Cody Schoenmann

Payroll constraints aside, I'd love to see the Twins bring in Andujar, even if he doesn't play much 1B. But yes, France, Lowe, and most realistic free agent 1B options are uninspiring, I agree.

By "strong-side" I meant that Andujar would net more time at 1B than Clemens, including against right-handed pitching. That said, I get what you mean.

Entering the offseason, the Minnesota Twins don't have a viable full-time first base option on their 40-man roster or in the high minors. Yes, Kody Clemens spent significant time at the position after Ty France was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline last season. Yet, given his inability to hit at the major league level the past four seasons, there is reason to believe the 29-year-old could be designated for assignment early next season. Fellow 40-man roster occupants José Miranda, Edouard Julien, and Mickey Gasper have patrolled the position for Minnesota in recent seasons. Yet, given their longstanding offensive and defensive ineptitude, there is reason to believe the aforementioned trio could soon be non-tendered, leaving the organization later this month. Kyler Fedko spent significant time at first base in Triple-A last season and could be rewarded a 40-man roster spot later this month to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Still, he is not a viable first base option. Times are dire at first base for your beloved Twins. Given the front office likely operating under significant spending restrictions this winter, there is reason to believe team decision-makers won't be able to afford any of the more expensive free agent first basemen like Josh Naylor, Ryan O'Hearn, or even secondary market options like Paul Goldschmidt or Rhys Hoskins. That being the case, Minnesota's front office will yet again be sifting through the bargain bin, attempting to find a cheap, productive veteran first baseman in a similar vein as Carlos Santana and Ty France of seasons past. Who should they pursue? Let's take a look. Ty France Hey! I just mentioned this guy. Also, did you know Twins' first baseman have won the previous two AL Gold Glove Awards at the position? Crazy, right!? Regardless, Minnesota could consider reuniting with the almost World Series-winning veteran, even though the club traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays just over three months ago. Signed to a non-guaranteed one-year, $1 million contract last February, France outperformed his deal while with the Twins, hitting .251/.320/.357 with six home runs and a 92 wRC+ over 387 plate appearances. Now, the 31-year-old did perform below league-average at the plate. Yet, given his relative competency and previously mentioned superb defense, he still provided value to Minnesota. France is a better first baseman than Clemens at the plate and in the field. Given his familiarity with the organization and the fact that he signed at a similar rate (if not a minor league contract), the Twins could enter a second consecutive season with France penciled in as the primary first baseman. Miguel Andujar Despite netting only 13 innings played at first base last season, Andujar made two starts at the position late last season for the playoff-contending Cincinnati Reds, signaling the 30-year-old veteran could be transitioning toward spending more time at first base next season. Coming off an impressive 2025 campaign wherein he hit .318/.352/.470 with 10 home runs and a 125 wRC+ over 341 plate appearances between the West Sacramento Athletics and Reds last season, acquiring Andujar would be a more expensive transaction than France. Yet, given his offensive prowess from the right side of the plate, team decision-makers would be wise to shell out the $3-4 million necessary to sign the once highly-touted New York Yankees prospect. The bat-first veteran could also mix in at third base, both corner outfield spots, and designated hitter, making him a more useful player than most potential free agent first base options. Yet, given the club's lack of depth at first base, specifically, there is reason to believe Andujar could set a career-high in innings played at first base with Minnesota. Obviously, those who follow the team should expect a significant defensive drop-off at the position, given how well Santana and France performed at first base the previous two seasons. Yet, there is reason to believe Andujar could produce at a defensive rate on par with Clemens, while being a more effective hitter. That being the case, Minnesota should consider signing the nine-year veteran, with intentions of making him the strong-side platoon partner at first base alongside Clemens. Nathaniel Lowe Lowe technically isn't a free agent. Yet, given that the Boston Red Sox will likely cut ties with Lowe, the veteran first baseman is projected to be a free agent later this month. Now, the reason Boston is set to decline the 30-year-old's $13.5 million option is due to his lackluster performance last season, wherein he hit .228/.307/.381 with 18 home runs and a 91 wRC+ over 609 plate appearances between the Washington Nationals and Boston. Yet, given the state Minnesota's front office finds itself in, Lowe will likely be one of the more attractive, affordable options to patrol the position for the Twins next season. Lowe would likely ask for a one-year deal in the $3-4 million range, similar to Andujar. Yet, given his strong performance with the Texas Rangers in 2024, acquiring the former World Series-winning first baseman at that rate could prove to be a bargain for Minnesota. Being a left-handed bat, there is risk of partnering Lowe with Clemens becoming a redundant decision. Yet, given that Lowe is a better hitter and defender than Clemens, the Twins could turn him into a platoon-proof option at the position, transitioning Clemens back into the utility role he served before becoming the primary first baseman after last season's trade deadline. View full article

Hiring Derek Shelton (a candidate with meaningful ties to and prior experience with the Minnesota Twins) to succeed Rocco Baldelli as manager indicates that team decision-makers don't believe a significant overhaul of philosophy or messaging is needed for the club to return to postseason contention. On the surface, remaining static after enduring what were two of the most emotionally draining seasons in team history (for off- and on-field reasons) feels like a misguided approach. Yet, given the club's recent success (Yes, 2023 and the first half of 2024 weren't that long ago) and its sound approach to roster building, which many successful major league clubs mimic, there is reason to believe the Twins could contend for the AL Central title in 2026 if they overhaul their bullpen and add one-or-more above-average bats over the offseason. Now, given that team decision-makers are expected to operate under significant spending restrictions this winter, roster improvement attempts won't manifest through spending in free agency. Yet, given the club's knack for creative roster building, various high-impact, low-monetary-cost trades could occur in the next handful of months. As mentioned earlier, Minnesota's lineup and offensive approach need a significant overhaul, meaning Shelton and team decision-makers would be wise to dismiss Matt Borgschulte as hitting coach. Hiring a new hitting coach and bringing in new personnel to revive what has become one of baseball's most stagnant lineups will be a daunting task. Yet, much of that burden should be buffered by the Twins' pitching staff performing like one of the AL's best units, a standard they have set for themselves since Pete Maki took over as full-time pitching coach on Jul. 1, 2022. Since Jul. 1, 2022, Minnesota's pitching staff possesses the following rankings amongst the 15 AL teams: 2nd in fWAR 3rd in FIP 4th in xERA 3rd in SIERA 2nd in strikeout rate and K-BB% Are some of these metrics confusing and convoluted? Yes, however, they share an overarching point: Minnesota has fielded a top-three AL pitching staff from both a results and projections perspective since Maki took over as full-time pitching coach three-and-a-half seasons ago. Minnesota's front office and Maki reached this standard by implementing modern research and development practices while acquiring and maximizing starting rotation and bullpen talent. That being the case, Maki has been able to take talented arms like Pablo López, Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, Jhoan Durán, and others, and maximize their potential through utilizing these resources and methods. Even in one of the most emotionally draining seasons in contemporary Twins history, wherein team decision-makers parted ways with high-leverage relievers Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, Brock Stewart, and Danny Coulombe at the 2025 Trade Deadline, Maki still guided Minnesota toward fielding the AL's sixth-best pitching staff, according to fWAR. Yes, the unit experienced a significant drop-off post-deadline, ranking 14th out of 15 AL teams in fWAR. Yet, little blame should be placed on Maki for that result, given the bullpen was gutted and the team had given up on the season. Given the unit's results over the previous three-and-a-half seasons and the organization's sound pitching development and research systems, Maki deserves to be retained as the club's pitching coach under Shelton. With frontline starting pitchers Pablo López and Joe Ryan expected to return next season alongside Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Taj Bradley to round out the rotation, there is reason to believe Minnesota could again possess one of the AL's most effective starting rotations early next season. Again, the bullpen needs to be reconstructed. Yet, Maki has garnered enough goodwill to oversee that process in 2026. View full article

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge As the Nov. 19 deadline for MLB teams to finalize their 40-man rosters nears, the Minnesota Twins are expected to add an unusually high number of prospects to their 40-man roster, protecting them from Rule 5 Draft eligibility. Most Twins pundits agree the following five prospects will be rewarded for their development with places on the reserve list: Andrew Morris, RHP Connor Prielipp, LHP Kendry Rojas, LHP Gabriel Gonzalez, OF Hendry Mendez, OF Right-handed starting pitching prospect C.J. Culpepper is also a near-lock to be added. However, there is some chance that Twins decision-makers will risk losing the 23-year-old starting pitching prospect, given that he hasn't pitched above Double A and battled through arm injuries over the last two seasons. Regardless, Minnesota is almost guaranteed to protect the six aforementioned players come mid-November. Right now, the Twins' 40-man roster is full, but the organization will soon have one open spot when veteran catcher Christian Vázquez enters free agency upon the World Series' conclusion. They'll also likely non-tender Génesis Cabrera, Anthony Misiewicz, and Thomas Hatch, creating four of the six spots necessary to add Morris, Prielipp, Rojas, Gonzalez, Mendez, and Culpepper. Clearing the final two spots won't be complicated, as Minnesota's front office could justifiably part ways (through non-tendering or designating for assignment) with Ryan Kreidler, Carson McCusker, DaShawn Keirsey Jr., Edouard Julien, Jose Miranda, Ryan Fitzgerald, Mickey Gasper, Jhonny Pereda, Michael Tonkin, Justin Topa, and/or Trevor Larnach to create further 40-man roster room. In fact, given how Minnesota's 40-man roster transformed after the organization elected to purge its 26-man roster at this summer's trade deadline, a few previously unexpected minor leaguers could be awarded 40-man roster spots. Given their strong 2025 performances, right-handed hitting corner outfielders Kala'i Rosario and Kyler Fedko are the players most likely to join Morris, Prielipp, Rojas, Gonzalez, Mendez, and Culpepper. Another improbable addition could be right-handed starting pitching prospect John Klein. Signed by the Twins as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa Central Community College following the 2022 MLB Draft, Klein progressed from beginning the 2023 season in the Florida Complex League to finishing his 2025 campaign at Triple-A St. Paul. Despite posting a Halloween-appropriate 6.66 ERA over 25 2/3 innings pitched for the Saints, the 23-year-old's underlying metrics tell a much more encouraging story: he had a 3.30 FIP and 28.2% strikeout rate over the same stretch. The driving factor behind his surface-level Triple-A struggles was his inability to suppress baserunners. He ran an untenable 11.1% walk rate. The native Minnesotan has posted alarmingly high walk rates throughout his minor-league career, which is the main reason he never reached the same prospect status as fellow right-handed pitching prospects Morris and Culpepper. Klein probably won't succeed as a starting pitcher at the major-league level. However, with his fastball (which sits around 95-96 MPH), improved slider, and adequate changeup, he could consistently get major-league hitters out in a minimized role. Minnesota had the 11th-worst bullpen in baseball for the final two months of the season, after parting ways with Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Louis Varland, and Danny Coulombe at the deadline. Cole Sands, Kody Funderburk, Topa, and Tonkin (if the club retains the latter two) are the only veteran relievers expected to possess bullpen spots entering next season. Four (potentially six) bullpen spots will be up for grabs come Spring Training, and with decision-makers forced to operate under significant spending restrictions, there's a wide-open lane for promotions from within. That being the case, Minnesota could elect to add Klein to the 40-man roster, protecting him from being poached during the Rule 5 Draft with intentions of converting him into a short reliever. If that occurs, Klein would compete with fellow young, right-handed arms Travis Adams, Marco Raya, Pierson Ohl, and Cody Laweryson for mid-leverage relief roles. Given Klein's ascension and Adams, Raya, and Ohl's corresponding struggles at Triple-A and in the majors last season, Klein could outperform multiple members of that quartet, earning his first Opening Day roster spot at 23 years old. View full article

As MLB's offseason nears, those who follow the Minnesota Twins have received little to no information on what the club's self-imposed salary ceiling will be entering the 2026 MLB regular season. Will it hover around $140 million like it did entering the 2025 season? Will it drop down to $130 million, similar to 2024? Or, will it plummet to unforeseen levels of depravity, settling around $80-100 million? Admittedly, every outcome is undesirable given that ownership has steadily decreased the club's payroll following its record-breaking $164 million figure in 2023. Yet, given that the club's baseline 2026 payroll sits around $95 million, there is reason to believe the Pohlad family and yet-to-be-announced limited partners will greenlight some spending flexibility. That being the case, team decision-makers could possess between $15-20 million to spend, even if payroll is reduced to an uninspiring $110-115 million entering next season. Again, having a payroll hovering around $110-115 million in 2026 would be an act of negligence given the broader context of the league. However, $15-20 million would be a significant amount of money for the front office to spend in attempting to patch holes on Minnesota's alarmingly thin 26-man roster, with first base being the position most in need of immediate reinforcement. Following the 2025 Trade Deadline mass exodus, wherein the club traded 11 players from its 26-man roster, Twins decision-makers elected to part ways with primary first baseman Ty France. In response, the club converted Kody Clemens into its primary first baseman, handing the left-handed hitting career journeyman the majority of starts at the position over the final two months of the season. Roger's son struggled in his newfound role, hitting .207/.264/.379 with a 75 wRC+ over 183 plate appearances. Yet, with no other option at the position in the majors or high minors, the 29-year-old enters the offseason as the club's only first base option for 2026. Given his late-season struggles at the plate and overall offensive ineptitude over his career, Clemens is a fringe major leaguer who could be designated for assignment early next season. That being the case, Twins decision-makers must acquire another viable first base option this offseason. Interestingly, no option is more appealing than impending free agent Rhys Hoskins. Signed to a two-year, $34 million contract by the Milwaukee Brewers two offseasons ago, Hoskins performed at a league-average rate over two seasons in Milwaukee, netting a 105 wRC+ over a combined 845 plate appearances. In his first six seasons in the majors, the former Philadelphia Phillie established himself as one of the league's premier power hitters, slugging 148 home runs over that stretch. Hoskins continued his power-hitting tendencies in his first season in Milwaukee, hitting 26 home runs over 517 plate appearances in 2024. Unfortunately, the right-handed hitting first baseman/designated hitter missed 72 games this past season after suffering a Grade 2 left thumb sprain in early July, resulting in him hitting only 12 home runs over 328 plate appearances. During his extended absence, Hoskins was replaced by Andrew Vaughn as Milwaukee's primary first baseman. After being left off the NLDS and NLCS roster in favor of Vaughn and backup first baseman Jake Bauers, Milwaukee will decline Hoskins's $18 million mutual option for next season, meaning the now 32-year-old will enter free agency at a depreciated rate. A necessary development for the salary-strapped Twins, team decision-makers should make a concerted effort to sign the injury-riddled slugger, particularly given the significant drop off in affordable options at the position after Hoskins. Despite suffering an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, the hard-hitting first baseman/designated hitter should have an active market this offseason, meaning Minnesota would likely need to spend between $8-10 million to acquire Hoskins's services. Signing Hoskins to a contract in this range would likely consume a significant portion of the club's spending resources this winter. Yet, given that the 32-year-old still possesses an All-Star caliber power-hitting bat, while demonstrating respectable defense at first base, Twins decision-makers would be wise to make him their primary free agent target this offseason. If Minnesota signed Hoskins, he would become the club's primary first baseman, while mixing in at designated hitter. The former Brewer would instantly become a cog atop Minnesota's lineup alongside plus hitters Byron Buxton, Luke Keaschall, Ryan Jeffers, and Royce Lewis. Now, Hoskins wouldn't make the Twins' lineup one of the AL's best. However, his addition would make Minnesota's lineup respectable and provide the club the opportunity to score runs more at a more efficient and consistent rate than last season, potentially helping the club return to postseason relevancy in 2026. View full article

I deny any allegations and will also be suing Twins Daily (and Sweet Louis Hennessy) for defamation.

Hiring Shelton would functionally be the same thing as hiring Jayce Tingler. There’s very little that separates them from Baldelli from a philosophy or personality perspective. The Twins need a new voice and presence. Also, i’m worried Suzuki would be too soft on the players and try to hug them all the time. Google “Kurt Suzuki hug” for more information.

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Over three weeks after the Minnesota Twins (somewhat) surprisingly fired long-term manager Rocco Baldelli, team decision-makers have begun formally interviewing candidates for the position. The following names head the club's initial list of expected interviewees: Derek Shelton, James Rowson, Nick Punto, Vance Wilson, and Ramón Vázquez. Among the five aforementioned names, reputable sources have also floated former Twins players Torii Hunter, Kurt Suzuki, and Nelson Cruz as possible interview candidates. Of the eight total names listed, only two candidates (Wilson and Vázquez) have not been previously employed by Minnesota, signaling a concerning question: Are Twins decision-makers doing their due diligence in attempting to find Baldelli's successor? To preface, many of the names listed are desirable candidates. There's nothing blatantly off-putting about Rowson, Punto, Hunter, or Cruz from a strategy or personality perspective. Suzuki and Shelton (for different reasons) are the only two truly undesirable names to be tied to the club so far. Yet, given that six of the eight names listed have ties to the Twins organization as former players or coaches, there is reason to believe those in charge of the managerial search aren't casting a wide-enough net. Now, it's impossible to know if club decision-makers are trying to tap into nostalgia and are motivated to hire a manager whose name alone would elicit a positive reaction from the fanbase. Naturally, nobody in a position of power within the organization would admit that. Yet, given that a majority of the names publicly announced as managerial candidates have significant ties to the organization (and are embraced by the fanbase), there is reason to believe the club is placing greater emphasis on familiarity than merit, which would be a dire mistake. MLB's managerial talent pool is incredibly rich. Up-and-coming names like Cleveland Guardians associate manager Craig Albernaz, Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard, Chicago Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty, and many others have been some of the hottest names during this hiring cycle. Minnesota's managerial opening is one of the league's most undesirable. That being the case, some of the league's most highly-touted candidates may not be interested in interviewing for the position. However, given that major league clubs often hire new managers before November and the significant number of names tied to the Twins, there is reason to believe one of Shelton, Rowson, Punto, Wilson, Vázquez, or a recently retired former Twins player will be the club's next manager. Now, it's impossible to know who is and isn't going to be a successful major-league manager. Many factors outside of a manager's control dictate their ability to succeed. Yet, the reason names like Albernaz, Lombard, Flaherty, and others are among the most appealing managerial candidates this hiring cycle is because they own a considerable number of the same traits (skilled preparators, strategists, communicators, etc.) and have been employed by the same franchises as many of the league's most successful contemporary managers. These candidates have rightfully become the most sought-after names in baseball. Yet, Minnesota is neglecting to (openly) express interest in any of them besides Wilson and Vázquez. Despite the Pohlad family still owning the team, Minnesota is entering a new era of baseball in various ways. Given the expected continuation of significant payroll limitations, Twins decision-makers will need to become more like fellow small-market teams like Milwaukee and Cleveland if they want to return to postseason relevancy in the near future. Milwaukee and Cleveland find success through having two of the savviest front offices and coaching staffs in the league working in unison with one another. There is reason to believe Minnesota's front office is savvy enough to mold a contender with limited spending resources. The club possesses one of the AL's strongest starting rotations alongside a top-five farm system in baseball. Yet, if the club's next manager is unable to work in unison with the front office or lacks the traits necessary to lift a team like Cleveland's Stephen Vogt or Milwaukee's Pat Murphy, Minnesota won't be able to return to relevancy any time soon. That being the case, team decision-makers must emphasize hiring a well-respected, external candidate with recent success with a different organization, like Vázquez or Wilson, over hiring someone because they used to be on Baldelli's staff or were a Gardenhire era fan-favorite who could generate short-lived nostalgia points with a fanbase that becomes increasingly more frustrated. View full article

Upon the conclusion of the Minnesota Twins’ 2023 campaign, wherein the club cathartically ended its 19-year-long postseason game losing streak, President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey announced that the club would be undergoing significant spending cuts, slashing the team’s payroll by more than $30 million. Falvey’s announcement functioned as a widespread gut punch, neutering any semblance of optimism Twins Territory felt on the club’s ability to progress further into the postseason in 2024 and contend for a World Series. Yet, what if I told you some things were Bigger Than Baseball? What if the Pohlad family made a sacrifice for the greater good? And if so, would that change your outlook on them as a billionaire, ruling-class family? Let's take a look. Now, we here at Twins Daily don’t enjoy speculating. We don’t dabble with the unknown. In fact, we condemn the act of doing so wholeheartedly. Yet, when presented with groundbreaking but unconfirmed information, we, as licensed journalists with degrees, must report on what we are told in the name of transparency. That being the case, sources close to the Pohlad family informed Twins Daily that the wealthy family was presented the near-impossible-to-make offer to end racism at the expense of cutting payroll hours after losing the ALDS-deciding Game 4 to the Houston Astros on Oct. 11. After hours of deliberation, the family privately accepted the deal, with the stipulation that they wouldn’t be allowed to inform the public for two years. Finally, that timeframe has ended. Those who peruse the friendly confines of Target Field frequently may have noticed that the attention-grabbing “End Racism” sign that occupied a significant portion of the right field padding, shown below: This message resided at this location for multiple seasons, including during the club’s celebrated 2023 run. However, the message ceased to exist the following season, with no explanation behind its removal. Reasonably, many speculated that the club elected to shy away from its corporate activism ambitions in favor of netting more profit by filling the space with advertisements. However, sources confirm the Pohlad family elected to remove the signage upon the deal’s agreement, stating that having a sign advocating for something that no longer exists to go away would be “out of touch" and “disrespectful” to fans of the club. “The Pohlads and I are over the moon to finally make this announcement,” an anonymous spokesperson close to the family said. “I mean, before October 2023, racism was running rampant,” The enthusiastic spokesperson proclaimed. “I mean s**t, every time I opened Twitter, I saw five different slurs before I even started scrolling,” they said while noticeably shaken. “But now you go online or you walk outside and it feels like everyone is getting along. I mean, I saw a group of Black and white teenagers happily riding Lime scooters outside Target Field last night. These inclusionary acts wouldn't be happening if the Pohlad family hadn't made the near-impossible decision to end racism for $30 million two years ago.” When asked who or what exactly made this offer to the Pohlad family, the spokesperson proclaimed, "We can't provide specifics, but just know it was a very powerful force." They continued, "This may come as a shock, but the family had just greenlit increasing the club's payroll to $200 million for 2024. But when the offer to permanently end racism for $30 million reached the family's desk, there was no way they were going to turn it down, and Derek obviously agreed with the decision. Everyone involved should be celebrated for their sacrifice, really." "This doesn't mean payroll is going to increase anytime soon, however," the anonymous source emphasized. “Many forces, both private and public, have attempted to start racism again. That being the case, the Pohlads have been forced to continue digging deep into their pocketbooks, for the greater good, of course.” The anonymous source continued, “This is why fanbases shouldn’t jump to conclusions and be hypercritical without knowing all of the facts. Just think, Twins fans have been endlessly slandering this family for two years; meanwhile, they ended racism at a price point cheaper than Carlos Correa’s average annual value. The fanbase should be ashamed of their unjust criticism." The anonymous spokesperson concluded, "If fans want to begin the apology process, they should strongly consider investing in a MyTwins membership and purchasing 2026 season tickets." Twins Daily would like to formally apologize to the Pohlad family for constantly attacking their character and desire to fund a winning baseball organization. Twins Daily and its writers are more than happy to watch Kody Clemens be the full-time first baseman as long as it means the people of Twins Territory are judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Some things really are Bigger Than Baseball. This article was paid for by the Pohlad Family Foundation View full article

Image courtesy of © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Look, it's hard to build a strong case that the Twins' open managerial job is one of the league's most appealing. There's confusion about the direction of ownership and the front office. Still, there are only so many of these gigs, and the Twins take great pride in making their uniformed personnel feel appreciated and supported. Though they'll have to make a good impression on someone to land their own top target, it's worth at least listing out and considering the hottest available names on the market. Ryan Flaherty Jumping between three organizations as a utility player from 2012 to 2019, Flaherty quickly entered the coaching ranks, becoming a scout and development coach for the San Diego Padres immediately after retiring. The 39-year-old would stay in San Diego as the club's bench coach from 2020 through 2023 before taking the same position with the Chicago Cubs in 2024. Flaherty developed into manager Craig Counsell's right-hand man over the last two seasons, and with the club demonstrating significant growth and success in 2025, the former major-leaguer has become arguably the top young candidate for a first-time managerial job. With a similar profile to what Baldelli held when hired by the Derek Falvey-led Twins front office before the 2019 season, Flaherty would provide a similar presence. Like any new manager, Flaherty would likely gut the Twins' current coaching staff and bring along his preferred bench coach, hitting and pitching coach, and assistants. The former utility could poach fellow members of Chicago's coaching staff, such as highly touted third base coach Quintin Berry and assistant pitching coach Casey Jacobson, promoting them to elevated roles with Minnesota. While we are in the speculation phase of the hiring process, Flaherty is a name to monitor as interviews approach. George Lombard Last week, Twins Daily's finest Tom Froemming published a YouTube video, declaring Lombard as his preferred pick as Minnesota's next manager. Froemming's pro-Lombard propaganda was effective, and I am firmly convinced that the current Detroit Tigers' bench coach would be an excellent managerial hire for Minnesota. However, there's a real risk that the 50-year-old bench coach could accept an offer from a more attractive managerial opening, especially considering his extensive ties to the similarly skipperless Atlanta Braves. Regardless, if Minnesota is lucky enough to net an interview with Lombard, they would be wise to make a significant effort in recruiting him. Referred to as a "hard-ass" who understands how to connect with players while holding them accountable, Lombard's strict approach would likely be embraced by much of Twins Territory, given how much the fan base soured on Baldelli's passive, hands-off public persona. Like Flaherty, Lombard would likely bring a notable number of his current staff members with him to Minnesota, which would be a welcome development given how well Detroit performed for most of the 2025 season. Given his extensive connections throughout the league, there is reason to believe the Tigers' bench coach would assemble a well-versed staff comprising coaches and assistants from various organizations and levels. Lombard is arguably the most desirable candidate. Craig Albernaz The first non-former major leaguer listed, Albernaz has emerged as one of the more alluring recent candidates, reportedly turning down managerial offers from the Chicago White Sox and Miami Marlins last offseason. The 42-year-old gained popularity and buzz while serving as Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt's second-in-command the prior two seasons, guiding the club to consecutive AL Central titles. After losing in the Wild Card round to the previously mentioned Tigers, the Guardians' bench coach (unlike Flaherty and Lombard) could immediately interview for Minnesota's managerial opening. Given the high-demand nature of the associate manager's (yes, he is technically an associate manager, not a bench coach; my apologies for the lack of pedantry) services, it wouldn't be surprising if Albernaz soon interviews with Minnesota. Albernaz could receive an offer from a more attractive organization like Baltimore or San Francisco, no longer making him an option for the Twins. Yet, if Twins decision-makers proactively pursue Albernaz, there is reason to believe he could become Minnesota's next manager, especially given his familiarity with winning in the AL Central. Like Lombard, Albernaz is known for his strict yet approachable nature. He has also been celebrated as one of the more skilled player development coaches at the major-league level. Albernaz could be perceived as the top candidate to become the Twins' next manager. Like Flaherty, Albernaz is employed by one of the more analytically inclined organizations in baseball. In return, the 42-year-old could help guide the club in implementing more modern, advanced concepts on the field, with the long-term goal of returning to postseason contender status following two consecutive disappointing seasons under the now-exiled Baldelli. Who ya got? If not one of these highly visible options, where would you turn if you were the Twins? Join the discussion below. View full article

Entering the 2025 MLB regular season, Minnesota Twins infielder Brooks Lee was considered one of the club's "make-or-break" players, sporting a key role in the club's ability to return to the postseason following a cataclysmic late-season collapse in 2024. Unfortunately, Lee missed the first 15 games of the 2025 season after being placed on the 10-day IL in late March with a lumbar strain. The former first-round pick returned to the club's lineup on Apr. 13, stepping in as the club's primary third baseman with Royce Lewis on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain and José Miranda being demoted to Triple-A following a dreadful start to his 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, Lee showcased minimal production for the largely sputtering Twins (sans a 13-game win streak in mid-May), hitting .252/.291/.382 with 78 hits, ten doubles, ten home runs, and an 85 wRC+ over 330 plate appearances from Apr. 13 through July 31. During that stretch, the switch-hitting infielder shuffled between second base, third base, and shortstop, executing a utility infield role identical to the role he fulfilled during his 2024 rookie campaign. However, the second-year infielder's role quickly changed following the Trade Deadline mass exodus wherein Twins decision-makers traded starting shortstop Carlos Correa to the Houston Astros, making Lee the club's new primary shortstop in response. Despite finding himself in a newfound full-time role, the 24-year-old continued to struggle at the plate, hitting .208/.274/.348 with 37 hits, five doubles, six home runs, and a 72 wRC+ over 197 plate appearances. Possessing an above-average 15.7% strikeout rate, Lee demonstrated a plus eye at the plate, similar to his first-half performance. Yet, he failed to make quality contact, sporting a well-below-average Exit Velocity and Barrel rate this season. He also struggled defensively at shortstop this season, netting -8 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) over 595 innings played at the position. In an ideal world, the Twins' front office could scour the shortstop market this winter, intending to sign a touted veteran like Bo Bichette or Trevor Story to a multiyear contract in an effort to solidify the position long-term. Yet, given that team decision-makers will again be operating under significant spending restrictions this offseason, Lee will likely enter the 2026 season as Minnesota's primary shortstop. Although this may be an inopportune short-term outlook over the position highest on the defensive spectrum, Lee could be demoted back to a utility infield role, contingent upon the development of the organization's second-ranked prospect. Posting a 138 wRC+ over 517 plate appearances between High-A and Double-A, Kaelen Culpepper was the recipient of the Sherry Robertson Award, crowning him the organization's 2025 Minor League Player of the Year. The 22-year-old earned this honor while sporting exceptional defense at shortstop, signaling he could blossom into a plus defensive shortstop at the major league level. That being the case, Culpepper is likely to begin his 2026 campaign at Triple-A St. Paul, knocking on the door of making his major league debut. Lee will be rewarded a window of opportunity wherein he can supplant the club's long-term answer at shortstop early next season. Yet, his leash will understandably be short. If he continues to struggle at the plate while sporting below-average defense at shortstop, there is reason Culpepper could usurp him at the position early next season. Interestingly, if Lee and Culpepper don't pan out at shortstop and transition to full-time roles at other positions or absorb utility roles, 2025 first-round pick Marek Houston could also develop into a long-term solution at the position. Despite undergoing one of the more dreadful seasons in team history, Minnesota possesses two top prospects who could blossom into long-term regulars at the position. If Lee continues to flounder at the major league level, the organization could quickly move on from the 2023 first-round pick, handing the position over to one of Culpepper or Houston. View full article

Laweryson already has a 40-man spot. Also, I mostly agree with the seven prospects you’re protecting. I could see them choosing not to protect Klein.

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge Amidst the flurry that was the Minnesota Twins' 2025 Trade Deadline mass exodus came a mid-impact trade that sent right-handed outfielder Harrison Bader to the Philadelphia Phillies for left-handed hitting outfield prospect Hendry Mendez and right-handed throwing starting pitching prospect Geremy Villoria. Similar to how he performed with Minnesota, Bader continued to impress at the plate with Philadelphia, hitting .305/.361/.463 with 54 hits, five home runs, and a 129 wRC+ over 194 plate appearances while providing plus defense in all three outfield spots for the postseason-bound Phillies. That being the case, Bader will likely secure a substantial contract this offseason, netting the 31-year-old significantly more money and years than the one-year, $6.5 million contract he signed with Minnesota last February. On the flip side, Mendez (the headliner in Minnesota's return package) performed exceptionally after joining Minnesota's minor-league system, hitting .324/.461/.450 with 36 hits, three doubles, three home runs, and a 160 wRC+ over 142 plate appearances. The 21-year-old has also demonstrated a plus eye at the plate, generating 27 walks to 21 strikeouts and a well-above league-average 14.8% strikeout rate. Possessing a contact-skilled profile, Mendez has excelled at all minor league levels since signing with the Milwaukee Brewers out of the Dominican Republic, entering the 2020 season. Despite being with his third organization, the 22-year-old is a highly regarded prospect, many prospect pundits believe could blossom into a high-average, high-OBP major league hitter in the near future. Recently being revealed as part of Minnesota's Arizona Fall League (AFL) roster, Mendez appears to be on the verge of making it to "The Show," potentially as part of the club's 2026 Opening Day roster. Being Rule 5 Draft eligible this upcoming December, Mendez is a near-lock to earn a 40-man roster spot. That being the case, earning a spot on next season's Opening Day roster would be a seamless roster move, given the club wouldn't need to remove anyone from the 40-man roster to reward the former Phillies prospect a spot. Still, possessing a 40-man roster spot alone won't be enough to make the Opening Day roster. Yet, him continuing to hit at an above-average rate while developing at a specific position could. That position is first base. According to reporting from MLB.com's Matthew Leach, Minnesota has Mendez taking reps at first base, and despite not yet playing the position in a game, he could make his debut at the position in the AFL. Like top prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Gabriel Gonzalez, Mendez making the club's 2026 Opening Day roster appears far-fetched at the moment. Yet, given all four prospects likely possessing 40-man roster spots come Spring Training, there is reason to believe Mendez could join one or multiple of the club's top prospects in the majors early next season, especially given how thin the parent club's depth at first base presently is. Now, Twins decision-makers electing to sign a veteran first baseman like Josh Naylor or Rhys Hoskins, or trading for a more cost-controlled, major league-ready option this offseason, would make speculation surrounding Mendez's likelihood of making the club's Opening Day roster moot. Yet, if the spending-restricted front office elects not to address the position over the offseason, Mendez (given his age, upside, and positional flexibility) could have the inside track on other internal options to become Kody Clemens's primary first base partner early next season. Despite earning a promotion to Triple-A this season, former first-round pick Aaron Sabato has struggled at the plate with St. Paul, yet again causing doubt surrounding his ability to produce at the major league level despite breaking out at Double-A earlier this season. Right-handed hitting utility player Kyler Fedko has hit well at Triple-A this season (115 wRC+ over 187 plate appearances) while spending time at first base. Yet, given that he is 26 years old and hasn't demonstrated sustainable success in the high minors until this season, Minnesota would be misguided in handing him a 26-man roster spot. Also, Mendez is much more likely to possess a 40-man roster spot over Sabato and Fedko, further solidifying his chances of earning an Opening Day roster spot over them. Mendez, being a left-handed-hitting bat who primarily plays in the corner outfield, would make him a redundant skillset on Minnesota's 26-man roster, even if Trevor Larnach is non-tendered or traded this offseason. His redundant skillset is the driving factor in him needing to demonstrate meaningful progress at first base heading into Spring Training. Yet, if the 22-year-old can stand out at first base in the AFL while continuing to demonstrate the contact-skilled profile that made him a priority addition during the Trade Deadline, there is reason to believe Mendez could quickly become a fixture in Minnesota's next position player core, potentially as part of next season's Opening Day roster. View full article

Ideally, Clemens wouldn't have such a prominent role on this team, I agree. I'm not a Clemens defender. However, I think Twins decision-makers would have been more than happy with a 19 home run and 98 wRC+ over 379 plate appearances 2025 campaign from Julien.