Cody Christie

Spring training is always about optimism, but it is also about information. The Minnesota Twins added a healthy dose of both on Friday when they announced their internal non-roster invites for major league camp. These are players already in the organization but not on the 40-man roster who will get a chance to share fields, lockers, and moments with the big-league group in Fort Myers. The headliners are impossible to miss. Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper are two of the most important position players in the system, and both arrive with plenty of helium. Jenkins continues to look like the rare prospect who forces timelines to move, not because of need but because of undeniable talent. He finished last season at Triple-A after posting a 154 wRC+ at Double-A. Culpepper took a massive step forward last season, showing he can impact the game with his bat while sticking at shortstop. In 113 games, he posted a 138 wRC+. The organization named him the minor league player of the year, and he enters 2026 as a consensus top-100 prospect. His presence, along with Jenkins's, guarantees that early-morning workouts will draw extra eyes. The list also rewards performance: Kala'i Rosario and Kyler Fedko were among the system’s most productive hitters last year. Spring training is typically where that type of momentum earns recognition. Rosario brings loud contact (25 homers, 131 wRC+) and improved plate discipline, while Fedko made his mark on the bases (38 steals, 130 wRC+). Neither is expected to break camp, but both gain from time around the major league staff early. Beyond the marquee names, this group offers a little of everything. Trent Baker and Cory Lewis provide rotation depth and a chance to evaluate arms against higher-level competition, while Christian MacLeod continues his push back into the picture after showing signs of life last season. Meanwhile, Ricardo Olivar and Noah Cardenas give the catching group extra reps and flexibility during long camp days. On the position player side, Aaron Sabato, a former first-round pick, remains one of the more fascinating cases in the system. The power is real, and spring training offers another opportunity to show progress in the rest of his game. Tanner Schobel and Patrick Winkel are solid organizational performers who do many things well and help keep the environment competitive. Non-roster invites rarely tell a complete story on their own, but together these players offer clues about the Twins’ current priorities. By bringing in their best prospects, recent standouts, and valuable depth, the Twins reinforce that spring training isn’t just about preparing the Opening Day roster; it’s also about developing the next wave by giving them firsthand experience of what it takes to succeed. View full rumor

Image courtesy of © ​Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images For months, the Twins bullpen has felt less like a plan and more like a collection of possibilities. That changed this week. The Twins made an important move on Thursday by reportedly reuniting with former All-Star reliever Taylor Rogers on a one-year, $2 million deal. It is a step in the right direction for a team that desperately needed bullpen help after trading away its top five relievers last summer. More work is needed, but Rogers is a meaningful addition, even if he is not the pitcher he was during his first stint in Minnesota. This move finally gives Minnesota a foundation. While not dominance or certainty, it’s a framework to build upon, a departure from the question marks that plagued this group. The bullpen now has a starting point, but not yet a solution. As things stand right now, here is a realistic snapshot of the current bullpen picture. Locks: Rogers, Cole Sands, Justin Topa On the fence: Eric Orze, Kody Funderburk Wild cards: David Festa, John Klein, Travis Adams With the Rogers addition, Connor Prielipp gets bumped out of the projection. It seems unlikely that the Twins will elect to carry three lefties. Prielipp could certainly take the place of someone like Klein or Ohl, but roster math alone works against him. That does not diminish the upside. Prielipp, Twins Daily’s No. 6 prospect and reigning minor league pitcher of the year, seems like a long shot for Opening Day but a very real bullpen factor in 2025. Injuries limited him both at Alabama and early in his pro career, but he stayed healthy enough last year to throw 82 2/3 innings and strike out 98 batters. Already 25 years old, he profiles as a potential high-impact bullpen arm if his health finally stabilizes. Derek Falvey has already mentioned both Prielipp and Marco Raya as candidates for bullpen transitions this winter, indicating the organization is open to internal conversions. Raya has been one of the team's top pitching prospects for multiple seasons. Minnesota pushed him aggressively up the organizational ladder with him reaching Triple-A during his age-21 season. However, his workload has been monitored and controlled by the organization's development staff. Last season, he struggled in St. Paul with an ERA north of 6.00 with a 22.6 K% and a 12.6 BB%. His pitch mix and dominant curveball could make him an intriguing bullpen option. Beyond the prospect group, it feels increasingly likely that at least one of the Twins’ young starting pitchers will be shifted into a relief role. That list includes Festa, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, and Taj Bradley. Festa feels like the cleanest fit right now, given his shoulder issues last season and how his stuff could play up in shorter stints, but Bradley also stands out as a logical candidate. With nearly 400 major league innings already on his arm, the starter evaluation phase may already be complete, and a power relief role could unlock a new version of his value. For the long relief side, Pierson Ohl and Travis Adams feel like the most natural mop-up options, with Andrew Morris also fitting that profile if needed. These are the innings eaters, the bridge arms, the guys who make the rest of the bullpen functional, even if they are not headline names. The bullpen is now more coherent than before, but it’s not yet dependable. That gap is what the Twins must close if they want real stability. If you squint, you can see the outline of something workable. To improve the bullpen, add a legitimate late-inning right-hander and replace one or two fringe arms. Doing so would make the group resemble a true eight-man bullpen rather than a developmental experiment. That is why, even after these moves, free agency still matters here. Fortunately for Minnesota, veteran options remain available on the free agent market. David Robertson, Liam Hendriks, Paul Sewald, Michael Kopech, Scott Barlow, Hector Neris, and Ryan Brasier all represent different levels of risk and upside. Each would bring something the current bullpen lacks: experience and a track record of handling leverage. None of these names is perfect. Some come with age, some with injury risk, some with volatility, and some with all three. But the Twins do not need perfection. They need someone competent and reliable who can pitch the seventh or eighth inning without making the game feel fragile. Outside of free agency, Minnesota should consider trading one of its surplus left-handed hitters for a controllable bullpen arm. This targeted move addresses both roster imbalance and bullpen needs while preserving top pitching prospects and keeping payroll steady. At the end of last week, Twins radio broadcaster Kris Atteberry was part of a Winter Caravan group that stopped in Fargo, ND. At this stop, a fan asked Glen Perkins about who was going to be the closer for the 2026 Twins. Perkins responded with a few names, like Sands and Rogers, without overcommitting to one name. However, Atteberry interjected that the current bullpen picture isn’t complete. He told the crowd that the Twins will have multiple other bullpen options on the roster before the team heads to Fort Myers next month. Adding one veteran reliever or trading for a proven arm is the difference between a bullpen that’s a liability by default and one that can support Minnesota’s rotation all season. Rogers is the start, not the finish. Real functionality demands another move. The Twins now face a crucial decision: settle for a bullpen with fragile upside, or take clear steps to build a group strong enough for contention. The structure is emerging and the challenge is to finish it. How will the Twins complete their bullpen? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (photo of Emmanuel Rodriguez) Walker Jenkins sits comfortably at the top of the Minnesota Twins prospect hierarchy. That part of the conversation is easy. The harder debate begins immediately after him. The Twins system has several legitimate candidates for the No. 2 spot, and each brings a very different profile, risk level, and timeline. This is not a ranking meant to dismiss any of the names below. Instead, it highlights how close this group really is and why the Twins are fortunate to have multiple paths forward. Still, prospect lists force choices, and the question remains simple. Who should be considered the Twins' top prospect behind Jenkins? SS Kaelen Culpepper The case for Culpepper starts with how much he changed the conversation in one season. After entering the year as more of a solid but unspectacular infielder, Culpepper broke out across High A and Double A, with a 138 wRC+. He showed that he can remain at shortstop, while also tapping into more power than most evaluators expected. The bat speed improved, the physicality showed up, and suddenly, he looked like a potential everyday infielder with impact. Why is he number two? Because Culpepper checks the hardest box. He can play shortstop. That alone carries enormous value, especially when paired with a bat that drives the ball to all fields. He does not need to sell out for pull-side power to do damage, and the extra-base hits came naturally as his strength developed. Why shouldn't he be number two? The swing remains fairly flat, which limits the ceiling of his in-game power. It might still be enough, but it likely caps him short of true middle-of-the-order production. There are also lingering questions about his long-term defensive home. If he ends up at third base, the offensive expectations rise considerably, and he will need to keep hitting (including tapping into that power) to justify the move. C Eduardo Tait Tait is the most exciting catching prospect the Twins have had in a long time. That puts him firmly in this conversation. He was also the highest-ranked prospect Minnesota acquired in the Jhoan Duran trade, signaling how highly the organization views his potential. Why is he number two? Catching prospects with real offensive upside are rare, and Tait has that. He shows power, confidence, and leadership behind the plate. If everything clicks, he profiles as an everyday catcher who can hit in the middle of a lineup, something the Twins have been chasing for years. Why shouldn't he be number two? The margin for error is thin. There is nowhere else for Tait to go defensively if he cannot stick behind the plate. His aggressive approach leads to chasing pitches out of the zone, and that tendency will be tested as he climbs the ladder. He is also far from Target Field, and long developmental paths come with risk. OF Emmanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez might have the loudest tools of anyone in the system, when he is healthy. That qualifier matters, and he’s on a path to impact the Twins’ roster in 2026. Why is he number two? When he is on the field, he controls the strike zone at an elite level. He draws walks, hits for power to all fields, and can handle all three outfield spots. In the corners, he is even above-average defensively. Few prospects in the minors combine patience and power the way Rodriguez does. Why shouldn't he be number two? Availability matters. Injuries have followed him throughout his professional career. Over the past five years, he has played more than 65 games only once. The passivity that fuels his walk totals also leads to a high strikeout rate, and when paired with durability concerns, it creates real risk. SP Connor Prielipp Pitching prospects often live in a separate category, but Prielipp forced his way back into this discussion in 2025. Why is he number two? Prielipp worked 82 2/3 innings last season and climbed all the way to Triple-A St. Paul. The stuff is undeniable. If he sticks as a starter, he has the arsenal to become a playoff-caliber arm, something every organization covets. Why shouldn't he be number two? The biggest question is his role. Internally, opinions vary on whether Prielipp ultimately fits best in the rotation or the bullpen. His injury history also looms large. Last season marked the first time he had thrown more than 25 innings since 2019. Betting on health and a starting role at the same time is a risky proposition. So Who Is Number Two? If forced to choose today, Culpepper likely gets the nod. The combination of proximity, defensive value, and offensive growth gives him the highest probability of becoming an everyday contributor. That said, this is a fluid debate. Tait offers rare upside at catcher, Rodriguez brings star potential if healthy, and Prielipp could change the entire picture with one dominant stretch. Behind Jenkins, the Twins do not have a clear answer. Instead, they have options, and that is a very good problem to have. Who would you rank number two in the Twins’ system? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images One of the most familiar feelings for Twins fans each winter is watching the calendar flip to January (and be there for a couple of weeks) while the roster still looks unfinished. Other teams make splashy moves in December. The Twins, under Derek Falvey, tend to wait. That patience can feel maddening in the moment, especially after a quiet Winter Meetings, but recent history shows there is at least some method behind the madness. Looking back at the past few offseasons is a helpful reminder that impactful additions do not always come early, and that value can still be found after the initial free-agent rush has passed. 2024-25 Offseason Last winter might be the cleanest example of how this approach can work. None of the Twins' three notable free-agent signings arrived until February. Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, and Ty France all came aboard late, and all three ended up providing real value. Bader could not have worked out much better. Expectations were modest, but he delivered more production at the plate than anticipated (113 OPS+) while continuing to play elite defense. His move from center field to a corner outfield role helped the defense. Coulombe was a low-cost addition at $3 million, but he gave the bullpen a veteran left-handed presence and bridged the gap to the late innings. France was below average offensively (87 OPS+), but his steady defense at first base was outstanding, culminating in a Gold Glove award. Waiting did not hurt the Twins last winter. In several ways, it helped. 2023-24 Offseason The 2023=2024 offseason followed a similar timeline, though with more mixed results. The Twins technically got started in late December, by signing reliever Josh Staumont. Still, the offseason did not truly take shape until the end of January, when Jorge Polanco was traded to the Seattle Mariners. That deal is still being evaluated through the long-term lens of Gabriel Gonzalez’s development. At the same time, Justin Topa could still play an essential role in the bullpen, especially if the Twins don’t make other additions this season. February brought Carlos Santana and Jay Jackson. Staumont and Jackson struggled and provided little value, but Santana eventually found his footing. His bat took time to warm up, but he finished the season as a productive contributor (109 OPS+). Defensively, he had one of the best seasons in team history, earning a Gold Glove. The late timing of these signings did not guarantee success across the board, but it did allow the Twins to address needs without overcommitting early. 2022-23 Offseason The outlier in this pattern came during the 2022-2023 offseason. That winter, the Twins moved quickly. Christian Vázquez (3-year deal) and Joey Gallo (1-year deal) signed in December. Then an unexpected opportunity arose in early January, when Carlos Correa became available again after failing physicals with two other clubs. The Twins pounced, reshaping their roster well before spring training. Even during a more aggressive winter, the front office still made a late addition, signing Donovan Solano near the end of February. In hindsight, that aggressive approach did not produce better results. Gallo was unplayable by the end of the season, with a .686 OPS in the second half. Vázquez provided defensive value behind the plate but saw his offense collapse during his time in Minnesota (60 OPS+). Correa’s contract has since been unloaded, leaving the Twins paying $10 million per year for him to play for the Astros over the next three seasons. Acting early did not insulate the team from risk or disappointment. So, what does all of this mean for the rest of the current Twins offseason? It means that silence in even the early part of January does not automatically signal failure. The front office has repeatedly shown a willingness to wait out the market, target specific fits, and strike when prices and roles make sense. That approach has frustrated fans plenty of times, but it has often led to solid outcomes. Patience does not guarantee success, and it does not remove the need for meaningful additions. However, history suggests that the Twins are comfortable letting the board come to them. As February approaches, the lesson from recent winters is simple. The offseason is not over yet, even if it feels like it has been dragging on forever. Will the Twins make any meaningful additions in the coming weeks? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jeffrey Becker, Bruce Kluckhohn--Imagn Images When conversations turn to Minnesota Twins franchise favorites, it is easy to focus on the bats that carried October runs or the defenders who made iconic plays. Just as often, however, the foundation of Twins baseball has been the men on the mound. From Hall of Fame starters to lockdown closers, the organization has consistently produced pitchers who defined eras and gave fans confidence every fifth day or in the ninth inning. MLB Network has been creating lists of the franchise favorites for the lineup and pitching staff. Last week, I attempted to create the Franchise Favorite Lineup; it led to plenty of discussion. Minnesota’s best players can be debated, and that adds to the intrigue of the exercise. Here are five starters and relievers, with some honorable mentions at both spots. SP: Johan Santana (36.1 rWAR, 10th in franchise history) Santana stands at the top of any Twins pitching discussion. At his peak, Santana was not just the best pitcher in franchise history, but one of the most dominant arms in baseball. His two Cy Young Awards and ability to control games made him appointment viewing. For a stretch in the mid-2000s, the Twins felt they had the best pitcher in the sport, and that advantage shaped the entire organization. SP: Bert Blyleven (48.9 rWAR, 5th in franchise history) Blyleven represents both longevity and excellence. His curveball became legendary, and his statistical résumé places him among the game's greats. While some of his best years came elsewhere, Blyleven’s time with the Twins included critical contributions to championship teams. His Hall of Fame plaque connects Minnesota to baseball history in a tangible way. SP: Brad Radke (45.3 rWAR, 6th in franchise history) Radke may not have the same national recognition as others on this list, but his importance to the Twins cannot be overstated. Radke was reliability personified, taking the ball year after year and giving the team a chance to win even when the rest of the roster floundered around him. In an era defined by efficiency and control, Radke embodied what the Twins valued in a frontline starter. SP: Jim Kaat (35.6 rWAR, 11th in franchise history) Kaat bridged generations of Twins baseball. His durability and competitive edge anchored the early years of the franchise, and his success helped establish credibility for a young organization. Kaat’s career longevity and eventual Hall of Fame induction underscore his importance both in Minnesota and beyond. SP: Jack Morris (2.1 rWAR) Morris brings big-game gravity. While his time with the Twins was brief, his impact was unforgettable. Morris’s performance in the 1991 World Series remains one of the most iconic pitching efforts in baseball history, and that single season cemented his place in Twins lore. He might be the most debatable name on the list, but his place in franchise history is hard to ignore. RP: Joe Nathan (18.4 rWAR) Out of the bullpen, Nathan is the standard, with a borderline Hall of Fame career. He transformed the closer role in Minnesota, combining dominance with consistency. He ended his career with 377 saves, and 260 of those came in a Twins uniform. Ninth innings felt shorter when Nathan was on the mound, and his run as one of baseball’s elite closers gave the Twins a level of certainty that few teams enjoyed. RP: Rick Aguilera (15.5 rWAR) Aguilera served as the Twins’ primary closer for nearly a decade, finishing his Minnesota career with 254 saves, the most in franchise history until Nathan arrived. Beyond the numbers, Aguilera was trusted in the most significant moments, anchoring the bullpen during the 1991 championship season. His ability to execute in October solidified his place among the most essential pitchers the Twins have ever had. RP: Glen Perkins (9.0 rWAR) Perkins represents the modern Twins reliever who also carried emotional weight with the fan base. A Minnesota native who became a three-time All-Star closer, Perkins brought both performance and connection. His peak seasons reminded fans that bullpen dominance could still be homegrown. RP: Eddie Guardado (9.5 rWAR) Guardado thrived in chaos. Nicknamed “Everyday Eddie” for a reason, he took the ball whenever needed and delivered in countless high-leverage moments. His versatility and fearlessness made him one of the most trusted arms of his era. RP: Jhoan Duran (7.3 rWAR) Duran is the newest name on the list, but his inclusion already feels justified. With triple-digit velocity and a devastating breaking ball, Duran has redefined what is possible out of the Twins' bullpen. His trade last year was disappointing, because he could have been one of the top relievers in team history had he stayed in Minnesota. Though it will be a footnote instead of a headline in team history due to his early exit, the electricity of Duran's signature entrances is one of the brightest spots in an often dark recent stretch of team lore. The honorable mentions highlight the depth of Minnesota's pitching history. Starters like Camilo Pascual, Dave Goltz, Frank Viola, and Jim Perry each had stretches where they carried the rotation and left a lasting imprint. In the bullpen, Taylor Rogers, Griffin Jax, Juan Rincon, Al Worthington, and LaTroy Hawkins all played key roles in stabilizing late innings across different eras. Leaving any of them off a favorites list is less an indictment than a reminder of how many meaningful arms have passed through the organization. Together, this group tells the story of the Twins through pitching. It is a history built on reliability, timely dominance, and moments that still linger in the memory of anyone who has followed the team long enough. Who would you add to the list? Who should be taken off? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images For much of the last decade, the Twins have quietly tried to squeeze every marginal win out of their roster. Sometimes that has meant platoons. Other times, it has meant defensive flexibility or depth over star power. This offseason, a clear pattern is emerging. Minnesota appears to be leaning harder than ever into matchup play and lineup optimization. The most obvious signal came with back-to-back investments in switch hitters. Josh Bell and Victor Caratini were added for their overall production, their fit in the roster, and because they eliminate problems. A switch-hitter erases the need to protect a lineup spot when the opposing starter changes handedness, and that matters for a team that wants to play the percentages every night. This approach stretches well beyond those two signings and into how the entire roster fits together. Minnesota is under an owner-imposed payroll limit, which makes it challenging to field the best lineup. Without the ability to add star-caliber players in free agency, the front office must pivot to attempt to find a market inefficiency. So, are the Twins trying to make up for a dearth of talent with really good matchup-proofing? The short answer is probably yes, at least in part. The Twins do not have the payroll or the top-end depth to roll out nine everyday bats who are immune to matchups. What they do have is a collection of hitters who can be deployed strategically. Keeping Trevor Larnach at $4.475 million in arbitration fits that logic. On the surface, Larnach looks expendable. In practice, he is a valuable strong-side platoon option who can punish right-handed pitching. Last season was a down year for Larnach, but he still posted a .759 OPS against righties, matching his career total. A left field pairing of Larnach and Austin Martin is not flashy, but it is efficient. Larnach gets the favorable matchups where he has shown real damage potential. Martin handles left-handed pitching and adds defensive versatility and speed. In fact, Martin was one of the team’s lone bright spots in the second half last season, helped in part by his .884 OPS against southpaws. Together, they approximate a more expensive everyday option. That same philosophy is visible across the infield. Left-handed bats like Kody Clemens and Edouard Julien can be deployed aggressively against right-handed starters. Right-handed options like Luke Keaschall, Royce Lewis, and Eric Wagaman can take on left-handed pitching without forcing the Twins to accept bad matchups elsewhere. Orlando Arcia, a veteran right-handed hitter, was brought in on a minor league deal and has a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Brooks Lee, a switch-hitting shortstop, serves as a stabilizer, keeping the lineup from tilting too far in either direction. The Twins have options at nearly every spot. Even the outfield depth reflects this thinking. The left-handed group of Larnach, Matt Wallner, Alan Roden, and James Outman pairs naturally with right-handed or right-leaning options like Martin, Ryan Kreidler, and eventually Gabriel Gonzalez. Other top prospects like Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are also expected to join the left-handed hitting group at some point in 2026. This is not about finding the best nine hitters. It is about finding the best nine hitters for a specific opponent on a specific day. Against right-handed starters, Minnesota can stack lefties and switch hitters. C: Caratini (S) 1B: Clemens (L) 2B: Julien (L) 3B: Lewis (R) SS: Lee (S) LF: Larnach (L) CF: Buxton (R) RF: Wallner (L) DH: Bell (S) The alignment above leaves Lewis and Byron Buxton as the lone right-handed bats. Against left-handed starters, the picture flips. C: Jeffers (R) 1B: Bell (S) 2B: Keaschall (R) 3B: Lewis (R) SS: Lee (S) LF: Martin (R) CF: Buxton (R) RF: Wallner (L) DH: Caratini (S) This gives the Twins a right-leaning core. Right field becomes the lone spot needing a lefty, with Wallner the apparent choice. There will also be injuries that arise, requiring the Twins to shift pieces around. None of this screams overwhelming talent. It does scream intention. So, is this what we have seen in the past from the Twins, or is this a new twist? Platoons are not new in Minnesota. The Twins have lived in this space for years, especially during their recent competitive window. What feels different now is how deliberately the roster is being built around that concept rather than falling into it out of necessity. In the past, platoons often existed because the Twins lacked better options. Now, they appear to be acquiring players specifically because they enable matchup flexibility. Switch hitters like Bell and Caratini are cheap fixes and targeted solutions. Keeping Larnach rather than clearing his salary suggests the team values optionality over simplicity. There is also more lineup insulation than before. Multiple switch hitters and right-handed bats who can move around the field reduce the risk of being exposed by a single pitching decision. This is less about reacting to matchups and more about dictating them. That shift suggests an organization leaning fully into modern roster construction. The Twins may not win many talent comparisons on paper, but they are trying to win the decision-making battle that happens before the first pitch. The Twins appear to be building a roster designed to win at the margins. By prioritizing switch hitters, platoon advantages, and lineup flexibility, Minnesota is attempting to turn matchup management into a competitive edge. Whether that approach can compensate for a lack of star power remains an open question, but the plan itself is becoming increasingly apparent. Is this smart optimization that will squeeze extra wins out of a flawed roster, or does it place too much pressure on perfect lineup management to succeed over a full season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Kaelen Culpepper) Some prospects move because an organization believes it is time, while others move because the player leaves them little choice. Kaelen Culpepper spent his first full professional season doing everything possible to fall into the latter category, and the Twins are more than happy to let him keep applying that pressure. “It was Kaelen’s first full season, and he had an awesome year,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told FanGraphs of the 23-year-old shortstop, whom the Twins drafted 21st overall in 2024 out of Kansas State University. “He was between High-A and Double-A, and we couldn’t have asked for it go much better. We’re really pleased. He had the opportunity to go to the Futures Game.” Culpepper’s 2025 season reads like the blueprint for a breakout. Between Cedar Rapids and Wichita, he slashed .289/.375/.469 (.844) with 20 home runs, 25 steals, and a 133 wRC+ across 517 plate appearances. He was named the Twins’ minor league player of the year, emerged as a consensus top-100 prospect, and finished the season as one of the most productive hitters in the system. Even more impressive, he did it while making the jump to Double-A, a level that has a reputation for exposing weaknesses. Culpepper never blinked. “I don’t really look at it as there being a big jump,” Culpepper told MLB's Matthew Leach late in the season, after his promotion. “I mean, there is the age gap and stuff like that. The competition here is pristine. Guys are more polished, more mature. But when it comes to the skill gap, it’s pretty similar. It’s still baseball. Baseball is hard. It’s not meant to be easy. If it was, everybody would do it. But I just look at it as two leagues, big leagues and the Minor Leagues.” That mindset shows up every time he steps in the box. Culpepper has hit at every stop, from college to wood-bat leagues to his first taste of pro ball. In 2025, the power that some evaluators questioned before the draft arrived in force, even as he maintained his ability to hit for average and control the strike zone. He walked 50 times and struck out just 90 times, a better ratio than many expected, especially given his aggressive approach. There is still refinement ahead. Culpepper can be prone to chasing off-speed pitches out of the zone, and his groundball rate was the third highest in the system. Yet reaching the 20-homer mark while keeping the ball on the ground that often hints at more power to come if he can elevate with more consistency. That is the kind of problem teams love to have. Following his professional debut in 2024, Culpepper made a conscious effort to get better. He worked to add bat speed, and according to a club official, he did just that, boosting his swing speed by about 3 miles per hour and maintaining it throughout the season. “He’s confident in his abilities and also willing to work hard, and I think those are two traits that are going to take guys a long way,” said Bryce Berg, the organization’s minor league hitting coordinator, in Leach's article. The offensive performance alone would be enough to push a player up the ladder, but Culpepper has also given the Twins plenty to think about defensively. He has primarily played shortstop, where reviews of his range, instincts, and arm have been encouraging. At the same time, the organization has begun expanding his versatility. “He’s primarily playing shortstop, but he’s also getting some early work at second base and third base, as well as a little bit of game exposure at both spots,” Zoll told FanGraphs. “We’ll continue to let that play out as we get through spring training and into the season. We’ll figure it out exactly in terms of placement and proximity. We always kind of let the player dictate that with his performance, but he’s put just about as much pressure on us in terms of us wanting to keep moving him, and keeping him challenged.” That flexibility only raises Culpepper’s value. His arm would play comfortably at third base, and his instincts and hands give him a chance to remain at shortstop longer than some initially believed. Wherever he ultimately lands, the bat profiles as an above-average regular with legitimate All-Star upside. For 2026, the question is less about whether Culpepper is ready for a challenge and more about how quickly the Twins choose to escalate it. He has yet to face Triple-A pitching and has played just 139 minor league games, but if he keeps hitting the way he has, a big league debut at some point this season is far from unrealistic. Culpepper understands there is still work to do, especially when it comes to pitch selection. “Hitters hit, you know what I mean?” Culpepper told MLB.com. “I consider myself a hitter. A very good hitter. So I’m always going to want to hit pitches a little off the plate, so I’m going to chase a little bit. It’s OK to chase as long as you’re not chasing too much. Sometimes I find myself chasing a little too much, and I’ve got to get back to being patient, seeing the ball deep, trusting my hands.” The Twins are confident that balance will come. “It’s a special combination of confidence, and I think that comes from a level of preparedness, and then openness to feedback and improving,” said Twins director of player development Drew MacPhail. “That’s a rare combo, that I think he has both in an incredibly healthy amount.” Ultimately, Culpepper’s path will be determined the same way it has been so far. He will keep hitting, keep adjusting, and keep forcing the organization to respond. If 2025 was any indication, the pressure will only increase in 2026. What should the Twins expect from Culpepper this season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Here was what MLB Network released tonight

Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Dasan Hill) The Twins knew Dasan Hill would be a long-term project when they selected him 69th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, but his first season in professional baseball quickly showed why the organization is so high on the young left-hander. Hill’s debut across two levels offered both eye-opening upside and clear developmental checkpoints, a combination the Twins are more than comfortable working with. “We’re excited about Dasan,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told FanGraphs of the southpaw Hill, who was drafted out of high school in Texas. “He did a really nice job of missing bats. His changeup came along really well. He had an incredibly high swing and miss rate on that pitch. The breaking balls were a project in spring training, and they kept getting better and better as the year went along. Easy velo from the left side, and it looks like it’s going to be a full four-pitch mix.” Hill wasted little time showing why he was such an intriguing high school arm. His fastball already sits in the mid-90s and can reach higher, and it plays up thanks to late movement and a tough angle created by his crossfire delivery. At the lower levels, the heater alone was often enough to overpower hitters, but it was the development of his secondaries that separated him from most teenage pitchers. “We’re excited to keep pushing him. We challenged him in High-A at the end of the year. He knows that he has to be in the zone a little bit more. That will be a big thing for him, getting ahead of hitters and staying ahead a little bit more. He has a really bright future. His body is projectable and will keep filling out.” That challenge came late in the season when the Twins bumped Hill to Cedar Rapids. Even with limited innings, the move underscored the organization's aggressive view of his long-term outlook. Hill showed flashes of dominance at both stops, finishing the year with a 3.19 ERA, a 3.35 FIP, and a 31.1% strikeout rate over 62 innings between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids. “He’s 19 and just getting started,” Twins president of baseball and business Derek Falvey added. “The changeup is really, really good — it’s a weapon pitch — but like [Zoll] said, there is a lot of maturation coming with this kid. There’s not just understanding how to pitch, but also his body and physicality.” Beyond the fastball, Hill’s slider and curveball showed meaningful progress as the year went on. The slider has become a potential wipeout pitch against left-handed hitters, while the curveball gives him a viable option versus righties. His changeup, though once viewed as a complementary piece, has already become a legitimate weapon and a separator within the system. The numbers also highlight where the next phase of development must focus. Hill struck out hitters at an impressive rate, but his walk totals pushed his WHIP to 1.35, a reminder that command and efficiency remain works in progress. That inconsistency is not unexpected for a pitcher who spent most of the year at 19 years old and was facing professional hitters for the first time. The Twins were careful with his workload, rarely asking Hill to work deep into games. That approach reflects both his age and the organization’s desire to let his body continue to mature. Even with those limits, Hill established himself as one of the most exciting arms in the farm system and now ranks among the top prospects in the organization. Looking ahead to 2026, Hill is likely to return to High-A or move quickly to Double-A with a clear set of priorities. The Twins will be focused on strike throwing, getting ahead of hitters, and continuing to refine all four pitches. If those pieces come together, Hill has the upside of a future rotation anchor. If command lags behind the stuff, his fastball and slider combination alone could still make him a high-impact bullpen arm. Either way, Hill’s first professional season confirmed what the Twins believed on draft day. The raw ingredients are special, the progress is real, and the timeline will be dictated not by urgency, but by how quickly a very young pitcher turns immense talent into consistency. What would an ideal 2026 season look like for Hill? Can he be a consensus top-100 prospect at this point next season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Tommy Tomsic (1977 photo of Carew), RVR Photos (photo of Puckett) MLB Network has slowly been rolling out its Franchise Favorites lineups, and when the Minnesota Twins come up, the exercise feels less like a debate and more like a walk down a Twins fan's Memory Lane. This is not just about production or accolades. It's about connection, moments, and the players who came to define generations of Twins baseball. The lineup that emerged balances Hall of Fame talent with lesser players who nonetheless felt like Twins through and through. At the time of this writing, MLB Network has yet to release its Twins list. There are obvious choices, a few tough omissions, and some honorable mentions that could easily start arguments among fans of different eras. Let's take our own shot at naming this team, starting with the position players. Catcher: Joe Mauer (55.6 rWAR, 3rd in franchise history) Behind the plate, Mauer is the clear and correct choice. Few players in franchise history carried the weight of expectations the way Mauer did, and fewer still delivered at his level. A hometown star who became an MVP and one of the best catchers of his generation, Mauer represents the modern Twins as well as anyone. Earl Battey and Butch Wynegar deserve recognition for their durability and leadership, but this spot belongs to No. 7. First Base: Harmon Killebrew (60.6 rWAR, 2nd in franchise history) At first base, Killebrew is unavoidable. His power defined the franchise for years, and his legacy stretches well beyond the box score. Justin Morneau’s MVP season and Doug Mientkiewicz’s defensive excellence earn them honorable mention status, but Killebrew is the standard by which every Twins first baseman is measured. (Don't worry; we haven't forgotten the other high-profile first baseman who belongs on this list.) Second Base: Rod Carew (63.8 rWAR, 1st in franchise history) Second base belongs to Carew, one of the purest hitters the game has ever seen. Carew’s ability to control the bat and dominate in so many ways makes him one of the most iconic players in Twins history. Chuck Knoblauch, Brian Dozier, and Jorge Polanco all had meaningful peaks and signature moments, but Carew sits comfortably above the rest. Third Base: Gary Gaetti (27.1 rWAR) At third base, Gaetti gets the nod. His consistency, defense, and longevity made him a fixture during some of the franchise’s most important seasons. Corey Koskie and Rich Rollins both have strong cases, especially for fans who value different eras, but Gaetti’s complete body of work stands out. Shortstop: Roy Smalley (20.9 rWAR) Shortstop is a position where the Twins have struggled to find stars throughout their history. Smalley earns the starting role thanks to his versatility and impact across multiple stints with the club. Zoilo Versalles brought MVP-level brilliance, Greg Gagne delivered steady production on championship teams, and Carlos Correa made a massive impression in a short time. Smalley’s longevity and overall contribution give him the edge over all of them, though—and his lasting impact as a broadcaster earns him bonus points. Left Field: Shane Mack (19.6 rWAR) Mack represents a specific era that many fans remember fondly. He also might be one of the most underrated players in team history. His bat and energy reinforced competitive teams, even if his peak was shorter than some others'. Bob Allison, Larry Hisle, and Eddie Rosario each brought their own flair and impact, making this one of the more subjective choices on the list. Center Field: Kirby Puckett (51.1 rWAR, 4th in franchise history) Center field is as straightforward as it gets. Puckett is the heart of the franchise. His smile, his clutch performances, and his presence during the World Series years make him the easiest selection on the entire roster. Torii Hunter and Byron Buxton both deserve praise for excellence on both sides of the ball, but Puckett remains untouchable. Right Field: Tony Oliva (43.1 rWAR, 7th in franchise history) Oliva’s selection feels just right (pun intended). His hitting titles and influence on the organization extend well beyond his playing days. Some have even called him “Mr. Twin.” Max Kepler, Tom Brunansky, and Michael Cuddyer each had meaningful runs, but Oliva’s impact resonates across generations. Designated Hitter: Kent Hrbek (38.6 rWAR, 8th in franchise history) Designated hitter is where things get a little creative. Hrbek earns the spot, even if it requires some flexibility. He played just over 100 games at DH, but leaving him out of the lineup entirely would feel wrong. Hrbek’s connection to the fan base and his role in the franchise’s most significant moments justify the choice. Jim Thome, Nelson Cruz, and Chili Davis offer more traditional DH resumes, but this lineup is about favorites, not technicalities. That is ultimately the point of this exercise. A Twins Franchise Favorites lineup is always going to be subjective; that's the fun of it. It invites debate, brings back memories, and shines a light on the players who define the Twins for so many fans. Do you agree with the lineup? Who should be switched out? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson, Matt Krohn, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Earlier this winter, it felt inevitable that the Minnesota Twins would be at the center of the offseason rumor mill. Rival fanbases could practically see the headlines forming, imagining Joe Ryan or Pablo López anchoring a playoff rotation elsewhere, or Byron Buxton providing a high-upside spark to a contender. It was the kind of speculation that follows a franchise balancing the aspiration to contend with real (if self-inflicted) financial constraints. Then came the pushback. Derek Falvey and the Twins front office made it clear that the core was staying put. Ryan, López, Buxton, and the rest were not available. Minnesota was not tearing it down, and Falvey had the green light to add around them. On the surface, it was a declaration of intent—a statement that the Twins planned to compete in 2026. Nearly a month later, the gap between words and actions has become hard to ignore. The Twins have been dormant this offseason. Their most notable addition is first baseman Josh Bell, on a one-year deal. Bell has bounced from team to team in recent seasons, and over the last two years, he has combined for exactly 0.0 fWAR. That's not a condemnation of Bell as a player, but it is difficult to frame the move as meaningful roster-building. This looks less like an offseason retool and more like a holding pattern. The fact that the Twins have said they will not trade their stars doesn't mean those players are truly off the table. If anything, Minnesota is operating like a franchise keeping its options open. Offseasons are for selling optimism and season tickets. Trade deadlines are for hard truths. The Twins can present themselves as contenders now, see how the first half unfolds, be sellers again, and regroup next winter if they choose. That flexibility feels intentional. The context matters. At last season’s deadline, financial pressure drove Minnesota to sell, although that wasn’t the only reason. Relievers Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland were moved with multiple years of team control. Carlos Correa and his contract were sent back to Houston, with the Twins footing some of the bill. Those were not baseball-only decisions, and while the Pohlad family’s sale of minority stakes may have brought in cash, it did not magically erase the underlying constraints. It's particularly galling to see Minnesota refuse to improve, because the AL Central remains wide-open. Cleveland remains the division’s standard, with back-to-back division titles and a payroll lower than the Twins. Detroit is pushing forward with a strong young core. Kansas City is openly trying to contend during the Bobby Witt Jr. Era. Even the White Sox found a way to make noise, by landing Munetaka Murakami. Standing pat carries real risk, in a division where incremental gains can swing the race. If the Twins stumble early, the math becomes simple. Another sell-off would not signal failure, so much as pragmatism. Ryan would be the crown jewel. With two years of team control remaining, his value would be immense, especially in a market that has already rewarded teams dealing lesser arms like Shane Baz and Mike Burrows thanks to their control. The price would be enormous, and that alone may keep Ryan in Minnesota (for now). López, however, presents a different equation. He's owed $43.5 million over the next two seasons, a significant commitment for a team watching every dollar. That makes him the more attainable arm for an acquiring club and potentially the more logical trade chip for the Twins. It also means the return for him would be less robust than what the team could get for Ryan. Then there's Buxton—always the wild card, especially with his full no-trade clause. A contending team could talk itself into the upside of an elite center fielder, even with the injury risk baked in. With $45 million owed to Buxton across the next three years, he represents both hope and hazard, depending on your perspective. None of this guarantees that the Twins will sell. But it does suggest that their public insistence on holding the core together may be doing more work than the actual roster moves. Minnesota has protested too much, and history tells us that franchises in this position often pivot quickly once July arrives. If the Twins do make an about-face at the 2026 trade deadline, it shouldn't come as a shock. It will simply confirm what this quiet offseason has been hinting at all along. Are the Twins setting up to sell at the 2026 trade deadline? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Twins' projected lineup is a testament to the team's commitment to building from within, and to the success of their scouting and development pipeline. Seven of the nine projected starters were drafted and developed by the organization, and every one of those seven was selected in either the first or second round. In a vacuum, that kind of alignment feels like a win. Draft well, develop well, and let those players carry the roster. But context matters. The team hasn't made the playoffs in either of the last two years, and this season doesn't look likely to break that pattern. Is this lineup a sign that the Twins are maximizing value from premium draft picks, or is it a reflection of financial realities pushing inexpensive, controllable players into everyday roles? The answer, as is often the case, likely lies somewhere in between the extremes. The Case for Optimism There is no denying the upside in what the Twins have built. First- and second-round picks are supposed to become core players. Many do not. Minnesota has managed to turn a long list of those selections into legitimate big-league contributors and, in some cases, foundational pieces. Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, Brooks Lee, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Ryan Jeffers, and Luke Keaschall all project as everyday starters. That group spans more than a decade of drafts, from Buxton in 2012 to Keaschall in 2023. The timeline alone suggests this is not a one-year fluke, but rather the product of sustained investment at the top of the draft. According to FanGraphs, the Twins' projected lineup against right-handed pitchers is: CF Byron Buxton (1st Round- 2012) 2B Luke Keashall (2nd Round- 2023) 1B Josh Bell (Free Agent) RF Matt Wallner (1st Round- 2019) C Ryan Jeffers (2nd Round- 2018) DH Trevor Larnach (1st Round- 2018) 3B Royce Lewis (1st Round- 2017) SS Brooks Lee (1st Round- 2022) LF Austin Martin (Trade) Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey sees that through the lens of process. “What I think it says is that we’ve had a run of guys that we’ve identified in the draft, near the top,” Falvey said. “No one is going to bat 1.000 in the draft—we all know that—but we have a number of picks who have found a way to contribute at the big-league level. It speaks a lot to our development process, too.” There is also value in cost certainty. These players are producing while still under team control, allowing the Twins to allocate resources elsewhere if ownership allows the front office to spend. When draft picks turn into everyday players, the return on investment is significant. The Counterargument The other side of the conversation is less comfortable. While the lineup is filled with former high draft picks, it is notably light on proven, impact bats acquired from outside the organization. Only Josh Bell and Austin Martin project to start after coming over from another team at any point, and Martin arrived in trade while still a prospect. That absence is not just philosophical. It is financial. Minnesota is projected to operate with a payroll in the league’s bottom third, and the lineup reflects it. Cheap players are not just nice to have. They are (unfortunately) necessary. It's hard not to draw parallels to the Metrodome era, when the Twins routinely fielded rosters built around young, inexpensive talent because they had little choice. Those teams developed well, but they also often lacked the external reinforcements needed to push from mere respectability to contention. Falvey has acknowledged that roster building cannot rely on a single path. “I don’t think there is one-size-fits-all for any team,” he said. “You need to have some homegrown players. There have been stretches of time where we’ve had a bunch of acquisitions on our team. Two of the pitchers at the top of our rotation were traded for, Pablo and Joe, at different stages of their careers. Jhoan Duran was a trade, but he was in [Class A] and we grew him up through the minor leagues.” The concern is whether the current balance is intentional or forced—and whether the team's development infrastructure is good enough to make the most of this homegrown approach. With the exceptions of Buxton and Jeffers, the homegrown hitters holding onto lineup spots have interspersed flashes of brilliance into long periods of either struggle or injury-related absence. Development Versus Ambition Falvey has consistently stressed the importance of blending acquisition methods, rather than shutting any doors. “You don’t want to shut off any valves to potentially get talent into your system,” he said. “Probably the best teams overall, over time, find a way to blend all of that. They get their top draft picks, they pick out a few guys later in the draft. In our case, that’s a Bailey Ober or a Griffin Jax converting himself from an up-and-down starter to a good reliever. We need more of that.” The Twins have done much of that work already. The question is what comes next. If this lineup represents a foundation that will be supplemented aggressively when the time is right, it's easy to view it as a positive sign. If it represents the ceiling imposed by payroll limitations, the optimism dims. A Familiar Crossroads League-wide, no team projects more first- and second-round homegrown position players in its starting lineup than the Twins. That is an accomplishment worth noting. At the same time, projections do not see Minnesota as a clear contender. Thus, the lineup becomes a Rorschach test. It can be read as evidence of strong drafting and development finally paying off. It can also be read as a reminder of past Twins teams that survived on efficiency, rather than ambition. Perhaps the truth is that it's both. The Twins are getting real value from their earliest draft picks. Whether that value is being leveraged into something more meaningful will determine how this era is ultimately remembered. Are the Twins seeing the payoff of strong drafting and development, or are these players in the lineup more because they are affordable than because the roster is complete? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images For the second time in three years, the Twins appear poised to take a player all the way through the arbitration process. Minnesota and Joe Ryan were unable to bridge a relatively small gap before the exchange of figures last Thursday, with the club submitting a $5.85 million salary and Ryan countering at $6.35 million. If neither side changes course, an arbitration panel will choose one of those two numbers, and that decision will determine Ryan’s pay for the 2026 season. While teams and players are technically allowed to keep negotiating after figures are exchanged, the Twins have historically treated that deadline as a firm stopping point for one-year deals. That appears to be the case again here, meaning the next step is a hearing—unless a multiyear agreement unexpectedly materializes. Club policy does allow for longer-term contracts after the deadline, though there has been no indication that discussions are trending in that direction. From a performance standpoint, Ryan’s case is straightforward. The 29-year-old just completed the best season of his major-league career, finishing with a 3.42 ERA while striking out 194 hitters across 171 innings. He made his first All-Star team and made 30 starts for the first time, firmly establishing himself as a top-of-the-rotation arm. That production came amid frequent trade speculation at last year’s trade deadline, which continued into the winter, though the front office has repeatedly said it does not intend to move core players right now. This is only Ryan’s second trip through arbitration eligibility. A year ago, he and the Twins avoided a hearing by agreeing to a one-year, $3-million contract, his first significant payday after never earning more than $780,000 in a season. Even at the higher of the two arbitration figures this time around, Ryan would land right around $6 million for 2026, a sizable raise but a modest payday for a pitcher of his caliber. Unless he is traded or signs an extension, Ryan will be arbitration-eligible again in 2027. He's not scheduled to reach free agency until after that season. In the short term, that gives the Twins control. In the longer view, it emphasizes the importance of how this relationship is managed now. It is impossible to ignore the optics. The difference between the two sides is $500,000, a relatively small sum in today’s game. Ryan is widely regarded as one of the better starters in the league, and metrics back that up. FanGraphs estimates that he has generated more than $90 million in on-field value in his career, while earning just over $7 million. That gap speaks to how arbitration and team control suppress salaries, but when a team chooses to fight over such a narrow margin, it invites criticism, too. The Twins do have precedent on which to stand. They have gone to hearings in the past (most notably with Kyle Gibson late in his tenure), in part to give the front office experience with the process. Minnesota’s last hearing was with Nick Gordon in 2024. Gordon filed for $1.25 million, and the Twins offered $900,000. Minnesota won, and Gordon was denied entry into the seven-figure salary club. With changes in leadership over the last year, it is fair to wonder if that institutional mindset still plays a role, even if there is no clear indication that Ryan’s case is being used as a training exercise. There is also the human element. Ryan was candid following last year’s trade deadline sell-off, acknowledging that the stretch run was mentally challenging once postseason hopes disappeared. Illness affected several of his starts, and after one outing in Toronto, he admitted that summoning motivation was sometimes difficult. “I felt like I was in shock for a couple of weeks after that, and then it kind of settled in,” Ryan said. “[My future] is so far out of my control. But it seems like the team is making good decisions from the front office and coaching staff down, to give ourselves a chance to win a couple more ballgames. … I think the team’s going to be in a really good spot going forward." That lack of control remains. If the Twins fall out of contention in 2026, Ryan could once again find himself in the thick of trade discussions, either during the season or next winter. Conversely, if Minnesota hopes to extend him or keep him beyond his remaining years of control, the way this arbitration case plays out could matter. Hearings are adversarial by design, requiring the club to argue why a player does not deserve more. Even when the disparity between bids by the parties involved is modest, that process can linger. Adding another wrinkle is a note from The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman. He shared on social media that a team source said that Ryan is not expected to make an appearance at TwinsFest. Ryan was on the preliminary list of players who were expected to attend, but his name has been removed without an explanation. For now, what comes next is straightforward. Unless there is a late pivot, the Twins and Ryan will present their cases to an arbitration panel, and one number will win. What that decision means for the relationship moving forward, and whether a dispute over $500,000 ends up costing the Twins something far more valuable down the road, remains uncertain. Should the Twins have agreed to Ryan’s salary? What’s the long-term plan with Ryan and the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article