Cody Christie

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images When Royce Lewis entered the Twins’ system as the number one overall pick in 2017, much of the hype centered on his athleticism. He was a rangy shortstop who could track down anything in the hole, and on the bases, his speed profile nearly mirrored Byron Buxton’s. The thought of two high-octane burners atop Minnesota’s lineup had fans dreaming about endless doubles stretched into triples and pressure-packed stolen bases. Two ACL tears later, those dreams had to be recalibrated. Lewis’s defensive home shifted to third base, and his legs—once his calling card—had to be preserved, rather than pushed. The Twins didn’t want him risking his long-term health by swiping unnecessary bags, and in 2024, he didn’t attempt any steals. His running game had become a non-factor, because the Twins were worried about keeping him off the injured list. Now, late in 2025, Lewis is offering a glimpse of his former self. Speed on the Rebound In the first half of 2025, Lewis swiped just two bases. Since the All-Star break, though, he has flipped a switch, going a perfect 10-for-10 on stolen base attempts over the past month. For context, Lewis had only six successful steals in 2023 and didn’t run at all in 2024. The sudden resurgence is both surprising and encouraging, particularly for a player with his injury history. This isn’t Buxton-level speed anymore, but Lewis looks comfortable choosing his moments, picking up pitchers’ tendencies, and maximizing every opportunity. Early in his career, his sprint speed ranked in the 70th percentile or higher. During the 2025 season, he ranks in the 34th percentile, a far cry from the player he once was. It’s not about raw sprint speed, though; it’s about becoming a smarter base runner. A Team-Wide Emphasis The Twins’ post-deadline pivot has been one of the biggest talking points of the second half. After selling off key veterans, Rocco Baldelli and his staff emphasized fundamentals, particularly baserunning, as a way to maximize the current roster’s competitiveness. We’ve seen younger players being given the green light to steal more often, and the team has begun taking extra bases with an aggressiveness not seen in past years. Besides Lewis, other players (such as Luke Keaschall and Austin Martin) have benefited from this approach. Arguably, Lewis has been the biggest beneficiary. His 86 OPS+ in 2025 reflects the difficulty he's had in replicating the success he's enjoyed in the past, even when he's been able to stay on the field. No longer just a station-to-station slugger, he’s reintroducing pressure to opposing defenses, partially to make up for his lost thump. The combination of his bat and his legs gives him a more complete profile, and helps the Twins manufacture offense even when the long ball isn’t there. What It Means for 2026 Lewis is never going to be the pure burner he was as a prospect, but the evidence suggests he can still be a 20-plus stolen base threat. If he maintains his current aggressiveness and efficiency, he could finish 2026 among the team leaders in steals—something few would have predicted after his knee surgeries. Of course, there are risks. Sliding into second isn’t the same as jogging around the bases after a homer. Aggressive baserunning can lead to awkward landings, collisions, or unnecessary wear on knees that have already been tested. The Twins will need to strike a balance between Lewis’s green light and his health, ensuring he doesn’t push things too far. Still, the reward outweighs the risk. A healthy Lewis who can hit for power and swipe bags changes the complexion of Minnesota’s offense. Instead of relying solely on his home run stroke, the Twins can pencil him in as a dynamic player who creates havoc in multiple ways. If this current version of Lewis holds into next season, the Twins may have to adjust their long-term view of their former top prospect. He’s shown improved defensive ability at the hot corner, making him a player capable of impacting games with his bat, glove, and legs. Minnesota may want to be more athletic in 2026, and Lewis has a chance to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. Can Lewis continue to steal bases at a high rate? Will the Twins focus on more athleticism in 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-Imagn Images When it comes to loyalty, few fans can match Twins Daily’s own John Bonnes. He’s the kind of season ticket holder who has been racking up loyalty rewards points all summer. Those precious tokens that, in theory, convert into gift cards, merch discounts, and maybe even a reason to keep paying for 81 home games a year. But when Bonnes went to cash in those points during the final homestand, he learned a hard truth: the Twins had quietly removed the concession gift card option. Suddenly, his months of loyalty translated not into hot dogs and beers, but into… what? A tote bag? A commemorative keychain? A sense of existential dread? Bonnes aired his grievances on social media, and on KFAN’s morning show that got the hosts buzzing about it. The backlash was swift enough that the Twins backtracked, sheepishly restoring the gift card option like a kid sneaking the broken lamp back onto the shelf. But make no mistake: the damage had been done. That concession perk cost the team a couple bucks, and now the front office is scheming about how to claw that money back from the most loyal fans. Bring Your Own Toilet Paper Night We’ve all heard of “Fan Appreciation Night,” but the Twins are reportedly exploring a more budget-conscious option: “BYOTP.” You can bring in your own peanuts, your own Cracker Jack, and now, your own toilet paper. The stadium will still provide stalls, but the team’s accountants are hoping fans shoulder the, uh, rest. Need to go number two? That’s on you. Think of it as an immersive, frontier-style experience. Target Field is basically just Little House on the Prairie with better lighting. DIY Scoreboard Animations The Twins’ production crew has been told to scale back on those fun “Kiss Cam” and “Flex Cam” graphics. Instead, season ticket holders will be issued whiteboards and dry erase markers upon entry. Want to propose on the big screen? Hope your handwriting is legible from Section 334. Cut-Rate Fireworks You thought postgame fireworks were safe? Think again. The team has reportedly reached a handshake agreement with a local gas station manager to supply sparklers and maybe a couple of Roman candles. Don’t worry, the “fireworks” will still be synchronized to music, assuming your cousin remembered to bring his Bluetooth speaker. Ballpark Cuisine, Minimalism Style The club is also experimenting with a cost-saving concession model. For example: nachos. Rather than a tray, you’ll now get a single chip placed lovingly on a napkin with a dollop of cold cheese sauce. The $11 price tag remains, but hey, they’ll throw in a jalapeño slice if you hit your loyalty point quota. Revenge or Genius? The Twins will say these “enhancements” are about sustainability, or fan engagement, or some other buzzword. But make no mistake, this is about revenge. They had to give Twins Geek his gift card back, and now the rest of us are left holding the (very empty) bag. But who knows…maybe BYOTP will catch on. At the very least, it’ll make Target Field bathrooms the most honest reflection yet of being a Twins fan: you have to do all the dirty work yourself. View full article

Image courtesy of Left: © Brad Rempel- Imagn Images (Gardenhire), Upper Right: RVR Photos-Imagn Images (Kelly), Lower Right: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images (Baldelli) Rocco Baldelli recently passed Sam Mele for third-most wins in Minnesota Twins managerial history, behind only Tom Kelly and Ron Gardenhire. That milestone has renewed debates: how high does Baldelli rank among the franchise’s great managers, and what will the Twins’ brass do if the team’s middling recent performance leads fans to demand change? Below is a look at the top managers in Twins history, how Baldelli stacks up, and whether the criticism he’s getting is earned or misplaced. Tom Kelly (1986-2001) The standard by which all others are judged. Kelly’s tenure brought the Twins their only two World Series titles (1987, 1991), along with multiple playoff runs, consistent regular-season success, and deep roots in player development. He logged 1,140 wins as Twins manager, the franchise record. Even when the team was rebuilding, Kelly was known for a steady hand, patience, and doing the little things well. Ron Gardenhire (2002-2014) Next in line in terms of longevity and success. Gardenhire guided the Twins to 1,068 wins during his 13 seasons. He won six AL Central division titles, kept the team competitive, and (despite playoff under-achievement) built a culture of ruggedness and consistency that Twins fans remember fondly. Sam Mele (1961-1967) Mele was the early benchmark. While the Twins were still adjusting to their Minnesota identity, Mele led them to multiple 90-win seasons, a club-record 102 wins in 1965, and their first AL pennant (though they lost the World Series that year). His wins total (522) has been in one of the top three spots throughout the franchise’s history. Paul Molitor (2015-2018) Molitor’s tenure was shorter and more uneven. He didn’t win as many games as Kelly, Gardenhire, or Mele, but he did earn a Manager of the Year Award (2017), helped stabilize the team, and presided over a sensitive transition era. Rocco Baldelli’s Rise — What the Numbers Say When Baldelli arrived, expectations were mixed: a new front office, a young core, and a fan base hungry for something beyond mediocrity. His first season (2019) was explosive: 101 wins, a division title, and AL Manager of the Year honors. There was little he needed to do during that first season, because the team was hitting home runs at a record-breaking pace. Over the following seasons, the results have been more inconsistent: injuries, underperformances, missed playoff opportunities, and late-season fadeouts have plagued the team. Earlier this month, he moved past Mele in total wins as a Twins manager, becoming third all-time in franchise managerial wins. At the same time, his postseason record is mixed. Through several playoff appearances, the Twins under Baldelli have not advanced far. His regular-season record is above .500, but expectations from fans and media have risen with each season, making the last two seasons’ collapses sting more. Ranking Baldelli Relative to the Greats Here’s a sketch of how one might rank Baldelli in the pantheon of Twins managers, given what we know now, including their strengths and weaknesses. 1. Tom Kelly Strengths: Championships, longevity, consistency, deep institutional legacy. Weaknesses: Late-career fade, but few managers have such a complete legacy. 2. Ron Gardenhire Strengths: Strong regular-season track record, many playoff berths, and a fan favorite. Weaknesses: Never got over certain playoff hurdles, less hardware than Kelly. 3. Rocco Baldelli Strengths: Won over 100 games in 2019, ended the playoff losing streak, modern managerial strengths (player rest, data, etc.). Weaknesses: The team has missed the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, and there have been recent notable collapses. 4. Sam Mele Strengths: Set early peaks (102 wins, first pennant, foundational in club history. Weaknesses: Short tenure, fewer overall wins vs. those who followed. 5. Paul Molitor Strengths: Had flashes of success, won Manager of the Year, helped implement transitions Weaknesses: Less long-term impact, mixed record, fewer cumulative wins. This ranking puts Baldelli above Mele on total wins and modern expectations, but not yet at the level of Kelly or Gardenhire. Though there’s a case to be made that if he strings together a couple more solid seasons (especially with postseason wins), he could challenge for #2. Where Baldelli Stands Now, and What’s Next Baldelli has earned his place among the best managers in Twins history. He’s now third in wins, has captured division titles, won Manager of the Year, and, in general, met the expectations assigned to him when he took over. But he isn’t yet in the class of Kelly or Gardenhire, at least in terms of championships and defining legacy moments. Going forward, the key for Baldelli is: Playoff success: If the Twins can win in October under his leadership, many of the criticisms will fade fast. Closing strong in seasons: Avoiding late-season collapses that turn good potential into mediocrity. Roster health and construction: He can’t control everything, but when injuries aren’t overwhelming, performance must track with talent. If he fails to produce postseason wins, or if the team continues to fold under pressure, ownership may well consider a change. However, it would be harsh to place all the blame on Baldelli now, since he deserves more credit than he often receives and more time than some fans are willing to give. How do you rank the top five managers in Twins history? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images For more than a decade, Minnesota Twins fans have trained themselves to use the injured list as a shield against disappointment. Every season, it felt like a key player was lost before things even started to click. Byron Buxton made IL trips so routine that it almost became a spring tradition. Joe Ryan seemed to always be on the shelf in the second half, while Royce Lewis saw multiple seasons end before he could establish himself as a cornerstone. In past years, the injury bug was always buzzing loudly enough to explain away missed opportunities. But in 2025, something unusual happened. Injuries haven’t ravaged the Twins, compared to other teams. In fact, the numbers suggest they’ve been relatively healthy, and that makes the club’s struggles all the more alarming. Looking at the Numbers Earlier this week, FanGraphs rolled out a fascinating look at potential WAR lost due to injuries. The Twins checked in at just 7.2 WAR, with only three American League clubs losing less production. Across MLB, eight teams had fewer injury-related setbacks. That’s a far cry from the days when Minnesota was leading the league in disabled list days. Spotrac tells a similar story. Their IL tracker indicates that Minnesota has $23.8 million in salary lost to injury this season, ranking 17th. The Twins’ total days lost to injury sit around 840, with only the Phillies, Giants, and Cardinals showing fewer. In other words, while other clubs have seen rosters shredded by injuries, the Twins’ key pieces have, for the most part, been available. The Key Injuries That Did Happen Of course, no season is entirely free of adversity. Pablo López’s absence was the most damaging blow. Losing the team’s ace for three months ripped a hole in the rotation, forcing less-experienced arms to shoulder innings. Even though the Twins had other options, it was clear that the pitching staff wasn’t the same without López’s presence at the top. Bailey Ober’s case has been different. He hasn’t missed the same amount of time, but pitching through a hip injury has made him inconsistent. His command has wavered, and his velocity has dipped at times, leaving the Twins with a less reliable option in the middle of their rotation. This has been tough to swallow for a player who has been one of the team’s most consistent arms over the last two seasons. Luke Keaschall has been a breath of fresh air to the Twins roster, especially when he made his debut and was wreaking havoc at the plate and on the bases immediately. He broke his arm at the end of April and didn’t return until the beginning of August. To be fair, the Twins likely weren’t counting on him to have a significant impact this year, but he may have provided a spark for a team that fell out of contention while he was gone. There have also been other injuries throughout the season, including a freak collision. When Buxton and Carlos Correa ran into each other in the outfield, it was a collective gut punch. Both suffered concussions and spent time on the shelf. Ryan Jeffers (concussion) and Christian Vázquez (shoulder infection) both missed time after not being on the IL in 2023 or 2024. David Festa tried to pitch through a shoulder injury before being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. Not all of these injuries were major, but they did impact the team’s depth and on-field performance. Zebby Matthews's absence, particularly because it overlapped with López's and Ober's, stretched the rotation too thin to be viable. A Different Kind of Problem Even with those notable absences, the big-picture story is clear: Minnesota hasn’t endured the injury nightmare that defined other seasons. They haven’t lost Buxton for half a year, or Lewis for another torn ACL, or a full rotation crumbling at once. This year, the roster’s health has been closer to average—or better. That leaves the finger to be pointed elsewhere. The Twins’ 2025 issues can’t be chalked up to health. They have more to do with underwhelming performances, inconsistent pitching depth, and an offense that has struggled to find balance outside of Buxton’s MVP-caliber performance. Why It Matters for the Future If injuries had defined this season, there might be comfort in assuming better health could bring better results in 2026. Instead, the lesson is more sobering. Even with relatively good health, this roster hasn’t been good or deep enough to compete. That should force the front office to look inward at construction, depth, and player development, rather than shrugging and pointing toward the IL report. For fans, it’s unsettling. The “injury excuse” has long been a crutch—one that was sometimes valid. But in 2025, it simply doesn’t apply. The Twins had the health to compete. They just didn’t have the performance. And that, more than anything else, is the scary truth heading into the offseason. What stands out about the team’s injuries this season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins are headed into an offseason where the budget will remain snug, but there will be flexibility. With the current roster and estimated arbitration totals landing around $95 million, even a payroll reduction to $125 million (down from $140 million in 2025) would leave Derek Falvey and company with roughly $30 million to spend. That isn’t enough to lure a Kyle Tucker or Alex Bregman, but it does put Minnesota in a position to shop the second tier of free agency. MLB.com recently highlighted the top 10 free agents for this winter, and while those players may be out of the Twins’ reach, there are still plenty of interesting fits just outside that group. Let’s look at eight names that could realistically make sense in Minnesota. 1B Josh Naylor Profile: The 28-year-old left-handed slugger terrorized the Twins in five years with the Cleveland organization. Over the last four seasons, he has averaged a 122 OPS+ while being a below-average defender at first base (0 OAA). Fit in Minnesota: With the Twins lacking a consistent first baseman, Naylor would provide an offensive upgrade for a team that needs veteran consistency. He’d stabilize the infield and immediately slot into the middle of the order. Last winter, he signed for just under $11 million, so the Twins could hope for a similar deal. 1B/DH Luis Arraez Profile: A familiar face, Arraez won three straight batting titles from 2022-24, but is having a down season (.286 BA). Power will never be part of his game (107 OPS+), but the bat-to-ball skills are elite. It will be his first chance at free agency, so he might be looking for a multi-year contract. Fit in Minnesota: Bringing Arraez back could solve Minnesota’s revolving door at first base while also giving them a natural leadoff hitter. The Twins moved on for Pablo López, but if the Pohlads want to score some points with fans, a reunion would be a feel-good and practical move. 2B Gleyber Torres Profile: Torres has been inconsistent since bursting onto the scene with the Yankees, but he still provides 20-HR pop from the middle infield. He’s entering his age-29 season with plenty left in the tank. Last winter, he signed a one-year pact with the Tigers for $15 million and has a 2.4 rWAR. Fit in Minnesota: If the Twins don’t fully trust Edouard Julien or Luke Keaschall at second base, Torres could step in as a proven bat. Julien could shift into a DH role, and Keaschall could move to a corner outfield spot. Torres is a right-handed bat with a 111 OPS+ over the last four seasons. 3B Eugenio Suárez Profile: Suárez has long been one of the streakiest sluggers in baseball, capable of 30+ HR power but also prone to high strikeout totals. He brings veteran leadership, but should shift to a DH role due to his poor defense at third. Fit in Minnesota: The Twins have Royce Lewis at third, but Suárez could provide insurance if/when Lewis deals with injuries. If Lewis stays on the field, Suárez’s power would still lengthen the lineup, especially for a Twins team lacking right-handed pop. OF Cedric Mullins Profile: Mullins has been an above-average hitter since he was an All-Star in 2021, but the 2025 season has been his first with a sub-100 OPS+. He’s still capable of 15+ home runs and 20+ steals with 4 OAA in center field. Fit in Minnesota: The Twins have hunted the free agent market for affordable center field options over the last two offseasons. Think of him as next season’s Harrison Bader. Mullins could give the Twins a left-handed option in center behind Byron Buxton while also offering speed at the top of the order. DH Marcell Ozuna Profile: Ozuna remains a defensive liability but has transformed into one of the game’s most reliable power DHs. Over the last three seasons, he has produced over 3.0 WAR per season, with an OPS+ of 138. Fit in Minnesota: The Twins could add 30-HR power to their lineup by signing Ozuna, but he’d lock up the DH spot and limit flexibility. His presence could make it harder to rotate players through the DH spot, but maybe that’s in the team’s best interest. RHP Merrill Kelly Profile: Kelly has quietly been one of the most consistent starters in the National League, posting multiple seasons with a sub-3.50 ERA for the Diamondbacks. He thrives on command and a deep pitch mix rather than overpowering stuff. Fit in Minnesota: With López and Joe Ryan leading the rotation, Kelly would slot in as a reliable No. 3 starter. He’d give the Twins veteran stability behind their top arms. He will be 38 next season and likely looking for a multi-year deal, so it seems likely for the Twins to avoid signing him. RHP Ryan Pressly Profile: The former Twins reliever has spent the past half-decade closing games for Houston, thriving in the postseason spotlight. His stuff has dipped (5.06 FIP, 1.52 WHIP), and the Cubs released him at the end of July. Fit in Minnesota: Minnesota’s bullpen has a lot of holes for next season, and adding Pressly would give them a veteran option. Pressly might want to finish his career where he started, as a feel-good story. He will likely come on a cheap deal if he wants to continue to pitch. Candidly, he looked cooked this summer, but relievers sometimes do that—only to unaccountably bounce back one last time. The Twins are unlikely to chase the headline names at the top of free agency, but with $30 million to work with, they can make meaningful additions. A first baseman like Naylor or Arraez could lock down a position of need. A rotation stabilizer like Kelly or a bullpen arm like Pressly could add much-needed depth. The front office’s choices will determine whether Minnesota uses its financial flexibility to make targeted upgrades or spreads money across multiple positions. Either way, second-tier free agents could play a first-rate role in shaping the 2026 Twins. Which free agent would fit the best in Minnesota? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Facing the Yankees usually serves as a measuring stick for any young pitcher (especially with the word Twins on the front of their jersey). On Monday night at Target Field, Simeon Woods Richardson excelled in a game that meant a lot more to New York than to his own club. Against baseball’s most dangerous offense, the 24-year-old right-hander delivered the finest outing of his career, striking out a career-high 11 batters over six scoreless innings as the Twins cruised to a 7-0 victory. It was the type of performance that leaves more than a final box score behind. It provided a glimpse of what Woods Richardson is becoming, and why the Twins may be able to count on him moving forward. Steps Up Game Against Top Competition Some pitchers wilt when the bright lights shine against baseball’s elite lineups. Woods Richardson seems to get sharper. Monday’s performance continued a trend that has seen him thrive against tough opponents, including the Tigers, Astros, Mariners, Cubs, and now the Yankees, the last of whom lead the majors in runs, home runs, slugging percentage, and walks. 9/15/25 (vs. NYY): 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 11 K, 3 BB 7/8/25 (vs. CHC): 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 K, 3 BB 6/26/25 (vs. SEA): 5 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 6 K, 1 BB 6/15/25 (vs. HOU): 5 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 4 K, 1 BB 4/13/25 (vs. DET): 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 5 K, 0 BB “I’ve always been a competitor,” Woods Richardson said after the game. “I’ve always been one of those guys who wants to face the best, compete against the best. … If I can knock down the powerhouses, it’s like a miniature game that you play with yourself.” The confidence translated into command and execution. Aside from two walks to Aaron Judge, New York’s hitters rarely threatened him, and maybe those walks were strategic; it's only smart to be careful against the reigning AL MVP. His Splitter is for Real Perhaps the biggest revelation of the night was Woods Richardson’s pitch mix. For the first time this season, his splitter became the focal point of his arsenal. He threw it 33 times (36% of his pitches), and it generated eight swinging strikes, a career-high for the offering. “Me and Jhonny [Pereda, catcher] looked at each other, and he was like, ‘Keep throwing [the splitter],’” Woods Richardson said. “‘Keep throwing it. Have confidence in it.’” The approach paid off, especially against a power-heavy lineup that hunts fastballs. By leaning less on his four-seamer (just 35% usage) and more on his evolving splitter, Woods Richardson showed how his repertoire is still growing, and how difficult he can be to prepare for. There’s no way the Yankees were expecting to see his splitter that much. Getting Better Throughout the Game Manager Rocco Baldelli noted that Woods Richardson set the tone early and sharpened as the game progressed. “In some ways, he was great early on, but it almost looked like he got even more focused as the game went on,” Baldelli said. “That’s not always an easy thing to do. … You’ve got to make nothing but good pitches, good decisions, and really be at your best. He was at his best tonight, and it was great to watch.” That ability to sustain command and composure deeper into outings is a key step for any young starter. Woods Richardson pitched into the sixth inning in just four starts this season, and he’s only completed six frames two times. Against the league’s most relentless lineup, though, he proved he can handle that challenge. What It Means for 2026 The Twins already know who their rotation anchors will be next year: Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober provide a steady and proven top three. However, there is a possibility that the club explores trades of López or Ryan. The bigger question comes in filling the final two spots, and Woods Richardson is making a strong case to claim one of them. He’ll face competition from multiple directions. Young pitchers Zebby Matthews and David Festa have shown flashes of potential, while Taj Bradley and Mick Abel (acquired in this summer’s fire sale) add another layer of intrigue. That creates a healthy level of competition for a young staff that could set the tone for the next Twins contender. Monday’s masterpiece didn’t lock anything in, but it showed why Woods Richardson deserves to be part of that conversation. If he keeps taking steps like this, the Twins may not just have a back-end option; they may have another arm capable of elevating the rotation. What stands out about SWR’s performance against the Yankees? Can his splitter be more of a weapon moving forward? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports The Twins waved the white flag at the deadline, stripping away veterans and leaving fans to slog through a frustrating second half. But a funny thing happens when the roster gets thinned out, because that’s when opportunity knocks. Some players stumbled with their extra runway, while others seized the chance to remind everyone why they’re part of Minnesota’s long-term picture. Three names, in particular, have used the final two months to build real momentum heading into 2026: Taj Bradley, Austin Martin, and Cole Sands. Taj Bradley: Electric but Inconsistent August–September 2025 Performance: The Twins spoke highly of Bradley when they acquired him from the Rays for Griffin Jax. The 24-year-old joined the organization with over 350 big-league innings, and it seemed natural that he could jump right in and be part of the team’s long-term rotation plan. Bradley has been precisely what you’d expect from a talented young arm with equal parts excitement and exasperation. His fastball has lived in the upper-90s, blowing by hitters when located, and his cutter has flashed wipeout potential (31.2 Whiff%). In some outings, he’s looked untouchable, piling up strikeouts and giving the Twins rotation a jolt of energy. In others, shaky command has cut those outings short. That volatility is why his ERA looks pedestrian, but the raw stuff jumps off the screen. His first start was a disaster as he allowed seven earned runs across five innings to a lowly White Sox lineup. However, he bounced back nicely and held the playoff-bound Padres lineup to one earned run with six strikeouts in his next appearance. In his last three starts, he has posted a 4.41 ERA (3.64 FIP) with 18 strikeouts and six walks across 16 1/3 innings. 2026 Role: Minnesota didn’t bring Bradley in to be a depth piece, and it's clear that he’s firmly in line for an Opening Day rotation spot. The front office is betting that another offseason of refinement will help him trim the walks and trust his full arsenal. If he takes even a small step forward in consistency, Bradley has the ceiling of a playoff-caliber starter. At the very least, he’ll be a big part of the team’s plans from Day 1. Austin Martin: Fitting the Team’s Future Style August–September 2025 Performance: Martin was somewhat surprisingly left off the Twins’ Opening Day roster, but there was still hope that the former top prospect could be an impact player at the big-league level. He likely would have been up earlier in the season, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for a large chunk of the season. Now healthy, the Twins are seeing what he can mean to the lineup as the team transitions to a new style of play. Since the trade deadline, Minnesota’s coaching staff has made it clear that players can be more aggressive on the bases. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has spoken openly about wanting his team to take the extra base, go from first to third, and force the defense to make the play behind the runner. There will inevitably be mistakes with this type of aggressive approach, but Martin’s skill set should thrive in this environment. Martin has been quietly productive since the deadline. A .295/.397/.393 (.790) line with six steals tells the story of a player who knows his strengths. He controls the strike zone, makes plenty of contact, and forces pitchers to work. While he still lacks impact power, his on-base skills have played well, and he’s looked serviceable in left field. He’s not flashy, but he’s been reliable, which has value in a lineup full of inconsistency. 2026 Role: Martin is walking the fine line between future regular and bench piece. For now, the latter feels more likely. His on-base ability and speed give him a skill set that fits a fourth outfielder role, and the Twins could use someone who grinds out at-bats in the bottom third of the order. If he shows more defensive versatility this spring, his stock goes up. If not, he may have to hit even more to stay locked into a roster spot. Cole Sands: The Bullpen’s Only Hope August–September 2025 Performance: Sands was in a complicated spot this season after a tremendous 2024 campaign. The Twins likely thought he could be penciled into a middle-inning relief role with a few late-inning opportunities mixed in for good measure. Instead, he struggled through different parts of the season and had a 4.11 ERA with a 36-to-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 46 innings through the trade deadline. On August 1st, Sands woke up and was arguably the last man standing after the team traded away Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe, and Louis Varland. Sands was the de facto closer, with Justin Topa being the lone other option for high-leverage situations. His performance hasn’t been perfect since the deadline, but the Twins have few options for critical innings in the stretch run. To be clear, Sands’ last two appearances were dreadful as the Arizona lineup tagged him for six earned runs over two innings. Remove those appearances, and Sands had a 2.95 ERA (2.44 FIP) with 22 strikeouts and five walks over 18 1/3 innings since the trade deadline. Relievers often work in small sample sizes, and Sands must find a way to avoid the blowups he had against the Diamondbacks. 2026 Role: With nearly every spot open in next year’s bullpen, Sands has carved out a real lane for himself. He may not have the ceiling of some of the arms that left via trade, but he’s been closer to the 2024 version of himself over the last two months. At worst, he enters next season with the exact expectations as this past spring. At best, he’s a late-inning weapon in a bullpen that desperately needs one. The 2025 Twins won’t be remembered fondly, but the back half of this season hasn’t been completely wasted. Bradley showed flashes of a potential frontline arm, Martin proved he can contribute at the big-league level, and Sands reminded everyone he still belongs in the bullpen conversation. In a season defined by subtraction, these three gave Minnesota something to add back for 202 Which player’s performance stands out the most? What will their roles be on the 2026 squad? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (photo of Hendry Mendez) Each week, the Twins’ farm system provides a glimpse into the organization’s future. From pitchers showing poise well beyond their years to hitters turning patience into production, the next wave of talent continues to shine across multiple levels. The Cedar Rapids Kernels won the Western Division playoff series this week on the backs of two outstanding performances. At Double-A, the Wichita Wind Surge fought for their playoff lives until the season’s final game. This week’s hot sheet features three players who shone when their teams were facing do-or-die scenarios. LHP Dasan Hill – Cedar Rapids Kernels How He Got Here: Hill was selected by the Twins in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, out of Grapevine High School in Texas. Though he's just 19 years old, Twins Daily currently ranks him as the club’s No. 7 overall prospect and its third-best pitching prospect, behind Mick Abel and Connor Prielipp. He made his pro debut this season at Low-A and produced a 2.77 ERA, with a 1.31 WHIP and a 30.6 K% in 52 innings. The Kernels were heading to the playoffs, so the Twins promoted him to High-A in mid-August for the stretch run. Hitting the Hot Button: Taking the ball against Beloit, Hill worked five strong innings, allowing just two runs on two hits. He walked two and struck out seven, flashing the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that made him such an intriguing draft pick. His ability to stay composed and pound the strike zone against older competition is one of the most encouraging aspects of his development so far. He’s faced older batters in over 94% of his plate appearances this season, and is over four years younger than the average age of the competition in the Midwest League. An argument can be made that he is the organization’s top pitching prospect heading into 2026. OF Hendry Mendez – Wichita Wind Surge How He Got Here: The Twins acquired Mendez in the Harrison Bader trade with Philadelphia, adding another young outfield bat to the system. He was originally signed by the Brewers out of the Dominican Republic, but was traded to the Phillies organization for Oliver Dunn. At just 21 years old, MLB.com ranks him as the organization’s No. 25 prospect. Prior to the trade, Mendez hit .290/.374/.434 with 24 extra-base hits in 85 games for the Phillies' Double-A affiliate. Hitting the Hot Button: Mendez reached base in bunches this past week, hitting .316 (6-for-19) while drawing eight walks across six games. He added a triple, a home run, and three RBIs, posting an eye-popping .536 on-base percentage. His patience has been a defining part of his game, especially for a player nearly three years younger than the competition in the Texas League. Since the trade, he’s hit .318/.456/.439, with six extra-base hits in 32 games. His patient approach could make him an important piece in the upper levels as he continues to mature. OF Misael Urbina – Cedar Rapids Kernels How He Got Here: Signed as an international free agent back in 2018, Urbina has worked his way up through the system and is still just 23 years old. Long known for his athleticism and raw tools, he's spent this year refining his approach and turning that talent into results. It’s his third consecutive year playing the entire season in Cedar Rapids, so some of the prospect shine has faded for the outfielder. Hitting the Hot Button: Urbina has been one of Cedar Rapids’ most consistent bats over the last two weeks, slashing .295/.367/.545 with four doubles, two triples, and a home run across 13 games. Just as impressive, he’s paired that production with a balanced 5-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. After carrying a 24.7% strikeout rate last season, he has trimmed that number to 16.8% in 2025, a sign that his patience is paying off. He’ll likely get his first taste of the upper minors in 2026, with a chance to prove he can be part of the organization’s long-term plans. Hill’s maturity on the mound, Mendez’s ability to control the strike zone, and Urbina’s improved plate discipline showcase the variety of ways players can develop within the Twins system. Each of them stepped up in moments that carried a playoff-type atmosphere, giving the organization confidence that these young talents can handle the pressure when it matters most. Which performance was most impressive? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Pitching in the lower minors is all about adjustments. For some, it’s a first taste of professional baseball in the United States. For others, it’s a chance to show that they’re ready to move quickly through the system. The Florida Complex League gives the Twins’ youngest arms a proving ground, and this summer, a few pitchers stood out above the rest. Not every prospect thrives right away. Short outings and small workloads make it difficult to bounce back from a rough stretch, while others show enough polish to prove they’re ahead of the level. For the Twins, 2025 brought a mix of both, with a handful of arms making their presence felt in Fort Myers. Before we get to the top three finishers in the Twins Daily voting, here are a few pitchers who also received recognition from our minor league team of writers. Honorable Mentions RHP Melvin Rodriguez: 11 G, 43 1/3 IP, 3.53 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 17.5 K%, 12.0 BB% RHP Xander Hamilton: 7 G, 10 1/3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.39 WHIP, 31.4 K%, 5.7 BB% RHP Brent Francisco: 12 G, 17 1/3 IP, 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 35.8 K%, 3.0 BB% RHP Xavier Kolhosser: 10 G, 17 2/3 IP, 2.55 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 25.3 K%, 13.3 BB% 2 (Tie). RHP Will Armbruester 2025 Stats: 15 G, 31 IP, 2.61 ERA, 2.37 FIP, 1.10 WHIP, 22.8 K%, 1.6 BB% Armbruester’s story is a little different than most in the FCL. After pitching in college at New Mexico and Arizona State, he spent 2024 in the independent Frontier League before signing with Minnesota this April. The Twins shifted him to the bullpen, where his command immediately stood out with 28 strikeouts against only two walks. At 24, Armbruester was much older than most of his competition, but he handled the role with poise. A high BABIP (.337) inflated his ERA, but his ability to limit walks and strand runners gave the Twins reason to believe there’s more here. The organization has uncovered some hidden gems from the indy leagues in recent years, and Armbruester will look to join that list as he moves up the ladder. 2 (Tie). RHP Anderson Ramos 2025 Stats: 17 G, 28 1/3 IP, 3.81 ERA, 3.46 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, 31.1 K%, 13.9 BB% Ramos represents the opposite end of the spectrum compared to Armbruester. He was a teenage signing out of the Dominican Republic who made his stateside debut this summer. After some early struggles in the DSL last year, he came to the FCL as a 19-year-old and made a big jump, leading the team in strikeout rate among pitchers with a minimum of 18 IP. Ramos piled up multiple strikeouts in 12 of his 19 outings and kept hitters to a .506 OPS. Control remains the biggest question mark, as his walk rate climbed by 2.4% compared to 2024. Still, his last 11 appearances showed real growth with no extra-base hits allowed and 21 strikeouts in 61 plate appearances. He’s one of the younger arms to watch as he likely moves into full-season ball next year. 1. RHP Joel Garcia – Twins FCL Pitcher of the Year 2025 Stats: 11 G, 43 IP, 3.35 ERA, 2.47 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, 28.8 K%, 6.8 BB% Garcia was the clear choice for our FCL Pitcher of the Year, appearing at the top of nearly every ballot from the Twins Daily minor league writers. Signed out of Venezuela, this was his third season in the organization and his second year in the FCL. After a solid but limited sample in 2024, the Twins sent him back for a longer look, and he delivered. Used exclusively as a starter, Garcia got stronger as the summer went on. Opponents posted a .731 OPS against him in May, but he held them to just a .581 OPS over the next two months. Nearly 82% of his matchups came against younger hitters, but his mix of strike-throwing and strikeouts stood out regardless. By August, Minnesota promoted him to Low-A Fort Myers, where he’ll likely begin 2026. The Florida Complex League is just the first step, but performances here can be a glimpse into the Twins’ future. For Garcia, Ramos, and Armbruester, 2025 was a big step forward in their development, and a reminder that the next wave of pitching talent is already on its way. How would your ballot look for pitchers in the FCL? Leave a comment and join the discussion. View full article

The Florida Complex League has long served as a launching pad for the youngest players in the Twins organization. It’s often the first stop stateside for international signees and recent draft picks, providing a short-season proving ground where flashes of talent can help a player’s stock rise in a hurry. That said, not every prospect thrives here. With smaller sample sizes and limited opportunities, some players never get the chance to fully rebound from a slow start. Others show they’re simply a step ahead of the competition, forcing the organization to challenge them with a quick promotion. This summer, several Twins hitters stood out in Fort Myers. Before we get into the top four, here are a few names that also received votes from the Twins Daily minor league writers. Honorable Mentions OF Ricardo Paez: .242/.398/.295 (.693), 1 3B, 3 2B, 20 R, 10 RBI, 13 SB OF/1B Yandro Hernandez: .207/.368/.337 (.704), 2 HR, 6 2B, 16 R, 16 RBI, 7 SB IF Bryan Acuna : .254/.420/.365 (.785), 1 HR, 4 2B, 19 R, 8 RBI, 2 SB SS/CF Daiber De Los Santos: .167/.296/.333 (.629), 4 HR, 2 3B, 10 2B, 29 R, 17 RBI, 15 SB 4. OF Eduardo Beltre 2025 Stats: .206/.313/.370 (.683), 5 HR, 10 2B, 33 R, 32 RBI, 19 SB Beltre exploded onto the scene in 2024, when he hit 11 home runs with a 1.071 OPS in the Dominican Summer League and earned Twins Daily’s Short-Season Hitter of the Year award. His first stateside season came with growing pains, including a .550 OPS in May. But he adjusted quickly. Over his final 36 FCL games, Beltre hit .248/.321/.430 (.751) with five home runs and 13 extra-base hits before earning a promotion to Fort Myers. His 19 stolen bases led the roster, and it’s worth noting that he faced older pitchers in all but 13 plate appearances this season. Beltre didn’t quite replicate his monster 2024, but he showed important growth against tougher competition. 3. OF Jayson Bass 2025 Stats: .314/.419/.490 (.910), 1 HR, 4 2B, 12 RBI, 6 SB Bass returned to the FCL for a second season after posting a .710 OPS in 2024, and he wasted little time showing improvement. He reached base 12 times in his first 10 games before a June injury sidelined him for over a month. When he returned in July, he picked up right where he left off, hitting .286 with more walks (7) than strikeouts (6). By August, the Twins rewarded him with a promotion to Fort Myers. His season was limited to just 20 games, but his steady offensive profile made enough of an impression to draw multiple votes in this year’s race. 2. C Irvin Nunez 2025 Stats: .233/.408/.310 (.718), 1 HR, 4 2B, 25 R, 29 BB Nunez made his professional debut last year in the DSL, where he posted a .961 OPS and flashed intriguing power. This season, the 19-year-old shifted his focus behind the plate in Fort Myers, catching 75 more innings than any other player on the roster. That extra work showed, as his caught-stealing rate jumped from 10% in 2024 to 27% this season. Offensively, he started hot, putting up a .958 OPS in May. But as the innings piled up, his bat slowed, with just a .625 OPS over the final two months. Even so, Nunez continued to show strong plate discipline, drawing 29 walks to balance out 33 strikeouts. Catching is a demanding position, and his late-season fade might reflect fatigue more than a lack of offensive ability. 1. 2B Ramiro Dominguez – Twins FCL Hitter of the Year 2025 Stats: .248/.366/.414 (.780), 3 HR, 15 2B, 26 R, 24 RBI, 16 SB One of the youngest players in the entire league, Domínguez never faced a younger pitcher all season and was more than 1.5 years below the league-average age. That didn’t stop him from leading the Twins in doubles (15) and ranking second in steals (16-for-18). Even more impressive: he walked more times (20) than he struck out (18). Domínguez truly separated himself in June, hitting .286/.394/.554 (.948) with nine doubles and two home runs in 17 games. He reached base in all but two of those starts. Compared to 2024, he raised both his OBP and slugging percentage while cutting down on strikeouts, a sign of real growth at the plate. In big moments, he also showed poise by posting a .796 OPS with two outs and runners in scoring position. For a player still years away from Minnesota, this was a breakout campaign that firmly puts him on the prospect radar. The FCL is only the beginning of the journey, but strong performances here can serve as an early indicator of future success. For Domínguez and the rest of this year’s standouts, 2025 was a critical step forward in the Twins’ developmental pipeline and a reminder that the next wave of talent is already on its way. How would your ballot look for hitters in the FCL? Leave a comment and start the discussion View full article

Image courtesy of © Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images Byron Buxton has finally put together the season that Twins fans have been awaiting for over a decade. He’s healthy, he’s raking, and he’s turning in highlight-reel plays on a nightly basis. At his best, Buxton has always looked like an MVP, but in 2025, he’s actually putting up MVP numbers. That should be nothing but joy for Twins Territory, but there are a few reasons why his historic year feels more frustrating than it should. 1. A Painful Reminder of What Could Have Been Buxton’s .274/.336/.561 slash line, 32 home runs, and a 142 OPS+ entering mid-September are the type of stats Twins fans used to dream about. They’re also the type of numbers that make you wonder what the last eight years could have looked like, if health had ever cooperated. Remember 2017, when he looked like a Gold Glove superstar but never quite put it together at the plate? Or 2021, when his 171 OPS+ had him looking like the best player in baseball before injuries shut him down after just 61 games? Buxton joined Kirby Puckett as the second player in team history with 30 home runs and 20 steals in a season. He played in over 100 games for the second consecutive season, another first for his career. This season is the payoff for all those flashes, but it’s also a gut punch. We’re not just watching greatness. We’re watching the version of Buxton we’ve been missing out on all along. 2. A Wasted Performance on a 90-Loss Team Here’s the kicker: Buxton is finally having the year that puts him among baseball’s elite, and the Twins are stuck in the basement of the AL Central. He ranks among the top-10 in the AL in rWAR (10th), Offensive WAR (5th), SLG (4th), OPS (5th), Adj. OPS+ (5th), and Offensive Win% (3rd). He’s been one of the only reasons to tune in to watch the Twins this season, with a power-speed combination that makes him one of the game’s most exciting players. Put the numbers above on a playoff team, and Buxton is in every MVP conversation on national broadcasts. Instead, most of the baseball world has already moved on, and Buxton’s brilliance is happening in relative obscurity. This has happened before in Twins history. Brian Dozier accumulated 5.8 rWAR in 2016 on a Twins team that lost 103 games. Brad Radke was masterful in 1999 (6.5 rWAR) on a 97-loss team. It feels cruel, almost wasted, that the best season of his career is happening on a team barreling toward 90 losses. 3. An Uncertain Future Clouds the Joy The biggest question lingering over Buxton’s MVP-level year might be this: Will it ever matter? Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez look like rotation anchors, but beyond this duo, the pitching staff is full of question marks. The bullpen carousel continues to spin after a trade deadline sell-off. On the offensive side, the young hitters the Twins have counted on, like Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis, haven’t taken that next step yet. The Minnesota farm system is one of baseball’s best, but there is no guarantee that the team’s top prospects will be able to perform at baseball’s highest level. Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and even Luke Keaschall can form the core of the next great Twins teams, but that might be multiple years away. Buxton will be in his mid-30s by that point, and there’s no guarantee that next season (or the one after that) will give him a team worthy of his talent. That cloud of uncertainty makes it hard to soak in what should be pure joy. Buxton is doing things this year that put him in the conversation with the best players in franchise history. But instead of being remembered as the year he carried the Twins into October, it’s shaping up to be remembered as the season that left us all wondering, “what if?” For Twins fans, that’s the most frustrating part of all. What’s been the most frustrating part of Buxton’s season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © William Purnell-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins are barreling toward their first 90-loss season under the current front office regime, and it’s fair to ask if a managerial change is on the horizon this winter. For an organization that has spent the better part of the past decade selling a vision of long-term competitiveness, the results on the field tell a different story. A Five-Year Slide This will be the fourth time in five years the Twins have missed the playoffs, posting a 383-408 record (.484) since 2021. The lone bright spot came in 2023, when Minnesota won the AL Central, knocked off the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card round, and snapped a decades-long postseason drought without a series win. That feels like a lifetime ago now. In 2024, the club collapsed down the stretch and pinned the blame on the hitting coaches. In 2025, they collapsed out of the gate. Rocco Baldelli had his 2026 option picked up this summer, but with how this season has unraveled, it’s becoming harder to justify sticking with the status quo. Who Holds the Power? Despite the failures, don’t expect sweeping change at the very top. The Pohlads briefly explored selling the team before pulling it off the market, and they aren’t going to fire themselves. Derek Falvey, meanwhile, was just promoted to team president, with Jeremy Zoll elevated to GM. If ownership isn’t willing to cut ties with the front office, that leaves Baldelli as the logical choice for a pink slip. That’s not to say Baldelli is solely to blame. He’s dealt with shifting rosters, a midseason fire sale, and more than a few questionable roster constructions. Still, managers are often the easiest domino to push when an organization wants to signal change. The National Buzz ESPN’s Buster Olney noted that despite Baldelli’s option being picked up, the timing may no longer matter: “A lot has changed with the Twins since that decision was made: The team unloaded veterans and salary at the trade deadline, angering fans.” “Baldelli is concluding his seventh year with the team and could face the same reality that every manager does: If an organization wants to signal change — and the Twins might want to do that after a messy 2025 season — one of the cheapest ways to do that is to fire the manager. Sometime in the next few weeks, Minnesota’s ownership will make that choice.” Olney even floated a couple of familiar names as possible replacements: Derek Shelton, who was let go by Pittsburgh earlier this year, and James Rowson, currently with the Yankees. Both have ties to Minnesota, which could help with continuity but also risk doubling down on the same “groupthink” that has defined this front office era. Beyond Shuffling Deck Chairs The bigger question is whether firing Baldelli would actually solve anything. At times, it feels like the Twins are simply rearranging deck chairs while the ship continues to take on water. The front office has been reluctant to overhaul a roster that still leans too heavily on a failed core. Internal promotions have replaced outside perspectives, creating a bubble of sameness that hasn’t translated to success. Minnesota can’t just tinker around the edges again this offseason. If this is the front office that’s going to guide the franchise forward, they need to show fans an actual plan. That means rethinking how the roster is built, clarifying their vision for the future, and, yes, deciding if a new voice in the clubhouse is part of that plan. The Clock Is Ticking Baldelli has now managed the Twins for seven seasons, and while there were early highs, the recent lows have been tough to ignore. If the Pohlads and Falvey want to send a message, changing managers may be the quickest way. But unless the larger issues are addressed, it risks being little more than another cosmetic move. The Twins can’t keep running the same playbook and expecting different results. A course correction is overdue, and it has to start somewhere. Should the Twins move on from Baldelli? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article