The Twins Just Unloaded Their High-Powered Playoff Bullpen. How Can They Build the Next One?

The Minnesota Twins shocked fans and rival executives alike at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, when they moved on from five of their most trusted bullpen arms: Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Danny Coulombe and Louis Varland. Each of them (save Coulombe) had multiple years of team control remaining and had been a key piece in the team’s late-inning plans. More importantly, all five were once starting pitchers who failed to stick in that role due to injuries, ineffectiveness, or both. The Twins had turned those failed starters (especially Duran, Jax and Varland, homegrown arms all) into late-inning monsters.

Now they have to do it all over again.

Minnesota’s key roster-builders are doubling down on their internal development plan. They believe they can construct another dominant bullpen using pieces already in the organization. It will require patience, as the club will continue trying to maximize the long-term value of these arms as starters. But as fans saw with Duran and Jax, the fallback option can still be an elite pitcher in a smaller role.

So, who could be next? Let’s take a look at five internal candidates with the tools to become high-leverage relievers down the road.

RHP Zebby Matthews
Current Level: MLB
Matthews may be the best pure strike-thrower in the Twins system. Last season, he dominated the lower minors by attacking hitters with a deep arsenal and excellent command. His fastball velocity has continued to rise, averaging 96.5 mph this season, a 1.6-mph increase compared to last year. His heater plays up, at times, because of deception and precise location. As a starter, his ability to control the zone is an asset, but his apparently intense stuff isn't fooling hitters; he has a 5.84 career ERA. If his velocity ticks up in short stints, he could carve out a future as a high-leverage option. He already has the mindset of a pitcher who trusts his stuff and could be next year’s Varland. 

LHP Connor Prielipp
Current Level: Double-A Wichita
Prielipp has dealt with a series of injuries that have slowed his development since being drafted. The former Alabama ace once flashed top-of-the-draft potential, with a wipeout slider and advanced feel for pitching. The goal for the 2025 season was to keep him healthy enough to get a consistent run of starts. But if durability continues to be a problem, the Twins may consider a move to the bullpen, where his slider could be devastating in short bursts. He has the profile of a future left-handed weapon out of the pen, a controllable answer to Coulombe.

RHP Marco Raya
Current Level: Triple-A St. Paul
Raya’s talent is obvious, but so are the workload limitations. He has yet to show the durability needed to handle a full season as a starting pitcher. His fastball and slider combination could thrive in a one-inning role, where his velocity would likely jump, and the command issues may become less of a concern. Similar to Jax, he has five pitches, and his fastball already averages in the mid-90s. The Twins have been cautious with his usage, but at some point, a decision will need to be made. Raya has the makeup to become a high-octane late-inning option if the starter route doesn’t work out.

RHP Andrew Morris
Current Level: Triple-A St. Paul
Morris has flown under the radar in a system filled with high-upside arms, but he brings a competitive edge and a solid mix of pitches to the mound. He battled through minor injuries and went on the injured list with a right forearm strain in June. In 2025, his walk rate has suffered, as he had a BB% below 6.0% last season, and he’s north of 8% this year. While he doesn’t have a single elite pitch, his fastball (93.9 mph) and slider (87.3 mph) both have a chance to be effective against big-league hitters. If his stuff ticks up in a relief role, Morris could follow a similar path to Jax, who also came through the college ranks.

RHP Cory Lewis
Current Level: Triple-A St. Paul
Lewis is one of the most unorthodox arms in the system. His signature pitch is a knuckleball-curve hybrid that confounds hitters at any level. As a starter, he brings entertainment and unpredictability, but his unconventional arsenal might work best in a limited role. He’s struggled this year at Triple-A with a 6.52 ERA, but the Twins are working with him on his pitch mix. They could utilize Lewis as a change-of-pace reliever, someone who throws off timing before handing the ball to a flame-throwing righty. It may not be the most traditional route to success, but Lewis has the type of arsenal that keeps hitters off-balance.

Minnesota may have just shipped out its most trusted bullpen arms, but they have a track record of turning failed starters into dominant relievers. It is a developmental path the Twins know well, and the next wave of bullpen talent is already on the roster. If even one or two of these names follow the Duran or Jax blueprint, the bullpen won’t be a weakness for long.

Which prospects should the Twins attempt to develop into the next bullpen arms? Leave a comment and start the discussion.