Cody Christie

The Minnesota Twins find themselves in an interesting position with their pitching staff. With Pablo López and Simeon Woods Richardson both working their way back from the injured list, the club must balance the short-term goal of finishing the season strong with the long-term considerations tied to each pitcher’s future. Their recent rehab outings with St. Paul provided the first glimpse of what the road back might look like. López’s Return: A Balancing Act of Health and Trade Value López made his first rehab start on Thursday and worked through a demanding outing. The right-hander labored in the first inning, throwing 32 pitches before being removed after hitting his 45-pitch limit in the second. He finished 1 2/3 innings, surrendering a run on four hits, walking one, and striking out two. His velocity looked encouraging, with fastballs averaging 94.3 mph and sinkers holding steady at 93.9 mph. For López, this rehab stint is about more than just regaining his rhythm. Following the Twins’ trade deadline sell-off, López is now the club’s highest guaranteed contract, set to make $21.5 million in both 2026 and 2027. That contract status complicates the picture, because he is a team leader and would like to compete, but his performance down the stretch also doubles as an audition for other clubs should the Twins pursue a trade this winter. Minnesota will want to prove he’s healthy and effective, which makes his workload management even more delicate. Woods Richardson’s Path Back to Stability Woods Richardson followed López in St. Paul and tossed 3 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits, while walking one and striking out four. He threw 64 pitches, landing 40 for strikes, with his fastball sitting at 93.3 mph and topping out at 95.2. The results weren’t perfect, but the velocity and ability to miss bats remain encouraging signs for a pitcher returning from injury. Unlike López, Woods Richardson’s situation is less about showcasing trade value and more about development. Still just 24 years old, the Twins hope he can take another step forward as a reliable rotation option. His workload down the stretch needs to be carefully managed, with an emphasis on building innings in a controlled way. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a 100 ERA+ with a K% north of 20.0% and a BB% just above 9.0%. If he can get back to consistently pounding the zone and avoiding the big inning, Minnesota will feel much better about penciling him into next year’s plans. How the Twins Should Handle Them Down the Stretch The Twins are out of contention, but these rehab assignments underline that the rest of the season still matters. López’s starts should be approached with two key goals in mind: proving he is healthy and helping the front office position him as a valuable asset. That doesn’t mean pushing him to his limits. It means measured progress, targeting outings of four to five innings before letting him finish the year in the big-league rotation. For Woods Richardson, the priority is experience and confidence. Minnesota should aim to get him stretched out to around 80–90 pitches, focusing on refining command and sequencing rather than raw results. His ability to consistently compete deep into outings will go a long way toward determining whether he’s viewed as a rotation lock or depth option moving forward. This stretch run may not carry playoff implications, but it still holds weight for the Twins’ future. López needs to show health and effectiveness to either remain a frontline piece or become a centerpiece in a winter trade. Woods Richardson needs to show progress and stability so the team can confidently rely on him in 2026. Both pitchers represent different parts of the Twins’ puzzle, and how the club handles their usage over the next six weeks could have ripple effects far beyond this season. How should the Twins handle these two pitchers over the season’s final month? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

When the Twins acquired Mick Abel, they were getting a former first-round draft pick and taking on a developmental project with frontline potential. Abel, the 15th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, carried ace-level upside when he entered pro ball. Still, like many young pitchers, the road to the majors has included both mechanical adjustments and growing pains. Phillies Beginnings Coming out of Jesuit High School in Oregon, Abel was the first high school pitcher off the board in 2020. With a prototypical 6-foot-5 frame and a fastball that sat mid-to-upper 90s, he quickly earned attention as one of Philadelphia’s top prospects. His early years in the Phillies’ system showed flashes of that promise: a four-pitch mix, high strikeout numbers, and the kind of mound presence that screamed rotation anchor. In 2021, he posted a 4.43 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 34.9 K% at Low-A. The Phillies were aggressive with him in 2022 as he moved from High-A to Double-A, where he was 4.5 years younger than the average age of the competition. Across 108 1/3 innings, he posted a 4.13 ERA with a 27.6 K% but shrunk his BB% by nearly 4%. He made all but one start at Double-A in 2023 with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. His K% stayed consistent, but his BB% increased back to 13.5%. There were some positive signs, and he was still considered a top-100 global prospect. But there were also challenges as he moved up the organizational ladder. Command wavered, particularly with his secondary pitches, and the fastball-heavy approach left him vulnerable when he couldn’t land his slider and changeup for strikes. In 2024, he had career-worst marks with a 22.7 K% and a 15.1 BB%. Questions began to swirl about whether Abel’s stuff would truly translate against advanced hitters. A New Home in Minnesota Fast forward to 2025, and the Twins saw an opportunity. Abel made a brief MLB debut with the Phillies earlier in the season, but the bulk of his appearances were at Triple-A. His walk rate dropped below 11% for the first time since 2022, and his strikeout rate increased by nearly 4% compared to 2024. Abel became part of a prospect package the Phillies used to acquire Jhoan Duran, and Minnesota immediately identified him as a candidate for a mechanical overhaul. Early results in St. Paul showed improved strike-throwing and a sharper pitch profile, with one of the most intriguing developments being the addition of a new pitch. The Twins asked Abel to experiment with a sweeper, a pitch that has become increasingly popular across baseball. In his most recent Triple-A start, Abel unveiled the new breaking ball, and the results were promising. He only used the pitch to right-handed batters, and it had the second-highest spin rate of any pitch he threw. In that start, he had a 43.1 Whiff% and struck out 11 batters. For Abel, the sweeper represents another weapon to keep hitters guessing. Combined with a mid-90s fastball and a developing curveball, his arsenal suddenly looks far more dynamic. What Comes Next? The Twins haven’t rushed Abel, and for good reason. He’s only 24, and despite his pedigree, the organization sees him as a long-term piece, and that’s why they wanted him to get some time to acclimate to the organization. But the progress is tangible: a simplified delivery, more consistency in the strike zone, and now, a new breaking ball that could give him the out pitch he’s lacked in recent seasons. “I think some opportunities for us to help him refine his slider a little bit more and make that a little bit more of a weapon against righties,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll explained. “For him, it’s really just keep getting innings under your belt and make sure you are as prepared as possible. He got a cameo of sorts at the big-league level earlier this year, and we want to make sure he can keep pushing forward developmentally to take that next step.” Minnesota has had success in reshaping young arms, with Joe Ryan being the team’s biggest success story in recent years. Abel’s path won’t look identical, but the framework is in place. If the Twins can continue to harness his raw stuff while building confidence in the sweeper, Abel could go from former first-round question mark to a legitimate playoff-caliber starter in the seasons ahead. What stands out about Abel's time in the minor leagues? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

When the St. Paul Saints announced that Connor Prielipp would be making the jump from Double-A Wichita, it was another milestone in what has already been a winding journey. One of the hardest-throwing southpaws in the system, Prielipp’s ascent is notable for both his talent and his turbulence. After all, this is the first year he’s pitched above Single-A, and injuries have repeatedly slowed his path. For Twins fans hoping to see him in Minneapolis soon, there are still some boxes that need to be checked before he’s ready for The Show. Staying on the Mound The first and most crucial question mark surrounding Prielipp is simple: health. Since being drafted in 2022, he has undergone both Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure, costing him the better part of two seasons. Between Alabama, the minors, and his pro rehab, his innings total since 2020 remains shockingly light for a 24-year-old pitcher (under 32 professional innings entering 2025). The Twins know he has the arsenal to compete, but the reality is that his body hasn’t proven it can hold up across a full professional season. At Double-A Wichita, Minnesota kept his workload tightly managed. He never pitched past the fifth inning and never threw more than 76 pitches in an outing. That caution speaks volumes. Before the Twins can even consider him for a rotation spot in Minneapolis, he’ll need to prove he can consistently take the ball every fifth day without setback. Building Up the Innings The next step in Prielipp’s progression is building volume. In Wichita, his strikeout numbers were eye-catching (27% K rate), but the club has yet to see him navigate a lineup three times through or reach the 90–100 pitch range that big-league starters regularly handle. In his last three Double-A appearances, he allowed multiple earned runs and averaged just over three innings and 70 pitches per appearance. Triple-A will provide the stage for this. Even if his ERA or strikeout totals fluctuate, what the Twins want to see is stamina. Can he get through five innings regularly? Can he stay sharp past the 70-pitch mark? Until he demonstrates those traits, he’ll remain more of a “talented prospect” than a true major-league option. In his Triple-A debut on Tuesday, he pitched 3 1/3 innings on 81 pitches (53 strikes) with four walks and five strikeouts. Command, Not Just Stuff One area that makes Prielipp stand out is his ability to throw strikes. His 6.7% walk rate ranked among the best in the Texas League, and his career strikeout-to-walk ratio (20.4 K-BB% at Double-A) is one of the highest in the Twins’ system. Still, command in the upper minors is a different beast. Triple-A hitters are far less likely to chase out of the zone and more capable of punishing mistakes left over the plate. Nerves may have impacted his Triple-A debut, where he walked a season-high four batters. At Double-A, Prielipp never walked more than two batters in a game. For Prielipp, refining that edge between throwing strikes and commanding them will be crucial. His slider is a true out pitch, but big-league hitters will force him to land his fastball consistently in the zone if he’s going to find success at the next level. Lessons From the Bullpen Path The Twins have been down this road before with talented but injury-risk arms. Most recently, Jhoan Duran was shifted to a relief role after his own durability questions surfaced. That transition allowed him to stay healthy, focus on shorter bursts, and eventually become one of the most dominant late-inning weapons in all of baseball. The same fate could await Prielipp if the innings never build up or if the medical red flags persist. His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider could play up even more in relief, giving the Twins another potential weapon at the back of their bullpen. It’s not the preferred path, because Minnesota would love to develop him as a starter. However, history shows that the bullpen can sometimes be the best way to unlock a pitcher’s potential while managing risk. What Comes Next? The Twins didn’t promote Prielipp to St. Paul because he was dominating Double-A. He had a 3.65 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP, and those numbers don’t scream “ready.” Instead, they want him tested against more advanced hitters while stretching his arm in a more controlled environment. If he stays healthy and can handle a larger workload, he has the tools to move quickly from “project” to “rotation option.” In many ways, Prielipp remains the ultimate high-risk, high-reward arm in the system. The ceiling is that of a playoff-caliber starter, the kind of cost-controlled lefty that the Twins haven’t developed in years. But the floor, if his health doesn’t hold or he can’t build innings, is a reliever role or stalled progression. For now, the biggest victory is that Prielipp is still healthy. The Saints placed him on the development list after his outing Tuesday, to give themselves an extra arm as they massage and manage his workload in the final phase of the season, but he has no injury concerns at the moment. The next victory will be when he proves he no longer needs such careful handling, in whatever role. What stands out about Prielipp’s season so far? What will his role be in 2026 and beyond? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Minnesota Twins believe in Brooks Lee, even if his on-field results haven’t matched the organization’s expectations. They believe in him because his approach, bat-to-ball skills, and polished college pedigree suggest he could be a foundational piece of the next great Twins lineup. But if Lee isn’t careful, he may be walking down a familiar road—the same one Jose Miranda traveled back to Triple-A St. Paul, perhaps for good. The Contact Paradox Lee’s ability to put the bat on nearly any pitch is both his greatest strength and his most pressing concern. While making contact is a highly coveted skill in today’s game, putting “pitchers’ pitches” in play doesn’t often result in much damage. Weak choppers, lazy fly balls, and soft groundouts aren’t much better than strikeouts, and in many cases, they’re worse, because they rob hitters of the chance to unlock power. This was Miranda’s downfall. Despite his contact-heavy approach, he often put bad pitches in play, rolling over into outs rather than punishing mistakes. His strikeout numbers were never the problem (15.4% strikeout rate in 2024); it was the lack of consistent impact that held him back. His Hard-Hit% ranked in the 42nd percentile, and his Barrel% ranked in the 28th percentile. Lee is starting to show the early signs of falling into the same trap. The Discipline Gap In the minors, Lee’s bat played because pitchers weren’t as refined. His walk rates looked solid (10.0 BB%), but big-league pitchers are more willing to challenge hitters—and they have more ways to manipulate and bait them. The numbers back it up. Lee currently owns a 31.3% chase rate, ranking in the 25th percentile in the American League. In other words, he’s swinging at pitches on which he simply can’t do damage. Against high-level pitching, that approach will bury a hitter quickly. Lee vs. Miranda Swing Decisions Player Chase% BB% K% Hard-Hit% Brooks Lee (2025) 31.3 5.1 18.3 40.0 Jose Miranda (Career) 34.3 5.0 17.6 40.3 The similarity is clear: both players avoid strikeouts but expand the zone often, such that even though they're capable of making solid contact, it's rarely the most valuable kind. The difference is that Lee’s chase rate suggests more potential for adjustment, whereas Miranda has struggled to show that patience. As a switch-hitter, Lee also has a wired-in advantage when it comes to plate discipline. The Path Forward The encouraging part for Lee and the Twins is that his swing decisions are not set in stone. Unlike Miranda, whose free-swinging nature has never truly adjusted at the big-league level, Lee still has the developmental runway to refine his approach. The tools are there, and the Twins believe in his ceiling. “I think I just have to be smart [about] picking and choosing my times to take that A-plus swing,” Lee said after his recent grand slam. “Other than that, I’m the type of player to put the ball in play. Supposed to be gap-to-gap and outrunning the balls. But it’s more important for me to get the next guy up.” For Lee, the next step is learning to control the zone. It’s not enough to avoid strikeouts; he needs to identify and punish pitches he can drive. That means laying off borderline offerings and staying patient enough to hunt “his” pitch. If he can shift his profile from a hitter who can put anything in play to one who makes selective, damaging contact, the Twins will have a cornerstone infielder. The Twins have seen this story before. Miranda’s bat-to-ball ability looked like a weapon until it became a liability, and he fell out of the team’s long-term plans. Lee now stands at that same crossroads. The difference between a productive, middle-of-the-order hitter and a frustrating contact-first infielder will come down to Lee’s ability to say “no” at the plate. If he can, he’ll be more than just another contact hitter. He’ll be the impact bat the Twins envisioned when they called his name on draft night. How can Lee avoid following Miranda’s path? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

It’s easy to slot Walker Jenkins at the top of Minnesota’s prospect rankings. The 2023 first-round pick has already established himself as one of the premier prospects in all of baseball, combining elite hitting ability with the chance to be a franchise cornerstone. But once you move past Jenkins, the conversation becomes much more interesting. Four players all have legitimate cases to sit just behind him, so here’s a look at the pros and cons for each. Eduardo Tait – C The Case For: The Twins aggressively targeted catching depth at this year’s trade deadline, and Tait has emerged as the most exciting young backstop in the system. He’s already shown an advanced approach at the plate for his age, and there’s real upside in his bat-to-ball skills. If he sticks behind the plate, he could be a middle-of-the-order catcher, something every franchise covets. ESPN and MLB Pipeline recently updated their top prospect lists, and Tait is ranked second on both. The Case Against: That “if” is a big one. Scouts have long debated whether Tait’s defense will allow him to stay at catcher long-term. If he’s forced to move off the position, his bat may not be enough to carry a premium ranking compared to other prospects who project at more valuable defensive spots. Tait has a premium bat for a catcher, but sliding him to first base or designated hitter would be a disappointing long-term outcome. Luke Keaschall – INF The Case For: Keaschall has done nothing but hit since joining the organization, and fans have been witness to his playing style at the big-league level. He was recently named the AL Player of the Week. His plate discipline and ability to spray line drives across the field give him one of the highest offensive floors in the system. Even without big power, his consistency could make him a regular in the Twins’ infield for years. The Case Against: While his bat-to-ball skills are excellent, Keaschall’s swing speed limits his ability to drive the ball with authority consistently. That means he’s unlikely to add much over-the-fence power, which caps his ceiling. He looks more like a steady contributor than a potential star, and that’s why some rankings might move him down their list. Currently, Twins Daily has him ranked as the organization’s second-best prospect even after the trade deadline. Kaelen Culpepper – SS/3B The Case For: Culpepper has quickly climbed the ladder since being drafted in 2024. His combination of speed, athleticism, and contact ability makes him an exciting player to dream on. He’s held his own against advanced pitching this season, and his athleticism gives him defensive flexibility. During the 2025 season, he has answered many of the questions that surrounded him when the team drafted him. He has one of the fastest-rising stocks in the Twins system this year and will enter next season as a national top-100 prospect. The Case Against: The question is where that flexibility will land him. While Culpepper has been developed as a shortstop, some evaluators see his long-term defensive home at third base. If that shift happens, he’ll need to continue to hit for more power to profile as an above-average regular at the position. Emmanuel Rodriguez – OF The Case For: Rodriguez entered the year as Minnesota’s consensus No. 2 prospect, and the reasons are clear. He’s a true on-base machine with plus power, and when healthy, he’s shown flashes of being an impact outfielder at the big-league level. Few in the system can match his combination of patience and pop. The Case Against: Health remains the story. Rodriguez has battled injuries throughout his professional career, and each time he seems to be building momentum, he’s sidelined again. Evaluating a player who’s rarely on the field is difficult, and that uncertainty has opened the door for others to leapfrog him in the rankings. There’s no debate about who sits atop the Twins’ system; Jenkins is in a tier of his own. But the debate for No. 2 is where things get interesting. Tait’s ceiling as a catcher gives him a strong case, but his defensive future is uncertain. Keaschall has already impacted the big-league roster, but his lack of power could hold him back from stardom. Culpepper’s athleticism is exciting, though his long-term position may shift. And Rodriguez remains the most talented of the bunch, if he can stay healthy. It’s a good problem for the Twins to have: multiple legitimate contenders to sit right behind Jenkins. How the organization ranks them says a lot about how they balance ceiling, risk, and positional value. Who would you rank as the Twins’ second-best prospect? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Twins pipeline continues to provide plenty of intrigue, across all levels. With new additions from the trade deadline and young bats starting to make noise, the organization saw strong performances from players with very different paths to Minnesota. Let’s dive into the week’s top standouts. 1B JP Smith II – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels How They Got Here: Smith, 20, joined the Twins as a 17th-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. He spent three collegiate seasons playing at Sacramento State, slashing .297/.372/.581. The young first baseman needs to hit for power during his professional career, because he is already near the bottom of the defensive spectrum. Thankfully, he has shown some early promise. Hitting the Hot Button: Smith’s college experience at the plate has been on display in Fort Myers this summer. He has hits in 10 of his first 13 professional games, including five multi-hit efforts. To start his career, Smith has gone 19-for-55, with five extra-base hits and three walks. He won FSL Player of the Week honors (Aug. 4-11) after slashing .478/.500/.913. Despite being a college player, he has been facing older pitchers in nearly 80% of his at-bats while posting a .928 OPS against them. RHP Mick Abel – St. Paul Saints How They Got Here: Abel, 23, was acquired from the Phillies at the trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia. The former first-round pick (15th overall in 2020) came to Minnesota with a big arm and frontline starter potential, though inconsistency had held him back with his previous club. Last season, he posted a 6.46 ERA with a 1.81 WHIP in 108 2/3 innings at Triple-A, where he was five years younger than the average age of the competition. Hitting the Hot Button: Abel has wasted little time making an impression in the Twins organization. In three starts, he has 15 1/3 innings pitched, allowing three runs on seven hits with a 23-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He’s held opponents to a .140 batting average and a .492 OPS in the hitter-friendly International League. His mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking ball overwhelmed hitters in his most recent outing, where he struck out a career-high 11 batters. The Twins believe a change of scenery and development tweaks (including adding a sweeper) could push him toward the ceiling that once made him one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. RHP Ryan Gallagher – Wichita Wind Surge How They Got Here: Gallagher, 22, came from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Willi Castro. The Sacramento, Calif. native was selected by the Cubs in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of UC-Santa Barbara. He did not make his professional debut until this season, and is currently ranked as Minnesota’s No. 16 prospect by MLB.com. He made 14 High-A starts with the Cubs and posted a 3.72 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP in 72 2/3 innings. Hitting the Hot Button: On Friday in Springfield, Gallagher delivered a strong outing for Wichita. The right-hander tossed six innings, allowing just two unearned runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. It was another glimpse of the polished stuff and mound presence that made him appealing to the Twins at the deadline. In five Double-A starts this season, he has posted a 2.63 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. With a projectable frame and improving command, Gallagher could move quickly through the system and position himself as a rotation option as early as mid-2026. The Twins’ system continues to show its depth, from late-round draftees like Smith flashing their upside to trade acquisitions like Abel and Gallagher making an immediate impact. As the organization balances developing talent with competing at the big-league level, these performances are a reminder that the next wave of contributors is already taking shape. Which performance stands out most in recent weeks? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

Catching depth has been a quiet strength for the Minnesota Twins in recent seasons, but it’s been tested in 2025. Christian Vázquez landed on the injured list with a shoulder infection, forcing Minnesota to dip into its reserves for the first time in three years. Jhonny Pereda, a recent waiver claim from Oakland, joined the roster alongside Mickey Gasper, who has extensive minor-league catching experience despite primarily being used in a utility role. The front office also made it clear at the trade deadline that catching was a priority. Eduardo Tait was acquired in the Jhoan Duran deal, and Enrique Jimenez arrived from San Diego in the Chris Paddack trade. Those moves added to an already layered system stocked with intriguing talent at every level. Here’s a look at the organization’s catching depth, from Triple-A St. Paul to Low-A Fort Myers. Triple-A St. Paul Saints Jhonny Pereda – Pereda was claimed off waivers from the Athletics organization last month and already has been called up to the Twins for one stint. Since joining the Saints, he is hitting .393/.500/.679 with five extra-base hits in eight games. He won’t continue to hit at that level with the Saints, but has a .352 OBP in nearly 3,000 plate appearances in the minor leagues. Pereda adds solid organizational depth at a position where the Twins will need options in 2026. Patrick Winkel – Drafted in the ninth round in 2021 out of UConn, Winkel has built his value on solid receiving skills and a steady presence behind the plate. In 2025, he’s posted a .217/.280/.443 slash line, while throwing out 16% of attempted base stealers. His OPS has risen by over 80 points this season as he repeats Triple-A. His experience calling games makes him a valuable option, if the Twins need another emergency promotion. Noah Cardenas – Drafted in the eighth round in 2021 from UCLA, he’s split time between Double- and Triple-A. He’s shown more offensive consistency this season, hitting .241 with a .831 OPS through mid-August. Last season, he struggled in the Texas League, with a .587 OPS in 75 games. His college experience and offensive improvements could make him a backup option at the big-league level in 2026. Double-A Wichita Wind Surge Ricardo Olivar – Olivar has been known for his bat over the last two seasons, as he's posted an aggregate OPS above .800. Signed out of Venezuela in 2018, he’s hitting .273 with 26 extra-base hits and a .797 OPS in 81 games this season. Also, he’s making strides in controlling the running game, with a career-high 19% rate of catching opposing baserunners attempting to steal. His versatility adds to his roster value, as he has played outfield in the past. Nate Baez – A 12th-round pick in 2022 out of Arizona State, Baez split time between Cedar Rapids and Wichita this season. His 2025 season features a .285 batting average with gap-to-gap doubles power and a walk rate near 12%. His game-calling continues to improve as he moves up the organizational ladder. He also plays first base regularly to keep his bat in the lineup. Andrew Cossetti – Known for his bat-first profile, Cossetti has lived up to that billing this season. The St. Joseph’s product has 23 extra-base hits and has improved his OPS by 125 points compared to 2024. He’s repeating Double-A, where he is a year older than the average age of the competition. High-A Cedar Rapids Kernels Eduardo Tait – The centerpiece from Philadelphia in the Jhoan Duran trade, Tait is only 18 years old, but already showing an advanced feel for hitting. During the 2025 season, he has hit .251/.313/.428, with 23 doubles and 13 home runs in 93 games. Those numbers might not pop off the page, but he’s also been pushed aggressively and has yet to face a younger pitcher this season. Scouts rave about his arm strength and raw power projection. The Twins hope he is their catcher of the future. Khadim Diaw – The Twins’ third-round pick in 2024 out of Loyola Marymount, Diaw entered the season as one of the top catching prospects in the system. He’s continued to put himself on the prospect map at High-A, posting a .297/.450/.445 slash line with 10 extra-base hits in 42 games. His athleticism behind the plate and improved blocking skills make him a potential long-term answer. Poncho Ruiz – Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2023, Ruiz provided steady production for Fort Myers to start the year with an .813 OPS in 31 games. Since being promoted, he’s been getting on base nearly 35% of the time, with modest power (.664 OPS). Defensively, he has cut down over 20% of would-be base stealers. Luis Hernandez – Hernandez spent four years as a college catcher before signing with the Twins in July. He went 4-for-9 (.444 BA) with three walks and three strikeouts in four games with Fort Myers, before an injury at Cedar Rapids forced a promotion. He’s very early in his professional career, so there is a lot to learn. His college experience should help to add catching depth to the system, for however long he sticks around. Jefferson Valladares – The Twins selected Valladares in the Triple-A phase of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 22 games per year due to multiple injuries. In 2025, he is slashing .186/.268/.361, with 11 doubles and seven home runs in 59 games. At 23 years old, he is slightly older than his level of competition, so the relative lack of progress here could imperil his status on the organizational roster this winter. Low-A Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Enrique Jimenez – Acquired from the Tigers in the Chris Paddack deal, Jiménez is a switch-hitting catcher who won’t turn 20 until November. The Tigers had been playing him in the rookie leagues, but the Twins bumped him to Fort Myers after the trade. He has a strong approach at the plate (.356 OBP) and shows above-average arm strength (29.0 CS%). Evaluators believe his offensive approach will improve as he gets more pro at-bats. Daniel Pena – Signed out of Venezuela in 2021, Pena has been splitting time between catching and first base. Offensively, he’s struggled with consistency (.570 OPS) even though he is repeating Low-A. He’s faced older pitchers in over 90% of his plate appearances, so he could show improvement when facing same-age competition. Ian Daugherty – The Twins signed Daugherty in July following a four-year college career playing for Oklahoma State, where he posted an .841 OPS. In two games for Fort Myers, he has gone 2-for-7 with a home run and two RBIs. His college experience in the Big 12 should help him work with young pitchers in the low minors. Ranking the Best Catcher by Level Triple-A: Cardenas – His improved bat in 2025 gives him the edge over Winkel as a short-term call-up candidate. Pereda might have the inside track on a role with the 2026 Twins. Double-A: Olivar – His ability to contribute offensively while handling pitchers makes him a high-upside name to watch. He could be a fast riser if injuries strike. High-A: Tait – While young, Tait already shows an advanced approach and could move quickly if he continues to adjust to High-A pitching. He's one of baseball's best catching prospects. Low-A: Jimenez – His age, tools, and athleticism give him the inside track as a future everyday MLB catcher, though he’s still several years away. From the majors to the Florida State League, the Twins’ catching cupboard is as stocked as it’s been in years. Between recent trade acquisitions and steady player development, Minnesota has built a depth chart capable of absorbing injuries without drastically compromising production behind the plate. Who’s the team’s top-ranked catcher outside of Tait and Diaw? Who will be the team’s catching duo in 2027? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Twins traded Carlos Correa, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, and seemingly anyone with any semblance of value in their back pocket. The result? Fans are wandering around Target Field like shoppers in a grocery store that just discontinued their favorite brand of cereal. Don’t panic. I’ve prepared a completely unbiased, absolutely objective guide to selecting your new favorite Twin. Think of this as a dating app for baseball fandom: you’re not swiping left or right, you’re just bracing for whoever is still on the roster come August. Byron Buxton – The Lifelong Hope Investment If you’ve ever said “this is the year” every single season since 2015, Byron is your guy. He’s a franchise mainstay, a walking highlight reel when healthy, and a permanent “day-to-day” designation in human form. Picking Buxton as your favorite player is like buying stock in a company that might go bankrupt or might invent the next iPhone. There is high risk or infinite reward. Ideal Fan Type: Eternal optimists, fans with three unused Buxton shirsey purchases in their closet, and anyone who has the Mayo Clinic bookmarked Luke Keaschall – The Prospect Hipster Pick Keaschall is for the fan who loved Jose Miranda before he popped up on top prospect lists and listens to bands before they hit Spotify’s Top 50. He’s a rising infielder with sneaky power and plenty of “up-the-middle” defensive swagger. If he becomes a star, you’ll be insufferable about how you “always knew." Ideal Fan Type: People who talk about OPS+ at dinner parties, own one of those old-school “Win Twins” pennants, and correct others when they say “Cash-ull” instead of “Keesh-al.” Joe Ryan – The Workhorse With the Perfect Hair Ryan didn’t get traded because you can’t put a price on a facial hair-and-flow combo like his. He’s got a competitive streak, throws more fastballs than your rec league softball team, and delivers the occasional gem to keep you hooked. He’s the safe bet, even if there's a danger that he's traded this winter. Ideal Fan Type: Folks who love reliability, Instagram hair tutorials, and shouting “give him one more inning” from the second deck. Ryan Jeffers – The Lunch-Pail Slugger Jeffers is the guy who just keeps showing up, mashing home runs, and doing interviews in a voice that sounds like it should be narrating truck commercials. He’s become one of the most underrated offensive catchers in baseball, but still somehow looks like he’s filling in until the starter gets back. Ideal Fan Type: Fans who like power hitters who don’t need a spotlight, people who pack their lunch in an old Igloo cooler, and anyone who still remembers Tim Laudner fondly. Royce Lewis – Buxton 2.0 If you’re looking for potential star power that somehow survived the deadline purge, Royce is your man. He’s got charisma, clutch hits, and the kind of smile that makes you forget how many IL stints he’s had. He’s lost some of the prospect shine, but he has a chance to be a core piece until the next fire sale. Ideal Fan Type: Kids who wear eye black for tee-ball, fans who cry during walk-off celebrations, and anyone willing to refresh Twitter for injury updates during dinner. Brooks Lee – The Old-School Baseball Guy in a Young Body Lee plays like he’s been in the league for ten years, even though he still gets carded at restaurants. He’s got smooth hands, a pure swing, and the fundamentally sound play that warms the hearts of “the game used to be better” purists. Ideal Fan Type: Baseball traditionalists, people who complain about shift bans, and anyone who has a favorite fungo bat. Matt Wallner – The Homegrown Hulk Wallner is here for the fans who like their baseball players built like they just walked out of a lumberjack competition. He hits baseballs to places where Statcast can’t find them and throws like he’s trying to dent the catcher’s mitt. Yes, he’ll strike out, but those home runs are worth the price of admission. Ideal Fan Type: People who measure distance in “dingers,” Duluth natives, and anyone who believes launch angle is a lifestyle. Totally Accurate Flowchart for Picking Your New Favorite Twin Do you enjoy disappointment but believe in miracles YES: Welcome to Team BYRON BUXTON NO: Continue… Do you brag about prospects before anyone else knows them? YES: L-U-K-E K-E-A-S-C-H-A-L-L NO: Continue… Are you here for elite hair & reliable innings? YES: Joe "Fastball" Ryan NO: Continue… Do you like catchers who hit bombs & look like they could fix your carburetor? YES: Ryan Jeffers NO: Continue… Do you need a player injured as much as Buxton with less upside? YES: Royce Lewis NO: Continue… Do you wear stirrups unironically and own a scorebook? YES: Brooks Lee NO: Continue… Do you only watch for tape-measure home runs & 100 mph outfield assists? YES: Matt Wallner NO: Try Again… Final Step: Accept the Chaos Remember, your favorite player selection is temporary. The 2025 trade deadline taught us that. So pick someone, root like crazy, and keep an emotional go-bag ready for next July. The Twins may have traded away their stars, but at least you’ve still got options… for now.

The Twins’ farm system has undergone a significant shakeup over the past year, with trades, breakout performances, and injuries all impacting the arrival timelines for their top prospects. Some players are pushing their way toward Target Field sooner than expected, while others still have development work ahead. Here’s a look at the Twins Daily top prospects sorted by their updated estimated time of arrival. Prospects with 2025 ETA Mick Abel – RHP – Triple-A TD Prospect Rank: 8 Acquired in the summer blockbuster that sent Jhoan Durán to Philadelphia, Abel is big-league ready and will be part of the team’s long-term pitching plans. His mid-90s fastball and sharp slider have overwhelmed hitters, and improved control has trimmed his walk rate (down over 5.5% compared to 2024). If he keeps this up, Abel could be a rotation option as soon as late this season. Prospects with 2026 ETA Walker Jenkins – OF – Double- TD Prospect Rank: 1 Jenkins has looked every bit the part of a future cornerstone since being drafted fifth overall in 2023. He’s holding his own in Double-A as a 20-year-old, showcasing advanced plate skills, gap-to-gap power, and steady defensive work in center field. Injuries have impacted his first two full seasons as a pro, but the Twins have continued to be aggressive with him. Jenkins will likely be challenged with a Triple-A promotion before the end of 2025. Kaelen Culpepper – SS – Double-A TD Prospect Rank: 3 Culpepper’s steady glove at shortstop continues to be his calling card, but his bat has made strides in 2025. He’s added more lift to his swing, leading to career-best power numbers (.943 OPS at Double-A). If the offensive gains stick, he could push for an MLB role sooner than his original ETA, with the Carlos Correa trade paving way for his arrival. There is a good chance that he will be the team’s shortstop in the not-so-distant future. Emmanuel Rodriguez – OF – Triple-A TD Prospect Rank: 4 Rodriguez entered 2025 looking to prove his bat could handle upper-minors pitching, and he’s doing just that with an .853 OPS. His combination of elite plate discipline and plus raw power makes him one of the most dangerous hitters in the International League. Staying healthy remains key, but if he keeps producing, an early 2026 debut feels inevitable. Connor Prielipp – LHP – Double-A TD Prospect Rank: 6 After missing significant time due to injury early in his pro career, Prielipp is finally building momentum. His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider give him frontline potential, but the Twins are carefully monitoring his workload. A late 2026 debut seems realistic if his health holds. Like Duran before him, the Twins could move him to a bullpen role to keep him healthy for the long term. Kendry Rojas – LHP – Triple-A TD Prospect Rank: 9 The Twins acquired Rojas as part of the Louis Varland trade, and the front office is excited for what he brings to the system. His sinker-slider combination is tough on both lefties and righties, and he’s refining his other pitches to miss more bats. The Twins have him using his fastball more regularly than he did with Toronto, so that’s something to watch. He profiles as either a mid-rotation starter or high-leverage reliever when he arrives. Prospects with 2027+ ETA Eduardo Tait – C – High-A TD Prospect Rank: 5 Tait, the second prospect in the Duran trade with Philadelphia, has quickly shown why the Twins targeted him. His mature approach at the plate is rare for a teenager, and his arm strength behind the plate is already above-average. He’s a consensus top-100 prospect and was the second-best prospect traded at the deadline. There’s plenty of time for him to develop, but his foundation is impressive. Dasan Hill – LHP – High-A TD Prospect Rank: 7 Hill’s 2025 season has been about refining his command. His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider give him an intriguing starter’s profile, but he’s still learning to attack the zone consistently. He posted a 30.6 K% at Low-A, and the organization promoted him to High-A before his 20th birthday. Patience will be key, but the tools are here for a potential rotation piece. Charlee Soto – RHP – High-A TD Prospect Rank: 10 Soto’s stuff jumps off the page with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball with a sharp slider, but he’s still learning how to sequence effectively. He suffered a right triceps strain earlier this season and hasn’t appeared in a game since April 17th. At just 19 years old, he’s one of the younger arms in the league, so he needs to get healthy. The Twins can always have him repeat High-A next season. If the Twins’ development plan holds, fans could see an influx of top talent over the next three seasons. With multiple MLB-ready players knocking on the door in 2025 and a wave of high-ceiling prospects following closely behind, the organization’s long-term core is starting to take shape. Do you agree with the ETAs? Which player will have the biggest impact on the 2026 roster? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

The Minnesota Twins’ 2025 season was already shaping up to be one of the most disappointing in the Derek Falvey–Rocco Baldelli era. Popular players were shipped out at the trade deadline, the roster is underperforming on the field, and now the Pohlads’ announcement that they will remain as owners has put a bit of a damper on hopes for significant organizational change. With ownership unchanged, the front office still has to answer a significant question: What direction does this roster take from here? As things stand today, there are two drastically different paths forward. Path 1: The Full Teardown If the Twins are ready to admit they’re entering a true rebuild, there’s little reason to hold onto pitchers like Joe Ryan, Pablo López, and Bailey Ober. The organization was transparent with Carlos Correa before dealing him to Houston, acknowledging that this wasn’t what he signed up for. If the front office is serious about building a roster to compete a few years from now, those starters won’t be around for the next window of contention. Ryan was already the subject of trade conversations in July, and those talks can easily be revisited this winter. López, owed $21 million in 2026, is now the highest-paid player on the team. In a cost-conscious approach, the Twins might prefer replacing him with younger, cheaper options from their system or via smaller acquisitions. Ober, while not yet expensive, is becoming more so through the arbitration process. Like Ryan and Lopez, he could also bring back useful prospect capital, if he has a strong finish to the seaspn. This route is about maximizing return on assets before their value dips, and it signals a clear commitment to a multi-year rebuild. This is something the Twins have been reluctant to admit publicly. However, there is a way for the team to get their overall payroll below $100 million if they choose this path. Path 2: Reinvest for 2026 and Beyond The alternative is to take the salary relief gained from the deadline deals and use it to stabilize the roster. That could mean offering an extension to Ryan and/or Ober, ensuring the pitching staff retains a reliable core. Ryan Jeffers is another extension candidate, especially with no strong catching prospect near the big-league level. The math makes sense: even after arbitration raises, Minnesota’s projected 2026 payroll sits under $100 million. For context, they were at $158 million in 2023 before the infamous “right-sizing” of the payroll leading into the 2024 season. Minnesota ranked in the middle of the pack for payroll for multiple seasons coming out of the pandemic. However, that is no longer the case. According to Spotrac.com, their 2025 figure of about $125 million ranks 20th in MLB following the team’s moves at the trade deadline. The space is there to add a bat, shore up the bullpen, and retain key arms, but history tells us that’s not how the Pohlads have been leaning. The messaging from ownership points toward a Tampa Bay Rays/Milwaukee Brewers style model, where payroll remains modest and efficiency becomes the defining trait. That doesn’t mean they can’t win, but it does mean relying on high turnover and sustained player development, rather than locking in veteran talent. The Twins’ trade deadline sell-off may have hurt the 2025 big-league roster, but it’s already paying dividends in prospect capital. MLB Pipeline’s post-deadline farm system rankings have Minnesota sitting second overall, an impressive leap from their preseason ranking of 10th. The front office added 10 prospects in those trades. That group is headlined by Eduardo Tait, one of baseball’s top catching prospects; he was acquired in the Jhoan Duran deal. Combined with the five 2025 draft picks, the Twins now feature a rare blend of elite talent and organizational depth that should help define their next competitive window. The Twins stand at a familiar crossroads. The Pohlads’ decision to stay on as owners means the philosophy at the top likely won’t shift dramatically. A complete teardown might be the clearest baseball move, but it would mean another long wait for meaningful games in September. Reinvestment could keep the team competitive sooner, but it requires a willingness to spend in a way the franchise hasn’t embraced in recent years. In either case, the 2025-26 offseason could be one of the most crucial in recent Twins history, not just for the roster, but for the tone it sets with the fanbase. Which path will the Twins follow? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

For nearly three years, the Twins have defied one of baseball’s most common trends. They have relied on just two catchers, at a time when depth at the position is critical and injuries often force constant roster shuffling. Minnesota built its game plan around a precise 50/50 timeshare between Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez. It was an intentional move from both the front office and the coaching staff, designed to keep both players fresh and healthy across a 162-game season. That plan is now on hold. On Friday, the Twins placed Vázquez on the 10-day injured list with a left shoulder infection. While the issue is with his non-throwing shoulder, it will still sideline him, ending one of baseball’s rarest streaks. “Yeah, it is kind of, it is almost hard to believe,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I bet you are not going to find too many teams that have had that luxury of having guys that are that dependable and durable.” With Vázquez out, the catching duties will now tilt heavily toward Jeffers. Baldelli confirmed that the 50/50 split will disappear, at least for now. “[Jeffers] is going to catch more,” Baldelli explained. “More along the lines of two out of three or three out of four games behind the plate … it will be good for RJ to push himself right now a little bit, get out there and catch a whole bunch.” The shift is an opportunity for Jeffers to step into something he has not had since arriving in the majors: a true full-time role. Last season, he started 81 games at catcher and played behind the plate in 86 games. His 720 1/3 innings catching were a career high, by nearly 50 innings. In 2025, Jeffers has already started 62 games at catcher, so there is a strong possibility that he will surpass his innings squatted and kneeled from last year. The 27-year-old has been one of Minnesota’s more productive hitters this season (112 OPS+), and his ability to provide pop from behind the plate has made him a lineup fixture. Only two AL catchers (Cal Raleigh and Alejandro Kirk) have a higher OBP, among players with 60 or more games played. Even when he is not catching, Baldelli has kept him in the batting order as the designated hitter 23 times, and he's entered more games as a pinch-hitter or as the result of other shuffling more often than in the past. He's amassed 373 plate appearances already, and could easily surpass his career high of 465, set last season. Even as the team leans into using their primary catcher more often, though, it's important that they maintain some semblance of depth; no one can succeed trying to catch every day in the majors. While Vázquez is out, the team could get a long look at either of two candidates for a medium-term backup role. Mickey Gasper Gasper, 28, was touted as a versatile defender when the Twins acquired him this winter. He has spent time at catcher, first base, and in the outfield throughout his minor league career. Minnesota had been hesitant to use him at catcher before Vázquez’s injury. This season, he has dedicated most of his time to catching and has earned praise from the coaching staff for his preparation and receiving skills. He’s been one of Triple-A’s best hitters over the last two seasons, with a .970 OPS in 2024 and a .915 OPS in 2025. His switch-hitting bat adds an extra wrinkle for Baldelli, who can match him up against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. “And I can see us giving some opportunity to Mickey Gasper, who we think has done a good job behind the plate," Baldelli said. "He's worked hard, like he does, really, at every position, but he's dedicated himself to the catching side of things for much of the year this year.” Jhonny Pereda Pereda, 29, has built a reputation as a steady presence behind the plate, with strong framing and blocking skills. Fans may be unfamiliar with Pereda because the team claimed him off waivers from the Athletics at the end of July. The Twins are his seventh organization, but he continues to draw respect for his ability to manage a pitching staff. In six games in St. Paul, he went 7-for-21 (.333 BA) with four extra-base hits and four walks. This season at Triple-A, he has posted a 120 wRC+ with 11 extra-base hits in 33 games. For the Twins, losing Vázquez changes the formula they have carefully managed for three seasons. For Jeffers, it is a chance to show he can be the guy, not just half of a dependable duo. If his bat stays hot, it might make the Twins more comfortable changing their catching formula for 2026. Of course, that assumes that Jeffers (a free agent at the end of next season) won't be traded, first. Can Jeffers prove that he can be behind the plate on a more regular basis? What stands out about the team’s backup catching options? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

When the Pohlad family confirmed that they will remain the principal owners of the Minnesota Twins, it didn’t just end speculation about the franchise’s sale. It also sent a strong signal about the immediate future of the team’s leadership structure—one that has been remarkably consistent, even during disappointing seasons. In a letter to fans, the Pohlads explained that they explored “a wide range of potential investment and ownership opportunities” before deciding to retain control and add two significant limited partnership groups. That decision essentially secures the positions of the two most visible leaders in the organization: Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli. Minimal Change Expected at the Top Falvey, the president of baseball and business operations, has been the franchise’s top baseball executive since 2016. He stepped into one of baseball’s most powerful roles earlier this year, when Dave St. Peter retired. Under his watch, the Twins have won three division titles but have also endured multiple seasons wherein expectations far exceeded results—including the last two seasons, when the club was projected to finish first in the AL Central and will finish out of the playoff picture. Still, the Pohlads have consistently valued stability over dramatic shakeups. Their decision to keep ownership in-house rather than hand the franchise to a new principal owner is a clear sign that a major front-office overhaul is unlikely. On the field, Baldelli appears just as safe. The team picked up his 2026 option earlier this season, a move that now looks even more significant. While some fan frustration has grown during this disappointing year, ownership’s history suggests they see continuity in the dugout as a strength, rather than a weakness. Following Their Long-Term Playbook In some ways, this approach mirrors the Pohlads’ broader philosophy. While other franchises in MLB have cycled through executives and managers in search of quick turnarounds, Minnesota has preferred to give its leadership groups extended time to execute their vision. It’s a philosophy not without risk, especially in an era when playoff contention can be fleeting, but it aligns with the Pohlads’ public statements about valuing “long-term vision” and “shared family values.” Lessons from Other Teams’ Sales This stability-first mindset also stands in contrast to the uncertainty seen when other clubs explore sales. The Los Angeles Angels and Washington Nationals both tested the market in recent years, before deciding to keep their current owners in place. In those cases, lingering questions about leadership often slowed roster planning and created speculation about changes at the top. The Twins, by contrast, seem intent on projecting a united and consistent vision moving forward. Billion-dollar sports franchises have a limited buyer pool, and the complexities of selling often extend far beyond price tags. By ending their sales process, the Pohlads have also eliminated the uncertainty that typically comes with a potential ownership change. A Rarely Changing Guard In the last four decades, the Twins have had just four full-time managers: Tom Kelly (1986-2001), Ron Gardenhire (2002–2014), Paul Molitor (2015–2018), and Rocco Baldelli (2019–present). On the front-office side, the team operated under general manager Terry Ryan for most of 1994–2016 (with a short Bill Smith tenure in between, with Ryan still in the organization) before hiring Falvey to run baseball operations, and eventually business operations, too. By comparison, many MLB clubs have churned through eight or more managers and several top executives in that same stretch. Minnesota has also had some famously long-tenured people in less prominent roles in the front office, and it looks like Byron Buxton will be the third franchise icon in as many generations (following Kirby Puckett and Joe Mauer) to play his entire career with the team. The Twins’ slow turnover at the top reflects the Pohlads’ long-standing belief in patience over quick fixes. The Message to Fans The Pohlads closed their letter with a commitment to “building a winning team and culture for this region.” For now, that culture will continue to be shaped by the same leadership voices that have guided the team for nearly a decade. The Twins’ results in 2025 haven’t matched expectations, but the franchise’s direction, from the front office to the manager’s office, appears locked in. For better or worse, stability remains the Pohlads’ game plan. Should the Pohlads look to make changes to the front office or manager? Will the new limited partners push for different on-field results? Leave a comment and start the discussion.