Cody Christie

The Minnesota Twins have several decisions to make as they reshape their pitching staff for the 2027 season. While the organization has a considerable amount of starting pitching depth, that doesn't mean the front office is completely satisfied with its current group. Finding the right balance between the rotation and bullpen could become one of the organization's biggest offseason priorities. In a recent report for The Athletic, Dan Hayes examined how Minnesota could approach its pitching situation. The Twins have enough candidates to fill a five-man rotation, but some of those arms could be better suited for different roles. Minnesota could add more starters and explore ways to strengthen its bullpen by moving some of its existing pitching depth into relief. “It’s something that we need to be open-minded to, knowing that it feels like an area of surplus but also want to be mindful of not eating into that too much since we know we’re going to need real depth to attack the season,” Twins GM Jeremy Zoll said at the general managers’ meetings. Hayes' outlook points to a potentially creative approach. Minnesota could pursue additional starting pitching while also evaluating which members of its current staff might be more valuable coming out of the bullpen. That would allow the club to address multiple needs without completely overhauling its pitching staff. A Crowded Rotation Creates Opportunities The Twins have eight legitimate starting candidates under team control entering 2027: Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Dean Kremer, Bailey Ober, Connor Prielipp, Zebby Matthews and Mick Abel. That depth creates some interesting possibilities. The organization could move one of its established starters through a trade, pursue another starting pitcher and use its remaining depth to address the bullpen. However, having eight candidates doesn't necessarily mean Minnesota has eight dependable options. López and Abel are both coming back from elbow procedures, while Matthews and Ober have questions to answer after inconsistent seasons. Prielipp made progress in 2026, but he is still developing as a big-league starter. The Twins learned how quickly starting pitching depth can disappear last season when injuries forced the organization to constantly adjust its plans. That makes the idea of adding another starter particularly interesting. Minnesota could have enough internal options to fill its rotation, but adding an established arm would provide insurance against injuries and give the coaching staff more flexibility. It could also allow the front office to consider moving a starter in a trade without leaving the rotation short-handed. There is also a financial component to consider. Ryan, López, Kremer and Ober are all eligible for free agency following the 2027 season. Minnesota could look to secure another controllable starter rather than risk losing multiple members of its rotation after next season. Zoll has already acknowledged that the team's starting pitching depth could create opportunities. Some Starters Could Find New Roles The other part of Minnesota's approach could involve transitioning certain pitchers into full-time relief roles. Not every pitcher who has experience starting needs to remain in that capacity, especially when the organization has several candidates competing for five rotation spots. David Festa and Kendry Rojas are two intriguing possibilities to consider. Festa has the stuff to potentially become an effective bullpen weapon, while Rojas has previously flashed the potential to help Minnesota at the big-league level. However, Festa has dealt with injuries over the last two seasons and the Twins likely want Rojas to continue to get starting experience. Still, a move to relief could give either pitcher a clearer path to consistent major league opportunities. Zebby Matthews is another name worth monitoring as the organization evaluates its depth. However, his ability to develop as a starting pitcher could make Minnesota hesitant to move him out of that role permanently. The same could be true for other young pitchers who still have opportunities to establish themselves in the rotation. The Twins have had success developing pitchers who eventually found their best roles in the bullpen. Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax became two of the organization's most valuable relievers after beginning their professional careers as starting pitchers. Louis Varland also found a path to success in relief after struggling to establish himself as a consistent rotation option. Andrew Morris provides another example of the organization having pitchers with starting experience who could offer flexibility in different roles. Those transitions don't necessarily mean a pitcher has failed as a starter. Sometimes a shorter appearance allows a pitcher to focus on his best pitches without worrying about navigating a lineup multiple times. A move to the bullpen can also allow pitchers to throw harder and become more aggressive with their arsenals. For an organization with several young arms competing for rotation opportunities, finding the right bullpen conversions could be just as important as signing an outside starter. The Bullpen Still Needs Reinforcements Even with some internal candidates available, Minnesota cannot expect every bullpen problem to disappear through position changes. The organization needs additional dependable arms, particularly in higher-leverage situations. A.J. Minter is a free agent, leaving another potential opening among the left-handed relievers. Currently, Kody Funderburk is the top lefty, and he seems better suited to be the second-best southpaw in a competitive bullpen. Minnesota needs another experienced option who can handle important situations against left-handed hitters without placing too much pressure on Funderburk. The organization could address that need internally by moving Rojas into relief, but that would come with a developmental decision. Rojas has starting experience and could still provide value as rotation depth. Minnesota must determine whether his long-term upside is greater as a starter or whether his stuff could translate into a more immediate contribution in the bullpen. Jeff Hoffman, Yoendrys Gómez and Morris provide some returning options, but the Twins need more dependable depth. The bullpen struggled with consistency throughout 2026, and the organization cannot afford to enter another season hoping several unproven pitchers will suddenly become reliable late-inning options. Adding another starting pitcher could also have a ripple effect throughout the roster. If Minnesota acquires an established rotation arm, it could give the coaching staff additional flexibility to move a younger pitcher into relief. That could create opportunities for pitchers who might otherwise be stuck waiting for a rotation opening. Ultimately, the Twins have several ways to improve their pitching staff without relying exclusively on expensive free-agent additions. Hayes' reporting highlights the importance of evaluating the entire pitching group rather than looking at the rotation and bullpen as separate areas. Minnesota has enough starting pitching candidates to make some difficult decisions this winter. The challenge for Zoll will be finding the right combination of established starters, developing prospects and bullpen additions to build a staff capable of competing over a full 162-game season. Adding another starter might seem unnecessary at first glance, but it could be the move that allows the Twins to improve multiple areas of their pitching staff. Should the Twins add another starter this winter? Which starter would make the best relief candidate? Leave a comment ands start the discussion. Image courtesy of Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images View full article

The Minnesota Twins enter an important offseason with plenty of work ahead of them. After several seasons of declining payroll and diminishing expectations, the organization is trying to change the narrative heading into 2027. Owner Tom Pohlad has publicly acknowledged that the team's spending needs to increase, while general manager Jeremy Zoll has the responsibility of turning those promises into a more competitive roster. Money will help, but the Twins cannot simply write checks and expect everything to fall into place. Several existing roster spots need to be reconsidered, the lineup needs additional production, and the bullpen requires more dependable arms. Minnesota also has one of baseball's better farm systems, giving Zoll some valuable trade chips to pursue established major league talent. There are plenty of different directions the organization could take. However, if I were putting together Minnesota's offseason plan using our Offseason Blueprint tool, I would start with three roster departures, pursue two significant offensive trades, and bring in a pair of established relief pitchers. Here is what my ideal Twins offseason would look like. A Trio of Trades or Non-Tenders Royce Lewis, Bailey Ober, and Trevor Larnach are three players I would move on from this winter. Each has a different situation, but the common theme is that Minnesota could use the resources allocated to this trio elsewhere. Lewis has struggled to establish himself as a consistent everyday player. His defensive situation became increasingly complicated last season as Brooks Lee took control of third base and emerged as a Gold Glove finalist. Lewis spent time in Triple-A before returning to Minnesota, but he never completely established himself in the team's plans. His offensive potential remains intriguing, but the Twins need more certainty from a player occupying such an important roster spot. Ober presents another difficult decision. His declining velocity has become increasingly concerning, and Minnesota needs to determine whether he can still be a dependable part of its starting rotation. With several younger pitchers competing for opportunities, moving Ober could create additional flexibility while opening a rotation spot. Larnach is another player whose role has become difficult to justify. He provides some offensive production against right-handed pitching, but his defensive limitations restrict his everyday value. As his salary increases, the Twins have to consider whether that type of player deserves a regular roster spot. Moving on from these three players would free up approximately $18.3 million. That money could be redirected toward positions where Minnesota needs more reliable production. Two Offensive Upgrade Trades Minnesota has invested heavily in its farm system, and some of that organizational depth could help address major league weaknesses. Rather than waiting for prospects to develop, Zoll should explore opportunities to turn some of that depth into established contributors. My first target would be Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, who carries an estimated $8.7 million salary. Langeliers would give Minnesota another legitimate offensive threat behind the plate while providing some flexibility with Victor Caratini. The Twins should not have to depend on Caratini to handle the majority of the catching responsibilities, particularly after his disappointing second half. Langeliers has developed into one of the more productive offensive catchers in baseball. During the 2026 season, he hit .262/.328/.474 with 23 home runs and 58 RBI in 424 at-bats. His .802 OPS and power production would represent a significant addition to Minnesota's lineup. He also brings some long-term value, with team control extending through the 2029 season. His acquisition helps bridge the gap until top prospect Vahn Lackey is ready to take over behind the plate. This is also going to take quite the prospect package to make it happen. The second offensive target would be St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson, who carries an estimated $8.3 million salary. First base has been an area where Minnesota needs more stability and offensive production. Burleson would address both concerns while giving the Twins another dependable middle-of-the-order option. The 27-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2026 campaign, hitting .279/.343/.473 with 26 home runs and 116 RBI across 670 plate appearances. He also collected 37 doubles and 169 hits. His 116 RBI ranked near the top in the National League. Burleson has demonstrated that he can produce over a full season, and he would give Minnesota a consistent left-handed bat capable of driving in runs. Adding him alongside Langeliers would provide two established offensive contributors without requiring the Twins to rely entirely on free agency. Neither trade would come without a prospect cost, but Minnesota has the organizational depth to make these types of moves. At some point, the Twins need to convert their farm system into major league production. Two Bullpen Upgrades The bullpen also needs attention after another season in which Minnesota struggled to find enough dependable late-inning options. Adding one quality reliever would help, but I would rather see the Twins make two significant additions. The first would be bringing back left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on a new contract worth approximately $10.33 million. Minnesota acquired Minter at last season's trade deadline, and he provided a valuable addition to the bullpen. He finished his 2026 campaign with a 2.56 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings with the Twins, striking out 41 batters. Minter would immediately give Minnesota an experienced left-handed option capable of handling important situations. The Twins need an upgrade over Kody Funderburk in the top left-handed relief role, and Minter has already demonstrated that he can succeed in Minnesota. The second addition would be right-hander Bryan Abreu on a contract worth approximately $9 million. Abreu is a familiar name for Twins fans because Minnesota reportedly attempted to acquire him from Houston at last year's trade deadline in a potential deal involving Trevor Larnach. However, Astros owner Jim Crane reportedly stepped in and prevented the trade from happening. The Twins should revisit that interest this winter. Abreu finished 2026 with a 3.73 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings. He also recorded nine saves and 16 holds. His strikeout ability gives him an opportunity to become an important late-inning weapon. Although his ERA and WHIP were higher than his previous season's numbers, Abreu still demonstrated the ability to miss bats and handle high-leverage situations. Pairing him with Minter would give Minnesota two experienced additions and create more flexibility throughout the bullpen. The Big Picture This offseason blueprint would put the Twins at an estimated $136.78 million payroll, approximately 1.30% above the $135 million target established by Twins Daily. That figure represents a relatively modest increase compared to some of Minnesota's previous payrolls, but it would give Zoll the opportunity to make several meaningful roster improvements. The Twins would move on from three players whose roles have become increasingly complicated, add two established offensive contributors, and strengthen the bullpen with a pair of experienced relievers. More importantly, this plan would demonstrate that Minnesota is serious about competing in 2027. Pohlad has spent considerable time discussing the organization's desire to become a consistent postseason contender. During the team's September news conference, he reiterated that a payroll around $100 million would not be sufficient to accomplish those goals and promised that ownership intends to meaningfully invest in the roster. Those comments create expectations, and the upcoming offseason is where the organization needs to start delivering. The Twins cannot continue asking fans to be patient while relying on the same roster construction that has failed to produce consistent postseason results. There are talented young players throughout the organization, but those players need established major league teammates who can help turn potential into wins. A $135 million payroll would not put Minnesota among baseball's biggest spenders, but it should be enough to construct a much more competitive roster if the front office makes smart decisions. This blueprint would address several weaknesses without requiring an enormous financial commitment. Zoll has the opportunity to reshape this roster, and Minnesota has the financial flexibility and prospect depth to make it happen. The Twins have talked about raising expectations. Now it is time to build a team capable of meeting them. Will these moves be enough to get the Twins back to the playoffs in 2027? What would you change? Leave a comment and start the discussion. Image courtesy of Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images View full article

The Minnesota Twins have plenty of work to do this offseason, but improving the lineup appears to be one of the organization's biggest priorities. General manager Jeremy Zoll recognizes that the club has some promising young hitters who could become bigger contributors next season. However, relying entirely on internal improvements might not be enough to make Minnesota competitive in the American League Central. The Twins finished the 2026 campaign with 739 runs, tying the New York Yankees for the second-highest total in the American League. That production demonstrates that Minnesota has several pieces capable of creating offense. Still, the lineup experienced stretches of inconsistency, and the club needs another reliable power source in the middle of the order. They're also losing two important contributors. Josh Bell and Ryan Jeffers are both free agents, leaving the Twins with some holes to address as they construct their 2027 roster. The potential losses are significant when looking at what those two players provided. Bell appeared in 154 games, hitting .255/.319/.419 with 21 home runs and a team-leading 96 RBIs. Jeffers was productive behind the plate, posting a .256/.353/.461 slash line with 14 home runs in 92 games. His .814 OPS was among the best marks on the team. Replacing that production won't be easy, particularly if (as is expected) Jeffers declines his qualifying offer and signs elsewhere. Minnesota could turn to internal options, but losing both players would create a noticeable gap in the middle of the batting order. Zoll discussed the importance of addressing those potential departures, while also recognizing the organization's young talent. “I think between Ryan and Josh Bell becoming free agents, it’s on our minds that that’s a real loss to our offense,” he said. “Also, we have a number of young players that we think are going to take real steps forward to backfill a good chunk of that. But we want to find a way to continue to supplement the offense and put the position player group in the strongest position we can.” Young Players Could Provide an Offensive Boost Minnesota has several prospects who could become more important parts of the big-league lineup in 2027. Kaelen Culpepper, Walker Jenkins, and Emmanuel Rodriguez are among the players who could help provide some additional production. Culpepper made his major-league debut in 2026, appearing in 33 games and hitting .274. He could become the club's regular shortstop next season. FanGraphs projects him to produce 3.1 WAR in 2027, which would tie him with Byron Buxton for the second-highest projected total on the roster. Jenkins also received his first opportunity in the big leagues, appearing in 26 games and hitting .226. His brief introduction to the majors should provide valuable experience heading into his first potential full season. FanGraphs projects him for 2.2 WAR next year. Rodriguez has also reached the major leagues, although injuries limited him to 13 games. He hit .178 during that stint, but his offensive ceiling remains intriguing. FanGraphs projects him for 0.7 WAR in 2027 as he continues adjusting to major league pitching. The Twins will also need established young players to continue developing. Brooks Lee emerged as an important part of the lineup, finishing with 24 home runs and 83 RBIs while appearing in 156 games. Luke Keaschall provided another encouraging performance, batting .282/.374/.407 with 10 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases across 152 games. FanGraphs projects Lee for 2.9 WAR next season, while Keaschall leads the club with a projected 3.6 WAR. Those projections illustrate the potential of Minnesota's young position-player group, but they also demonstrate why the organization cannot assume every player will immediately become a star. Finding More Power Should Be a Priority One area where Minnesota needs improvement is its ability to hit home runs. The Twins finished with 187 home runs in 2026, ranking 12th in baseball. Nobody on the roster reached the 30-homer mark. Kody Clemens led the club with 27 home runs, while Buxton finished with 25 despite appearing in only 93 games. Lee added 24, and Bell contributed another 21. Those are respectable individual totals, but the lineup could benefit from having another established power hitter capable of consistently threatening opposing pitchers. There are reasons to believe the offense can improve internally. Buxton has the ability to provide significant power when healthy, Lee is coming off a productive season, and Keaschall has demonstrated an ability to get on base and create opportunities. However, those improvements alone might not address the lineup's biggest weakness. Minnesota's projected position-player group currently sits around 25.4 fWAR, placing it 10th in baseball alongside Baltimore. Within the division, Detroit (26.8) and Cleveland (26.3) project slightly ahead of the Twins. That leaves Minnesota with an opportunity to close the gap through offseason additions. Zoll's comments suggest the front office understands that internal development and outside additions aren't mutually exclusive. Minnesota can give its young players opportunities, while also pursuing established major league talent. The Twins have several intriguing pieces already in place. However, if the organization wants to return to contention in 2027, it cannot afford to assume those pieces will solve every problem. Adding another impact bat should remain near the top of the offseason checklist. Who should the Twins target this winter? Leave a comment and start the discussion. Image courtesy of Erik Williams-Imagn Images View full article

Pagan signed a one-year, $11.5 million deal with Detroit. Should the Twins have tried to top that? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7775064/2026/11/12/mlb-general-managers-meetings-free-agent-signing-pagan/

At the beginning of last winter, Connor Prielipp's future with the Twins was still an open question. After years of elbow injuries and an extremely limited professional workload, Minnesota's front office was considering whether his best path to helping the big-league club might be in the bullpen. His electric stuff could play in shorter outings, and a relief role might better protect an arm that had already undergone two significant elbow procedures. Prielipp entered the offseason hoping to remain a starter. Rather than moving him into the bullpen, the organization gave him another opportunity to develop his arsenal. One important addition came in January, when he began incorporating a new curveball. That decision became one of the most encouraging developments of Minnesota's season. Prielipp finished 2026 with 144 1/3 innings between the major leagues and Triple-A, surpassing his total from the previous six years. At the big-league level, he made 24 appearances, including 22 starts, and posted a 4.87 ERA with an 87 ERA+. He struck out 128 hitters (23.9 K%) across 125 2/3 innings in the majors, while recording a 1.29 WHIP. Those numbers tell part of the story, but his development as a starting pitcher might be even more important. The curveball gave him another weapon to complement his existing repertoire. Major-league hitters managed only a .198 batting average against the pitch, and it generated 48 of his strikeouts, more than any other offering. By the end of the season, the Twins were no longer simply trying to find a way to get Prielipp's talent onto a major league roster. They were watching him establish himself as a starter. Balancing Development and Workload There was still a significant question surrounding how much the Twins could ask from Prielipp. He entered 2026 coming off a career-high 82⅔ innings in 2025. With his injury history, Minnesota needed to be careful about increasing that workload too quickly. August provided another reason for the organization to monitor his progress. Prielipp made five appearances and covered 26 ⅔ innings, but he struggled to a 7.90 ERA. He allowed 31 hits and 13 walks. A particularly difficult outing against Philadelphia resulted in eight runs allowed over five innings. The workload conversation was happening throughout the season. Earlier discussions had centered on whether Minnesota might eventually shut him down after reaching approximately 100 innings. That would have represented a cautious increase from his previous career high. Instead, the Twins continued to evaluate his progress and adjust his schedule. When possible, they stretched the rotation to give him extra rest between appearances. Prielipp responded with one of his best stretches of the season in September. He covered another 26 2/3 innings and posted a 2.40 ERA, striking out 22 hitters while walking only five. Opponents hit just .194 against him during the month. Minnesota also used him in a pair of bulk-relief appearances early in September as the club worked through its rotation options and managed his workload. He returned to the starting role and had arguably his best start of the season with a seven-inning, two-hit shutout performance against the Angels on September 18. When reporters asked whether the organization had changed its plans after seeing Prielipp improve late in the season, Twins GM Jeremy Zoll highlighted just how much he had accomplished. “I thought that was one of the better stories of our year," Zoll said. "He added a curveball in January and pitched a whole season as a starter.” The response also acknowledged that both accomplishments seemed uncertain when the season began. Prielipp deserved considerable credit for making them happen. His workload remained an ongoing discussion, though. Rather than establish one specific innings limit, the organization monitored his medical information, training and conditioning, and biomechanical reports. The goal was to recognize potential warning signs and adjust if necessary. “If yellow lights start to pop up late in the year, then respond to that,” Zoll explained. They were prepared to take a different approach if needed, but Prielipp continued progressing. What It Means for the 2027 Rotation The Twins now appear much closer to treating Prielipp as a traditional starting pitcher. When reporters asked whether the team planned to turn him loose more next season, Zoll indicated that his thinking had shifted. “Off the cuff, I feel like we're a lot closer to treating him as a traditional starter," he said. That doesn't mean Minnesota expects Prielipp to take every turn in the rotation for the entire season. The organization still believes additional recovery time will be important. “Still feels like someone [for whom] baking in the extra days is going to be valuable, just because I don't think he should pitch on four days' rest 32 times,” Zoll said. The Twins will have several starting pitching options entering 2027. Joe Ryan, Pablo López, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Dean Kremer, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel give the organization plenty of competition alongside Prielipp—although that assumes they all stay in place throughout the offseason. His emergence adds another legitimate option, even if the front office eventually makes a trade to address another roster need. More importantly, Prielipp no longer profiles as a pitcher whose future might be better served by moving to the bullpen. He demonstrated that he can handle a full season as a starter, and his September performance offered a glimpse of what he could become with another offseason of development. Minnesota still needs to be thoughtful about his workload. However, the organization has a much better foundation for planning his future than it did a year ago. Prielipp went from a pitcher whose starting future was uncertain to someone the Twins can reasonably envision taking the ball every fifth or sixth day. That's a significant change in just one season, and it could become an important development for Minnesota's rotation in 2027. What stands out about Prielipp’s 2026 performance? Leave a comment and start the discussion. Image courtesy of Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images View full article

Ryan Jeffers appears ready to test his value on the open market. After receiving a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer from the Minnesota Twins, the veteran catcher reportedly plans to decline the offer and enter free agency. A source told Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Minnesota Star Tribune that Jeffers intends to turn down the qualifying offer. This decision allows him to explore a potentially lucrative multiyear contract while giving Minnesota an opportunity to receive draft pick compensation if he signs with another organization. This was the most likely outcome when the Twins extended the qualifying offer earlier this month. Jeffers has established himself as one of the better offensive catchers in baseball, and the limited number of quality options at the position should help his market. Accepting a one-year deal worth $23.15 million would have been a significant payday, but his performance could make a multiyear commitment more appealing. Jeffers Is One of the Top Free Agents Available Diamond Centric ranks Jeffers as the 10th-best overall free agent entering the offseason. That ranking highlights how unusual his offensive production is for a player at his position. Ed Hand offered the following assessment of the Twins catcher: “Easily the best catcher available, Jeffers has hit with solid but unspectacular consistency. Though defensively mediocre, he’s a catcher, which makes his offensive prowess that much more significant. He slashed an impressive .256/.353/.461 with 14 home runs, 56 RBI, 46 BB/66 K. Unfortunately, he was limited to just 369 PA after a fractured hamate bone caused him to miss nearly two months.” Jeffers produced those numbers despite missing nearly two months with a fractured hamate bone. His .814 OPS demonstrated the type of offensive contribution teams covet from the catching position. He also showed an improved ability to get on base, drawing 46 walks compared to 66 strikeouts. There are defensive limitations to consider, and his injury history will likely factor into contract negotiations. However, teams searching for offensive upgrades behind the plate won't find many comparable options in this year's free-agent class. That scarcity could work in Jeffers' favor as negotiations develop. Twins Still Interested in a Reunion Although Jeffers appears headed for free agency, that doesn't mean his time in Minnesota is necessarily over. General manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters at the General Managers Meetings that the Twins are interested in working out a long-term agreement with their catcher. That interest is important because Minnesota has several decisions to make regarding its roster construction this winter. The organization needs to improve its pitching staff, but finding a reliable offensive catcher is another important piece of the puzzle. The Twins could use the qualifying offer to secure draft compensation if Jeffers signs elsewhere. However, losing his production would create another hole for an organization already looking to rebuild portions of its roster. Minnesota also has to consider the financial commitment required to retain him. Jeffers' ranking among the top free agents suggests he could command a substantial multiyear contract. The Twins must decide whether his offensive production and importance to the roster justify that investment. Jeffers declining the qualifying offer is not necessarily the end of his Minnesota tenure. Both sides appear to have some interest in continuing the relationship, but the financial terms will ultimately determine whether a reunion makes sense. For now, Jeffers is expected to explore his options, and the Twins will have to compete with the rest of the league to keep one of their most productive offensive players. View full rumor

This winter, the Minnesota Twins need to address their roster, evaluate their financial commitments and determine how quickly their young players can contribute. Before tackling those decisions, the front office also needs to get a better picture of the health of several important players. Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll provided some answers Tuesday during a media session at the annual General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas. He discussed the recovery progress of seven players, including some encouraging developments involving the team's top contributors. While most of the news pointed toward players being available for spring training, Trevor Larnach's situation took an unexpected turn. Here's a closer look at what Minnesota learned about its injured players. Larnach Faces Wrist Procedure The biggest surprise involved Larnach, who will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist Friday, November 13. The outfielder dealt with the wrist problem late in the 2026 season, eventually landing on the injured list. The hope was that he could avoid surgery and work through the issue during the offseason. Unfortunately, symptoms returned when he started increasing his offseason activity. The procedure will allow doctors to address the lingering problem, and the Twins do not anticipate it creating a significant setback. Zoll indicated that Larnach should still be ready for the beginning of spring training and the 2027 regular season. Minnesota needs Larnach to remain a productive part of its outfield plans, barring a trade (which becomes less likely, in light of this news). Getting the wrist completely healthy is an important first step toward making that happen. Buxton and Jenkins Target Spring Training Two of the organization's most important position players also appear to be on schedule. Byron Buxton is recovering from surgery to address a right hip impingement. The injury bothered him throughout much of the 2026 campaign, particularly during the second half. Zoll reported that Buxton is feeling great and has not experienced any problems with his recovery. Buxton is gradually returning to a normal offseason lower-body workout routine. His next important checkpoint comes December 21, when he is scheduled for a follow-up examination with his doctors. Following that appointment, the hope is that he will receive clearance to resume baseball activities. At the time of his surgery, there were some timelines that pointed to Buxton potentially missing Opening Day. However, the potential lockout impacts all of these injury returns. Minnesota has every reason to be cautious with Buxton's workload. His ability to remain on the field could have an enormous impact on the team's 2027 outlook, especially given his importance to the lineup and center-field defense. Walker Jenkins is another player who appears positioned to participate fully when spring training begins. The highly regarded outfielder underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow approximately six weeks ago. The procedure was intended to address recurring discomfort that had bothered Jenkins for an extended period. Zoll described his recovery as progressing well and expects him to be a full participant when the Twins report to camp. Jenkins remains a major part of Minnesota's long-term plans. Getting him healthy and comfortable heading into his first full big-league season should be a priority for the organization. Positive Developments for the Starting Pitching Staff Pablo López remains one of the most important players to monitor as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is approaching another significant milestone in his rehabilitation. López is nearly finished with the long-toss and flat-ground portions of his throwing progression. He is expected to begin throwing off a mound next week, with his first bullpen session potentially coming around November 20. Zoll indicated that López remains on the schedule established for his recovery. The current expectation is that he will be ready for the beginning of the 2027 season. That would be a major development for a Minnesota rotation that missed López for the entire 2026 campaign. His return would give the Twins an experienced arm at the top of the rotation, although the organization will need to be careful with his workload. Zebby Matthews also received encouraging news. After finishing the season with an elbow strain, the young right-hander received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. His recovery has progressed well, and he could resume throwing within the next week or two. Matthews should be able to follow a relatively normal offseason schedule, with his more structured buildup toward the upcoming season beginning around January 1. Getting him through a healthy spring would give Minnesota another potential rotation option. Bullpen Arms Making Progress The Twins also received favorable reports on two relievers who missed significant portions of the 2026 season. Cole Sands has experienced no complications following his late-season elbow procedure. His recovery has gone according to plan, and Zoll indicated that the right-hander should be able to complete a normal offseason training program without restrictions. Sands has plenty of work to make up for, after elbow problems cost him nearly the entire season. Having a healthy offseason would put him in a much better position to compete for a bullpen role when camp opens. Jeff Hoffman is also progressing toward a return. The veteran reliever underwent a procedure on his right elbow approximately two weeks before Zoll's media availability. His recovery is moving in the right direction, and the Twins expect him to be available for Spring Training. Hoffman is currently projected to begin throwing off a mound around the middle of January. That gives him several weeks to build up his arm before the regular season begins. Minnesota's bullpen struggled throughout much of 2026, making a healthy Hoffman an important piece of the projected relief corps. The Twins will need more reliable innings from their bullpen next season, and getting Hoffman back would help address that need. Looking Ahead Overall, the Twins received more encouraging injury news than unexpected setbacks. López is approaching mound work, Buxton is progressing toward baseball activities, and Jenkins appears likely to be ready for Spring Training. Minnesota also expects Hoffman, Sands, and Matthews to have opportunities to build toward the upcoming season without major restrictions. Larnach's wrist surgery was the one unexpected development, but the organization does not believe it will affect his availability for the 2027 campaign. There are still several months between these updates and Opening Day. Injuries can create unexpected complications, and the Twins will need to monitor each player's progress throughout the winter. However, Zoll's latest comments provide some optimism that Minnesota could enter Spring Training with several important pieces returning to the field. After a season in which injuries impacted nearly every part of the roster, getting some of these players back could be just as important as adding outside talent this offseason. What stands out about the injury updates? Leave a comment and start the discussion. Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images View full article

Trade rumors have followed Byron Buxton for several years, but the Minnesota Twins have consistently pushed back against the idea that they are looking to move their franchise center fielder. General manager Jeremy Zoll has been among the loudest voices trying to keep that conversation from gaining momentum. Even after Buxton underwent hip surgery, Zoll offered another reminder that the organization's position has not changed. Zoll addressed the subject during an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. Asked about the recurring rumors and whether Buxton could be dealt, the Twins' general manager pointed to the conversations he has had directly with the player. In those discussions, Zoll said, both sides have been clear about wanting the relationship to continue. "I worked pretty hard to shut that down this past…over the course of the summer and whatnot. I don't know," Zoll said. "Byron and I have talked about it a few different times over the course of the year. It's like 'You want to be here, we want you here; I can't control what the public's saying. I will do my best.' Worked pretty hard this summer to shut it down in the end-of-season remarks, made clear that sentiment remains." That message is consistent with what Zoll has said publicly throughout the season. Buxton's talent, injury history, and contract situation make him a frequent subject of speculation, particularly as Minnesota evaluates its timeline for contention. Still, the front office has repeatedly indicated that trading him is not part of its plan. There is one important detail that makes the possibility of a deal more complicated: Buxton has a no-trade clause. Minnesota cannot simply send him to another club without his approval. For a trade to become realistic, Buxton would have to waive that protection and agree to a destination. Nothing Zoll said Wednesday suggested that either side is interested in pursuing that outcome. Buxton remains one of the most important players on the roster when he is available. He appeared in 93 games last season, batting .254 with 25 home runs while being voted in as a starter for the All-Star Game for the first time in his career. His combination of power, speed, and defense is difficult for the Twins to replace, and keeping him in the middle of the order gives the club a dynamic presence around which to build. Zoll reinforced that point later in the interview, emphasizing that Buxton's commitment to Minnesota is something the organization wants to reciprocate. "I know that's how Byron feels too. And he made a commitment to the Twins, and, you know, we want to return that. And he's a special player, and he's going to help us get to where we want to be," Zoll said Wednesday. For now, the public back-and-forth does not appear to be changing the relationship between Buxton and the Twins. The more pressing question is whether Minnesota can put a better team around him. Buxton's health and recovery will be major storylines heading into 2027, but so will the team's ability to take a meaningful step forward. Zoll has made the organization's stance clear: the Twins want Buxton in Minnesota, and they believe he can help them reach their goals. Until the player or the front office gives a reason to think otherwise, the latest round of trade rumors looks like more noise than an indication of an impending move. View full rumor