Cody Christie

Minnesota’s poor play in their first home series was front and center, but fans might not have noticed another off-field problem. The Twins are struggling to sell tickets, which might impact the team’s potential sale. Image courtesy of © Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports By all accounts, the home opening series against the Astros should have been a breath of fresh air for Minnesota Twins fans eager to see their team back in action. Instead, Target Field looked more like an afterthought. Even with its sunny April weather and a marquee opponent, the season opener failed to produce a sell-out. It’s a stark reminder of the downward spiral in fan morale since the euphoria surrounding the team during their 2023 postseason. Even though the team heavily discounted tickets to lure even the most casual fans, game attendance numbers told a grim story. Game 1 attracted 36,873 fans, which looks high, but teams should sell out their opener, and the Twins fell short. However, the optimism dissipated rapidly after that initial game. Game 2’s crowd fell precipitously to just 16,082, and by Game 3, only 14,638 fans were present for what was branded as Kids Opening Day. In total, the Twins managed to sell just 67,503 tickets over the three-game series. It’s a total that raises uncomfortable questions about the state of the franchise’s fan base and overall market appeal. These figures are even more troubling when compared to previous seasons. Last year, the Twins sold 61,401 tickets for the first two games against the Cleveland Guardians, even though the third game was washed out by rain. Two years ago, in a similarly structured three-game series against Houston, the Twins sold a robust 79,111 tickets. The current numbers are not only a regression from that more optimistic period but also an alarming sign that something deeper is at play. What’s driving this alarming decline? The answer lies in a perfect storm of factors, starting with a pervasive sense of disillusionment among the fan base. After the 2023 season, fan morale was high, but then the ownership cut payroll heading into the 2024 season. Besides the payroll limitations, the team’s television situation was a nightmare last year. Then the team went from a near playoff lock to collapsing and missing the postseason. Minnesota’s fan optimism is near an all-time low, even with the team projected to be in contention for the AL Central title. Yet, the issues extend beyond the ballpark. Off the field, the looming uncertainty surrounding the Twins' future only adds to the overall sense of unease. Recent reports have thrown a harsh spotlight on the state of the franchise’s ownership. USA Today’s Bobby Nightengale noted, “The Minnesota Twins, who were asking interested parties to submit their bids by April 1, now are telling prospective owners they have another 45 days as they continue to seek $1.7 billion.” La Velle Neal painted a similar picture recently in the Star Tribune. He discussed that the Pohlads' offers are below their expectations. Neal even predicted that a sale might only materialize in August or September, a timeline that hardly offers any reassurance to a fan base already bracing for further instability. The implications of these ownership issues cannot be overstated. Not getting fans to the games can make it challenging for the Pohlads to demand $1.7 billion when they have reported offers for $1.5 billion. Recently, I laid out the three possible outcomes of a Twins sale, and two of the three possible scenarios are likely to leave fans feeling bewildered. The prospect of the Pohlads sticking around even in a diminished capacity would spell disaster, not just for ticket sales, but for the overall identity of the Twins. It’s a classic case of short-term fixes failing to mask deeper systemic issues. Even with strategic price cuts and marquee opponents on the team’s early schedule, the team is finding it increasingly difficult to fill the seats at Target Field. The disheartening trend of plummeting attendance is symptomatic of a franchise at a crossroads. Fans want more than just a good deal or an interesting opponent. They want to believe in the future of their team. When the excitement fizzles out before the first pitch is even thrown, it speaks volumes about the state of the organization. At this juncture, Twins officials would be well-advised to take a long, hard look at the broader picture. The immediate drop in attendance post-Opening Day should serve as a wake-up call. The ownership situation, fan morale, and overall strategic direction of the franchise are all interwoven, and a failure to address these challenges head-on may have long-lasting repercussions on the Twins’ ability to compete both on and off the field. The lackluster attendance in the season's early going is more than a numbers game. It’s a mirror reflecting the discontent of a fan base that feels let down by both the team’s on-field performance and off-field management. For the Twins, the road ahead will require more than temporary measures. It will require a concerted effort to rebuild trust, reenergize fans, and secure a future that is as bright as the April sun that once shone over a nearly empty Target Field. Will attendance improve at Target Field this year? Does lackluster attendance impact the team’s potential sale? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins’ payroll has been scrutinized since ownership dropped spending by $30 million entering the 2024 season. That was disappointing, but fans must understand how the Twins compare to spending in the rest of the league for 2025 and beyond. Image courtesy of © Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports Coming off an offseason of further de facto cost-cutting, the Minnesota Twins entered the 2025 season with a payroll that sits in the middle of the pack by most measures. While they still boast the highest payroll in the American League Central (according to one metric), it’s clear that ownership’s financial strategy is evolving, especially in light of ongoing speculation about the club’s potential sale. The payroll data offers insight into how the Twins stack up with the rest of the league and what lies ahead for the franchise. A Tale of Two Payroll Rankings Let’s start with the basics: MLB's Labor Relations Department estimates the Twins’ payroll for the 2025 season at $146.7 million. That figure ranks 18th across Major League Baseball, but tops the AL Central, a division known more for frugality than financial muscle. In a vacuum, that would suggest the Twins are the division’s biggest spenders, maintaining at least a modest competitive edge within their neighborhood. However, not all payroll numbers are created equal. FanGraphs’s estimate, which includes a more comprehensive look at costs like player benefits and minor-league salaries that count toward the luxury tax threshold (Competitive Balance Tax), paints a slightly different picture. By that count, the Twins’ CBT payroll for 2025 comes in at $156.9 million, ranking them 20th in MLB and third in the AL Central, behind the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. That’s a less flattering position for a club that has playoff goals in 2025. A Balanced But Unique Payroll Structure One of the more interesting aspects of Minnesota’s current roster is how the payroll is allocated. Unlike teams that lean heavily on expensive free agents or long-term veteran deals, the Twins have a more balanced distribution of dollars. Minnesota ranks 18th in MLB in the percentage of payroll tied to guaranteed contracts, with 71.9% of their salary spending falling into this category. That’s a signal that while they have core pieces locked up (like Carlos Correa, Pablo López, and Byron Buxton), the team is not bogged down by an excess of long-term commitments. This flexibility can be valuable, especially for a mid-market team that needs to adapt quickly to performance trends and health situations. Compared to other teams, a bigger slice of Minnesota’s payroll pie is devoted to players eligible for arbitration—20.6%, to be exact. That’s the ninth-highest mark in the majors, and it reflects the reality that the Twins are leaning on a strong group of players in or approaching their prime. Names like Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Griffin Jax, and Ryan Jeffers fall into this group. One benefit of arbitration is that these players often provide meaningful on-field contributions at below-market rates. The remainder of the payroll (7.5%) is made up of pre-arbitration players, putting the Twins squarely in the middle of the league at 15th overall. These are typically younger players making the league minimum or slightly above it, like Edouard Julien, Louis Varland, and Matt Wallner. These players provide crucial surplus value, and are a key reason the team can afford to invest in a few bigger-ticket players at the top of the roster. Future Commitments: Flexibility or Uncertainty? Looking ahead, the Twins’ long-term commitments are relatively modest. For the 2026 season, they have $72.5 million on the books, again ranking 18th in baseball. That number drops to $68.7 million for 2027 (13th overall) and $46.5 million in 2028 (13th), with the bulk of those dollars tied up in Correa, López, and Buxton. There are two ways to interpret this. Optimistically, it’s a sign that Minnesota has plenty of flexibility to retool or extend key players in the coming years. There’s room to maneuver, especially if top prospects like Brooks Lee, Walker Jenkins, or Emmanuel Rodriguez emerge as impact players with highly affordable salaries. But on the flip side, the relatively light future commitments may reflect the organization’s hesitancy to commit amid ownership uncertainty. With the Pohlad family reportedly exploring a sale of the team, it's fair to wonder whether long-term financial decisions are being put on pause. After all, it’s easier to sell a team with minimal financial encumbrances. That could explain the leaner offseason and the club’s overall wait-and-see approach with extensions and free-agent investments. What Does It All Mean? In the short term, the Twins' payroll structure suggests a team trying to remain competitive while maintaining flexibility. They're leaning on a healthy arbitration class and cost-controlled young talent, with a few big-name veterans anchoring the roster. For a team in a weak division, that could be enough to stay in the race. But the longer-term picture is murkier. Without a significant increase in spending or a new ownership group willing to invest more aggressively, the Twins may find it hard to keep up with the league’s middle tier. While their current financial state is relatively healthy, the team’s next few offseasons will be telling. Will the front office be afforded the payroll flexibility to push chips in when prospects arrive? Will they extend key players or let them walk? For now, the Twins are walking the payroll tightrope by balancing competitiveness, flexibility, and an uncertain ownership future. How do you feel about Minnesota’s payroll? What about the team’s future commitments? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

All four Twins’ full season affiliates got underway over the last week. Which players had standout performances down on the farm? Image courtesy of St. Paul Saints TRANSACTIONS Twins selected RHP Scott Blewett from St. Paul SS Brooks Lee on rehab assignment with Fort Myers Twins sent RHP Randy Dobnak outright to St. Paul Many other players were placed on the 7-day injured list to begin the season (Click here for the full transaction report. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE CONTENT Battle of the Arms: Has Zebby Matthews Overtaken David Festa? Brandon Winokur: The Twins’ Five-Tool Prospect Set to Shine in 2025 Twins Minor League Report (4/1): Zebby Matthews Wrecks the Clippers, Saints Dominate Again 2025 Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Roster Preview: Pro Debuts and the Next Breakout Pitchers 2025 Wichita Wind Surge Roster Preview: Walker Jenkins and Impact Pitching 2025 Twins Prospect Previews: Rounds 3-10 Minor League Report (4/2): Columbus UNO Reverses Saints with a Shutout Minor League Report (4/4): Charlee Soto, Spencer Bengard Impress on Opening Night Twins Minor League Report (4/5): Connor Prielipp Pitches, Dasan Hill Dazzles in Pro Debut Twins Minor League Report (4/6): Randy Dobnak Shines and the Wind Surge Get Their First Win 3 Triple-A Veterans Whose Contracts Minnesota Twins Could Purchase in a Pinch WEEK IN REVIEW Triple-A: St. Paul Saints Overall: 2-4 Last Week: 1-4 Zebby Matthews’ first start sent waves through the fanbase. He had multiple pitches hit 99 mph in five shutout frames. Andrew Morris and David Festa matched Matthews’ five shutout innings in their first starts of the season. Both pitchers had four strikeouts. Travis Adams has been put into a piggy-back role because of the Saints depth at starting pitching. In two appearances (5 2/3 innings), he has allowed one earned run on six hits with a 4.5 BB% and a 22.7 K%. On the relief side, Kody Funderburk has two scoreless appearances (3 2/3 innings) with five strikeouts. Ryan Fitzgerald leads the team with a 1.099 OPS thanks to two doubles and seven walks. Jair Camargo’s three doubles are the most extra-base hits on the team. Luke Keaschall hasn’t lost a beat in his return from Tommy John surgery. He has hit .350/.458/.400 (.858) with a 12.5 K% and 12.5 BB%. Austin Martin has gotten on base 50% of the time but is still waiting for his first extra-base hit. What’s Next: The Saints return home to play a six-game series against the Omaha Storm Chasers. The weather looks to be amazing by the end of the week, so it would be a great time to head to St. Paul to see the team’s top prospects. Double-A: Wichita Wind Surge Overall: 1-2 Last Week: 1-2 Tanner Schobel has been the bright spot in the Double-A lineup. He has started the year 4-for-10 (.400 BA) with two doubles and two walks. Kala’i Rosario and Ben Ross lead the team with one home run. Ricardo Olivar is second on the team in hits having gone 3-for-9 (.333 BA) in his first two games. Trent Baker has the best totals on the pitching staff. He’s pitched three no-hit innings with three strikeouts and three walks. Connor Prielipp struck out three batters in two innings during his season debut. What’s Next: After opening on the road, the team’s home opener is Tuesday, April 8th versus the Midland Rockhounds. The six-game series runs Sunday. High-A: Cedar Rapids Kernels Overall: 2-1 Last Week: 2-1 Charlee Soto pitched well in his High-A debut. Across four shutout innings, he allowed two hits and struck out five. Spencer Bengard shined with four no-hit innings including six strikeouts. On Monday, he was named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week. Alejandro Hidalgo is tied for the team lead with six strikeouts. Gabriel Gonzalez has been one of the organization’s best hitters to start the year. He went 6-for-13 (.426 BA) with a home run, three doubles, and a walk. On Monday, he was named the Midwest League Player of the Week. Billy Amick has showcased his speed with three doubles, a triple and four runs scored. What’s Next: Cedar Rapids begins their home schedule on Tuesday versus the Beloit (Don’t Call Us Snappers) Sky Carp with a six-game series. Low-A: Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Overall: 1-2 Last Week: 1-2 Dasan Hill, the 19 year-old lefty, allowed one run (a home run) in four innings while striking out seven. Jason Doktorczyk struck out six in three innings. Michael Ross tossed five innings and allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Pena, Jose Rodriguez, and Dameury Pena have a home run each. Other Fort Myers hitters have yet to have an extra-base hit. Byron Chourio started the year 3-for-8 (.375 BA) with seven walks and a run scored. Poncho Ruiz leads the team with three runs scored even though he has only nine plate appearances in two games. What’s Next: Like many of the other affiliates, Fort Myers started their season on the road. The team opens their home schedule on Tuesday, April 8th with a six-game series versus the Tampa Tarpons. PROSPECT SUMMARY Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects. And, be sure to note the new, updated Top 20 rankings. Roster assignments below are subject to change as some players have yet to be assigned or are in Extended Spring Training. Walker Jenkins (Wichita): 1-8, 2 K, 0 BB Emmanuel Rodriguez (St. Paul): 4-17, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R, 6 BB, 9 K Luke Keaschall (St. Paul): 7-20, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 SB Charlee Soto (Ft. Myers): 4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K Andrew Morris (St. Paul): 5 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K Marco Raya (St. Paul): 2 1/3 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K Kaelen Culpepper (Cedar Rapids): 2-6, 1 3B, 2 BB, 3 K Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids): 1-12, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 4 K Cory Lewis (St. Paul): 1 2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K Connor Prielipp (Wichita): 2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K Dasan Hill (Fort Myers): 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 7 K C.J. Culpepper (Wichita): On IL Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids): 4-14, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 SB Eduardo Beltre (DSL Twins): In Extended Spring Training Yasser Mercedes (Fort Myers): 0-11, 1 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 SB Rayne Doncon (Cedar Rapids): 1-7, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K Billy Amick (Fort Myers): 5-13, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB, 6 K Kala’i Rosario (Wichita): 1-9, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K Gabriel Gonzalez (Cedar Rapids): 6-13, 3 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K Ricardo Olivar (Wichita): 3-9, 2 RBI, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Hitter of the Week: Gabriel Gonzalez, Cedar Rapids 6-for-13 (.462 BA), 3 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 K, 1 BB Pitcher of the Week: Dasan Hill, Fort Myers 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 7 K View full article

Byron Buxton can change one game with his speed, powerful bat, or defensive skills. His early season performance points to his being fully healthy, which might be a scary proposition for the rest of the American League. Image courtesy of William Parmeter Byron Buxton is showing all the signs of a player who’s finally back to his best, and the Twins faithful have every reason to get excited. He has showcased many of his tools in the season’s early games, and here are three key indicators that his health is on the rebound. Sprint Speed and Base Running Buxton's elite sprint speed has been his most potent tool throughout his professional career. Clocking in at an impressive 29.5 mph, he’s leading Major League Baseball in Sprint Speed this season. While 30 mph is considered elite speed, Buxton’s mark is close even after battling cold weather conditions at the start of the season. His explosive speed is valuable in the outfield and translates directly into tangible value on the base paths. Currently, his Baserunning Run-Value is in the 80th percentile, meaning he’s not just fast; he’s smart about how he uses that speed. Take Saturday’s game, for example. Buxton’s blistering speed directly resulted in a run that energized the Twins in a big offensive inning. He stole bases and had multiple infield hits that he beat out, setting the tone for the team. “He’s looked great,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “He’s recovered really well. The physical abilities are obviously all still there. He looks fantastic, explosive. Running really well right now and wakes up the next morning ready to play. What else can you ask for?” Bat Speed While some of Buxton’s early-season offensive numbers are below his usual levels, his bat speed tells a different story. Ranking in the 90th percentile, his bat speed has been among the league’s best. It’s the fastest bat speed he’s recorded in a season since StatCast began tracking the metric. Buxton showcased his raw power in a recent series against the White Sox by launching a mammoth home run that left fans in awe. His bat speed suggests that the tools for a breakout at the plate are firmly in place. While it’s early in the season, the hope is that Buxton can start to make more consistent contact. Last April, he posted a .678 OPS, his lowest total of any month. Sometimes, it takes his bat a little bit to warm up, but his bat speed will help him make hard contact in the weeks ahead. “That’s the way he hits them,” Baldelli said of Buxton’s first home run. “Some guys hit homers and they kind of loft the ball up, or some guys hit homers and they stay low. When he hits many of his homers, there’s kind of a moment where everyone in the park pauses at the same time to appreciate it.” Availability Perhaps the most reassuring sign for Twins fans is Buxton’s availability. The Twins have clearly placed their trust in him by using him in every game so far this season, even if that means an early exit from a blowout loss. The fact that he’s consistently in the lineup is more than just a testament to his physical readiness. It speaks volumes about the coaching staff's faith in his overall health. “Just go play,” Baldelli said. “I’ll continue to do my part, but I’ll have the conversations with Buck that need to be had, whenever that may come. But I prefer to just let him go be Byron Buxton. That’s what I would prefer.” Even when a pitch nicked his hand on Saturday, the incident didn’t overshadow his consistent contributions. It will be interesting to see how the Twins manage his workload in the coming week, but the bottom line remains: a healthy Buxton in the lineup every day is a game-changer. While it’s well understood that no player, not even Buxton, is expected to play all 162 games, seeing him on a near-daily basis is a promising sign. Buxton’s effort is never questioned, especially from his manager’s perspective. “It’s hard to tell guys how to play Major League Baseball once they take the field—how to tell a guy to give a certain amount of effort, that never feels productive. Even if the message seems to be correct, it never feels good or productive to have to do that, or want to do that. The right message is almost always to go play. And they can regulate themselves better than a manager can ever tell a guy to do.” Buxton is showing his manager that he is ready for the 2025 campaign. His combination of blistering speed, power, and early availability shows that this might be the best version of Buxton. There are no guarantees that Buxton will stay healthy, especially with his extensive injury history. However, every game that Buxton is available and performing at this level for the Twins is a reminder of why he’s such a prized asset. As the season unfolds, the hope is that this healthy version of Buxton is the reason the Twins were willing to invest in their superstar outfielder. What stands out so far about Buxton’s season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins are off to a slow start, which has become a theme in recent seasons. Is there a reason for this poor early-season performance? Image courtesy of © Matt Marton-Imagn Images Minnesota’s early-season struggles have become a recurring theme that’s as frustrating as it is familiar. Whether it’s the chilly winds biting at the ballpark or the lingering rustiness of a lineup still finding its groove, the Twins’ sluggish starts have become a concern. Over the past three seasons, the early portions of the Twins’ campaigns have unfolded in markedly different ways, yet they all share that same cold, unwelcome welcome. In 2024, the Twins had a dismal 7-13 record in the first 20 games. A combination of underwhelming offensive output left the team struggling to string together wins. Minnesota set eight games out of first place after Cleveland’s hot start, and the team could never track them down. While cold weather certainly isn’t a secret enemy for any team battling early-season jitters, it’s become evident that there are more deep-seated issues at work. Looking back, the 2023 campaign offered a different narrative. With an 11-10 start, the Twins managed to hover around the .500 mark until July. It was a start that, while better than 2024’s rocky beginning, still fell short of igniting early confidence. That season, there was an underlying sense of cautious optimism. Yet, even with moderate success, the early struggles pointed to recurring problems that needed addressing. The 2022 season, however, was the most dramatic early storyline. The Twins opened the season with a 4-8 record but sat in first place through early August. This meteoric turnaround was a testament to the team's potential when everything clicked. However, the team struggled over the final two months, leaving the club in third place in the division by the season’s end. Minnesota’s management tried to counteract the perennial early hurdles by giving regular players more playing time in spring training this year. The coaching staff hoped that the more time the team’s core spent on the field, the more prepared they would be for early season action. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told "Inside Twins" that he felt like it was similar to spring training in the early 2000s with how much players like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa were playing. However, the execution hasn’t entirely translated into the desired offensive spark. The lineup entered the season as the team’s most significant question mark and has underperformed the season’s frigid early conditions. A significant factor has been the injuries to key players. For example, Royce Lewis has missed the season's start for the past two years. His absence is a shadow that looms large over any analysis of the Twins’ early struggles. Brooks Lee was also supposed to take on a more significant role in 2025, but his injury has taken away some bat-to-ball skills that can be critical in colder weather. With these talents sidelined, the team has been forced to rely on players further down the depth chart who might have more flaws. Of course, cold weather plays its part. Pitchers tend to be ahead of hitters in the season’s early months, but that’s an issue that all teams must overcome. The opposition, battling similar conditions, seems to be able to adapt more swiftly than the Twins. The Twins’ hitters have struggled to get into the proper rhythm when it comes to adjusting to the cold and maintaining consistent timing. Fans have been forced to watch as the team’s hitters have made some below-average pitchers look very good in the season’s early games. Beyond these well-documented factors, several other elements might contribute to the Twins’ sluggish starts. One such reason is the psychological hurdle of early expectations and trying to overcome the previous season’s collapse. Two of the last three seasons have ended with the team outside the playoff picture. The pressure of overturning the off-season narrative can sometimes be too much for a team still finding its identity. Early losses can snowball into a collective uncertainty, which may lead to a cautious approach at the plate. In a game where momentum matters, that initial hesitancy can ripple through the lineup, making it difficult to break out of a rut once it’s set in. Additionally, the Twins have many players with heightened expectations for the 2025 season. Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, José Miranda, and Edouard Julien are no longer young, but each wants to establish a more consistent role at the big-league level. The Twins are placing Wallner and Larnach in critical positions in the lineup after both produced solid numbers in the second half of last season. Miranda and Julien have been pushed into more prominent roles due to injuries, which comes with added pressure. There are limited sample sizes in the season’s early games, and some players can feel pressure to alter their approach in search of more success. Lastly, scheduling quirks could also be a silent culprit. The early portion of the season sometimes coincides with more day games and odd days off to allow for flexibility with home opening games. The weather has also impacted the Twins to start the year with multiple weather delays. This can lead to players being unable to set a regular pre-game routine, which is particularly challenging for a team still finding its rhythm. While the Twins’ management might argue that these scheduling challenges are part of the game, they remain a tangible obstacle in pursuing a strong start. While cold weather and injuries have undeniably contributed to the Twins’ early struggles, a multifaceted mix of factors is at play. From the issues outlined above, the slow start appears to be a systemic rather than a single-point failure. Luckily, the entire AL Central has struggled out of the gate, so every team has a chance to gain separation in the coming weeks. As the Twins battle through the early season, the club hopes to find the consistency needed for sustained success later in the year. What other factors play into the team's slow start? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

It’s hard for fans not to overreact to the Twins’ early season performance on the heels of last year’s collapse. That said, there may be some simple explanations for the team’s biggest concerns. Image courtesy of © Matt Marton-Imagn Images Minnesota’s early season performance has been a mixed bag, leaving fans scratching their heads and analysts mulling over what to expect as the season unfolds. At the same time, there are some reasons for concern, such as that much of the early turbulence can be chalked up to small sample sizes, timing, and baseball's natural ebbs and flows. Let’s break down a few of the key storylines that are fueling conversation. Worry 1: Joe Ryan’s Velocity Dip Ryan’s second outing of the season saw a noticeable decrease in velocity. He started the game with his fastball in the mid-90s and it dropped four-five mph by the time he left the game. Now, while a dip in velocity can raise alarm bells for many pitchers, it’s essential to consider the full context. Ryan has experienced similar fluctuations before, and there’s a good chance this is just a byproduct of his unique mechanics. It’s also worth noting that Ryan is coming off an injured list stint from last season. His ramp-up to the season isn’t following the usual script, and minor adjustments during early outings can be expected when a pitcher is easing back into full form. At this point, though, there’s no compelling evidence that Ryan’s recent performance is more than a temporary blip. His track record suggests he has the tools to rebound, and a single outing isn’t enough to write him off for the season. Fans should keep an eye on him, but his early velocity issue is more a conversation starter than a cause for deep concern. Worry 2: Carlos Correa’s Slow Start Correa’s early season numbers are disappointing, especially coming on the heels of a poor performance this spring. With only two hits in his first 26 plate appearances, it’s easy to jump to conclusions. However, the small sample size tells a very different story when you dig deeper. One of the more telling metrics is Correa’s expected batting average (xBA), which sits about 150 points higher than his current .080 BA. This gap suggests that Correa is experiencing a streak of bad luck at the plate rather than a fundamental decline in his swing or approach. There’s also a familiar pattern here. Correa has a history of slow starts with the Twins. Last season, he ramped up to a .755 OPS by the end of April, while in 2023, his OPS in April was only .634. These numbers indicate that while the start might be frustrating, it’s not necessarily indicative of what the rest of the season holds. One factor that does deserve a watchful eye is his plantar fasciitis. Should that issue flare up again, it could complicate his progress. But barring that, fans should remain patient. Baseball is a game of adjustments, and if Correa is anything like his past self, he’ll eventually find his rhythm. Worry 3: Louis Varland’s Bullpen Transition Varland was initially eyed as a potential late-inning weapon out of the bullpen. Unfortunately, his early outings have not provided the expected stability. In his first four appearances, Varland has given up runs in two, surrendering five hits and a walk across four innings. The numbers might seem alarming at first glance, especially his 63.6% hard-hit rate, the highest on the team. For a reliever, those are not sustainable figures. However, it’s important to remember that relievers operate within incredibly small sample sizes. One or two tough outings can skew the numbers, and the team is known for giving its relievers ample opportunities to prove themselves. As healthy options start returning from injury, the coaching staff may need to rethink Varland’s role or adjust his usage. For now, though, the team appears content to let him continue gaining experience in the bullpen. The key will be whether Varland can tweak his approach to reduce the frequency of hard-hit balls. Worry 4: Struggling to Find an Offensive Spark Minnesota’s offense has also been a topic of intense scrutiny. The team currently finds itself in the bottom 7% of the league in several key metrics, including exit velocity, wOBA, and wOBAcon. These numbers paint a picture of an offense struggling to make solid contact and generate power consistently. The low exit velocity suggests that even when the ball is hit, it’s not coming off the bat with the expected force, while the wOBA and wOBACON metrics indicate that overall production is lagging behind league standards. Yet, there is a silver lining. The team’s expected slugging percentage (xSLG) stands at .400, more than 100 points higher than the current slugging of .294. This discrepancy suggests the underlying tools are in place for a significant offensive boost. In other words, the hitters are making decent contact, and the numbers point to a potential rebound once the early-season jitters wear off. It’s a reminder that while the start to the season hasn’t been kind to the Twins’ batters, the data hints at improvements on the horizon. As the season continues to unfold, it’s clear that Minnesota is facing its fair share of challenges, from pitching adjustments and bullpen transitions to offensive struggles. However, each of these issues comes with its own context. Ryan’s velocity hiccup is likely a temporary adjustment period after an injury-shortened season. Correa’s slow start appears to be more about bad luck and small sample sizes than a decline in talent, provided his plantar fasciitis stays at bay. Meanwhile, Varland’s initial struggles in the bullpen are a learning curve many relievers experience early in the season. And finally, while the offense is underperforming, the promising xSLG numbers offer hope that a turnaround is on the horizon. For now, patience and perspective will be key. Baseball is a marathon, not a sprint, and early-season fluctuations are par for the course. Fans would do well to keep an eye on these storylines but avoid overreacting to what are, at this stage, isolated incidents rather than definitive trends. What other worries do you have about the team’s early performance? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins just posted this video with some background on Walker Jenkins

Some trades are more significant than others, but small trades around the roster's margins can make a significant difference for teams like the Twins. Here’s a look back at last spring’s trade to bolster the club's outfield depth, and how the prospects involved fit into each team’s long-term plans. Image courtesy of © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports The Twins' trade for Manuel Margot was supposed to be a timely upgrade for the center-field picture. It was an insurance policy, in case Byron Buxton was injured, much like Michael A. Taylor had been in 2023. In hindsight, though, the deal was a classic case of “all that glitters isn’t gold” for Minnesota. The hope was that Margot, a player with potential in the eyes of the front office, would step in and provide coverage for the outfield, in terms of both offensive matchup play and defensive competence. Instead, it quickly became apparent that Margot was not the viable option that the team had envisioned. In 2023, Taylor surprised many with his performance, as he popped 21 home runs and provided excellent defense in center. Entering 2024, the Twins front office attempted to find a similar player. Unfortunately, Margot’s performance was nowhere near that level of help. He managed a dismal -0.9 WAR and posted an OPS+ of just 76, both of which were career lows. Perhaps most damning of all was his performance as a pinch-hitter, as he set an MLB record by going 0-for-30 in those appearances. It was clear to Twins brass that Margot wasn’t the player they had hoped he’d be. Thankfully for Minnesota, Buxton defied the odds by playing over 100 games for only the second time in his big-league career. Buxton’s durability meant that the insurance policy on center field, which many had counted on Margot to provide, ultimately became less critical. The Twins were spared the headache of scrambling for a replacement, as Buxton proved that he could be relied on to lead the charge in the outfield for (at least) one more season. But the trade wasn’t all bad news for Minnesota. In the grand chess match of player acquisitions and prospect swaps, the deal for Margot was just a swap of low-minors infield prospects: Noah Miller for Rayne Doncon. And while Margot’s struggles are now etched in Twins lore, the performances of these two prospects have offered at least a glimmer of hope for the future. Doncon has emerged as a promising prospect. Last season, before turning 21, Doncon showcased a level of maturity and production. Over 94 games at both Class A levels, he posted a respectable slash line of .254/.342/.431, while facing older pitchers in over 90% of his plate appearances. His ability was further highlighted by his 38 extra-base hits, a sign that he could provide real power potential as he continues to develop. Currently, Doncon slots in as the 16th-best prospect in the Twins organization on Twins Daily’s updated top-20 list. His performance justified the Twins’ decision to take a chance on him, and hinted that the trade might eventually yield dividends for Minnesota in the long run. Miller’s journey, while not as immediately eye-catching as Doncon’s, still warrants cautious optimism. The Twins selected him with the 36th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. He’s been known for his strong defense at shortstop, but his offense has taken longer to develop. Last season, he played at High A and Double A, hitting .244/.318/.315 with 19 doubles and six homers. While his 2024 season might not have matched Doncon’s, his strong defense might be enough to make him a backup infielder at the big-league level. What’s interesting about this trade is how it embodies the unpredictable nature of prospect acquisitions in today’s MLB. In many ways, the deal was a package that looked like it was designed to fill an immediate need that (thanks to Buxton’s availability) ultimately didn’t materialize. Yet, there's a silver lining to all the criticism tied to Margot's historically bad performance. Doncon has provided the kind of upside that helps add talent to a Twins system attempting to keep the franchise's winning window open. Bigger-market teams can pay free agents to supplement the big-league roster, but that isn’t a luxury available to the Twins. Even when a deal doesn’t pan out as expected, there’s always the potential that the underlying assets will eventually pay dividends. The contrasting outcomes of Margot’s underwhelming stint and the promising signs from Doncon underscore the fine line that teams walk when trading for immediate help while also trying to invest in long-term talent. In the end, while Margot’s tenure with the Twins will likely be remembered as one of the more regrettable moves in recent memory, the prospect involved in the deal might be the saving grace that tips the scales in favor of Minnesota. Did the Twins win the Margot trade? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Pitching and hitting are continuously evolving. For Randy Dobnak, any big-league future might be tied to the continued development of one new, trendy offering. Image courtesy of © Tim Vizer-Imagn Images In a game where every pitch counts, Randy Dobnak could be on the cusp of reinventing his career with one new weapon in his arsenal, a pitch called the kick-change. Baseball, as we know it, is in a constant state of evolution. Batters are pushing the envelope by seeking innovative techniques to harness their power, as evidenced by the recent frenzy surrounding the "torpedo" bat during the Yankees’ home run rampage last weekend. Meanwhile, pitchers like Dobnak are under immense pressure to adapt and maintain their own competitive edge. Dobnak’s story this season has been heartwarming. As a surprise addition to the Opening Day roster, he was thrust into an unexpected role when Bailey Ober’s shaky start left the bullpen in dire straits. With nearly 80 pitches thrown in relief during the team’s opening series, Dobnak’s workload skyrocketed, highlighting the crucial need for reliability in relief arms. Despite being designated for assignment (a move that, under current rules, won’t cut him loose due to the unique contract), Dobnak’s future hangs in the balance. Now, all eyes are on his latest experiment: the kick-change. The kick-change is a fresh approach that’s been making the rounds across the baseball community this year. Developed by Shaun Anderson, this pitch rethinks the conventional changeup. “Instead of keeping my middle finger on top and spiking it, I turn it over to the side and I almost spike the right side of the seam,” Anderson explained in an interview with The Sporting Tribune. “It’s just really about kicking the axis upside down, rather than getting really on top of it. So, just being able to kick it with your middle finger is really the purpose of the kick-change.” In essence, the kick-change flips the script on the typical delivery, focusing on an innovative “kicking” motion with the middle finger to disrupt the batter’s timing. This new angle means that pitchers can introduce unexpected movement by altering the ball’s axis mid-flight (as it will seem to the batter, at least), rather than relying solely on velocity differences. What we’re beginning to see, even in small samples, is that the kick-change is not only about deception but also about precision. In his recent outing, Dobnak experimented with this new twist on his repertoire by throwing 19 changeups, each exhibiting subtle yet meaningful differences. His average velocity dropped from 85.8 mph in 2024 to 84.9 mph this season. It’s a slight reduction that could prove lethal, when combined with the additional vertical drop. The vertical drop on the pitch increased from 43.3 inches to 44.0 inches, an adjustment that may sound minor on paper but could change how the ball behaves as it approaches the hitter. Additionally, the spin on the ball decreased from 1457 rpm to 1157 rpm, suggesting that Dobnak is intentionally dialing down the rotation to emphasize the pitch’s “kick” effect. To help aid his kick-change, Dobnak has made a few other alterations to his delivery to help separate his breaking pitches from his fastball. His sinker movement changed this year, so the altered changeup (which moves similarly to last year) now has more separation from the fastballs than it did before. His arm slot is also slightly higher this year (+3 degrees), so the batter’s perspective of the pitch will be different even with a similar movement profile. The implications for Dobnak are significant. In today’s game, where every edge is scrutinized and the competition is fierce, a pitch like the kick-change could be the key to salvaging his career and giving him a big-league role beyond 2025. His performance with Triple-A St. Paul will undoubtedly serve as the litmus test for whether this approach can be successfully translated to the major leagues. For a pitcher who has already been under the microscope because of his unique contract, this new pitch might be the catalyst that revitalizes his role in the organization. Critics and fans alike will be watching closely, as the evolution of the kick-change could signal broader shifts in pitching strategies across baseball. Pitchers are in a constant arms race with batters. As hitters adopt new tools, pitchers are compelled to innovate to level the playing field. The kick-change represents one such innovation, a pitch that challenges traditional mechanics and offers a fresh approach to outsmarting batters who are ever-vigilant for any sign of predictability. For Dobnak, embracing the kick-change is a calculated risk. His recent appearance, marked by subtle adjustments in velocity, drop, and spin, hints at a commitment to mastering this new tool. Although the sample is small, the early data is promising enough to warrant attention. Dobnak’s experiment with the kick-change is emblematic of that ever-present struggle to remain relevant in a sport that continuously reinvents itself. For a pitcher fighting to secure his future, a well-executed kick-change could be the turning point that saves his career. Will the kick-change help Dobnak to extend his career? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins will leave no stone unturned in their search for a replacement for the Rally Sausage. Now, the team’s core players have started to identify their own lucky charms for 2025. Image courtesy of © Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Last season, the Minnesota Twins relied on the power of the now-infamous Rally Sausage, an unassuming summer sausage that somehow became the team’s lucky charm. It started as a joke in the clubhouse, then found its way into the dugout, and by season’s end, it had morphed into something resembling a crime against gastronomy. Eventually, it achieved an almost mythical status while some players swore it whispered to them, and others claimed it had developed its own aura. But with a new season comes new superstitions, and players are now on a quest to find their own individual good-luck charms. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli recently requested that each player find their own personal “rally sausage” for the 2025 campaign. After all, you can only ride one piece of meat so far before the USDA gets involved. Here’s what some of the Twins' stars have chosen to fill the void left by their beloved (and questionably safe-to-consume) sausage. Carlos Correa: The "Rally Rolex" Carlos Correa, always one for style, has chosen a different kind of rally charm with his sparkling new "Rally Rolex." The Twins' shortstop has decided that his custom, diamond-encrusted timepiece (which may or may not be worth more than Target Field itself) will serve as his personal talisman. "Every time I check the time, I remind myself that it's winning time," Correa explained. "Also, the weight of it on my wrist keeps my swing level, so it’s really a win-win." Of course, some skeptics have questioned whether wearing a luxury watch during games is practical, but Correa insists it’s part of his routine. Plus, he’s confident that if the Twins ever need a new team plane, he can pawn it. Byron Buxton: The "Rally Bubble Wrap" After years of battling injuries, Byron Buxton is taking no chances with his good luck charm by selecting an entire roll of bubble wrap that he keeps within reach at all times. "Look, if the Rally Sausage could bring us good fortune, why not a protective layer of air pockets?" Buxton said while carefully wrapping his knees before batting practice. The coaching staff has expressed concern about him attempting to steal bases while encased in a full-body bubble suit, but Buxton remains optimistic. "If it helps me stay on the field for 162 games, I don’t care if I look like a human-sized packing peanut," he said. Pablo López: The "Rally Peccary Teeth" Pablo López has decided to embrace an ancient tradition with his personal good luck charm, "Rally Peccary Teeth." These teeth, taken from a pig-like mammal native to South America, have long been used in indigenous cultures for protection, good luck in hunting, and even initiation rites. López carries a small pouch of them in his locker and insists they hold mystical powers. "Baseball is a battle, just like hunting," López explained. "If peccary teeth can bring success to warriors and hunters, why not to a starting pitcher? I keep them close before every start and trust in their energy to help me carve through lineups." Teammates have been fascinated and slightly unsettled by López’s new superstition, but nobody is asking too many questions as long as he keeps racking up strikeouts. Jhoan Durán: The "Rally Flamethrower" Jhoan Durán, known for his triple-digit fastball, has chosen an appropriately aggressive good luck charm: a literal flamethrower. “The Rally Sausage was fine, but it didn’t throw 104 mph,” Durán said while adjusting his heat-resistant goggles. Before each game, he ceremonially ignites a pile of opposing team memorabilia, ensuring his arm is properly "heated up" before taking the mound. Twins officials have assured the media that Durán will not be allowed to use his flamethrower in the bullpen, but fans remain skeptical after reports surfaced that he is close to signing a sponsorship deal with Menards. He’d like to remind fans that you can score an 11% rebate on everything including flamethrowers. While the Rally Sausage will forever have a place in Twins lore (and possibly in a biohazard facility somewhere), the team is ready to embrace new superstitions for the 2025 season. Whether it’s luxury watches, protective packaging, sacred beverages, or controlled pyrotechnics, one thing is clear—this team will stop at nothing to find an edge. And who knows? Maybe by October, we’ll all be talking about the power of the Rally Bubble Wrap. One thing's for sure: whatever charms they choose, they’ll smell a lot better than last year’s sausage. Can you help other members of the Twins roster select their personal good luck charms for 2025? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Prospects beginning the year at Double-A have a strong chance to impact the big-league roster over the next two seasons. Many eyes will be on Walker Jenkins’ continued development, but other future big-league players will also be on the roster. Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge Many prospects can succeed in the minors’ lower levels, but Double-A becomes a proving ground for players who aspire to make a big-league impact. The Wind Surge roster includes four of Twins Daily’s top-20 prospects, including Walker Jenkins, Connor Prielipp, Ricardo Olivar, and Kala’i Rosario. Jenkins will get much of the attention in Wichita from Twins fans and the national media. However, the continued development of other top prospects is what separates organizations. Prielipp is one of the system’s most exciting arms and has a chance to prove he can stick as a starting pitcher this season. Olivar is a bat-first catcher who has an opportunity to refine his defensive skills in the upper minors. The Twins don’t have a long-term answer at catcher, which opens the door for prospects like Olivar. Rosario has gotten a lot of attention with his power production in the AFL over the last two seasons. Now, he must stay healthy and translate that power to the regular season. Coaching and development throughout the system are critical, and the Wind Surge will have a mostly new coaching staff for the 2025 campaign. Brian Dinkelman is entering his first season managing at the Double-A level. Dinkelman spent the previous five seasons as the manager of the Twins' High-A affiliate Cedar Rapids Kernels. He posted a winning record each season, propelling the Kernels to four consecutive postseason berths, including a Midwest League Championship in 2023. Dinkelman will be joined on the coaching staff by hitting coaches Andrew Cresci and Yeison Perez, with Perez being the lone returning coach from the 2024 Wind Surge. Ryan Ricci and Jesus Sanchez are the pitching coaches and will be in their first years coaching at Double-A. So, who will these coaches be working with to start the year? Pitchers: RHP Darren Bowen, RHP Trent Baker, RHP Ricky Castro, RHP Joel Cesar, RHP Chase Chaney, RHP John Klein, RHP Cody Laweryson, RHP Angel Macuare, RHP Michael Martinez, LHP Jaylen Nowlin, RHP Mike Paredes, LHP Connor Prielipp, LHP Aaron Rozek, RHP John Stankiewicz, RHP Jarret Whorff Prielipp is the highest-ranked pitching prospect on the Wind Surge roster as he currently sits 10th on the Twins Daily top-20 prospect list. The Twins selected Prielipp in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, but he has been limited to 30 professional innings due to multiple injuries. Last season, he made seven starts (19 1/3 innings) at High-A and posted a 3.26 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP and a 41.6 K%. Minnesota will continue to allow him to start. Still, it will be interesting to see if he gets relief opportunities as a lefty that could impact the big-league roster in the season’s second half. Some other names might be familiar to Twins fans. Bowen was part of the Jorge Polanco trade and made 18 appearances at High-A last year with a 6.07 ERA. Laweryson is entering his seventh season in the Twins organization. Last season was his first as a full-time reliever and he struck out 21.7% of batters. Nowlin made 15 starts for Wichita last season and posted a 4.67 ERA with a 22.9 K%. Rozek saw time with the Twins this spring and has pitched parts of the last three seasons at Double-A. Catchers: C Noah Cardenas, C Andrew Cossetti, C/OF Ricardo Olivar Olivar currently ranks as Twins Daily’s 20th-best prospect, so it was interesting that the Twins left him unprotected in the Rule 5 Draft. Even with some defensive flexibility, Olivar’s offensive profile is what carries his potential as a prospect. Last season, he played 81 games at High-A and posted a .867 OPS with 31 extra-base hits. He struggled in the transition to Double-A (19 games), but he was over two years younger than the average age of the competition. Cossetti spent all of 2024 in Wichita and collected 29 extra-base hits in 87 games. Cardenas also returns to Double-A after struggling with a .587 OPS last season. Infielders: INF Rubel Cespedes, INF/OF Jorel Ortega, INF/OF Ben Ross, INF Jake Rucker, INF Tanner Schobel, INF/OF Dalton Shuffield Cespedes will be getting his first taste of Double-A. Last season, he got on base over 34% of the time while playing three infield positions. Ortega combined for 26 extra-base hits in 122 Double-A games in 2024. Ross is coming off an Arizona Fall League appearance where he posted a .817 OPS in 100 PA. Rucker is entering his third season in Wichita, averaging nine home runs and 22 doubles per season at Double-A. Schobel posted a .639 OPS with the Wind Surge last season but faced older pitchers in over 83% of his at-bats. Shuffield has played at three different levels in every professional season, so he will move around again in 2025. Outfielders: OF Allan Cerda, OF Tyler Dearden, OF Kyler Fedko, OF Walker Jenkins, OF Kala’i Rosario Jenkins is the biggest name on the position player side, as Baseball America, MLB.com, and Baseball Prospectus each have him ranked among baseball’s top prospects. Last season, he missed time with a leg injury and still made it to Double-A in September. In 82 games, he hit .282/.394/.439 (.833) with 32 extra-base hits. Some national outlets believe Jenkins needs to show more in-game power before he can be considered among baseball’s top prospects. His power will be a focus for him in his first full season in Wichita. Rosario is also among Twins Daily’s top-20 prospects, entering the season ranked 18th. In 2024, he was limited to 70 games but posted a .757 OPS with 30 extra-base hits. Minnesota sent him to the AFL for the second straight season, and he’s averaged an OPS above .800. Cerda spent last season at Double-A in the Reds and Giants organization but was limited to 33 games. Dearden was signed out of the independent leagues where he played for Lew Ford-managed Long Island Ducks. He played 36 games after signing and posted a .659 OPS. Fedko returns to Wichita where he played 77 games last season and got on base 32.7% of the time. Wichita begins on the road against the Springfield Cardinals on Friday, April 4 at 6:35 PM CST. The Wind Surge home opener at the newly-renamed Equity Bank Park follows against the Midland Rockhounds on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 PM. What questions do you have about the roster? What prospects have the best chance to move to Triple-A this year? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels begin their season on Friday. How does this year's roster shape up, and which top prospects are on the team? Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Yasser Mercedes) The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels should be an exciting team in 2025 with some of the team's top ranked prospects at multiple positions. Dasan Hill is the top ranked prospect that will be in Fort Myers to start the year. He currently sits as the 11th ranked prospect according to Twins Daily's updated top-20 list. He was the team's second round pick in 2024, so he will be making his pro debut when he steps on the mound for Fort Myers. On the hitter side, many eyes will turn to Yasser Mercedes, the Twins' top international prospect from the 2022 signing period. He's shown flashes of his talent during his professional career, but has yet to put together a consistent full season. The Twins are sending him back to Low-A where the 20-year-old played in 10 games after a dominant season in the FCL. Dameury Pena was part of Minnesota's 2023 international class and is already considered among the organization's top prospects. Fort Myers will be his first taste of a full-season league, and he won't turn 20 until September. Seth Feldman will be taking over the managerial role in Fort Myers. He will be only the second manager in the Mussels’ era after Brian Meyer was promoted to Cedar Rapids for the 2025 campaign. Feldman has managed multiple players on the roster over the last five seasons while serving as DSL Twins manager for two seasons and the past three seasons as the manager of the FSL Twins. “It’s an exciting opportunity,” Feldman said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about taking care of the players and making sure we do everything we can to help them and push them forward in their careers. We’re ready to get to work.” Joining Feldman’s staff will be three returning coaches from last season including hitting coach Luis Reyes, pitching coach Richard Salazar, and strength and conditioning coach Matt Anti. Other coaches on the staff are hitting coach Andrew Parks, pitching coach Anders Dzurak, lead athletic trainer Charysse Berkowski, athletic trainer Thaddeus Hayes and coordinator, baseball technology Jeremy Miranda. “This is a group that has worked hard getting after it during spring training these last few months,” Feldman added. “As a staff we are excited to work with this group and are ready to get the season rolling.” So, who are the players joining the coaching staff? Overall, the roster features 15 pitchers and 14 position players. Thirteen of the 29 players suited up for the Mussels in 2024. Pitchers: LHP Kade Bragg, LHP Michael Carpenter, RHP Jason Doktorczyk, RHP Jakob Hall, LHP Dasan Hill, RHP Hunter Hoopes, RHP Eli Jones, RHP Devin Kirby-Williams, RHP Jacob Kisting, RHP Dylan Questad, RHP Liam Rocha, RHP Ivran Romero, RHP Michael Ross, LHP Zander Sechrist, RHP Tyler Stasiowski Hill is the highest ranked pitcher among this group as he currently sits 11th on Twins Daily’s top-20 prospects. He was taken by the Twins with the 69th overall pick in the 2024 Draft out of high school in Texas. The Twins have focused on college pitching in recent drafts but have found success with high school pitchers like Charlee Soto and Marco Raya. Hill has yet to make his professional debut after signing last summer. He stands at 6-foot-5 and has a four-pitch mix highlighted by a mid-90's fastball and low 80’s sweeper. The Twins will closely monitor his workload in his first professional season, but he should follow a similar plan to Soto with Fort Myers last season. Minnesota’s front office has focused on college arms in the middle and late rounds with some positive results. Many of the other pitchers on the roster were selected in last June’s draft including Eli Jones (7th round), Jakob Hall (8th round), Jason Doktorczyk (9th round), Michael Carpenter (11th round), Jacob Kisting (14th round), and Michael Ross (18th round). A lot of development can happen in a player’s first full professional season and the Twins hope these arms can follow in the footsteps of other recent draftees like David Festa and Zebby Matthews. Catchers: Poncho Ruiz, Daniel Pena, Jefferson Valladares Ruiz split time between Low- and High-A last season and hit .248/.350/.361 (.711) with 24 doubles and four homers. He spent the offseason in the Mexican Pacific Winter League where he posted a .785 OPS in 43 games. Pena played 36 games for Fort Myers last season as a 19-year old. He posted a .593 OPS in 36 games but faced older batters in all but 18 plate appearances. Valladares was selected from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 Draft. He was limited to 22 games last season but posted a .728 OPS. Infielders: 3B/1B Kevin Maitan, 1B/3B Peyton Carr, UTL Angel Del Rosario, 2B/3B Dameury Pena, 2B/3B/SS Isaac Pena, UTL Jay Thomason Dameury Pena is the highest ranked prospect among the infield group. He will be making his debut in a full-season league after playing 39 games for the FCL Twins in 2024. In 140 PA, he hit .282/.386/.410 (.796) with eight extra-base hits. He makes a lot of contact as he struck out in just 6.5% of his plate appearances over two years split between the Dominican Summer League and the FCL. Maitan is a former top-100 prospect with the Angels organization (2017-18) who the Twins signed from an independent league last year and sent to Cedar Rapids. Carr was a 10th round pick in 2024 and has yet to debut. Del Rosario can play multiple positions and had a .650 OPS in 56 games at High-A in 2024. Isaac Pena played 64 games with Fort Myers last season with a .574 OPS. Thomason was drafted from Air Force last season and got 85 PA (.626 OPS) with the Mighty Mussels after signing. Outfielders: Miguel Briceno, Byron Chourio, Maddux Houghton, Yasser Mercedes, Jose Rodriguez Mercedes is the highest ranked position player on the Opening Day roster, currently sitting at 15th on the Twins Daily top-20. He destroyed the FCL last year by slashing .331/.421/.568 (.989) with 26 extra-base hits and 18 steals in 51 games. When that season ended, the Twins promoted him to Fort Myers. As a right-handed hitter, his splits were nearly identical versus righties (.886 OPS) and lefties (.828 OPS). He was named a Florida Complex League All-Star in September and was runner-up for the Twins Daily Short Season Hitter of the Year. Briceno joins the Twins from the Brewers organization. He was a minor-league Rule 5 pick. Last season, he played 94 games at Low-A and posted a .685 OPS. Chourio played all last season (84 games) with Fort Myers while being a teenager. He struggled to make consistent contact (.549 OPS) but went 23-for-28 on steal attempts. Houghton is 26-years old and has spent the last two seasons at High-A. The Twins rewarded him last season with five games at Triple-A. Rodriguez fought through injuries last season that limited him to a .554 OPS. The Mighty Mussels open their season this Friday, April 4, on the road against the Palm Beach Cardinals at 5:30 p.m. CST/ The team heads home to Hammond Stadium for their home opener on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:05 p.m CST. What questions do you have about the roster? Can any of last year’s draft picks make an early impact this season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article