Matthew Taylor

The Twins’ farm system has become a factory for developing pitching talent, turning mid-round draft picks into real contributors. As new names emerge seemingly every year, it’s easy for some prospects to slip through the cracks—even ones flashing big-league potential right under our noses. Image courtesy of © Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Everyone knows the names at the top of the Minnesota Twins’ pitching prospect rankings. David Festa and Zebby Matthews made their MLB debuts last season, and both are expected to be impact arms for the Twins this year. Younger prospects like Marco Raya and Charlee Soto continue to draw attention, thanks to their electric stuff and high ceilings. But there’s another name Twins fans should be watching closely, and he’s been flying under the radar far too long. Andrew Morris, a 2022 fourth-round pick, has quietly built an impressive résumé in the Twins system. He might just be the next big thing to come out of their stable of pitching talent. Morris has done nothing but produce since turning pro. Across four minor-league seasons, he’s posted a 2.44 ERA with a 4.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He doesn’t walk hitters—just 2.1 per nine innings in his career—and has climbed the ladder steadily, finishing 2023 with a strong stretch at Triple A. While Zebby Matthews’s meteoric rise grabbed headlines last year, Morris was also quietly dominating. He earned promotions from High A to Double A and then Triple A, while continuing to perform at each stop. He opened 2024 in St. Paul and began the year with two scoreless outings. This past Wednesday, he finally hit a bump in the road, allowing seven earned runs and failing to escape the fourth inning against a loaded Iowa Cubs lineup. But despite the rough outing, the most eye-opening development wasn’t in the box score; it was on the radar gun. Morris hit 99.3 MPH twice in the game, and it wasn’t a fluke. That’s a massive jump for a pitcher who entered the system sitting in the low 90s and only occasionally touching the mid-90s. That velocity increase is just the latest example of the Twins’ successful pitching development pipeline, which has helped arms like Bailey Ober and Matthews add significant velocity over time. Now, Morris is pushing triple digits, with the same pinpoint control that’s always been his calling card. The next step in his evolution is missing more bats. As he’s advanced through the minors, Morris has seen his strikeout rate dip, including a 17.5% clip so far this season after finishing 2023 with a 19.6% mark over 33 2/3 innings with St. Paul. But swing-and-miss data shows that he’s making progress, even if it hasn’t fully translated into strikeouts yet. One adjustment Morris made this offseason was adding a sinker to his arsenal—a pitch he can run in on righties to help open up the outer half of the plate for his slider. Jamie Cameron broke this down in his offseason profile of Morris, highlighting the potential for that pitch to help him take a leap forward. There’s hope that the added velocity and improved pitch mix will lead to more putaway pitches. Morris already commands the ball at an elite level, with control rivaling that of Matthews. He’s throwing harder than ever. If he can start attacking hitters more aggressively and get back to generating strikeouts like he did earlier in his career, he could be a real difference-maker. With the Twins likely to need pitching reinforcements at some point this summer, Morris is a strong candidate to get a look in the majors. Whether as a spot starter or as a late-season bullpen weapon whose velocity could play up even more, he’s the kind of arm who could surprise fans unfamiliar with his name. Andrew Morris has the ERA, the control, the development arc, and now the velocity. He’s on the cusp, and it’s time we start talking about him more seriously. View full article

Rocco Baldelli’s decision to pull Bailey Ober after six strong innings and just 73 pitches in Thursday’s loss to the Royals has drawn plenty of criticism. But was it the wrong move, or just an unlucky outcome? Let’s break down the reasoning behind the call and why it sparked such a debate. Thursday’s 3–2 loss to the Royals sparked frustration across Twins Territory—not just because of the result, but because of a decision that will be debated for some time: Rocco Baldelli pulling Bailey Ober from the game after six innings and just 73 pitches in a one-run game. The move, followed immediately by a disastrous inning from reliever Cole Sands, raised eyebrows. Sands allowed a hit-by-pitch, back-to-back singles, and a sac fly after striking out the leadoff batter, giving Kansas City the lead for good. On its face, it looked like a manager outthinking himself. But let’s take a closer look at why Baldelli made the call he did. Pitch Count vs. Times Through the Order Ober's pitch count—just 73 after six innings—suggested he had plenty left in the tank. But in today’s game, managers weigh "times through the order" more heavily than raw pitch totals. It's no secret that hitters improve significantly the more they see a pitcher. At the end of the sixth, Ober had just faced Royals' number six hitter, Maikel Garcia. That meant the seventh would begin with batters 7-8-9 for their third look at Ober—reasonable territory for a starter like him. But the real issue wasn’t the start of the inning—it was the potential end. If Ober allowed even one baserunner, the top of the Royals order—India, Witt Jr., Pasquantino—would be looming for a fourth look at Ober. That simply wasn't going to happen. Velocity Dip and Stamina Questions Times through the order wasn't the only reason for pulling Ober from the game though, performance and stamina were also a part of the decision, and Baldelli said as much in his postgame presser: "His stuff as the game went on did tick down a little bit and that was part of the conversation." The numbers back Baldelli up. Ober opened the game sitting around 92 mph on his fastball, but by the sixth inning, that had dropped to the 89 range. That’s not uncommon, especially considering Ober was still building back up from a spring illness that cost him nearly 10 pounds and probably should have pushed back his season debut. In fact, this was the first time in 2025 that he had completed more than four innings. "In his last three outings, the most he's gone is four innings," Baldelli noted. "He wasn't going to go out there and get close to doubling that up." Why Not Let Him Face the Bottom of the Order? The main counterpoint fans bring up is that Ober could have started the seventh against the Royals’ 7-8-9 hitters. Maybe he gets through them cleanly. Maybe you steal two or three more outs. But Baldelli didn’t want to risk having to bring in a reliever mid-inning with traffic on the bases—especially not against the top of Kansas City’s lineup. Managers will always prefer giving relievers a clean slate. Bringing Cole Sands in at the start of the seventh meant putting a fresh arm against the bottom of the order with no inherited runners and no margin for error. Sands had been one of Baldelli’s most trusted bullpen options. He owns a career 3.27 ERA as a reliever, and the plan to get him a clean inning against less threatening bats made plenty of sense—on paper. Hindsight Is 20/20 Of course, it didn’t work out. Sands got tagged, the Royals took the lead, and the Twins couldn’t claw back. When a decision backfires, it’s always ripe for second-guessing. But while we’ll never know how things might have gone had Ober stayed in to start the seventh, Baldelli’s choice was grounded in real data, recent performance, and a desire to avoid worst-case scenarios. You might not like the outcome, but the process had logic behind it. What did you think of Rocco Baldelli’s decision to pull Ober? Should he have trusted his starter to go just a little bit further, or was it the right move with the wrong result? Let’s hear your take in the comments below. View full article

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Thanks to cold bats and more missed opportunities, the Twins dropped yet another winnable game on Thursday afternoon, dropping three of four to the Kansas City Royals and bringing their record to a worrisome 4-9. Image courtesy of © Denny Medley-Imagn Images Box Score SP: Bailey Ober 6.0 IP, 5H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (73 pitches, 53 strikes (73%)) Home Runs: Ty France (2) Bottom 3 WPA: Cole Sands -.390, Willi Castro -.214, Jose Miranda -.175 Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs): The game got off to a rocky start for Bailey Ober, who gave up three straight singles in the first inning, including an RBI knock from Salvador Perez that put Kansas City up 1-0. But the Twins quickly responded. Ty France stayed hot, launching his second home run in as many games to tie the game at 1-1 in the second. Minnesota nearly grabbed the lead that same inning, after Edouard Julien doubled and advanced to third on a throwing error. But he was cut down at the plate on a perfect play from Jonathan India, and the game remained tied. The deadlock continued until the sixth inning, when the Twins finally broke through. Trevor Larnach and Ty France worked walks, setting the table for Ryan Jeffers to drive in Larnach with an RBI single. But the Twins squandered yet another golden opportunity to add on. With runners on the corners and one out, Julien struck out looking and Jose Miranda pushed a weak grounder to second to end the inning. That missed opportunity came back to haunt them quickly. Cole Sands relieved Ober (who had thrown just 73 pitches through six strong innings) and got into immediate trouble. After hitting Freddy Fermin and allowing back-to-back singles, Sands gave up a game-tying sac fly. One batter later, Kansas City took a 3-2 lead on a Michael Massey single. The Twins tried to rally in the ninth. They got two runners aboard with one out, but once again, the bats went cold. A strikeout and a groundout ended the threat and the game. Minnesota went just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, stranding runners in multiple key spots. The offense simply hasn’t clicked, and now, 13 games into the season, the Twins sit at 4-9, with only one series win (against the White Sox) to show for it. Another talking point will surely be the decision to pull Ober after such light work. While his velocity dipped into the upper 80s late in his outing—possibly a lingering effect from the virus that limited his first start—the choice to go to the bullpen early proved costly. What’s Next? After dropping the series in Kansas City, the Twins return to Target Field for a three-game weekend set against the Detroit Tigers. David Festa is slated to start Friday’s opener against Reese Olson, as the Twins look to capture their first non-White Sox series win of the season and dip for the first time into their wealth of minor-league starting depth. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Bullpen Usage Spreadsheet View full article

The Twins haven’t led the league in stolen bases—or excitement on the bases—in a long time. But just a week into 2025, something feels different. A few swipes from their leader, some aggressive reads, and a spring full of hustle have the Twins looking a little bit feisty again. Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Few teams have been more risk-averse on the bases than the Rocco Baldelli-era Twins. Extra bases were left on the table, stolen base attempts were rare, and the emphasis was clearly on avoiding outs, rather than creating pressure. Under Baldelli, the Twins have been last in MLB in stolen bases for four of the past six seasons. That lack of movement wasn’t just about steals; it was an overall approach that prioritized staying safe over aggressiveness. Through the first week of the 2025 season, however, something feels different. No, the Twins aren’t suddenly morphing into the 1985 Cardinals, but there’s real evidence (in both words and actions) that they’re beginning to view the basepaths as a place to gain an edge, rather than merely survive. Whether it’s Byron Buxton turning back the clock with a couple of early steals, Royce Lewis refusing to play it safe, or an eighth-inning dash from Dashawn Keirsey Jr., the Twins are showing signs of life in an area that’s been lifeless for years. This shift was addressed directly by Baldelli, thanks to a well-timed prompt from Cory Provus during a recent media scrum. The skipper made it clear the team made a conscious effort in spring training to rethink its baserunning approach. “We spent a lot of time in spring training preaching just general aggressiveness, being on your toes," Baldelli said. "Not running the bases passively. Running the bases aggressively and pushing the envelope is always an important thing.” Gone are the days of passive jogging during BP. Instead, the Twins worked on baserunning every day, during live drills, during batting practice, in situations meant to simulate the split-second decisions that define a game. “I wanted our guys to get as many reads and visuals as they possibly could during camp,” Baldelli said. “And it’s something we’re gonna carry over into the season.” Some of the previous caution came from practical concerns. Carlos Correa has battled foot issues. Buxton spent all of 2023 as a DH. Lewis's muscles are all looking for the first excuse to tear. When your most athletic players are your most injury-prone, you play the long game. But that patience also had a cost, one the team appears less willing to pay in 2025. Take Lewis. He’s coming off yet another injury, and nobody would blame him for dialing things back. But that’s not who he is, and he knows it. “I’m not gonna change who I am. If I start changing who I am, then I think as a player, I’ll start diminishing my value,” he said. “What I do is very special. I think everyone’s able to see that, and I think that’s why everyone is so mad that I keep getting hurt. People want to see me out on the field.” His style is part of what gives the Twins their edge. He plays with purpose, and that includes taking extra bases, even if it means risk. Meanwhile, Buxton already has enough steals (2) in the first week to suggest that he;ll eclipse his total from last season (7 in 102 games), and if he weren’t struggling at the plate, he’d likely have more. The fact that he’s running at all is meaningful. He’s still one of the fastest players in the game, and his willingness to go is a signal that the governor may be off. Then there are the subtler signs. On Tuesday night in Kansas City, Keirsey entered the game as a pinch-runner for Ryan Jeffers in the 8th inning. On a solid single to right, he took off—first to third without hesitation. It won’t show up in any stolen base totals, but it mattered. It was instinctive, aggressive, and, for a team like the Twins, refreshingly out of character. “Stolen bases help you win,” Baldelli said. “But going first to third, having an aggressive mindset… that’s going to bring runs to the board, too.” The Twins even went out this offseason and added a player who fits the mold: Harrison Bader, a burner who has multiple double-digit steal seasons and plays with the kind of frantic energy this team has often lacked. Minnesota’s offense has sputtered early, and that’s become a familiar story. If the bats aren’t going to carry the load, the Twins will need to find other ways to generate runs. Smart, aggressive baserunning might be their best chance to do it. No, they’re not going to steal 200 bags. But the mindset appears to be shifting. The Twins might not be a track team just yet, but they’re finally taking their foot off the brakes. View full article

The Twins’ home opener started with promise, as the home nine jumped out to a two-run lead in the first inning. But as we’ve seen too often, the bats then went cold. The offense stalled, and the early momentum faded. Held scoreless the rest of the way, the Twins couldn’t recover and dropped a frustrating opener at Target Field. Image courtesy of © Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Box Score SP: Joe Ryan 5 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 6 K (83 pitches, 49 strikes (59%)) Home Runs: None Bottom 3 WPA: Joe Ryan -.215, Ty France -.094, Carlos Correa -.078 Win Probability Chart (via Fangraphs): The Twins’ home opener had all the makings of a great celebration. The energy at Target Field was high as Nelson Cruz threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the team seemed to carry momentum from their series win in Chicago. That momentum showed early, when Matt Wallner nearly blasted a leadoff home run (but had to settle for a triple). Carlos Correa cashed him in with a broken-bat groundout, giving the Twins a quick 1-0 lead. Byron Buxton followed with a single, swiped his first stolen base of the season, and came around to score on a bloop single from Trevor Larnach. Just like that, the Twins were up 2-0 in the first, and things looked promising. But, as we’ve seen far too often from this team in recent seasons, the offense completely shut down after the fast start. Following their three-hit first inning, the Twins managed just two hits the rest of the game. They struck out 10 times and didn’t record another extra-base hit after Wallner’s triple. The bottom of the lineup was especially rough, as Edouard Julien, Ryan Jeffers, Harrison Bader, and pinch-hitter Jose Miranda combined to go 0-for-9 with four strikeouts. Not only were the Twins unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position, but they rarely even had anyone reach second base. Only four batters all game made it that far. Credit is due to Houston’s Hunter Brown, who looked like the next star pitcher in the Astros' seemingly endless pipeline of talent. After a shaky first inning, he settled in and dominated, tossing six innings of two-run ball with eight strikeouts. Brown kept the Twins off-balance all day, inducing weak contact (Wallner was the only Twins' player to hit the ball with an exit velocity over 100 MPH) and keeping them from generating any kind of rally. On the mound for the Twins, Joe Ryan struggled with an all-too-familiar issue: the home run ball. After being handed a quick 2-0 lead, he immediately gave it up in the top of the second when Christian Walker and Jeremy Peña launched back-to-back home runs. The Astros then took the lead for good when Brendan Rodgers delivered RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings, putting Houston up 5-2. Ryan said afterward that the pitch to Walker was a sweeper that didn't "kick" the way he expected it to, but that the high fastball to Pena was "executed to my standard." "That probably wasn't the pitch in that spot," the righty admitted. "I even knew that, it was in my scouting book. Just reading the swing there, I felt like that was the pitch to try, and he hit it." The Twins bullpen did its job, keeping the game within reach. Louie Varland, Jorge Alcala, and Darren McCaughan combined for four innings of one-run relief, but with the offense stuck in neutral, the damage had already been done. One of the lone bright spots on the day was Harrison Bader’s defense in left field. Though he didn’t have any highlight-reel plays, he showed why the Twins were eager to bring him in, making smart reads, cutting off balls in the gap, and limiting potential extra bases. A small consolation for Twins fans? Jose Altuve had a nightmare of a day at the plate, going 0-for-5 with five strikeouts—the first time in his career he has worn the dreaded platinum sombrero. The crowd began booing him in pregame introductions, and by the fifth strikeout in the ninth inning, they were raised to a fever pitch. Unfortunately, that was about the only thing that went the Twins’ way in a disappointing home opener. What's Next The Twins have an off day on Friday before looking to even up the series on Saturday afternoon when Bailey Ober will work to avenge his brutal first start of the season opposite Spencer Arrighetti at Target Field. Bullpen Usage Report View full article

Spring Training always brings tough roster decisions, but sometimes, the manager’s lineup choices reveal more than words ever could. That seems to be the case for Brooks Lee. While competition remains fierce, Rocco Baldelli's lineups are painting a clear picture—one that suggests Lee is on track to make the Opening Day roster. Image courtesy of William Parmeter Coming into Spring Training, the battle for second base looked like a two-man race between Brooks Lee and Edouard Julien. Both young infielders struggled in 2024 but still hold plenty of potential heading into the 2025 season. While neither has completely separated himself in the competition, Rocco Baldelli’s lineups and the Twins’ evolving defensive picture are making it increasingly clear that Brooks Lee has a legitimate path to making the Opening Day roster. Last season, Lee made an electrifying debut, scorching hot in his first week in the majors. However, after that initial burst, he struggled mightily, posting just a .503 OPS over 50 games. Some of those struggles could possibly be attributed to lingering back issues that delayed his MLB debut, while some could be chalked up to the usual adjustment period for a young hitter facing big-league pitching. Either way, 50 games isn’t nearly enough of a sample size to make any definitive judgments on his future. Fast forward to this Spring, and Lee has put together a .727 OPS with two home runs. Fine numbers in Spring Training, but it’s not his offensive production that suggests he is on track to make the Opening Day roster—it’s how the Twins are deploying him defensively. One of the biggest signs in Lee’s favor is his usage at shortstop. He has started at shortstop six times this spring, compared to just three starts for Willi Castro. Coming into camp, many assumed Castro’s ability to back up Carlos Correa meant that Lee’s defensive versatility wouldn’t necessarily be a factor in his roster chances. However, the way Baldelli has utilized Lee suggests that the team sees him as the primary backup shortstop rather than Castro. That shift would allow Castro to continue his super-utility role, moving around the field as needed. Another telling sign is Lee’s lack of playing time at third base, where some expected he might find a home alongside Royce Lewis. Instead, Jose Miranda has seemingly locked down the backup third base role, with Lee seeing just one appearance at the hot corner this spring. That reinforces the idea that Baldelli views Lee as a second baseman and shortstop, strengthening his case to make the roster. The big question now is whether Julien can still make the team alongside Lee. Could both break camp with the Twins? Our own Gregg Masterson explored that possibility earlier this week, and while the answer remains uncertain, what is clear is that Lee’s standing within the organization has improved dramatically over the past month. Ultimately, while the Opening Day roster is not yet set, all signs are pointing toward Brooks Lee having a role on this team. If he can rediscover the bat that made him such a coveted prospect, there’s a strong chance he’ll be penciled into the Twins’ lineup when the season begins. Do you think Brooks Lee will make the team out of camp? Leave a comment below. View full article

While spring training stats don’t always matter, the Twins' new first baseman's performance is impossible to ignore. He’s crushing the ball, showing confidence, and turning heads. If this is a sign of what’s to come, the team may have landed a key piece for their 2025 lineup. Image courtesy of © Chris Tilley-Imagn Images Through the first few weeks of spring training, one of the standout performers for the Minnesota Twins has been Ty France. He has wasted no time making an impression with his new team. Following Saturday's Grapefruit League game (in which the right-handed batsman recorded a double, a home run, and four RBIs), Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had high praise for France. "Yeah, he's, he's seeing the ball very well," Baldelli said. "He's hitting lasers all over the field, shooting balls. He's turning on balls. He looks great. You know, that's a great way to introduce yourself into a new situation. It's probably great for his confidence. It's great for us to be able to watch, you know, all the things that he's capable of. Really nice start to the spring for him. He's been, basically every at-bat, right where he wants to be." Through his first nine games of the exhibition season, France has put up an eye-popping 1.517 OPS, with two home runs and eight RBIs. Of course, we have to apply the significant caveat that spring stats don’t really matter—this is a sample size of just 23 at-bats, some of which have probably come against minor-league pitchers. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that he looks completely healthy. Last season, France’s production dipped significantly after he fractured his heel when he was hit by a pitch. That injury lingered, and his numbers took a hit. Now, with a fully healthy offseason under his belt, the strong start to the spring suggests that he has moved past that injury, which is the first step (get it?) toward delivering on the investment the Twins made in him last month. Beyond the numbers, the early success could serve as a major confidence boost for France—not just in his swing, but also in his body. The hot start also evokes memories of the peak of France’s career. It may seem like a long time ago, but just two seasons ago, he was an All-Star, finishing 2022 with a 125 OPS+. At 30 years old, he is not yet in the stage of his career where a significant decline should be expected. If anything, last year’s Twins first baseman, Carlos Santana, showed that a veteran can still contribute meaningfully, as he posted a 109 OPS+ at age 38 and exceeded expectations. France has already demonstrated his competence when healthy, and even in 2023—his last fully healthy season—he posted a 101 OPS+ with strong underlying indicators. The skills are still there, and with a strong start to the spring, there’s legitimate reason for optimism. The numbers under the hood are as good as the results, or near enough, too. The 17 tracked batted balls France has hit in Statcast parks have had an average exit velocity of 94.7 mph and an average launch angle of 15°. It's easier to put up big numbers like those in tiny samples, but he's right in the same neighborhood as some very good hitters. If France can return to anything close to his All-Star form from two years ago, it would be massive for the Twins. The potency of the lineup is the biggest question mark for the team this season, and first base is one of the key areas of concern. Santana’s steady production in 2024 (particularly after a slow April) left a void that the team now hopes France can fill. The problem? The Twins don’t have much of a backup plan at first base if France struggles. Baldelli has already stated that he does not plan to use Willi Castro at first, and the other options—Edouard Julien (defensive concerns), Jose Miranda (a defensive liability), and 29-year-old minor league journeyman Mickey Gasper—are not ideal. If France can provide solid to above-average production, it would go a long way toward stabilizing the Twins' lineup. The Twins know they will get strong production from stars like Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, and Byron Buxton (at least while they're on the field), but it’s the fringe players—like France—who could make the difference between a tepid team and a true playoff contender. Ultimately, it's too early to tell much, but it’s hard not to get at least a little excited when a player shows flashes of what made him successful in the past. France’s early dominance is a reminder of the hitter he can be, and if he truly is back to full strength, he could be a major factor in the Twins’ success this season. What do you think? How confident are you in a Ty France bounce-back year? Let us know in the comments! View full article

The longtime Twins farmhand finds himself in a tough spot entering the 2025 season. Despite showcasing elite speed and defense, his path to the majors remains blocked. With limited opportunities at the big-league level, the question is as much about whether he’ll get a real shot as about his talent. Image courtesy of William Parmeter When DaShawn Keirsey made his major-league debut with the Minnesota Twins in September, it was a small but meaningful milestone for the former fourth-round draft pick. In six games, Keirsey managed just two hits, but his call-up signaled that the Twins view him as a capable player and a potential piece of their future plans. Keirsey’s scouting report paints the picture of a player with two elite traits: defense and speed. He’s a true center fielder, with range and instincts that would also make him a strong option in the corners. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli spoke about Keirsey's defense earlier this spring, after he made an incredible running grab to rob extra bases from Yankees prospect Braden Shewmake. "He’s made a lot of adjustments over the years to make himself into a really relevant and quality young player," Baldelli said. "And that’s from work. He had the raw ability, but he didn’t have the skills. If we’re being honest, a couple of years ago, he didn’t have the skills to do all the wonderful things that he’s doing now. And he worked for it." His 36 stolen bases last season with the St. Paul Saints also speak to the value of his speed in the offensive side of the game. His presence on the big-league roster could add a dynamic element the Twins currently lack—especially if Byron Buxton, the oft-injured franchise cornerstone, is unavailable for any stretch of the season. Given Buxton’s injury history, it wouldn’t have been unreasonable for the Twins to enter 2025 with Keirsey as their backup center fielder. He’s a natural platoon option for Buxton, batting left-handed while Buxton swings from the right side. He’s also more than capable of playing alongside Buxton, whether in center (allowing Buxton to shift to a corner outfield spot and spare his legs) or in the spacious left field of Target Field. Keirsey’s speed would also be a weapon off the bench in late-game situations. He believes he's matured in precisely that regard. "For me, my biggest impact is defensively, and on the basepaths," Keirsey told Twins Daily's John Bonnes. "I used to be a guy who was just fast, and I would just blindly run. Not saying at times I don't [still] let instincts take over, but just being sort of a smarter player and understanding situations." However, instead of giving Keirsey a shot at the backup role right away, the Twins signed Harrison Bader to a one-year, $6.25-million deal. Bader is widely regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, and his presence on the roster significantly narrows Keirsey’s path to the majors. Beyond Bader, Keirsey also faces competition from utility man Willi Castro and former first-round pick Austin Martin. Castro appeared in 30 games in center field last season and offers additional versatility around the diamond. Meanwhile, Martin, despite struggling in his 40 games in center, has recently received public praise from manager Rocco Baldelli regarding his defensive improvements. “I think he has real potential in the outfield, to affect the game, to be a defensive star out there,” Baldelli said last week at Twins spring training in Fort Myers. “[Looking] at his jumps, looking at the way he's tracking the ball, closing on the ball, and the more time he has out there, I think he's one of those guys that will keep getting better.” With Bader, Castro, and Buxton on the roster and Martin likely to receive a call-up before Keirsey in the event of an injury, it’s fair to wonder exactly what role remains for Keirsey in Minnesota. His speed and defense make him an ideal fourth outfielder, and his offensive production in the minors—an .845 OPS with the Saints last year—suggests he could hold his own at the plate. But the sheer number of center field-capable players ahead of him presents a significant challenge. The Twins clearly don't yet believe in the offensive progress he's made over the last two seasons, though Keirsey himself says he's changed the process that underlies those results. "I think the biggest part of what separates good hitters or great hitters from average hitters, are guys who know the zone," said Keirsey, who acknowledged that that wasn't him when he first reached pro ball. "And not only that, but guys who know themselves. Maybe there's a pitch that's a strike, but maybe I don't handle that pitch too well, so I'm not gonna give in—unless, obviously, there's two strikes." This evolution has allowed Keirsey to maintain an identical 9.2% walk rate over the last two seasons—in the top two levels of the minors, plus his cameo in Minnesota—to the one he had in his first four years in the system, while trimming his strikeout rate from 24.3% to 22.6%. That, alone, is impressive, given the rising level of competition, but it's also a big part of the explanation for Keirsey's improving power. A more selectively aggressive approach ("I'm still not going up there to walk," he said) has helped him tap into his full suite of tools a bit better. One of the biggest questions surrounding Keirsey’s situation is the Twins’ decision to bring in Bader. If the team truly believed Keirsey was ready to be a viable backup center fielder, why commit so much money to a player filling that same role? The move suggests that, while the Twins see Keirsey as a potential contributor, they may not view him as a fully trustworthy big-league option. At nearly 28 years old, Keirsey is no longer a young prospect with unlimited upside. He’s been a steady, productive minor-leaguer, but he likely lacks significant trade value. That puts him in a tough position: too good to be ignored, but perhaps not valued highly enough by the organization to warrant a roster spot over more established options. Barring an injury to one of the Twins’ outfielders or an outstanding performance in Triple A, Keirsey may find himself in baseball purgatory—good enough to contribute, but without a clear path to the majors. He’s put in the work, refined his game, and has the skill set to make an impact, but in a numbers game, he’s looking like the unlucky loser. What do you think? Should the Twins have given Keirsey a real shot at being the team’s fourth outfielder, or did they make the right move by signing Bader? Let us know in the comments! View full article

Brock Stewart’s return to the mound on Wednesday marks the comeback of the reliever many forgot about due to injury. Now, he’s set to be the linchpin that strengthens the Twins' bullpen and takes it from solid to one of the most formidable in baseball. Image courtesy of © Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images For the first time in 10 months, Brock Stewart stepped onto the mound in a game, and it did not take long to remember why he was such a crucial piece of the Minnesota Twins bullpen in 2023 and the early parts of 2024. Manager Rocco Baldelli summed up the performance well: “I thought Brock was the highlight of the day for me watching the game. The stuff looked like vintage Brock Stewart. I think he was pumped to be back out there on the mound.” It’s been quite the journey for Stewart. Signed by the Twins to a Minor League deal in 2023, he hadn’t pitched in a Major League game since 2019 due to injuries and a stint in the Independent League. Once a highly regarded prospect, Stewart flashed the ability that scouts long believed he had, posting an astounding 0.65 ERA while striking out 12.07 batters per nine innings. He carried that dominance into the 2023 season, looking like a vital piece of the bullpen before shoulder tendinitis derailed his season. Given his extended absence, it’s understandable that Stewart may have slipped from fans’ minds. But make no mistake—when healthy, he is one of the best relievers in baseball and a game-changer for the Twins' bullpen. His presence alone creates a domino effect, strengthening the entire bullpen. If Stewart is throwing the seventh inning, now Cole Sands, who broke out as a solid seventh-inning option for the Twins, can instead pitch in a sixth-inning role and be outstanding. The domino effect is real and makes a big difference. With Stewart healthy and pitching at a high level, some of the high-leverage pressure on Griffin Jax can come off, and Jhoan Duran can focus solely on being the dominant closer that he is. The result? One of the most formidable bullpen back-ends in the league, capable of matching up with any contender. Of course, health will always be the key. Stewart has proven that when he is on the mound, he is elite. The Twins’ challenge is ensuring that he stays there. His careful buildup this spring is no cause for concern—it is the right approach to preserve him for the long haul, and while Spring Training stats aren't anything to put stock in, seeing him look like the pitcher we've seen before was important. As Baldelli noted: “He was in and around the zone the whole outing with really good stuff. And I think from there we can hone it in. You know, get what we’re looking for out of all these outings. But for a first outing, that’s what you’re hoping to see from Brock Stewart.” The numbers backed up Baldelli’s excitement. Stewart’s fastball averaged 96.5 MPH and topped out at 97.5 MPH—just a tick above his 97.3 MPH average from last season when he was fully healthy. More importantly, he appeared comfortable on the mound, an encouraging sign for someone who missed significant time with a shoulder injury last year. It’s likely the Twins will continue to be cautious with Stewart throughout the season, potentially limiting back-to-back appearances and strategically giving him rest when needed. The priority is ensuring he is at full strength when it matters most—in October. The trio of Stewart, Jax, and Duran could be a difference-maker in a playoff series, shutting down opposing lineups in the late innings. It’s easy to overlook Stewart, given the time he has missed, but that should change quickly. His dominance is real, and his presence in the bullpen is transformative. If the Twins can keep him healthy, they have one of the best relievers in baseball ready to make a major impact in 2024. Are you excited about Brock Stewart in 2025? Leave a comment below and start the conversation! View full article

Target Field continues to evolve, bringing upgrades that aim to make your time at the ballpark smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Let's review what's new for the 2025 season: Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Each offseason, the Twins continue to invest in Target Field, ensuring that the ballpark remains one of the premier stadiums in Major League Baseball. Whether it was the expansion of the scoreboard, the reduced-price concession area, or the revolving baseball medallion in right field, each year brings something new to excite fans and improve the overall experience. The goal is clear: Target Field should never feel like an aging ballpark but rather one that evolves with the times. This year, the Minnesota Twins announced four new enhancements aimed at "improving convenience, efficiency, and the overall fan experience." Here’s what’s new for 2025: 1. New Market-Style Concessions at Sections 105 and 109 Gone are the days of waiting in long, cramped lines at traditional food stands. Target Field has introduced an open-air, self-serve market spanning 4,400 square feet of renovated space. The new setup increases the number of registers from 29 to 41, hopefully making it easier and faster to grab your favorite food and drinks. Fans will find a variety of hot foods, grab-and-go snacks, ice cream, soda, and self-serve beer coolers in these market-style concessions. Nobody likes missing an inning while stuck in line, and this new system should dramatically improve efficiency. Expect this area to be a big hit with fans looking for a quick bite without the hassle. 2. MLB Go-Ahead Entry The only thing worse than waiting in line for food is waiting in line to enter the ballpark while someone ahead of you fumbles with multiple bags and struggles to pull up their digital ticket. That hassle is now a thing of the past. Target Field is introducing MLB Go-Ahead Entry, allowing ticketed fans to register through the MLB Ballpark app and then simply walk into the stadium via designated lanes at Gates 3, 6, 29, and 34 using facial-recognition technology. The goal is that this will significantly speed up the entry process and eliminate those frustrating bottlenecks at the gates. 3. MyVenue Point-of-Sale System Alongside the improved concession experience, Target Field has upgraded its point-of-sale system to MyVenue. This new system is designed to be faster and more user-friendly, allowing fans to see real-time pricing as they build their concession order. As someone who appreciates transparency in pricing, I love that MyVenue makes it easier to track what you’re spending while streamlining the purchasing process so you can avoid the surprise $60 concession bill. 4. 5G Upgrades If you’ve ever tried to check Baseball Savant mid-game and found yourself staring at a never-ending loading screen, you’ll appreciate this one. Target Field is expanding its 5G network coverage by 82%, dramatically improving upload and download speeds for all three major mobile carriers. Whether you’re checking advanced stats, sharing videos on social media, or streaming highlights, the improved network should keep you connected without frustrating lag. While these upgrades might not be as flashy as a new scoreboard or a redesigned batter’s eye (bring back the spruce trees!), they show a continued commitment to making Target Field one of the best fan experiences in baseball. The Twins are clearly focused on keeping the ballpark modern, efficient, and enjoyable. The first chance for fans to experience these enhancements will be at the home opener against the Houston Astros on Thursday, April 3, at 3:10 PM. Which of these upgrades are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments! View full article

At first glance, Justin Ishbia backing out of buying the Minnesota Twins seems like a gut punch for fans hoping for deep pockets and aggressive spending. But what if it’s actually a blessing in disguise? A closer look at his track record suggests that the Twins may have dodged a far bigger problem. Image courtesy of © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins' ownership situation took an unexpected turn last month. For weeks, all signs pointed to billionaire Justin Ishbia taking control of the franchise, bringing visions of aggressive spending and bold moves. But in a shocking twist, Ishbia backed out—opting, instead, to invest further in the Twins’ division rivals, the Chicago White Sox. When the Pohlad family announced their intention to sell the Minnesota Twins this offseason, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Ishbia would be the one to take over as the team’s new owner. Reports indicated Ishbia was the frontrunner (although perhaps we all also assumed that, simply because of his trmenedous wealth and the fact that his name was leaked), and Twins fans began to envision an ownership group willing to spend big and operate aggressively. But when the expected news drop came, it was the opposite of what many anticipated. Understandably, this news was met with disappointment from Twins fans. The thought of an owner with deep pockets willing to take financial risks was an exciting proposition. Ishbia, a partial owner of the Phoenix Suns and the brother of Mat Ishbia, the team’s controlling owner, had seemingly represented a shift toward a more aggressive, win-now approach. However, while the initial disappointment is understandable, a closer look at Ishbia’s tenure with the Suns raises the question: was his withdrawal from the Twins’ ownership race actually a blessing in disguise? Ishbia’s time with the Suns has been anything but stable. Since gaining control, the Suns have made one blockbuster move after another, trading away a promising young core for established stars like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. While these trades made headlines and sent a message that the team was all-in, they’ve also left the Suns without much of a future. Phoenix is currently sitting in 9th place in the Western Conference; their roster depth has been depleted; and their future draft capital has been largely exhausted. The constant shakeups have extended beyond the roster as well, with the team now on the verge of hiring its fourth head coach in four seasons. The Suns, once a model of patience and development that built a Finals-contending team in 2021, have since become a cautionary tale of ownership overreach and short-term thinking. So what does this mean for the Minnesota Twins? Baseball is, of course, a different game than basketball, with no hard salary cap and a much more robust farm system that plays a pivotal role in sustaining success. Even with a wealthier owner, the Twins would still be a mid-market team, and Minnesota would never be able to spend at the levels of the Dodgers, Yankees, or Mets. An owner like Ishbia, with his aggressive, hands-on approach, may have been willing to push the payroll higher, but at what cost? Would he have mortgaged the team’s future by trading away top prospects for short-term gains? Would the Twins have ended up in a situation where they were locked into expensive, aging veterans with no clear long-term plan? Admittedly, since teams can't trade draft picks in MLB the way they can and do in the NBA, there would have to be some ongoing replenishment of the farm, but would an Ishbia-led team strip down the scouting department in favor of heavier investments in flashy, expensive big-league moves? One of the Twins’ greatest strengths over the years has been their stability. Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have built a sustainable model, one that prioritizes development while making calculated moves to improve the roster when necessary. Manager Rocco Baldelli has been in place since 2019, providing consistency and a clear philosophy that has resulted in multiple postseason appearances. Compare that to the Suns, who have been in a near-constant state of flux since the Ishbias took over, and it’s easy to see how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Of course, no one is arguing that the Pohlads have been ideal owners. The frustration with their spending limitations is valid, and a fresh perspective at the ownership level could certainly be beneficial for the franchise. But there’s a difference between being willing to spend and spending recklessly. The best owners in sports aren’t necessarily the ones who make the biggest splashes, but rather the ones who provide financial support, hire the right people, let them do their jobs, and then get out of the way. Would Ishbia have been that kind of owner? Based on his track record in Phoenix, there’s reason to doubt it. The allure of an aggressive, risk-taking billionaire was strong, but the reality of what that approach has done to the Suns is a reminder that big spending and constant movement don’t always equal success. In the end, Twins fans may have dodged a bullet. Yes, Mat is the head honcho and has the final word on those moves, but so far, it's been hard to discern a significant gap between the two when it comes to risk tolerance or approach. The question of who will ultimately buy the team remains unanswered, and until that happens, there will continue to be uncertainty about the Twins’ future. Inarguably, courting Ishbia for months and losing him late in the process sets them back. But while many fans are lamenting the loss of a seemingly ambitious owner, it may not be the disaster some are imagining. The Twins’ next owner will shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come, and rather than simply hoping for someone willing to spend, perhaps the real hope should be for someone who understands that smart, sustainable decision-making is just as important as a willingness to open the checkbook. What do you think? Are Twins fans really missing out by not landing Ishbia, or was his withdrawal actually a good thing for the franchise’s long-term future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. View full article

The Minnesota Twins entered the offseason with a significant question: should they trade from their wealth of pitching depth to address offensive concerns, or hold onto their arms for the long haul? While some clamored for a bold move, the front office stayed the course, valuing depth over immediate upgrades. Image courtesy of William Parmeter (L to R: Cory Lewis, Simeon Woods Richardson, Andrew Morris, David Festa, Travis Adams, Zebby Matthews) The Minnesota Twins are entering the 2025 season with an enviable surplus of pitching talent, a luxury that led some to wonder whether the team should have been more aggressive in trading arms for offensive reinforcements. Yet, as the Twins stood pat this offseason, their decision to retain their pitching depth appears to be the right one. Minnesota’s pitching depth is staggering. Even beyond their established Major League rotation, the Saints’ Triple-A rotation features names like David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Andrew Morris, Cory Lewis, Travis Adams, and Marco Raya—all of whom have either shown flashes of success in the majors or are on the cusp of making an impact. That doesn’t even include Louis Varland, who remains in limbo between a starting and bullpen role. Despite this depth, the Twins opted against leveraging it in the trade market for a bat, instead filling their offensive gaps with free-agent additions like Harrison Bader and Ty France. While a more aggressive approach could have landed them a significant impact bat, potentially at the cost of a front-end starter like Joe Ryan, Pablo López, or Bailey Ober, the team’s decision to hold onto its depth aligns with its organizational philosophy: pitching is paramount. Last season demonstrated why. Injuries to Joe Ryan and Chris Paddack forced the Twins to tap into their reserves, with Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa all stepping up when called upon. That depth proved essential in navigating the inevitable attrition that comes with a 162-game season. Given that history, the Twins were wise to prioritize keeping their arms, even at the expense of offensive firepower. However, this strategy does come with risks. The Twins’ lineup is far from elite, lacking a true right-handed power threat and relying heavily on bounce-back performances from players like Jose Miranda and Royce Lewis. Banking on improved health from their bats is a gamble, and if the offense sputters, the decision to hoard pitching depth could come under scrutiny. Additionally, while depth is valuable, it can also create roster logjams. Prospects who are ready for the majors may find themselves stuck in Triple-A due to the sheer number of arms ahead of them. This can lead to underutilization of talent and potentially diminish trade value if these players don’t get opportunities to showcase their abilities at the highest level. The Twins must balance retaining depth with ensuring player development isn’t stalled. That said, the trade deadline presents a logical pivot point. If Minnesota finds itself in playoff contention but struggling offensively, their surplus of arms will provide valuable trade capital. The need for pitching depth decreases as the season progresses—by July, the rotation will be more settled, and the urgency to maintain a deep reservoir of arms lessens. At that point, moving a Festa, Matthews, or even a more established arm for a lineup upgrade would make sense, allowing the Twins to fine-tune their roster for a postseason push. Ultimately, the Twins’ conservative approach was the right call. While their offense remains a question mark, the value of elite starting pitching depth cannot be overstated. What might seem like an excess of arms now could prove crucial when injuries inevitably arise. And should they reach the trade deadline with a clear need for offense, they’ll have the assets to address it. For now, the Twins are betting on depth—and their own recent history suggests that was the right decision. View full article