Cody Christie

Image courtesy of Brad Rempel-Imagn Images The Minnesota Twins and their fans find themselves in a tough spot. Following a massive trade deadline sell-off and ownership’s decision to halt a potential sale of the team, frustration is running high across Twins Territory. Combine that with inconsistent play on the field, and the result has been heavily felt in the stands at Target Field. Setting the Wrong Kind of Record Tuesday night’s home game against the Chicago White Sox painted a sobering picture. On a beautiful 75-degree evening, the Twins announced a crowd of 11,721 fans, a number that was boosted thanks to about 300 dogs for “Bark at the Park Night.” That figure marked the lowest September attendance in Target Field history, breaking the old mark of 14,222 set in 2021. It wasn’t just a blip. This year’s overall home attendance is on pace to finish at 1.8 million fans, down from 1.95 million last season. That drop would make 2025 the lowest-attended full season in Target Field’s 16-year history. For a franchise that relies heavily on season-ticket sales locked in before the year even begins, that trend is concerning as the organization looks ahead to 2026. Much of next season’s attendance picture will be shaped by what happens this winter. The Twins’ season-ticket base has long been the backbone of Target Field crowds, and if renewals decline sharply, it will be challenging to avoid swaths of empty seats next year. The challenge is not only convincing fans to come back, but also rebuilding trust in an era where patience has worn thin. That’s no small task, but it’s not impossible. 5 Ways to Bring Fans Back Winning is always the best cure for empty seats, but the Twins can take specific steps to avoid Target Field looking like a ghost town next season: 1. Keep Core Players in Place Fans need to see a commitment to competing. Holding on to pitchers like Pablo López and Joe Ryan (instead of shopping them around) would send a strong message that the front office still believes in this roster’s potential. 2. Promote Young Talent Early Minnesota has some of baseball’s most exciting prospects, and fans want to see them. Giving players like Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez a chance to debut early in 2026 would inject energy and buzz around the club. An offseason extension for Jenkins (a la the one Jackson Chourio signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2023), though unlikely, would be an especially compelling and concrete way to ratchet up anticipation for his arrival. 3. Be Active in Free Agency The Twins don’t need to spend like the Dodgers to win back fans, but targeted moves—especially on offense—could help build credibility. Adding veterans who can make an immediate impact would show that the organization isn’t simply focused on cutting costs. After dumping payroll at the deadline, there should be room to add salary for next season. Some substantial number of fans won't believe the team is serious about winning again until they splash some cash; ownership needs to demonstrate that they understand that. 4. Enhance the Fan Experience When the team struggles, the ballpark can still be a draw. Keeping concessions affordable, improving season-ticket perks, and expanding family-friendly promotions could help keep fans engaged, even when the standings aren’t as kind. The Colorado Rockies are one of baseball’s worst teams and still draw an average of over 30,000 fans per game. Despite underinvestment in the roster and sluggish attendance, the Twins rank in the middle of the pack in affordability; they can and should make it more affordable for working-class fans and families to come to the park. 5. Communicate a Clear Direction Transparency matters. Whether the Twins view 2026 as a retooling season or believe they can contend, fans want honesty. Clear communication from leadership can help manage expectations and show that the franchise values its supporters. Target Field Attendance By Season 2024 1.95 million 2023 1.97 million 2022 1.80 million 2020-21 (COVID) 1.31 million 2019 2.30 million 2018 1.96 million 2017 2.05 million A Crossroads Moment Target Field has been one of MLB’s most beautiful venues since it opened in 2010, but its charm alone can’t fill the seats. Fans want to believe in this team again, and they’ve proven in the past that they’ll show up when there’s excitement on the field and accountability in the front office. The Twins now face a critical offseason. If they can find the right balance between developing young stars, retaining proven players, and showing real investment in the product, they’ll give fans reasons to come back. If not, the sight of empty seats and even the occasional barking fan could become all too familiar in 2026. How else can the Twins get more fans into the seats for 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Sports Reference, home of Baseball Reference, is running a fun project this week, encouraging fans to “remember some players.” The idea is simple: instead of always focusing on Hall of Famers or MVPs, take a moment to appreciate the quirky, flawed, and sometimes frustrating players who shaped the fabric of baseball fandom. With that in mind, I decided to put my own spin on the exercise. My first instinct was to jot down some of the greats of the last quarter-century (e.g. Joe Mauer, Johan Santana, Joe Nathan), but those names are etched deep in Twins lore already. Instead, let’s highlight another side of Twins history: the players who made you hold your breath (for all the wrong reasons) whenever a ball came their way. Here are the nine worst defenders for the Twins since 2000, based on FanGraphs’ DEF metric and a little common sense. 9. Josh Willingham, LF FanGraphs: -20.8 DEF Nobody signed Willingham for his defense. The “Hammer” arrived in 2012 and immediately delivered 35 home runs, a Silver Slugger, and some much-needed pop in the Twins’ lineup. Unfortunately, his work in left field was as lumbering as it was uninspiring. Slow jumps and stiff routes didn’t stop him from being a fan favorite, but he was a liability with the glove. 8. Kurt Suzuki, C FanGraphs: -23.8 DEF Suzuki provided a steady veteran presence behind the plate, and his All-Star selection in 2014 was a memorable moment, especially catching Glen Perkins’s save in front of a packed Target Field. But Suzuki’s defensive shortcomings were apparent. He routinely allowed more stolen bases than any catcher in the league, and his arm wasn’t scaring anyone. Still, he found ways to stick, thanks to his on-base skills and clubhouse presence. 7. Jacque Jones, RF FanGraphs: -25.3 DEF At first glance, seeing Jones here might raise eyebrows. After all, he was a central piece in the early-2000s resurgence, posting strong offensive seasons and bringing energy to the top of the order. But defensive metrics weren’t kind to him. His long tenure in right field led to a significant accumulation of negative value. Still, his bat and personality helped overshadow the flaws. 6. Justin Morneau, 1B FanGraphs: -63.2 DEF The former MVP and face of the franchise was a steady hitter, but the metrics don’t love his glove. Morneau logged nearly 10,000 innings at first base, far more than almost anyone else on this list, which inflated the negative total. He was never a butcher, but rather slightly below average over the course of his long career. The sheer playing time pushes him up these rankings, though his bat will always define his legacy. 5. Miguel Sanó, 3B/1B FanGraphs: -33.3 DEF (combined) Sanó’s defensive journey mirrored his rollercoaster career. Signed as a shortstop, he slid down the defensive spectrum with each passing year. Third base didn’t stick, his outfield experiment was forgettable, and first base became his long-term home—though “home” might be generous. He had power in his bat, but his glove often left Twins fans wishing for a DH-only role. 4. Ryan Doumit, C FanGraphs: -33.8 DEF Doumit’s time in Minnesota was short but, defensively, unforgettable in the worst way. He was among the league’s worst catchers at throwing out runners, and advanced metrics like Defensive Runs Saved rated him harshly. In less than 900 innings behind the plate, he posted one of the ugliest defensive profiles in Twins history. He's become an infamous example of the importance of understanding pitch framing, because he was so bad that as soon as those numbers proliferated, he lost his place behind the dish. Per inning, it’s tough to find anyone worse. 3. Delmon Young, LF FanGraphs: -62.8 DEF Young’s defense was infamous. His routes were comically poor, his throws often sailed offline, and his effort level was, at best, inconsistent. He brought occasional offensive bursts, but in the field, fans often groaned before the ball even landed. Defensive stats back up the eye test, because Young’s glove was a drag on the roster. 2. Jason Kubel, RF/LF FanGraphs: -65.8 DEF (combined) Kubel was once a five-tool prospect, but a devastating knee injury in the Arizona Fall League derailed that trajectory. The speed and range he once had never returned, and he became a corner outfielder/DH type earlier than expected. His bat kept him in the lineup, but his glove remained a liability. He finishes with one of the lowest defensive WAR totals of any Twin in the modern era. 1. Michael Cuddyer, RF/1B FanGraphs: -78.1 DEF (combined) This one might sting. Cuddyer was a two-time All-Star, a leader in the clubhouse, and a versatile hitter who carved out a long MLB career. But defensively? The numbers are brutal. Whether in right field or at first base, he graded as well below average. While fans remember his professionalism and bat, his glove was consistently a drag. Baseball Reference backs it up with a -10.1 dWAR. He may have been beloved, but he was never smooth in the field. Defense isn’t everything, and many of these players had productive careers despite their shortcomings with the glove. But it’s worth remembering the moments that made fans cringe, too. That’s part of what makes baseball so much fun: the highs, the lows, and the players we’ll never forget (for better or worse). Do you agree with this ranking? Who would you include in your own list of the Twins’ worst defenders? Share your thoughts in the comments below. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, Saint Paul Saints (Photo of Kendry Rojas) At this year’s trade deadline, the Minnesota Twins made a series of deals that reshaped both the big-league roster and the minor-league system. With Jhoan Duran, Harrison Bader, Danny Coulombe, Willi Castro, and Louis Varland shipped out, the organization received a wave of prospects who are already making their mark. But as Twins fans know well, talent acquisition is only step one. Development and adjustment are where organizations separate themselves. On the most recent episode of Inside Twins, Director of Player Development Drew MacPhail pulled back the curtain on how the Twins are working to maximize these new pieces. Eduardo Tait – The Headliner Catching Prospect The biggest name coming over in the Duran deal with Philadelphia was Tait, a teenager who is already a consensus top-five catching prospect in baseball. Just 19 years old, Tait’s aggressive High-A assignment at Cedar Rapids has not slowed him down offensively. MacPhail emphasized that the key for Tait isn’t reining him in, but sharpening his approach. “I think with Tait, the next sort of step for his development is continuing to refine his approach. That doesn’t mean swinging less," he clarified. "It’s just sort of trying to hone in on what’s your approach, given how this pitcher is going to attack you and how his pitches move. And how are you going to try and be as aggressive as possible over the heart of the plate and leave the edges to the pitcher.” It’s rare to see a catching prospect this young thrive against advanced competition, and the Twins are letting him attack without undue restraint. In recent years, the Twins have seen a similar approach from other top prospects like Jose Miranda and Brooks Lee. Those two players have struggled to find consistency at the big-league level, but the Twins believe Tait has plenty of time to develop. Hendry Mendez – Bat-First, with Defensive Questions Mendez, part of the Bader deal, has been scorching Texas League pitching, hitting around .340 with Double-A Wichita. He’s younger than nearly everyone he’s facing, which makes his production stand out even more. The Twins see his offensive profile as legitimate, but they know his glove will dictate his future role. “No question that the bat plays,” MacPhail said. “It’s about improving his route efficiency in the outfield. We are also exploring a little bit of first base with Hendry to open up his options defensively so he can find a position to stick with in the big leagues.” It’s interesting to hear the Twins talk about a prospect shifting to first base, since the club has seen a revolving door at that position in recent years. Mendez has a bat that can fit in any position, if he learns to get the ball off the ground more. First base might be his ticket to regular MLB at-bats, and as a lanky 6-foot-3 left-handed thrower, he's a prototypical fit for the gig. Garrett Horn – A Lefty with Spin and Velocity From Texas in the Coulombe deal, Horn has wasted little time impressing at Cedar Rapids. Opponents are hitting under .200 against him, and he’s showing mid-90s velocity from the left side with the ability to spin it. Coming off Tommy John surgery, he's in a period of slow buildup; the Twins are being deliberate with his usage. “With him, it’s focusing on continuing to refine his pitch arsenal. Throwing pitches in-zone a little bit earlier in counts,” said MacPhail. Horn already looks like a potential big-league bullpen weapon, but the Twins will stretch him as far as his command allows. Ryan Gallagher & Sam Armstrong – Double-A Depth with Upside In the Castro deal with Chicago, the Twins grabbed two Double-A arms in Gallagher and Armstrong, both of whom had already logged 100+ innings this season. Gallagher’s fastball/slider combo stands out, while Armstrong brings a deeper arsenal. MacPhail noted that Gallagher’s slider, in particular, was underutilized with the Cubs. “His slider actually gets the most miss of any pitch in his arsenal. He wasn’t throwing it a ton with the Cubs, so I think that was one area that we saw that we could uptick that in terms of usage.” On Armstrong, it’s about sorting through the menu of pitches to find a path to more whiffs. MacPhail said, “He has really impressive pitches, and a lot of them. I think there’s, again, as I kind of referenced with the usages, some things we can kind of tinker a little bit there to get more swing-and-miss out of him.” Both pitchers are striking out fewer batters since coming over from the Chicago system, but perhaps the fruits of these tweaks will ripen next year. Kendry Rojas – A Young Arm with Big Velocity The key return in the Varland trade, Rojas has already touched the upper 90s from the left side while flashing a slider and splitter. At just 21 in Triple-A, he’s facing older competition almost every night. For the Twins, his next step is as much about acclimation as it is mechanics. “With Kendry, it’s being more consistent. This is a really raw talent from Cuba," MacPhail said. "For us, it’s been having him come to the organization and get comfortable. Get to know us, trust us, and then kind of focus on January camps and start refining that arsenal a little bit.” The Twins didn’t go for major-league reinforcements at the deadline. Instead, they stockpiled youth, upside, and depth with an eye toward the next wave. Tait headlines the group, but each of these players has a specific development plan the Twins believe will unlock more. As MacPhail’s comments suggest, this deadline wasn’t just about adding names, it was about fitting those names into an organizational vision. At the time, Derek Falvey emphasized that the team passed on other versions of deals that would have brought them higher-upside but less polished players; they believe this group can quickly matriculate and make a difference for them. And for a franchise in constant need of impact young talent, that vision will be tested in the months and years ahead. What stands out from MacPhail’s comments? Will the Twins be able to make the changes outline above? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Walker JenkinsKaelen CulpepperEduardo TaitLuke KeaschallEmmanuel RodriguezConnor PrielippMick AbelGabriel GonzalezDasan HillKendry RojasCharlee SotoMarek HoustonBrandon WinokurMarco RayaKhadim DiawAndrew MorrisRiley QuickKyler FedkoKyle DeBargeCJ Culpepper

Walker JenkinsKaelen CulpepperEduardo TaitLuke KeaschallEmmanuel RodriguezConnor PrielippMick AbelGabriel GonzalezDasan HillKendry RojasCharlee SotoMarek HoustonBrandon WinokurMarco RayaKhadim DiawAndrew MorrisRiley QuickKyler FedkoKyle DeBargeCJ Culpepper

Image courtesy of Thieres Rabelo Expectations were low for the Twins’ bullpen after the trade deadline, with front office moves creating a strange mix of long-term projects and short-term placeholders. While the starting staff struggled to carry momentum through the dog days of summer, the bullpen produced some surprising performances. August offered plenty of opportunities for relievers to prove themselves, and four pitchers in particular made their mark. Here’s a closer look at the team’s top pitching performances for the month, complete with a few surprises. #4 Kody Funderburk 14 G, 0.00 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 11 2/3 IP, 12 H, 7 BB, 11 K At first glance, a sparkling 0.00 ERA should vault Funderburk to the top of any monthly ranking. But ERA can sometimes be deceptive, and in Funderburk’s case, his WHIP and underlying stats show a more complicated story. His 1.63 WHIP was the highest among this group, and opponents actually posted an .840 OPS against him in August. Still, he delivered when it mattered most, ranking fifth on the team in WPA, and he proved to be one of the more flexible options in the bullpen. The Twins weren’t afraid to push him past three outs, and he logged three appearances of more than an inning. He also notched his second career save to close the month. While there’s some risk in relying too heavily on his current profile, Funderburk showed flashes of being the kind of left-handed weapon the Twins will need next season. #3 Thomas Hatch 6 G, 3.86 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 21 IP, 16 H, 12 BB, 16 K Hatch’s role has been unconventional, and that’s part of what makes him stand out. He started one game, finished two others, and gave the Twins valuable innings whenever they needed them. His lone start was especially impressive, holding the division-leading Tigers to one run across five innings. Opponents hit just .213 against him for the month, though a dozen walks in 21 innings show there’s still work to be done. The slider has been his bread and butter, generating a 26.5 Whiff% and keeping hitters to a .221 wOBA against it. Hatch is the kind of pitcher who’s hard to evaluate because he doesn’t fit neatly into a traditional role, but he’s proven he can help a team in multiple ways. With the Twins looking ahead to 2026, Hatch has at least put himself in the conversation for a swingman or depth role. #2 Justin Topa 11 G, 2.13 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 12 2/3 IP, 13 H, 5 BB, 10 K It’s been a winding road for Topa since arriving in the Jorge Polanco trade. Expected to slide into a late-inning role, injuries derailed his 2024 season, and his 2025 campaign has been full of inconsistency. But August may have been his most encouraging stretch as a Twin. He led the entire staff with a 0.56 WPA, a clear sign of his ability to deliver in high-leverage moments. Batters continue to struggle to barrel him up, as his 4.4 Barrel% ranks in the 94th percentile league-wide. When his command is sharp, he looks like the pitcher Minnesota envisioned when they acquired him. With a $2 million option looming for 2026, the Twins face an interesting decision: do they bet on Topa rediscovering his best self, or do they move on and free up payroll for other bullpen options? #1 Cole Sands – Twins Daily Pitcher of the Month 13 G, 3.46 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 13 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 18 K Sands takes home the honor this month, mainly because he combined efficiency with dominance in a way no other Twins pitcher did. His ERA might not jump off the page, but his underlying numbers tell the story. Opponents mustered just a .597 OPS against him, and he racked up a stellar 34% strikeout rate. Over his final seven appearances in August, Sands was untouchable: eight shutout innings, 13 strikeouts, just two walks, and an eye-popping 0.7 WPA. His WPA trailed only Topa for the team lead, and he gave manager Rocco Baldelli the kind of reliability every bullpen needs late in games. For a pitcher who broke out in 2024 but stumbled early this year, August felt like a step back toward that breakout form. If he can close the season strongly, he may enter 2026 as one of the frontrunners for a late-inning role. When the Twins traded away key pieces at the deadline, the bullpen was supposed to be a patchwork group designed to hold things together. Instead, it became the team’s strength in August, and that could be a crucial development heading into 2026. Sands earns the top spot this month, but cases could be made for Funderburk’s perfect ERA, Hatch’s versatility, or Topa’s high-leverage performance. That’s what makes this exercise fun, because everyone’s ballot looks a little different. How would you rank the bullpen’s top arms for August? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints (Photo of Andrew Morris) Each week, standout performances from across the Minnesota Twins farm system shine a light on the next wave of potential big-leaguers. This week’s hot sheet highlights a trio of players who turned heads with dominant outings and powerful swings. From a polished arm in Triple-A to a breakout stretch in Double-A and a newcomer making noise at Low-A, these players continue to provide hope amid a lost season at the top level. RHP Andrew Morris – St. Paul Saints How He Got Here: The Twins selected Morris in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft, and the 23-year-old right-hander has steadily climbed the system. In 2024, he posted video-game numbers at three different levels with a 2.37 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, a 24.5 K%, and a 5.9 BB%. He was in the conversation for the organization’s minor-league pitcher of the year, but it was hard to ignore what Zebby Matthews accomplished. After that strong showing, he opened this season in St. Paul, earning a spot in the Saints’ rotation mix while working his way into top-30 prospect rankings. Hitting the Hot Button: Morris was at his best this week in relief, after rehabbing Davide Festa started the game. He worked 4.0 innings against Toledo, piling up a season high-tying eight strikeouts. He allowed just one run on one hit and didn’t issue a walk, showing the command and poise that have made him one of the system’s most reliable arms. Ranked the Twins’ No. 21 prospect by MLB.com, Morris’s ability to miss bats while limiting free passes has him knocking on the door of a potential MLB debut in September. OF Kala'i Rosario – Wichita Wind Surge How He Got Here: Rosario was drafted in the fifth round back in 2020, and after steadily progressing through the lower levels, he broke out with a big year at High-A Cedar Rapids in 2023 with an .832 OPS. Last season, he posted a .726 OPS at Double-A, but was limited to 68 games. Minnesota sent him to the Arizona Fall League for the second consecutive season, but left him unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft. He’s since become one of Wichita’s most consistent bats and a fixture in the Wind Surge outfield. Hitting the Hot Button: The 23-year-old outfielder was locked in at the plate last week, hitting .333 (9-for-27) with three doubles, one triple, and three home runs while driving in 10 runs across six games. His power has always been his calling card, but Rosario’s improved approach and ability to drive the ball to all fields have made him a more complete offensive threat. For the season, he is hitting .258/.362/.493 with 26 doubles and 23 home runs. He’s also posting those totals while being nearly two years younger than the average age of the competition in the Texas League. His performance continues to reinforce his standing as one of the most intriguing middle-of-the-order bats in the system. C Enrique Jiménez – Fort Myers Mighty Mussels How He Got Here: Jiménez came to Minnesota earlier this season as part of the trade that sent Chris Paddack to the Detroit Tigers. Last season, he made his Stateside debut with the FCL Tigers and posted a .742 OPS in 43 games. Still just 19 years old, the young catcher has settled into Low-A Fort Myers, adjusting to a new organization while flashing his offensive potential. Minnesota was aggressive with him, moving him to Low-A, where he is nearly two years younger than the average age of the competition. Hitting the Hot Button: Jiménez made headlines earlier this week with a two-homer game for the Mighty Mussels, showing off the raw power that made him a notable addition in the Paddack deal. Beyond the long balls, he’s shown progress defensively and has handled the demands of catching a young pitching staff. In his first 18 games in the organization, he is hitting .286/.451/.587 with eight extra-base hits (five home runs). For a prospect just getting started at the full-season level, the flashes of impact are a promising sign of what’s to come. Morris’s polish on the mound, Rosario’s middle-of-the-order thunder, and Jiménez’s early flashes of power give the Twins plenty of reasons for optimism across multiple levels. Performances like these remind fans that while the big-league roster remains the focus, the farm system is quietly developing talent that could play key roles in Minnesota’s future. Which prospect’s performance stands out the most in recent weeks? Will any of these players help the Twins in 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images It’s easy for fans to read into the Twins' trade deadline sell-off and assume that payroll is headed in the wrong direction this winter. If the front office wants to get creative, they’ll need to balance talent retention with a willingness to shake up the roster. Some players hold more value on the trade market than others, whether it’s tied to contract status, performance, or overall fit with the franchise’s uncertain competitive window. Here’s a look at five players the Twins could move this offseason, ranked from least likely to most valuable trade chip. 5. 3B Royce Lewis Team Control Through 2028 Once viewed as a franchise cornerstone, Lewis has struggled to find consistency at the plate. His 80 OPS+ this season underscores the offensive regression that started late in 2024. Still, there have been glimmers of life in recent weeks. Since August 17, he's batted .250/.308/.521, with four home runs in 52 plate appearances. Trading him now would be selling low, but it could also serve as a “jolt to the core” move, the kind that signals Minnesota is trying to reshape its future heading into 2026. His value may rise or fall drastically based on how he closes the year. 4. OF Matt Wallner Team Control Through 2029 Wallner’s left-handed power has been one of the lone bright spots in an otherwise bleak lineup. Behind Byron Buxton, he’s arguably been the Twins’ most consistent offensive force, with a 120 OPS+. The catch? He’s still pre-arbitration eligible and comes with four full years of team control. That’s precisely the kind of profile front offices drool over. However, he is the type of player who can age poorly when he starts to lose bat speed. Minnesota would have no urgency to move him, but if another team makes an aggressive offer, they’d have to listen. Like Lewis, trading Wallner could signal a true shake-up of the team’s identity. 3. C Ryan Jeffers Team Control Through 2026 Catching depth always carries trade value, and Jeffers offers more than most. His 105 OPS+ in 2025 proves he’s no slouch with the bat, and he’s steady behind the plate. With just one year of team control left, though, the clock is ticking. If the Twins don’t deal him this offseason, he’s almost certainly gone by next July’s deadline. A playoff contender desperate for an upgrade at catcher would be willing to pay a premium. From the Twins' perspective, there are no clear options ready to take over big-league catching duties, so it might be a tough sell if the Twins want to be in contention in 2026. 2. RHP Pablo López Team Control Through 2027 The Pablo López era in Minnesota has been a mixed bag. At his best, he’s looked like a frontline starter, but injuries (most notably, a shoulder issue this year) have dimmed some of the shine. López is set to make $21.75 million in 2026, the highest salary on the books for a team that has already signaled its intent to slash payroll. If he can prove he’s healthy to close out 2025, López becomes an obvious candidate to be shipped to a club looking for a rotation upgrade with some upside. 1. RHP Joe Ryan Team Control Through 2027 At the top of the list sits Ryan, who has emerged as one of the American League’s most reliable arms in 2025. He’s under team control for two more years through arbitration, making him both affordable and highly attractive to pitching-needy contenders. Rival teams reportedly checked in on him at the trade deadline, with some social media sites claiming that he had been dealt. It's safe to assume those calls will come again this winter. While trading Ryan would be painful, he’s the Twins’ most valuable chip if the front office decides to lean wholly into a retool. Twins Upcoming Free Agent Classes Following 2026 Following 2027 Following 2028 Following 2029 Ryan Jeffers Pablo Lopez Byron Buxton Taj Bradley Justin Topa Bailey Ober Royce Lewis Kody Clemens Michael Tonkin Joe Ryan Cole Sands Matt Wallner Trevor Larnach The Twins enter the offseason facing difficult decisions. Do they cling to their remaining controllable talent and hope for a quick turnaround, or do they cash in some of their most valuable pieces to reset the franchise timeline? If nothing else, the winter months promise to be as intriguing off the field as they are on it. Do you agree with these rankings? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Brad Penner-Imagn Images Major League Baseball is a sport that thrives on tradition, but tradition has also been one of the league’s most significant roadblocks to innovation. After the next labor negotiation, expansion and realignment are expected to be serious discussion points. Twins president Dave St. Peter recently joined Rosen’s Sports Monday on the Talk North podcast and offered a candid look at where things might be heading. “I do think that that is a realistic possibility after this next labor negotiation; both expansion and realignment are going to get a serious consideration,” St. Peter said. “I also think there's going to be other things on the table. I think they'll look at the length of the season, which is a little bit of a sacred cow in baseball. Why do we play 162 games? What does postseason baseball look like? Do you find a runway for maybe a little bit more postseason?” That quote highlights the broad scope of change MLB is willing to consider. However, realignment, in particular, has pros and cons that fans and franchises, such as the Twins, will need to weigh carefully. The Pros of Realignment The most significant benefit is a reduction in travel. Teams like the Twins, who often face long cross-country road trips, would benefit from a friendlier schedule with more games against nearby opponents. Less time on airplanes can mean fresher players and potentially higher-quality baseball. Realignment would also give MLB the chance to foster more compelling rivalries. While Minnesota has long had regional battles with Kansas and Cleveland, an adjusted map could place them more frequently against Milwaukee or even teams like Toronto. Rivalries drive attendance, boost ratings, and create the kind of energy that baseball needs to attract younger fans. Playoff scheduling is another plus. More logical divisions and expanded playoffs could prevent awkward situations where 90-win teams sit at home in October while sub-.500 squads sneak in. Combine that with the potential for a major TV and streaming overhaul, and the league could be sitting on a revenue windfall. As St. Peter noted, MLB is eyeing a future where broadcast rights are pooled and shared equally, much like the NFL model. That would be a significant win for mid-market teams like the Twins, who often feel boxed out by the sport’s financial powerhouses. The Cons of Realignment For all the possible gains, realignment risks alienating one of MLB’s most loyal audiences: its traditionalist fan base. The split between the American League and National League has defined the game for over a century. Throwing those designations out the window could be viewed as a betrayal of history, similar to when the designated hitter rule started crossing leagues. Another challenge is competitive balance. Smaller-market teams like the Twins could end up lumped together in divisions that don’t make much sense. In that scenario, one division might feature a clear juggernaut while another limps along with a sub-.500 “champion.” That does little to boost the sport’s credibility. Expansion only complicates matters. New franchises inevitably begin with rosters filled with players who are below replacement level, which can distort offensive and pitching environments in unpredictable ways. Fans who already complain about inconsistent league-wide run scoring would have new ammunition for frustration. What It Means for the Twins For Minnesota, realignment could represent both opportunity and risk. A division reshuffle that features Milwaukee and Toronto as annual rivals could be a marketing dream. On the other hand, being placed in a loaded grouping with large-market teams could make playoff paths even steeper. Still, the money might outweigh everything. The Twins are already rumored to be heading to ESPN for their broadcast home from 2026 through 2028, and larger revenue-sharing agreements could follow in 2029 and beyond. “There's a plan here,” St. Peter said. “This commissioner, more than any other commissioner, has talked openly about the desire to aggregate all 30 teams' rights, particularly on the streaming side, to one platform. The Twins were actually a forerunner in this, so we feel like we're part of building that.” If that plan materializes, the Twins could suddenly find themselves with deeper pockets to allocate toward payroll. Realignment might stir fan discontent in the short term, but the promise of competitive rosters and enhanced TV exposure could be enough to win people over. What are your thoughts on potential realignment? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images A year ago, Twins fans were given reason to believe that the endless cycle of Pohlad family ownership might finally be nearing its conclusion. Instead, the supposed light at the end of the tunnel turned out to be nothing more than a painted brick wall—in the form of two minority ownership groups whose buy-ins were used to help cover the family’s reported $400 million in debt. Rather than accepting what was rumored to be at least one serious, competitive bid for the franchise, the Pohlads chose to maintain their majority stake in the team. The decision kept control firmly in the same hands that have long frustrated fans, even as outside interest in full ownership appeared both real and aggressive. Last weekend, Charlie Walters reported what many around Twins Territory have been wondering for months: the Pohlad family still plans to sell the Minnesota Twins. After exploring the market over the past year, they were unable to find the valuation they wanted. The expectation now is that they will bring the team back to market next offseason when conditions may be more favorable. The challenge is that Major League Baseball’s labor agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, 2026. Commissioner Rob Manfred has already made it clear that owners intend to make their strongest push yet for a hard salary cap, along with expanded revenue sharing. The possibility of a lockout looms large, creating significant uncertainty for any prospective buyer. “The Pohlads are expected to wait until baseball’s labor agreement is settled after next season, then hope to get the price they want," Walters wrote. "But a lockout seems likely, because baseball’s owners are hell-bent on getting a salary cap.” The Lockout Question The last round of CBA negotiations in 2022 provided a preview of what can happen when owners and players clash. From the Twins' perspective, that dispute delayed free agency, leading to the team signing Carlos Correa to a short-term deal that evolved into an unusual courtship and ultimately resulted in a long-term contract. That deal didn’t work out in the team’s favor in the long term, but he did help Minnesota end its two-decade playoff losing streak. This time around, the negotiations are expected to be even more contentious. The owners are determined to establish a salary cap, while the MLBPA is just as determined to resist. If neither side relents, regular-season games in 2027 could be lost. That type of instability is a significant concern for anyone considering a multi-billion-dollar purchase. Minority Partners in Position Reports earlier this summer suggested that the new minority investors in the Twins do not have a built-in path to majority ownership. However, Walters indicated that these partners may hold a right of first refusal if the Pohlads decide to sell. The investors are believed to have spent around $200 million each to join the ownership group, potentially with the understanding that they could match any future outside offer. That arrangement does not guarantee a smooth sale. A right of first refusal only provides an opportunity to match the price, and if franchise values rise once the labor issues are resolved, the cost could be higher than these partners anticipated. The same labor battle that complicates a sale might also make the Twins a more valuable franchise in the long run. If owners succeed in implementing a salary cap and stronger revenue sharing, small- and mid-market clubs would become more profitable and more attractive investments. The Pohlads may be betting on that outcome before finalizing their exit. What It Means for Twins Fans For now, the Twins continue to operate under Pohlad ownership, and the front office remains focused on roster construction and development. The long-term picture, however, is unsettled. The family has owned the team since 1984, but the possibility of a sale feels more real than it has at any point in the last 40 years. Whether the Pohlads choose to sell next year or wait until the labor dispute concludes will shape the franchise's future. Until then, Twins fans are left to watch both the standings and the business side of baseball with equal curiosity. Will the Pohlads attempt to sell the team after a new CBA is in place? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Taj Bradley’s big-league career has been a tale of two pitchers. At times, the 24-year-old right-hander has looked like a future frontline starter, armed with swing-and-miss stuff that leaves hitters baffled. At other times, he has struggled to find efficiency, leaning too heavily on certain pitches and failing to work consistently deep into games. Tampa Bay Roots: A Strikeout Arm When Bradley first broke in with Tampa Bay, his electric fastball and devastating splitter turned heads across baseball. In parts of two seasons with the Rays (2023-24), he struck out over 27 percent of the batters he faced, an impressive figure for a young arm still learning the league. Across 240 innings, Bradley posted a 4.75 ERA (86 ERA+) with a 1.29 WHIP. The numbers reflected both his upside and his growing pains. He averaged only five innings per start, showing swing-and-miss ability but not yet the polish to work through lineups multiple times consistently. His best weapon was the splitter. In 2024, the pitch produced a 33.0 Whiff% while holding opponents to a .280 expected slugging percentage. By itself, that offering looked like the foundation for a long-term role in the rotation. Bradley struck out 154 batters in just 138 innings, a sign of how dangerous his arsenal could be when locked in. A Shift in Approach But the Rays, always tinkering with pitching models, tried to steer Bradley in a different direction this season. Instead of chasing whiffs, they emphasized ground balls. His cutter became more prominent, and his curveball usage jumped by over five percent. The trade-off was clear. Bradley’s splitter, once his most reliable out-pitch, lost its bite. His strikeout rate with the splitter plummeted from 37.1 percent last season to just 21.1 percent this year, and its Run Value fell from plus-four to zero. For a pitcher whose identity was built on missing bats, the adjustment came with growing pains. “It’s one of the harder pitches to learn,” Bradley said. “A lot of guys struggle with it. I can get the feel for it if I remain athletic and don’t think too much about it. Every other pitch, it feels like wrist position is going to fix everything. But this is a release point kind of thing, finger on the ball, pressure. I’m learning what pronating and supinating is. Figuring out what you do best and putting it all in one pitch. It’s a lot to think about, but if I can keep athletic, I think I’ll be good at it.” Searching in St. Paul That loss of feel is a big reason the Twins have kept Bradley at Triple-A St. Paul. Instead of being forced to learn on the fly against the league’s best hitters, the organization wants him to rediscover the splitter in a lower-pressure environment. “It’s still not quite where it was last year or the year before,” Twins pitching development director Tommy Bergjans said. “He’s still going to have to make another comparable jump to what he’s done the past few weeks. … It’s specifically trying to get the shape and some of the underlying movement quality back to what it was in ’24 and ’23.” For now, Bradley’s two identities remain in tension with the strikeout-heavy arm that looks like a rotation anchor, and the contact-focused experiment still searching for balance. The Twins are betting they can help him thread the needle, blending efficiency with swing-and-miss stuff. If he can rediscover the splitter and pair it with his cutter-heavy approach, Bradley has the tools to finally bridge the gap between flashes of brilliance and consistent performance. The question is whether the Twins can help unlock the correct version of Bradley and whether he can keep it unlocked. What It Means for the Twins' Rotation Minnesota’s starting staff already features long-term anchors in Pablo López and Joe Ryan, with Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson carving out important roles. But the organization still lacks depth behind that core, especially as injuries and workload management continue to test the rotation. There are also questions swirling about whether or not the Twins will look to trade arms like López and Ryan this winter. Bradley represents a potential difference-maker. If he regains the strikeout version of himself, he could be a mid-rotation weapon with top-of-the-rotation upside. If the adjustments stall, his profile will resemble that of a depth starter who struggles to cover innings consistently. The Twins don’t need him to be an ace right away. They need him to become a reliable option who can slot into the middle of the rotation and take pressure off younger arms. In the long run, his development could be one of the key factors that determine whether the Twins are merely competitive in the AL Central or build a staff capable of carrying them deep into October. How can Bradley reach his ceiling? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Reid Glenn / USA TODAY NETWORK The world rejoiced Tuesday, when Taylor Swift said “yes” to NFL star Travis Kelce, completing America’s favorite crossover event since peanut butter met jelly. But in the shadows of this pop-cultural fireworks show lies a story the national media refuses to cover: the tragic love triangle between Swift, Kelce, and Minnesota’s own T.C. Bear. That’s right, before Kelce ever shot his shot with a friendship bracelet, Swift was entangled in a fuzzy, home-run-hitting romance with the Twins’ beloved mascot. The Secret Ceremony Sources inside the organization confirmed that T.C. and Taylor once planned a small, intimate wedding at Target Field. “I was there,” said a still-shaken Byron Buxton. “He had the tux, the bow tie, everything. She was supposed to walk down the warning track. But instead, she hopped on a private jet to Kansas City. He never saw it coming.” Pablo López added his own perspective: “It was heartbreaking. T.C. stood on home plate waiting for her, holding a bouquet of cotton candy. The organist even played 'Love Story'. She just… never showed.” The untold story left many in the clubhouse rattled. Some even speculated that Swift’s relationship with the mascot was doomed from the start. “I mean, she’s dated actors, rock stars, British royalty-adjacent types,” said Rocco Baldelli. “At some point, she was bound to realize she couldn’t bring a giant bear to the Grammys, even if [Kelce] resembles a bear. His head fits through regular-sized doorways. It's different.” A Last-Ditch Attempt at the Eras Tour Still unwilling to let go, T.C. tried to win her back. When the Eras Tour came to Minneapolis, he reportedly lumbered up to U.S. Bank Stadium with a glitter-covered sign reading, ‘You Belong With Me (and a T-Shirt Toss Between Innings).’ One source said the song alluded to in the sign was originally about T.C., with the lyric "You were Romeo in gloves of scarlet leather," rather than "I was a scarlet letter". But security was not impressed. “They said he wasn’t on the guest list,” explained Joe Ryan, who tagged along for emotional support. “Apparently, if you want backstage access to Taylor Swift, you need a podcast and a Pro Bowl résumé. Mascot-ing for the AL Central doesn’t cut it.” Eyewitnesses claim T.C. tried sneaking in through the merch stand, only to be escorted out after knocking over three racks of sequined cardigans. He left heartbroken, though insiders say he still hums 'All Too Well' during between-inning races. The Swiftie Conspiracy Files As with all things Taylor, Swifties have turned this saga into a full-blown conspiracy theory. Online detectives claim TC Bear is secretly featured in her “You Need to Calm Down” music video, lurking in the background of a poolside scene holding what appears to be a hot dog cannon. “Look closely,” one fan account posted on X. “The bear’s fur matches T.C.’s exact shade of light brown. This wasn’t random. Taylor was leaving us a clue.” Other theories suggest the Midnights bonus track “Hits Different” is really about a furry fiancé who struck out in love. “The lyric about 'Now the sun burns my heart and the sand hurts my feelings’ clearly refers to T.C. in her music video,” one particularly passionate Reddit thread declared. So far, Swift’s camp has declined to comment, though MLB reportedly requested she stop inserting mascot Easter eggs in her videos until (at least) after her wedding to Kelce. As for the Twins themselves, owner Joe Pohlad wanted to make a clear statement of support. "I honestly wasn't informed in advance, but my understanding is that that was a purely romantic decision," he said. The team's demand that Swift allow T.C. to take control of the original masters of her music and their insistence that she live up to her promise to marry the gigantic ursid in paper rings were non-factors, Pohlad indicated. What’s Next for T.C. Bear? While Swift and Kelce plan their happily-ever-after, T.C. is left to pick up the pieces. “We’re just trying to help him move on,” said Royce Lewis. “We’ve set him up on a few dates with the Milwaukee Brewers’ sausage mascots. Nothing serious yet, but, hey, at least they understand the life.” In the end, maybe this is just another verse in Taylor’s ongoing love ballad. But for T.C. Bear, it’s more than a song. It’s a ninth-inning heartbreak that will never fully heal. And if Kelce ever gets cold feet? Well, let’s just say there’s a bear in Minnesota waiting by the dugout with cotton candy and a boom box—and his feet are always very warm. View full article

Image courtesy of © Kyle Schwab - Imagn Images Since the All-Star break, the Minnesota Twins have struggled to find a consistent footing. Losses have piled up, and the standings have grown more discouraging by the day. While no fan enjoys watching their team tumble, the Twins’ recent skid has at least one hidden benefit: improving their draft stock for 2026. If a team is going to be bad, it pays to be really bad. How the Lottery Works in Minnesota’s Favor The 2026 MLB Draft lottery is scheduled for early December, and Minnesota has quietly positioned itself in a strong spot. As of this week, the Twins sit with the third-best odds (15.3%) of landing the No. 1 overall selection, a potential franchise-altering opportunity. Despite being tied with the Braves for the fifth-worst record in the league, the Twins benefit from MLB’s draft eligibility rules. Both the Rockies and Nationals sit below Minnesota in the standings, but because each has picked near the top in consecutive drafts, they are barred from drafting inside the top 10 next summer. That quirk bumps the Twins up the board even without sinking entirely to the bottom. The Race Below the White Sox The White Sox have effectively locked down the worst record in the AL, even while playing near .500 since the break. It would be almost impossible for the Twins to finish below Chicago, as Minnesota sits over 10 games up in the standings. That leaves Minnesota jockeying with the Pirates and Braves for positioning behind them. Atlanta was expected to be in contention this year, but has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies. Pittsburgh has shown some fight in recent weeks with an above-.500 record, lightening its schedule down the stretch and opening the door for the Twins to climb as high as second in the lottery odds. Of course, it’s just as easy to slide backward. The Braves, Athletics, Orioles, and Marlins are all within a couple of games of Minnesota, meaning any late-season winning streak could quickly hurt their draft position. Below is the 2026 MLB Draft Lottery simulator from Tankathon, as of games played on August 25, 2025. Who Are the Top Available Draft Prospects in 2026? The prize of next year’s draft is expected to be UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, a polished defender with legitimate power after hitting 23 home runs as a sophomore. He compiled a .353/.480/.710 (1.190) while being named an All-American. There’s always a chance that his performance drops during his junior year, but he is lined up to be a top-five pick. Alabama’s Justin Lebron is nearly the same level as Cholowsky as a collegiate shortstop and could easily move up the draft board based on his 2026 season. Last season, he posted a 1.058 OPS and hit 18 home runs in the competitive SEC. Many evaluators believe he can stick at shortstop, and he fits the profile of players the Twins have targeted with their first-round picks over the last two seasons (Kaelen Culpepper, Marek Houston). High school players Jacob Lombard and Grady Emerson are also generating early top-10 buzz. Lombard is the brother of Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. He grades as an 80+ runner and is considered a five-tool talent. Emerson has a similar profile with budding power from the left side. The Twins know how valuable a draft lottery jump can be. Just two years ago, the franchise vaulted up eight spots to secure Walker Jenkins, who is now their consensus top prospect and a cornerstone of their long-term plans. Another opportunity at that caliber of talent could significantly shift the organization’s future trajectory. Minnesota Twins Recent Top-10 Picks Player Pick, Draft Year Walker Jenkins, OF 5th Overall, 2023 Brooks Lee, SS 8th Overall, 2022 Royce Lewis, SS 1st Overall, 2017 Tyler Jay, LHP 6th Overall, 2015 Nick Gordon, SS 5th Overall, 2014 Kohl Stewart, RHP 4th Overall, 2013 Byron Buxton, OF 2nd Overall 2012 A Bitter But Understandable Silver Lining No player in the Twins clubhouse is taking the field hoping to lose, and it’s clear this stretch of games has been tough on both the roster and fans. Add in uncertainty around ownership, and the mood around Target Field has rarely felt this bleak. Still, in the big picture, each loss brings with it a brighter possibility come December. The Twins’ draft fate won’t erase the frustration of a lost season, but if recent struggles lead to another cornerstone talent like Jenkins, the pain of 2025 may look more like a necessary step in shaping a stronger future. How low will the Twins fall in the standings? Can they earn the top overall pick in next year’s draft? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Since Rocco Baldelli took over as manager in 2019, the Minnesota Twins have been built to slug. That first year, the “Bomba Squad” shattered records, launching baseballs into the seats while Baldelli mostly sat back and let the lineup do the heavy lifting. The half-decade since has been marked by attempts to recreate that magic, with lineups stacked with power but lacking speed and athleticism. The result? An offense that too often stalls when the long ball isn’t there. Now, Baldelli and his staff are pushing a new agenda—one that looks nothing like the passive, station-to-station approach of recent years. On Sunday’s Inside Twins broadcast, Baldelli pulled back the curtain on the team’s new emphasis on basepath aggressiveness. Why Now? Baldelli admitted that the shift had been on his mind for some time, but it wasn’t until bench coach Jayce Tingler presented the idea that the wheels started turning. “Jayce Tingler, our bench coach, actually came to me last week and said, ‘Hey, what do you think about doing something drastic? What do you think about really opening this thing up on the bases,’” Baldelli said. “Knowing that it might get a little wild out there at times, but leaving it in the hands of the players to be more aggressive in every possible way.” The timing, Baldelli explained, felt right for experimentation. “I thought to myself, if we are ever going to do this, there’s no better time than right now to see what it looks like if you allow our players to open it up,” he said. “We’ve seen some great, seen some good, seen some not so good, but overall I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen from it. I like this team more aggressive than not-aggressive.” Minnesota has added players to the roster in the second half, like Luke Keaschall, James Outman, Austin Martin, and Ryan Fitzgerald. While they have seen various levels of baserunning success, there is more speed on the roster compared to earlier in the season. There’s also nothing to lose in a season heading toward 90 losses. Let the players run wild and see if the team can perform better than expected. A Missed Opportunity Earlier? Of course, some fans might wonder if the team waited too long to make such a shift. Outside the team’s 13-game winning streak, the offense struggled to find consistency. However, Baldelli pushed back against that narrative. “It’s always easier to say after the fact that something could have been done,” Baldelli said. “I think at that point, we were actually playing really good baseball. Say we didn’t play well for a week, that I was going to make a massive overhaul to let our players go wild and aggressively on the bases. I don’t think that was the right time to do it.” That restraint, though, may give way to a new identity for this roster, a team that makes opponents uncomfortable by applying pressure on the bases. Player Sprint Speed (ft/s) Extra Bases Taken Byron Buxton 30.1 3 James Outman 28.7 1 Luke Keaschall 28.5 0 Austin Martin 28.3 0 Ryan Fitzgerald 28.0 0 Kody Clemens 27.8 1 Aggressive vs. Reckless Of course, with freedom comes the risk of chaos. Fans watching from home will wonder: how do you know if it’s aggression or simply recklessness? “Truthfully, I’m watching it the same way that fans are watching it,” Baldelli admitted. “I’m used to putting signs on dictating when we do what, and right now, the players are going to have a little more openness and ability and freedom out there.” It’s a fine line, but one Baldelli seems willing to live with as the Twins shift gears. Baldelli was known for his aggressive approach as a player, so it makes sense that that’s the type of team he’d want to manage. For fans looking to spot the difference in this new approach, Baldelli pointed to a handful of cues. “There’s a lot to watch,” he explained. “The jumps, the leads. It’s going to be the number of times we go out there trying to take extra bases. You do that out of the box and on your initial first couple of steps on the base paths. You should see guys on their toes and trying to make things happen and not just waiting for things to happen.” In a season where power production has not come easily, the Twins are looking for an edge. Speed and aggressiveness may not be as flashy as 400-foot home runs, but they can grind down opponents, turn singles into doubles, and manufacture the kind of runs that win close games. The “Bomba Squad” identity carried Minnesota for a season. If Baldelli’s vision takes hold, this new style might carry them further. Have you noticed the Twins approaching base running differently in recent weeks? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article