Cody Christie

Image courtesy of © Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The 2026 MLB Draft is quickly approaching, and the Minnesota Twins find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After securing the third overall selection, Minnesota holds its highest draft pick since taking Royce Lewis with the first overall pick in 2017. With the draft board beginning to take shape, much of the industry expects shortstops Grady Emerson and Roch Cholowsky to come off the board with the first two selections, though there remains debate about which player will ultimately go first overall. That uncertainty could leave the Twins with a fascinating decision at No. 3. According to the Pioneer Press, Charley Walters wrote that “there is little doubt” the Twins are set on selecting Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey. Some evaluators believe Lackey is not only the top catcher in the class, but the best college player available. If the Twins are indeed zeroing in on the Yellow Jacket’s star, the decision would represent both a tremendous opportunity and a calculated gamble. The Case for Drafting Lackey Few players in this draft can match Lackey's combination of production, athleticism, and developmental trajectory. The Georgia Tech junior has dominated college baseball this season, hitting .412 with 20 home runs, 78 RBIs, and an OPS north of 1.300 while leading the Yellow Jackets to one of the best records in the country. His offensive profile checks nearly every box teams look for in a premium position player. Lackey controls the strike zone exceptionally well and consistently puts the ball in play. He has cleaned up a swing that was considered somewhat busy, and he rarely gets beaten by velocity while using the entire field effectively. Scouts believe there is enough raw power in his bat to support annual 20-plus home run production at the professional level, and his increasing ability to elevate the baseball has unlocked another level of offensive impact this season. What makes his profile especially intriguing is that he remains relatively new to his current level of physical development. Lackey was a classic late bloomer in high school. He received little recruiting attention until his senior season and was largely overlooked by scouts because he rarely attended showcase events. As a freshman, Lackey struggled against ACC competition and posted a .174 batting average in conference play. Yet, Georgia Tech remained committed to his long-term development. That patience has paid off in a major way. Each season has brought significant improvement, culminating in one of the most impressive campaigns in college baseball this spring. For organizations that prioritize player development and growth potential, Lackey's story is particularly appealing. He has already shown an ability to identify weaknesses, make adjustments, and maximize his natural tools. The Defensive Value The offensive production alone would make Lackey a top draft prospect, but his defense behind the plate elevates his overall profile. Lackey was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and has developed into one of the nation's premier defensive catchers. His athleticism stands out immediately. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he moves exceptionally well for a catcher and displays the agility needed to handle the position at a high level. His arm strength is another significant weapon. Last season, he threw out 14 of 29 attempted base stealers, a remarkable success rate that showcases both arm strength and accuracy. This season, he has thrown out 7 of 31 runners. He also posted a .985 fielding percentage while continuing to refine his receiving skills. Perhaps most importantly, his athleticism provides a potential fallback option if catching ever becomes too demanding. He played 13 errorless games at third base in 2025, giving teams confidence that his bat could remain valuable elsewhere on the diamond if necessary. For a Twins organization that values versatility and defensive flexibility, that added layer of security could be attractive. The Concerns About Taking a Catcher Third Overall As impressive as Lackey's resume may be, there are legitimate reasons for caution. The first concern is positional risk. Catchers carry some of the highest attrition rates in professional baseball. The physical demands of the position often slow offensive development, and even elite amateur catchers can struggle to handle the workload required at the major-league level. Recent draft history provides examples of highly regarded catching prospects who required significant developmental time before reaching their ceilings. Pittsburgh took Henry Davis with the first overall pick in 2021, and he’s accumulated -1.7 rWAR. Adley Rutschman looked like a slam-dunk pick at number one for the Orioles in 2019, but injuries derailed his rapid ascent toward superstardom. Though it looks like he'll stop the trend this year, he's posted fewer wins above replacement (WAR) in each of his big-league seasons than in the one before it. There are also some questions about Lackey's offensive profile. While his power is undeniable, scouts have noted that his swing can produce too many ground balls. Although he has made meaningful improvements in that area this season, professional pitchers may challenge him differently than collegiate competition. Defensively, while his tools are excellent, evaluators still point to occasional lapses in focus and consistency. Those issues are common among young catchers, but they will require continued development. Another factor is organizational fit. The Twins have invested heavily in catching talent in recent years. While drafting for need is rarely advisable at the top of the draft, Minnesota must determine whether Lackey's upside clearly exceeds that of other available options, particularly if a premium shortstop or another impact position player remains on the board. Why the Twins Might Ultimately Be Sold The strongest argument in favor of Lackey may be that his best baseball could still be ahead of him. Most top-three picks arrive with years of national attention and showcase experience. Lackey's path has been different. He entered college as an under-the-radar recruit and has improved dramatically every season since arriving at Georgia Tech. That developmental curve suggests there may still be additional upside. Organizations are constantly searching for players who have not yet reached their ceiling. Lackey's combination of athleticism, intelligence, work ethic, and year-over-year growth makes him one of the more compelling bets in the class. His profile also aligns with traits the Twins have traditionally valued. Minnesota has often targeted players with strong baseball instincts, defensive versatility, and a demonstrated ability to improve. Lackey checks all of those boxes. For the Twins, the decision may come down to a simple question: Do they believe Lackey's future is still ascending? If the answer is yes, Minnesota could be looking at a franchise cornerstone capable of impacting the game on both sides of the ball for years to come. If his development continues on its current trajectory, the Twins may not simply be drafting the best catcher in the class. They may be drafting one of the best players in baseball's next generation. Of course, it could also be a decision that's made for them, if the Chicago White Sox or Tampa Bay Rays take Lackey first. A month and a half out from the draft, it's just beginning to be time to assess choices like this one, as the options come slowly into focus. Will Lackey be Minnesota’s selection at number three? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins have made several eye-opening roster decisions over the past few weeks. Demotions for Matt Wallner and Royce Lewis certainly grabbed headlines, but Saturday's announcement may be the most unexpected move of the season. The club designated right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment, effectively removing him from both the active roster and the 40-man roster. In a corresponding move, Minnesota promoted fellow right-hander John Klein from Triple-A St. Paul. Because Klein already occupied a spot on the 40-man roster, the Twins now have just 38 players on their 40-man roster. The significance of the move goes beyond a simple roster shuffle. Woods Richardson entered the season without any minor league options remaining. That means the Twins could not send him back to Triple-A without first exposing him to waivers, where any club can claim him and immediately place him on its major league roster. For a pitcher who entered the year expected to provide valuable rotation depth, things unraveled quickly. Woods Richardson posted a 7.74 ERA across 47 2/3 innings this season while recording 26 strikeouts against 25 walks. The lack of swing-and-miss stuff combined with ongoing command issues left him struggling to consistently navigate major league lineups. Two weeks ago, Minnesota removed him from the starting rotation in hopes that a relief role might unlock better results. The experiment showed some signs of improvement. Woods Richardson worked three scoreless innings across two bullpen appearances, though he still allowing too many base runners in each outing. His return to the rotation came out of necessity rather than performance. After Kendry Rojas was scratched with an elbow issue earlier this week, Woods Richardson was called upon to start Thursday's game against the White Sox. The outing did little to strengthen his case for a roster spot. He surrendered five runs in just 2 2/3 innings during Minnesota's 6-2 loss. That appearance appears to have been the final straw. What's particularly fascinating about this decision is what it says about the Twins' internal evaluation. Minnesota's bullpen depth has been tested throughout the season, and organizations are usually hesitant to part with pitchers who still possess starting experience. By designating Woods Richardson for assignment, the Twins are signaling that they do not view him as a viable long-term bullpen solution. If the organization believed there was a meaningful role for him moving forward, exposing him to waivers would have represented a significant risk. Now the Twins must wait to see whether another organization is willing to take a chance on the 25-year-old right-hander. Given his former prospect pedigree and major league experience, there is a reasonable possibility another club will be interested. For Minnesota, the move creates immediate roster flexibility. For Woods Richardson, it could mark the end of his tenure with the organization that acquired him as part of the José Berríos trade nearly five years ago. Check back for additional updates as more details become available. View full article

Image courtesy of © Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images For much of the last two seasons, the Twins have been searching for stability in the infield. Injuries, underperformance, and constant lineup juggling have turned what once looked like a strength into one of the roster’s biggest uncertainties. Now, with Brooks Lee settling in at third base and Royce Lewis working to rebuild his value in Triple-A, the organization appears to be quietly reshaping the future of its infield defense. Some of those answers could arrive quickly. Others may take years to fully develop. But the Twins' recent moves have created a clearer picture of what the organization might want its infield to look like moving forward. Shortstop Short-Term Fix: Ryan Kreidler, Orlando Arcia, and Tristan Gray The immediate aftermath of Lee’s move to third base has been a revolving cast at shortstop. Kreidler, Arcia, and Gray have all received opportunities there since Lee moved to third. It seems like the Twins don’t have a great fit at third, and they want all their veterans to receive playing time. That likely means a rotation at the position, which isn’t very common across baseball. Kreidler feels like the most logical short-term option because he immediately improves the defense. Even if the bat remains inconsistent, his glove changes the complexion of the infield. The Twins desperately needed more range and reliability up the middle, and Kreidler provides both. Minnesota can live with limited offense if it means preventing extra outs from turning into extra innings. Arcia and Gray fit more as temporary depth pieces. Both can handle the position in stretches, but neither profiles as someone the Twins want playing there every day for the remainder of the season. Their presence mostly buys time while the organization evaluates bigger-picture solutions. The important part is that Lee no longer has to carry the burden of playing shortstop every day. The defensive pressure there was substantial, and the move to third base allows him to focus more on developing offensively while settling into a more natural defensive fit. Long-Term Solution: Kaelen Culpepper The Twins’ long-term thinking becomes much more obvious once Kaelen Culpepper enters the discussion. The 2024 first-round pick has rapidly climbed the organizational ladder and is beginning to look like the future answer at shortstop. His performance at Triple-A has accelerated the timeline considerably, and the Twins suddenly have a legitimate prospect knocking on the door. More importantly, Lee’s move to third base clears a clean path for Culpepper. Had Lee remained at shortstop, the organization eventually would have faced uncomfortable defensive and developmental questions. Now, Minnesota can allow Culpepper to arrive without forcing a position change on either player. Culpepper’s combination of athleticism, defensive tools, and offensive upside gives the Twins something they have lacked for years: a potential long-term two-way shortstop. His arrival may not be far away. Longer-Term Solution: Marek Houston If Culpepper represents the next phase, Marek Houston could represent the one after. The slick-fielding 2025 first-round pick already carries a reputation as one of the better defensive shortstop prospects in the system. His glove gives him a high floor, but the real question will be how quickly the bat develops. That creates a fascinating future scenario for the Twins. If Houston hits enough to force his way into the conversation, Minnesota could once again face difficult decisions regarding positional alignment. Culpepper’s athleticism might allow flexibility, but Houston looks like the type of defender who could eventually demand everyday shortstop consideration. That problem could arrive as soon as 2027, but it is exactly the kind of organizational depth the Twins have lacked in previous seasons. Third Base Short-Term Fix: Brooks Lee The Twins finally appear committed to giving Lee an extended opportunity at third base, and that may be the best thing for both the player and the organization. Lee’s defensive profile fits more naturally at third than shortstop, and the move simplifies things considerably. Instead of asking him to survive at one of baseball’s most demanding defensive positions, the Twins can focus on maximizing his offensive development while allowing his instincts and hands to play at third. There will still be growing pains. Lee is young, and consistency remains part of the development process. But the organization needs to stop bouncing him between positions and allow him to settle into a permanent role. For now, third base belongs to him. Long-Term Solution: Brooks Lee The simplest answer may also be the correct one. If Lee proves capable of handling third base defensively while becoming the hitter the Twins believe he can be, there is little reason to move him again. The constant shifting around the diamond has likely done little to help his overall development, and stability could unlock another level offensively. That also creates an unavoidable ripple effect involving Lewis. For much of the last two years, third base has effectively been reserved for Lewis whenever healthy. But injuries, inconsistent production, and his recent Triple-A demotion have changed the equation. If Lee establishes himself there, Lewis may need to reinvent his defensive value elsewhere. The Twins cannot continue building around theoretical upside forever. At some point, availability and consistency have to matter. Second Base Short-Term Fix: Luke Keaschall Keaschall has been playing regularly at second base during the 2026 season. His offensive struggles have been tough to keep him in the lineup, and he could quickly follow Lewis to Triple-A. If Keaschall is demoted, some of the other veteran infielders would be called on to take over second for the short term. The biggest challenge is figuring out how Keaschall fits once other pieces return. If the Twins view him as a long-term everyday player, they may eventually need to commit to him at one position instead of moving him around the diamond. Right now, though, second base makes the most sense. Long-Term Solution: TBD The most complicated question on the roster remains how the Twins will fill second base long term. Keaschall’s struggles could be natural growing pains for a young player. He could turn it around in the second half, and this conversation becomes an afterthought. In a perfect world, Lewis rediscovers his offensive impact and forces his way back into the Twins’ plans as an everyday player. But with third base potentially occupied by Lee long-term, second base may become the clearest defensive path. That scenario still comes with major questions. Lewis has barely played second base in recent years, and the transition would require both health and commitment. There is also the larger issue of offensive production. The Twins can justify defensive experimentation only if Lewis returns to being a difference-maker at the plate. The Twins would also have to shift Keaschall to another position. However, his bat would need to produce if he moves to a corner outfield spot or first base. By 2028, it may be Lee at second, Houston at shortstop, and Culpepper at third. The Twins’ recent infield reshuffling may look temporary on the surface, but it feels much larger than that. Lee’s move to third base has clarified the shortstop pipeline, opened opportunities for Culpepper, complicated Lewis’ future, and created a more defined defensive structure across the diamond. There are still unanswered questions, especially regarding Lewis and how aggressively the Twins promote Culpepper. Now comes the difficult part: figuring out which players truly belong in the next competitive core and which ones eventually become the odd men out. How should the Twins view the organization’s long- and short-term infield options? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images The Twins have spent most of the season floating in baseball purgatory. They haven’t looked like a legitimate contender, but they also haven’t played poorly enough to fade from the American League playoff race completely. Nearly every time the season feels ready to spiral, Minnesota responds with a strong series win or a timely stretch of baseball that keeps the club hovering near the Wild Card picture. Part of the reason the Twins have stayed alive is that the American League has lacked separation. Outside of a handful of true contenders, the rest of the league has been filled with inconsistent clubs carrying obvious flaws. That reality has allowed Minnesota to remain within striking distance despite its own shortcomings. For this team, the formula moving forward is straightforward. Keep winning series. Stay near the .500 mark. Let the standings sort themselves out. Whether that ultimately leads to meaningful September baseball remains to be seen, but the rest of the season should provide plenty of intrigue. Here’s one bold prediction for every month left in the Twins’ season. June: The Twins Stay Near .500 and Remain in the Wild Card Hunt The Twins continue hovering around the .500 mark through the end of June, keeping themselves firmly planted in the middle of the Wild Card conversation. That might not sound particularly impressive on the surface, but for a club that entered the year with limited expectations, remaining relevant into the summer would still represent an accomplishment. Injuries, offensive inconsistency, and a lack of overall roster depth have created plenty of opportunities for the season to collapse. Instead, Minnesota keeps finding ways to stabilize itself. The rotation continues to carry much of the workload. Joe Ryan pitches like a frontline starter, Bailey Ober provides valuable innings, and the bullpen does just enough to protect late leads. Offensively, the lineup remains streaky, but Byron Buxton’s production helps prevent the club from falling into extended losing streaks. The bigger factor may be the American League's weakness. There are very few dominant teams battling for the final playoff spots, which keeps the Twins firmly in the mix despite their flaws. June becomes less about separating from the pack and more about surviving long enough to stay relevant heading into July. If Minnesota reaches the All-Star break within a few games of a playoff spot, the season suddenly feels much more interesting than many expected back in March. July: The Twins Begin Preparing for Another Deadline Selloff Even while remaining close to contention, the Twins quietly begin laying the groundwork for another trade deadline selloff. Joe Ryan and Ryan Jeffers emerge as two of the organization’s most discussed names leading up to the deadline. Ryan would instantly become one of the top starting pitchers available on the market because of his production, affordability, and years of team control. Jeffers also draws plenty of attention from contenders seeking help behind the plate. Meanwhile, Buxton’s name dominates rumor cycles throughout the month. Rival executives continue checking whether Minnesota would consider moving the face of the franchise. Ultimately, though, the Twins hold onto Buxton while deciding to capitalize on the value of Ryan and Jeffers. The return package mirrors the organization’s recent strategy. Instead of targeting lower-level lottery ticket prospects, Minnesota prioritizes players who are close to major-league ready. The front office wants to remain competitive in the near future rather than commit to a lengthy rebuild. Trading Ryan would be difficult for both the clubhouse and the fan base. He has developed into the reliable ace the Twins have desperately needed for years. Still, the organization understands that controllable starting pitching rarely carries more value than it does at the trade deadline. The Twins may not fully wave the white flag in July, but they begin making decisions with the future clearly in mind. August: Walker Jenkins Finally Arrives in Minnesota Walker Jenkins finally makes his long-anticipated major league debut before the end of August. His shoulder injury significantly delays the timeline. Instead of aggressively pushing him through the system, the Twins choose patience. Jenkins likely doesn’t return to Triple-A St. Paul until late June or early July, limiting the amount of time he has to force the issue before the second half. Once he gets rolling, though, the talent becomes impossible to ignore. By late August, Minnesota rewards its top prospect with a promotion that instantly changes the energy around the organization. Jenkins arrives with massive expectations because of his advanced offensive approach, mature plate discipline, and ability to impact the baseball to all fields. The youth movement may not stop there. Kaelen Culpepper, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Gabriel Gonzalez could all factor into the second-half picture as the organization begins transitioning toward its next core. Suddenly, the Twins become one of the more fascinating teams in baseball despite lingering around the edges of contention. That wave of young talent provides excitement for both the clubhouse and the fan base. Even if the playoff odds remain slim, the final weeks of August become must-watch baseball because of the organization’s future arriving in real time. September: The Twins Fade From the Race, but Buxton Earns MVP Recognition The Twins ultimately run out of steam during September and fall out of the playoff race. The combination of deadline trades, roster inconsistency, and limited depth eventually catches up to them. Minnesota remains competitive for much of the season, but the lack of established impact talent becomes too difficult to overcome over a full six-month grind. Still, the season closes with one of the most rewarding individual performances of Buxton’s career. For the first time, Buxton finally finishes inside the top 10 of American League MVP voting. The talent has always been worthy of that level of recognition. Health has prevented him from putting together a complete season before last year. He finished with the eleventh-highest vote total in last year’s voting cycle. This year will finally be different. Buxton is one of the only bright spots on the Twins, and he almost single-handedly keeps the club competitive. The numbers could be spectacular. Forty home runs, elite defense in center field, baserunning impact, and highlight reel moments every week would force voters to recognize his value. Even on a team that misses the postseason, Buxton establishes himself as one of the American League’s most dynamic players. The Twins are walking a difficult line between competing in the present and preparing for the future. That balancing act should define the remainder of the season. There will likely be moments where the club looks capable of making a legitimate Wild Card push. There will also be stretches where another organizational reset feels inevitable. In many ways, that uncertainty perfectly reflects where the franchise currently stands. Still, the rest of the season could provide something equally important as postseason baseball: clarity. If Jenkins arrives as expected, and if the next wave of prospects begins establishing itself at the major-league level, the Twins could leave 2026 with a much stronger vision for what comes next. Even if October baseball ultimately slips away, the final four months may still shape the future of the organization for years to come. What are other bold predictions for the coming months? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson, Matt Krohn, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association appear headed for another lengthy negotiation cycle, and the league’s latest proposal added fuel to the fire. MLB’s initial economic proposal for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) included the framework for both a salary cap and a salary floor, a concept that has long been discussed around the sport but never implemented. Under the proposal, teams would be required to meet a minimum payroll threshold, while also staying below a maximum spending limit. The league says the structure would improve competitive balance while also encouraging clubs to invest more heavily in their major-league rosters. (They're pointedly not saying that it would allow them to define "baseball revenue" and wall off a greater portion of what they make from each other and from players, or the biggest reason for wanting a cap: cost certainty that would be worth tens of millions per year in rising franchise values.) The proposed floor for 2027 would sit at $171.2 million. Based on current Opening Day payroll projections, a dozen teams would need to increase spending to comply with the new rules. According to FanGraphs, the Twins currently have a $107 million payroll, leaving Minnesota more than $64 million short of the proposed floor. That creates an interesting question. If this proposal eventually becomes reality, how could the Twins realistically add that much payroll? The answer is that there are several ways to get there, and some of them could actually strengthen the organization’s long-term outlook. Lock Up the Current Core The easiest way for Minnesota to add payroll responsibly would be by extending players already in the clubhouse. Joe Ryan immediately stands out as one of the organization’s most logical extension candidates. He has developed into one of the American League’s steadiest starters, and front offices around baseball are always looking for controllable pitching. That reality also means Ryan could become a trade deadline target for other clubs if the Twins fall out of contention. Minnesota must decide whether it views him as part of the next competitive window or as a trade asset. Ryan Jeffers falls into a similar category. Catchers with offensive upside are difficult to replace, and while his production has fluctuated at times, Jeffers remains one of the better offensive catchers in the league when healthy. Extending him would provide some stability behind the plate, while also raising payroll organically. Then there is Pablo López, whose situation may be the most fascinating of the group. López is recovering from Tommy John surgery and has only one year of team control remaining. Normally, pitchers approaching free agency after a major surgery carry substantial risk, but that risk can also create an opportunity for a team-friendly extension. If Minnesota believes López can return to form, it may be able to negotiate a deal that adds multiple seasons at a more manageable annual value than a healthy frontline starter would command on the open market. Rather than viewing extensions strictly as financial burdens, the Twins could use them to create certainty around a roster core, while simultaneously moving closer to the salary floor. Bet on Young Pitching Before the Price Explodes Across baseball, teams have become increasingly aggressive about extending young pitchers before they fully establish themselves at the major-league level. The Twins could follow that blueprint. Taj Bradley already looks like a potential long-term rotation fixture. His power arsenal gives Minnesota something it has lacked consistently near the top of the rotation, and if he continues trending upward, his arbitration years could become expensive quickly. An extension now could save the organization money in the long run while also helping boost payroll in the short term. Connor Prielipp and Mick Abel are more complicated cases because of their injury histories, but both possess legitimate upside. Pitching is expensive on the open market, and teams willing to take calculated risks on talented young arms can sometimes create tremendous surplus value. Minnesota has historically operated carefully in this space. If a salary floor becomes reality, the Twins may need to become more proactive about buying out arbitration and free-agent years before prices escalate. Join Baseball’s Pre-Arbitration Extension Movement One of the biggest trends around baseball has been teams extending players before they even establish themselves in the major leagues. Clubs are increasingly willing to guarantee money early in exchange for long-term cost certainty and additional years of team control. The Twins have mostly stayed away from these types of contracts (sure, they signed Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler, but that was a long time ago, now), but that may need to change. Kaelen Culpepper could make a great deal of sense as a candidate, if Minnesota believes he's a long-term answer somewhere in the infield. He offers athleticism, defensive versatility, and a skill set that could age well. Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez possess enormous ceilings, but both players carry obvious injury risks. That uncertainty could actually create an opening for Minnesota. If the organization still believes either player can become a foundational star, a creative extension could protect the player financially while giving the Twins a chance at massive long-term value. These deals are becoming increasingly common because they allow teams to spend aggressively without necessarily diving headfirst into free agency. For a club attempting to reach a salary floor while maintaining long-term flexibility, this approach may become essential. Make Byron Buxton a Twin for Life There are certain players who define an era of Twins baseball, and Buxton unquestionably fits into that category. When healthy, Buxton remains one of the most electric players in baseball. His combination of defense, speed, and power still changes games in ways very few players can replicate. More importantly, he has become one of the faces of the franchise. If Minnesota is eventually required to spend significantly more money, keeping Buxton in a Twins uniform through the remainder of his career should become a priority. Even with the injury concerns, there is value in maintaining continuity and rewarding a player who has remained loyal to the organization throughout his career. The Twins have often struggled to keep star-level talent long term. Ensuring Buxton retires in Minnesota would send a meaningful message about the franchise's direction. Finally, Invest Real Money in the Bullpen The bullpen has too often been treated like a clearance rack project. Minnesota has consistently attempted to patch together relief groups through waiver claims, minor-league signings, and bounce-back candidates. Occasionally, that strategy works. More often, it leaves the bullpen lacking reliable late-inning options. If the Twins suddenly need to add tens of millions of dollars to payroll, the relief market provides one of the easiest opportunities to do so quickly. Elite relievers are expensive, but they also dramatically improve roster stability. Adding proven bullpen arms would not only help Minnesota reach the proposed salary floor but address one of the organization’s most persistent weaknesses. The Twins do not necessarily need to hand out reckless contracts, but they can no longer operate as though every bullpen spot should be filled through bargain hunting. Right now, MLB’s salary cap-and-floor proposal remains exactly that: a proposal. There is still a long road before any new CBA becomes a reality, and the players union has already made clear that it detests the idea of a cap. Still, the concept forces teams like the Twins into an uncomfortable but fascinating discussion. If Minnesota were suddenly required to spend another $64 million, the organization could no longer rely exclusively on short-term fixes and payroll restraint. The encouraging part for Twins fans is that there are logical ways to add that spending without abandoning the future. Extensions for core veterans, aggressive deals with young talent, long-term commitments to franchise players, and meaningful bullpen investments could all help bridge the gap. For years, fans have begged ownership to act more aggressively. A salary floor might eventually force the issue. How would the Twins spend the money needed to get to the salary floor? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints Few prospects in baseball carry the combination of hype, polish, and expectation that surrounds Walker Jenkins. Ever since the Twins selected Jenkins with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the organization has viewed him as a potential franchise cornerstone. When healthy, he has looked exactly like the type of hitter scouts envisioned during his rise through the North Carolina prep ranks. The problem is, Twins fans haven’t gotten nearly enough opportunities to see him healthy for extended stretches. The same can be said for Emmanuel Rodriguez, for whom a fan's panic level might be a little higher than on Jenkins. The disruptions to Jenkins's progress have started to create an uncomfortable question surrounding one of baseball’s best prospects: How worried should fans actually be about the growing injury history? Panic Level: Low — But No Longer Nonexistent There’s still a massive difference between “concerned” and “panicked” when it comes to Jenkins. In his age-20 season, he climbed to Triple-A, and he owns a career .863 OPS in professional baseball. Even with multiple injuries interrupting his development, Jenkins continues producing whenever he returns to the lineup. At the same time, the injuries are beginning to pile up enough that they can’t simply be brushed aside anymore. Jenkins played only 192 total games across his first two-plus professional seasons. He battled a quad strain and hamstring injury in 2024 before suffering an ankle sprain last season. Now, another setback has arrived in 2026, after Jenkins suffered a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, crashing into an outfield wall while making a catch. The Twins have yet to establish a firm recovery timeline, but it’s another interruption for a player still searching for his first truly uninterrupted professional season. That’s where some of the anxiety starts creeping in. Jenkins has yet to appear in more than 84 games during any professional campaign. For a prospect whose advanced hit tool is supposed to carry the profile, consistent reps are incredibly important. Lost development time is never ideal, especially against upper-level pitching. Still, this situation feels very different from some other injury-prone prospects, because the performance hasn’t disappeared whenever Jenkins does play. Even after a slow offensive start this year at Triple-A St. Paul, Jenkins had begun finding his rhythm before the shoulder injury. He currently owns a .256/.396/.389 line across 111 plate appearances, continuing to show elite on-base ability despite inconsistent playing time. Why the Ceiling Still Looks Elite The reason Twins fans shouldn’t spiral into full panic mode is simple: Jenkins still looks like a future impact big-leaguer every time he steps on the field. His offensive foundation remains incredibly advanced for his age. Using a smooth and repeatable left-handed swing, Jenkins consistently finds the barrel and controls the strike zone at a level rarely seen from players this young. He doesn’t sell out for power, but the strength and bat speed still allow him to drive the baseball with authority, particularly to the pull side. Perhaps most encouragingly, he has continued adding more game power without sacrificing contact quality. That blend of plate discipline, bat-to-ball skills, and emerging power gives Jenkins one of the safer offensive profiles in the minors, even with the missed time. He has also handled left-handed pitching reasonably well, another encouraging sign for his long-term projection as an everyday middle-of-the-order hitter. The athleticism remains obvious, too. An above-average runner with strong instincts both on the bases and in the field, Jenkins has spent most of his professional career in center field. While many evaluators believe right field could eventually become his best long-term fit, that’s hardly a negative outcome. His strong throwing arm and offensive upside profile perfectly in a run-producing corner outfield role. The bigger issue is simply staying on the field long enough to let all those tools fully develop. Can Jenkins Shake The Injury-Prone Label? This is where the conversation becomes tricky. Right now, Jenkins is probably approaching the stage where people will begin casually labeling him as injury-prone. Fair or unfair, repeated lower-body injuries followed by another significant setback naturally create that perception. But unlike some prospects who see their tools diminish after injuries, Jenkins keeps returning and looking like the same player. Nothing about his offensive approach, athleticism, or physical tools suggests his long-term upside has changed dramatically. In fact, he arguably looked stronger offensively in 2025 despite the interruptions, posting a .286/.399/.451 line across four levels, including rehab assignments. Jenkins doesn’t necessarily need to prove he can become a star. Most evaluators already believe he can do that. The bigger challenge now is proving his body can handle the grind of a full professional schedule. That’s the key point for Twins fans to remember. If he eventually puts together a healthy 130-plus game season, much of the injury conversation likely fades into the background quickly. Twins fans have every right to feel uneasy seeing another injury attached to Jenkins’s name. At some point, repeated absences become part of the overall evaluation, and the Twins would undoubtedly love to see their top prospect finally put together an uninterrupted season. The lost developmental reps are real, especially for such a young player climbing aggressively through the minors. But panic still feels premature. Jenkins continues to perform at an extremely high level when healthy, and the overall profile remains among the best in the organization. The hit tool, approach, power projection, athleticism, and defensive versatility all still point toward a potential impact major-league outfielder. The injuries are concerning. The upside, however, is still enormous. That balance is what makes Jenkins one of the most fascinating prospects in baseball, and why Twins fans are still dreaming about what happens if everything finally clicks at once. Should fans be panicked about Jenkins? Can he shake the injury-prone label? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images When the Twins hired Derek Shelton, the early reaction around the organization felt overwhelmingly positive. After years of watching Rocco Baldelli manage with a calm and measured personality, Shelton brought a more energetic and outwardly emotional style to the dugout. That difference has been noticeable from Day One. Shelton has always been comfortable in front of a microphone and has shown a natural ability to connect with both players and the media. That doesn’t automatically make someone a good manager, but it helped establish confidence, during a season wherein the Twins were already facing plenty of uncertainty. The real question was whether Shelton could navigate a flawed roster while keeping the club in contention. So far, the answer has mostly been yes. Lineup Construction One of the biggest talking points entering the season was the top of the lineup. The Twins had multiple candidates to hit leadoff, including Luke Keaschall, Ryan Jeffers, and Brooks Lee. Instead of endlessly rotating options, the club quickly settled on the obvious answer. Byron Buxton wanted the role, and Shelton embraced it. It has been the right decision, and it wasn't an easy one. Buxton remains the team’s most dynamic offensive player, but if he could hit equally well regardless of lineup position, you'd want him to bat second, third or fourth. More than Baldelli, Shelton came in trying to make that work, but once he recognized how big a difference it makes for Buxton in matters of preparation and mindset, he changed tack. The Twins have not spent the season overcomplicating lineup construction with constant matchup-based shuffling. Injuries have forced adjustments, but the everyday structure has largely remained stable. Shelton also deserves some credit for the organization’s willingness to make difficult decisions with struggling veterans and former stars. Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner were both expected to anchor significant portions of the offense this season. Instead, both players played themselves into demotions. While Shelton wasn’t the sole voice behind those moves, he deserves credit for managing the situation without creating unnecessary distractions (although, arguably, also some blame for the fact that each has cratered so badly). The Twins prioritized production over reputation. Offensively, the results have been encouraging in several important categories. Minnesota ranks as the eighth-biggest improver in Hard Hit%, up 0.2% from last season. Only three American League clubs have improved more. The Twins have also posted the AL’s largest increase in Launch Angle Sweet-Spot%, improving by 1.3%. That doesn’t mean the offense has been perfect. There have still been prolonged slumps and inconsistent performances throughout the lineup. However, Shelton has shown a willingness to move on from underperforming players rather than wait endlessly for improvement. Shelton's Lineup Grade: B Starting Pitchers The rotation looked like a potential disaster before the season even started. When Pablo López went down on the first day of spring training, it felt like Minnesota’s margin for error disappeared immediately. Instead of collapsing, the Twins have pieced together one of the better rotations in the American League. Taj Bradley has looked like a legitimate frontline starter. Joe Ryan continues to pitch at an All-Star caliber level despite an injury scare earlier in the year. Connor Prielipp has exceeded expectations during his rookie campaign, even as the organization carefully monitors his workload. Then there’s Zebby Matthews, who opened the season in the minors before injuries forced him into a critical role. He has responded exactly the way the Twins hoped. Shelton has also pushed the rotation aggressively, because he understands the limitations of the bullpen. Minnesota’s starters have consistently been asked to work deeper into games, and for the most part, they’ve delivered. He's been bitten a few times by leaving in starters too long, but there's no doubt that he has a different philosophy of pitcher usage and managing injury risk than Baldelli did. Last year, the Twins had 12 starts in which a hurler topped 100 pitches. This season, they already have nine, even though Bailey Ober only needed 89 pitches to complete one game. They're also staying on more of a five-day rotation, with 23 starts coming on four days' rest so far. Last year, under Baldelli, the Twins only had 41 such starts. The overall numbers back it up. Twins starters rank 10th in MLB in fWAR, which is sixth in the American League. They also sit eighth in ERA, eighth in Hard Hit%, and sixth overall in HR/FB rate. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to imagine Shelton squeezing much more out of this group. Shelton's Starting Pitcher Grade: A Bullpen Usage This bullpen probably should not work as well as it has. Entering the season, Minnesota lacked established high-end relief arms, and the concerns only intensified as injuries and inconsistency piled up. Shelton has responded by embracing complete bullpen chaos. So far, it has mostly worked. Eleven different pitchers have recorded a save this season, and no reliever has more than two saves. It has been a full committee approach, with Shelton constantly searching for favorable matchups and hot hands. There have absolutely been questionable moments along the way. Some pitching changes have backfired, and there are nights when the bullpen still feels one bad inning away from disaster. However, the overall results have been better than anyone reasonably expected. Twins relievers currently own a positive WPA, which felt nearly impossible entering the year, considering the available personnel. The organization also deserves credit for refusing to stay loyal to struggling veterans. Luis García and Justin Topa were designated for assignment after failing to establish consistency. Meanwhile, the Twins continue searching for undervalued contributors who can stabilize innings. Yoendrys Gómez has carved out a useful role, while younger pitchers like Andrew Morris and Travis Adams are beginning to adjust to leverage situations at the major-league level. Shelton hasn’t magically transformed the bullpen into a strength, but he has managed to keep it from sinking the season. Shelton's Bullpen Grade: B Overall Grade: B+ Shelton inherited a roster with obvious flaws, limited bullpen certainty, and major injury concerns in the rotation before Opening Day even arrived. Instead of letting the season spiral out of control, he has established a clear clubhouse identity while keeping the Twins competitive in a wide-open American League. His style differs noticeably from Baldelli’s, but different doesn’t necessarily mean better or worse. It simply means Shelton has put his own stamp on this team. There’s still plenty left to prove over a full season, especially when it comes to handling late-game situations and offensive consistency. However, considering the circumstances, Shelton’s first season in Minnesota has been a successful one (to this point). What grades should Shelton get for the areas above? What’s his overall grade? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images When the Minnesota Twins selected Royce Lewis with the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, the organization believed it was taking the highest-upside position player available. Nearly a decade later, the results have been frustrating, complicated, and increasingly difficult to defend. Last week, the Twins officially optioned Lewis to Triple-A after a brutal opening stretch to the 2026 season. In 31 games, Lewis slashed just .163/.261/.279 while producing only six extra-base hits. For a player once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, the performance became impossible for the organization to ignore. The frustrating part is that Lewis has shown flashes of being exactly what the Twins hoped he could become. Injuries interrupted multiple seasons, but when healthy, he looked like an explosive middle-of-the-order bat capable of carrying an offense. Those stretches are why he has still managed to accumulate 3.7 rWAR for his career, ranking 10th among first-round selections from the 2017 draft class. Unfortunately, most of that value came earlier in his career. Right now, Lewis looks lost offensively, overaggressive at the plate, and short on confidence. The Twins are hoping a reset in St. Paul can help him rediscover the version of himself that once looked destined for superstardom. Still, the bigger picture surrounding the 2017 draft is important context. In hindsight, the Twins may have been trapped in a no-win situation, no matter which direction they chose. Let’s revisit the names that followed Lewis near the top of the draft board. RHP Hunter Greene The Cincinnati Reds selected Greene second overall and handed him the largest signing bonus in the draft at $7.23 million. When healthy, Greene has absolutely looked like the best player from the class. He has accumulated 13.3 rWAR, the highest total among all first-round picks from 2017, thanks to overpowering stuff and ace-level flashes. If the Twins could redo the draft today, Greene is probably the choice. But that comes with a giant asterisk. Injuries have constantly interrupted his career. Greene underwent an elbow procedure this March and is expected to miss 14-16 weeks. Last season, he also missed more than two months because of a groin strain. The talent is undeniable, but durability concerns have followed him since the moment he entered professional baseball. LHP MacKenzie Gore The San Diego Padres went with Gore third overall, betting heavily on a high-school left-handed pitcher. That’s always a terrifying profile at the top of the draft, especially for a small-market organization that can’t afford a complete miss. Gore eventually found success after being traded to Washington, earning his first All-Star appearance last season while posting a career-best 3.0 rWAR campaign. This year has been a different story. Through 10 starts with Texas, Gore owns a 76 ERA+ and -0.1 rWAR. His career has featured massive swings in performance, and it’s easy to understand why the Twins avoided prep pitching at the top of the board altogether. Minnesota likely viewed both Greene and Gore as too risky for the first overall selection. 1B/RHP Brendan McKay Few players in the draft generated more intrigue than McKay, the Louisville two-way standout selected fourth overall by Tampa Bay. McKay was dominant on both sides of the ball in college, posting a .966 OPS while also recording a 2.23 ERA across three collegiate seasons. Tampa Bay gave him a $7 million signing bonus, another total that exceeded Lewis’s deal. It never came together professionally. Injuries completely derailed McKay’s development. He appeared in only 13 major-league games as a pitcher, and his last professional appearance came in Double-A during the 2024 season. Considering the expectations attached to him entering the draft, McKay would have been an even more painful outcome for Minnesota than Lewis has become. RHP Kyle Wright The Atlanta Braves selected Wright fifth overall after a dominant college career at Vanderbilt. He was viewed as one of the safer collegiate arms in the class and eventually delivered at least one excellent season. In 2022, Wright won 21 games for Atlanta while posting a 128 ERA+ over 180 innings. For a moment, it looked like the Braves had landed a frontline starter. Since then, his career has stalled out. Wright has bounced between multiple organizations in recent years, including the Royals and Cubs organizations. He hasn’t appeared in a major-league game this season, and last year he split time between Double-A and Triple-A. That’s the reality of this draft class. Even some of the “successful” picks came with major caveats. The painful truth for the Twins is that the top of the 2017 MLB Draft was loaded with warning signs. Nearly every option carried significant risk, whether it was injuries, inconsistency, stalled development, or outright collapse. Minnesota chose the player it believed offered the best combination of upside and long-term value. At times, Lewis absolutely justified that belief. There were stretches where he looked like a future superstar capable of changing the direction of the franchise. Right now, though, something clearly isn’t working. The Twins are hoping this stint in Triple-A becomes a reset instead of a farewell. Because while the 2017 draft may have been full of landmines, Minnesota still needs Royce Lewis to prove he isn’t one that permanently blew up their future plans. If the Twins could repick, who would they take with the first overall selection? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article