Cody Christie

Small and mid-market teams must be creative in their roster-building approach. For the Twins, three players highlight their infatuation with collecting pitchers with oddities. Image courtesy of William Parmeter Many franchises search for unconventional ways to gain a strategic advantage. The Minnesota Twins have continued that trend in their recent approach to building a pitching staff. Instead of relying solely on high-octane velocity or wipeout-breaking stuff, the Twins have accumulated a stable of pitchers who bring unique attributes to the mound. Whether it's an unusual background, extreme physical traits, or an offbeat pitch, Minnesota has built pitching depth that is anything but ordinary. Joe Ryan: The Water Polo Warrior Joe Ryan ’s journey to becoming a staple of the Twins’ rotation didn’t follow the usual path of a top draft pick or blue-chip prospect. Tampa Bay drafted him in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft, and he joined the Twins in the trade for Nelson Cruz. The former water polo player has translated his unique athletic background into one of the most deceptive fastballs in baseball. Water polo requires players to generate power from unconventional angles while keeping their arms above the water, and those skills have transferred seamlessly to Ryan’s delivery. “Joe’s treated himself really well this offseason. He looks good and strong and mobile like he always is,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “I think he’s looking to come back this year and put together a full slate of — a full season’s worth of innings and produce the way he did or even better than last year. He had an awesome year going last year before he suffered the issue but he’s come in fully healed and looked great.” Ryan’s fastball averaged in the low 90s earlier in his career, but he bumped up his velocity last season to 94 mph. His fastball also plays like an elite pitch due to its riding action and high release point. His ability to command it up in the zone has made it more effective, and his increased velocity has helped him achieve a Fastball Run Value in the 90th percentile. After an up-and-down 2024 season, Ryan enters 2025 as a key piece of the Twins' rotation. If he can further refine his secondary offerings, there’s no reason he can’t take another step forward and solidify himself as a frontline starter. Bailey Ober: The Towering Enigma Bailey Ober is a pitcher who defies traditional scouting expectations. Standing at a towering 6-foot-9, Ober isn’t the flamethrower one might expect from someone his size. Instead, he thrives on deception and precision. His elite extension (97th percentile) means he is releasing the ball closer to home plate than almost any other pitcher, making his 91-93 mph fastball play much harder than the raw velocity suggests. Baldelli recently spoke about Ober. “He has been as reliable of a pitcher as we have had in the last few seasons. He makes excellent small adjustments. He is a tremendous strike-thrower. You just know you are going to have a really good chance to win a game almost every time he touches the ball.” Ober’s ability to command the strike zone and induce weak contact has allowed him to succeed in a league where velocity often dominates. He took significant strides in 2024, proving he can be a reliable innings-eater. As he heads into 2025, the expectation is that he’ll continue to be a mid-rotation stabilizer. If he can stay healthy and maintain consistency, there’s no reason he can’t push toward being a top-of-the-rotation presence for a Twins team with playoff aspirations. Cory Lewis: The Knuckleballer in Waiting Perhaps the most intriguing of Minnesota’s unique arms is Cory Lewis, a rare prospect in today’s game due to his ability to throw a legitimate knuckleball. While the pitch isn’t his primary weapon, it’s a fascinating wrinkle in an arsenal that already features solid secondary pitches. The Twins took a gamble by drafting Lewis in 2022, but his development has been promising so far. Lewis talked about his famous pitch earlier this spring. “I use it like any of my other secondary pitches. It slowly became like a two-strike pitch. But, I mean, I'll throw it whenever. I throw it about 20% I think. So, not anything crazy, like 50 or 60%, like a traditional knuckleballer.” Knuckleballers are notoriously difficult to project, but Lewis has shown enough ability to remain on the starting pitcher track. While it remains to be seen how much he’ll rely on the knuckleball at the big-league level, its mere existence gives him an added layer of unpredictability. If he makes his MLB debut in 2025, he could offer a completely different look to opposing hitters. Plus, every fan likes a good knuckleball. The Twins enter 2025 with a rotation that continues to evolve, and these three pitchers will play pivotal roles in its success. Ryan has the tools to ascend to true ace status if his secondary pitches take another step forward. Ober remains a steadying force, and if he continues to miss barrels, he could put together his best season yet. Lewis is the wild card, and his path to the majors is uncertain. When he debuts, he could be one of the most unusual pitchers the Twins have had in years. Minnesota is building a pitching staff with rare and fascinating attributes. In a league where teams are always searching for an edge, the Twins are leaning into uniqueness, and 2025 could be the year it all pays off. Should the Twins continue to collect pitchers with oddities? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

There are fewer than three weeks until the Twins head to St. Louis for the season’s first game. So, who is projected to make the team’s Opening Day roster? Image courtesy of William Parmeter The Minnesota Twins have some roster battles left to be decided with under three weeks until Opening Day. A handful of injuries, including Justin Topa and Zebby Matthews, popped up last week. At the beginning of February, I attempted to narrow in on the team’s 26-man roster, but there have been some minor changes since that point. Let’s examine the projected Opening Day roster and how the lineup might shake out based on matchups. Starting Rotation (5): RHP Pablo López, RHP Bailey Ober, RHP Joe Ryan, RHP Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP Chris Paddack Little has changed with the team’s projected five-man rotation for the season’s start. Many assume that Woods Richardson will get the first crack at the fifth spot in the rotation. However, he is going to feel pressure from other young pitchers at Triple-A, including David Festa, Marco Raya, and Travis Adams. Matthews left his last spring start with an injury, so the Twins will likely be careful with him to start the year, especially with the pitching depth at St. Paul. Others on the 40-man roster: RHP David Festa, RHP Zebby Matthews, RHP Travis Adams, LHP Brent Headrick, and RHP Marco Raya. Bullpen (8): RHP Jhoan Durán, RHP Griffin Jax, RHP Cole Sands, LHP Danny Coulombe, RHP Jorge Alcalá, RHP Brock Stewart, RHP Michael Tonkin, RHP Louis Varland, RHP Justin Topa (IL) There have been a few significant changes in the bullpen since the beginning of February. Brock Stewart entered camp with reports that he was a little behind in ramping up for the season. He’s on track to make the Opening Day roster, which helps the team’s late-inning depth. Justin Topa left his most recent appearance and was diagnosed with shoulder tightness. He missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, so he’s been limited to three appearances with the Twins. Rule 5 pick Eiberson Castellano has to stay on the 40-man roster or be offered back to the Phillies organization. There is also a chance the Twins could work on a trade to keep him in the organization. Louis Varland has been making one-inning appearances this spring and seems destined for a bullpen role. Others on the 40-man roster: LHP Kody Funderburk, RHP Matt Canterino Catchers (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez Minnesota loves to use a two-man catching rotation at the big-league level, so Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez should see the bulk of the playing time. The Twins have also added multiple catching options to the 40-man roster this winter, including former top prospect Diego Cartaya and utility man Mickey Gasper. Cartaya could be the heir apparent to Vázquez, especially since the Twins lack catching depth. Minnesota could start using a three-man catching rotation if any other catchers start producing at Triple-A. Others on 40-man roster: Jair Camargo, Diego Cartaya Infielders (7): Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Edouard Julien, Willi Castro, Ty France One of the last remaining position battles is what the Twins will do with second base. The Twins have split time between a group of players, and the team is still undecided on the plan to start the year. Brooks Lee could begin the year at Triple-A after struggling during his rookie campaign (64 OPS+) while playing through multiple injuries. Lee is healthy and hitting the ball hard this spring, so the Twins will find a way to keep him on the roster. If he makes the roster, that likely means that Austin Martin starts the year at Triple-A. Mickey Gasper has also been playing regularly this spring, so he could make the roster and push Lee or Julien to St. Paul. Others on 40-man roster: Mickey Gasper Outfielders (4): Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Harrison Bader The Twins decided to go with the defensive upside of Bader versus bringing in a different right-handed bat with more power. He will likely see some time in a corner outfield spot when facing left-handed starters. Larnach and Wallner were two of the team’s best hitters in the second half, and there is hope for each to build off that performance. Castro and Martin will also get time in the outfield during the season, especially when injuries arise. Emmanuel Rodriguez is a high-upside prospect to watch later in the season, but he’s dealing with an ankle injury this spring. Others on 40-man roster: Austin Martin, Emmanuel Rodriguez, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. While this roster seems likely to break camp with the team, there are still questions to answer in spring training. Will the Twins try to hang on to Castellano? Will other injuries impact the roster? With plenty of competition and depth waiting in the wings, the Twins will have decisions to make before Opening Day. Are these the 26 players who will come north with the Twins? What would your ideal lineup look like? Leave a comment and join the discussion. View full article

It would be interesting to get some of the behind the scenes details on how these rosters are created, especially since the Twins didn't include many of their top pitching prospects. I wonder how much pressure there is to get the team's top prospects into the game.

Last season, MLB created a new way for fans to get an up-close view of the game’s top prospects, by initiating Spring Breakout games. Here are the prospects Twins fans can get excited to see next week. Image courtesy of © Chris Tilley-Imagn Images Baseball's top prospects get an opportunity to take center stage for four days in March. From Mar. 13-16, sixteen exhibition games will be played between teams made up entirely of each club's top prospects. Fans can follow prospect lists and recognize the names of top players, but they often don’t get to see these players in action until they actually reach the majors. The Spring Breakout games allow organizations to showcase the prospects they hope to develop into future stars. The Twins Spring Breakout roster will face off against the Blue Jays' top prospects on Sat., Mar. 15 at 12:07 PM CT, at the Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, FL. The game will be broadcast on MLB.TV or MLB.com. So, who are the players fans can look forward to watching? Hitters Luke Keaschall, UTIL Keaschall is a consensus top-100 prospect who is returning from Tommy John surgery last August. He was the team’s Minor League Player of the Year, and ranks as the organization’s third-best prospect. It’s a good sign that the Twins are willing to let him participate in this game, after he ended last season with a serious injury. Kaelen Culpepper, SS Culpepper was Minnesota’s first-round pick in 2024. Many believe he can stick at shortstop, and he showcased elite contact rate and plate discipline in his pro debut. The 2025 season will be his first full campaign as a pro, and he has a chance to be a top-100 prospect by season’s end. Brandon Winokur, OF Winokur’s impressive athleticism and raw power have drawn attention since his selection in the third round of the 2023 draft. In 2024, as a 19-year-old, he spent the full season at Low A, posting a .249/.327/.434 slash line across 94 games, including 36 extra-base hits. The Twins will likely have him spend most of the season at High-A in 2025. Billy Amick, 3B Minnesota drafted Amick with their second-round pick in 2024, and his professional career began in the Florida State League. Over 18 games with Fort Myers, the 21-year-old slashed .222/.351/.413, with three doubles and three home runs. He showcased a well-rounded offensive profile, including nearly as many walks (12) as strikeouts. MLB Pipeline considered him among the game’s best third base prospects at the season's end. Diego Cartaya, C Cartaya was a former top prospect with the Dodgers, before joining the Twins in a trade this winter. There is a chance he could be the heir apparent to Christian Vázquez in Minnesota’s big-league catching duo. The Twins don’t have any standout catching prospects, so he has a chance to establish himself as the team’s catcher of the future. Others Hitters on the Roster: Ricardo Olivar, Rayne Doncon, Khadim Diaw, Jaime Ferrer, Dameury Pena, Danny De Andrade, Rubel Cespedes, Gabriel Gonzalez, Eduardo Beltre, Yasser Mercedes, Kala’i Rosario Pitchers Travis Adams, RHP Adams was a surprise addition to the Twins’ 40-man roster this winter. He also showed a lot of improvement this year, after struggling mightily in 2023 as a 23-year-old at Double A. He reduced his ERA from 5.66 to 3.67, earning a late-season promotion to Triple A, where he made four appearances. He throws strikes and gets ground balls, which can be a recipe for success at the big-league level. Kyle Bischoff, RHP In 2025, he moved from High A to Triple A and posted a 29.9% strikeout rate and a 10.0% walk rate in 61 1/3 innings. He was strictly used as a reliever, which could put him on the fast track to making his debut. The Twins like to rotate through different relief options at the big-league level, and his strikeout numbers are hard to ignore. Michael Martinez, RHP The Twins signed Martinez as a minor-league free agent this winter, coming from the Dodger organization. Last season, he made 38 relief appearances between High A and Double A. In 42 1/3 innings, he posted a 1.91 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and a 26.7% strikeout rate. Like Bischoff, he has a quick path to the big-league level if he can continue to overpower hitters in the upper minors. Jason Doktorczyk, RHP Minnesota drafted Doktorczyk in the 9th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, and he has yet to make his professional debut. In his final collegiate season, he posted a 3.95 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 84 1/3 innings. The Twins have had luck developing mid-to-late-round college arms into top pitching prospects, and this will be the first chance for fans to get eyes on Doktorczyk. Other Pitchers on the Roster: Tanner Hall, Jeremy Lee, Juan Mendez, Jaylen Nowlin, Wilker Reyes, Jacob Wosinski Some big names are obviously absent from this roster. Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are both dealing with ankle injuries. Marco Raya has a quad injury, and the Twins are slowly preparing him to get back into games. All three prospects could appear in games for the Twins this season, so that’s another reason for the Twins to be careful with their top players. The team is also electing to hold their next wave of young pitchers (Andrew Morris, Cory Lewis, and C.J. Culpepper, to name a few) out of the event, perhaps to let them each stay focused on ramping up and stretching out for big seasons ahead. What players stand out from the roster? Who are you most excited to see? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Minnesota is trusting that Carlos Correa will be healthier in 2025. If not, the shortstop depth behind him could be one of the team’s most significant flaws. Image courtesy of William Parmeter What is the Minnesota Twins’ shortstop depth behind Carlos Correa? The Minnesota Twins made a calculated decision this offseason when they prioritized adding a first baseman in Ty France rather than securing a veteran shortstop behind Carlos Correa. That move came with some risk, considering Correa’s recent injury history, and now the team’s shortstop depth remains one of the most significant question marks heading into the 2025 season. Correa played at an All-Star level last season, hitting .308/.377/.520 (.896) with 16 doubles and 13 home runs in 75 games. However, he was limited to 11 second-half games due to lingering plantar fasciitis issues, which also hampered his performance in 2023. He remains a difference-maker offensively and defensively when on the field, but the Twins have to prepare for the possibility that his lower-body problems could flare up again. Thankfully, the Twins seem optimistic about how Correa has looked this spring. “He looks great all the way around,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “I think he's one of those guys that just loves baseball, loves being at the ballpark, loves the work associated with baseball, it's not just bouncing around the field and having fun during infield, when he can show all the great things that he does.” Correa reiterated those comments to reporters. “I've been feeling really good. You know me. When you have those type of injuries, you spend the whole offseason, you have to focus every single day of the offseason on getting it right and talk to doctors. I saw a lot of people. We did a lot of PT. We found the right ingredients to get it right. I’m in a really good spot right now.” If Correa misses time, the first man up is Willi Castro. However, the Twins likely prefer to keep him in a super-utility role rather than locking him in at shortstop for an extended stretch. Last season, he played 56 games at shortstop, the most of any position. He was graded as having a 3 OAA but SABR’s SDI had him as the league’s second-worst shortstop (-5.2 SDI). Castro is a capable defender, but his defensive metrics at shortstop lag behind his play at other positions, and relying on him too heavily at the position could weaken the infield as a whole. Beyond Castro, the picture becomes murkier. Brooks Lee, the organization’s top infield prospect entering last season, had a rough rookie campaign, battling injuries and inconsistent performance. In 50 games, he hit .221/.265/.320 (.585) with 10 extra-base hits. He is viewed as a stronger shortstop defender than Castro but posted a -2 OAA that could be tied to his injury issues. The Twins remain high on his potential, and he will get every opportunity to prove himself this season. Some evaluators believe his long-term future is at third or second base, making his viability as a Correa backup uncertain. Complicating matters further, the Twins don’t have any other shortstops on their 40-man roster. In the upper minors, players like Ben Ross, Will Holland, Rayne Doncon, and Danny De Andrade could be options at some point in 2025, but none are MLB-ready at this stage. Kaelen Culpepper, a 2024 first-round pick, is the team’s top shortstop prospect, but he hasn’t played above High-A. The minor league rosters won’t be finalized until later in spring training, so it remains to be seen which players will be positioned as the next in line should depth issues arise. Given these uncertainties, it’s unsurprising that reports suggested the Twins had interest in adding a veteran shortstop earlier this offseason. Ultimately, the front office determined that shoring up first base with Ty France was a greater priority, leaving them to roll the dice with their in-house shortstop options. That gamble could pay off if Correa stays healthy, but if injuries resurface, the Twins could find themselves scrambling to patch one of the most critical positions on the field. Minnesota will bank on Correa’s ability to stay on the field and Castro’s flexibility to fill in when needed. But if 2025 unfolds like the past two seasons, don’t be surprised if the Twins are once again in the market for shortstop help before the trade deadline. Did the Twins need more shortstop depth behind Correa? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Despite some lackluster defense in 2024, the Minnesota Twins have doubled down on keeping their young slugger at third base. So, is this his last chance to stay at the hot corner long-term? Image courtesy of William Parmeter Royce Lewis was drafted as a shortstop, which seemed like the natural defensive home for the start of his career. However, a combination of factors have made third base his primary spot—including Carlos Correa’s presence at short; Lewis’s multiple knee injuries; and inconsistent reps at one position. The transition, though, has been anything but smooth. Last season, Lewis’s defensive struggles at third base were evident, particularly with his throwing. He often looked uncomfortable making strong, accurate throws across the diamond. He was worth 2 Outs Above Average (OAA) at third base last season, in 158 attempts. Among MLB third basemen, Lewis’s Statcast Arm Strength ranked 28th, at 84 mph. For some perspective, the top two third basemen (Christopher Morel and Trey Lipscomb) both averaged 90.3 mph or higher with their throws. According to FanGraphs, Lewis made six throwing errors in 411 2/3 innings at third base in 2024. Only five third basemen had more throwing errors, but those players all had significantly more innings at third. Some of his issues stem from footwork inconsistencies, which impact his ability to make repeatable and fluid throws. Despite these concerns, the Twins remain committed to helping him improve. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli recently spoke about Lewis’s defensive work this offseason. “Ramon [Borrego] is doing a nice job with those guys getting them a lot of reps, a lot of focused reps," Baldelli told reporters at spring training this week. "They are working hard. They’re working in the mornings on top of the work that they get in team defensive drills.” The team is hoping that additional reps and a focus on fundamentals will help smooth out Lewis's game at third. One of the primary areas of focus is his footwork, which directly impacts his throwing mechanics and accuracy. “Royce wants to keep getting better in all aspects of his game. He’s working hard in the field,” said Baldelli. “He’s working hard on his footwork, which leads to a repeatable arm stroke and accuracy. That’s the way infield goes. Playing infield well starts with your feet, in many respects.” The natural athleticism that once made Lewis a highly touted shortstop prospect has been somewhat hampered by his injuries. While he still possesses decent speed and reaction time, the multiple knee surgeries have likely diminished some of his explosiveness. That, coupled with the challenge of learning a new position at the highest level, makes this a crucial season for Lewis defensively. If Lewis struggles again at third, the Twins might be forced to reevaluate his long-term defensive future. In recent years, the Twins have seen a development issue, with three of their top shortstop prospects moving closer to utility roles. Lewis, Brooks Lee, and Austin Martin were all first-round draft picks who ranked highly on national top-100 lists. Lewis and Martin likely won’t get any more time at shortstop in their careers. Lee still has a chance to fill in at shortstop, but he seems destined for a different long-term defensive home. The Twins still view Lewis and his bat as a critical part of the lineup. However, his time at the hot corner might end if he cannot remedy some of his flaws from last season. There is the potential to move him to second base, or even to see more time at designated hitter—a position the Twins like to rotate players through. In the long run, the team would undoubtedly prefer to see him settle in as an everyday third baseman and make some of their other defensive decisions more challenging. Outside of Lewis, the Twins have multiple other options for third base. José Miranda played significant time at third last season, while Lewis was injured. His defense is considered worse than Lewis's, so he will likely get reps at first base and DH. Willi Castro and Brooks Lee are also in the hot corner conversation, if Lewis shows some of the same flaws as last season. Top prospect Luke Keaschall is returning from Tommy John surgery last August, but many believe he can be a long-term third base option. The Twins will be careful with him in the season’s early months, but he could be an option for the big-league squad in the second half. Lewis’s talent is undeniable, and his work ethic suggests he’s determined to make it work at third base. But as the Twins continue their push for contention, they need consistency at the hot corner. This season might be Lewis’s final chance to prove he can provide that stability. What does Lewis need to do this season to stick at third base? Who will be the team’s third baseman in five years? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Three of Minnesota’s top five prospects have suffered injuries during spring training. What are their prognoses, and when can we expect to see them back on the field? Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Jenkins, Raya), Rob Thompson (Rodriguez) Recently, I wrote about the Twins having a disturbing trend of top prospects being injured during critical development years. Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, and Alex Kirilloff are just a few of the team’s top-ranked prospects whose injuries significantly impacted their big-league careers. Minor injuries can slow development timelines, but the cumulative effect of multiple injuries can take a much greater toll. Hopefully, this group will escape that fate, but for now, we need to stay abreast of the issues with which they're already dealing. Walker Jenkins, OF TD Top Prospect Rank: 1 Injury: Left ankle sprain Jenkins was diagnosed with a mild ankle sprain, sustained when jumping for a ball during spring training. The Athletic's Dan Hayes reported that Jenkins will be barred from baseball activities while the injury heals. It's considered a minor injury, but it's still disappointing after his 2024 season was also disrupted by injuries. Last year, he suffered a hamstring injury in the season opener and was sidelined until May 20. Even with a delayed start, he was able to move from Low–A Ft. Myers to Double-A Wichita by the season’s end. “He’s just working his way back, but we don’t think it’s going to impact him in terms of being ready for the season,” Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said. “We’re getting close. … I don’t know if it’ll literally be for the first minor-league game, but he’ll be in a good spot, as games are getting close, to get built up.” Return Timeline: The club reports that he is one to two weeks behind. He may be able to play in games on the minor-league side before the end of March. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF TD Top Prospect Rank: 2 Injury: Sprained left ankle Rodriguez has been sidelined since the middle of February with a sprained ankle that the Twins are calling a Grade 2 sprain. That means it’s a worse sprain than the one suffered by Jenkins. He’s also spent the offseason recovering from thumb surgery, due to a ligament tear. In 2024, he was limited to 47 games because of the recurring thumb issue. Minnesota continued to be aggressive with his promotion and moved him to Triple-A St. Paul to end the year. Rodriguez is a global top-40 prospect, but he’s been limited to fewer than 100 games in every professional season. He might have the highest ceiling in the Twins organization, but injuries have limited his ability to showcase his five-tool talent. Return Timeline: He is beginning a running progression and is further behind the other two. His return from a thumb injury is also slowing him down. He might not be ready for the season’s start, especially if the club wants to prevent him from playing in colder weather. Marco Raya, RHP TD Top Prospect Rank: 5 Injury: Strained left quadriceps Raya was scheduled to pitch in Friday’s Grapefruit League game, but he suffered a left quad strain during his bullpen session, leading into the game. During his professional career, the Twins have aggressively promoted Raya, even while limiting his pitch count and innings. In his first 55 career appearances, there was only one time when he threw more than 75 pitches. The Twins let him cross the 75-pitch mark in multiple appearances at the end of last season, so it becomes a balancing act of keeping pitchers healthy while also building a starter’s workload. It will be a critical season for Raya to prove he can increase his innings and pitch count. Return Timeline: The club reports that he should throw to hitters this week and pitch in a game next week. He should return to play before Jenkins and Rodriguez. All three of these prospects have the potential to impact the Twins roster this season, especially since Rodriguez and Raya finished last season at Triple-A. Health and performance are key for any player trying to break into the big leagues. Unfortunately, this trio is already behind to start the year, even if they are minor injuries. Which prospect’s injury history should the club be most worried about? What are your expectations for this trio? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Every franchise experiences transitions, where one generation of players gives way to the next. For the Minnesota Twins, Byron Buxton represents the final piece of a group that once promised sustained success. Image courtesy of William Parmeter When the Twins drafted Byron Buxton, many expected him to develop into the face of the franchise. He quickly vaulted to the top of national prospect lists and showcased his five-tool talent. However, he came through the minors with a group of prospects who were supposed to join him in defining a generation. As with any group, there are highs and lows on the way to sustained success at the big-league level. Now, Buxton is the last piece of the 2010s core. “I mean, in a lot of ways it makes sense that he's the last, last guy here. You know, he's what? He's roughly the same age as those guys, maybe a year younger than those guys.” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “They were all … very important members of the organization. But no, it's with Buck's ability and his age and what he's still doing on the field. It's not surprising to me that he's still a Twin, and hopefully still a Twin for a long time.” As Buxton leads the new Twins core, let’s look back at the generation that developed around him. It’s worth asking: Was 2019 the high point for that group? Or did the 2023 playoff breakthrough serve as their defining moment? The answer might reveal something about the staying power of the new generation of which Buxton is now also a part. The Last of the 2010s Core The group that Buxton represents came together in the mid-2010s, a blend of highly-touted draft picks and international signings. The likes of Miguel Sanó, Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, José Berríos, and Eddie Rosario formed the backbone of a Twins team that, at its peak, looked like a perennial playoff contender. While Berríos and Rosario played key roles in the early success, Buxton always had the talent to separate himself from the others. Buxton was ranked first or second on the top three national lists from 2014 through 2016. Sanó peaked at sixth overall entering the 2014 season, while Kepler, Polanco, and Berríos were top-100 prospects in 2016. Rosario was considered a top-100 prospect in 2012 and 2014. With high expectations for this group, there are two clear seasons for when this group may have peaked as a team. 2019 vs. 2023: Which Was the High Point? In some ways, 2019 was the culmination of their potential. That season, Minnesota’s “Bomba Squad” shattered MLB home run records on the way to 101 wins and an AL Central title. Sanó, Kepler, and Rosario all hit 30 or more home runs that season. Berríos led the pitching staff with over 200 innings pitched and a 123 ERA+. But as exhilarating as that season was, the abrupt three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees reinforced an all-too-familiar narrative: The Twins simply couldn’t get it done in October. If 2019 represented the peak of that group’s offensive firepower, 2023 was something different. While the likes of Sanó and Rosario were gone, holdovers like Buxton, Polanco, and Kepler remained. But the key difference? A new generation had begun to take over. Minnesota rode a trio of star rookies (Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner) to late-season success. Other homegrown talent (like Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, and Jhoan Durán) were also key pieces in Minnesota’s first playoff series victory in over two decades. In many ways, the 2023 season was more similar to 2006 than 2019. That 2006 Twins squad still had remnants of the Tom Kelly era, with players like Torii Hunter, Brad Radke, and Johan Santana, but had fully embraced a new core of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Francisco Liriano. Likewise, the 2023 Twins featured the last pieces of the 2019 Bomba Squad, but were clearly shifting toward a future built around younger talent. Buxton’s Place in History Buxton’s career has been a rollercoaster of breathtaking highlights and frustrating injuries. In many ways, he is the ultimate symbol of what could have been for his generation. Due to his health, his MVP-caliber talent has never fully materialized over a sustained stretch. And now, entering 2025, the Twins hope he can build off his first healthy offseason in over half a decade. Regardless of how the next few seasons unfold, Buxton remains the bridge between two Twins eras. When his time with the franchise eventually ends, it will officially close the book on the group that delivered the Bomba Squad’s record-breaking power but fell short of true postseason glory. The new generation, led by Lewis and a deep pitching core, is poised to write its own chapter—one that Twins fans hope includes more than just regular-season dominance. So, was 2019 the high point of the last generation? Or was it 2023, with the long-awaited playoff breakthrough? The answer depends on how you define success. But one thing is certain: Byron Buxton, the last of his generation, is now playing for a team that belongs to the next. Which season was the high point of the previous generation? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Minnesota’s core right-handed bats are clear when it comes to lineup construction. The supplemental right-handed bats might prove to be problematic. Did the Twins make the correct right-handed hitting choices? Image courtesy of William Parmeter The Minnesota Twins made a calculated decision this offseason. Instead of chasing a right-handed power bat, they prioritized upgrading their defense and filling other needs. It’s an approach that makes sense on paper, especially given the team’s struggles with strikeouts and inconsistent defense in 2024. However, as the dust settles on their offseason moves, there’s a lingering question: Did the Twins bet on the correct right-handed bats to carry their offense? The top right-handed hitters in the Twins’ lineup don’t need much introduction. Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis are expected to be major contributors. If healthy, Correa and Buxton have MVP potential, and Lewis has shown flashes of being a superstar. Minnesota’s season will depend on the health and performance of this group. Other right-handed regulars project to include José Miranda and the team's catching duo of Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez. Jeffers and Miranda offer some potential upside, but the depth behind them is where concerns arise. Evaluating the Right-Handed Bench Bats Minnesota’s other right-handed options are Harrison Bader, Ty France, Willi Castro, and Austin Martin, who will all play significant roles in 2025. The issue? None of them project to bring much right-handed power to the table, and their offensive ceilings are limited. Harrison Bader: Bader was brought in for his elite defense, particularly in center field. Undoubtedly, he will be valuable on that side of the ball, but his offensive track record is spotty. Last season, he hit .236/.284/.373 (.675) with an 86 OPS+ in 143 games. He’s posted a sub-.700 OPS in three consecutive seasons, and the 2021 season was his last with an OPS+ above 100. Expecting Bader to be anything more than a bottom-of-the-order hitter is optimistic. Ty France: The Twins’ most significant offensive addition was France, who struggled in Seattle and Cincinnati last season. It was the first time since 2019, his rookie season, that he had posted a below 100 OPS+. He put up a career-low .703 OPS with just 13 home runs. While he has a solid hit tool and on-base ability, he lacks the raw power typically expected from a corner infielder. If he can return to his 2020-22 form (127 OPS+), he might save the right-handed bats, but that’s far from a guarantee. Willi Castro: The switch-hitter was one of the Twins’ most versatile players last season, playing at least 20 games at five different defensive positions. He was named team MVP and was a first-time All-Star. Against left-handed pitchers, he struggled with an OPS that was nearly 60 points lower than when batting against righties. He’s a great piece to have, but the Twins might benefit from using him more sparingly against southpaws. Austin Martin: Martin is not guaranteed to make the Opening Day roster, but the Twins will likely need to rely on him at different points throughout the 2025 campaign. During his rookie season, he posted an OPS 17 points lower against lefties despite being a right-handed hitter. One of his most significant question marks as a prospect was his ability to hit for power. His speed and on-base skills make him a useful player, but the Twins can’t bank on him to provide a right-handed thump. Did the Twins Make the “Right” Bet? By prioritizing defense and versatility, the Twins built a roster with fewer holes, but they may have sacrificed too much offensive upside from their right-handed bats. There’s a clear path where this decision pays off if France rebounds, Martin exceeds expectations, and the big three stay healthy. But that’s a lot of ‘ifs’ for a team looking to contend in the AL Central. Minnesota still has time to adjust. The trade deadline could offer an opportunity to add a genuine right-handed power threat if it becomes clear that their current options aren’t cutting it. Right-handed power has been a glaring hole in recent years, and the front office has not prioritized it. For now, the Twins are betting on contact and athleticism rather than raw power from the right side. Whether that gamble pays off will go a long way in determining their success in 2025. Should the Twins have focused more on adding right-handed power? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins have 10 or more starting pitchers projected to start the year at Triple-A. Who will don a Saints uniform, and how will the organization balance that depth to start the year? The Twins' pitching pipeline may have finally been cranked all the way open. Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints Organizations strive to build a pitching pipeline, and the Minnesota Twins enter the 2025 season with an enviable amount of starting pitching depth at the Triple-A level. Prospects like David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Marco Raya, and Travis Adams highlight a deep collection of arms, and the organization’s approach to managing this talent will be key to its success. Instead of a traditional five-man rotation, the Saints are expected to deploy a piggyback system early in the season. This means starters will likely be capped at 40-50 pitches per outing in the season’s early weeks. Then, those pitchers will be followed by another multi-inning arm, to maximize the number of innings and gradually build up the arms. Given the abundance of arms with starting experience, this method allows the Twins to ensure pitchers get their work in, while also limiting early-season wear and tear, especially in cold weather. Beyond the core group of pitching prospects, several non-roster invitees in Twins camp could factor into the Saints’ plans. Huascar Ynoa, Andrew Morris, Cory Lewis, Randy Dobnak, and Darren McCaughan provide additional depth and could slot into either primary starter or piggyback roles. Morris and Lewis rank among the organization’s best pitching prospects, so there is a chance the team will have them start at Double A to get more regular work. Lewis made one Triple-A start last season, while Morris pitched over 33 innings for the Saints. Ynoa, Dobnak, and McCaughan have all pitched at the big-league level and provide veteran organizational depth. This flexibility allows the organization to balance workload management with competition for potential big-league opportunities later in the year. Simeon Woods Richardson is also a wild card in the discussion for the Saints' rotation to begin the year. Some believe he has the inside track for the parent club's final rotation spot, after a rookie campaign where he pitched better than expected. Across 133 2/3 innings, Woods Richardson struck out 20.6% of batters and held an ERA of 4.17. His ERA was significantly lower before the season’s final month, when he pitched past his career high in innings. It sounds like the Twins are holding an open competition for the team’s final rotation spot, though, and that could leave Woods Richardson back in St. Paul to start the 2025 campaign. One of the bigger storylines is how the Twins handle Louis Varland and Matt Canterino. Both pitchers have the stuff to be major-league starters, but with the organization’s starting pitching depth, they're overwhelmingly likely to transition into bullpen roles. Varland has previously seen success as a reliever, and Canterino’s high-octane arsenal could also play up in shorter stints. How the Twins deploy these two talented arms will be crucial for their development and impact on the major-league roster. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli spoke highly of Canterino earlier this spring. “He's got a good, really talented arm, you know, and he's a guy that can do a lot of things," Baldelli told reporters. "And, you get a guy like that healthy and on a little bit of a roll. You do not have to squint too hard to see him getting a ton of swing and miss at the big-league level.” Baldelli also discussed Varland in the same interview. “He's not preparing for one role in particular. He's a guy that can adapt very quickly if we needed him to. I think it's very possible that we see a good amount of him out of the bullpen this year. We've seen the way he looks when he pitches out of the bullpen, but I'm not ready to say 100 percent locked in that Louie will pitch there.” Managing innings and pitch counts is challenging for every organization in the modern baseball world. For example, the Twins have aggressively promoted Marco Raya while limiting his pitch count and innings. In his first 55 career appearances, there was only one time when he threw more than 75 pitches. The Twins let him cross the 75-pitch mark in multiple appearances at the end of last season, so it becomes a balancing act of keeping pitchers healthy while also building a starter’s workload. With so much pitching depth, the Saints' staff should be one of the most intriguing in all of Triple-A baseball. If the Twins manage their talent correctly, the depth at St. Paul could pay dividends at the big-league level as the season progresses. Is this the start of Minnesota's pitching pipeline? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The scars of 2024’s collapse won’t disappear until the Twins start winning games. To begin that healing process, though, requires lots of work before those wins can accumulate. Image courtesy of William Parmeter (Photo of Matt Borgschulte) How will the Twins rebound from their 2024 collapse? Last season, Minnesota looked destined for October baseball, before an unfathomable 12-27 finish left them watching the playoffs from home. The frustration lingers, but spring training is about new beginnings. Here are some ways the Twins are looking to avoid another collapse. Chip On Their Shoulder Baseball is a game where players can ill afford to dwell on the past. One bad pitch or at-bat must quickly be put behind a player, so they can focus on the next critical moment. However, Minnesota’s collapse was one of the most disappointing seasons in team history. Those involved with the organization will continue to be asked about the end of last season. Derek Falvey, the Twins' president of baseball operations, was recently asked if the collapse left a bitter taste in the team’s mouth. "No question. I think it fueled us throughout the offseason," Falvey said. "It fueled the work that these players did. It fueled the work the coaches did behind the scenes as far as preparing for the season. It fueled us in the front office to think about what we can do to be better." Losing can be great motivation during the offseason, but that can only carry a team so far. The Twins project to have one of baseball’s best bullpens, but even great relievers will burn out from overuse. To find more consistency, Minnesota will need to focus on other areas when the season begins. New Hitting Philosophy The 2024 Twins showed the ability to hit for power, but ran into serious issues when making contact in key moments. That’s where Matt Borgschulte comes in. Returning to the organization as a hitting coach, he brings a fresh focus to Minnesota’s offensive approach. Borgschulte visited key players this winter, including Byron Buxton, Royce Lewis, and Edouard Julien, to prepare them for the new season. While the Twins will always have power hitters, they may be moving away from an all-or-nothing approach. Instead of living and dying by the home run, there’s an emphasis on making more consistent contact, especially late in counts. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli did some offseason introspection, which led to a philosophy shift, prioritizing versatility and situational hitting. "We did make some staff changes. We have a new hitting department that we're going to unleash with our players in spring training," Baldelli revealed. "The goals heading into spring training for our team are to talk about approach and to talk about how to win games when you don't hit two home runs." Falvey reiterated that hitting philosophy. "I will say, I think our guys have thought about how to start winning games that we lost last year," he said. "We were waiting for that one big three-run homer at different times, to the point that maybe guys put a little too much pressure on themselves. “I think, this year, there has been a concerted effort among the hitting guys to just figure out a way to grind out different types of at-bats,” Falvey continued. “You don’t always have to wait for the three-run homer. Sometimes, you just have to find a way to move the line along. You get to hit, then you move on to the next guy. You take a walk, then you move on to the next guy. I think our guys are talking about that kind of offensive approach." This shift could be crucial for a team that struggled with runners in scoring position and other missed opportunities in 2024. If the Twins can put the ball in play more often in high-leverage situations, they’ll have a much better shot at bouncing back in 2025. With a talented roster and a new mindset at the plate, the question has to be focused on how they will rebound when another offensive slump hits the team. Staying Healthy for the Stretch Run One of the biggest reasons for the Twins' 2024 collapse was the absence of key players in the second half. Injuries took a significant toll, with Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton, and Carlos Correa all missing significant time. All three players were playing at or near an All-Star level in the first half, and there weren’t suitable replacements on the roster. Their absences weakened both the lineup and the pitching staff, making it difficult for the team to sustain success down the stretch. A healthy Ryan stabilizes the rotation, as he has shown ace-like potential when at full strength. Buxton, one of the most dynamic players in baseball, needs to stay on the field to provide elite defense and game-changing power. Correa is arguably the team’s best overall player and will be relied upon to anchor the infield and deliver in big moments. For the Twins to truly put 2024 behind them, they must keep their stars on the field. Improved injury prevention strategies, smarter workload management, and a little luck could go a long way in ensuring that Minnesota has its best players available when it matters most. A healthy core gives the Twins their best shot at contending deep into the season and beyond. Are there other ways the Twins can avoid a collapse in 2025? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Leadership and clubhouse culture are a tricky balance, especially if a team isn’t performing up to expectations. For Byron Buxton, leadership is even more critical with the Twins young core. Image courtesy of William Parmeter Byron Buxton has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Twins organization for nearly a decade. Still, his view on leadership remains the same as when he first walked into the clubhouse as a highly touted rookie. As the Twins prepare for another season, Buxton finds himself in a role that naturally carries leadership expectations. However, he isn't changing who he is just because of a new label. "Go about my business. I'm not about to change just because I'm put in a new role. Like when you change, that's when things don't go your way. So I'm still the same person I was when I walked in here as a rookie," Buxton explained in a recent interview on WCCO radio with Jason DeRusha. It wasn't long ago that Buxton was the young player looking up to clubhouse veterans for guidance. When he debuted in 2015, the Twins had an established group of leaders, including Joe Mauer, Brian Dozier, Trevor Plouffe, and Torii Hunter. Hunter, in particular, played a pivotal role in helping young players like Buxton navigate their first experiences in the big leagues. The veteran outfielder had returned to Minnesota for one final season, bringing a wealth of experience and an infectious energy that permeated the clubhouse. At the time, Hunter clarified that relationships are at the heart of leadership. "I try to reach out to guys and get a chance to know everybody," Hunter said. "But you can't just go up to guys and say, 'Hey, do it this way.' You have to build a relationship up so they'll listen to you. And that's what Spring Training is for." By 2016, Hunter had retired, but Mauer, Dozier, and Plouffe remained. That season proved difficult for the Twins, who finished with the worst record in baseball, but it was also a time of growth for players like Buxton. In 92 games, he hit .225/.284/.430 (.714) with 19 doubles, six triples, and 10 home runs. He also learned valuable lessons about perseverance and professionalism, which helped shape his leadership approach today. "Yeah, I'm a leader, but to these guys, I'm just one of the teammates, one of the brothers that they can come up and talk to," Buxton told WCCO. "When you put a title on it and you have young guys that come in here, they feel different, like they can't talk to you, and that's how it was when I came up. I'm not going to be like that. I want you to be able to talk, communicate, and do whatever you want to do and make yourself better as a player but also as a person because this game is going to end." Buxton's words carry weight, especially for the young core of players looking to establish themselves in the majors. The 2025 Twins have a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars, and Buxton's presence provides a steadying influence. This is one of the reasons the Twins were willing to sign him to an extension to keep him in Minnesota. His approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity. He's not the type to deliver fiery speeches or command attention in the locker room. Instead, he leads by example, showing younger players what it takes to succeed at the highest level. As one of the longest-tenured Twins, Buxton understands the ups and downs of a major league career. Injuries have plagued him throughout his time in Minnesota, but his perseverance has never wavered. They can see the way he prepares his body on a daily basis. That resilience is something his teammates undoubtedly notice and respect. While his role may have evolved, Buxton remains committed to being the same person he's always been. That consistency and his natural ability to connect with teammates make him a leader in every sense of the word. And for a team looking to build something special, that type of leadership might be exactly what they need. Does Buxton’s style of leadership work for the current clubhouse? Should other veterans have helped Buxton more when he was younger? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article