Cody Christie

Image courtesy of William Parmeter Twins Daily recently finished ranking the top prospects in the Twins system, revealing how close several are to the majors. Six of the top eight prospects are expected to start at Triple-A St. Paul, just one step below the big leagues. With so much talent at the upper levels, multiple prospects could debut in 2026. Beyond the rankings, though, there are more ways to draw the future out of obscurity and guess at the shape it will take as time flattens it into the present. Here are three predictions about Twins position-player prospects for the year to come. Marek Houston Wins Twins Minor League Player of the Year Houston has the tools to move quickly through the Twins system, and could finish the season at Triple-A. His elite defensive skills at shortstop put him on every organization’s draft radar, but his offensive development turned him into a first-round pick by 2025. After a swing change helped him produce 15 home runs and a 1.055 OPS as a junior, the Twins selected him in the middle of the first round and signed him for $4.5 million. Since turning pro, Houston has focused on producing line drives while keeping his college plate discipline. If he becomes even an average hitter with some power, his outlook is strong. Already a plus defender with range and arm strength, Houston could climb quickly. Emmanuel Rodriguez Leads Twins Rookies in WAR Rodriguez appears positioned to be one of the first outfielders called up from Triple-A this season, especially after his strong performance this spring. The talented outfielder has flashed impressive tools since signing with the Twins for $2.5 million in 2019, but injuries have limited his development. His career high in games played remains 99, set in 2023, after dealing with multiple injuries over the last few seasons. Despite the setbacks, Rodriguez still reached Triple-A at just 22 years old in 2025 and hit well in the Dominican Winter League to make up for lost at-bats. When healthy, he shows elite bat speed, significant raw power, and a remarkable ability to draw walks, entering 2026 with a career walk rate of 21.7%. Swing-and-miss remains the biggest concern, as he carries a career strikeout rate above 30%. Still, if he can stay healthy and refine his approach, Rodriguez has the talent to become a middle-of-the-order bat and could lead Twins rookies in WAR this season. Twins Select Justin Lebron With Third Overall Pick With the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Twins could have a chance to land a franchise-altering player. Lebron, a shortstop from the University of Alabama, has already turned heads early this season. Through his first 18 games, Lebron is hitting .313/.466/.716. He has already hit eight home runs and three doubles, while going a perfect 18-for-18 on stolen base attempts. His strong plate discipline is also evident, with 14 walks compared to 14 strikeouts. That blend of power, speed, and on-base ability is exactly the type of profile that climbs draft boards quickly. If Lebron continues producing against tougher competition once Alabama's conference schedule gets going, he could easily remain in the top tier of the draft class and give the Twins an opportunity to add another high-end shortstop prospect. The Twins are approaching a point where many of their best prospects are ready to contribute at the highest level. With so much talent at Triple-A and another high draft pick on the way, 2026 could mark the arrival of the organization’s next wave of young players. If Houston breaks out in the minors, Rodriguez stays healthy and produces in Minnesota, and the Twins land a top talent like Lebron in the draft, the future could look even brighter. What are your predictions for the Twins' farm system in 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

There was nothing unusual about Joe Ryan on Monday afternoon. The right-hander took the ball at Hammond Stadium, worked four innings, allowed a single run on five hits, and struck out six with one walk. It looked like a standard March outing, the kind that blends into the rhythm of spring training. Except it wasn’t supposed to happen there. Ryan’s latest appearance came against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Fort Myers, not under the lights in Miami at the World Baseball Classic championship. For weeks leading up to this, the expectation was that Ryan would factor into Team USA’s pitching plans deep into the tournament. Instead, as events unfolded, he was left watching as the roster shifted in a different direction. The decision caught him off guard. “That was a shock,” Ryan told the Star Tribune. “Definitely a weird one to process. I was fully prepared, ready to go, the car was all ready, and excited to go there, obviously, the whole time. Then was told I wasn’t going to go.” The path to that moment had been anything but straightforward. Back in December, Ryan was originally named to Team USA’s roster as part of a loaded pitching staff assembled for a title run. However, a bout of back inflammation during spring training altered his early availability, keeping him out of pool play but leaving the door open for a return in the knockout rounds as the spring progressed. As Team USA advanced through the tournament, that opportunity seemed likely to materialize. At one point, Manager Mark DeRosa even indicated publicly that Ryan could step in for Clayton Kershaw if the team reached the later rounds, potentially pitching in the championship mix. Instead, when it came time to finalize the roster for the later rounds, Team USA ultimately used its available spot on reliever Jeff Hoffman, prioritizing bullpen depth over inserting Ryan into a starting role. This decision, made near the championship stage, left Ryan on the outside looking in, although his throwing schedule was carefully built around the possibility of pitching in the final. Adding to the frustration was the timing and method of communication. Ryan said he first learned of the roster change through Twins leadership shortly after the decision, not Team USA directly, and didn’t hear from USA Baseball until days later. Still, he made it clear where the support came from. “The Twins were great, super supportive with a really good plan the whole time,” Ryan said. “They really wanted me to go. It wasn’t up to us at the end of the day.” From Minnesota’s perspective, there is at least a practical silver lining. The organization had adjusted Ryan’s spring workload to align with a potential WBC appearance, and now that plan rolls seamlessly into the regular season. He remains on track to start Opening Day in Baltimore, a role that carries its own weight even if it lacks the global spotlight. It is a strange baseball reality. One week, you are penciled into a potential championship game for your country. The next, you are back on a spring mound facing a split-squad lineup. For Ryan, the preparation never changed. The opportunity did. Joe Ryan Timeline for World Baseball Classic Dec. 17: Team USA announces that Ryan will be on its roster. Feb. 21: Ryan is scratched from his Grapefruit League debut due to back discomfort. Mar. 1: Ryan throws a bullpen session but is removed from consideration for the round robin portion of the tournament. Mar. 10: Ryan makes his 2026 game debut for the Twins. Mar. 12: Mark DeRosa says Ryan and Nolan McLean could pitch in some combination during the championship game. Mar. 13: Team USA adds reliever Jeff Hoffman to the roster instead of Ryan. Mar. 14: Ryan throws a bullpen session, and the Twins confirm he will remain in camp. Mar. 15: Ryan makes his second spring start for Minnesota. View full rumor

The final stretch of spring training is supposed to be about decisions, not diagnoses. For the Twins, that equation shifted quickly on Monday when Austin Martin exited Minnesota’s game against the Pirates with a concussion, creating uncertainty just days before the roster is finalized. Martin was lifted from the contest after sustaining the injury during Minnesota’s 5-1 victory. The play in question came in the third inning when he tracked a ball into right field off the bat of Henry Davis. Attempting to make a diving grab, Martin hit the ground awkwardly and appeared shaken up as he got back to his feet. After the impact, Martin remained in the game and collected a single in the bottom of the third. However, he showed signs of discomfort and was removed before the start of the fourth inning, with James Outman replacing him in right field. Twins manager Derek Shelton provided an update after the game, outlining the immediate plan for Martin’s recovery. “He won’t do anything through the next two days, and then we’ll reevaluate him,” Shelton said. The sequence of events raised concern in real time, particularly as Martin began to show signs of discomfort after the play. “When he dove, I think he kind of jarred himself a little bit,” Shelton said. “I think once he got on the bases, he realized he was a little bit dizzy. And then as he walked past [bench coach Mark Hallberg] and I, we kind of saw a little bit of hesitation, and then [head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta] got to him.” At this point, there is no firm timetable for Martin’s return, which is less than ideal given how firmly he had worked his way into the roster conversation. The former top prospect had been trending toward a role in the outfield mix, offering defensive flexibility with the ability to handle center field and even contribute at second base if needed. His trajectory dates back to last season, when he capitalized on an opportunity late in the year following Minnesota’s trade deadline selloff. Martin responded with some of the most productive baseball of his career by posting a 106 OPS+, putting himself squarely on the radar entering camp this spring. The timing of the injury is what stings most. With Opening Day looming, Martin represented one of the few right-handed-hitting outfield options expected to break camp with the club. If he is unable to clear concussion protocol in time, the Twins may need to pivot quickly. That could open the door for players on the roster bubble. Ryan Kreidler brings right-handed balance and defensive versatility. Alan Roden offers a left-handed bat with upside. Veteran Orlando Arcia also remains a possibility as a depth option if the team prioritizes experience. For now, though, the focus remains on Martin. Concussions are unpredictable, and even minor symptoms can linger longer than expected. In a camp where every at-bat and inning matters, the Twins will have to wait and see if one of their most intriguing roster pieces can get back on the field in time. View full rumor

Image courtesy of © Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports The Minnesota Twins held a retirement celebration last weekend honoring longtime Major League Baseball umpire Phil Cuzzi, who officially stepped away from the game after more than three decades of service. The event, which took place at Target Field, was decorated with framed scorecards and a suspicious number of printed screenshots from Ump Scorecards and gave the Twins organization an opportunity to recognize Cuzzi’s long career—while also revisiting one moment that many in Minnesota have spent the last 17 years trying to forget. Cuzzi, 70, began as an MLB reserve umpire in 1991 and later joined the league’s full-time umpiring staff. His career covered thousands of games, numerous postseason assignments, and at least one unforgettable moment for Twins fans. That moment came in Game 2 of the 2009 ALDS. After losing Game 1 in the Bronx, the Twins pushed Game 2 to extra innings, tied 3-3. In the 11th, Joe Mauer hit a 1-1 pitch down the left-field line. The ball hit Yankees outfielder Melky Cabrera’s glove, then bounced into the stands. Fans expected Mauer to be awarded a double. Cuzzi, just feet away, immediately ruled it foul. Mauer attended the retirement celebration and admitted the moment still occasionally crosses his mind. “I remember hitting it and thinking, well, that worked out nicely,” Mauer said with a laugh. “Then I saw Phil wave his arms, and I thought maybe he wanted someone to bring him a glass of cool, refreshing Kemps milk.” Mauer paused for a moment before smiling. “Honestly, I figured there had to be something I missed. It turns out the only thing missing was about three feet of chalk.” The call proved costly. Instead of standing on second with nobody out, Mauer remained at the plate, before eventually reaching first base. The Twins followed with two singles, but could not push across the go-ahead run. The Yankees eventually won the game in the bottom of the inning. Former Twins GM Terry Ryan said the team still revisits the moment when the phrase “close call” comes up. “I’ve seen that replay more times than I can count,” Ryan said. “Every time I watch it, I try to see it from Phil’s perspective. I squint a little, tilt my head, maybe turn the television sideways.” Ryan shrugged, “I still can’t find the foul ball.” Former Twins manager Ron Gardenhire also attended the event and joked that the retirement party felt like a long-overdue therapy session for everyone involved. “I told Phil tonight that I forgive him,” Gardenhire said. “It only took about 16 years and roughly a thousand Coors Lights.” Gardenhire added that he briefly considered bringing a chalk line to the party as a gift, but ultimately decided against it. “I didn’t want to cause a scene,” he said. “Plus, someone might have ruled it foul.” Cuzzi addressed the crowd later in the evening and reflected on his long career in Major League Baseball. “Umpiring is a tough job,” Cuzzi said. “You make thousands of calls every season, and people remember the one you miss.” Gardenhire could be heard, in a low voice, telling a joke related to that observation, having to do with masonry, carpentry, animal husbandry and the nature of fame. Despite the lingering frustration surrounding the 2009 call, the Twins organization emphasized that the celebration was meant to recognize Cuzzi’s decades of service to the game—and maybe to give him a last chance to change his mind. Several attendees acknowledged that the play came up multiple times during the evening. At one point, the replay looped on a nearby television. The room fell silent before someone quietly suggested the camera angle may have been misleading. The group agreed there was only one way to settle the debate: have Cuzzi watch the replay. According to attendees, he ruled it inconclusive. View full article

Spring training is entering its final stretch, and the roster decisions are starting to come quickly. With Opening Day set for March 26 against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, the Minnesota Twins are beginning to finalize the final pieces of their pitching staff. On Monday, the club reduced its bullpen competition by sending two relievers out of major league camp. Minnesota reassigned right-handers Julian Merryweather and Grant Hartwig to minor league camp as the organization inches closer to setting its Opening Day bullpen. Both pitchers entered camp as non-roster invitees looking to pitch their way onto the major league roster. With the calendar now showing mid-March, the Twins are clearly entering the phase of spring where roster battles become more defined. The moves leave the organization with 45 players still active in big league camp, including 21 pitchers. However, that number does not fully reflect the group competing for Opening Day jobs. Right-hander David Festa is expected to begin the season on the injured list, while right-hander Travis Adams has been limited by elbow inflammation during camp. If Adams is not ready for the start of the season, the Twins would be left with roughly 13 relievers competing for what is expected to be eight bullpen spots on the 26-man roster. Merryweather showed flashes early in camp before his progress was halted by injury. The hard-throwing right-hander strained his left hamstring during his first Grapefruit League appearance on February 24. Since then, he has thrown several bullpen sessions but has not yet returned to game action. Hartwig saw plenty of work this spring, appearing in seven Grapefruit League games. The results were uneven as he allowed eight earned runs on seven hits and two walks across 7 1/3 innings. For both pitchers, the reassignment does not necessarily close the door on helping the Twins later this season. Injuries and performance fluctuations often lead to bullpen shuffling throughout the year, and strong outings in the minors can quickly put a reliever back on the radar. For now, though, Minnesota continues narrowing the field. With only days remaining before the season opener in Baltimore, the Twins are quickly approaching the moment when speculation ends, and the final 26-man roster becomes reality. View full rumor

Image courtesy of William Parmeter As spring training winds down, the competition for Minnesota’s final bench spot is one of the most intriguing roster questions. The Twins appear to have most of their position player group set, but the backup shortstop job is still unsettled. With Brooks Lee expected to be the team’s primary shortstop, Minnesota needs a reliable defensive option behind him. That competition currently centers on two players with very different profiles. Ryan Kreidler is already on the 40-man roster and offers defensive versatility, while Orlando Arcia brings a decade of big league experience and a past All-Star selection. Neither player is expected to contribute much with the bat, which places even greater pressure on Lee to produce at shortstop in his age-25 season. Why Kreidler Should Make the Roster Kreidler appears to have the inside track entering the final weeks of spring training. The biggest reason may have nothing to do with his on-field performance. He is already on the Twins’ 40- man roster, making the decision much simpler from a roster management perspective. Teams often prefer to keep depth options they already control, especially when the alternative requires adding a non-roster player. That factor alone could give Kreidler the edge. Defensively, Kreidler offers the type of versatility that managers value on the bench. He has experience at all three infield spots to the left of first base and has also logged time in both center field and left field. That ability to move around the diamond could make him a valuable late-inning defensive replacement. Kreidler has also flashed some offensive potential in the minor leagues. Across 1,963 career minor league plate appearances, he has posted a .236/.342/.401 slash line with a 106 wRC+. His most recent season produced a .238/.363/.389 line and a 109 wRC+ in 401 plate appearances. Those numbers suggest that if even a portion of his minor league production translates to the majors, Kreidler could develop into a useful utility player. Why Kreidler Could Be Left Off the Roster While Kreidler’s minor league numbers offer some optimism, his major league track record has been extremely limited and largely unproductive. He has appeared in parts of four big league seasons but has accumulated just 211 plate appearances during that span. In those opportunities, Kreidler has struggled to make consistent contact, owning a slashline of .138/.208/.176. The strikeouts have been particularly concerning. Kreidler has struck out in 31.8 percent of his major league plate appearances, contributing to an overall .383 OPS. Even if the Twins primarily value his defense, it becomes difficult to justify a roster spot when the offensive production has been so minimal. If Minnesota decides they need even marginally better offense from the final bench spot, Kreidler could lose ground in the competition. Why Arcia Should Make the Roster Arcia represents the veteran alternative in this battle. The 31-year-old is entering his 10th major league season and brings a wealth of experience compared to Kreidler. At one point in his career, Arcia was a reliable everyday shortstop and even earned an All-Star selection with the Atlanta Braves. While that version of Arcia may be in the past, the Twins could value the presence of a seasoned player on their bench. He appeared in 76 games during the 2025 season, splitting time between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies. After Atlanta released him in May, Colorado quickly signed him to a major league deal and used him in a variety of roles. Arcia’s versatility has grown in recent years. Once known strictly as a shortstop, he played all four infield positions in Colorado, including the first appearance of his career at first base. That expanded defensive role could make him an appealing utility option. If Arcia proves capable of handling multiple infield spots, he might provide more flexibility for manager Derek Shelton when constructing the bench. Why Arcia Could Be Left Off the Roster Despite his experience, Arcia faces significant challenges in earning the final roster spot. His offensive production has declined sharply over the past two seasons. In 214 plate appearances during the 2025 season, Arcia hit just .202/.238/.291. His 33 wRC+ ranked as the lowest mark of his career and the second worst among players with at least 200 plate appearances last year. The decline has also extended to his defense. During his early years with the Milwaukee Brewers, Arcia was considered an excellent defensive shortstop. In recent seasons, however, his glovework has graded closer to average. Age and roster logistics could also work against him. As a non-roster invitee, Arcia would require the Twins to make a corresponding move to add him to the 40-man roster. In contrast, Kreidler already occupies a spot and can be added to the Opening Day roster without additional maneuvering. If the Twins prioritize roster flexibility and long-term depth, Arcia may ultimately fall short in this competition. The battle for the final bench spot reflects two different approaches to roster construction. On one side, Kreidler offers youth, defensive versatility, and the convenience of already being on the 40-man roster. Additionally, his glove could make him a useful late-inning option even if the bat never fully develops. Arcia brings experience and a track record, including years as a starting shortstop in the majors. Even if his best seasons are behind him, the Twins may believe the veteran still has something left in the tank. Regardless of who ultimately earns the job, the situation underscores the importance of Lee’s development. With limited offensive expectations from either backup, the Twins need their young shortstop to anchor the position throughout the 2026 season. Who will win the backup shortstop role for Opening Day? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter As the Minnesota Twins finalize their Opening Day roster, the bullpen remains one of the most fluid areas of the team. One of the biggest questions involves the final left-handed spot in the relief corps. Several left-handed relievers are competing for as many as four available spots. Veterans Taylor Rogers and Anthony Banda are roster locks, leaving one certain spot (and perhaps a second, but perhaps not) for Kody Funderburk or Andrew Chafin. Funderburk brings youth and had a strong finish last season, while Chafin provides over a decade of MLB experience. With the Twins unlikely to carry four left-handed relievers, one of these pitchers may end up on the outside looking in. Why Funderburk Should Make the Roster On performance alone, Funderburk has made a strong case to remain in the Twins bullpen. He has been sharp during spring training, posting a 1.35 ERA with a 7-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 6 ⅔ innings. That success has carried over from the second half of last season, when he became a stabilizing force in a bullpen that needed reliable innings. After the All-Star break last year, Funderburk produced a 2.61 ERA, with 21 strikeouts and eight walks across 20 2/3 innings. Even more impressive was his dominant stretch late in the season. During August and September, he appeared in 25 games and posted a 0.82 ERA, striking out 25 batters and recording a save. That stretch suggested that Funderburk may have turned a corner in his development. One of the biggest adjustments came from a change in his arm slot during the 2025 season. By lowering his release point, Funderburk created more deception, aided by extension that sits in the 95th percentile league-wide. That extra deception can make his fastball appear to jump on hitters faster than its radar gun reading. If those mechanical tweaks continue to pay off, the Twins could have a dependable bullpen arm who is already familiar with the organization and capable of handling meaningful innings. Why Funderburk Could Be Left Off the Roster Despite his recent success, Funderburk still faces significant competition for a roster spot. The Twins may simply have too many left-handed relievers. Carrying four southpaws in the bullpen would create matchup complications throughout a 162-game season, particularly when several of those pitchers struggle against right-handed hitters. Funderburk’s splits highlight that concern. Over the last three seasons, right-handed hitters have produced a .279 batting average and a .768 OPS against him. Those numbers make it difficult to rely on him in high-leverage situations when opposing managers can counter with right-handed bats. His overall underlying metrics also present some warning signs. While his surface numbers have looked strong at times, his WHIP has remained elevated. Even during his excellent late-season run, that figure still sat at 1.23; elite relievers often keep their WHIP around 1.00. Some of his expected metrics paint a more modest picture, as well. A 4.08 xFIP and a 76.4% strand rate suggest that some regression could occur if batted-ball luck begins to shift. Because of those factors, Funderburk may find himself squeezed out by veteran options, even after a strong finish to last season. Why Chafin Should Make the Roster Chafin offers the type of veteran reliability that teams often value when shaping a bullpen. If he makes the roster, the 35-year-old will be pitching for his ninth major-league team in what would be his 13th season in the majors. Last year, he split time between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Angels, posting a 2.41 ERA with a 25.2% strikeout rate across 33 2/3 innings. Those results suggest that Chafin still has something left in the tank, despite his age. While his strikeout rate dipped slightly from the previous season, many of his underlying metrics remained solid. His ability to miss bats and limit hard contact has kept him effective even as he moves deeper into his career. Chafin has also proven capable of handling right-handed hitters better than many left-handed relievers. Over the past three seasons, righties have posted a .243 batting average and a .714 OPS against him. Those numbers are noticeably better than Funderburk's splits. That difference could be meaningful for a Twins bullpen that cannot always guarantee favorable matchups late in games, and who already have two locked-in lefties to handle those moments. Why Chafin Could Be Left Off the Roster Despite his long track record, Chafin’s case is not without flaws. One of the biggest concerns is his control. Last season, he posted a 13.3% walk rate, which created unnecessary traffic on the bases. While his ERA remained excellent, his 4.11 SIERA suggested that his true performance level may not have been quite as dominant. His velocity is also a major red flag. All his pitches averaged under 90 mph last season, and he has been topping out in the upper 80s so far this spring. He has found a way to be successful at a lower velocity in previous years, but at some point, that level of velocity is unsustainable in modern baseball. Health has also become a growing concern. Chafin spent time on the injured list in 2025 due to a right hamstring strain, and later dealt with left triceps inflammation. Those issues caused him to miss more than five weeks during the season. There is also the reality that Chafin signed a minor-league contract, which means he's not guaranteed a roster spot. The Twins could prioritize a younger arm already in the organization, rather than committing to a veteran who may be nearing the end of his career—and having to make room for him on the 40-man, to boot. The Twins’ final bullpen decision may come down to experience versus internal momentum. Funderburk offers familiarity with the organization and is coming off a strong second half that hinted at real improvement. His mechanical adjustments and strong finish make him an intriguing option if the Twins believe his development is sustainable. Chafin brings a veteran presence and a lengthy track record of success across multiple teams. His ability to better handle right-handed hitters could make him a safer option in a bullpen that may already lean heavily on matchup-based left-handers. Either way, the Twins appear unlikely to carry four left-handed relievers on the Opening Day roster. That means one of these pitchers will likely be watching from the outside when the season begins. Who will win the final left-handed relief role for the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter Spring training is ending, and final roster decisions loom for the Minnesota Twins. Injuries to Pablo López and David Festa have unexpectedly created an opening in the rotation. Now, two young pitchers compete for the last rotation spot. Zebby Matthews began spring as the favorite, but Mick Abel’s recent electric performance has made the decision tougher. Only one will break camp with the club for Opening Day in Baltimore. Why Matthews Should Make the Roster To begin with, Matthews entered spring training as the leading candidate for the final rotation spot, and his overall profile still makes him a strong option for the Opening Day staff. Matthews’ 5.92 ERA through 25 starts raises concerns at first glance. Yet a closer look reveals tools that suggest greater potential than the ERA implies. Matthews has the type of velocity teams crave in a modern starter. His four-seam fastball averaged 96.5 mph last season, and he pairs it with a slider that generated 50 strikeouts and a 38.5% whiff rate. That combination alone gives him the ability to miss bats consistently. Matthews has recorded 131 strikeouts in 117 innings, showing that his stuff is capable of producing outs at the highest level. What makes Matthews even more intriguing is the depth of his arsenal. In addition to the fastball and slider, he mixes a cutter, changeup, curveball, and sinker. Few young pitchers possess that many options, and the variety allows him to attack hitters in multiple ways throughout a lineup. Control has also been one of his greatest strengths. Over the past two seasons across all professional levels, Matthews has posted a 4.8% walk rate. Among pitchers with at least 50 combined starts during that span, that mark ranks seventh best. That type of command provides a solid foundation for long-term success. Why Matthews Could Be Left Off the Roster Despite the tools and upside, Matthews has struggled to turn his raw ability into consistent results. One of the biggest concerns has been his command within the strike zone. While Matthews does an excellent job limiting walks, his pitches often drift into dangerous locations once they cross the plate. Over the past two seasons, opposing hitters have posted a .362 batting average and a .979 OPS against his strikes, the second-worst marks among pitchers with at least 25 starts. Left-handed hitters have been especially problematic. They have crushed Matthews’ pitches in the zone for a .406 batting average and a 9.1% home run rate. Those numbers suggest that his pitch placement needs significant improvement before he can fully harness his arsenal. Still, there are signs that better days could be ahead. Matthews’ career FIP sits 1.51 runs lower than his ERA, suggesting he has been somewhat unlucky. Even a modest improvement in his in-zone command could significantly raise his ceiling. Why Abel Should Make the Roster Abel has made a case this spring. In 10 innings, he struck out nearly 40 percent of batters and issued no walks, quickly garnering attention for his control. Abel’s early outings were nearly flawless. He threw his first 10 innings without a walk or run, displaying the command the Twins wanted. Even when tested, Abel responded well. Facing the Toronto Blue Jays, he walked George Springer on eight pitches, then left a slider that Daulton Varsho hit for a two-run homer. Abel rebounded by striking out the next three, then finished 3 1/3 innings. He gave up only three singles and erased a runner with a double play. That ability to recover could be a sign of maturation. Abel has always possessed excellent raw stuff and a wide pitch mix. If his improved control is real, he could quickly become one of the most dynamic arms in the Twins’ rotation. On the fringes of contention, Abel might offer the highest upside among the pitchers competing for the final spot. Why Abel Could Be Left Off the Roster Abel still faces a challenge: experience. He has the fewest major league innings in the starting group, making him the easiest to send to Triple A. Developmentally, that option could make sense. Abel has struggled with walks throughout his minor league career, and the organization may want to see a larger sample size of improved command before handing him a permanent spot in the rotation. Roster management also matters. Teams often keep younger pitchers in the minors early to avoid inconsistency in the big league rotation. Even with Abel showing the most electric arm this spring, the Twins may see a few more Triple-A starts as the safest path for his long-term growth. The final rotation decision depends on philosophy. Matthews offers more experience and stability. Abel brings more upside. The Twins must weigh early-season safety against the potential boost Abel could provide. Realistically, both pitchers will be needed for critical roles throughout the 162-game season. With Opening Day approaching quickly, the Twins must decide whether to trust Matthews’ experience or gamble on Abel’s potential. Either way, the outcome of this spring battle could have a significant impact on who heads north with the club. Who should earn the final rotation spot? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Investing heavily in a high school pitcher is always risky. Pitchers are fragile, their development can take longer than planned, and injuries are common. The Twins accepted those risks when they picked Charlee Soto with the 34th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Now, the early portion of Soto’s professional career has served as a reminder of that risk. According to MLB.com reporter Matthew Leach, Soto is behind schedule this spring as he continues to recover from bone spur surgery that took place last summer. The Twins Daily No. 10 prospect will open the 2026 season on the injured list, though there is some encouraging progress. Soto is expected to begin throwing live batting practice in early April, which could put him on a path toward returning to game action sometime later in the spring. Though not ideal, the delay is just another twist in Soto’s development. The Twins rarely use early picks on prep pitchers because it’s a volatile profile, often preferring college arms or position players at the top of the draft. Soto was an exception. The 17-year-old right-hander out of Reborn Christian Academy in Florida had the type of electric arm talent that made the gamble worthwhile. Minnesota signed him for a 2.48 million bonus and immediately placed him among the most intriguing young arms in the system. Since then, however, the results have been mixed. Soto made his professional debut in 2024 and spent the year with Fort Myers. The Twins managed his workload carefully, which is common for young pitchers in their first full season. Across 21 appearances, he posted a 5.23 ERA while showing flashes of the raw stuff that made him such an appealing draft target. His fastball velocity and overall athleticism remained impressive, but consistency proved difficult to maintain. The following season brought even more frustration. In 2025, Soto managed only 13 innings before injuries interrupted his year. A triceps strain sidelined him after just three starts with Cedar Rapids. As he worked his way through that recovery process, another issue emerged. In August, Soto underwent a procedure to remove a partially detached bone spur in his elbow. The positive news was that doctors found no structural damage in the elbow itself. For a pitcher, that distinction matters. Structural issues involving ligaments often lead to lengthy recoveries and, in some cases, major surgery. Soto avoided that scenario, which allowed the Twins to remain optimistic about his long-term outlook. This spring represents the first step toward putting those health questions behind him. Even though Soto will begin the season on the injured list, the expectation is that he will gradually build up his workload once he returns to the mound. Live batting practice in early April is typically one of the final checkpoints before pitchers resume competitive innings. If everything progresses as planned, Soto could see game action not long after that. Soto’s talent has never been the primary concern. His fastball already flashes the type of life that scouts dream about when projecting future big-league starters. His secondary pitches still require refinement, but the foundation of a legitimate pitching arsenal is there. What the Twins need to see now is durability and repetition. That means building innings. After throwing only a small number of frames over the last two seasons, Soto’s goal in 2026 should be to push past the 100-inning mark. Reaching that threshold would represent a meaningful step in his progression and help answer some of the durability questions that currently surround him. Equally important will be his ability to refine his command and pitch sequencing. Young pitchers often rely on raw velocity early in their careers, but long-term success requires learning how to navigate lineups, adjust during games, and consistently locate pitches in competitive counts. If Soto can combine improved health with those developmental gains, his prospect stock could rebound quickly. For now, patience remains the key. His 2026 season may begin later than expected, but it will offer another opportunity for Soto to show why the Twins believed in his potential in the first place. If he can return to the mound, stay healthy, and steadily build his workload, the narrative surrounding his development could start to shift again. For a pitcher with Soto’s ceiling, simply getting back on the field and logging consistent innings would be a meaningful step toward the future the organization envisioned on draft day. View full rumor

The Minnesota Twins have spent the past three seasons watching one of the most talented prospects in baseball climb through their farm system. Now, after a brief injury scare this spring, Walker Jenkins appears to be getting back on track. According to Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Jenkins is “tracking well” to be available for Opening Day with the St. Paul Saints. The update came Sunday from Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll, offering a positive outlook for the organization’s most important young player. Jenkins suffered a Grade 1 left hamstring strain on February 28, an injury that forced the Twins to slow his spring workload. Fortunately for both the player and the organization, the strain was considered mild, and his recovery has gone smoothly. The 21-year-old outfielder is expected to begin appearing in Minor League games by the end of the upcoming week as he continues ramping up his activity. His availability for the Twins’ upcoming Spring Breakout showcase on Thursday remains uncertain, and the club is unlikely to rush him into that event if he is not fully ready. Even without the Spring Breakout appearance, the most important goal for Jenkins is simply returning to a regular schedule before the Minor League season begins. Jenkins is widely considered the top prospect in the Twins system and one of the best prospects in baseball. Baseball America ranks him as the no. 9 overall prospect, a reflection of the tools that made him the fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Last week, Twins Daily profiled him as the organization’s top prospect. Since entering professional baseball, Jenkins has done little to challenge those expectations. Scouts praise his advanced hitting approach, elite bat-to-ball skills, and the type of plate discipline rarely seen from a player his age. His combination of athleticism and offensive potential has led many evaluators to project him as a future cornerstone in the middle of the Twins' lineup. The Twins believe the best path forward is allowing Jenkins to start the season with St. Paul, where he can continue facing upper-level pitching while adjusting to the grind of a full professional season. Triple-A will provide the final developmental stage before a potential big league opportunity. That timeline also gives the organization flexibility. If Jenkins performs well and stays healthy, the Twins could view him as a legitimate option for the major league roster during the second half of the season. For now, the most important step is simply getting back on the field. A return to Minor League games in the coming days would represent another step in Jenkins’ steady climb through the system. If everything continues trending in the right direction, the Twins may soon have one of baseball’s brightest young talents knocking on the door of the big leagues. View full rumor

Image courtesy of Linwood Ferguson, Captive Photos (Buxton, Lewis), Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (Kirilloff) Over the last decade, the Minnesota Twins have experienced multiple waves of highly ranked prospects moving through the organization. At different points, the farm system was considered one of baseball’s best. Those rankings fostered optimism about the future and helped define the franchise's direction during periods of rebuilding and transition. Some of those prospects eventually became core contributors at the big-league level. Others stalled in development or never fully translated their talent to the majors. Looking back at the last 10 years shows how each wave shaped the roster in different ways, and how prospect rankings tell only part of the story. 2015-2016 Wave The Twins entered the 2015 season with one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, ranked third overall by MLB Pipeline. That group stayed near the top of the rankings for multiple evaluations, sitting at fifth during the 2015 midseason update and again entering the 2016 season. Minnesota had spent the previous half-decade near the bottom of the AL standings, which gave the organization access to multiple high draft picks. Those selections created a prospect pipeline filled with high-end talent and national attention. At the top of the list was Byron Buxton, who entered 2015 as the number one overall prospect in baseball. His presence alone helped elevate the system’s national profile. The Twins also had several other prospects ranked inside the top-100. Miguel Sanó was 11th overall, Alex Meyer came in at 29th, José Berríos ranked 32nd, Nick Gordon sat at 33rd, and Kohl Stewart was 36th. The organization had both high-end talent and depth across several levels of the minor leagues. The system continued to evolve heading into 2016. Max Kepler broke out in the minors and climbed to 44th overall on the prospect rankings. Tyler Jay entered the list at 60th, while Jorge Polanco also cracked the top 100 at 97th. When looking back, this wave is most closely tied to the Twins' record-breaking 2019 season. That team won more than 100 games and set the major league record for home runs in a single season. Several players from that prospect class became important parts of the lineup, including Buxton, Kepler, and Polanco. Those same players also remained important contributors when the Twins ended their two-decade playoff losing streak in 2023. While the position players from this group found success, the pitching prospects told a different story. Meyer, Stewart, and several others never developed into consistent big league starters despite the early expectations. 2018-2020 Wave As the previous group began graduating to the major leagues, Minnesota briefly slipped out of the top ten farm system rankings. However, the organization quickly rebuilt the pipeline and returned to the back half of the top ten from 2018 through 2020. By the middle of the 2018 season, the Twins had climbed into the top five again. The system eventually settled around eighth overall throughout much of the 2019 campaign. The centerpiece of this group was Royce Lewis, the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft. He entered the 2018 season ranked as the 20th overall prospect in baseball and quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the organization. Other names also appeared on the rankings. Fernando Romero was listed at 68th overall, with Stephen Gonsalves at 78th and Nick Gordon at 80th. The system’s star power grew even more heading into 2019. Lewis rose to become a top-five prospect in baseball while Alex Kirilloff joined him inside the top ten. Brusdar Graterol also appeared on the list as the 68th-ranked prospect and, at that time, was still viewed as a potential starting pitcher. The Twins continued adding depth over the next year. Trevor Larnach ranked 81st entering 2020, while Jordan Balazovic appeared at 85th. This wave helped sustain the Twins' competitive window. Players from this group contributed to division titles in both 2020 and 2023, though the paths were different from what was originally expected. Once again, the pitching prospects struggled to reach their projected ceilings. Romero, Gonsalves, and Balazovic never developed into reliable major league options. Graterol eventually moved to the bullpen and was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the deal that brought Kenta Maeda to Minnesota. Injuries also reshaped the outcome for some of the system’s most talented hitters. Kirilloff battled persistent health issues that ultimately forced him to retire earlier than expected. Lewis and Larnach enter the 2026 season still trying to establish themselves as long-term roster pieces. Prospect rankings often create the impression that success at the major league level is inevitable. The Twins' experience over the past decade shows how unpredictable that process can be. Both waves of talent produced impact players who helped the organization win division titles and break a historic postseason drought. At the same time, several highly ranked prospects never reached their projected potential due to injuries, stalled development, or changing roles. Even so, those highly ranked farm systems played an important role in shaping the modern Twins roster. They provided the core position players who powered the 2019 lineup and helped the team remain competitive in the years that followed. As new prospects continue to move through the system, the next wave will aim to deliver what previous groups could not. Ins have repeatedly shown they can build highly ranked pipelines. The challenge moving forward is turning that prospect promise into long-term success at the major league level. What stands out about the previous waves of top prospects? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter Spring training is winding down, and urgency is rising. Only a couple of weeks remain for players to make final impressions before the club heads north. The roster for the March 26 opener in Baltimore is coming into focus. For many, the final stretch is about maintaining momentum and health. For others, the next two weeks could decide whether they open in the majors or minors. Some players still have something to prove before Opening Day. Bailey Ober and the Velocity Question The Twins have counted on Ober to be a reliable piece of their rotation over the past few seasons. When he is at his best, the tall right-hander uses deception and command to keep hitters off balance despite not having overpowering stuff. However, his velocity remains one of the most important storylines to watch during the final weeks of spring training. Ober allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two over 2 2/3 innings in Thursday’s Grapefruit League matchup against the Boston Red Sox. On the surface, the line was fairly modest, but the radar gun numbers drew attention. Ober averaged just 88.8 mph with his fastball in the outing. That number continues a concerning trend. Ober’s fastball sat in the lower 90s early in camp but averaged 89.9 mph during his first spring appearance and dipped even lower in his most recent outing. Last season, his average fastball velocity of 90.3 mph was already a career low, as he posted a 5.10 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Velocity is not everything for Ober, but it does impact how effective his entire arsenal can be. His approach relies heavily on tunneling and location, and losing even a small amount of velocity can shrink the margin for error. With a rotation spot essentially locked in, Ober’s spring is less about making the roster and more about proving that the declining velocity is not going to become a long-term issue. The Twins will likely monitor his next few outings closely. Brooks Lee and the Search for More Quickness When Lee arrived in the majors, his bat had been his calling card throughout his college and early pro career. The bigger question surrounded his overall athleticism and defensive range. That is why Lee made improving his quickness a priority heading into this year. Observers around camp have noted that his body composition looks different. Lee reportedly weighs about the same as last year, but he appears leaner because his weight is distributed differently. The visual changes have been noticeable during workouts and early game action. There have already been a couple of defensive plays in which Lee has appeared to show better range than he did a year ago. He has also looked slightly quicker running the bases, which could be an encouraging sign for the Twins if it continues. Still, early data does not yet show a measurable difference. According to Matthew Leach and MLB.com research, there is no data to definitively prove Lee is faster than last season. At this point in spring training, samples are very small. The next few weeks are important for Lee. If his added quickness proves real, it could help solidify his defensive profile and expand his infield roles. Zak Kent Making a Case in the Bullpen Of the recent pitching additions, Zak Kent received little fanfare. He did not arrive with the attention of names like Taylor Rogers or Liam Hendriks, but his early camp results have turned heads. Kent is already on the 40-man roster and features a slider that has impressed the Twins’ coaching staff. More importantly, he has shown an ability to miss bats. In three Grapefruit League innings, Kent has yielded just one hit, struck out six, and walked none. He has also produced 13 swings and misses on just 43 pitches. Those numbers stand out for a bullpen that could use another right-handed arm capable of generating strikeouts. The Twins have several relievers who rely on contact management, but power stuff in the late innings always carries value. Kent still has to prove that his success can continue against stronger competition as spring training progresses. If he keeps generating swings and misses at this rate, he could force the Twins to consider giving him a bigger opportunity. Final Days to Make an Impression Every spring brings a few surprises, and the final roster decisions are often shaped by performances in the last two weeks of camp. For the Twins, those evaluations are happening quickly as Opening Day approaches. Ober is trying to show that his declining velocity won't define his season. Lee is working to prove that the adjustments he made to his body will translate into improved quickness. Kent is attempting to turn a strong spring into a legitimate bullpen opportunity. With the opener against Baltimore approaching fast, the margin for error is shrinking. The next handful of games may determine who heads north with the team and who begins the season waiting for another opportunity. What players will you be watching over in spring’s final weeks? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter Walker Jenkins has largely lived up to the billing since the Twins selected him fifth overall in 2023. Before his 21st birthday, he had climbed to Triple-A, a sure sign of a top prospect progressing at top speed. Jenkins's has not been a flawless ascent. He's missed chunks of time with lower-body and related injuries. Even with the missed time, though, his production says he's the real deal—and the eye test corroborates that assessment. For a 20-year-old to pair strong Double-A numbers with meaningful Triple-A exposure is rare and important. Jenkins has the frame, the bat path, and the instincts to make evaluators optimistic. He can run, he can play center field, and his approach at the plate is advanced enough to instill confidence, despite the lack of a robust track record. Walker Jenkins Age: 21 (DOB: 2/19/2005) 2025 Stats (AA/AAA): .286/.399/.451 (.850), 17 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 17 SB, 135 wRC+, 84 G ETA: 2026 2025 Ranking: 1 National Top 100 Rankings BA: 5 | MLB: 14 | ATH: 11 | BP: 19 | ESPN: 9 What To Like Jenkins checks almost every box you want from a premium position-player prospect. He pairs a smooth, repeatable left-handed swing with elite pitch recognition and selectivity. That combination produces lots of barrels, a steady walk rate (13.5 BB%), and far fewer strikeouts (20.5%) than you might expect from a player with his size at his age. Though it came in just 58 games, his .292/.407/.454 line in Double-A testifies to his ability to adjust and win the difficult battles within the strike zone. He's a fluid athlete in the outfield. At 6-foot-3, he looks like he was built to cover ground and make plays. Jenkins has primarily played center field in the minors, and his reads and routes have received positive reviews. He's not a straight-line burner, but his instincts and above-average footwork allow him to make the plays that matter. On the basis, he's shown good instincts and graded out as a plus baserunner, in however limited a sample. Speed should be a boon to his offensive value, rather than a limiting factor for it. What’s Left To Work On Power remains the most obvious question. Jenkins has hit plenty of doubles and triples, and he's hit the occasional tape-measure shot. Still, he's totaled 19 home runs in 192 professional games, and true over-the-fence power has been sparse. Part of that is mechanical. His bat head takes a little while to get on plane, which can cap exit velocities and lead more of his best contact to be hit on a line to the opposite field than is strictly optimal. There is room for more bat speed and strength gains as he matures. If those gains come, he could push into the 25-plus home run range. If they don't, his floor still reads as a very good contact-based run producer, but maybe not a perennial All-Star. Durability is the other major worry. Jenkins has missed significant time in nearly every pro season to date because of hamstring, quad, ankle, and other lower-body issues. He’s already missed time this spring with a hamstring injury. Those have not been one lingering malady, but a string of discrete setbacks. The good news is that he has repeatedly come back and produced at a high level. The bad news is that availability matters, and repeated trips to the injured list can slow development and erode a team’s willingness to rely on a young player in high-leverage situations. Finally, there is the matter of consistent hard contact, by big-league standards. Jenkins’s hard-hit rate and peak exit velocities sit around league average. He destroys mistakes, but pitchers have shown they can limit his damage with soft stuff away and spin that keeps him from turning on the ball. If he can continue to tweak his swing plane and get the bat head out quicker, those pitches will get punished more often. What’s Next Jenkins is likely to start 2026 in St. Paul, and he should have a long look there early in the season. The projection is simple. If he stays healthy, a midseason arrival to the big-league club is a real and reasonable expectation. Whether he arrives as a center fielder or moves to right field will be dictated as much by health and team need as by his sheer skill set. The upside is clear. Jenkins looks like an everyday major-league outfielder with the tools to be a middle-of-the-lineup contributor and the potential to be an All-Star if the power and health line up. Jenkins is the kind of prospect who makes you excited about the future of the organization. He blends feel and polish with a physical profile that still has room to grow. The rest of 2026 will go a long way toward telling us whether Jenkins becomes a very good major-leaguer or something closer to a star. For now, he sits at the top of the system, for good reason. Catch Up on the Rest of Twins Daily's Top 20 Prospects (Part 1) 20. James Ellwanger, RHP 19. Khadim Diaw, C/CF 18. C.J. Culpepper, RHP 17. Kyle DeBarge, 2B/SS/CF 16. Hendry Mendez, OF (Part 2) 15. Marco Raya, RHP 14. Quentin Young, SS 13. Brandon Winokur, SS/CF 12. Andrew Morris, RHP 11. Riley Quick, RHP 10. Charlee Soto, RHP 9. Marek Houston, SS 8. Kendry Rojas, LHP 7. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF 6. Dasan Hill, LHP 5. Connor Prielipp, LHP 4. Eduardo Tait, C 3. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF 2. Kaelen Culpepper, SS 1. Walker Jenkins, OF View full article