Nashvilletwin

If somehow we snag the #1 pick overall, Winokur is going to find himself as #4 on the SS of the Future depth chart. Which means he just might then be #3 on the 3B of the Future as well. With Keaschall and Jenkins as the clear 2B and CF solutions, respectively, Winokur should learn to play 1B or corner outfield if he wants to be anything other than a utility player by 2028.

Perhaps the “Twins Way” (or the “Brewers Way” by which the current successful incarnation is known) is just a euphemism for the only reasonable strategy small/mid-market teams can employ in an attempt to create competitive advantage under the current economic framework of Major League Baseball. In other words, the “Twins Way” is what smart owners and executives of teams like the Twins utilize if they actually want to win. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist or a bunch of high priced consultants to figure that out - even a baseball experienced challenged nephew can probably see that once he takes his head out of the sand.

And this is exactly why you don’t cut (or extend) Lewis. Lewis, probably more than other player, needed a change at the helm. Heck, the option value alone on getting Lewis back on track toward his potential was probably worth firing Rocco. Lewis’s flame out to-date is absolutely one of the biggest fails of the Twins under the Rocco regime. It’s time to see if someone else can unlock Lewis’s potential or if it is too late. Arb him out for a year under someone new and then decide what direction to head.

You and I are in the minority. Neither Ryan nor Lopez will be on the roster post the ‘27 lock out (assuming Ryan will not sign an extension). They both are at peak value now based on performance, comp, age and timing (i.e., as the lockout approaches their value will decrease). The rebuild is on and committed to: the trade deadline and Rocco’s departure say it all. Move both of them ideally before the season and absolutely by the trade deadline. Btw, the same can be said for Buxton (if he wants to - the list of options for him and his family will be long). And Jeffers isn’t far behind either (most likely at the trade deadline).

Ryan, Lopez, Buxton and Jeffers are all likely gone by next summer’s trade deadline at the latest since none of them project to be on the post-lockout ‘28 roster. The one caveat is a new manager might be able to convince ownership and Ryan to have Ryan sign an extension. There is no reason Ryan can’t be that veteran #1 or 2 starter in ‘28 anchoring a quality young rotation. The Twins should keep Lewis to see what a new manager/coaching staff can do to resurrect his talent. If Rocco had stayed, then Lewis should’ve been moved (heck, he might’ve begged to be traded).

Yep, we are probably looking for the next Francona, Maddon, Leyland type. Someone who projects in those molds would be ideal.

The opportunity is not as bad as many people are making it out to be. For someone who can see the potential, it actually might be one of the better openings. Why? 1. No pressure to win immediately. ‘28 will be the first time when expectations should increase. Also, with those low near term expectations comes the opportunity to beat them (and look successful). 2. Even if Lopez, Ryan and Buxton are not moved, there is still an abundance of young developable talent (including possibly a #1-3 pick this year) with which to build a solid core in 2-3 years. If all or some of those veterans are traded (none of them will be here in ‘28 anyway) then the possibility of building a competitive core over that timeframe would likely go up a lot more. 3. The ownership situation cuts both ways. Sure, the Pohlads will likely look to sell, but if they do and the new owner is looking to spend more, then that could be huge upside for a manager who has proven his abilities over the next 2-3 years. Conversely, if the Pohlads keep the club, well, you’d have to be pretty bad at your job to get fired by them in the near term. 4. Falvey may be gone. Falvey actually might be the biggest sticking point to the Twins getting their guy. Maybe it’s possible for our preferred candidate to actually have a say over who is the GM as part of the negotiations - which would be a huge attraction to taking the job. It’s possible that many excellent candidates may be turned off by the prospect of reporting to Falvey. 5. The Twins might just be that plain canvas on which a confident, capable and ambitious manager can really show what they can do. It just might be the job opening that attracts just that type of candidate.

100%. Falvey’s quote is absolutely ridiculous. It’s just ludicrous to hear those words come out of his mouth. Given the Twins apparent new strategy, there are definitely many definable attributes the team should be looking for in a new manager. Here are a few: 1. Proven ability to successfully transition promising proven minor league talent into above average every day major leaguers by both understanding individual player strengths, weaknesses, and needs and having the knowledge, systems and staff in place to ensure that development is real and continuous. 2. Demonstrable success in getting players (both individually and as a team) to achieve beyond expected results (i.e. getting the most out of the roster; there most certainly are analytics to prove proficiency in this area). 3. Proven ability to identify, attract, retain, and develop a competent and cohesive coaching staff. 4. Proven in-game/on-field baseball knowledge with demonstrable flexibility to suitably and successfully adjust strategies in real time as well as over longer periods based on changes in roster construction and player circumstances/utilization. 5. Demonstrable ability to understand and employ modern analytical approaches while simultaneously being able to apply situational understanding as appropriate. 6. Proven leader able to command respect from rookies through high-priced veterans via experience, clearly defining and communicating expectations, and building a unified team culture. (After rereading these, it appears, except for probably #6, we would be looking for essentially the anti-Rocco)

If we snag the #1 pick in the draft this year, our long-term SS may not be named Lee, Culpepper or Houston, but a kid named Roch Cholowsky.

Long-term? No.

Way too much focus on a $ amount and way too less focus on the strategy. The Twins have most certainly embraced a strategy to reduce cash costs in the near term (‘26-‘27) while hoarding an overflow of projectable developable assets with which to emerge from the likely lengthy lockout in ‘27. As part of that strategy, any player who is not projected to be in the system in ‘28 is vulnerable to be traded or cut. The higher the cost of such players, the more likely those players are traded (or cut). Conversely, if a player currently outside the Twins system who projects to be part of the core in ‘28 and beyond could be acquired via trade or free agency, then they may be added. But it is much more likely that those players are not near term expensive FAs. Sadly, winning in 2026, especially by adding short term expensive FAs, is not a priority. Having a modicum of attendance draw for ‘26 is definitely a consideration, but not paramount. Thus, the key question is: which players currently on the Twins roster will most likely not be part of the team in ‘28 for whatever reason (cost, age, ability, health, etc.)? The logical follow up question is then which of these players could add most to the strategy (i.e lower near term payroll while adding to new core in ‘28) via their departure from the team in the near term? The answers to those two questions - as it pertains especially to some of our favorite top producing players - is fairly obvious: 1. Buxton’s trade value will never be higher and, given his health history and age, it’s not unreasonable to assume a fair amount of risk for his abilities in ‘28 and beyond. It’s his choice, however. 2. Lopez is under contract for ‘26 and ‘27. He will not be renewed and he is our most expensive player. His trade value should be very high despite the late season injury concerns. 3. Ryan’s trade value should be off the charts. He is controllable for two more years but is getting more expensive. His age is such that he could be extended; however, the cost, along with his seemingly frustration with the franchise, make that unlikely. Too bad - he could be the ideal #1 veteran starter leading the rotation in ‘28. 4. Jeffer is also under contract for two more years. His price is reasonable and there are very little catching assets in system that could replace him in ‘26. But the Twins made an effort to find those assets to be ready by ‘28. Thus, Jeffers is not going to be part of the post lockout core. He probably is on the roster breaking camp in ‘26, but a pre deadline trade is likely. 5. Ober is also controllable via arbitration for the next two seasons. But he’s not that good. It is unlikely that he is part of the core post ‘27. He costs less than Ryan and his trade value is much less. So he might stay for a year or two - but no guarantees. Of these five players, Ryan is the only one who could project to be a key cog in ‘28 and beyond plans. Ideally we would find a way to make that happen. Maybe utilize the cost savings from moving the other four to help extend him. But there is a high likelihood all five of those players are not on the roster post mid July next season.

lol, you mean a starting 1B, LF, and #2 starter.

There is a decent chance that all of the players listed, except for Keaschall, are not on the Twins next year. 1. Buxton decides he wants to play for a winner and gets traded at the apogee of his trade value. Probably makes sense for both sides. 2. With the ‘27 lockout looming, Ryan is really only here for one more year - there is little chance we resign him (although Rocco’s firing could only have helped). He is also getting way more expensive via arbitration. He likely gets traded. 3. Jeffers is also signed for only two more years. He probably stays as the near term catching pipeline is still very raw. But if that prospect development accelerates, Jeffers could be moved at next year’s deadline. 4. Lopez, like Ryan and Jeffers, is only signed for two more years (so really one year). His late season injury may hurt his expected trade value, but his cost is very high in the current Twins spending environment. Look for him to be moved prior to opening day. 5. Clemens may or may not be resigned and he may decide to go somewhere else. He might be a good, cheap piece for ‘26, but, let’s face it, he is not, nor will he ever be, a key piece of our post lock out future core. He’s not in any way a dial mover, so does it really matter? 6. Bader is already gone. 7. At this point, Keaschall is a core piece of our future. Let’s hope he stays healthy and continues to improve.

In terms of position players only, Buxton was drafted #2 in 2012 and went through the Twins system making two All Star teams in 2022 and 2025. Since 2014, the Twins have drafted/initially signed and developed only one All Star player from minor league infancy - Luis Arraez signed in 2014 and a Twins All Star in 2022. Of course, he was selected to two additional All Star teams in both 2023 and 2024 - just with other clubs. Oh, Brent Rooker was another All Star drafted (35th overall in 2017) and developed by the Twins making his major league debut in 2020. He, of course, has made two All Star teams - with the A’s. So, yes, since 2015 - the last decade - the Twins have not drafted/initially signed a position player who has represented the Twins in an All Star game. Jeffers, drafted in 2016, is probably the closest they’ve come.

Don’t misunderstand me - I am no apologist for the Pohlads or how the Twinds found themselves in this current predicament. The poor leadership and mismanagement of strategy have been epic. However, given where things are today (i.e. abysmal results on the field way below expectations, significant annual losses on a cash basis, drastically falling TV revenue, an inability to develop demonstrable prospect talent, and little interest from buyers of the franchise at an “attractive” price) and where things are clearly headed (no chance to win in ‘26 with the pre or post trade deadline personnel, a long lockout in ‘27 ending with a salary cap/floor model, a new, more lucrative long term TV deal, significantly increased franchise values for small/mid market teams, and a host of young talent that could be developed by the right baseball leaders into a new young cheap core), the Nephew’s new strategy is, sadly to many, the correct one. It’s exactly the strategy, if replacing Falvey is part of it, that I’d implement if I were looking to build franchise value to sell in 2028.

I know. I know. You never do believe it. But it’s true. Sorry. But I still think you’re a great person and Twins fan.

The original plan put in place after the 2019 juiced ball Bomba season not only didn’t work, but also was so clearly misaligned with how a franchise like the Twins needed to be run in the current version of Major League Baseball. The Twins struggled to compete in this environment while also (yes, it’s true, sorry) losing hundreds of millions on a cash/operating profit basis over many years. So a big pivot was necessary. The included post above about 4 of the top five spending teams making the playoffs (with the Mets just missing out) explains where we are headed; namely the adoption of a salary cap/floor model following an extensive lockout in 2017. The small to mid size owners will go to the absolute mat to see that through. Why? Because it both gives them a better chance to compete AND increases the value of their franchises. So the strategy had to change in preparation for this new environment. What are the core planks of that strategy? Reduced personnel costs until the floor is adopted, emphasis on a deep prospect list and player development. And, btw, the new strategy is much more consistent with what has won us two World Series in the past. The first main step in this pivot was the trade deadline. The second is replacing Rocco. Ideally, the third will be replacing Falvey. Additional steps will likely (and sadly) include trading one or more of our remaining higher priced players for even more young talent. Also, expect significant coaching and process changes to get better results out of prospect to successful major leaguer transitions. 2026 will likely be rough. 2027 may not see much baseball. But in 2028 the goal is to emerge in the new cap/floor model with a cadre of young, cheap capable major leaguers ready to be augmented by the addition of a couple of more expensive FA veterans (to meet the floor and fill the biggest holes). And when that strategy unfolds, the Pohlads will sell.

Developing and getting the most out of young emerging talent is really the only way a small/mid-market team can hope to be continuously competitive. This was never Rocco’s forte - and it needs to be for whoever may be his replacement.

100% agree. We all wish Rocco the best. We appreciate his efforts on behalf of us Twins fans. But his time to leave was overdue. The key to the Twins future - which was made abundantly clear at the trade deadline - will be to develop our cheap, controllable, talented prospects. Rocco was demonstrably poor at this incredibly important part of the manager’s role. My hope is that this decision will increase the likelihood that Ryan could be extended. Moreover, Rocco’s departure may inject new life into the potential of some of our underperforming young major leaguers (Lewis, Martin, Lee, Wallner and Julien in particular) as well as improve the likelihood that our up and coming minor league prospects will be more successful in transitioning into legitimate major league ball players. This was an incredibly important move for the future of this franchise.

Which long-standing Twins may not be back next year? The list of possibles is actually quite long: Buxton. Jeffers. Vasquez. Larnach. Julien. Miranda. Lopez. Ryan. Ober. Ideally, Rocco is the first one out the door. (Wallner, Lewis, Lee, and Martin are probably safe). All won’t be gone, but we’ve probably have seen many of them for the last time in a Twins uniform.

I wrote about this earlier this week. Falvey et al may indeed have the Correa discussion with Byron. Could be a win-win. Byron may not want to hang around for a multi year rebuild, especially as he is now in the midst of his peak capabilities. For the Twins, Byron is at his highest trade value and, with the strike looming in 2027, it very likely will never be higher. The list of suitors should be long giving Byron a lot of choices.

My understanding is that in the event of a tie, then last year’s record is used. In this case, the Pirates would hold the tiebreaker.

I wonder if we fire Rocco if we could somehow talk Ryan into signing an extension. Just move Lopez then. It would be nice to have Ryan as the anchor of our young staff. Nah, that’s probably a pipe dream….

My son played several little league games on Joe Ryan’s home little league field. So we’ve enjoyed cheering for him, especially as a Twin. I made sure to tune in last night to catch his last outing with us. Sad,

1. It’s only one year - 2026. 2027 is going to be a shortened season almost certainly if any baseball is played. 2. Regardless, there is NO WAY Falvey and Rocco deserve to be back and participate in any way in the rebuild. If they are, then the chances that the rebuild will be a disaster are very high.