Cody Christie

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Joe Ryan has never been a pitcher who hides his emotions. Throughout his Twins career, fans have seen his reactions go viral, whether he's celebrating a spectacular defensive play behind him or watching a mistake leave the ballpark before it lands in the seats. Ryan wears his emotions on his sleeve, and that's part of what makes him so compelling to watch every fifth day. For some players, showing emotion can become a distraction. For Ryan, it often serves as fuel. His competitiveness is evident in everything from his body language on the mound to his postgame interviews. That's why his comments after Monday's win over the White Sox stood out. Even after another quality start and a much-needed Twins victory, Ryan sounded frustrated with how the game unfolded. Ryan has pitched at an All-Star level this season, even with an early-season injury scare that saw him exit a start after only two batters. He leads MLB with 13 games started and has posted a 135 ERA+ with a 2.76 FIP across 70 1/3 innings. Among AL starters, he has the fourth-best WHIP, sixth-most strikeouts, and fifth-best FIP. Monday's start against the White Sox looked like another example of him leading the Twins to victory. Though he surrendered a pair of home runs, Ryan worked six innings and helped the Twins snap their five-game losing streak. It was his second straight outing against Chicago after facing them last Tuesday, and the results were largely similar. Ryan attacked hitters, limited damage, and handed the game over with Minnesota in position to win. Yet after the game, his mood suggested something was bothering him. When asked about the game plan against the White Sox this time around, Ryan offered a noticeably brief response. "We pitched today, and we won," said Ryan. "It was good." For a pitcher who is typically thoughtful and willing to discuss his approach, the answer felt unusually short. His next response provided more insight into why he appeared frustrated. "I don't feel like I gave enough length,” Ryan explained. “There's some things that could have gone differently, and trying to mix things up when we didn't need to be doing that, and adding things in that we haven't done all year.” He elaborated, “Just kind of changing the plan at times, and it limits the innings there. I was probably in a spot to go a couple more innings. Certain things didn't go the way we probably should have stuck to. It happens." That answer raised eyebrows because Ryan rarely sounds dissatisfied following six innings of work, especially in a victory. The key phrase may have been "adding things in that we haven't done all year." Later, he was asked a follow-up question regarding the game plan and approach. "Just a couple of things we were doing that we'll talk about this week, and we'll figure [it] out. But it won't happen again." Whatever those changes were, Ryan clearly wasn't a fan. The details weren't revealed publicly by players or coaches, but it's fair to wonder whether the adjustments involved how Minnesota attacked Chicago's left-handed hitters. Facing the same team in back-to-back starts is never easy. Hitters gain familiarity. They remember sequencing. They recognize release points. Sometimes, a pitcher and coaching staff feel pressure to introduce something different simply to avoid becoming predictable. The challenge is finding the balance between adjustment and overthinking. Ryan's success this season has been built on trusting what already works. His fastball plays better than its velocity suggests because of its shape and carry through the strike zone. His splitter generates weak contact and swings and misses. His breaking pitches complement everything else. When Ryan is at his best, he's attacking with conviction rather than searching for something new. Looking at the Baseball Savant pitch data from Monday, there are signs the plan may have shifted. His velocity was up across the board. Ryan's fastball averaged 1.4 mph harder than his season average, and similar increases showed up throughout his pitch mix. The stuff itself wasn't the problem. Against left-handed hitters, Ryan leaned heavily on his fastball and knuckle curve. He threw his four-seamer 54% of the time and his knuckle curve 22% of the time. Compared to his season averages against lefties, that represented an 8% increase in fastball usage and a 6% increase in knuckle curve usage. Those numbers suggest an intentional adjustment. The question becomes whether the change actually played into Chicago's success. Ryan's four-seam fastball has carried a 46.3% Hard Hit rate this season. On Monday, White Sox hitters put 10 of his fastballs into play and produced six hard-hit balls. Fortunately for Ryan, only three became hits. One of those hits left the yard for a home run. While the final line wasn't disastrous, the quality of contact was probably higher than Ryan would have liked. If the plan involved challenging left-handed hitters more aggressively in the zone with fastballs and breaking balls, it's understandable why he may have viewed the results skeptically. Below shows how Ryan approached left-handed batters in his last two starts versus Chicago. That's especially true considering how dominant Ryan has been throughout the season. Pitchers who are performing at an elite level often develop tremendous confidence in the routines and strategies that got them there. When something changes, and it leads to damage, even minor damage, it can be frustrating. Perhaps the most notable takeaway from Ryan's comments wasn't that he disagreed with the approach. It was how strongly he felt about it. Ryan has been a major success story of the Twins' pitching development process. Monday served as a reminder that even in collaborative environments, pitchers still need to feel ownership of the game plan. The good news for Minnesota is that Ryan's frustration came after another quality outing, not after a disastrous one. His velocity was excellent. His stuff looked sharp. He still completed six innings and helped secure a much-needed victory. If anything, Ryan's comments reveal the mentality that has helped turn him into one of the American League's best starters. He wasn't satisfied with six innings and a win because he believed there was more in the tank. He thought he could have pitched deeper into the game and prevented some of the damage if the Twins had stuck with the approach that has carried him all season. For a pitcher leading one of baseball’s most injured rotations, that dissatisfaction may actually be a positive sign. Ryan isn't focused on the box score. He's focused on maximizing every outing. And if his postgame comments are any indication, don't expect to see the same experimental game plan the next time he takes the mound. What will change with Ryan before his next start? Should Ryan have been mad? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins continued searching for bullpen help on Monday night, acquiring right-handed reliever Justin Lawrence from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Pittsburgh designated the veteran reliever for assignment last week, giving Minnesota an opportunity to take a chance on a pitcher whose career has featured both electric highs and frustrating inconsistency. At first glance, Lawrence's numbers don't inspire much confidence. The 31-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings this season and has battled command issues throughout his Major League career. Yet, the Twins clearly see something worth exploring, and Lawrence believes his current performance is better than the stat line suggests. "I think I'm in a better place than what you see in the stat line, mentally, physically, health-wise," Lawrence told reporters. "I felt like I'm in a really good spot. [In] 2024, kind of struggled the entire year, but I felt like I'm in a completely different headspace. My stuff feels really good. I'm still attacking the zone. I'm always best when I'm in the zone. As long as I can stay in the strike zone, keep the sinker down, and be able to just control what I can control, most importantly, the success will come." For a Twins bullpen desperate for stability, Lawrence represents another low-cost gamble with a potentially meaningful payoff. Lawrence brings the type of arm talent Minnesota's bullpen lacks. He throws two fastballs that both average better than 95 MPH, and complements them with a sweeper capable of generating swings and misses. The raw arsenal has allowed him to survive in the big leagues despite inconsistent command. His 23.6% strikeout rate this season sits around league average, and when he's locating his pitches, hitters often struggle to square him up. Across 222 career appearances, however, Lawrence owns a 5.05 ERA. His 11.3% walk rate this season highlights the same issue that has followed him throughout his professional career. The Twins aren't acquiring a finished product. They're betting they can unlock more consistency from a pitcher whose stuff has always outperformed his results. Part of Lawrence's optimism stems from feeling healthier than he has in recent years. After missing most of the 2025 season due to elbow inflammation, he believes his mechanics are moving in the right direction again. "Yeah, I think I'm feeling better, physically,” Lawrence said. “My direction is straight to the plate, so being able to not cut myself off and get out there has been really good." Improved extension and cleaner mechanics could be especially important for a pitcher whose sinker relies on movement and deception. When Lawrence gets down the mound effectively, his fastball plays up, and his breaking ball becomes even tougher to recognize. The photos below show his “foot strike” position from 2025 and 2026. His extension is up noticeably this year, and this is why. The Four-Seamer Experiment One of the more interesting developments in Lawrence's career came when the Pirates encouraged him to throw more four-seam fastballs. Pittsburgh wanted him to incorporate the pitch shortly after acquiring him, but Lawrence wasn't fully comfortable with the adjustment initially. Over the winter, he worked to develop the offering and became more confident using it. However, the process wasn't seamless. As Lawrence worked to create separation between his four-seamer and his traditional sinker, he occasionally struggled to keep the sinker in its ideal locations. Instead of staying at the bottom of the zone, it drifted into more hittable areas. Even so, he believes the four-seamer can be a useful addition moving forward and plans to continue using it. The Twins will likely spend the next several weeks determining whether pitch-mix changes can help him unlock another level, or whether simplifying his approach could yield better results. Everything Comes Back to the Strike Zone When Lawrence discusses his career, one theme repeatedly emerges: throwing strikes. Despite possessing solid velocity and significant movement, he doesn't view command issues as an unavoidable consequence of his stuff. "Not necessarily. There are guys in the league that have amazing stuff and stuff that moves all sorts of directions, and they still throw a ton of strikes. That's always been my key, my whole career, from the minor leagues up. When I'm in the zone is when I'm at my best." That self-awareness may be part of what attracted Minnesota. The Twins don't need Lawrence to become an elite closer. They simply need him to throw enough strikes to let his natural ability work. If he can reduce the walks, the combination of velocity, movement, and swing-and-miss potential becomes much more valuable. A Bullpen Searching for Answers Minnesota's bullpen has been one of the organization's biggest disappointments this season. The Twins entered Tuesday ranked 25th in bullpen ERA and 29th in strikeout rate, ahead of only the Washington Nationals. Walks have also been a persistent problem, particularly during May. Those struggles aren't entirely surprising. Minnesota traded away several veteran relievers at last year's deadline and did little to replace that production over the offseason. The result has been a patchwork group that has struggled to miss bats and protect leads consistently. Lawrence joins recent addition Yoendrys Gómez as another attempt to inject power stuff into the relief corps. Unlike many depth acquisitions, however, Lawrence arrives without minor-league options. That creates an immediate roster challenge. Lawrence joins Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, and Gómez as relievers who cannot be freely shuffled between Triple-A and the Major Leagues. For a team that values roster flexibility, carrying multiple non-optionable relievers can become complicated. Still, Minnesota clearly felt the upside justified the risk. The Twins will assume approximately $800,000 remaining on Lawrence's $1.225 million salary. If he pitches well enough to stick on the roster, he'll remain under team control through the next two seasons. At this stage, Twins fans shouldn't expect Lawrence to suddenly become the bullpen's savior. What they should expect is a reliever with legitimate Major League stuff, a recent history of high-leverage success, and enough upside to make this gamble worthwhile. The command issues may never completely disappear, but Minnesota doesn't need perfection. It needs another arm capable of generating strikeouts and handling meaningful innings. For a bullpen desperately searching for answers, Lawrence represents exactly the type of low-cost, high-upside move contenders make during the middle of the season. If he can stay healthy, throw more strikes, and recapture some of the form that made him an All-Star just a few years ago, the Twins may have found much more than a simple depth addition. What stands out about Lawrence? Can he become a late-inning option for the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of ​© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images When the Minnesota Twins designated Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment over the weekend, it felt shocking on the surface. Less than a year ago, he looked like a dependable back-end starter with room for more. By the end of May, however, he had become one of baseball’s least effective starting pitchers. Woods Richardson accumulated a 0-7 record and a 7.74 ERA. Because he was out of minor-league options, Minnesota could not simply send him back to Triple-A. The only way to remove him from the active roster was to expose him to waivers. The move was surprising because the Twins gave him only a brief look as a reliever before making their decision. Yet, when looking deeper into the numbers, it becomes easier to understand why the organization felt it had run out of alternatives. This outcome seemed almost impossible to envision just a few months ago. Woods Richardson posted a 4.17 ERA across 134 innings in 2024 and followed it with a 4.04 ERA in 111 innings during 2025. He was never viewed as a frontline starter, but he looked capable of holding down a spot at the back of Minnesota's rotation for years. The most encouraging development came late last season. In September, Woods Richardson unveiled a splitter that transformed his arsenal. Over his final 27 innings, he posted a 2.33 ERA while striking out 36 hitters. The new pitch generated swings and misses at an elite rate and appeared to give him the out pitch he had been missing throughout his career. Instead of becoming a launching point for a breakout season, it became the high-water mark of his Twins career. The season did not begin disastrously. In his first two starts, Woods Richardson combined for 11 2/3 innings while limiting the Royals and Rays to three earned runs on 10 hits. He struck out six and walked three. Unfortunately, that’s where the performance started to unravel. Over his next seven starts, he went 0-5 with a 9.79 ERA, while allowing 38 runs in just 30 1/3 innings. The underlying numbers were even more concerning. During that stretch, he recorded only 14 strikeouts compared to 17 walks. Opponents hit .361 against him while slugging .623 and launching seven home runs. When pitchers lose the ability to miss bats and simultaneously lose command, success becomes nearly impossible. That is exactly what happened to Woods Richardson. The splitter was supposed to be the pitch that elevated Woods Richardson to another level. Instead, it became one of the most damaging pitches in baseball. Last September, opponents hit just .077 against his splitter while generating a 37.4% whiff rate. This season, hitters batted .352 against the same pitch, and the whiff rate dropped to 20.4%. The pitch's run value tells an even more alarming story. His splitter produced a neutral run value in 2025 across 187 pitches. This season, after 228 splitters, the pitch carried a staggering minus-13 run value. Opponents produced a .481 weighted on-base average against it. On a per-pitch basis, Woods Richardson's splitter ranked as the worst pitch in Major League Baseball this season with a -5.7 RV/100. The pitch that once looked like a weapon suddenly became unusable. One has to wonder why he kept throwing the pitch. The splitter was not the only offering that regressed. His slider also took a dramatic step backward despite maintaining similar velocity and usage. Last season, opponents hit just .210 against the pitch while it generated a 27.4% whiff rate. This year, hitters posted a .356 batting average against it, and the whiff rate dropped to 17.4%. The decline was so severe that Woods Richardson produced both the worst pitch in baseball (splitter) by RV/100 and another pitch ranking among the 21 worst (slider). When two of a pitcher's primary swing-and-miss offerings suddenly stop missing bats, survival becomes difficult. The deterioration of his secondary pitches showed up in every other area. Woods Richardson was never a dominant strikeout pitcher, but he generated enough swings and misses to remain effective. This season, the strikeouts disappeared with an 18.2 Whiff% and a 22.4 Chase%, both ranking near the bottom of the league. His strikeout rate dropped from 21.5% last season to 11.5% in 2026. At the same time, his control worsened. His walk rate increased by 22%, and he issued 21 walks over his final 32 innings. Too often, he found himself behind in counts and struggling simply to locate pitches in the strike zone. His 5.80 expected ERA and 6.14 FIP suggest some bad luck compared to his 7.74 ERA. However, the results were not simply bad luck. The quality of his pitching had deteriorated significantly. Woods Richardson is still only 25 years old, which means his professional story is far from finished. Pitchers have rebuilt careers after losing velocity, command, or effectiveness, as the Twins have seen with Bailey Ober this season. The raw ingredients that once made SWR a highly regarded prospect still exist. A fresh start with a new organization could help him rediscover the splitter that briefly made him look like a breakout candidate. For the Twins, however, the decision ultimately came down to performance. A year ago, Woods Richardson looked like a controllable rotation piece who had finally found the missing ingredient in his arsenal. Today, he and the Twins are forced to deal with one of the most dramatic year-to-year declines of any pitcher in baseball. The Twins did not designate him for assignment because of one bad month. They did it because nearly every indicator pointed in the same direction. His fastball became more hittable. His splitter lost its magic. His slider stopped generating whiffs. The strikeouts vanished, and the walks piled up. For a pitcher who seemed poised to take the next step, everything went wrong at once. Can Woods Richardson turn it around? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Minnesota Twins received plenty of positive injury news on Monday as general manager Jeremy Zoll provided updates on several of the organization's top prospects before the opening game of the series against the Chicago White Sox. While the Twins continue to navigate injuries at the major league level, the organization appears closer to welcoming back several important minor league contributors. Some of the club's highest-upside prospects are progressing through their recoveries and could return to game action in the coming weeks. Walker Jenkins Nearing Return The most encouraging update involved Walker Jenkins, Twins Daily's top-ranked prospect, who continues to make strong progress after suffering a left shoulder AC joint sprain in early May. According to Zoll, Jenkins has been “progressing well” and is expected to face live pitching later this week. If everything goes according to plan, the talented outfielder could begin a rehabilitation assignment as soon as next week. Jenkins has already been hitting off pitching machines and participating in defensive work in the outfield, suggesting he is checking off important recovery milestones. A rehab assignment would represent a significant step toward returning to Triple-A St. Paul. Emmanuel Rodriguez Begins Recovery Process While Jenkins is moving toward a return, Rodriguez is just beginning his recovery journey. Rodriguez underwent surgery on May 20 to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, an injury expected to sideline him for approximately six to eight weeks. The injury occurred when he slid head-first into first base, continuing an unfortunate history of thumb-related ailments. The timetable still gives Rodriguez a realistic chance to return during the second half of the season, but the Twins will undoubtedly take a cautious approach given his injury history. He likely would have already been called up to the Twins if he were healthy. Now, his big-league debut must wait until the season’s second half. Kendry Rojas Trending in the Right Direction One of the more encouraging updates involved rookie pitcher Kendry Rojas. After being scratched from a scheduled appearance last week and landing on the injured list with elbow inflammation, there was understandable concern about the severity of the issue. However, Zoll indicated that Rojas is already feeling "markedly better." The young left-hander could be cleared to resume throwing as soon as the middle of this week. If that happens, he may not require a lengthy buildup before returning to game action. That timeline could prove especially important given Bailey Ober's injury situation at the major league level. Rojas becomes eligible to return on June 10 and could emerge as an option to help fill innings in Minnesota's rotation. There would still be limitations. Rojas has not thrown more than 60 pitches in an outing with the Twins, meaning any starts would likely continue to resemble bullpen games rather than traditional outings. Even so, a quick recovery would be welcome news for both the player and the organization. Charlee Soto Set for Long-Awaited Return Few prospects have endured a longer road back than Soto. The right-hander has not appeared in a game for more than 13 months, but that drought is finally expected to end Wednesday when he makes a rehab appearance with Low-A Fort Myers. Soto's recovery has been marked by multiple setbacks. After making progress with his elbow issues, he developed wrist problems that further delayed his return. Recently, however, the momentum has shifted in a positive direction. He threw a one-inning live batting practice session last week, and everything reportedly went well. Now he is ready to take the next step and return to competitive action for the first time since last season. For a young pitcher whose development has been interrupted by injuries, simply getting back on the mound in a game environment represents an important milestone. Alan Roden Also Closing in on Rehab Assignment Roden appears to be on a similar timeline to Jenkins. Recovering from a right shoulder injury, Roden has resumed throwing to bases and could participate in live batting practice later this week. If those sessions go well, he, too, could begin a rehabilitation assignment sometime next week. Like Jenkins, Roden is progressing through the final stages of recovery and appears to be nearing a return to game action. The Twins are not completely healthy yet, but Monday's collection of updates offered plenty of reasons for optimism. Jenkins and Roden appear close to rehab assignments, Rojas may avoid an extended absence, Soto is finally preparing for his first game in over a year, and Rodriguez has already started the recovery process following surgery. For an organization that relies heavily on its prospect pipeline, getting these players back on the field will be critical as the season moves into the summer months and Minnesota evaluates both its future core and potential major league reinforcements. View full rumor

The Twins entered Monday hoping for positive news regarding Bailey Ober's injured right elbow. While losing one of their most dependable starters is never ideal, the update from general manager Jeremy Zoll suggested the organization may have avoided a much more serious situation. Ober was diagnosed with a mild right flexor strain after undergoing an MRI. The most encouraging aspect of the evaluation was that the ulnar collateral ligament graft from his previous Tommy John surgery remains fully intact. According to Zoll, Ober will be shut down from throwing for 10 to 14 days while receiving anti-inflammatory treatment before being reevaluated. The Twins are also seeking a second opinion from renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, but early indications have been positive. For a pitcher with a Tommy John history, any elbow discomfort immediately raises concerns about ligament damage. Instead, Minnesota appears to be dealing with a relatively minor flexor issue. While no timetable has been established for a return, Zoll's comments suggested the absence could be measured in weeks rather than months. The news does not eliminate the challenge facing Minnesota's rotation. Ober had been a stabilizing presence, consistently providing innings while helping bridge the gap between the club's younger arms and veteran starters. However, considering the range of possible outcomes, the Twins have reason to feel relieved. Mick Abel Continues His Climb Back Another important pitching update involved Abel, who has been sidelined with right elbow inflammation. Abel is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Thursday, which represents a significant step forward in his recovery. If that session goes well, he could begin a rehabilitation assignment shortly afterward. Even under an optimistic timeline, Abel still appears several weeks away from returning to the major league roster. He will likely need multiple rehab appearances before being considered game-ready. Still, after weeks of uncertainty, the fact that he is nearing competitive action is an encouraging development. Cole Sands Nearing Return to Bullpen The Twins could soon receive reinforcements in the bullpen. Sands is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday after missing more than a month with a right forearm strain. His return would provide a welcome boost to a relief corps that has spent much of the season searching for consistency. Although Sands posted a 4.63 ERA through his first 12 appearances this season, his value extends beyond the raw numbers. He has proven capable of handling leverage situations and was expected to play a prominent role in Minnesota's late-inning plans before the injury occurred. The Twins have shuffled bullpen roles throughout the season, making Sands' eventual return one of the more significant developments on the injury front. Ryan Jeffers Making Steady Progress Jeffers continues to move forward after surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist. More than a week removed from the procedure, Jeffers had his stitches removed over the weekend and has been pleased with how his recovery is progressing. He has already resumed throwing activities, an important early milestone. The next hurdle will be swinging a bat. Hamate injuries often pose challenges for hitters because regaining wrist strength and comfort can take time. Until Jeffers begins taking swings, it will remain difficult to project a realistic return date. For now, the early signs appear positive. David Festa Begins Throwing Program Festa remains the furthest away from returning, but he has officially started the next phase of his recovery. After receiving a stem-cell injection to address his shoulder issue, Festa spent three weeks completely shut down from throwing. On Monday, he began a structured throwing program that will include three weeks of flat-ground work before progressing back to mound sessions. The timeline underscores how much work remains before Festa can return to game action. Nevertheless, beginning a throwing program is an important step after an extended shutdown period. Injuries have tested the Twins' pitching depth throughout the season, but Monday's collection of updates offered more optimism than concern. Ober avoided a potentially devastating diagnosis, Sands is nearing a return, Abel is progressing toward rehab games, and both Jeffers and Festa continue moving through their recoveries. The encouraging news is that several important pieces appear to be moving in the right direction, giving the Twins hope that help could be arriving over the next few weeks. View full rumor

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (photo of Hendry Mendez) When the Twins pivoted into seller mode at the 2025 trade deadline, the reaction from fans was mixed. Minnesota traded several established big leaguers for younger talent, hoping to build a stronger foundation for the future. While much of the attention centered on the headline deals, one of the quieter transactions is beginning to look like one of the organization's biggest wins. The Twins sent veteran outfielder Harrison Bader to Philadelphia in exchange for outfield prospect Hendry Mendez. At the time, it felt like a modest move involving a pending free agent and a promising but unproven minor leaguer. Less than a year later, Mendez is emerging as one of the most intriguing hitters in the organization and perhaps the best return Minnesota received during its deadline selloff. For Philadelphia, the deal accomplished its short-term objective. Bader provided quality defense, speed, and production during the stretch run as the Phillies pushed toward another division title. He hit .305 with five home runs and an .824 OPS across 50 regular-season games with Philadelphia. Unfortunately, injuries limited his postseason impact before he departed in free agency following the season. The Twins, meanwhile, acquired a player who continues to increase his value every month. Mendez was already producing at Double-A before the trade. After arriving in Wichita, however, he took another step forward. He posted a .911 OPS over his final 33 games of the season while walking more often than he struck out. That performance helped elevate his prospect status and put him firmly on the radar heading into 2026. Instead of slowing down this season, Mendez has accelerated. He opened the year with Wichita and quickly demonstrated that he had little left to prove at that level. Through 24 games, he carried an .857 OPS and earned his first promotion to Triple-A St. Paul in early May. The jump to Triple A has looked almost effortless. Mendez recently put together a perfect 4-for-4 performance that included two doubles, two singles, and a walk. Through his first 20 games with the Saints, he hit .372 with three home runs, 15 RBI, and a 1.017 OPS. Just as encouraging, he continued to show excellent plate discipline, walking 16 times and striking out only 12. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but the underlying approach may be even more encouraging. Mendez consistently controls the strike zone with a 16.3 K%. He rarely expands his zone (12.8 BB%), makes frequent hard contact (54.5 Hard Hit%), and shows an advanced understanding of how pitchers are attacking him. His smooth left-handed swing generates power to all fields, allowing him to impact games without selling out for home runs. The 22-year-old has already experienced plenty of change during his professional career. Originally signed by Milwaukee as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, he later moved to Philadelphia before eventually landing with Minnesota. Some prospects struggle after changing organizations multiple times. Mendez has done the opposite, seemingly improving at every stop. There are reasons to expect some statistical regression. His expected batting average is nearly 50 points lower than his actual batting average at Triple-A, and his ground ball rate remains elevated. Long term, the Twins would likely prefer to see him elevate the baseball more consistently in order to maximize his power production. Even with those caveats, the overall profile remains highly attractive. Mendez is already on Minnesota's 40-man roster, which could put him in line for a major league opportunity sooner rather than later. The Twins have seen several young hitters force their way into the conversation through strong minor league performances, and Mendez appears to be doing exactly that. Prospect evaluations can change quickly, and there is still development ahead. However, the return on this trade already looks extremely favorable for Minnesota. Turning a few months of a rental player into a 22-year-old hitter who is thriving at Triple-A is exactly the type of transaction successful organizations need to make. The Twins acquired several intriguing pieces during last summer's selloff. Right now, though, no player is doing more to validate those moves than Mendez. If his current trajectory continues, Minnesota may eventually look back on this trade as one of the defining steals of the 2025 deadline. Is Mendez the best player the Twins received at last year’s trade deadline? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-Imagn Images The calendar flipped to June, and the Minnesota Twins remain one of the more difficult teams in baseball to evaluate. At times, they have looked like a club capable of making a run at an American League Wild Card spot. At other times, inconsistency has left them hovering around the fringes of contention. After a sluggish start at the plate in April, several Twins hitters found their rhythm in May and helped keep the lineup afloat. The improvement has been especially important because two players expected to be major contributors this season, Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner, were unable to secure everyday roles and have since been demoted to Triple-A. With those two no longer in the lineup, Minnesota has relied heavily on a different group of contributors. These four hitters stepped up in a big way during May and earned recognition as the Twins' top offensive performers. 4. Luke Keaschall May Stats (21 G): .291/.398/.392 (.790), 1 3B, 6 2B, 11 BB, 14 K, 127 wRC+ Patience can be difficult when it comes to young players, and many fans were beginning to lose confidence in Keaschall after a rough opening month. He finished April with a .542 OPS and a concerning 21-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The underlying approach, however, suggested there was still room for growth, and May provided evidence that adjustments were beginning to take hold. Keaschall dramatically improved his plate discipline, walking 11 times and striking out only 14 times during the month. His on-base percentage jumped from .267 in April to .395 in May, allowing him to become a much more productive run generator for the lineup. The power numbers are still developing, and there is another level he can reach offensively. However, for a player trying to establish himself in the big leagues, May represented an encouraging step forward and a reminder of why the organization remains excited about his future. 3. Kody Clemens May Stats (23 G): .261/.320/.489 (.809), 3 HR, 1 3B, 8 2B, 5 BB, 19 K, 124 wRC+ Just when Clemens seems to be falling out of Minnesota's plans, he finds another way to make himself valuable. The versatile infielder entered the season fighting for playing time, but May showcased exactly why the Twins continue to keep him in the mix. One of the biggest changes was his improved contact ability. After striking out 24 times during the season's opening month, Clemens trimmed that total to only 19 strikeouts in May despite continuing to see regular opportunities. The improved approach helped push his OPS from .662 in April to .809 in May. The quality of contact also took a noticeable step forward. Clemens collected eight doubles during the month after producing only three in April, showing a greater ability to drive the ball into the gaps. Add in his continued defensive growth at first base, where he ranks near the top of the American League in defensive runs saved, and he has become a quietly important piece of Minnesota's roster. 2. Ryan Jeffers May Stats (13 G): .279/.385/.605 (.989), 3 HR, 5 2B, 8 BB, 6 K, 171 wRC+ There is a strong argument that Jeffers was Minnesota's most valuable player before a fractured left hamate bone in his wrist interrupted his season. The timing of the injury was particularly unfortunate. Jeffers is headed toward free agency after the season and appeared to be putting together the best all-around campaign of his career. Before landing on the injured list, he continued the offensive surge that had already made him one of the club's most productive hitters. After finishing second to Austin Martin in the Twins Daily Hitter of the Month voting for April, Jeffers somehow got even better in May. His 171 wRC+ represented a 16-point improvement over the previous month, and he paired power with outstanding plate discipline. The Twins have managed to survive without him for now, but his absence is still significant. If Minnesota hopes to remain in the playoff race throughout the summer, getting Jeffers healthy and productive again will be a major priority. 1. Byron Buxton May Stats (19 G): .271/.347/.647 (.994), 9 HR, 5 2B, 9 BB, 25 K, 170 wRC+ Even while battling a hip injury, Buxton delivered the most impactful offensive month of any Twin. His season started slowly after spending spring training with Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, but any concerns about rust have completely disappeared. Buxton spent May reminding everyone why he remains one of the most dynamic players in baseball when healthy. The power production was elite. His nine home runs helped fuel a .647 slugging percentage, and his overall offensive profile placed him among the American League's best hitters. Entering June, Buxton ranks third among AL hitters in slugging percentage, fifth in OPS, third in total bases, and third in home runs. Statistics only tell part of the story. There were multiple games throughout the month where Buxton felt like a one-man offense. His ability to change a game with a single swing, create pressure on the bases, and impact opponents in every phase has made him the driving force behind Minnesota's lineup. When the Twins needed someone to carry the offense, Buxton answered the call. The Twins entered May searching for offensive consistency after a frustrating opening month. While questions remain about the roster and the club's long-term outlook, the lineup took a meaningful step forward thanks to contributions from veterans and emerging young players alike. Clemens provided stability, Keaschall showed encouraging development, and Jeffers continued his breakout season before injury struck. Still, no player had a bigger impact than Buxton, whose power surge helped keep Minnesota relevant in the postseason race. As June begins, the Twins will need these hitters to keep their production up. With Lewis and Wallner trying to work their way back from Triple-A and Jeffers sidelined, the burden on the current lineup remains substantial. Fortunately for Minnesota, several key bats appear to be heating up at exactly the right time. Who is missing from the rankings? How would your ballot look? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Jason Reitz) As the calendar turns to June, much of the attention around the Minnesota Twins farm system remains focused on top-ranked prospects. However, some of the organization's most interesting developments are coming from players who are forcing their way into the conversation through strong recent performances. Ryan Gallagher is testing himself against older competition in Triple-A. Jason Reitz is beginning his professional career with encouraging signs of improved command. Khadim Diaw continues to show that his bat plays at every level when he is available. Here's a closer look at three prospects who have been trending in the right direction. RHP Ryan Gallagher– St. Paul Saints How He Got Here: Gallagher's road to professional baseball has not been without obstacles. The former University of California, Santa Barbara standout burst onto the collegiate scene by earning Big West Freshman of the Year honors in 2022 before Tommy John surgery cost him an entire season. The lost year ultimately did little to slow his ascent. After returning to the mound, Gallagher dominated Division I competition, posting a 2.22 ERA while leading the nation with a sparkling 0.84 WHIP. His combination of command and effectiveness convinced the Chicago Cubs to select him in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Gallagher quickly climbed through Chicago's system and had recently earned a promotion to Double-A when Minnesota acquired him as part of last summer's Willi Castro trade. He finished the year with Wichita and has continued advancing through the Twins organization. Hitting the Hot Button: Gallagher delivered his strongest Triple-A outing to date during his latest start. After allowing a triple in the opening inning and an infield single in the second, he settled in and retired eight consecutive hitters. The right-hander completed five shutout innings, scattered four hits, struck out five, and earned his first victory at the Triple-A level. Perhaps most encouraging was the velocity. Gallagher reached 97 mph, his highest reading of the season. There is plenty to like about his profile. At just 23 years old, he is roughly four and a half years younger than the average Triple-A player. His ability to miss bats has remained intact with a 25.4% strikeout rate across Double-A and Triple-A this season. The area to watch moving forward is command. After posting a 5.9% walk rate last season, that figure has climbed to 11.9% in 2026. If Gallagher can bring that number back down while maintaining his strikeout ability, his stock could continue to rise quickly. RHP Jason Reitz– Fort Myers Mighty Mussels How He Got Here: The Twins targeted pitching early in the 2025 draft, and Reitz represented another intriguing arm added to the system. Minnesota selected the Oregon product in the fourth round after a strong junior campaign that elevated his draft status. Before transferring to Oregon, Reitz spent two seasons at Saint Mary's. His lone season with the Ducks was productive, as he posted a 3.50 ERA while striking out 73 batters in 64 1/3 innings. What immediately jumps off the scouting report is his size. Standing 6-foot-11, Reitz possesses one of the most unique frames in professional baseball. That size creates impressive extension toward home plate, but can also make it difficult to consistently repeat his mechanics. While command was considered a developmental hurdle entering professional baseball, the Twins clearly believed there was enough athleticism and raw stuff to bet on the upside. Hitting the Hot Button: Reitz recently made his home debut for Fort Myers and gave fans plenty to be excited about. He threw three hitless innings while allowing just one walk and striking out two batters. His fastball reached 95 mph and showed the type of life that helped make him an appealing draft target. The early professional results have been encouraging. Between the Florida Complex League and Fort Myers, Reitz has allowed only one earned run over six innings. He has surrendered four hits while posting five strikeouts against just one walk. For a pitcher whose command was viewed as a question mark entering the draft, the early control gains are particularly noteworthy. The sample size remains small, but it is exactly the type of progress the Twins hoped to see. C/OF Khadim Diaw– Cedar Rapids Kernels How He Got Here: Few prospects have battled more injury adversity than Diaw, yet he continues to hit whenever he steps onto the field. His college career at Loyola Marymount was interrupted multiple times. A back fracture wiped out much of his freshman season, and a broken thumb limited him to only 20 games in 2024. Despite those setbacks, his offensive production never disappeared. Diaw hit .314/.396/.500 (.896) in 2023 and remained productive during his limited action the following season. Strong performances in both the Cape Cod League and the MLB Draft Combine helped solidify his status as a legitimate prospect, leading the Twins to select him in the third round of the 2024 draft. The injury challenges followed him into professional baseball. After getting off to a promising start, a broken wrist and later a hamstring injury limited him to just 39 games during his first full season. Hitting the Hot Button: Diaw recently earned recognition as MiLB's Prospect Team of the Week catcher after a dominant stretch for Cedar Rapids. Over the course of the week, he slashed .545/.560/.909 (1.469) with five extra base hits, five RBIs, seven runs scored, two walks, and 20 total bases. His production has steadily improved throughout the season. After posting a .720 OPS in April, he boosted that figure to .795 during May. Another encouraging trend is how he has handled more advanced competition. Roughly 60% of the pitchers he has faced have been older than him, yet he owns an OPS nearly 60 points higher against those older opponents. Questions remain regarding his long-term defensive home, but the athleticism is undeniable. Diaw has split his time between catcher and center field, giving the organization multiple avenues to keep his bat in the lineup. These three prospects arrive at their success from very different paths. Gallagher is proving he belongs against advanced competition while working through command adjustments. Reitz is beginning to show why the Twins were intrigued by his rare combination of size and athleticism. Diaw continues to demonstrate that health may be the biggest thing standing between him and a significant rise up prospect rankings. Each player has something left to prove, but all three have given Twins fans a reason to keep checking the box scores. What stands out about these three players? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints When the Twins announced that Mike Paredes would join the major league roster following Bailey Ober's placement on the injured list with elbow inflammation, many fans were left asking the same question: Who is Mike Paredes? Unlike many of Minnesota's recent pitching call-ups, Paredes never appeared near the top of national prospect rankings. He wasn't a highly touted draft pick, nor was he a pitcher who generated buzz with triple-digit velocity. Instead, he has steadily climbed through the organization by doing something the Twins value highly: throwing strikes, limiting damage, and finding ways to get outs. Now, after nearly five years in the organization, Paredes is set to make his big-league debut. The Twins selected Paredes in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of San Diego State University. His college numbers hardly suggested a future major leaguer. Across 35 appearances, including 20 starts, he posted a 5.28 ERA and 1.38 WHIP while recording fewer than one strikeout per inning. Minnesota nevertheless saw something worth developing. After signing, Paredes made just two appearances for the FCL Twins, offering little insight into his long-term projection. His first full professional season arrived in 2022 at Low-A Fort Myers, where he worked in both starting and relief roles. Over 24 appearances, including 13 starts, he posted a 3.27 ERA while pairing an 18.6% strikeout rate with an impressive 4.7% walk rate. The strikeout totals weren't eye-popping, but the command immediately stood out. That trend continued in 2023 at High-A Cedar Rapids. His strikeout rate increased by nearly four percentage points, though it came with a slight rise in walks. Even so, he finished the year with a 3.14 ERA and a respectable 3.54 FIP, continuing to establish himself as a dependable arm in the system. Paredes split the 2024 season between High-A and Double-A. His first exposure to Wichita produced some growing pains as he surrendered 12 earned runs in fewer than 19 innings. Still, there were encouraging signs beneath the surface. With an improved sweeper, his strikeout rate jumped to 23.2% while his walk rate fell below five percent. The Twins saw a pitcher beginning to miss more bats without sacrificing the command that had become his calling card. Everything came together in 2025. Spending nearly the entire season at Double-A Wichita, Paredes emerged as one of the organization's biggest pitching surprises. Across 103 2/3 innings, he posted a 2.43 ERA and 1.01 WHIP while holding opponents to a .202 batting average. The Wind Surge primarily used him as a multi-inning reliever, averaging roughly three innings per appearance, and he thrived in the role. That success elevated him from organizational depth piece to legitimate major league consideration. The 2026 season didn't begin particularly well. Assigned back to Double-A Wichita, Paredes struggled through four starts, posting a 7.07 ERA and allowing opponents to hit .298 against him. However, even during those rough outings, there was one encouraging development. He struck out 21 batters while issuing just one walk in 14 innings. The command never disappeared. Minnesota promoted him to Triple-A St. Paul on April 21, and his results quickly improved. Across nine appearances with the Saints, he posted a 3.38 ERA while limiting opponents to a .237 batting average. He also maintained strong underlying metrics with a 23.4% strikeout rate and 5.7% walk rate. The performance suggested that his early struggles in Wichita may have been more small-sample noise than a sign of regression. One of Paredes' most impressive outings came Wednesday afternoon in Louisville. Entering the game, he had thrown his sweeper just 9.0% of the time this season. Against the Louisville Bats, however, he dramatically altered his approach, leaning heavily on the pitch. The results were overwhelming. Of his 63 pitches, 31 were sweepers, and 22 landed for strikes. Louisville hitters swung 19 times against the offering and missed on 12 of them, generating a remarkable 63% whiff rate. After allowing a run in the opening inning, Paredes settled in and retired the final seven batters he faced. He completed five innings, allowed four hits and one run, and matched a career-high with seven strikeouts. The outing showcased another important aspect of his development: adaptability. The "Travis Adams Plan" Like several Twins pitching prospects this season, Paredes has operated under a developmental plan designed to gradually build workload while maximizing effectiveness. After working primarily as a long reliever in 2025, he has shifted into a role where he's regularly throwing around four innings and approximately 65 pitches every four days. The transition has gone smoothly. Paredes isn't going to light up radar guns. His fastball averages 93.5 mph, while his cutter sits around 89.9 mph. Those velocities are solid but far from elite by today's standards. What makes him effective is the way his arsenal works together. Alongside the fastball and cutter, Paredes mixes a slider, sweeper, curveball, and changeup. His ability to command multiple pitches, change eye levels, and keep hitters guessing has allowed him to succeed despite lacking a premium fastball. The Twins have consistently shown a willingness to develop pitchers who excel through pitch-ability and command rather than pure velocity, and Paredes fits that mold perfectly. What Role Can He Fill in Minnesota? Paredes arrives in Minnesota at an interesting time. With Ober sidelined, the Twins need innings. While Paredes is technically making his debut as a starter replacement, his long-term value may come in a more versatile role. His recent development path has prepared him well for multi-inning appearances, spot starts, bulk relief outings, and emergency rotation coverage. That flexibility could make him an important piece of the pitching staff throughout the summer. The Twins don't need Paredes to become an ace. They simply need him to continue doing what he's done throughout his professional career: throw strikes, avoid free passes, and keep the team competitive every time he takes the mound. Few 18th-round picks ever reach the major leagues. Fewer still carve out meaningful careers. Paredes has already beaten the odds by making it to Minnesota. Now comes the opportunity to prove that his steady climb through the organization was only the beginning. What stands out about Paredes so far in his professional career? How will the Twins use him? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

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

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

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

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