Cody Schoenmann

After the Minnesota Twins traded right-handed hitting outfielder Harrison Bader to the Philadelphia Phillies during the organization's Trade Deadline mass exodus, left field became a hodgepodge for the club, with Austin Martin, Trevor Larnach, James Outman, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. , Kody Clemens, and Alan Roden earning playing time at the position. This quintet failed to impress, hitting a combined .217/.298/.336 with a 79 wRC+ over 332 plate appearances. Still, some players stood out in left field late last season, signaling they could earn extended roles at the position next season. The primary player who took advantage of their opportunity was Martin. Hitting .282/.374/.365 with one home run, eight doubles, and a 113 wRC+ over 181 plate appearances, the 26-year-old impressed as Minnesota's primary left fielder, making 37 appearances at the position late last season. Showcasing a glimpse of the offensive profile that made him one of the most highly-touted college bats in the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft, Martin's defense in left field also impressed, with the speedy outfielder generating three Outs Above Average (OAA) over 262 innings at the position. With Larnach expected to either be traded this winter or become the club's primary designated hitter early next season, Martin should be penciled in for a good share of left field starts entering next season. The contact-skilled right-handed bat won't develop into a power-hitting bat. Still, given his above-average strikeout rate, near-elite contact profile, and plus range, Martin should be an above-average contributor in left field, providing Minnesota a strong foundation at the position in 2026. Keirsey is no longer with the organization. Outman will likely continue to mix in at the position early next spring, but is out of options, and thus is also a DFA candidate who could no longer be a Twin come Opening Day. Clemens could be in the mix in left field, but President of Baseball and Business Operations Derek Falvey stated he will receive extended opportunities at first base next season. As mentioned earlier, Larnach is expected to either depart the organization or move off the position, meaning Martin's primary platoon partner is expected to be Roden. Acquired alongside Kendry Rojas in the trade that sent Louis Varland to the Toronto Blue Jays, Roden struggled in his small sample with the Twins, hitting .158/.200/.263 with a 26 wRC+ over 40 plate appearances. The 25-year-old's struggles weren't unique to Minnesota, evidenced by him hitting .204/.283/.306 with a 67 wRC+ over 113 plate appearances with Toronto. Despite struggling at the plate in his rookie campaign, the left-handed bat excelled at Triple-A the past two seasons, generating a 147 wRC+ over 428 plate appearances while posting an elite strikeout rate and expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA). Unsurprisingly, Roden has struggled against left-handed pitching in the high minors and the majors. Yet, he hit .350/.436/.540 over 117 plate appearances against right-handed pitching at Triple-A last season, signaling he could become an above-average hitter against right-handed pitching with more opportunities next season. The former Blue Jays prospect is also a plus fielder, evidenced by his sporting plus range in left last season (2 OAA) alongside well-above-average arm strength. Martin and Roden are both young, inexperienced bats who have less than 600 combined plate appearances in the majors. Still, given their sustained success and encouraging advanced metrics at Triple-A the previous two seasons, plus defensive profiles, and above-average athleticism and speed, the duo could blossom into one of the more productive and exciting left field platoons in baseball early next season, an encouraging outlook for a Twins team blanketed in uncertainty.

Last Friday, the Minnesota Twins traded for veteran catcher Alex Jackson from the Baltimore Orioles for Triple-A utility player Payton Eeles. Jackson's acquisition all but solidifies the position for next season, with him serving as Ryan Jeffers's backup—perhaps with Jhonny Pereda and Mickey Gasper serving as depth options in Triple A. Still, with Jeffers in his final season under team control and the organization rostering no MLB-caliber catchers in the high minors, significant concerns remain about the position's long-term depth. Minnesota's current projected 2026 payroll hovers around $89 million, including Carlos Correa's $11 million (paid to Houston) and with estimated earnings for players with unresolved arbitration cases. Despite operating under strict, unnecessary spending limitations, team decision-makers should still have the spending power necessary to extend Jeffers. Meaningful negotiations between the front office and Jeffers's representation are unlikely to occur until the organization's new limited partners are officially announced. Still, optimism about the Twins' ability to extend Jeffers should persist. Despite not being a top-10 catcher in baseball, the 28-year-old is one of the AL's best offensive backstops, solidifying himself as a key right-handed bat in the middle of Minnesota's lineup. Obviously, he isn't deserving of an extension on par with what Cal Raleigh (six years, $105 million) or Will Smith (10 years, $140 million) received in recent years. Nor, however, will he sign for peanuts. Realistically, Jeffers could net a contract in the three-year, $30-million range, identical to the contract the Twins handed Christian Vázquez before the 2023 season. As of now, Jeffers and reliever Justin Topa are the only 40-man roster inhabitants set to depart the organization after next season, clearing roughly $7.6 million from a payroll that (as mentioned earlier) is already under $100 million. Players like Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Royce Lewis, and Trevor Larnach (if he isn't traded this offseason) will reach arbitration-3 status next offseason, making them more expensive. Also, pre-arbitration players Matt Wallner, Kody Clemens, and Simeon Woods Richardson will reach arbitration-1 status, similarly making them pricier. Still, Minnesota will have one of the lighter payrolls in baseball entering next season, meaning the club has the financial cushion necessary to hand Jeffers a multi-million dollar raise over multiple seasons. The 2027 regular season is likely to be affected by a work stoppage (even if the lockout ends before any games are actually lost), muddying the picture of how valuable extending Jeffers would be for Minnesota. For that reason, Minnesota is unlikely to offer him a one-year extension. Considering how thin the club's catching depth is behind Jeffers in the high minors and the fact that top catching prospect Eduardo Tait isn't anticipated to make his major-league debut until 2028 or 2029, the organization might not have a choice but to extend their veteran backstop to a multi-year contract, despite their recent reluctance to hand out eight-figure contracts. That's ok. He's worth it, and the room to invest in him is there.

Although it now seems like eons ago, payroll constraints were once the least of Twins Territory's concerns. Instead, a significant number of those who follow the team were hyperfixated on the club's unwillingness to part ways with aging, unproductive veterans in favor of providing young, "high-upside" players with extended opportunities at their respective positions. To be specific, that time was 2023, and the most notable cases of fans being upset over young, exciting players being blocked by aging veterans were Max Kepler and Joey Gallo blocking Matt Wallner's path to playing time in the corner outfield, and Kenta Maeda blocking then-starting pitcher Louis Varland's shot at the starting rotation. There were also instances of distaste expressed over Christian Vázquez getting more playing time than Ryan Jeffers at catcher, and about Jorge Polanco and Kyle Farmer clogging Edouard Julien's course to becoming the next star Twins second baseman. However, the most pronounced gripes concerned Wallner and Varland not getting the opportunities they were perceived to have deserved. Twins Territory's disdain toward Kepler, Gallo, Maeda, Vázquez, Polanco, and Farmer subsided as the team got hot after the All-Star break, winning the AL Central and cathartically ending its 18-game postseason losing streak. Still, that contempt returned in 2024, when Vàzquez again obstructed Jeffers's path to more starts behind the plate, Farmer denied rookie infielder Brooks Lee the freedom to roam freely as the club's primary utility infielder, and Chris Paddack deprived David Festa of the chance to solidify himself as a core member of the club's five-pitcher starting rotation. Kepler, Gallo, Maeda, Vázquez, Polanco, Farmer, and Paddack were all veteran players signed to multi-million-dollar contracts. In fact, the seven veterans combined to make roughly $48 million in 2023. On the other hand, Wallner, Varland, Jeffers, Julien, Lee, and Festa were making the league-minimum salary (or just over it in Jeffers's case), meaning that the fanbase was clamoring for not only what they perceived to be the younger, better options, but also the more cost-effective ones. Fast-forward to the present, and Twins decision-makers have changed course, no longer electing to sign aging, unpopular players on one-year deals in the name of "veteran depth." Instead, minimum-salaried, high-upside players Alan Roden and Austin Martin are projected to be platoon partners in left field. Lee is penciled in as the Opening Day starting shortstop. Luke Keaschall figures to be the everyday second baseman and a core member of the club's lineup. Simeon Woods Richardson and Taj Bradley are projected to fill out the club's rotation, and the bullpen is expected to be filled with oodles of young, high-velocity arms, brimming with talent and potential. So, why is no one excited? Well, given that ownership has mandated the front office cut what could become $60 million in payroll since the 2023 season concluded, the optics are horrible. Couldn't be worse, really. Everyone who has followed this team the past two seasons recognizes that. The widespread indignation is justified. However, there's more to it. Obviously, most of Twins Territory really only cares about winning. Every fanbase is the same way. Yet, when one strategy isn't generating a sustainable form of winning, fanbases will advocate for the strategy that isn't being implemented to be adopted, until their favorite team begins winning again. To be more specific, in early 2023, playing the veterans like Gallo, Vàzquez, Farmer, and Maeda wasn't working, so those who follow the team clamored for younger players like Wallner, Varland, and Julien to get more playing time in hopes of them being the solution for the team's losing ways. On the flip side, after watching young, cost-effective players like Roden, Julien, Bradley and James Outman (among others) guide the team to an abysmal post-trade deadline record, many factions of the fanbase are advocating for the front office to target free agents in the ilk of Gallo and Vázquez (from a monetary perspective), in hopes of temporarily patching those holes and returning the club to contender status next season. Again, this constant course correction isn't unique to Twins fans. However, it is vital to acknowledge the cognitive dissonance. Signing and playing a horde of free agents on one-year contracts won't save the Twins, just as playing exclusively young, high-upside players on minimum contracts would be too extreme. Instead, it will require a collective of veteran and young players buying into clearly communicated standards set by Minnesota's front office and new coaching staff. That is how the Twins won in 2023, and how organizations like Milwaukee and Cleveland win season after season. Will that happen? Obviously, only time will tell. However, constantly calling for dramatic course correction is an unhealthy way to engage with the sport—let alone build a roster. It might be worth a year of letting the young guys play, to find out who can do what.

Late Tuesday afternoon, organizations had to set their 40-man rosters, forcing club decision-makers to decide which prospects to protect from Rule 5 Draft eligibility. The Minnesota Twins protected six players, bringing their 40-man reserve list to its capacity. All six players could impact the major-league club in some capacity next season. Yet, Minnesota could add more young, high-upside reinforcements to its roster during the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 10, with hopes of them becoming immediate contributors with the parent club. Minnesota is more likely to select a young pitcher, since the easiest path to the Opening Day roster for a newcomer would be in the bullpen. However, that doesn't mean they won't target a position player. Which could they select, if the right chance arises? Andrew Pintar One of the many talking points new Twins manager Derek Shelton emphasized in his introductory press conference was that the Twins will prioritize speed and defense. Miami Marlins prospect Andrew Pintar embodies those traits. He's an above-average defensive center fielder with near-elite speed. The 24-year-old was serviceable at the plate in Triple A last season, hitting .269/.338/.384 (good for a 99 wRC+) over 384 plate appearances. He also has some pop in his bat, with a 105.4-MPH 90th-percentile exit velocity. Pintar lacks in-game power, however, as he hit only four home runs last season. His hard-hit balls had an average launch angle of 7°, much lower than the league average, so not all of his exit velocity translated into concrete value. Still, the right-handed hitting prospect is an intriguing gadget outfielder who could provide plus value in the field and on the bases. Blaze Jordan Surprisingly, the St. Louis Cardinals elected to leave first base prospect Blaze Jordan unprotected. Jordan has received more accolades and attention than he deserves during his minor-league career, thanks to his cool-sounding name. Still, the former top Boston Red Sox prospect could develop into an above-average major leaguer, making him an intriguing candidate for the first base-deficient Twins. Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for left-handed pitcher Steven Matz at last season's trade deadline, the 22-year-old failed to impress his new organization, hitting .198/.242/.366 with a 53 wRC+ over 186 plate appearances with Triple-A Memphis. On the other hand, the right-handed bat generated a strong first half with Boston's Triple-A affiliate, hitting .298/.341/.480 with a 115 wRC+ over 182 plate appearances. Jordan is a solid hitter for contact with superb zone control, who also hits the ball hard. That being the case, Minnesota could be tempted to poach the right-handed hitter, with intentions of turning him into the long-term solution at the position. T.J. Rumfield Spending the better part of the past two seasons with the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, Rumfield has ascended into one of the best pure hitters in the high minors, slashing .289/.372/.454 with a 120 wRC+ over a combined 1,061 plate appearances. He sported an above-average 11.9% strikeout rate last season. The 25-year-old hits for contact and power, with an above-average maximum exit velocity and near-elite zone swing rates. The left-handed hitting first baseman pulls the ball in the air a lot, a skillset understandably preached by the Yankees' hitting development staff. Still, given how often he makes hard contact, his extreme pull profile would translate well to Target Field. Minnesota is in dire need of young hitting talent. Rumfield is arguably the most talented hitter Minnesota could add to its 40-man roster, while playing a position of need. The Twins haven't selected a position player in the Rule 5 Draft since Alejandro Machado in 2006. Yet, Rumfield possesses an intriguing enough skill set that the front office should consider breaking the 19-year trend.

Late Tuesday afternoon, MLB organizations had to set their 40-man rosters, forcing club decision-makers to decide which prospects to protect from Rule 5 Draft eligibility. The Minnesota Twins elected to protect six players: pitchers Connor Prielipp, Kendry Rojas, Andrew Morris, John Klein, and position players Gabriel Gonzalez and Hendry Mendez. All six could impact the major-league club in some capacity next season. Yet, Minnesota could add more reinforcements to its 40-man roster during the Rule 5 Draft on December 10, with hopes of them becoming immediate contributors at the major-league level. Here are four pitchers whose names are worth filing away. Peter Heubeck Selected in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Heubeck has spent his first five seasons in affiliated ball in the Los Angeles Dodgers system, progressing from the Arizona Complex League to Double A. The 23-year-old has yet to break out; he doesn't throw enough strikes. He walked or plunked 13.7% of opposing batters in 2025. Yet, his fastball, slider, and curve all profile as above-average, making the career starter an attractive candidate to transition into a relief role at the major-league level. The position group most likely to be targeted by Minnesota (and everyone else) in the Rule 5 Draft is relievers. That's just the nature of the draft. Heubeck is one of the more intriguing arms left unprotected, and given that his two primary pitches are a fastball and slider (a combination the front office seeks out in its relievers), the hard-throwing righty is an the Twins could select on Dec. 10. If picked by Minnesota, Heubeck would join Prielipp, Morris, Klein, and other young arms in competing for a spot in the club's Opening Day bullpen. Peyton Pallette Last December, the Chicago White Sox benefited from the Rule 5 Draft more than any other club, selecting Shane Smith with the first overall pick. The young right-handed starting pitcher earned an All-Star nod in his first season with the Southsiders, solidifying himself as a mid-rotation arm. This December, the Twins could give the White Sox a taste of their own medicine by plucking Pallette. Sporting one of the most effective curves in the minors, the 24-year-old excelled at missing bats last season, generating a 32.5% strikeout rate over 64 1/3 innings pitched. The young righty complemented his curve with a serviceable four-seam fastball that hovers around 95 MPH and a plus changeup. He also has a slider with unusually good depth. A little refinement (adding a cutter, perhaps, or fixing the shape on his four-seamer) could turn him into a high-leverage weapon right away. Jedixson Paez Last offseason, the Twins selected Eiberson Castellano with the ninth pick of the Rule 5 Draft. It was a bet on his plus stuff carving out a role for him in the club's Opening Day bullpen. Unfortunately, Castellano's command was inconsistent, forcing the Twins to return him to the Philadelphia Phillies. Paez is the complete opposite of Castellano, making him an intriguing option if the club pursues a different type of reliever this December. Landing in the 10th spot of Eric Longenhagen's updated Boston Red Sox prospect rankings, the 21-year-old Paez is described as a "command artist". Longenhagen hung a 70 future command grade (on the 20-80 prospect ranking scale) on Paez. The young right-hander has near-elite control over his secondary pitches, highlighted by a plus slider, changeup, and cutter. His primary pitch is a velocity-deficient four-seam fastball that hovers around 90-91 MPH. Still, if he transitioned to a full-time reliever, his fastball would likely see a velocity bump. Despite not pitching above High A, Paez is a fascinating arm who could blossom on the strength of his control. Brendan Beck The New York Yankees suffered a raid of their high-minors right-handed pitching talent in the 2023 Rule 5 Draft, with right-handed arms Mitch Spence, Matt Sauer, and Carson Coleman all being poached by other organizations. They got a reprieve last offseason, with no arms being taken by other organizations. Yet, they could be due for another mass exodus next month, after failing to protect high-upside arms in Henry Lalane, Brock Selvidge, and Hueston Morrill. All three of these pitchers could be selected. Yet, the arm that stands out the most is right-handed pitching prospect Brendan Beck. Drafted in the second round in 2021, Beck has flourished in the Yankees' farm system, posting an ERA under 2.00 in his young professional career. Sporting a plus four-seam fastball and slider and near-elite command, the 27-year-old mustered a respectable 3.36 ERA, 3.79 FIP, and a 23.6% strikeout rate over 131 1/3 innings as a starter between Double A and Triple A last season. The righty has operated exclusively as a starter. He would transition into a full-time reliever in Minnesota, with hopes that the club's pitching development staff would unlock more velocity from his fastball, which hovers around 92 MPH.

When asked whether first base would be a position the Minnesota Twins prioritize in free agency or the trade market this offseason, president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey's answer was a mixed bag. As anticipated, the executive sang praises for the club's post-deadline primary starting first baseman. "Kody Clemens was a huge, you know, value add for us last year,” Falvey said while discussing first base at last week’s GM Meetings in Las Vegas. “We want to give Kody a lot of runway at (first base) too, because he was really a, he was a special fit for us last year." Unsurprisingly, Falvey also suggested the club could add a right-handed-hitting first baseman to complement Clemens. His comments on the club's other internal options, including a once highly-touted prospect Twins Territory has understandably soured on, were less on-script. "I think (first base is) an area where we're going to hope that there's a few guys internally that we've asked to continue to grow and develop there,” he said. “Eddie Julien got some time there, and, you know, we'll continue to get a little more work." Despite operating as Clemens's time-share partner at first base post-trade deadline (appearing in 26 games at the position), Edouard Julien’s inclusion comes as a surprise. Given how poorly the 26-year-old has performed at the plate since his breakout 2023 rookie campaign (80 wRC+ over a combined 509 plate appearances) while being one of the worst qualified defenders in baseball the past two seasons, those who follow the Twins believed the once-beloved French Canadian was a candidate to be removed from the 40-man roster this winter. Falvey's comments all but bury that notion, and barring Minnesota signing a cost-effective right-handed first base option (a decision that would make this analysis moot), Julien is slated to enter next season as Clemens's backup. Obviously, entering a 162-game season with two defensively deficient, same-handed Quad-A players as the only options at an offense-first position is an unwelcome outcome. One could justifiably criticize Falvey for naming Julien as an option at first base. Arguably, the organization has handed the 26-year-old too long a leash already. Yet, given the significant spending restrictions ownership has imposed on the front office, team decision-makers have both hands tied behind their back, with Kyler Fedko and Aaron Sabato being the only other internal candidates with experience at first base in the high minors. Fedko and Sabato probably aren't MLB-caliber contributors. That being the case, Falvey named Julien because he is the only other option. Again, Clemens and Julien's redundant offensive profiles make them poor platoon partners. However, since Julien can play second base (and start at designated hitter) and Clemens could rotate between second base and both corner outfield spots, the two left-handed bats could co-exist as a versatile tandem. Julien is out of minor-league options. He would need to pass through waivers before being outrighted to Triple-A. Despite his lousy performance in 2024 and 2025, a club would be justified in taking a chance on the left-handed bat, given his exceptional rookie campaign. Minnesota is justified in keeping Julien on the 40-man roster and not risking losing him to waivers before next season. However, if he struggles in April, they should be quick to pull the plug. Unfortunately, given how shallow the position player pool is, Julien's leash will likely be longer than deserved. Twins Daily's John Bonnes contributed to the reporting in this piece.

Following Minnesota outrighting veteran relievers Michael Tonkin, Thomas Hatch, Génesis Cabrera, and Anthony Misiewicz off the 40-man roster, declining Justin Topa’s $2 million team option, and losing Cody Laweryson off waivers to the Los Angeles Angels last week, only two relievers can be penciled in as anticipated members of the club’s Opening Day bullpen: Cole Sands and Kody Funderburk. Topa remains in the organization and could still be a member of Minnesota’s bullpen at a more team-friendly rate, which MLB Trade Rumors projects to settle at $1.7 million. Young arms like Travis Adams, Pierson Ohl, Marco Raya, and Connor Prielipp could quickly become high-leverage relievers early next season. Still, the unit is entering the offseason with little depth or experience. Minnesota’s front office will need to acquire multiple veterans to fill out the eight-pitcher unit. Yet, given that the front office is expected to operate under significant spending restrictions, they might be unable to sign any sought-after veterans on the free-agent market. That being the case, team decision-makers could scour the minor-league free agent market for relievers this winter. Which arms should they pursue? Let’s take a look. Justin Yeager Drafted in the no-longer-existent 33rd round of the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, Yeager spent his first three seasons of affiliated ball in the Atlanta Braves minor league system before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers alongside All-Star catcher William Contreras and reliever Joel Payamps in December 2022. The righty excelled with Milwaukee's Double- and Triple-A team, generating a combined 2.85 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 108-to-47 strikeout to walk ratio over 110 ⅔ innings pitched. However, the Brewers never rewarded the now-27-year-old with a 40-man roster spot, leading him to elect minor-league free agency this offseason. Yeager worked exclusively as a reliever in Milwaukee’s minor league system, sporting two fastball variations (four-seam and cutter) that top out at 94 MPH and a plus sweeper. If Minnesota signed Yeager, he would mix in with the collective of Adams, Ohl, Raya, and Prielipp as young arms competing for bullpen spots. The SIU-Carbondale product excels at suppressing hard contact and missing barrels, a skillset the front office would be wise to seek out when pursuing bullpen acquisitions. Given his success in the highly respected Brewers minor league system, Minnesota would be wise to pursue the 27-year-old right-handed reliever. Ryder Ryan Drafted by the Cleveland Baseball Club in the now-extinct 30th round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft, Ryan has been a minor-league journeyman over the course of his nine-season career, jumping between Cleveland, New York (Mets), Texas, Seattle, and Pittsburgh minor league systems. The now 30-year-old has also made major league appearances for the Mariners and Pirates, netting a 5.40 ERA and 4.71 FIP over 21 ⅓ innings pitched. Ryan has operated exclusively as a reliever in the minors and majors, primarily using a slider and two fastball variations (four-seam and sinker) over the course of his career. The right-handed arm altered his slider into more of a sweeper last season, resulting in the pitch developing more effective horizontal movement. Given Minnesota’s proclivity for pursuing relievers who possess Ryan’s arsenal, there is reason to believe team decision-makers could sign him to a minor-league deal this winter, with an opportunity for the veteran to make his first Opening Day 26-man roster. Ryan Borucki The next pitcher on this list comes in the form of another former Pirate. Borucki, 31, is entering his ninth major league season, having previously pitched for the Blue Jays, Mariners, and the aforementioned Pirates. Despite Jon Heyman incorrectly reporting Borucki had signed a one-year deal with the Twins late last January, the soft-tossing lefty began last season with Pittsburgh, netting a 5.28 ERA and 4.34 FIP over 30 ⅔ innings pitched for the Pirates. Pittsburgh released the southpaw in mid-August. However, he quickly signed a minor-league deal with Toronto one week later, generating 0.00 ERA and 3.60 FIP over 4 ⅓ innings pitched for the AL East-winning Blue Jays. The veteran was later released by Toronto, entering free agency for the second consecutive offseason. Primarily throwing a slider and sinker, Borucki’s arsenal is similar to Funderburk’s. Still, Minnesota would be smart to round out its bullpen with veteran arms, with Borucki being one of the more realistic options. Collin Snider Like Borucki, Snider has multiple seasons of major league experience, and also pitched for Seattle. Yet, like Borucki, he is not expected to net a major league deal this winter, after posting a lackluster 5.47 ERA and 3.70 FIP over 26 ⅓ innings for the Mariners in 2025. Leaning heavily on a sweeper/fastball mix (again, a pitch combination Minnesota’s front office adores), the right-handed reliever broke out with Seattle in 2024, generating a 1.94 ERA, 3.94 FIP, and a 47-to-13 strikeout to walk ratio over 41 2/3 innings pitched. Pitching like one of the most effective relievers in baseball, Snider made the Mariners' 2025 Opening Day 26-man roster. Unfortunately, his production quickly diminished, resulting in him being designated for assignment on July 30 after posting a 5.70 ERA and 3.70 FIP over 26 1/3 innings pitched. Snider remained in the Mariners organization for the rest of the season. However, after struggling mightily in Triple-A (8.06 ERA and 8.21 FIP over 25 2/3 innings pitched) and not being part of the club's magical postseason run, the now 30-year-old has entered minor-league free agency, hoping to return to the majors with a different organization. A possible explanation for the stark season-over-season contrast in Snider's performance could be that he suffered a right forearm flexor strain in early June, sidelining him for over a month. That said, his 2024 campaign could be an outlier, given that he also struggled in 2022 and 2023 with Kansas City. Still, the former Mariner is an interesting buy-low veteran candidate that Twins decision-makers could take a flier on, with intentions of guiding him back to being the above-average reliever he was with Seattle in 2024. Parker Mushinski Mushinski, 29, pitched in part of three seasons for the Houston Astros from 2022 to 2024, generating a 4.05 ERA and 4.31 FIP over 33 innings pitched. The soft-tossing lefty was unable to find a solidified role in Houston's bullpen, resulting in him electing minor-league free agency after the 2024 season and signing with the Cleveland Guardians last offseason. Unfortunately, the Texas Tech product didn't reach the majors last season. However, he performed exceptionally well in Triple-A Columbus, netting a 3.78 ERA, 3.42 FIP, and a 40-to-19 strikeout to walk ratio over 50 innings pitched. Sporting a four-seam fastball that hovers around 93 MPH, an above-average curve, and an adequate cutter and sweeper, Mushinski possesses the diverse arsenal and plus stuff necessary to succeed in a major league bullpen in 2026. Again, Minnesota already has its number one left-handed relief option on its 26-man roster in Funderburk. Yet, given that Mushinski prefers to attack hitters vertically (as opposed to Funderburk operating east-to-west with his sinker and cutter), the 29-year-old would function as a viable complementary southpaw to Funderburk, unlike Borucki and his previously redundant skillset. Arsenal aside, Muchinski also possesses the skill necessary to usurp Funderburk on the organizational depth chart, based on results alone. Do any of these names do anything for you? Are there any overlooked relievers on the market this offseason who strike your fancy? Sound off in the comments section.

Charisma is timeless. Attractive personalities move mountains and change ballclubs. Of course, charisma is a subjective term. What charms one person can give another the ick. Yet, those who have that "it factor" (whatever “it” may be) tend to get what they strive for, regardless of controversy, affiliation, or moral compass (or lack thereof). Initially deemed an uninspiring hire by a stagnant front office, new Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton has shifted much of the fanbase's perception of him from negative or neutral to positive in less than two weeks since being hired as Rocco Baldelli's successor. The Twins' public relations team has played a role in maximizing Shelton's public appearances, assisting the former Pittsburgh Pirates skipper in building as much cultural cachet in Twins Territory as possible. Still, positive public perception can't be manufactured; it must be earned. Shelton has done just that, showcasing a sense of humor and personability that no Twins manager has possessed since Ron Gardenhire left the organization in 2014. Obviously, having a charismatic personality isn't an absolute prerequisite for finding success, especially as an MLB manager. Gardenhire's successor, Paul Molitor, led the club to the postseason in 2017. Baldelli and his milquetoast demeanor guided the club to three postseason appearances in seven seasons, ending the organization's 18-game postseason losing streak in 2023. However, despite their respective successes as managers, Molitor and (more specifically) Baldelli were never able to store much goodwill with large sections of Twins Territory. Molitor never earned it as a manager, as his tenure with the Twins was short-lived and largely unsuccessful. The driving factor behind Baldelli's inability to become a beloved figure was his being impersonal and unrelatable. Whether during times of success or despair, those who follow the Twins longed for Baldelli to exhibit any sense of personality. Unfortunately, the club's former skipper consistently failed to take advantage of opportunities to showcase his personality, even in controlled environments. Instead, he elected to act in a manner seemingly molded by a third-party organization's public relations department, rather than acting in a natural manner. The faults of Baldelli’s robotic demeanor reached a boiling point when he flubbed a farewell for Willi Castro (before being chastised by an enraged Griffin Jax) the day before this season’s trade deadline. It is vital to be honest with ourselves. Expecting corporate soldiers to display a profound sense of authenticity is a fool's errand. Still, if Baldelli possessed even an ounce of public-facing charm or allure, it should have oozed out at some point over his seven-year tenure as Twins manager. Unfortunately, it never did. The result of Baldelli failing to earn the affection of Twins Territory was a talented baseball mind (and overall good person) taking the brunt of anger from one of baseball's most disillusioned fan bases. He was the target of much of Twins fans' collective angst simply because he was an accessible figure whose face was seen during every game—unlike those of the Pohlad family. Still, he didn't do himself any favors by being a closed-off figure who answered questions as if he was managing a Facebook-operated multi-level marketing scheme, rather than a baseball club. Whether it be cracking jokes about Derek Falvey's job title, playfully bantering with Patrick Reusse about the color of his beard, or taking courtside photos with Falvey at a Minnesota Timberwolves game, Shelton has exuded more personality in his first two weeks as Twins manager than Baldelli did over seven seasons—seemingly without trying. Shelton is charismatic in a way that doesn’t feel manufactured. He's witty—a vital characteristic in hard, challenging times. Unfortunately, difficult times could be a common theme for the 2026 Twins. Still, given Shelton's disarming personality and strong sense of humor, Twins Territory could feel a sense of kinship to the club's manager it hasn't known since Gardenhire left the office. Hopefully, the same qualities that endear the fanbase to Shelton will resonate with the players, creating a sense of optimism about the club's on-field results that has been missing since the team's dramatic 2024 collapse.

With just two relievers penciled in for Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins face a familiar offseason challenge: how do you rebuild a bullpen on a budget? Following Minnesota outrighting veteran relievers Michael Tonkin, Thomas Hatch, Génesis Cabrera, and Anthony Misiewicz off the 40-man roster, declining Justin Topa’s $2 million team option, and losing Cody Laweryson off waivers to the Los Angeles Angels, only two relievers can be penciled in as anticipated members of the club’s Opening Day bullpen: Cole Sands and Kody Funderburk. Young, inexperienced right-handed arms Travis Adams, Pierson Ohl, and Marco Raya are strong candidates to inherit three of the open spots entering next season. Still, with the bullpen thin on depth and experience, Twins decision-makers will need to acquire multiple veterans to fill out the eight-pitcher unit. What veterans could they bring in to help bolster first-time bullpen coach LaTroy Hawkins’s group? Let’s take a look. Tyler Kinley Selected with the 13th pick of the 2017 Rule 5 Draft, Kinley pitched 3 ⅓ innings over four games for the 2018 Minnesota Twins, generating an uninspiring 24.30 ERA and 12.15 FIP over that stretch. Unsurprisingly, the then-27-year-old was returned to the Miami Marlins, where he spent one-and-a-half seasons before being traded to the Colorado Rockies. Given his home ballpark and the overall ineptitude of the organization he pitched for, the hard-tossing righty surprisingly mustered moderate success during his time in Denver, generating a 5.05 ERA, 4.26 FIP, and a 261-to-110 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 246 innings pitched over five seasons. The now 34-year-old was rewarded for his services by being traded to the Atlanta Braves during the 2025 trade deadline, where he generated an eye-popping 0.72 ERA, 2.74 FIP, and a 17% K-BB rate over 25 innings pitched. Atlanta declined Kinley’s $5.5 million team option earlier this month, making the wily veteran a free agent this winter. Throwing his plus slider 64% of the time while using his four-seam fastball as his primary secondary pitch (a combination Twins decision-makers often seek out in relievers), Kinley excelled with Atlanta last season by suppressing hard contact and missing bats. The former Twin likely won’t pitch like one of the best relievers in baseball next season as he did with Atlanta in 2025, yet he should be able to immediately insert himself as a high-leverage right-handed arm at a price tag hovering around $2-3 million. Given how thin Minnesota’s bullpen is currently constructed, Kinley would be the favorite to receive the bulk of save opportunities if he returned to the Twins. Hoby Milner Signed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract by the Texas Rangers last December, Milner performed admirably for the playoff-missing Rangers, posting a 3.84 ERA, 3.81 FIP, and a 58-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 70 ⅓ innings pitched. Interestingly, Minnesota was in on Milner before he signed with Texas last offseason, signaling that the Twins could again pursue the soft-tossing lefty this winter. As noted earlier, fellow southpaw Funderburk is slated to be part of Minnesota’s Opening Day bullpen, meaning Milner would be the club’s second left-handed option. Traditionally, Twins decision-makers have shied away from carrying two lefties in the bullpen, yet given Milner’s strong performance last season, the club would be pursuing the 34-year-old based on skill rather than handedness. Milner, like Kinley, would immediately step in as one of Minnesota’s most experienced relievers, likely receiving high-leverage opportunities early next season. Sporting a sweeper-sinker mix, the former Brewer is more effective against same-handed hitters, evidenced by allowing a .224 wOBA to left-handed hitters compared to a .353 wOBA to right-handed hitters in 2025. Still, the established veteran can hold his own against hitters from either side while generating a high number of ground balls, an archetype the current bullpen is missing. Milner should net another one-year deal in the $2-3 million range, a price tag even the salary-restricted Twins could afford. Shawn Armstrong Speaking of relievers who pitched for the 2025 Rangers, the final reliever on this list is Armstrong. Sporting three fastball variations (four-seam, sinker, and cutter) and a near-elite sweeper, Armstrong pitched like one of the AL’s most effective late-inning arms in 2025, recording a 2.31 ERA, 3.07 FIP, and a 74-to-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 74 innings pitched for Texas. The now-35-year-old broke out with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, generating a 1.38 ERA over 52 innings pitched. Yet, his 2025 campaign, where he also netted nine saves, was arguably his most impressive. Given his strong performance last season, the veteran will be one of the more expensive relievers on the market, likely commanding a one-to-two-year deal worth $5-6 million annually. That being the case, he is the least likely of the listed candidates for Minnesota to pursue this offseason. Still, if Twins decision-makers were to take a modest, high-upside swing in the free-agent reliever market this winter, Armstrong is the most plausible candidate for them to invest in. If signed, Armstrong would step in as the club’s closer heading into 2026, potentially serving as a mentor for the aforementioned inexperienced right-handers Adams, Ohl, and Raya. Also, if Minnesota falls out of contention come the 2026 trade deadline, the front office could trade Armstrong, netting a return package similar to what they received for Brock Stewart or Danny Coulombe last July. Regardless, Minnesota needs to address the bullpen in some capacity this offseason. Signing elite late-inning arms like Edwin Díaz or Robert Suarez is an unrealistic proposition given the club’s current self-imposed spending limitations. Yet, there is reason to believe the front office could unearth strong value in veteran arms like Kinley, Milner, Armstrong, or others.