Cody Christie

Spring training schedules can change quickly this time of year, and that is exactly what is happening for Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan. Minnesota’s right-hander is departing Twins camp and joining Team USA following the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic. The move comes after Team USA needed to adjust its pitching plans late in the tournament. According to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Ryan will take the roster spot originally held by veteran starter Clayton Kershaw once the quarterfinal stage concludes. Team USA’s immediate focus is on its quarterfinal matchup with Team Canada. That game is scheduled for Friday night in Houston. If the Americans advance, they would move on to the semifinal round on Sunday against the winner of the matchup between Team Korea and Team Dominican Republic. For Ryan, the next step is to throw a bullpen session on Saturday as part of his normal spring progression. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that Ryan is expected to report after the quarterfinal round. That timing would make it extremely difficult for Ryan to be available in Sunday’s semifinal game. Throwing a bullpen on Saturday would effectively rule him out of pitching the following day. That leaves one realistic opportunity for Ryan to see game action in the tournament. If Team USA reaches the championship game, he could potentially be available either in relief or as a spot starter, depending on how the pitching situation develops. Ryan has made it clear he would love to contribute if the opportunity arises, but the situation remains fluid. At this point, he would be joining the team more as a depth option rather than with a guaranteed role in the rotation. Even a small role would be meaningful for the Twins starter. The World Baseball Classic has become one of the sport’s premier international events, and the chance to represent the United States on that stage carries plenty of appeal. Of course, Minnesota also has its own calendar to consider. Opening Day for the Twins is approaching quickly, with the club set to begin the season on the road against the Baltimore Orioles on March 26. That leaves roughly two weeks between the end of the Classic and the start of the regular season. If Ryan ends up pitching briefly in relief during the championship game or never appears at all, he should remain on track to start Opening Day in Baltimore. However, if he were to start the championship game, the team could adjust its rotation plans. In that case, another Twins pitcher might take the ball for the opener while Ryan would slide back a few days and make his first start later in the series against the Orioles. From Minnesota’s perspective, the preference is obviously to have Ryan lined up for the first game of the season. At the same time, the organization understands the significance of the opportunity and has expressed support for his potential participation. For now, everything hinges on how Team USA performs in the quarterfinal round. If the Americans keep advancing, Ryan’s spring could suddenly include one of the biggest stages in baseball. View full rumor

Every franchise wants to believe it has been among baseball’s elite over the last quarter-century. A new set of rankings from The Athletic attempts to answer that question by putting a number on sustained success across Major League Baseball. Each year, the publication releases its MLB Franchise Rankings, measuring how teams have performed over the last 25 seasons. The system rewards postseason success while also accounting for division titles and long stretches of losing seasons. It is designed to measure consistency rather than simply rewarding a single championship window. The Athletic’s formula, adapted from Bob Sturm’s football system, fits baseball’s postseason: nine points for a World Series win, six for runner-up, three for losing in the Championship Series, two for Division Series, one for Wild Card loss. Additional adjustments include a point for division titles and a deduction for consecutive 90-loss seasons. Unlike many rankings that focus on recent performance, this system does not give extra weight to the most recent seasons. The goal is to capture the entire 25-year stretch from 2001 through today and determine which franchises have consistently found ways to stay competitive. Twins Land at No. 14 Minnesota ranked 14th overall with 25 total points over the 25-year period. That position places them in the top half of baseball but just barely, reflecting a franchise that has experienced bursts of success mixed with frustrating postseason outcomes. Within the American League, only six teams ranked higher than Minnesota. The teams ahead of the Twins include the New York Yankees at second overall, the Boston Red Sox at fourth, and the Houston Astros at fifth. Those franchises have combined for multiple championships and deep playoff runs during the ranking period. A few more familiar American League rivals also finished ahead of Minnesota. The Cleveland Guardians ranked tenth, the Texas Rangers placed eleventh, and the Los Angeles Angels came in twelfth. For Twins fans, the ranking feels both fair and frustrating. Minnesota has been competitive in several stretches over the last two decades, but postseason success has been harder to come by. A few deeper October runs could have pushed the franchise comfortably into the top ten. A Steady Climb in Recent Years Even though the Twins sit in the middle of the pack today, the trend line has been moving in the right direction. The franchise ranked 14th in 2025 with 24 points. In 2024, Minnesota ranked 15th overall with 22 points. The year before that, they were down at 17th with 19 points. Just a short time ago, the franchise was much closer to the bottom half of baseball. The biggest jump came between 2022 and 2023. In the 2022 rankings, the Twins placed 22nd with only 11 points. At that point, the organization was still feeling the impact of several losing seasons and limited postseason success during the ranking window. Since then, the club has slowly climbed back toward the middle of the league. It is not a dramatic rise, but it shows that recent competitive seasons have helped stabilize Minnesota’s standing. What Comes Next While the recent climb is encouraging, these rankings may soon be challenging for the Twins. The system uses a rolling 25-year window, so Minnesota’s best seasons from the early 2000s will eventually drop out. When those years fall off, the Twins could lose points that now keep them mid-standings. The team will need new postseason appearances and division titles to maintain or boost its position. Fortunately for Minnesota, the path to those points might not be overly complicated. The American League Central has frequently been one of baseball’s most competitive but unpredictable divisions. No team has completely dominated the division in recent seasons, leaving opportunities for a club that gets hot at the right time. For now, the latest rankings paint a clear picture of the franchise over the last quarter-century. The Twins have not been among baseball’s true powerhouses, but they also have not fallen into the category of long-term struggling organizations. Instead, Minnesota sits right where the numbers say it belongs. Solid, competitive, and still searching for the October breakthrough that could change the entire conversation. View full rumor

Image courtesy of © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Major League Baseball has spent the last few seasons trying to bring the stolen base back into the spotlight. The league limited pitchers' pickoff attempts and step-offs as part of the implementation of the pitch timer in 2023. The bases were made larger. It wasn't solely about boosting steals, but that was part of the plan. The strategy is working. Stolen bases are up across the league, and teams are increasingly willing to push the envelope. The Minnesota Twins joined that trend during the second half of last season. Following the trade deadline, no American League team stole more bases than Minnesota, with 59. During that stretch, Austin Martin and Royce Lewis led the club with 11 steals each. Luke Keaschall swiped nine bags, while Byron Buxton added seven. The more aggressive approach raises an interesting possibility: Will the Twins have another 20-homer, 20-steal player in 2026? It's not something that happens often in Twins Territory. The Twins have seen just eight 20-20 seasons, from seven different players. Torii Hunter accomplished the feat twice in 2002 and 2004. The others to reach the milestone include Buxton in 2025, Brian Dozier in 2014, Corey Koskie in 2001, Marty Cordova in 1995, Kirby Puckett in 1986, and Larry Hisle in 1977. With the current roster construction and the organization encouraging more activity on the bases, Minnesota could have multiple candidates. Byron Buxton 2025 Totals: 35 home runs, 24 steals 2026 ZiPS Projection: 24 home runs, 14 steals Buxton cruised to his first career 20-20 season last year, with room to spare. His 35 home runs and 24 stolen bases were career highs. He even stole third base for the first time in his major-league career, an example of the Twins encouraging more aggressive baserunning. It also ended a long drought for the organization. Buxton became the first Twins player to reach the milestone in over a decade. What is standing in the way of a repeat? The answer has always been health. Buxton has battled injuries throughout his career, but the Twins hope the last two seasons prove to have been a turning point. He has now appeared in more than 100 games in back-to-back years, something that once seemed difficult to imagine. If Buxton stays on the field for another full season, he remains the most obvious candidate to reach the mark again. Royce Lewis 2025 Totals: 13 home runs, 12 steals 2026 ZiPS Projection: 14 home runs, 9 steals Early in his career, Lewis was not much of a factor on the bases. From 2022 through 2024, he stole only six total bases. Injuries certainly played a role in that limited production, but it also seemed like his running game had taken a backseat. That changed in 2025. Lewis swiped 12 bags across 106 games and showed a willingness to run when the opportunity was there. A full healthy season could push that number even higher. Reaching 20 steals is not unrealistic for an athletic infielder who has always possessed above-average speed. The bigger question is the power. Lewis has hit at least 13 home runs in each of the last three seasons despite never playing more than 106 games in a year. He revamped his swing during the offseason in an effort to create more consistent contact and power output. What is stopping him from joining the club? Offensive consistency. If the swing adjustments help him tap into more power while staying on the field, Lewis has the athleticism to threaten a 20-20 season. Luke Keaschall 2025 Totals: 4 home runs, 14 steals 2026 ZiPS Projection: 7 home runs, 17 steals Keaschall might be the most intriguing player on this list. Across three minor-league seasons, he hit .294 with 125 runs, 19 home runs, 72 RBI, and 49 steals in 585 at-bats. His approach at the plate has always stood out. He walked at a 13.6% clip, while keeping his strikeout rate at a manageable 16.9%. The Twins promoted him to the majors last season despite only 28 games at Triple-A, because the team had multiple injuries in the infield. Over his final 163 at-bats in the big leagues, Keaschall hit .294 with 21 runs, four home runs, 26 RBI, and nine stolen bases. The speed component of a 20-20 season is clearly within reach. If he plays regularly, 20 steals are well within the range of outcomes. What’s stopping him from joining the club? The question revolves around his power. Some evaluators believe his swing mechanics may limit his ability to reach 20 home runs. A season in the 12-15 home run range feels more realistic at this point. Still, if Keaschall finds another gear in his power development, he could become a surprising entrant into the conversation. A New Era of Aggressive Baserunning For years, the Twins were not known as a particularly aggressive team on the bases. The second half of last season suggested that the mindset may be shifting. With the league encouraging stolen bases and the roster featuring several athletic players, Minnesota has the personnel to take advantage. Buxton already proved he can reach the milestone. Lewis has the athletic profile to join him if his power continues to develop. Keaschall represents the wild card, a player whose speed is already an asset but whose power ceiling will determine just how high his offensive value can climb. The 20-20 club remains a rare achievement in franchise history, but the conditions might be lining up for another entry. If the Twins continue pushing the tempo on the basepaths in 2026, more than one player could find himself chasing a place alongside some of the most dynamic seasons the organization has ever seen. Will any of this trio reach the 20-20 mark in 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The calendar is inching closer to Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins. In just over two weeks, the club will begin the 2026 season on March 26 in Baltimore. Until then, the focus remains on getting through the final stretch of spring training in Fort Myers. As the big league roster begins to take shape, the Twins have continued trimming their camp roster. Earlier this week, Minnesota made another round of roster moves, bringing the total number of players in camp down to 49. With minor league games beginning on the back fields, those teams need players as well, especially prospects who need regular at-bats and innings. After Wednesday’s 2-1 Grapefruit League win over the Detroit Tigers, the Twins made another pair of cuts. Kaelen Culpepper and Aaron Sabato were both reassigned from big league camp, bringing the camp roster down to 47 players. Both players entered camp as non-roster invitees, but they arrived in very different spots in their development. Culpepper, 23, was Minnesota’s first-round pick in the 2024 draft and has quickly become one of the organization’s most exciting prospects. The shortstop is already a consensus top 100 prospect across the industry, and his first experience in a major league camp offered an encouraging glimpse of what could be ahead. He made the most of his opportunities this spring. Culpepper finished camp batting .316 with a .749 OPS across limited action, collecting six hits in 19 at-bats. He added a double, drove in two runs, walked once, and struck out five times. His final appearance was also his most productive. Culpepper went 2-for-2 on Wednesday with a walk-off hit. However, the Twins announced his reassignment shortly after the game. The decision to send him down was never much of a surprise. Culpepper has not yet played at Triple-A, and the organization would prefer he get everyday reps rather than sporadic appearances late in Grapefruit League games. Still, his performance reinforced the belief that he may not be far away. Last season, he played 113 games between High- and Double-A, producing an .844 OPS that came with a blend of contact ability, emerging power, and the defensive profile to remain in the middle of the infield. He will open the 2026 season with Triple-A St. Paul, where the next step will be proving that his bat can handle upper-level pitching. If that happens, it would not be surprising to see Culpepper enter the conversation for a big league opportunity sometime this summer. Sabato’s path has been much different. The first baseman was the 27th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, selected largely for the offensive upside he showed in college. The Twins hoped his power bat could eventually anchor the middle of a lineup. While there have been flashes, the production has not fully materialized. Sabato reached Triple- A last season and finished the year on a strong stretch, but his overall numbers still left questions. Across the season, he hit .245 with a .741 OPS. This spring, he appeared in 12 games and hit .231 with a .718 OPS. The power potential remains intriguing, but he has yet to consistently show the type of offensive impact that would force the Twins to clear a spot for him at the big league level. For Culpepper, the assignment to St. Paul feels more like a step along the path rather than a setback. The Twins wanted to see how one of their most promising young players handled his first big league camp. The answer was encouraging. Now the next challenge begins in Triple A, where Culpepper will try to prove that his impressive spring was just a preview of what is still to come. If that happens, the conversation about when he reaches Minnesota could arrive sooner than later. View full rumor

Image courtesy of William Parmeter Spring training is a time when players across the league talk about adjustments. Some work on mechanical changes at the plate, others add strength or refine defensive skills. For young players trying to establish themselves at the major league level, the offseason becomes a prime opportunity to evaluate everything. For Minnesota, 2026 marks another important step for shortstop Brooks Lee. The former first-round pick has already shown flashes of the hitter he can become and demonstrated the steady hands and instincts that cemented him as one of the organization’s top prospects. Despite his promise, Lee entered the winter aware that there were areas for improvement. Rather than reinventing himself, he concentrated on refining key aspects of his game to make a difference over a full major league season. “Just same thing, hitting, getting better left-handed, staying the same right-handed. And then just lateral movement, get quicker, a lot of running,” Lee said about his offseason work. “And then just, yeah, trying new stuff in the weight room to help with that.” That offseason focus led Lee to prioritize mobility. Last season, he posted a -1 OAA at shortstop with 0 OAA on his lateral movement toward first base and third base. Known for reliable hands and a strong arm at shortstop, he felt he was missing out on balls he should be reaching. “It's kind of like an obvious thing,” Lee said. “You know, balls hit to me, I'll make the play, but it's the ones I don't get to. So, just try to get to more balls. And that's kind of the focus. And I think the straight-ahead speed got a lot better, and so the lateral speed will also get better.” That work started in the weight room and extended onto the field with sprint training and technique work designed to help him move more efficiently. “Like the weight room stuff, just changing the new things and trying to focus on, you know, being as strong as I can be, and just creating the most force,” Lee said. “And then, yeah, definitely a lot of technique and sprint work that went into it, and it seemed like it paid off.” Lee believes the difference is noticeable even during routine defensive drills. “It's just obvious,” he said. “When you take ground balls in the offseason, even just getting to certain balls off the bat you don't think you're going to get to. I'm not a numbers guy. If I feel like it got better, then it did.” That defensive work ties into how Lee views his role at shortstop. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, he understands he is built differently than some of the smaller, quick-twitch players who have historically played the position. Because of that, he knows maximizing his mobility is critical. “I'm not a small shortstop. I'm a bigger one, so I got to be able to use what I can to get certain balls,” Lee said. “Because I make the play usually when it's in my glove, because I'm pretty accurate and I have good hands, but it's just those ones that I'm not getting to, and I feel like I should, and the numbers say I should.” “Better first step,” he added. “You know, I always anticipate, but I think just getting better with changing direction really quickly is a really big focus.” While defense was a clear offseason emphasis, Lee also worked on simplifying his approach at the plate. As a switch-hitter, much of that attention was placed on his left-handed swing. Last season, he had a .676 OPS as a right-handed hitter and his OPS was 33 points lower from the left side. “Just trying to find one swing that I could stick with left-handed, not make so many adjustments,” Lee said. “I felt like this offseason, I made the least amount of adjustments. Didn't look at video that much. I felt good.” Part of that adjustment involves using the entire field more consistently. “Just try to hit the ball the other way more,” Lee said. “I didn't really do that last year, left-handed. I feel like right-handed I did. I got a lot more hits. So yeah, that was kind of a big focus. See the ball deeper so I could hit it that way. And I think that'll help with chasing.” The approach could also help balance Lee’s offensive profile. While he has shown the ability to drive the ball with power, he knows maintaining his discipline will ultimately lead to more consistent results. “I think the hits will come,” Lee said. “I have to stick to my approach and be OK with taking walks and maybe not try to force hits when I'm not doing well.” For a player whose natural instinct is to put the ball in play, that can be easier said than done. “It's just kind of my nature is to try and get hits,” Lee said. “But you've got to swing at the right pitches, and if you don't, you're probably out. Maybe I'll get more lucky than others because of the bat to ball, but it could hurt me, too.” Despite making several adjustments, Lee’s mindset entering the season remains simple: focus on his routine and allow everything else to fall into place. “Yeah, it is what it is,” Lee said about playing shortstop. “Whatever happens, happens. I just keep doing my thing every day, letting everything play out. It’ll all work out in the end.” For Lee, that consistency has become part of the job. The opportunity to play shortstop for Minnesota is something he has already grown comfortable with. “Yeah, it’s great,” Lee said. “I’ve had that chance my rookie year, I’ve had it last year, I have it this year. I’m used to it by now. It’s a good feeling, but it’s just baseball.” As 2026 approaches, Lee isn’t overhauling his game. He is making targeted improvements that could pay dividends throughout the long season. If these adjustments carry over to the field, the Twins could see a more complete young shortstop take another step forward this year. What stands out about Lee’s offseason changes? Can he be the team’s long-term shortstop? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Joe Ryan has become the most important pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization. He's coming off the best season of his career, earning an All-Star selection while anchoring Minnesota’s rotation. His command, ability to miss bats, and consistency have made him one of the most reliable starters on the roster. With Ryan under team control through the end of the 2027 season, the team has a modicum of time to decide how to handle his future. While this means Minnesota doesn't have to rush into an extension, recent league activity suggests there may be a window to get creative. One deal in particular stands out as a potential template. Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Phillies and left-hander Jesús Luzardo agreed to a contract extension that could guide teams hoping to lock up frontline starters before free agency. Luzardo, originally set to reach free agency after the 2026 season, will now have five guaranteed years beginning in 2027, worth $135 million. The deal also includes a $32.5-million club option that could increase based on performance. Luzardo can boost that option by $2 million with each top-five finish in Cy Young voting, potentially raising the value as high as $42.5 million. The contract also contains a $1-million assignment bonus each time he is traded, until he reaches 10 and 5 rights at the end of the 2029 season. Luzardo was already set to earn $11 million in 2026, after avoiding arbitration with the Phillies earlier this offseason. Had he played out the season and reached free agency at age 29, he likely would have been in line for a massive payday. Instead, he chose the security of locking in a long-term deal now. Over the next six years, including his 2026 salary, Luzardo is positioned to make $146 million. The circumstances around the deal are interesting, when compared to Ryan’s situation. Ryan is actually about three months older than Luzardo, and is similarly in the late stages of team control. Like Luzardo, he profiles as a reliable starter who has demonstrated the ability to pitch near the top of a rotation when healthy. If Ryan continues pitching at an All-Star level, his value will only increase as he moves closer to free agency. For the Twins, this situation might feel familiar. In recent Twins history, the Derek Falvey-led front office once had a similar opportunity with José Berríos. The Twins developed Berríos into one of the better starters in the American League and had multiple chances to explore a long-term extension. Ultimately, the two sides never got close to a deal. Instead, Minnesota traded Berríos to the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2021 trade deadline in exchange for Simeon Woods Richardson and Austin Martin. Both players remain part of the organization and figure to be part of the Twins’ plans for the 2026 season. Woods Richardson has exceeded expectations in recent years and looks like a steady mid-rotation starter who can give Minnesota quality innings. Martin’s path has been less straightforward. Once considered one of baseball’s elite prospects, his stock has dipped since arriving in the Twins organization. He still has tools that intrigue evaluators, but he now sits among a group of post hype prospects for whom the 2026 season could prove critical. From a broader perspective, the Berríos situation highlights the balancing act teams face with pitchers approaching free agency. Players who sign extensions a year or two before hitting the market often sacrifice some potential upside in exchange for long-term security. The numbers behind these deals provide some context. Dating back to 2017, the largest extension for a pitcher with between five and six years of service time was the seven-year, $131-million deal Berríos signed with Toronto. Like Luzardo, Berríos was heading into his age-28 season and would have reached free agency before turning 29. He also posted numbers that consistently hovered around a 3.50 ERA while offering exceptional durability. Berríos signed his extension before settling on a salary for his final arbitration season. When factoring in the $11 million Luzardo will earn in 2026, the Phillies left-hander is now set to make $146 million across the next six years. Deals like that offer a glimpse into what a potential Ryan extension might look like if the Twins decide to explore it. Ryan has established himself as one of the club’s most valuable pitchers and a foundational piece of the rotation. If he continues to perform at an All-Star level, his price will only climb as he gets closer to free agency. The Twins have time on their side, but recent extensions around the league suggest an opportunity to act early. Minnesota’s owner, Tom Pohlad, has spoken openly about investing in the roster, and with the team interested in pitchers like Framber Valdez, locking up Ryan now would require a significant investment. However, it could provide long-term stability for a rotation that will need it in the coming years. Minnesota’s previous experience with Berríos presents a dilemma: should they act now to lock up Joe Ryan and secure long-term stability in their rotation, or risk repeating the uncertainty that came from not extending Berríos? The main takeaway is that extending Ryan early could provide the Twins with organizational security and help avoid a repeat of past challenges. Should the Twins extend Ryan with a similar deal to Luzardo? Did the Berrios deal work out for Minnesota? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Spring training often offers players on the roster bubble an opportunity to force their way into the conversation. For right-hander Travis Adams, the 2026 camp was shaping up as a chance to earn a role in the Minnesota bullpen. However, rather than moving closer to that goal, his spring has hit pause. The Minnesota Twins announced Sunday that Adams has been diagnosed with right elbow inflammation and will not resume throwing until at least next weekend. According to Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Adams first experienced soreness on Friday, prompting the club to run additional tests. The good news, though, is that the initial imaging provided some relief. An MRI revealed no structural damage in the elbow. Even so, the Twins are taking a cautious approach by shutting Adams down from throwing for at least seven days. Adams originally felt the issue while warming up for a scheduled appearance on Friday against the Atlanta Braves. He was scratched from that outing and later evaluated by the medical staff. While the absence of structural damage is encouraging, any elbow concern for a pitcher during spring training is enough to slow the process. The timing is not ideal for Adams, who entered camp as a contender for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The 26-year-old has the type of versatility that teams value during the long season. He is capable of pitching multiple innings and bridging the gap between the rotation and the late-inning relievers. That flexibility was part of what made Adams an interesting developmental case for the Twins last season. Adams appeared in 18 games for Minnesota during the 2025 season. Across 33 2/3 innings, he posted a 7.49 ERA with a 1.66 WHIP and a 5.39 FIP. The strikeout and walk numbers told a similar story, as he recorded a 19.6 K% with a 10.8 BB%. His performance at Triple-A was more encouraging. Pitching in the hitter-friendly environment of the International League, Adams produced a 3.93 ERA with a 19.6 K% and a more manageable 7.9 BB%. Those numbers helped keep him on the radar for a larger role entering 2026. Part of Adams’s development also came within a unique pitching structure the Twins used throughout the minor leagues last year. When certain pitchers did not fit neatly into a traditional rotation slot, the organization placed them on a consistent four-day schedule. Instead of traditional starts, these pitchers would throw shorter outings more frequently. The idea was that fewer pitches with quicker turnaround could provide better overall volume while helping pitchers recover more effectively. In those outings, Adams would typically face a lineup once or twice after a traditional starter before turning the game over to the bullpen. That approach allowed the Twins to continue building Adams’s workload while keeping him flexible for a variety of roles. Entering this spring, it appeared likely that Minnesota would test Adams in shorter one or two-inning stints at the major league level. The hope was that his stuff might play up in shorter bursts, giving the bullpen another option capable of covering multiple frames when needed. For now, that plan will have to wait. The immediate focus is simply getting Adams back on the mound and healthy. With no structural damage found, the Twins will hope the inflammation subsides quickly and allows him to resume throwing soon. If that happens, Adams could still work his way back into the conversation at some point during the season. Spring training roster battles can change quickly, and injuries often reshape the competition. For Adams, the priority is making sure this brief scare stays just that. If his elbow responds well over the next week, he will have plenty of time to show the Twins what he can offer later in the year. View full rumor

The college baseball season has just begun, but draft discussions are already taking shape. As conference play begins nationwide, scouts are evaluating players and identifying early favorites for July’s MLB Draft. That timing has become the unofficial launch point for the year's first mock draft. This week, Baseball America released its Mock Draft 1.0 for 2026, offering an early snapshot of how the top of the class could unfold. At this stage, the focus is on identifying talent tiers rather than matching teams to players. Teams are already evaluating which prospects need the most scouting focus in the coming months. For the Minnesota Twins, the early projection is exciting. Holding the third overall pick in the 2026 draft, Minnesota is positioned to add another elite prospect to a farm system that has recently seen several waves of talent graduate to the major league level. According to the mock draft, the Chicago White Sox are projected to select UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick. Cholowsky entered the spring as the consensus top prospect in the class and has drawn comparisons to other elite shortstops, further supporting his status as a top choice, while maintaining his strong narrative during the opening weeks of the season. Through his first 15 games, Cholowsky has been electric at the plate. He is slashing .309/.461/.818 for a massive 1.279 OPS while launching eight home runs and adding four doubles. It is the kind of early-season performance that only strengthens his case to go first overall. With the second pick, the Tampa Bay Rays are projected to choose prep shortstop Grady Emerson. High school prospects can be unpredictable this early, and Emerson has his entire senior season to solidify his status. That leaves the Twins on the clock at number three. Baseball America’s projection has Minnesota selecting shortstop Justin Lebron from the Alabama Crimson Tide. If his early-season production is any indication, Lebron could be one of the fastest-rising players in the entire class. In 17 games this spring, Lebron is hitting .302/.458/.730 with a 1.188 OPS. He already has eight home runs and three doubles while adding another dimension with his speed. Lebron is a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen base attempts and has shown strong plate discipline with 14 walks compared to just 12 strikeouts. That combination of power, speed, and on-base ability is exactly the type of profile that tends to move up draft boards as the season progresses. If Lebron continues producing at this level against SEC competition, there is a real chance he could push his way into the conversation for the top overall pick. Many other contenders remain in play near the top. Several college hitters have drawn early attention: Jackson Flora, Drew Burress, Ace Reese, AJ Gracia, and Chris Hacopian. The high school class also features promising prospects beyond Emerson. Jacob Lombard and Erick Becker could all factor into the top of the draft, depending on how their spring performances develop. It is important to remember that March mock drafts are only the starting point. Performances will fluctuate, injuries can change the landscape, and scouting opinions often evolve as teams see players more frequently throughout the spring. Still, these early projections offer a useful snapshot of the talent pool. By July, the draft board will look different in many ways, but the Twins will likely choose from a group that includes several names already near the top of this mock draft. View full rumor

As spring training enters its final stretch, roster decisions accelerate. For the Minnesota Twins, Monday brought further clarity as the club trimmed nine players from big-league camp. The group included several names with at least some path to the Opening Day roster, as well as a few prospects whose strong springs made the timing a little surprising. With less than three weeks until the regular season begins, the Twins are now narrowing their focus to the players who will make the final push. Among the pitchers sent out of camp, Connor Prielipp and Marco Raya were probably the closest to legitimate Opening Day roster consideration. Both pitchers have already reached Triple-A and could have potentially filled bullpen roles if the Twins wanted to bring a young arm north. Prielipp, however, is still being stretched out as a starter and did not do enough this spring to earn more time in camp. Across three Grapefruit League appearances, he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits, including two home runs. He also finished with six strikeouts and six walks. The raw stuff is still intriguing, but the command will need to sharpen as he continues building innings. Raya’s outing this spring was even more difficult. Last season was already a challenging one as he posted a 6.02 ERA across 98 2/3 innings at Triple A. Now transitioning into a relief role, Raya allowed five runs in just 2 1/3 innings this spring while issuing five walks and striking out only two. Both pitchers still appear likely to factor into the major league picture at some point during the season. For now, though, they will head back to the minor leagues to continue refining their roles and consistency before Minnesota calls again. The same can be said for Andrew Morris and John Klein. Morris struggled during Grapefruit League action, giving up four runs on seven hits across 6 2/3 innings. He currently sits as the seventh or eighth starter on the organizational depth chart, so he will be in Minnesota at some point this year. Klein appeared in only a single game during camp, limiting his evaluation. However, the Twins added him to the 40-man roster this winter, making him a call-up candidate when the need arises. The most surprising move from Monday’s cuts was the demotion of top outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez. There was never a strong expectation that Rodriguez would break camp with the Twins, but the timing still stands out considering how well he performed during exhibition play. In 11 Grapefruit League games, Rodriguez slashed an impressive .421/.476/.789 (1.265). He collected a double and two home runs while drawing two walks and striking out nine times. Rodriguez already has experience at Triple-A after posting an .853 OPS in 52 games there last season. Capable of playing center field, he continues to look like one of the organization’s most dynamic offensive talents. The next step in his development remains familiar. Rodriguez does an excellent job commanding the strike zone and has often produced walk rates north of 20 percent. The issue is that the strikeouts remain high as well, with the outfielder still striking out close to one-third of the time. If he can trim that rate while staying healthy, the Twins may not be able to keep him in St. Paul for very long. Another hitter sent out at the same time was Gabriel Gonzalez, who also enjoyed an impressive spring. Gonzalez homered on Monday and finished camp 9-for-18 (.500 BA) with three doubles and a home run. If he can carry that momentum into the regular season, he could quickly put himself into the conversation for a corner outfield role. Hendry Mendez remains a bit further from the big league picture, while catcher Patrick Winkel profiles primarily as organizational depth behind the plate. Kendry Rojas, however, is a name that could become important again this season. The left-hander is expected to serve as part of the starting pitching depth at Triple-A, a role the Twins leaned on heavily a year ago. Rojas was part of the reason Minnesota felt comfortable moving Louie Varland at last year’s trade deadline. A fringe Top 100 prospect at the time, the young left-hander flashed impressive velocity and the type of strikeout ability that caught the organization’s attention. This spring, Rojas allowed seven runs on seven hits in Grapefruit League action, but the underlying numbers were encouraging. He recorded seven strikeouts compared to just one walk, continuing to show the swing-and-miss ability that has long made him intriguing. A strong start at Triple-A St. Paul could quickly put him back on the radar as a promotion candidate. For the Twins, these latest cuts help finalize the Opening Day roster and strengthen organizational depth. Players sent down Monday are still key for 2026, and could return if there are injuries or new opportunities, making them important to follow in the coming months. View full rumor

Image courtesy of © Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins held what was described as a routine media availability earlier this week. By the end, the organization had successfully redefined one of baseball’s most foundational concepts while introducing a bold new framework for competitive spending that relies almost entirely on belief. Speaking from a podium adorned with what appeared to be several laminated pie charts labeled culture metrics, Tom Pohlad addressed questions about the team’s long-term payroll outlook by first asking reporters to consider whether payroll exists in any meaningful sense at all. “We think it is important to challenge traditional assumptions about money,” Pohlad said. “When you really sit with it, payroll is less of a number and more of a mindset. Spending is about vibes. Spending is about growth. Spending is about how committed you are internally to the idea of improvement.” Pohlad went on to explain that the organization has made significant investments this offseason in non-monetary areas, including belief infrastructure and emotional liquidity. “We have spent a lot this winter,” Pohlad continued. “We spent time. We spent energy. We spent several afternoons discussing whether financial limitations are self-imposed barriers created by outdated thinking. That is where real progress happens.” Sources inside the room confirmed that the front office unveiled a new proprietary metric designed to measure fiscal effort without actually requiring the movement of currency. Known internally as Win Probability Intention, the stat attempts to quantify how seriously a team has considered acquiring an impact player before ultimately deciding against it. General Manager Jeremy Zoll later clarified that the Twins have not ruled out increasing payroll in the future, but that any such move would need to align with the club’s long-term vision of sustainable imagination. “There are a lot of ways to get better as a baseball team,” Zoll said. “You can sign free agents. You can make trades. Or you can foster an environment where improvement feels possible. We think the third option has been underutilized across Major League Baseball.” At one point during the press conference, the Twins presented a slide comparing their actual payroll to what they described as their aspirational payroll, which exists primarily as a concept. The gap between the two was characterized as an opportunity. Team officials emphasized that the organization remains committed to contending in the American League Central and believes its current roster is well-positioned to compete so long as fans are willing to engage with a more flexible understanding of investment. “Winning is not always about who spends the most,” Pohlad said. “Sometimes it is about who spends the most time thinking about spending.” When asked whether this philosophical approach would extend to future contract negotiations with star players, Pohlad nodded. “We think our guys understand that value is subjective,” he said. “And frankly, if you ask around the clubhouse, the vibes are fully funded.” The Twins are expected to continue exploring new avenues for resource allocation throughout the season, including several initiatives focused on generating late-inning offense and visualizing healthy pitching depth. Opening Day remains on schedule. Payroll remains a feeling. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter The biggest addition to the Minnesota Twins lineup this offseason came when they signed switch-hitting first baseman Josh Bell. Minnesota added the veteran to provide stability in the middle of the order, and if his recent track record holds, he could be exactly what the lineup needs. Over the last four seasons, Bell has quietly delivered steady offensive contributions. He's averaged a 109 OPS+ during that span, while hitting roughly 20 home runs and 24 doubles per year. That level of production offers valuable support for a team looking to create more run-scoring opportunities—and capitalize better when they arise. Bell has never excelled on defense. His glove grades out below average (-4 OAA in 2025), but the Twins have built flexibility around him. Players like Kody Clemens and Victor Caratini can cover first base if needed, giving manager Derek Shelton different lineup options. In recent seasons, Minnesota has taken a similar approach, repeatedly bringing in veteran first basemen on short-term deals. The results have varied. Ty France held down the position in 2025, while Carlos Santana did so in 2024 and Donovan Solano in 2023. France and Santana both delivered strong defensive seasons that earned American League Gold Glove honors, but the offensive production from the position has fluctuated. Bell is a different style and caliber of player, at least after one adjusts for the stage of each player's career at which they arrived in Minnesota. His value is tied more closely to what he can do with the bat. Early in camp, Bell has focused on settling into a new clubhouse and getting back into the rhythm of spring training. “Definitely a good first couple of weeks, shaking hands, meeting different people,” Bell said. “I think spring training, for the most part, is the same, no matter what camp you go to. It's like shaking the cobwebs off. Try to establish your routine. Obviously, stay healthy out there as more and more innings get put onto your plate. But I'm definitely happy to be here and excited for the opportunity ahead.” With a roster that blends veterans and younger players, Bell also understands the leadership role that often comes with experience. For him, that responsibility starts with communication. “I think it all starts with conversation, getting to know different people,” Bell said. “People come to me with different questions. And for me, it's just about being honest about my experience. I've had a few more reps than other people in this clubhouse. But we all have the same love for the game. We're all trying to get to the pinnacle: postseason. See what we can do here collectively to do that.” He believes leaders show themselves in small moments, rather than grand speeches. “So that's the goal, lead by example, lead by a conversation here or there," he said. "That's what Shelty wants out of me, so I'm happy to do that.” Bell’s offensive approach evolved throughout last season. After making adjustments entering the year, he initially struggled to produce the type of contact he expected. Through June 12, he was hitting .178 with a .605 OPS, but posted an .839 OPS from then on. “Yeah, I thought I was in a great position leaving camp (in 2024),” Bell said. “I had a homer that first series, you know how that goes, I felt like I was on top of the world. Lot more fly outs than I was used to, a lot more soft contact than I was used to. Ball flight was there, but it wasn't crushed the way I normally do when I get balls in the air.” As the season progressed, Bell simplified things at the plate and focused on driving the ball with authority again. “So, I kind of honed things down and got back to squaring up the baseball and reestablished myself in the box and [was] able to drive the ball to all fields,” Bell said. “Then, as the season went on, I got a couple hot streaks to increase the power numbers and leave the yard a few times. So definitely a learning experience, not the start that I wanted, but hoping for a better start this year.” That late-season adjustment has shaped his preparation heading into 2026. Rather than reinventing anything, Bell is sticking with the routine that helped him finish strong. “Yeah, you got the same routine as I had the last four months, pretty much the same thing in the cage,” Bell said. “So you feel good, feel good for both sides about getting the reps now and addressing it, and getting out there and competing.” For Bell, the key to unlocking power is surprisingly simple. Focus on hitting the ball hard and let the strength take care of the rest. “I think it was just about not missing balls in my zone,” Bell said. “When I focus on driving balls to all fields, the at-bat tends to end when it needs to. So I'm not up there fouling balls off and grinding. Balls coming in my zone, at-bats over. If I screw it up, it's 100 plus, and if it's in the air, better things happen.” That mindset allows the power to show up naturally. “I think it was more just that, not trying to do too much pre-pitch, understanding if it comes into my zone, I have the strength to get it out of the ballpark, not trying to force that issue.” Ultimately, Bell’s role in the lineup will be determined by performance. He views the situation in straightforward terms. “I feel like if I'm playing well, I'll be in the lineup,” Bell said. “That's the way I see it.” For the Twins, that may be exactly what they're hoping for. While Minnesota has cycled through several veteran first basemen over the last few seasons, Bell brings a different offensive profile. If his approach continues to yield consistent power and run production, the Twins may finally get the middle-of-the-order impact at first base they've been seeking. What are realistic expectations for Bell in 2026? Can he replicate his numbers from the second half of last season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Brad Rempel, USA Today Spring training always sparks the same debate: Who will make the Opening Day roster? Which prospects or veterans will secure a spot or be squeezed out? The conversation can dominate the entire spring. Fans and analysts pore over roster projections while every exhibition lineup gets dissected. A bench player starting a Grapefruit League game can suddenly spark speculation about a roster battle. Meanwhile, injured players are racing the calendar, hoping to be ready by the time the regular season begins. Opening Day carries a certain weight. It represents the first real snapshot of a team’s roster construction. The lineup card becomes a symbol of the organization’s plan for the year ahead. But history shows that a snapshot can be misleading. Players get hurt, veterans lose playing time, and prospects can arrive faster than expected. Sometimes Opening Day starters become footnotes by October, while unexpected names seize brief opportunities. As we reflect on recent Twins seasons, several once-prominent names in Opening Day lineups have since faded from memory. Noticing these surprises reveals how quickly the roster landscape shifts from year to year. Let’s revisit five Opening Day starters from recent Twins history who might have slipped your mind, illustrating how initial expectations often shift as the season progresses. 2024: Manuel Margot (DH) When the Twins acquired Margot, the expectation was that he could provide depth behind Byron Buxton in center field. Margot had spent most of his career as a capable defensive outfielder and seemed like a logical insurance policy if Buxton needed days off. It quickly became clear that his days as an up-the-middle defender were largely behind him. Ultimately, Margot filled a different role during the 2024 season. He shifted to designated hitter and sometimes played corner outfield. Notably, he started at DH on Opening Day. Although he remained on the roster for most of the year, his offensive production failed to develop. Margot appeared in 129 games but finished with a .238/.289/.337 (.626) slash line, good for a 76 OPS+. His season also included a strange bit of baseball trivia as he went 0 for 30 as a pinch hitter, setting a Major League record for the most hitless pinch hit appearances in a single season. He briefly resurfaced with Detroit in 2025, appearing in only a handful of games. With his playing time dwindling, it appears his Major League career has likely come to an end. 2023: Nick Gordon (2B) Gordon entered professional baseball carrying significant expectations as a highly regarded shortstop prospect. The Twins selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and envisioned him as a long-term piece of their infield. His development path turned out to be slower than anticipated. Gordon battled health problems and inconsistency in the minor leagues and did not make his Major League debut until he was 25 years old. Things finally clicked during the 2022 season when he became a valuable utility option for Minnesota. He played all over the field while posting a 111 OPS+ across 136 games. That performance helped earn him a spot in the Opening Day lineup at second base in 2023. Unfortunately, that momentum did not carry over. Injuries limited Gordon to just 34 games that season, and he struggled when he was on the field, finishing with a 35 OPS+. With his role shrinking, Minnesota ultimately moved on and traded him to Miami before the 2024 season in a deal that included reliever Steven Okert. 2020: Jake Cave (CF) The 2020 season remains one of the most unusual campaigns in baseball history. The pandemic shortened the season, changed routines across the sport, and created a number of unusual roster situations. One small detail that is easy to forget is who actually started in center field for the Twins on Opening Day that year. It was Cave, not Buxton. Cave had quietly become a useful contributor after arriving from the Yankees in a trade that sent pitching prospect Luis Gil to New York. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he showed legitimate offensive value, combining for a 112 OPS+ across 163 games. That stretch earned him the Opening Day assignment in center field when the 2020 season began. His production declined over the following years, however. Across his final three seasons with Minnesota, he posted a 71 OPS+, falling well below league average as his role diminished. 2018: Logan Morrison (DH) Morrison’s time with the Twins began with a bit of late offseason intrigue. Coming off a career year with Tampa Bay in 2017, Morrison hit 38 home runs while producing a 133 OPS+ and roughly three wins above replacement. Despite those numbers, the market for first basemen was slow that winter, and Morrison remained unsigned deep into February. Minnesota eventually brought him aboard on February 28, only weeks before Opening Day. While the move created some excitement at the time, the on-field results never followed. Morrison, unable to find consistency at the plate, finished the season with a 74 OPS+ across 95 games. His tenure with the Twins ended after that season, and his big-league opportunities quickly faded. Morrison played just 34 more Major League games after leaving Minnesota. 2015: Jordan Schafer (CF) Schafer may be the easiest name on this list to forget. Minnesota claimed Schafer off waivers from Atlanta late in the 2014 season, and he actually provided a brief spark down the stretch. In 41 games, he posted a surprising 100 OPS+, which stood well above his career average. With Buxton still developing in the minor leagues, Schafer entered the 2015 season as the Twins' Opening Day center fielder. The opportunity did not last long. Schafer struggled early and often, appearing in just 27 games while producing a 42 OPS+. His overall performance dipped below replacement level, and the Twins released him in June. He never appeared in another Major League game. Reflecting on these lineups, their significance in the moment is undeniable. They reflect months of preparation but, as we’ve seen, offer only a snapshot before reality quickly reshapes a team’s fortunes. Players emerge unexpectedly, injuries reshape rosters, and prospects arrive to change a team's trajectory. As a result, some of the names that appear in that first lineup card fade quickly from memory. These five players are a reminder that even starting on Opening Day does not guarantee a lasting place in Twins history. Sometimes it simply reflects a brief moment in time before the long season unfolds. Which names had you forgotten about? Are there other recent Opening Day starters that were surprises? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Trades at the deadline can seem sudden. A contender needs pitching. A rebuilding team moves veterans. In hours, deals are done and players introduced. Yet, most conversations start months before. That was the case for the Twins and Blue Jays last summer. Long before the trade deadline approached, Toronto had already begun checking in with Minnesota about reliever Louis Varland. According to reporting from the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Blue Jays began making inquiries roughly three months before the deal was finalized. Minnesota’s front office was assertive in talks. The Twins set a high price, asking for young arms Trey Yesavage and Kendry Rojas. Yesavage, seen as a top Blue Jays pitching prospect, was not available. Still, those talks shaped the final package. At the deadline, Minnesota traded Varland and Ty France to Toronto for outfielder Alan Roden and left-hander Kendry Rojas. The deal is now shaping the Twins' roster decisions in camp. Alan Roden: Pushing for an Opportunity Roden joined as an advanced hitter known for his strike zone control. He quickly became a notable new position player after last year’s deadline and is now poised to make an immediate impact. During spring training, Roden has found himself in the mix for a starting job in the Twins outfield. In his first six spring games, he went 7-for-17 (.412 BA) with a home run, five RBI, and three runs scored. Minnesota's outfield remains unsettled, giving Roden a chance to break in. Even if he starts in the minors, the team sees him as a near-term contributor. Kendry Rojas: A Power Arm with Upside While Roden could help sooner, Rojas may ultimately carry the highest ceiling from the deal. The 23-year-old left-hander has been one of the more talked-about pitchers in Twins camp thanks to a fastball that can reach the upper 90s. The raw stuff has always been enticing, but his development will hinge on improving command. Last year showed more work lies ahead. Rojas struggled in 32 1/3 Triple-A innings in 2025, allowing too many baserunners and posting a 15.9 BB% after the trade. The Twins still see potential for him as a starter and plan to keep developing him there. At the same time, some evaluators see a future in which his power arsenal plays in high-leverage relief situations. If the Twins decide to bring him to the majors later this season, a bullpen role could offer a natural transition. It would allow Rojas to get his first taste of big league competition without completely closing the door on his long-term potential in the rotation. The Varland trade was the product of months of dialogue between two front offices. What started as early-season check-ins eventually turned into a deadline deal that sent a pair of intriguing young players to Minnesota. Spring training has already offered a glimpse of what the Twins might gain from that patience. Roden is fighting for a roster spot in the outfield, while Rojas is flashing the kind of velocity that turns heads around the back fields. Much like many deadline trades, the full impact of this deal may not be known for years. Still, the proactive conversations that began early last season are already shaping the Twins as they prepare for 2026. View full rumor