Seth Stohs

Since the Saints are the only affiliate playing until next week, we’ll treat the minor league report as if it was a Twins Game Recap. We’ll include notes on the other affiliates as news breaks. In other words, this will be a bit more than just a regular summary and hopefully more detailed to give you more information. As you know, the daily minor-league reports are a staple at Twins Daily. You’ve come to expect it and we sure enjoy writing it, even in the middle of the summer when all six affiliates have a game and a couple of them are doubleheaders. There is a great group of commenters who read the report daily, discuss fun topics (or not-so-fun topics), and ask questions. We really do appreciate you, and your input. Here’s to another fun-filled, exciting 2026 season! If you have any questions or comments, let us know in the comments or DM me. What are your favorite parts of it, and are there parts that seem unnecessary? We welcome your suggestions and look to continue making it a Must Read for fans. TRANSACTIONS On Thursday, the Saints announced their Opening Day roster. That included playing Kendry Rojas, Julian Merryweather and Cory Lewis on the Injured List. Catcher Patrick Winkel, who has played with the Saints the past two seasons, has been released. A plus-defensive backstop, he could be a successful coach or manager if he chooses that direction when his playing career is done. At just 26, he could continue to play for several yeas with his knowledge of the game and defensive chops. RHPs Matt Bowman and John Brebbia have been added to the Saints roster. Bowman was a non-roster invite to big-league spring training. When told he wasn’t going to make the Opening Day roster, he elected free agency, likely hoping for a big-league opportunity. Not seeing one, he re-signed with the Twins. Brebbia has spent big-league time with five organizations over parts of eight seasons going back to his debut in 2017. After the 2025 season, he became a free agent and quickly signed with the Colorado Rockies on a minor-league contract. He remained in their spring camp until the last day. Like Bowman, he looked around and after not seeing a big-league job, chose to sign with the Twins. SAINTS SENTINEL St. Paul 4, Indianapolis 2 Box Score Fast Start in the First The Saints started the season with a strong first inning off of former Twins and Saints pitcher Noah Davis. Right 28-year-old right-hander pitched five innings over four appearances with the Twins last year and posted a 16.20 ERA. He posted a 3.78 ERA over 14 games and 16 2/3 innings. To be fair, he also earned a World Series ring because he pitched in five games for the Dodgers earlier in the season and in six innings posted a 19.50 ERA. After Walker Jenkins led off with a pop out, Gabriel Gonzalez was hit by a pitch. Kaelen Culpepper singled to left in his first Triple-A at-bat. Emmanuel Rodriguez followed with a walk to load the bases. Alan Roden came to the plate and lined a single to center that drove in the game’s and season’s first two runs. After Orlando Arcia struck out, Eric Wagaman singled to right field to drive in Rodriguez with the third run of the inning. Slow Start, Quick Turnaround Connor Prielipp was given the Opening Day nod for the Saints. In a game that started at 42 degrees and after a long top of the first, it took the lefty a little while to find himself. In Connor vs Konnor: Part 1, the game’s top prospect (Konnor Griffin) walked. Prielipp followed with a strikeout, and Griffin stole second. The Password (Jhostynxon Garcia) followed with a walk, and Endy Rodriguez singled to drive in Griffin to make it a 3-1 game. At that point, Saints pitching coach Carlos Hernandez came to the mound to chat with his starter. Whatever the former big-league southpaw said, Prielipp listened. He recorded a strikeout and got a ground out to end the first inning. The Saints co-pitching coach, Ryan Ricci, said after the game, “We both just emphasized how efficiency is important for him, and how his stuff is too good to fall behind guys and let them run up his pitch count.” In the second frame, Prielipp got a ground out and two pop outs in the infield. In Connor vs Konnor: Part 2, the game’s top prospect checked his swing on a pitch, but too late. He made contact with the ball and it went out to second base for the ground out. Kind of a nice, easy out, except Griffin’s speed made it very close. The next two batters struck out. In the fourth inning, he got a grounder back to the mound, a ground out to third base, and followed it up with a strikeout. So again, after the Hernandez mound visit, Prielipp bore down and retired the next 11 batters he faced. Staying true to their plan with the talented lefty the past couple of years, his day was done after four innings, at 61 pitches. Ricci added, “He did a great job of adjusting the last three innings and thought it was awesome to see him get through four (innings) on his pitch count after being at 27 after the first.” Looking at his pitch-mix in the season opener, Prielipp threw 25 four-seam fastballs (41%), 18 sliders (30%), and 10 curveballs (16%). He added five changeups and three sinkers as well. His fastball averaged 95.4 mph and topped out at 97.0 mph. He averaged 95.6 mph in the first inning and 93.6 mph in the fourth inning. It’s also interesting to note that in 31 pitches against left-handers, he threw 16 fastballs (52%) while in 30 pitches against right-handers, he threw just nine fastballs (30%). Ricci noted, “His key to success was the command of his fastball and slider in the later innings, to get ahead, and getting back in the zone. I think he was able to execute some change ups late that also kept hitters off balance and kept them guessing.” Another Twins Tally Thanks to Top Picks The Saints had more opportunities, but their only other run came in the top of the fifth inning when Kaelen Culpepper lined a single to right field to drive in Walker Jenkins to make it 4-1 Saints. The Bullpen Got the Job Done Brian Dinkelman turned to the Twins minor-league veterans to close out the rest of the game. It started with Raul Brito who tossed two scoreless innings before giving up a run in the seventh inning when he gave up three hits including one to Griffin who scored Indianapolis’s second run. He walked the leadoff man in the bottom of the seventh, but Hernandez made another mound visit. Brito got an infield pop out and a strikeout. Grant Hartwig came on to face Griffin (representing the game-tying run) and struck him out to end the inning. Hartwig threw Griffin six pitches. One was a 94 mph sinker. He mixed that with five sweepers including the final pitch, his lone whiff. Dan Altavilla came on for the eighth inning. Many Twins fans were surprised one of the stars for Team Italy in the WBC did not make the team’s Opening Day roster. Instead, he is with the Saints. He struck out the first two batters he faced before a fly out ended the inning. He threw just 14 pitches. Nine were fastballs and averaged 96.4 mph. He hit 97.8 mph with one pitch. His primary pitch is his changeup, which he only threw four of them. He also threw one slider. He had just two whiffs, both by blowing fastballs past hitters. Still clinging to a 4-2 lead going to the bottom of the ninth, Dinkelman turned to another veteran, Matt Bowman, to close the door. Bowman got a ground out to second base, a fly out to center, and ended the game with a knee-buckling called third strike. Of those veterans, Ricci noted, "(It's) always good to have veterans like those guys around. Great for some young bullpen arms like (Marco) Raya and (Trent) Baker among others to learn from them and their experiences. They go about their business the right way, and it feeds off on the other guys for sure." Jenkins Replaced in the 8th Inning With two on and two outs in the top of the eighth inning, Jenkins was due up to face former Twins minor leaguer, lefty Evan Sisk. Dinkelman called on Kyler Fedko to pinch hit for Jenkins. Normally that move is going to raise some eyebrows. However, when you consider that Jenkins’ spring training was shortened by a hamstring injury, and that he’s had similar injuries in the past, it may be wise to start him on this type of program for the first few weeks. They did that with Kaelen Culpepper in Cedar Rapids at the start of last season when he began his season after injuring his hamstring last spring. In addition, the game-time temperature was just 42 degrees, so certainly it was much cooler than that later in the game. New Role, but Dinkelman Wins His Second Triple-A debut For those of you who don't remember, Brian Dinkelman was drafted by the Twins in the eighth round of the 2006 draft out of McKendree University in his home state of Illinois. He steadily climbed up the Twins organizational ladder. On Opening Day in 2010, Dinkelman played his first Triple-A game. Of course, the Twins Triple-A affiliate back then was the Rochester Red Wings. He batted ninth and played right field. Take a look at the box score and all the fun names from Twins 2000s History to make you smile, including on the Red Sox affiliate on the other side of the diamond. Dinkelman went 1-for-4 in the game. In the second inning, he flew out to left fielder Daniel Nava off of #OldFriend Boof Bonser. With two outs in the fourth inning and Danny Valencia on first base, Dinkelman singled to right field. Valencia advanced to third. The crowd rejoiced! The Sox brought lefty Alan Embree into start the top of the sixth inning. Embree won that matchup by coaxing a ground out. In his final at-bat of his playing-days Triple-A debut, Dinkelman came to the plate with no one on base and two outs. He grounded out to MLB Network Radio's Kevin Frandsen who tossed the ball across the diamond to Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates for the out. So, I'm sure, in some small, quiet way, Brian Dinkelman is excited to get his first Triple-A win as a manager in his first Triple-A game as a manager. If we are talking about revenge, which we're not, but research is fun. 11 days later, The Woo Sox were in Rochester. In the fifth inning, Dinkelman hit his first Triple-A home run. It came against Chad Paronto. PLAYERS OF THE DAY Hitter of the Day Alan Roden (St. Paul): 1-for-1, 4 BB, 2 RBI. Pitcher of the Day Connor Prielipp (St. Paul): 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K, 61 pitches, 36 strikes (59.0%) PROSPECT SUMMARY Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did today. #1 - OF Walker Jenkins (St. Paul) - 1-for-4, R, K (played CF, batted 1st) #2 - SS Kaelen Culpepper (St. Paul) - 3-for-5, R, RBI, 2 K (played SS, batted 3rd) #3 - OF Emmanuel Rodriguez (St. Paul) - 0-for-5, 2 K, (played RF, batted 4th) #4 - C Eduardo Tait (TBD) - DNP #5 - LHP Connor Prielipp (St.Paul) - 4 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K. 61 pitches, 36 strikes (59.0%) #6 - LHP Dasan Hill (TBD) - DNP #7 - OF Gabriel Gonzalez (St. Paul) - 0-for-3, R, BB, K (DHd, batted 2nd) #8 - LHP Kendry Rojas (St. Paul) - Injured List (hamstring) #9 - SS Marek Houston (TBD) - DNP #10 - RHP Charlee Soto (TBD) - Injured List #11 - RHP Riley Quick (TBD) - DNP #12 - RHP Andrew Morris (St. Paul) - DNP #13 - 3B/CF Brandon Winokur (TBD) - DNP #14 - 3B/SS Quentin Young (TBD) - DNP #15 - RHP Marco Raya (St. Paul) - DNP #16 - OF Hendry Mendez (TBD) - DNP #17 - 2B/OF Kyle DeBarge (TBD) - DNP #18 - RHP C.J. Culpepper (TBD) - DNP #19 - C/OF Khadim Diaw (TBD) - DNP #20 - RHP James Ellwanger (TBD) - DNP WEEKEND PROBABLES Saturday: St. Paul @ Indianapolis (3:05 pm CT) - RHP Zebby Matthews Sunday: St. Paul @ Indianapolis (12:35 pm CT) - RHP Andrew Morris CURRENT W-L Records Minnesota Twins: 0-1 St. Paul Saints: 1-0 Please feel free to ask questions about the teams, the rosters, and discuss today’s games, or anything else Twins minor-league related!

Often when a publication talks about "longest-tenured" players, they are referring to big-league service time. I like to look at it a bit differently. How long has a player been in the Minnesota Twins organization? When did that player sign with the Twins, whether they were drafted, an international signing, a Rule 5 pick, and MLB free agent, etc.? I include the word "consecutively" because if a player leaves the organization for any time and then comes back. When Torii Hunter came back to the Twins for his final season in 2015, he had been away for seven seasons. Similarly, there are two interesting cases on the 2026 roster. First, Taylor Rogers is back. He was drafted by the Twins in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky and remained in the organization until Opening Day 2022 when he was traded to the Padres. After six big-league seasons with the Twins, he played for five organizations over the past four seasons. He's back, but he's not near the top of the list. The second example is much more difficult to decide. Cody Laweryson was the Twins 14th round draft pick in 2019 out of the University of Maine. He remained with the Twins through the 2025 season. It was great to see him get called up to the big leagues with the Twins, even if it was just for the final two weeks of the season. He pitched well in that small sample size. However, following the season, the Twins DFAd the tall, right-hander with the deceptive delivery. I wasn't surprised that the Los Angeles Angels claimed him on November 6. I also wasn't surprised that he remained on the Angels 40-man roster throughout the entire offseason. However, just as spring training was to start, the Angels DFAd and released him. A week later, Laweryson was in Fort Myers, signing at minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Six weeks later, many may have been surprised to learn that he had earned his spot on the Twins Opening Day roster. Tremendous story! Should he be on this list? This list has always included the word "consecutive," but he was with another organization for four months. He probably never got a paycheck from the Angels. He never played in a game with the Angels. But the word consecutive is pretty definitive. So, while Laweryson would otherwise be inside the Top 10 longest-tenured Twins, he isn't on the list. So that's why I just wrote a big paragraph about him. Without further ado, have you jotted down your guesses for which 12 (or 25) players have been in the Twins organization the longest. I feel like, of the Top 12, most Twins fans will be able to name nine or 10 of the players. Let us know how you did. Honorable Mentions Before we get to the 12 players who have been in the organization the longest consecutively, here are the next 13 on the list of Top 25 longest-tenured Twins players. #25 - Joe Ryan - Trade - 7/22/21 #20 - Travis Adams - Draft - 7/21/21 #20 - David Festa - Draft - 7/21/21 #20 - Jaylen Nowlin - Draft - 7/21/21 #20 - Jake Rucker - Draft - 7/21/21 #20 - Kyler Fedko - Draft - 7/21/21 #16 - Cleiber Maldonado - IFA - 1/15/21 #16 - Jose Olivares - IFA - 1/15/21 #16 - Yasser Mercedes - IFA - 1/15/21 #16 - Danny De Andrade - IFA - 1/15/21 #15 - Kala’i Rosario - 2020 draft - 7/1/20 #14 - Aaron Sabato - 2020 draft - 6/23/20 #13 - Marco Raya - 2020 draft - 6/18/20 THE TOP 12 LONGEST-TENURED TWINS #10T - OF Emmanuel Rodriguez - July 2, 2019 I’ll lump these three players together for this exercise. Before Covid, the international signing period started on July 2nd (changed to January 15th in 2021). The players would sign, but they would not play in DSL games that season. They would make their professional debut the next summer. However, with Covid, there wasn’t a 2020 minor league season. So, this group really had to wait from July 2nd, 2019, until May of 2021 to make their professional debuts. Emmanuel Rodriguez was the big signing that year from the Twins, $2.5 million. Once he started playing and showing his skill set, he flew up the Twins prospect ranking showing power and the ability to get on base at a very high percentage. He swings and misses a lot, but he is an electric ballplayer who gets on base, hits the ball hard, runs the bases, and plays good defense. He really just needs to stay healthy and then… an opportunity. #10T - C/OF Ricardo Olivar - July 2, 2019 Olivar signed that same day but for a $20,000 bonus from Venezuela. Obviously he came in with a lot less fanfare than Rodriguez, but once he got to play, he showed big-league potential. He began in the FCL in 2021 and hit .204 but got on base 34% He repeated the level in 2022 and this time hit .349/.442/.605 (1.05 WHIP) with 12 homers, three triples, and five home runs. He moved up to the Mighty Mussels in 2023, and in 100 games, he hit .285/.403/.452 (.855) with 28 doubles and 10 homers. He was also 12-for-13 in steal attempts. In 2024, he played 81 games in Cedar Rapids and hit .275/.381/.441 (.822) with 19 doubles, three triples, and 12 home runs. He ended the season with 19 games in Wichita. That’s where he spent the 2025 season. In 93 games, he hit .264/.356/.412 (.768) with 13 doubles and 13 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. #10T - RHP Miguelangel Boadas - July 2, 2019 Boadas also signed out of Venezuela to an undisclosed signing bonus. Boadas is the least known of this group, but that is because he has missed time due to injury most years. He debuted in 2021 in the DL. In 12 games and 34 2/3 innings, he posted a 3.63 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. He came to the States in 2012 and pitched 12 games out of the FCL Twins bullpen. He posted a 5.53 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. In 2023, he made 11 starts for Fort Myers and went 0-2 with a 7.75 ERA in 36 innings. He moved up to Cedar Rapids where he started eight games of the 11 he pitched in. However, in early June, he was placed on the injured list. In July, he was moved to the 60-Day Injured list and underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed the rest of the season and all of the 2025 season. The Twins sent him to the Arizona Fall League after the season. He pitched in four games and posted a 1.54 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. He also pitched in the Fall Stars game and the league’s championship game. He was hitting 97 mph with the fastball and showing a sharp slider. #9 - RHP Matt Canterino - June 23, 2019 This name might surprise you. Matt Canterino was the Twins 2nd round pick in 2019 out of Rice University. That summer, he made seven short starts between the GCL and Cedar Rapids. He didn't pitch in 2020. In 2021, he began the season in now-High-A Cedar Rapids. He made five starts and posted a 0.86 ERA over 21 innings with 43 strikeouts and four walks. But then he was hurt and didn’t pitch for the Kernels the rest of the season. In 2022, he moved up to Wichita and pitched in 11 games (10 starts). He had a 1.83 ERA. In 34 1/3 innings, he had 50 strikeouts. With his immense talent and stuff, the Twins added him to the 40-man roster. He came to spring trainings and looked great, but each year, he had an issue with his elbow, forearm, or shoulder. He hasn’t pitched in a regular-season game since 2022. After spring training in 2025, the Twins removed him from the 40-man roster. He had surgery, and the Twins signed him to a new two-year, minor-league deal. He will start the 2026 season on the 60-Day Injured List for St. Paul. And he’s a really good guy that so many people want to see have an extended period of health and an opportunity to get some big-league time. #8 - OF Matt Wallner - June 17, 2019 Wallner went to Forest Lake High School and was named Mr. Minnesota as the state’s top high school senior baseball player. Big leaguers Michael Busch and Isaac Collins were also finalists that season. The Twins drafted him, as a pitcher, in 2016. He wisely went the college route. . He had previously committed to play at the University of North Dakota where he was going to pitch. However, UND cancelled their baseball program. Wallner found his way down to Southern Mississippi. He pitched as a closer the first couple of seasons. But ultimately, he was a three-time All American thanks to his powerful draft. The Twins drafted him again in 2019, this time with the 39th overall pick. Like most minor leaguers, Wallner didn’t play at all in 2020 which makes it even more impressive that he made his MLB debut late in the 2022 season. He split both 2023 and 2024 between St. Paul and the big leagues. He would struggle, mash in Triple-A and then come up and play well including the power. He was worth 2.2 bWAR both of those years despite playing in just 76 and 75, respectively. His OPS’s were .877 and .894 In 2025, Wallner played in 104 games. He hit .202/.311/.464 (.776). He hit 16 doubles and 22 homers. However, it came in at just 0.6 bWAR. Few hitters in the game hit the ball harder than Wallner when he does make contact. After a slow start this spring, Wallner hit .333/.439/.604 (1.043) with four doubles and three homers. We know that there is little connection between spring training stats and regular season stats, but it would be amazing to see what numbers Wallner could put up if he’s healthy and maintains that 1.000 OPS! #6T - RHP Cole Sands - June 18, 2018 Sands was well known in baseball circles in his high school years and was drafted in 2015. Instead of signing, he went to Florida State. Three years later, the Twins made him their fifth round draft pick. He made his pro debut in 2019 and pitched for Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers before ending the season with one start for Double-A Pensacola. After not pitching in 2020, he posted a 2.46 ERA over 19 games and 80 1/3 innings. He had 96 strikeouts. He moved up to St. Paul in 2022. He had 72 strikeouts over 61 2/3 innings. He also made his big-league debut that season. He pitched in 11 games (3 starters) and went 0-3 with a 5.87 ERA over 30 2/3 innings. In 2023, he transitioned fully to the bullpen. In 19 games in St. Paul, he posted a 1.47 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. He had 41 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 30 2/3 innings. In 15 relief appearances with the Twins, he posted a 3.74 ERA over 21 2/3 innings. Sands had a breakout season of sorts for the Twins in 2024. He went 9-1 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. In 71 1/3 innings over 62 outings, he had 85 strikeouts to just 12 walks. He took a small step backwards in 2025. In 72 innings over 69 games, he posted a 4.50 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP and had 64 strikeouts and 19 walks. With most of his teammates traded at the trade deadline last year, he will need to be reliable in 2026 if the Twins want to have a chance. He’s fully capable, when healthy. #6T - OF Trevor Larnach - June 18, 2018 Larnach led an impressive ensemble cast at Oregon State to the 2018 College World Series championship. That year, his junior season, he hit .348/.463/.652 (1.116) with 19 doubles and 19 homers. That summer, the Twins made him the 20th overall pick in the draft. He spent a few weeks at Elizabethton and a month in Cedar Rapids that year. He split the 2019 season between Fort Myers and Pensacola and hit .309/.384/.458 (.842). Larnach spent the 2020 Covid season in St. Paul. Then very early in the 2021 season, he received his first promotion to the big leagues. He played in 51 big-league games in 2022 and hit .231/.306/.406 (.712) with 13 doubles and five homers. That was worth 1.4 bWAR which is the highest mark of his career. In 2024, he hit .259/.338/.434 (.771) with 17 doubles and 15 home runs. That was worth 1.3 bWAR. Last season, Larnach played in a career-high 142 games. He hit .250/.323/.404 (.727) with 24 doubles and 17 home runs. That produced an OPS+ of 99, and his bWAR was just 0.1. Since he primarily DHd in 2025, there were a lot of questions about bringing him back or even tendering him a contract for the season. They did, and he hasn’t been traded. Now it is incumbent upon him to produce. He is under team control through the 2027 season. #4T - LHP Kody Funderburk - June 13, 2018 An All-American first baseman at Mesa Community College and then Dallas Baptist, the Twins drafted him in the 15th round as a pitcher. He had pitched in college, but the majority (big majority) of his college success was with the bat. The southpaw was given the opportunity to start for several years of development. Midway through the 2022 season, he made the transition to the bullpen. He started the 2023 season at Double-A but quickly moved up to Triple-A St. Paul. He ended the season with 11 games in the big leagues. He gave up just one run on six hits over 12 innings in 11 games. He struggled in 2024 in the big league and in St. Paul. He came back in 2025 and was quite solid, especially in the season’s second half. The Twins have three lefties in their Opening Day bullpen but being able to work with and learn from Taylor Rogers and Anthony Banda while sitting out in the bullpen with LaTroy Hawkins, 2026 should be a big season for Funderburk. He has another four seasons of team control before becoming a free agent. #4T - C Ryan Jeffers - June 13, 2018 After three seasons with an OPS over 1.000 at UNC Wilmington, the Twins made Jeffers their second-round pick. The choice surprised many in the “Draft Expert” industry. Many questioned his defense, but the Twins scouts saw a guy with strong defensive potential with some development and techniques. After the draft, he played for Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids (then Low-A). In 2019, he split time between High-A Fort Myers and Double-A Pensacola. Combined, he hit .264 with 16 doubles and 14 homers. It was enough for him to be included on the Twins developmental squad in 2020. Because of injury, he was called up to the Twins and played in 26 out of the 60 games and more than held his own, posting a .791 OPS with three homers. The next two seasons saw ups but also plenty of downs including some time back in the minors. Both years, he posted a batting average under .210 and an OPS under .675.The past three seasons, he has split backstop duties with Christian Vazquez. In 2023, he had his best season to date, hitting .276 (.858) with 15 doubles and 14 homers. In 2024, he hit just .226, but had 22 doubles and 21 homers. He continued to basically split time behind the plate, but he also got quite a bit of time as the Twins DH. In 2025, he had some really strong peripherals but less home runs (9). As we hit Opening Day, Jeffers can become a free agent at the end of the 2026 World Series. Should the Twins attempt to extend him so that he can remain on this list next year? #3 - RHP Bailey Ober - June 22, 2017 The Twins selected Bailey Ober out of the College of Charleston with their 12th round pick in 2017. He had been an All American as a freshman but needed Tommy John surgery and missed his sophomore season. While his star had less shine, he came back, pitched and helped his team win. In college, he went 24-9. In the minor leagues, he had a record of 20-5 with a 2.41 ERA (rookie league through AAA). The Twins were also very patient with him because of the injury concerns. But when he pitched, he was great. He didn’t pitch at all in 2020. So it was somewhat surprising that he was called up to the Twins early in the 2021 season and made 20 starts as a rookie. He made just 11 starts in 2022 due to a leg injury. He took off in 2023. He was 8-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 26 starts. He had 146 strikeouts in 144 1/3 innings. In 2024, he had 191 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings over 31 starts. Both seasons were worth 3.0 bWAR. He struggled in 2025 and went 6-9 with a 5.10 ERA. In 146 1/3 innings, he had 120 strikeouts. He enters the 2026 season as the Twins #2 starter. There are certainly concerns entering the season about his reduced velocity. That will certainly be worth watching. #2 - 3B Royce Lewis - June 17, 2017 For just the second time in Twins history, and the first time in 34 years, the Twins lost over 100 games. It was an organization-worst 103 losses. Because of that, the Twins earned the #1 overall pick in the 2017 draft. The Twins were thrilled to select Royce Lewis with the top pick out of JSerra Catholic High School in California. He quickly signed and then homered in his first professional at-bat in the GCL. Lewis’s career has been filled with ups and downs. He was a Top 10 prospect in 2018 and 2019. The Twins had him working at their alternate site (CHS Field) in 2020, and then he missed the 2021 season with a torn ACL. He returned in 2022 and even hit .300 over a dozen games in the big leagues. Unfortunately, he tore the ACL again and missed another year of playing time. In 58 games in 2023, he hit .309 with 15 homers. In 2024, he homered in his first at-bat, but then he got hurt running out a double in his second at-bat and missed about two months. He played 82 games in 2024, and 106 games in 2025. Combined, he hit .235/.288/.416 (.705) with 34 doubles and 29 homers. 2026 marks his second of four arbitration seasons, so he can’t become a free agent until after the 2028 season. #1 - OF Byron Buxton - June 13, 2012 After nearly a decade of competitive teams, the 2011 Twins were not a good baseball team. They finished 63-99. The only positive of that season was that they truly earned the second overall pick in the 2012 draft. The Astros took Carlos Correa with the first pick. The Twins selected prep outfielder Byron Buxton with the next pick and signed him on June 13, 2012. In the minors, he was once a minor-league player of the year, and twice the #1 overall prospect in the game. He debuted in June of 2015, at just 21. He wasn’t ready, but he filled a need. In 2017, Buxton not only won the Gold Glove award, but he was named the Platinum Glove winner. You all know the story. Injuries cut into his playing time. After playing 140 games in 2017, he didn’t play in 100 or more games until he played 102 games in 2024. In 2025, he put together, arguably, the best season of his career. He played in 126 games and hit .264/.327/.551 (.878) with 21 doubles, seven triples, and 35 home runs. He earned his first career Silver Slugger. He was also 24-for-24 in stolen base attempts, and despite the Twins rough season, he finished 11th in MVP voting. If you look at his total numbers since the beginning of the 2019 season, he has hit .256/.318/.534 (.852) with 134 doubles and 140 homers while 71-for-78. He has played in two All Star games. This spring, he was able to represent Team USA in the WBC. His contract continues through the 2018 season. So, there you have it, the players in the Twins organization who have been in the system the longest, consecutively. I’ll guess that at least a couple of the names may not surprise you. I’m certain that you wouldn’t have guessed all 12 on this list. I wouldn’t have.

After Team USA clinched a spot in the Quarterfinals round of the World Baseball Classic, speculation was that Joe Ryan would replace Clayton Kershaw on the Team USA roster. Following their quarterfinal win over Team Canada on Friday night, Kershaw officially said that he was retiring. It was quickly announced that Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman was replacing Kershaw. But it was possible there could still be more moves. On Saturday afternoon, we got confirmation that Joe Ryan will be sticking with the Twins rather than joining Team USA in Miami. Selfishly from the Twins perspective, I think it's a good decision. Since he was slowed to start spring training and is still working his way to be ready near Opening Day, it doesn't make a lot of sense to have him push himself to max effort. Paul Skenes is making the start for the USA in Sunday night's semi-final game against the Dominican Republic. The four pitchers added to the USA roster since pool play have all been relievers. Presumably, Ryan could be lined up to make the start for Team USA in the championship game (if the US gets past the DR). Logan Webb has been tremendous for Team USA this year. In two starts, he has thrown 8 2/3 scoreless innings. He was in a similar situation during the last WBC. He wasn't quite 100% and he was about to make some money, so he didn't pitch. Likewise, with a strong, healthy 2026 season, Ryan would line himself up for a lucrative extension with the Twins or with another team. Selfishly as a baseball fan, it would have been fun to watch him pitch for Team USA. Think about it. When the Twins traded Nelson Cruz to the Rays in 2021, Ryan (and Simeon Woods Richardson) was in Tokyo, pitching for Team USA in the Olympics. So had he made the decision to go pitch for Team USA, one really couldn't fault him at all. This is one of those scenarios that doesn't necessarily have one right and/or wrong answer. My hope is simply that Joe Ryan is happy with the choice and then has another All-Star caliber season.

Dan Gladden has been a fixture on Twins radio broadcasts since 2000. Recently, he was named a 2026 inductee into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Gladden came to the Twins organization just before the 1987 season began. He is often referred to as the sparkplug that helped the Twins to World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. His final play with the Twins came in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. He hit a hustle double, advanced to third on a bunt, and scored on Gene Larkin's "single" to give the Twins the 1-0 win. He continued to play for a few more years, including time in Japan. In 2000, he began his time in the Twins radio broadcast booth. He became the full-time analyst in 203. He has worked in the booth with Herb Carneal, John Gordon, Cory Provus and now Kris Atteberry. In fact, it was Provus who was able to tell Gladden about his latest career honor. The honor clearly means a lot to Gladden who got emotional responding to Provus. He thanked Dave St. Peter for giving him an opportunity. He said, "I didn't even cry when Rod Carew called me (to tell him he'd made the Twins Hall of Fame)." Gladden joined the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in 2022. Join us in congratulating Dan Gladden on this terrific honor.

Byron Buxton came to the plate for Team USA in the bottom of the fourth inning. The bases were loaded. Team USA led 3-1 but had struggled with runners on base since Aaron Judge's first inning, two-run homer. It felt like a key moment in the game. Gabriel Barbosa, a 24-year-old right-hander who pitched at three levels for the Phillies in 2025 came to the mound, having replaced Thyago Vieira who left with injury. Barbosa walked Roman Anthony to lead the bases. Buxton came to the plate, and Barbosa got ahead quickly with two sharp sliders just off the outside corner. After Buxton took another slider and swung out of his shows at a hanging slider (foul ball), Barbosa came inside with a running fastball. It just kept running in on Buxton and when it hit him, you could hear an audible moan. At first, it appeared he was hit in the hand, something that Twins fans certainly did not want to think about. We've seen that. Replay in slow motion showed that it hit him in the elbow, likely near the funny bone. Buxton stayed in the game having driven in the team's fourth run "the tough way." The next batter was Brewers second baseman Brice Turang who cleared the bases with a double off of the wall in left field. The USA team led 7-1. While it doesn't look serious, it only makes sense that manager Mark Derosa pulled Buxton and replaced him with Pete Crow-Armstrong. Buxton came to the plate three times in four innings. He was 0-for-2. He was hit by a pitch, scored a run, drove in a run and stole a base. UPDATE: A seventh inning Ken Rosenthal report tells us that Byron Buxton is just fine, taken out for precautionary purposes, but also because they wanted to get "PCA" some at bats too. I enjoy the WBC. For many, it's about national pride, especially that is visible with the fans and players from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico. I want to see good baseball, and I want to hear about fun stories. Team Brazil had some that I enjoyed. A couple of fun baseball stories from the Brazil team. After the USA team took a 2-0 lead to start the team, 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run off of Logan Webb. In the bottom of the eighth, Ramirez came to the plate against left Gabe Speier and hit a lefty-lefty homer. Ramirez is the son of long-time big leaguer Manny Ramirez. The youngster was the 17th round pick of the Angels in the 2024 draft out of high school in Florida. He ended the 2025 season with 11 games above complex league ball. He also went 5-for-13 for Brazil in the WBC Qualifier last year. Bloodlines are always fun. In the top of the second inning, Brazil turned to 17-year-old Joseph Contreras. He is the son of another long-time major leaguer, Jose Contreras. The son stands 6-4 and is a lanky 190 pounds. He is currently a high school senior at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Baseball America ranks him currently as the #15 high school pitcher available in the 2026 MLB Draft. He is committed to Vanderbilt. Beyond quality genetics, Joseph has some impressive stuff. His first pitch was a 97-mph fastball just above the zone that Byron Buxton swung through. He also has the makings of a really good low-to-mid-80s slider. He also throws a vulcan-gripped pitch that generally acts like a changeup but can move significantly too. He got Buxton to fly out. With the bases loaded and one out, he broke Aaron Judge's bat and coaxed a double play ball to end the inning. In total, he went 1 1/3 innings and gave up one run on two hits and three walks. So, the stat line isn't terribly impressive. But considering his age, experience level, and that he was pitching against Team USA's lineup as a United States citizen. What a cool, scary opportunity! Also, I now want the Twins to draft him and team him with Charlee Soto and Dasan Hill in the 2031 Twins starting rotation. From the Twins perspective, there were a couple of former Twins minor leaguers on the Brazilian roster. 35-year-old Leonardo Reginatto is completing his playing career with the WBC. He is set to join the Tampa Bay Rays player development staff. He signed with the Rays way back in 2009. His last season with an affiliated organization was back in 2018. That was his third season in the Twins organization. He spent most of 2016 with Chattanooga, He pitched for the Red Wings all three seasons. He has played winter ball in Mexico and Venezuela since then and most of his summer ball was played in Mexico. Gabriel Maciel batted ninth and played in center field. You may remember that he came to the Twins from the Diamondbacks with Ernie de la Trinidad and Jhoan Duran in the Eduardo Escobar trade in 2018. He played in Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids between 2018 and 2021. He was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in this game, but his speed and defense in center field keeps him in the lineup. He's played for Brazil in the 2016, 2022 and now 2026. Team USA is going to play Great Britain on Saturday night. Twins fans will want to check out the lineup when it becomes available. Seth Level of Concern right now: 2 on a scale of 1-10. (Subject to change)

The Minnesota Twins made some roster news before taking on Team Puerto Rico in an exhibition game at Hammond Stadium on Wednesday. The Twins won 6-3. Over the weekend, Walker Jenkins hustled down the first base line in an attempt to beat out a potential double play ball. The next day, Jenkins was diagnosed with Grade 1 Hamstring Strain. It is the mildest grade, which is encouraging, but he likely wouldn't play in games for the next week or two. That is why he was one of six players whose lockers moved from Hammond Stadium, across the parking lot, and to the minor-league clubhouse. In addition to the young outfielder, catchers Andrew Cossetti and Ricardo Olivar, right-handed pitchers Raul Brito and Andrew Bash, and left-handed pitcher Christian MacLeod were assigned to minor league camp where things are getting more and more busy. A few days earlier, the Twins sent Matt Canterino and Cory Lewis to minor-league camp. Canterino continues to work his way back from surgery that cost him the 2025 season. Lewis had been shut down very early in spring training with arm issues. Cossetti and Olivar spent the 2025 season in Wichita where he hit 13 doubles, 13 home runs, and had 13 stolen bases. Olivar has been a borderline Top 20 prospect in the Twins system over the past few seasons. A catcher, he also plays some left field, to keep his bat in the lineup. Cossetti has played some first base and DHd quite often. Over the past two seasons in Wichita, he has hit 33 doubles, four triples, and 12 home runs. He was the Twins 11th round pick in 2022 out of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. MacLeod was the Twins fifth round pick in 2021 out of Mississippi State. He has primarily been a starter in his professional career. Last year, he made 13 starts and had a 2.63 ERA in Wichita. He made a couple of spot starts for the Saints, but 10 appearances out of the St. Paul bullpen. 29-year-old Bash pitched in a variety of roles in the Blue Jays organization since joining the organization before the 2021 season. He went 6-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 40 games and 84 innings in 2025. He walked 36 and had 72 strikeouts. 28-year-old Brito has spent the past three seasons in the Padres organization. Before that, he pitched in the Marlins organization from 2016 through the 2022 season. In 2025, he posted a 6.11 ERA over 48 games and 63 1/3 innings. He had 82 strikeouts but also walked 35 batters. These moves leave the Twins with 59 players in camp. 18 of them are non-roster players. There are 29 pitchers, six catchers, 11 infielders, 10 outfielders, and three utility players remaining. In addition, Pablo Lopez has been played on the 60-Day Injured List. Because the players reassigned were not on the 40-man roster, they can come back and play in games for the Twins during spring training. Players cut from big-league camp who are on the 40-man roster are "optioned" to the Saints or Wind Surge rosters. Semantics.

On Friday, former MLB pitcher Dan Serafini received a sentence of life in jail. He was found guilty of murdering his father-in-law, attempted murder of his mother-in-law, and burglary. During the hearings, Serafini continued to say he was innocent. He called himself a "broken, imperfect man that makes mistakes." The Twins drafted Serafini out of Juniper Serra High School in San Mateo, California., in 1992. Ten years earlier, Barry Bonds was drafted out of the same school. In 1985, the Mets drafted Gregg Jefferies out of the same school with the 20th overall pick. In 1995, the Expos selected catcher Tom Brady in the 18th round. (I believe he went to college in Michigan. I wonder what he's been up to the past 30 years?) Players currently at Minnesota Twins spring training from the high school include outfielder James Outman and relief pitcher Julian Merryweather. Serafini debuted with the Twins as a 22-year-old in 1996. Over parts of three seasons with the Twins, he made 14 starts and pitched in 35 games. He went 9-6 with a 5.88 ERA. He pitched for the Cubs in 1999. He split the 2000 season between the Pirates and Padres. He pitched in the minor leagues in 2001 and then pitched in China in 2002. He came back to the States in 2003 and got into 18 games for the Reds. He then pitched in Japan for three seasons. In 2017 as a 33-year-old, he got into three more big-league games with the Rockies. From 2008 through 2013, the southpaw pitched for various teams in Mexico in both summers and winters. He played a couple of seasons of independent ball in the Atlantic League. He was also a part of Team Italy in the 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classics. Serafini will serve out his sentence at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Everything you need to know about Minnesota Twins Spring Training in Florida, and probably even more. By the fans, for the fans. (Updated for 2026, with more coming!) Always been curious about spring training but didn’t know where to start? We got you covered! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Minnesota Twins Spring Training experience in Fort Myers, but should you have additional recommendations or suggestions, please use the comment fields found below this article. Enjoy, and have a great time at spring training! Pitchers & Catchers Report: February 12th Position Players Report: February 16th First Spring Training Game (vs. the University of Minnesota's Gophers): February 20th First Grapefruit League Spring Training Game (Red Sox): February 21st. Table of Contents (click to jump to section) Should I Go to Twins Spring Training? When Should I Visit Twins Spring Training? The Best Things To Do and Places To Go at Twins Spring Training Best Seats at Twins Spring Training Games Best Food and Drink at Twins Spring Training Games Special Events During Twins Spring Training Best Other Things To Do in Fort Myers Best Places to Eat & Drink in Fort Myers Twins Spring Training FAQ Should I Go to Twins Spring Training? Yes. In fact, there is only one good reason to not go to Twins Spring Training, and here it is: You will board a plane when it is 15 degrees in Minnesota, and you will land in Fort Myers, where it will be 80 and sunny, and you will realize you’ve spent every spring of your life prior to that moment doing it wrong. That might be true even if there wasn’t baseball. But here’s the thing - there IS baseball. It is probably the most concentrated and accessible baseball you’ll ever experience. When Should I Visit Twins Spring Training? Once per day at spring training, you’ll hear a player, Twins employee, or media member ask out loud, “What the hell day is it today?” The daily routine doesn’t vary much, meaning Tuesdays are the same as Thursdays are the same as Saturdays. That said, you may want to visit at different times during spring training, depending on what you want to get out of it. If you want the best access to players, come before the games start, usually the second or third week of February. Pitchers and catchers start their workouts first. A few days later, the batters arrive, but the truth is that most are there several days earlier. Excitement is high, and the players are feeling fresh. The player interaction is definitely higher early in spring training, but you're only going to see them practicing. If you want to see games and the big names, visit at the end of March, when most roster cuts have been made. The players who will be making the roster will be getting some extra innings, though they’ll still likely be pulled after two or three at-bats. In 2026, you'll also want to be aware that the World Baseball Classic runs from March 5th through March 17th, and several of the Twins' bigger-name players, including Byron Buxton, Pablo Lopez, and Joe Ryan, will likely be playing in it. Those games will not be in Fort Myers, so if you want to see those players in action, you'll definitely want to attend after the 17th. If you want to see top prospects, come early in the spring training schedule, which usually starts the last weekend of February (check the schedule). Twins coaches will go out of their way to make sure top prospects get a live-action look for their benefit. You can see some of these guys in later games, too, but it will be more hit-and-miss and usually limited to late innings. Early in the schedule, you might see them starting alongside Twins regulars, even more so if you're willing to attend road games. The Best Things To Do and Places To Go at Twins Spring Training Spring training takes place at the Lee Health Sports Complex. Address: 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Ft. Myers, FL 33912 Three main activities correspond to the three different areas of the complex. But before we get to those, you'll probably need to park. Fortunately, parking is plentiful and free when there isn’t a game. Have you ever heard that when a Twins player is sent down to minor league camp they were “sent across the parking lot?” That is literally true. The parking lot is large and has little streets named after Twins greats like Oliva, Viola, Santana, and more. It separates the major league area from the minor league area, as you can see in the map below. Parking is free on non-game days, and (as of 2025) costs $15 on game days. Your visit will probably center around one or more of three activities. 1. See Twins Players Visiting the Twins complex to see players up close is a morning activity. Most of the activity is outside of Hammond Stadium down the left field line. There, you will find batting cages, pitching bullpens, and the path by which players walk to and from the practice fields. You’ll see a lot of people hanging around by 10 AM or so. Players rotate in and out in shifts in the morning, with start times that vary by year and day, typically around 9 AM, though some may start even earlier. They come back in around 11 AM or noon, and that’s the best time to shake their hands or get an autograph or picture. You have to be patient, and you get what you get - the times vary, the players vary - it’s a loosely organized congenial activity. Sometimes they can’t or won’t stop, but often they do. Or would you like to watch players take batting practice? The batting cages are right here, and you can watch up close through that chain link fence upon which semi-transparent banners hang. The same is true of throwing in the bullpen. Or, head to the deck over the bullpen. It overlooks the bullpen and left field where players warm up. There is also a bar where you can get hot dogs for $8.50, pop for $6.00, and in 2026 alcohol will also be available starting 2/16. One invaluable hack: this happens even when the Twins are playing spring training games on the road. In fact, that is often the very best time to do this. Many of the regulars play mostly in home games, so they're working out or taking live batting practice while the fringe players are on a bus to Sarasota. If you want to see the players up close, this is a far better option than going to one of the spring training games, and that is especially true if you have kids. Most of the action is over by 1:00 or so, so you have your afternoons free to bake on a beach if you like. (We’ll get to that later.) 2. Scouting Twins Prospects Any Twins prospect who is on the 40-man roster is with the big league team at the beginning of spring training. And many who are not are still invited as non-roster invitees, so check the spring training roster to see which of your favorite players are with the big league club. But if you are really deep into prospects, you’ll want to attend spring training starting the second week of March. That’s when the minor league camp starts, so all the fields are filled with top prospects and hopeful suspects doing drills and playing games. This includes many of the prospects that began spring training with the big club. When they are whittled off the roster, they move to the minor league complex. If you would like to know which prospects are working out at which level, stop by the minor league office. Each day they publish sheets that spell out which players are working out with which teams (AA, AAA, etc.) and also the minor league game schedule. 3. Watching Twins Spring Training Games Starting the last weekend of February, you will have real live baseball most days from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. There are games almost every day in more intimate minor league stadiums with prices that are somewhere between the minors and the majors. Plus, if the Twins aren’t home, Fort Myers is one of the few cities that hosts two minor league teams: the Red Sox park is just a handful of miles away. Or take a one-hour to three-hour road trip to follow the Twins. All the road games are no further than that. Best Seats at Twins Spring Training Games Like Target Field, there simply isn't a bad spot in Hammond Stadium to watch the game. However, there are some unique vantage points and seating styles. One could even argue that a Standing Room Only type of ticket might be best for some because of the boardwalk that allows fans to walk completely around the stadium. Even if you have an actual seat, you can take your camera and walk around the entire field, taking photos from all angles. (Zoom is a good thing!). Lawn Seating: You may not want to sit in a hard seat the whole game. Maybe some members of your family or group are (inexplicably) vacationing in Florida for reasons beyond baseball. They may appreciate bringing a towel and sitting on the grass. Sure, they could even lie down, but with the berm locations beyond the left field wall and down the right-field line, you might want to pay some attention to the game. Cost:$15 (+ $5.75 fee) Drink Rails: There are drink rails all over Hammond Stadium at the top of many sections, and these are sold as reserved seats. Some of the best locations include the three rows of drink rails (with tall stools) above the Twins bullpen down the third baseline. A bar stands just a few feet behind these seats. The rest of the left field line is a drink rail row overlooking the outfield that is under an area with some shading. Beyond the right field foul pole, you’ll find another tiki bar, and there are five drink rail rows, the first two sections down the right field line. Finally, the cheapest rail seats are most of the way around the outfield bleachers, separating the seating from the boardwalk/concourse. Cost: $16-29 (+ $5.75 fee) Reserved Seats: If you prefer a traditional seat, the first thing you need to know is that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. The grandstand really only exists between first and third base, so the infield seats will get you pretty close to the action. Of course, prices go down as you move towards the outfield or up to a higher level, so you’ll need to decide if you want to pay $15 for further seats or $35 for closer ones. If you want to avoid the afternoon sun, choose seats in the upper level in the infield, and avoid the first ten rows of the first baseline. They’re never in the shade. Cost: $36-42 (+ $5.75 fee) Sensory Room If you or your children need a respite from the noise and sensory overload of the game, check out the Sensory Room, located on the third base side of the main concourse, just before reaching the patio that overlooks the Twins bullpen, It's accessible by all attendees, staffed by a Family Initiative clinician for all spring training games, and has unique spaces designed to meet different needs of neurodivergent guests. Sun, Shade, and Weather Conditions at Hammond Stadium It’s Florida so you never know what weather conditions you will experience from day to day. You can assume that it won’t snow. Beyond that, it can be tough, so be prepared. The average high in Fort Myers in February and March is upper 70s, but temperatures can get into the 90s during the day. It’s going to be humid. So, bring your sunscreen (remember to check out the airport restrictions on such things) every day. Also, make sure you’ve got plenty of water. It may not happen quite as frequently as it used to, but it used to be that there would be a quick 10-15 minute rainstorm every afternoon at some point. Finally, temperatures can drop when the sun goes down. The average low is around 60 degrees. Make sure you pack at least one sweatshirt or light jacket. Even though the temps may not fall below the mid-60s, you might be surprised how that feels and how quickly you can acclimate to the Florida climate. Personal story: Several years ago, I spent the day at the ballpark, watching practice and minor-league games. The Twins had a night game, so I went to that as well. One night, the temperatures dropped from about 94 to about 72, and there was a light breeze. I’m not exaggerating that I have never felt so cold. I didn’t have a sweatshirt. I had been in Ft. Myers for two or three days and had apparently acclimated to the weather. Even the Minnesotan in me was freezing in 72-degree weather. If you want to sit in the sun or shade at Hammond Stadium, you have this as your guide in February and March: The entire outfield between the foul poles is full sun all game. So are the berms. The only exception is the covered bar in right field. The "boardwalk" from the grandstand in left field is full shade. There are no seats there, but you're welcome to stand along the rail and watch the game. In right field, on the boardwalk behind the berm, is another full shade area where you can buy tickets. In the grandstand, along the first baseline, the 200 level starts in the shade, and the 100 level starts in the sun, and it doesn't change. In the grandstand, along the third baseline, the top half of the 200 level starts in the shade, and the rows below it are in the sun. However, the shadow slowly makes its way down the rows so that at least the top of the area of the 100 level is also in the shade by the end. Best Food and Drink at Twins Spring Training Games Walking Taco: The tricky part is finding it, because it's signage is almost nonexistent. It used to be the "Bomba Grill"; now it just has a big "Modelo" across it, but it's worth finding. It's in the concourse, down towards the end of the grandstand on the first baseline, and it's essentially a taco salad. It's solid, filling, made-to-order (beef, chicken, pork), and reasonably priced for a ballpark. ($8.75) Hot Dog: This is where my daughter calls me "basic." So be it. The 2024 season ushered in a very positive change in the hot dog situation at Hammond. It used to be you had to hunt down the 1/4 pound hot dogs at a couple of stands, with the standard stands serving far inferior dogs. Now they're served at every stand, including above the bullpens before games begin for the season. The downside is they're $8.50. The upside is they are excellent and filling. It is probably my favorite thing at the ballpark. I know - basic. Sigh. Little Joe's Greek Tavern: It's on the concourse behind third base, and the food - gyros, schwarma, kebabs, greek salads - is excellent and very filling. It's also a little spendy, coming in around $13 or $14. But you'll be full. Love Boat Ice Cream: Best homemade ice cream in southwest Florida. Little Joe’s Lemonade: They have huge plastic cups or custom-flavored lemonade. Paw Paw’s: Kettle corn and roasted nuts. Dot’s Pretzels and Van Hanson Flavored Pretzles: These are individual packages. Standard Fare: At various concession stands, you can find your hot dogs, burgers, cheese curds, Italian sausage, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and nachos and more treats. However, mini cinnamon and sugar churros, jalapeno poppers, and Spicy Crab bites are new this year. Soft Serve Ice Cream and Icee’s are available to help you cool down in the southwest Florida heat. If you are in one of the premium suite areas, sliders, pot roast, brisket and pulled pork will now be available. Beer: Beer is located throughout the stadium, but if you're looking for local craft beers to try, your choices are a little limited. You'll find the most options down the first baseline at the stand over the berm. A couple of other favorites include Fort Myers Brewing and Leinenkugel tents on the concourse behind first base. If you're a big fan of Hazy IPA's, I recommend the Palm CIty Hazify at the left field bar or the Scotty's Hazy IPA tap on the concourse behind third base. The draft beers run $12 or $13. If you don't care about craft beers, domestic 16-oz cans are $9. However, if you don't mind sharing, bars in right field and above the bullpen will sell you a bucket of five for just $30. The bucket and price are nice, but the real key is that they will fill the bucket with ice to keep your beer cold in the Florida sun. Special Events During Twins Spring Training Hammond Stadium Open House: On the first day of full-squad workouts (usually President's Day), the Twins often open up Hammond Stadium to the public. Concessions are available, there are multiple booths set up, fans can watch live batting practice, and some years, kids can play catch with the ballplayers. For 2026, that's 2/16, starting at 10 AM and going until mid-afternoon. Minnesota Day (Tailgating): One day per spring, the team allows tailgating on "Minnesota Day." It's not unusual for Twins alumni to make their way around the parking lot to meet and greet. In 2026, it's happening on March 14th. Other Special Events: The easiest way to find other events is to pick up a Twins fold-up paper schedule available at lots of restaurants and stores throughout Fort Myers. There you'll find out when they have Senior Days, Salute to Service Days, College Night, Sun Hat Day, and Kids Days when kids can run the bases after the game. You can find lots more details for 2026 here. Best Other Things To Do in Fort Myers The Beach: The Place To Go in Fort Myers is Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island, and that remains true even after Hurricane Ian put the whole thing underwater in 2022. As a result, there are wholesale recovery and rebuilding efforts underway everywhere. If you want to stay there, understand a few things. First, it’s going to be expensive, at least $400/night expensive for most places. There may also be some places that are newly opened or remain under reconstruction. If that's the case, it’s imperative you understand the exact situation you’re getting into, so call them, get the scoop, and ask them not to sugarcoat it. If you’re only visiting for a day or afternoon, understand that traffic over the bridge will be frustrating and that you will need to pay to park. The easiest way to do so is to take a right immediately off the bridge, another immediate right at the business district, and find a spot in the nearby lot, on the street, or behind the shops on your left. There is also parking to the left of the bridge, down along the island, but it is going to be very hit-and-miss. The business district near Fort Myers Beach has mostly recovered from the hurricane in 2022. Restaurants and bars bounced back the fastest. As always, the absolute highlight of the day is the sunset across the Gulf. If you do nothing more than park, explore, and hunker down someplace to watch the sun set into the waves, you’ll count it as a good day. Sanibel/Captiva: Some of the best sunsets in the world can be viewed from these islands. There are beaches to check out, sea shells, plenty of shopping and eating spots as well. But check before you head somewhere, because several places are still recovering, too. Boston Red Sox Spring Training Game: Fort Myers is the home of two spring training complexes, the only city in the Grapefruit League that is. The Red Sox play at JetBlue Park, just six miles from Hammond Stadium, and pretty much a straight shot down Daniels Parkway to boot. The Twins generally play there multiple times each year, and the Red Sox often have home games when the Twins have road games. Just understand that you’ll probably need to wait a bit longer in line for parking, and prices will be a little more reminiscent of the East Coast. Twins Road Games: They're not as convenient as the Red Sox, but visiting other spring training ballparks can be fun, too. Both Tampa Bay and Atlanta's parks are about an hour away. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are 1.5 hours. If you want to visit Tampa (about two hours away) you can see the Phillies, Blue Jays, and Yankees. The Edison Ford Estate: The Edison Ford Estate offers a glimpse into the lives and innovations of two of America's greatest inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. This historic estate showcases beautifully preserved homes, lush gardens, and an array of impressive inventions and artifacts from the early 20th century. Even if you don't pay to tour the properties, make sure you visit the serene botanical gardens with exotic plants and towering banyan trees across the street. You'll find one banyan tree whose treetop covers a full half acre of land. It’s worth an afternoon visit if you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a way to kill some time in Fort Myers. Also, starting in 2025, the museum will host a special baseball display commemorating the centennial of spring training in Fort Myers. In 1925, Fort Myers Kiwanis Club convinced the legendary Connie Mack to bring his Philadelphia Athletics club to train prior to the season. The display covers the history of the event and the 100 years since, and is good for at least an hour of infotainment. Admission is included with a ticket to the Edison Ford Museum, which is also extensive. Downtown Fort Myers: If, when you think of “downtown,” you’re thinking of something like downtown Minneapolis, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s more akin to a small town, but that means it boasts a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, including art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The River District, in particular, offers a lively atmosphere with its bustling nightlife and live entertainment options, especially if you happen across it very early in spring training for the Edison Festival of Light Parade in mid-February. Florida Rep - Downtown Fort Myers is home to the Floriday Repertory Company, or Florida Rep. It has two small theaters, both of which have nearly nightly shows that vary from comedy (2026 - The Play That Went Wrong) to drama (Tuesdays with Morrie) to musicals (Little Shop of Horros) and mixes in occasionally will mix in local or national comedians or acts. Tickets can be a little pricey, but it's quality live theater; you'll get your money's worth. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: This hidden gem offers a pristine and tranquil cypress swamp ecosystem, even though you’re smack dab in the middle of Fort Myers. You can meander along the elevated boardwalk and spot a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, alligators, turtles, and more, in their natural habitat. The lush flora and serene surroundings make it a nice little getaway from Florida’s urban sprawl. The Manatee Park A park in the northern part of Fort Myers has become a favorite of manatees because the nearby power plant warms the water. You can rent a kayak, paddle out, and often see manatees, some up very close. They're more likely to be there when the water elsewhere is colder, so you're best off in the mornings and early in the spring. Check Google Maps reviews for the park and sort by "Newest" to see if people have been seeing them lately. Best Places to Eat and Drink in Fort Myers Fort Myers is a big area with lots of fun choices for food and refreshments. Here are some of our writers’ favorites: Fort Myers Restaurants Pattinella’s Chicken Grille: It’s about a two-minute drive from the Twins spring training complex down Plantation Road and in a strip mall. When the big-league team is on the road, I go to the complex to watch practice at Hammond but more on the back fields. They usually work out from about 9-11:30. Then, once minor-league spring training games start, those games typically start at 1 pm. So, quick drive to Patinella’s, either to dine in or take out, and get back in time for the games on the back fields. Chicken or sausage over rice and vegetables of your choice, plus some really good pita bread. So good! And hey, you never know when you’ll see some current players walk through the door as well. One time, I was there for lunch, and Joe Mauer walked in, picked up his order, came over and chatted with us, and left again. It’s right next to Rib City, which is also incredible! - Seth Stohs Fancy’s Southern Cafe: One day, I got to the ballpark early and watched the workouts. I stayed busy and didn’t grab anything to eat before the minor-league games started. By 4 pm, I was absolutely starving. I asked Tommy Watkins (Mr. Fort Myers!) for a recommendation. He encouraged me to go to Fancy’s. So, I did. Again, a great atmosphere and an incredible menu. I believe I had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I didn’t order the frog legs or the crawfish - I am not that courageous -but I am told they are quite good. - Seth Stohs Pinchers: I have been to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates three or four times over the years. I love the history. However, just down the road from the museum is Pinchers. It is a great seafood place right on the Caloosahatchee River. - Seth Stohs Seth is right. It's pretty commercial - think Joe's Crab Shack - but has good views of the sunsets over the river, as it's on the third floor of its building. Plus, 2-for-1 drinks all day, every day, and good happy hour food specials. Pro tip: if you want to eat there, check with them online before you leave. You can get on their waiting list and check in when you get there, saving you some time waiting for a table. Or find a place at the bar. - John Bonnes Iguana Mia: Such good Mexican food. - Seth Stohs Sun Harvest Citrus: A one-stop shop. Get your Southwest Florida trinkets and souvenirs. Buy some fresh fruit. And everyone talks about the ice cream cones. - Seth Stohs Deep Lagoon: It’s a little higher-end seafood place, right on a marina on the Caloosahatchee River, with a good happy hour, fresh seafood, good steaks, and solid service. - John Bonnes Oxbow: It's also a little higher end, is right on the river, and has all the ingredients for a very solid date night. You can make reservations, so reserve a table about an hour before sunset (or as close as you can get), order some appetizers and a bottle of wine, and settle in for a nice night out. - John Bonnes Beacon Social Drinkery - Watch the sunset over the river from a 12th-floor balcony in the Luminary Hotel downtown; it's mostly a cocktail bar with appetizers, but they're very good, though you'll pay for the view. It's worth it. Bruno's of Brooklyn - Fantastic italian in downtown Fort Myers that has both inside and outside (sidewalk) dining. Plan ahead and make a reservation. And if you're a fan ot instagrammable espresso martinis, you won't want to miss theirs. - John Bonnes Cantina Laredo: Located by the Bell Tower Mall in Fort Myers, this is corporate higher-end Mexican food, but it’s delicious corporate higher-end Mexican food and usually pretty crowded. You won’t be disappointed. - John Bonnes DaRuma: A full service hibachi experience. - Seth Stohs Skyline Chili - IYKYK. Outside of Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky there are only six franchises. They are all in Florida, and one is in Fort Myers. - John Bonnes Lah De Dah: It's a beachside restaurant and bar in the new massive Margaritaville Resort on Estero Island, but you don't need to stay there to dine there. It has outdoor seating that overlooks the gulf and provides a perfect place to watch the sunset. Like most sunset dining options, it can be a little spendy, and the food is solid rather than exceptional, but you'll still have a memorable evening. It's also a lot more affordable during happy hour, which is 5-8 every day. - John Bonnes License to Chill - This is also part of Margaritaville Resort, but this is on a second-floor outdoor deck, across the street from Fort Myers Beach. It can be crowded, and the drinks are no bargain. But the servers care, and it's an excellent view of the sunset over the Gulf. Plus, ask your bartender, Lance, to show you his Twins tattoo. Wahoo Willies: Located on Estero Island, it feels like a cross between a tiki bar and a diner, but has solid food, a small bar, and usually live entertainment. - John Bonnes Snug Harbor Waterfront: Also on Estero Island but on the bay side, it features slightly upscale food, a great happy hour, and the bar overlooks a small harbor where dolphins make semi-regular appearances. - John Bonnes Fort Myers Bars Potts Sports Bar: Instead of exiting the parking lot and turning right on Plantation Road, you exit and turn left onto Six Mile Cypress. At Daniel’s Parkway, you’ll have to whip a u-turn and immediately take a right into a strip mall area. There are TVs playing sports all over (usually NCAA Basketball tournament games). It’s bar food, but it is a great atmosphere. And it is not unusual to see Twins players or coaches or beat writers hanging out there after a game. - Seth Stohs RonDao’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar: Is it a sports bar? A pizza place? A dive bar? Don't be fooled by the 1975-Pizza-Hut vibe the outside and inside give. There's a reason this place is often filled up with locals. The food is excellent, the drinks are reasonable, the bar is long, and they take care of you. But mostly, they have absolutely all the games you would ever want to get on their 30+ TVs, which is worth something when you’re away from your local TV market. Would I take my family there? Yes. Do I have friends who would probably balk at taking their family there? Yes, but they’re the kind of friends I’m gradually losing touch with. - John Bonnes Shoeless Joe’s: Attached to a Doubletree Hotel near Bell Tower Mall, it's a good sports bar about a mile from the stadium. - Seth Stohs Hideaway: It's downtown, and it's a dive bar, but if you're a karaoke person, they seeminly have it most nights per week. Ten-Twenty-Five: Kinda hidden down an alley downtown, it's simple and does everything well: good craft beers, indoor and outdoor seating, and solid food in a setting that's a kind of metal rock Applebee's. The 86 Room: Hipster cocktail lovers, rejoice. It's intimate, a little hidden, they care about their cocktails, and they have a steampunk vibe. Fort Myers Breweries Fort Myers Brewing: This seems like the most popular brewery in Fort Myers, partly because it’s located near the Red Sox ballpark, which also isn’t very far from Hammond Stadium. But it’s also popular because it is very good. There are always at least a dozen of their quality beers on tap that range from light to dark to sour. It has indoor and outdoor seating, but bring bug spray at night. Finally, they also have a very popular trivia contest on Tuesday night that the Twins beat writers regularly win. - John Bonnes Palm City Brewing Company: Don’t get freaked out that Palm City is kind of deep into an office park; it’s worth tracking it down, especially if you like your hazy IPAs. They seemingly specialize in IPAs, but like everything else on this list, they also have a wide range of their other beers. Also like everything else on this list, you can usually find a food truck planted beside them to help take care of your munchies. In 2026, they'll be selling their new "Twins D-Ale-y" pale ale, and we'll also have and annual "Beer with the Beat Writers" event on Friday, February 27th. - John Bonnes Coastal Dayz Brewery: Within walking distance of downtown Fort Myers, Coastal Days also has indoor and outdoor seating, with a wide selection of their beers, again covering the full range of your tastes. It’s a smaller, cozier venue, more in the city, and well worth checking out. - John Bonnes Point Ybel Brewing Company: If you’re looking for craft beers closer to the beach and Estero Island, Point Ybel is probably worth stopping by. It’s in a strip mall, but that also makes it a bit easier to find than some of the others on this list. Plus, it looks like they're opening a second location close to downtown in spring of 2026. - John Bonnes Millenial Brewing: Located downtown, MIllenial seems to specialize in offbeat styles, but they turn out pretty tasty. Our visit included a Peanut Butter Blonde and a Macadamia Nut White Stout, and honestly, I liked them both. - John Bonnes Swamp Cat Brewing Company - A new brewery in downtown Fort Myers, they have both outside and inside seating and are dog-friendly. I'd pass on their IPAs, but their Berliner Weisse was damn near perfect, and their lagers were good, too. - John Bonnes Scotty's Bierwerks: Located across the river in Cape Corral, you'll find their (excellent) Hazy IPA in bars throughout Fort Myers. The rest of their lineup at the taproom is also on point, though the newer corporate development they're in doesn't have a lot of atmosphere.

Tonight, we begin our look at the 2026 Twins Daily Top Prospects rankings series with a quick look at prospects 16-20. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll count down to our choice for Twins top prospect. With that said, the odds of an MLB future increase as we jump into the Top 20 of our list. In today’s group of five players, we find an intriguing group that includes players whose careers have been affected by injury. 20. James Ellwanger, RHP Age: 21 2025 Stats (NCAA): 63 1/3 IP, 3.98 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 13.5 K/9, 5.5 BB/9 Back in 2023, Ellwanger was completing his high school career in Texas. That senior season, he had a 1.30 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 76 1/3 (14.6 K/9). One of the top five prospects in Texas, he started receiving phone calls in the second and third rounds. However, his name wasn’t called until the Nationals made him their 19th round pick. That made the decision much easier to attend Dallas Baptist. He pitched in 17 2/3 innings over eight starts. In the first inning of his first college game, he hit 99 mph with his fastball. He did miss nearly two months with a flexor strain (which is noteworthy). He went to The Cape that summer and had 22 strikeouts and five walks over 13 innings. In 2025, 14 of his 16 appearances came as a starter. He went 4-2. In 63 1/3 innings, he had 95 strikeouts and 39 walks. The walks will clearly have to be decreased. However, his 13.5 K/9 ranked in the Top 10 of all Division I pitchers, one spot behind Kade Anderson, the third overall pick last year out of LSU. Along with the mid-to-upper-90s (with carry and run), Ellwanger has a good slider in the mid-80s and a low-80s curveball. Both have shown to be potentially plus pitches for the right-hander. He’s also thrown a mid-80s changeup, but it is still a work-in-progress. He has a strong, 6-5, 220 pound frame. The Twins development staff will work with him on the technical “stuff” in an attempt to throw more consistent strikes. It is likely he will begin his professional career as a starting pitcher 19. Khadim Diaw, C/CF Age: 22 2025 Stats (A+): 169 PA, .297/.450/.445, 5 2B, 4 HR, 24 RBI Khadim Diaw attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, the same school that current MLB stars Hunter Greene and Giancarlo Stanton attended. Many former MLB and NFL players went there and learned with dozens upon dozens of actors and actresses that we watch on our TVs. Jerry Matters and Ed Begley Jr went there, and so did Kirsten Dunst, Rami Malek, and one of my first teenage crushes, Staci Keanan. Hopefully within the next couple of years, Twins fans will have the opportunity to watch Diaw play on TV for several years. Sidenote: Diaw’s mom played softball at Yale in the 1980s. She’s now the department chair of anthropology at Cal State-Northridge. Isma Diaw, Khadim’s father, has been in the States for over 30 years as a post-graduate student and a product engineer. He began his own consulting company which has him splitting time between the US and his hometown of Dakar, Senegal. If Khadim gets to the big leagues, he will be the first player from Senegal. He would be the second player from the continent of Africa to play in the big leagues. For much more on the Diaw family, please take time to read Jeff Johnson’s fantastic article from last summer in The Gazette of Cedar Rapids. Diaw stayed close to home and played his college ball at Loyola Marymount. In 2018, he hit .364 (.985) over eight games, but he was able to use a redshirt season. The next year, he played in 52 games and hit .314 (.896) with 11 doubles and eight homers. In 2024, he played in just 20 games for Loyola, but he hit .432/.500/.716 (1.216) with eight doubles, three triples, and three homers. He spent a few weeks in the Cape before the Twins made him their third-round draft pick. He played in 24 games for the Mighty Mussels that summer which allowed him to jump straight to Cedar Rapids in 2025. Diaw is an exciting, unique catching prospect. At 6-1 and 215 pounds, he certainly does not fit the “pudge” nickname attributed to many shorter, bulkier backstops. He is a solid defensive backstop, and a really good athlete. In fact, he’s athletic enough that his secondary position is center field. He has the speed and instincts to play out there. That isn’t to say that he’d be an MLB center fielder, but the fact that he can handle the position means that he could find value around the diamond. Offensively, he has always hit for average and had the ability to get on base. He’s willing to take walks, and he’s also willing to be hit by a pitch. In 169 total plate appearances in 2025, he was hit by a pitch 18 games. That’s a lot, and one of those pitches cost him two full months with a broken thumb. He did return for one Kernels regular-season game. Back at full strength, Diaw is one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the 2026 season. 18. CJ Culpepper, RHP Age: 24 2025 Stats (AA): 54 1/3 IP, 2.65 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 5.0 BB/9 The Rancho Cucamonga native stayed near home and attended California Baptist. He made six appearances in the Covid-shortened 2020 season. In 2021, he worked in 22 games out of the bullpen and went 2-2 with 13 saves. He was named an All American. In 2022, he moved to the startingnd made 14 starts. He went 5-3 with a 3.26 ERA. The Twins used their 13th round pick in 2022 to select Culpepper. He split the 2023 season between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids. Combined, he went 6-5 with a 3.56 ERA. He had 89 strikeouts in 86 innings. Unfortunately, due to arm issues the last two years, he hasn’t topped 60 innings since. His 2025 season started on the 60-Day Injured List with a pinched nerve. After rehab appearances in the FCL and with Fort Myers, he ended the season with 15 starts for the Wind Surge. When healthy, Culpepper is an interesting pitching prospect. When he first signed, he was known to throw seven or eight pitches. Some of that is arm angle or velocity differences. However, he has a very good fastball that sits in the mid-90s but has hit 98 mph. He gets lots of his swings-and-misses on a sharp slider and gets weak content from a cutter. He keeps hitters off balance with a slower curveball and a changeup. Culpepper has good, but not great, control, and with the lack of innings the past couple of years, he makes sense as a three-to-four-innings, twice-per-week pitcher that the Twins have employed the last couple of years. 17. Kyle DeBarge, 2B/SS/CF Age: 22 2025 Stats (A+): 542 PA, .237/.347/.362, 23 2B, 5 3B, 8 HR, 65 RBI, 66 SB DeBarge played high school ball for Barbe High in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Between 2008 and 2011, the Barbe Bowling team won three out of four state titles. The baseball program has won 11 state championships since 1998. They’ve been named the #1 team in the country a few times including DeBarge’s senior year when they went 39-2. The interesting thing is that in high school, he was a catcher. He went undrafted and attended Louisiana Lafayette and was a three-year starting shortstop for the Ragin’ Cajuns. As a sophomore, he hit .371/.448/.546 (.994) with 15 doubles and seven homers. In 2024, he hit .355/.418/.699 (1.117) with 19 doubles, three triples, and 21 home runs. In those three years, he stole 44 bases in 60 chances. With the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, the Twins were thrilled to select and sign the diminutive infielder. He played in 25 games for Fort Myers after the draft. He was then pushed to High-A Cedar Rapids to start the 2025 season and that’s where he spent the full season in Iowa. The Twins selected Kaelen Culpepper earlier in the first round, so he got most of the starts at shortstop. DeBarge started 72 games at second base, 22 games at shortstop, 16 games in center field and four games in left field. Versatility will be an important part of his development, but he was named a minor league Gold Glove winner in 2025 for his work at second base. Offensively, it was a bit of a tale of two seasons for DeBarge. In April, his OPS was .864. In May, his OPS was .809. His OPS in June and July were .678 and .687, respectively. Then in August, his OPS was .552. In six games in September, his OPS was .569. This is not unusual. It’s one of those things that all pro players need to figure out for themselves. Presumably the Twins worked with him on an offseason plan to keep him stronger throughout the full season. DeBarge can fill out a state line. He does a solid job of getting on base. He has mostly doubles and gap-to-gap power. I can’t imagine many thought that he would have as many stolen bases as he did. He ended the season with 66 steals in 74 chances. He began the season with 31 straight steals. Through June, he was 43-for-44 in steal attempts. At the end of July, he was 55-for-58. 16. Hendry Mendez, OF Age: 22 2025 Stats (AA): 491 PA, .299/.399/.439, 16 2B, 4 3B, 11 HR, 62 RBI Just 22 years old, Hendry Mendez has been traded twice already in his young career. He originally signed with the Brewers back in 2021 and spent three seasons in the organization. Following the 2023 season, he was dealt with infielder Robert Moore to the Phillies in exchange for infielder Oliver Dunn. At the 2025 trade deadline, Mendez and right-hander Geremy Villoria came to the Twins in the Harrison Bader trade. There is a lot to like about Mendez on the baseball field. Physically, he stands at 6-3 and about 200 pounds. He has strength and the belief is that, in time, he will become more of a home run hitter. At this stage of his career, Mendez uses the whole field, puts the ball in play with line drives. In 142 plate appearances with the Wichita Wind Surge, he had 27 walks to just 21 strikeouts. Overall, in 2025, he had 67 walks and 65 strikeouts. In 2024, he had 52 walks and 52 strikeouts. His 11 Double-A home runs in 2025 was just one less than his total over his first four seasons. Yes, Mendez is another left-handed hitting outfielder, something the Twins have plenty of, but Mendez provides a contact-first approach at the plate as we await his power to arrive with more consistency. Defensively, he has played both corner spots, and he went to the Arizona Fall League after the 2025 season to, in part, get some work in at first base. Unfortunately a family situation meant he only played in five games before going home to the Dominican. He was added to the Twins 40-man roster and played in most early spring training games. Feel free to discuss these prospects and ask as many questions as you like in the COMMENTS below. I will try to get to as many of them as possible. For more Twins Daily content on these five Twins prospects, click on the link with their name here: Hendry Mendez, Kyle DeBarge, CJ Culpepper, Khadim Diaw, and James Ellwanger.

Charlotte Christian High School in North Carolina has some impressive alumni in the world of sports. If you want to start with basketball, Seth and Steph Curry went to the school. Daniel Bard and his younger brother, former Twins first-round pick Luke Bard, went to the private school. Former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury started on the gridiron and the baseball field for the Knights. He was a legit power-hitting catcher prospect. In 2013, he found himself catching future Twins starter Bailey Ober. And now the newest member of the Twins organization was a sophomore on that 2013 Charlotte Christian Knights baseball team. On Tuesday afternoon, the Twins claimed right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar from the Seattle Mariners. They had DFAd him when they acquired Jhonny Pereda from the Twins last week. Bradbury went to North Carolina State and played football. Wise choice for him. Ober went to the College of Charleston where he was a freshman All American and a 2017 draft pick. Kowar was the top prospect of the group. In 2015, he was drafted by the Tigers but instead went to the University of Florida. In 2018, the Royals used their first five draft picks on college pitchers. Their first pick (18th overall) was fellow Gators starter Brady Singer. Kowar was the 33rd overall pick. One pick later, they took Daniel Lynch out of the University of Virginia. With the 40th pick (another Competitive Balance pick), the selected lefty Kris Bubic from Stanford. Their second-round pick (58th overall) was Jonathan Bowlan from the University of Memphis. Things haven't gone easily for any of those picks. Singer has had a solid career; He's been work at least 3.0 bWAR in three of the past four seasons. He spent five seasons with the Royals before getting traded to Cincinnati for Jonathan India. Lynch made 51 starts for the Royals between 2021 and 2023. The past two seasons, he has pitched in 68 games out of the Royals bullpen. Bubic has spent parts of the past six seasons with the Royals. He missed significant time in 2023 and 2024 due to Tommy John, but he's been really good since returning, a new pitcher. He made the All-Star team in 2025 and posted a 2.55 ERA over 116 1/3 innings. Bowlan pitched in three games for the Royals between 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he worked in 34 games, all but one out of the bullpen. In December, he was traded to the Phillies for Matt Strahm. While his upside and talent were as high as any college pitchers from that 2018 draft, Jackson Kowar has been unable to find any sustained success in the big leagues. He debuted with eight starts and a relief appearance in 2021. He went 0-6 with an 11.27 ERA. In 2022, he pitched in seven games out of the bullpen and posted a 9.77 ERA. In 23 games in 2023, he went 2-0 despite a 6.43 ERA. He missed the entire 2024 season after Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2025 with the Mariners. In 15 games, he posted a solid 4.24 ERA. Combined in 54 MLB games and 91 innings, he has an 8.21 ERA, a 1.93 WHIP. 8.9 K/9 and 5.7 BB/9. Kowar has always thrown hard. Before the injury, his fastball averaged 95-96 mph. That jumped to 96.9 mph in 2023. Upon his return in 2025, he averaged 97.3 mph with the fastball. He threw more fastballs in 2025, and he also threw more sliders where came in at an average of 86.2 mph. Previously, he had always thrown between 30 and 43% changeups. The Mariners had him nearly completely drop the pitch (threw it just 5% of the time). With the addition of Kowar, the Twins 40-man roster is full.