's consider the 10 biggest sources of intrigue and uncertainty this winter, starting with one of those big questions the team itself doesn't get to answer.

1. How Will the Lockout Impact the Winter?

The looming lockout is the giant question hanging over the entire offseason. A work stoppage could freeze transactions, delay free-agent activity and push important roster decisions into the new year. However, the last time this situation cropped up (in 2021), teams made a flurry of moves prior to the December 1 expiration of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

It could also make an already complicated offseason even more difficult for a Twins organization that needs to determine what direction it wants to take. If the offseason is shortened, every decision becomes more important—and must be made faster, with imperfect information.

2. Is Joe Ryan Untradeable?

A year ago, this would have been an easier question. Ryan entered 2026 as one of the most valuable trade pieces on Minnesota's roster. His performance, contract and age made him an attractive target for teams looking for controllable starting pitching. But injuries and a disappointing second half have changed the conversation.

Ryan's value has all but evaporated. That doesn't mean the Twins should trade him, but it does mean they have a more complicated decision to make. Do they bet on Ryan bouncing back, or do they consider selling while he still has a full year of team control? The answer could shape the entire rotation.

3. What Happens With Byron Buxton?

Buxton's 2026 season ended with another hip injury and surgery. The Twins now have to build their offseason around the expectation that their star center fielder will return for 2027—but guard themselves against the risk that he's neither ready for Opening Day, nor able to stay on the field even after he returns. Buxton was an All-Star before the injury, hitting 25 home runs in 93 games. But availability remains an unavoidable part of the conversation surrounding him.

The Twins need to determine how they will use him, how much center field he should play, and how much protection they need behind him. The organization cannot simply assume everything will be fine. It needs insurance, at the very least.

4. Is Royce Lewis Part of the Long-Term Plan?

This might be one of the most uncomfortable questions on the list. Lewis has shown flashes of potential, but his development has been interrupted by injuries and his production has been inconsistent. The Twins also need to determine where he fits defensively and how they can maximize his offensive potential.

Is he a cornerstone? Is he a player they should move, while another organization might still see significant upside? Or is he simply a player who needs another opportunity? The answer could determine how Minnesota approaches several other positions.

5. What Is the Long-Term Plan for the Rotation?

The Twins have plenty of arms. That doesn't necessarily mean they have a finished rotation. Taj Bradley, Pablo López and Ryan are penciled in at the top of the rotation. Zebby Matthews, Connor Prielipp, Mick Abel, Kendry Rojas and other young pitchers provide options. But the Twins need to decide if they keep Bailey Ober and Dean Kremer.

Minnesota needs to determine which young pitchers are legitimate long-term starters; who could transition to the bullpen; and where additions are necessary. A rotation cannot be built entirely around potential.

6. Is the Bullpen Good Enough?

This was a question entering last offseason, and it remains a question entering this one. Minnesota has already cycled through plenty of relievers, and the bullpen has undergone significant turnover over the past two seasons. The organization needs to determine whether it has enough late-inning options or whether another significant investment is required.

A competitive team needs reliable relief pitching. The Twins have spent enough time trying to patch this area together. At some point, they need a more sustainable solution. Minnesota has avoided spending on the bullpen in recent offseasons, but it might be time to change that trend.

7. What Happens at Catcher?

Ryan Jeffers is heading for free agency and will almost certainly move on, so the position still deserves plenty of offseason attention. Minnesota can make him the qualifying offer and hope he stays for one more year, but it's unclear either whether they'll do so or whether he'll accept it if they do. Victor Caratini is under contract for next season and is owed around $10 million. He hasn’t played like a starting catcher and he is one of the league’s worst catchers at controlling the run game. The Twins need an upgrade behind the plate. 

8. How Aggressively Will the Twins Spend?

This might be the biggest baseball question of them all. The Twins have spent significantly less in recent seasons, with payroll dropping $60 million from its 2023 level. The organization also has several holes that cannot realistically be filled exclusively through internal promotions.

How much money will be available? Will the Twins return to a payroll closer to previous levels? Will they make targeted additions? Or will financial restraint continue to dictate their offseason? There is a massive difference between adding a few complementary pieces and aggressively attacking the free-agent and trade markets. The Twins need to show what their intentions are.

9. Is the Pohlad Ownership Situation Changing?

The Twins' ownership picture remains an important part of the franchise's future. The Pohlad family announced in 2025 that it would remain the principal owner while adding two limited partnership groups. Tom Pohlad took over for Joe Pohlad and there were changes to the team's business side this year. 

That doesn't necessarily mean there will be dramatic changes to the way the organization operates this winter. But whenever ownership structure changes, questions about resources, decision-making and long-term strategy naturally follow. After another frustrating season, Twins fans will want to know what ownership's vision looks like moving forward.

10. What Can Jeremy Zoll Do With His First Full Offseason at the Helm?

This is the biggest baseball test of Zoll's tenure. Zoll has been involved in the Twins' front office for years and was given the top baseball operations role when Derek Falvey left last winter. But this is different. This will be the first offseason in which Zoll gets to fully shape the roster as the organization's primary baseball decision-maker. He's already experienced a trade deadline as the person in charge. Now comes the harder part: constructing an entire roster.

The Twins need pitching. They need clarity in the infield. They need to figure out the bullpen. They need depth. And they need to decide how much they believe in the current core. Zoll's answers will tell us a lot about what the next era of Twins baseball is going to look like.

How will the Twins answer these questions? Would you add other questions to the list? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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