Cory Engelhardt

This feels too much like a "Jump to conclusions" mat from Office Space. They may or may not have a certain payroll number going in to 2026. I don't think naming a manager (of which there were others interested) is the sign of anything as far as what payroll will look like. And frankly, whoever they named as manager would have gotten the exact same comments under that article no? That's an issue with the Twins brand and with fans being tired of the Pohlads in general much more than this being a sign of anything. They need a new catcher to pair with Jeffers. They need probably at minimum 3 new outside bullpen additions (and this can be via trade) and they need a real 1B. The TYPES of moves they make this offseason will show what the payroll is more than whoever they were going to name as manager.

I just meant their prior experience is a lot different. That’s all.

Rocco didn’t have the coaching experience that Shelton does. Shelton has been a coach in some capacity, for a bunch of teams, for over 20 years. Not saying it’s a homerun hire, but their resumes before becoming head coach could not be more different

Glad we have a decision. And man, whoever they hired was going to get the same majority of comments under the article. I guess never read the comments. Have to think based on Dan Hayes other article today, Latroy Hawkins seems like a good fit on the staff. Really curious now how the rest of the coaching staff shakes out

I agree. But let's say they do sign a couple of major league free agents (say 1 year 5 million each) and they trade Larnach for an arm. Then, if they do move Festa to the pen, that's quite a lot of additions that should help without a ton of moves. But have to make the right moves.

I just mean, I have a hard time really figuring out this offseason and what it'll look like. But it is also really hard for me to expect who will be traded or who will be signed or not until there is any clarity. But I have a hard time getting too worked up over anything too much until actual moves are made.

Still want to see how everything plays out no?

I don't think the talent level is as bad as you lay out IF they do change out the bottom and add back a competent bullpen.

That might be true. But its also was never a guarantee that anyone they traded would be good still in 2026. Injuries or ineffectiveness happen all the time. But I do agree, this offseason will be interesting to see how they attack building the bullpen.

A lot of things would have to break their way. But let's say Jenkins gets to his potential like we think we can AND the Twins luck into the first pick with Roch Cholowsky. If Lewis can get back to his 2023 into most of 2024 self along with them, that's the makings of a good core no? I will admit I'm an optimist.

Not saying Ober is more or less valuable than Zebby or SWR or Bradley or Abel or any other pitcher they have after Lopez and Ryan. But if some team values Ober more than they currently do, then that’s when a deal can be made no?

Yes but they don’t have to get a get with 5 years team control to help the bullpen Plus, I think Festa and Raya and SWR all could become really solid relievers. And another one via trade from Larnach and a free agent or two complete the bullpen no? Or some type of iteration of this.

I just meant you don’t have to give up quality prospects to get usable relievers for a season

I do not no. At least not on the free agent market. But there are options available

I don’t think bullpen value is as expensive as you lay out here.

Maybe so? I guess we will see. I’d be surprised if they dont acquire some actual bullpen help

I suppose if they do literally nothing and don’t change out the bottom of their 40 man and have zero competent bullpen that’s true. I can’t see that happening otherwise

Disagree with 55 being possible. Not certain on the ceiling yet

Let’s say with the mystery investors allow the team to have some money to spend this offseason. I’m not saying they will be in on Pete Alonso et al, but maybe they aren’t only getting Ty France type deals and minor league signings for the bullpen. With that being said, let’s say they also do hypothetically not trade Lopez, Ryan, Buxton and Jeffers. Let’s start with that too. Here are my questions; 1) What is the best major league player they can get for Trevor Larnach? My guess is they can get a reliever of some type. Nick Gordon turned into Steven Okert. Just a thought. 2) What is the best player they can get for Bailey Ober? Can they get a young catcher who is ready to at minimum be a backup and if everything breaks right be a co-catcher with Jeffers? If that is the case, do you have a name that makes sense? 3) I don’t know that I see trading Wallner, but let’s say they listen on him. What would your hope be for him? Is he more valuable as their rf/dh for 2026? Or is he more valuable to trade to someone for pitching or hitting? 4) Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis; I kind of think longer term this team has room for one of them in the starting lineup unless they both can get back to their potential. As of right now I would bet on Lewis longer term more than Lee, and I also think Kaelen Culpepper is a better SS option long term than Lee is. Do you listen on Lee now? Do you think he can be at 3b and you move Lewis for something? Anyway, I do think there will be moves this offseason. I don’t know if that includes a haul for Joe Ryan or not, but these guys are also ones I would listen on. What do you think?

I think both of them have good k rates, some speed, and doubles power. They also can cover ground in the outfield. I don't know about Fedko's defense in the outfield. His k rates are not crazy for AAA, but I can't say right now he would absolutely be an improvement over what both Martin and Roden already do.

Of the other players you listed, I absolutely would see McCusker, Keirsey, Julien, Miranda, Fitzgerald, Gasper, Tonkin and Larnach being elsewhere as soon as possible. That creates the necessary room on the 40 man, and it's not even really a difficult call. And 100% I protect Klein.

Agreed, and Martin actually looked pretty good the last two months right? I also think he has a place on the team next year, be it as starting in the outfield or as the Willi Castro super utility around the field. He has speed, makes contact and can hold his own at a few positions (outfield and 2b) so he'll be good to have around.

I wish him well. I do. I also think he will rebound a bit for another team next year, and I would imagine we will receive a middle reliever or backup catcher via trade for him.

I do think Larnach is on another team next year. Actually I'd be surprised if he is on the team in 2026. I do think it's possible he could be traded for something useful (a middle reliever for example?) but Wallner has had success with the bat before, so even though he had a down year in 2025, I certainly wouldn't get rid of him for nothing. And I love what Gonzalez and Fedko did last year in the minors. I can't YET say either are ready for a starting role. Jenkins I THINK can be that at some point, but he'll most likely get some time at AAA for the start of the year. Rodriguez absolutely has the potential to be that too and I hope he can be healthy for a lengthened time. To start the year, as of now, I'd imagine some combo of Buxton and Roden and Martin can be enough until Jenkins is ready, or others. But maybe they do have Wallner in right until that point?

JUST for argument's sake; Miguel Sano and Michael Cuddyer were drafted or signed as SS's. Same with both Joe Nathan and Jacob DeGrom. Most teams draft or sign (if they are 16) SS's, Catcher's, center fielders or pitchers because that's where youth league teams have their best players play. So, if you are a drafting team, and you are wanting to draft high school kids, if they are a position player a LOT of the time they are going to be a SS, CF or catcher.