Cody Christie

The Twins tried the opener strategy again on Sunday afternoon. Each time they’ve tried it this season, the plan has unraveled quickly, leaving Minnesota scrambling. While the concept behind the approach is understandable, the execution and results have simply not been there, and the Twins seem ready to continue trying it. On paper, the idea made sense. Danny Coulombe got the nod as Sunday’s opener because Milwaukee stacked left-handed hitters near the top of their lineup, including Sal Frelick and Christian Yelich. The Twins wanted to shield rookie David Festa from those dangerous bats the first time through the order in hopes of letting him pitch deeper into the game. “We’re reacting a little bit because we have to,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said before the game. “I think there are certain times of the year where you’ve got to make a call, one way or the other. And it’s been a little while now we’ve been struggling to stop the other teams from scoring and we’re going to introduce something new and try to switch things up. Not just for the sake of switching things up, because I think there are actual benefits, too.” But baseball games rarely go as planned. Coulombe quickly got the first two outs in the opening inning and appeared poised to do his job. Then things turned. After a grinding nine-pitch at-bat, Yelich drilled a double to the gap. William Contreras followed with a sharp single up the middle to drive in a run. Suddenly, the Twins were behind before their starter ever took the mound. Coulombe’s assignment was simple: get through the first inning unscathed. He couldn’t do it. Still, Minnesota’s offense picked him up immediately, scoring twice in the bottom half to hand a 2-1 lead to Festa when he entered. The early cushion was supposed to help the rookie settle in. Instead, he turned in one of the worst outings of his brief big-league career. Festa was hit hard, charged with eight runs on 12 hits in just 4 2/3 innings of work. Despite the change in routine, Festa didn’t point to the opener as an excuse. “It’s a little different,” said Festa, “but it had no impact on any of the results.” If this sounds familiar, it should. The Twins tried the same approach back in April against the Atlanta Braves. In that game, Justin Topa opened ahead of Simeon Woods Richardson. Topa surrendered three hits and gave up a run in his inning of work. Woods Richardson came in and allowed three more runs over five innings, and the Twins lost 4-3. In both cases, the strategy was designed to give young or unproven starters a softer landing. In both cases, the plan did little to prevent early damage or to improve the performance of the starter that followed. There’s nothing new about the opener strategy. Tampa Bay popularized it years ago, and other clubs have since dabbled in it. When it works, it limits exposure to tough top-of-the-order bats early and helps a team's best pitchers handle high-leverage spots later. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix, and so far, the Twins haven't cracked the code. The Twins’ roster construction may be part of the reason they continue to try. Minnesota’s rotation depth has been tested this year, and when a young pitcher like Festa or Woods Richardson gets the ball, there are legitimate concerns about them facing a lineup three times. The opener is meant to give these arms the best possible chance to survive and stretch deeper into games. At least, that’s the theory. In practice? The results haven’t been good. Despite the shaky outcomes, Baldelli made it clear that the club plans to stick with this approach, especially when introducing younger pitchers or when a matchup necessitates it. “[It gives] us a chance to go out there, start a good reliever at the beginning of the game and then kind of run from there,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “It also leaves the other team guessing a little bit. … A lot of reasons for it but I think it’s something that can help us and probably something that we’re going to see more of.” That may not thrill Twins fans, who have seen the opener blow up more often than not this season. But with injuries, inconsistency, and inexperience shaping the back of the rotation, the Twins feel they have little choice. The alternative, throwing a young starter into the fire against a lineup’s best hitters, might be even riskier. The opener isn’t going away. However, unless the execution improves, the results will probably not either. At some point, it’s worth asking: how many times can the Twins try this strategy and watch it backfire before they pivot? For now, they remain committed. Whether fans or the standings will tolerate more of these misfires is another question entirely. Should the Twins continue to use an opener? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Seth Stohs, Twins Daily The MLB Draft is always filled with promise, potential, and projection. For the Minnesota Twins, the 2015 draft offered the rare luxury of a top-10 selection. It was the kind of pick that could shape the franchise’s future for years to come. Unfortunately, it became a selection that fans and front-office members would rather forget. Minnesota used that prized pick on Tyler Jay, a hard-throwing left-handed pitcher from the University of Illinois. The decision and Jay’s subsequent arduous journey have come to represent one of the franchise’s biggest draft misses in recent memory. At the time of the draft, there were reasons to be excited. Jay was dominant as a reliever for the Illini, emerging as one of the best college bullpen arms in the country. During his final season in Champaign, he posted a 1.08 ERA with 76 strikeouts in just over 66 innings. His mid-90s fastball and devastating slider made him an untouchable force in late innings, and his athletic delivery and build gave scouts hope he could transition to a starter in the professional ranks. But there were red flags that now seem hard to ignore. Illinois leaned heavily on Jay during his junior season, often using him for multi-inning saves and high-leverage situations multiple times a weekend. That kind of workload for a college reliever carries risk, and in Jay’s case, the effects showed up not long after he turned pro. The Twins believed Jay had the stuff to start in pro ball, a gamble that has burned many organizations trying to stretch dominant college relievers into rotation work. The transition never clicked. He struggled to adjust to the routine, saw his velocity dip, and by 2017, injuries became the story. A shoulder impingement cost him most of the season, and his 2018 campaign was equally forgettable. When healthy enough to pitch, he was ineffective, and any thought of him rising quickly through the system faded fast. By 2019, Minnesota was ready to move on. The Cincinnati Reds outright bought his contract from the Twins in a rare transaction that showed how far Jay’s stock had fallen. The change of scenery didn’t lead to a revival. He was released in 2020 during the pandemic shutdown, and at that point, his career appeared over. But Jay soon discovered that part of his struggles came from something no coach or trainer could have foreseen. He had eosinophilic esophagitis, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the esophagus, making it difficult to eat, maintain weight, and build stamina. The correct diagnosis and treatment arrived far too late to save his early professional career. Jay spent three years out of baseball, unsure if he’d ever return. But in 2022, he signed with the Joliet Slammers of the independent Frontier League. It was a humbling stop for a former first-round pick, but Jay showed enough to catch the eye of the Mets, who offered him a minor league deal the following year. The journey finally came full circle in April 2024 when Jay made his long-delayed major league debut with the Mets, nearly nine years after the Twins called his name on draft night. It was a feel-good moment, even if it came in a different uniform and long after Minnesota’s plans for him had expired. As of this season, he’s still toiling in Triple-A for the Milwaukee Brewers, chasing the big-league dream that seemed to vanish years ago. The sting of that 2015 miss becomes even sharper when considering who the Twins could have selected instead. Austin Riley, who went 41st overall to Atlanta, is now one of the best power-hitting third basemen in baseball and a two-time All-Star. Ian Happ, selected ninth by the Cubs, has three Gold Gloves and 20 rWAR for his career. Walker Buehler, taken 24th by the Dodgers, developed into a solid starter before Tommy John surgery sidelined him in 2022 and 2023. Brandon Lowe, drafted in the third round by Tampa Bay, blossomed into an All-Star second baseman and could certainly add something to the Twins lineup. Any one of those names would have changed the trajectory of the Twins’ rebuild. Instead, the sixth overall pick turned into a lost asset, a player who battled injury, role confusion, and a rare medical condition before finally scraping his way to the majors in a different organization. To be fair, the Twins weren’t alone in missing on pitching that year. Top arms like Dillon Tate (4th overall) and Carson Fulmer (8th overall) also failed to meet expectations. But that provides little consolation when so much offensive talent sat on the board. Minnesota believed Jay could buck the trend of college relievers struggling to become pro starters. It was a gamble that ultimately failed to pay off. In hindsight, the Jay pick represents a hard lesson about risk assessment and player development. The choice to force a reliever into a starter’s path and the failure to foresee the physical wear Illinois had already placed on his arm helped turn a top-six pick into one of the great "what-ifs" in franchise history. For Jay, the story is at least one of perseverance. He could have walked away from baseball after being cut loose in 2020. Instead, he continued working, identified the source of his health struggles, and clawed his way to the big leagues. His story may yet have more chapters to write. For the Twins, however, the chapter closed long ago, and it remains a painful reminder that in baseball’s most important draft moments, one wrong decision can echo for years. What other draft mistakes have the Twins made over the last decade? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports The Athletic recently unveiled its MLB All-Quarter Century Team, highlighting the most significant players from the past 25 years. The list featured the expected big names, including future Hall of Famers and inner-circle legends alike. But if you’re a Minnesota Twins fan flipping through the lineup, you might have noticed something familiar: neglect. Once again, the national baseball media has minimized the accomplishments of some of the best players ever to wear a Twins uniform. We’ve been here before. It’s a tradition as old as the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome’s roof collapsing under a heavy snowfall. Let’s break this down. The Mauer Problem: A Democracy Malfunction? At catcher, The Athletic chose Buster Posey and Yadier Molina over Joe Mauer. This should set off every Twins fan’s injustice alarm. Yes, both Posey and Molina were phenomenal catchers in their era. Posey won MVP honors and served as the quiet engine behind the San Francisco Giants dynasty in the early 2010s. Molina, one of the most respected defensive catchers of all time, helped guide the Cardinals to multiple postseason runs. But Mauer? All he did was hit .306 for his career while playing Gold Glove caliber defense behind the plate. He won three batting titles, a feat no other catcher in modern baseball can claim, and it seems unlikely that it will ever happen again. He took home an MVP award in 2009 by putting up one of the best offensive seasons for a catcher in history. Oh, and he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer this year. Did we all forget that already? The Athletic tried to hedge, writing, "We don't hate your team, Minnesota. It's just American democracy at work," because the Posey-Molina decision came down to fan voting. In fact, Posey and Molina were separated by a mere 22 votes. That defense might make sense in a vacuum. But in the real world, especially in our current political climate, there are times when democracy gets it wrong. Inexplicably, Mauer got left off the list, and that is something the writers could have remedied. Imagine replacing Mauer’s Midwest humility with a spotlight on the East Coast or West Coast market. Would this even be a debate? The only thing Mauer lacked was flash. But three batting titles from behind the plate and an MVP award should be enough flash for any voter, casual or professional. Johan Santana: Forgotten Ace You’ll have to scroll further to find another Twins slight. When it comes to starting pitchers, The Athletic named a murderer’s row: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roy Halladay, and CC Sabathia. Objectively? That’s an excellent group. It's hard to argue with those names. But Johan Santana belongs in this conversation, at least as an honorable mention. From 2004 to 2008, there was no better pitcher on the planet. Santana won two Cy Young Awards and finished in the top five two other times. He led the league in strikeouts three straight years, won the pitching Triple Crown in 2006, and carried some middling Twins teams into October on sheer will and a devastating changeup. The knock against Santana, both for the Hall of Fame and apparently here, has always been longevity. His career simply didn’t last as long as some of the other greats. But in terms of peak value? He was as good as any of them and better than most. If Sandy Koufax can make the inner circle of baseball immortality based on a short but dominant prime, why can’t Santana get at least a whisper in these all-time lists? Again: small-market blindness. If Santana spent his prime doing this for the Yankees or Red Sox, he’d be canonized. Joe Nathan: The Forgotten Closer And then we come to the closers. The Athletic’s list includes Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner, Kenley Jansen, Craig Kimbrel, and Aroldis Chapman. Not exactly bums. Rivera is the greatest closer of all time, and others on this list are not far behind. Kimbrel and Jansen have been strikeout machines for more than a decade. Chapman’s inclusion comes with off-field baggage, but his peak dominance can’t be denied. I've written before that Nathan’s case stacks up remarkably well with Wagner’s, and that remains true. Nathan finished his career with a 2.87 ERA, 377 saves, and a WHIP below 1.00. During his prime with the Twins (2004–2009), he was arguably the most reliable closer in the American League by posting sub-2.00 ERAs multiple times. Wagner may have flashier strikeout rates, but Nathan’s consistency and performance in a tougher league (remember, the AL didn’t get to pitch to the opposing pitcher every ninth hitter) made him every bit as valuable. Nathan’s Hall of Fame support has been thin (just like Santana’s), and here again, national writers appear to have undervalued him. Small market, small notice becomes the theme again. If you’re a Twins fan, none of this is shocking. National lists like this have always been unkind to Minnesota baseball heroes. Mauer doesn’t get his due as one of the greatest-hitting catchers ever. Santana’s electric peak is forgotten in favor of longevity. Nathan is buried behind flashier names. The Athletic swears they don’t hate the Twins. However, the pattern here suggests otherwise. Perhaps it is democracy itself that is failing in another area of American life. Or maybe it’s the same old truth: if you play in Minneapolis instead of Manhattan, you better be twice as good to get half the recognition. At least the rest of us know the truth. And maybe that’s enough... for now. Which player most deserved to be on the team? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson, St. Paul Saints Over the last few seasons, Twins prospect Aaron Sabato had become a bit of a forgotten name. A former first-round pick in 2020, his prodigious power always drew attention, but inconsistent contact and swing-and-miss issues slowed his climb up the organizational ladder. Now, in 2025, Sabato’s refined approach and offseason adjustments have him trending in the right direction, and the Twins are taking notice. After a frustrating 2024 campaign at Double-A Wichita (.653 OPS in 85 games), Sabato entered the offseason with a clear mission: get back to being the hitter the Twins envisioned when they took him 27th overall out of North Carolina. But this time, the change was something different, and it may have saved his professional career. Sabato focused on the less flashy yet highly critical aspects of the craft, including his swing load sequencing, timing, and the mental side of hitting. “I worked really hard in the offseason on just getting some little load sequencing stuff right,” Sabato told Twins Daily's John Bonnes. “I really took that to heart towards like October through January, and then once I came in the spring, I just wanted better at-bats, just be more competitive in the box.” “And honestly, that was more of a mindset,” Sabato continued. “The mindset really came from the preparation that I did in the off-season. And this year, I've just played and taken that work every single day … not looking for something else, or searching for anything when one game or one at-bat, or a couple stretches of at bats go awry.” The results in Fort Myers this spring spoke volumes to the work he had put in over the winter. For Sabato, that early success wasn’t a fluke. It was confirmation. “I really started to hit the ball [harder] and more consistently,” Sabato shared. “This spring training, I hit like six home runs, which is something that I hadn't done in the past, and especially from an early start. And it was one of those things that I just took that work and to my at-bats, and I did it throughout all of spring, and it kind of clicked. “ “And then it's kind of one of those things that you start seeing some things work out, and you just you believe it before, and then when you start doing it, you just really start believing, and you just never waver. And that's been one thing I'm just trying not to do, is just don't waver from all the work that I put in.” This commitment to consistency has carried over into his 2025 season, which began at Double-A Wichita before a recent promotion to Triple-A St. Paul. In both stops, Sabato has looked like a different hitter: more competitive in the box, more willing to grind out at-bats, and more dangerous when he gets pitches in his zone. His strikeout rate has dropped noticeably, and his walk rate remains strong, a sign that his pitch selection is improving in tandem with his mechanics. In 39 games at Double-A, he slashed .305/.399/.574 (.973) with 11 doubles and nine home runs. Beyond the home run total, it was the quality of his at-bats that impressed Twins coaches. He wasn’t chasing fastballs at the eyes or flailing at breaking balls in the dirt. His strikeout rate has been above 30% for his entire professional career, but he dropped that total to 25.8 K% this season. The swings were disciplined, the takes purposeful, and the confidence unmistakable. The jump to Triple-A, of course, comes with new challenges. Sabato knows he’ll see arms that fill up the zone more consistently and pitchers who can execute sequences better than the ones he faced at lower levels. But his mindset remains unchanged. “At the end of the day, it's still baseball,” said Sabato. “I mean, there's just more competitive pitches, I feel like, throughout the at-bats. But ultimately, I mean, it's the same game. The guys are still throwing hard, still throwing great pitches.” It’s a subtle but significant shift in how Sabato carries himself. Gone is the player who tried to solve slumps with mechanical overhauls or who wore frustration on his sleeve after tough stretches. In his place is a hitter who’s bought into discipline, daily repetition, and patience with the process. “Just don't waver, don't tinker, stay with it,” repeated Sabato. “Keep doing what I was doing in Wichita, what I was doing at the start of the spring training, and just keep going.” For the Twins, this development is an encouraging sign. Sabato’s right-handed power remains a rare commodity in the system. With uncertainty surrounding the team’s future first base depth, the opportunity is there for Sabato to force his way into the picture. Of course, Sabato knows there’s more work to do. Triple-A pitching is relentless, and the jump to the big leagues is steeper still. But for the first time in a while, it feels like the former first-rounder is on the right path. One built on trust, preparation, and belief in a process that’s finally delivering results. And if the power stroke he showed early this season shows up under the bright lights in St. Paul this summer, the Twins might have a late-blooming slugger on their hands after all. What stands out most about Sabato's season so far? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports It starts innocently enough. Maybe they see a game on TV while flipping past Nickelodeon. Maybe Grandpa brings over an old Kirby Puckett baseball card. Maybe they wander too close to Target Field and breathe in the alluring scent of hot dogs and disappointment. However it happens, you need to be vigilant. Minnesota Twins fandom is a lifelong condition — one with few cures and no known vaccines. Worried your child might be developing symptoms? Here are the key warning signs to watch for: 1. Obsession with ‘Prospects’ Instead of Pokémon Normal kids want Pikachu or Charizard. Your kid wants Emmanuel Rodriguez and Walker Jenkins. Bonus danger points if they utter the phrase, “He’s got a plus hit tool with advanced approach for his age” during dinner. Major risk if they compare Santa’s top gifts for the year to MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. 2. A Disturbing Fondness for Joe Mauer’s Sideburns You find sketches of sideburns in their notebooks. They ask for a mannequin head to practice “2006 Mauer trim.” They cry when reminded Joe’s number 7 is retired, because they wanted to wear it in Little League. Seek professional counseling immediately. 3. They’ve Learned to Lower Expectations... In Everything If your seven-year-old shrugs and says, “We’re probably not winning this year, but it’s okay — it’s about player development” after you tell them Chuck E. Cheese is closed. If they react to birthday presents with, “That’s fine. We’ll see how it plays out long-term.” It’s too late, Twins fandom has taken hold. 4. Frequent Use of the Word ‘Pohlad’ Like It’s a Swear Word “This cereal tastes like Pohlad!” “Do we have to do homework? What a Pohlad move.” If “Pohlad” has replaced traditional curse words in your home, congratulations: your child is now fluent in Minnesota sports despair. 5. Fear of October Other kids love Halloween. Yours fears October because they’ve learned it brings playoff sweeps, 18-game losing streak reminders, and unbearable Yankees highlight reels. Be concerned if they flinch when they see the calendar turn past September. 6. They’ve Memorized Cory Provus Catchphrases You catch them narrating backyard wiffle ball games in their best Provus impression: “Back it goes, deep it goes, and gone!” They hum the Twins Radio theme while brushing their teeth. Worse yet, they pause everyday conversations to say, “Treasure Island Baseball Network, your home for Twins baseball.” Extreme danger if they describe dinner as “brought to you by your Midwest Chevy Dealers.” 7. Refusal to Believe in Good Bullpens If they insist no human being can get three outs in the ninth without severe emotional distress... This is classic Twins fan conditioning. 8. They Already Hate the Yankees, Guardians, and White Sox for No Reason No one taught them this. It’s genetic. Like eye color or lactose intolerance. They simply know. What Can You Do? Unfortunately, there’s no cure. Twins fandom, once caught, is for life, like chicken pox but with fewer championships. You can make their experience better by providing a steady diet of hope (”Walker Jenkins will save us!”), minor league box scores, and replays of the 1987 and 1991 World Series on DVD. Above all, remind them of this universal truth: Being a Twins fan builds character. Lots and lots of character. Also pain. Mostly pain. But hey, maybe this is the year? (Just kidding. It’s never the year.) View full article

Image courtesy of © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images As defensive metrics continue to evolve and become more publicly available, fans now have more ways than ever to measure what their eyes see on the field. The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) has once again released its first installment of the SABR Defensive Index (SDI) for the 2025 season, offering some interesting insight into how members of the Minnesota Twins are stacking up with the glove compared to the rest of the American League. For those unfamiliar, the SABR Defensive Index has been used since 2013 as part of the process for determining the Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners. The metric pulls together multiple defensive statistics, including those derived from Statcast batted-ball tracking and traditional play-by-play data, to form an overall defensive value. These rankings are current through games played on June 8, 2025. France Flashes the Leather at First One of the biggest surprises on this list comes at first base, where Ty France ranks third in the American League with a 2.1 SDI. France was acquired as a buy-low acquisition this past offseason to replace Gold Glove winner Carlos Santana at first base, but his glovework has clearly exceeded expectations. First base has not been a defensive stronghold for the Twins in recent years, so seeing France rate so highly in the early SDI rankings is a welcome sight for the club. France’s defensive metrics tanked last year as he played through an injury. However, this season he’s had some conversations with players like Carlos Correa about how to improve. His Fielding Run Value ranks in the 88th percentile and his OAA is in the 95th percentile. His defensive value has quietly made a difference for a pitching staff that still induces plenty of ground balls. Bader Shines, Buxton Disappoints Most assumed Byron Buxton would lead the way for the Twins’ outfielders in the early SDI release. After all, when healthy, he’s long been considered one of the best defenders in baseball. However, it’s Harrison Bader who holds the team’s best outfield SDI mark so far. Bader’s 2.4 SDI in left field is tied for third among AL left fielders, a strong showing for a player who has also seen time in center. Bader’s instincts, jumps, and ability to cover ground have clearly transferred well to his new role. His presence in left has provided some flexibility for the Twins. He ranks in the 93rd percentile in Fielding Run Value and the 97th percentile in OAA. Bader also unofficially ranks in the 100th percentile in losing his hat when chasing after a ball. Meanwhile, Buxton sits at 0.1 SDI, ninth in the American League among center fielders. It's a solid but unspectacular mark, especially with how strong he has looked this season. He ranks in the 90th percentile in OAA and the 84th percentile for Fielding Run Value. If Buxton stays healthy, he should rise on these rankings in the second half. The Twins did not have a qualified player in right field, as the position has been impacted by injury. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach have both played over 185 innings but no one has played enough innings to crack the leaderboard. The Infield: A Mixed Defensive Bag There are some surprises and a few concerns on the infield. Correa, previously heralded as one of baseball’s premier defensive shortstops, comes in at 0.2 SDI (tied for seventh in the AL). His OAA is still strong in the 91st percentile. While these numbers aren't poor by any stretch, it’s a far cry from the elite territory he occupied in his Houston days or during his strong 2022 season in Minnesota. The Twins need Correa to provide defensive value as his bat has lagged behind this season. Brooks Lee ranks eighth among AL third basemen but has a -1.0 SDI. This isn’t unexpected for a young player still adjusting to big-league speed and angles. Lee’s bat has shown signs of life in recent weeks, but the defensive side remains a work in progress. He has a Fielding Run Value and OAA in the 34th percentile or lower. His development at the hot corner will be worth watching closely as Royce Lewis is on the injured list for the second time this season. At second base, Willi Castro sits at -1.1 SDI, further highlighting the Twins’ infield inconsistency. He is tied for fifth in the AL but the top-four players all have a 2.5 SDI or higher. Castro’s versatility has long been his calling card, but his defensive metrics can sometimes suffer when he’s asked to bounce between positions. His glove at second base hasn’t graded out well early on, though positional flexibility keeps him valuable on the roster. Catchers Hover Near the Middle Behind the plate, neither of the Twins’ primary catchers has stood out by SDI measures. Christian Vázquez posted a -0.2 SDI (eighth in the AL), while Ryan Jeffers came in slightly lower at -0.5 SDI (10th). Both catchers have been praised at times for handling the pitching staff well, but neither is considered an elite defender by modern framing or blocking metrics. The rankings confirm that perception: steady, serviceable, but unspectacular. The Pitchers: Paddack Impresses, Ryan Struggles Among the pitchers, Chris Paddack leads the Twins staff with a 0.7 SDI, tying him for 13th in the American League. Pitcher defense is often overlooked, but Paddack’s ability to field his position whether on comebackers or bunts has earned him quiet praise. Bailey Ober sits at 0.5 SDI, good for 20th, showing he holds his own when fielding his position. However, Joe Ryan brings up the rear at -0.7 SDI (36th), suggesting he’s struggled when asked to handle balls in play near the mound. While pitcher SDI is typically a small component of overall defensive value, these numbers can sometimes explain why certain plays unravel the way they do. The first wave of SDI rankings offers a mixed bag for the Twins. Players like France and Bader have exceeded expectations defensively, but concerns remain at key infield positions and behind the plate. The numbers show potential but also areas in need of shoring up if Minnesota hopes to remain in contention as summer heats up. As always with defensive metrics, these rankings represent just part of the picture. But for a front office that values data, and a fan base always hungry for insight, the SDI update provides another reason to keep a close eye on the field especially with the AL playoff picture far from settled. What surprises you most about these rankings? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Keep in mind that he is over two years younger than the average age of the competition in the Midwest League. He only has 13 plate appearances versus younger pitchers this season.

I think he projects to be slightly below average at shortstop but could probably be athletic enough to hold his own. I likely ends up at third base where his strong arm would play well.

Houston released him. He is pitching for the Chicago Dogs of the American Association. In nine games, he has a 5.30 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP and a 14-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Image courtesy of David Malamut (photo of Kaelen Culpepper) TRANSACTIONS St. Paul Saints placed LHP Brady Feigl on the 7-day injured list with left rotator cuff tendinitis. Feigl has posted a 5.93 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP and a 16-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 13 2/3 innings. SAINTS SENTINEL St. Paul 8, Toledo 2 Box Score Former first-round pick Aaron Sabato is quickly making his presence known in the Saints' lineup. On Thursday, the Mudhens jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. However, St. Paul put up crooked numbers in the fourth and fifth innings to jump ahead. Sabato smashed a no-doubt grand slam that traveled 426 feet and left the bat at 111.7 mph. It was his first Triple-A home run and he finished the night 2-for-4 with five RBI. Earlier in the game, Jose Miranda started the scoring with a solo home run. On the mound, Andrew Morris started and had an up-and-down performance. The good: he limited Toledo to two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts. The bad: he walked four and was removed after four innings. Morris threw 90 pitches and only 53 were strikes. Trent Baker followed Morris and tossed four scoreless innings by limiting Toledo to three hits. He struck out five and walked two. The win ended a seven-game losing streak for the Saints. WIND SURGE WISDOM Wichita 5, Arkansas 1 Box Score Wichita used a huge first inning to ambush Arkansas. Walker Jenkins was hit by a pitch and moved to third on a Kyler Fedko single. Kala’i Rosario drove in both runners with his 13th double. Rubel Cespedes singled to make the game 3-0. After two walks to load the bases, Tyler Dearden drove in a run on a ground out and Jose Salas extended the lead with a sacrifice fly to cap the five-run frame. Rosario reached base three times with a pair of doubles and a walk. John Klein got the start on the bump and breezed through five shutout innings after the early run support. He allowed one hit while striking out six. Ricky Castro pitched the final four innings for an unconventional save, his first of the season. He allowed one run on three hits with a pair of strikeouts. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 2, Beloit 0 (Game 1- 7 Innings) Box Score Three Kernels pitchers combined for a four-hit shutout in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Alejandro Hidalgo started and pitched three innings while scattering two hits. He struck out one and walked one. Over his last two appearances, he has combined for seven shutout innings. Kade Bragg took over for Hidalgo in the fourth and pitched two hitless innings. He ran into a little bit of trouble by walking a season-high three batters, but managed to escape. Paulshawn Pasqualotto pitched the final two innings and earned his sixth save. Offensively, one first-inning swing from Brandon Winokur made all the difference. With one out, Kyle DeBarge was hit by a pitch and quickly stole second base, his 37th steal of the season. Then Winokur cracked his ninth home run. He finished the game 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and a stolen base. No other Kernels had a hit, but DeBarge reached base with two walks. Cedar Rapids 5, Beloit 4 (Game 2- 7 Innings) Box Score In a back-and-forth game, Kaelen Culpepper played the hero with a go-ahead two-run homer in the fifth inning. Andy Lugo and Misael Urbina both reached base ahead of a Poncho Ruiz double that brought the score within one. Culpepper’s homer followed and secured the team’s second win of the day. Urbina led the team in hits as he finished 2-for-3. Chase Chaney pitched into the sixth inning and earned his fifth victory. In 5 2/3 innings, he allowed three earned runs on eight hits. Samuel Perez allowed two runners to reach in the seventh inning, so the Kernels called on Hunter Hoopes for the final out. He coaxed a groundout to end the game. With the win, the Kernels are going to the Midwest League Playoffs for the 11th time in 12 years. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers –, Lakeland – (Canceled) Thursday’s contest between Fort Myers and Lakeland has been canceled due to inclement weather. The game was supposed to be the finale for the first half of the FSL season, and will not be made up. Lakeland clinched a playoff berth on Wednesday, so the contest had no postseason implications. The series will now be five games. This is the second game of the season to be cancelled for the Mussels. COMPLEX CHRONICLES FCL Twins 3, FCL Rays 2 (7 Innings) Box Score In a make-up game from June 3rd, the FCL Twins jumped out to a 3-0 lead before holding on for a one-run win. Eduardo Beltre started the game with a walk, stole second base, and came around on a Ramiro Dominguez double, his 10th of the year. Dominguez would later score in the inning on a sacrifice fly from Luis Fragoza to put the Twins up 2-0. In the top of the fourth, Javier Roman connected for a solo home run to extend the lead to 3-0. It turned out to be the game-winning run. Sam Rochard and Andrew Huffman combined for five shutout innings to start the game. Rochard pitched three innings and collected five strikeouts. Will Armbruester took over in the sixth and allowed three hits but was only charged with one earned run after a throwing error by Daiber De Los Santos. Brent Francisco closed out the final inning for his second save. He allowed one hit and struck out two. FCL Twins 2, FCL Rays 1 (7 Innings) Box Score The FCL Twins trailed for most of this game but their pitching staff kept it close and the club squeaked out a win. Starter Melvin Rodriguez tossed five innings and limited the Rays to one run on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts. It was his second straight appearance where he made it through five innings. Xavier Kolhosser and Anderson Ramos combined to allow two base runners over the last two innings to preserve the win. In the fifth inning, Ricardo Paez singled to start the frame. Ariel Castro followed with an RBI triple to tie the game at one. Yandro Hernandez quickly drove in Castro with what turned out to be a game-winning single. DOMINICAN DAILIES DSL Miami 1, DSL Twins 0 (7 Innings) Box Score The DSL Twins struggled to find any offense in this contest, being held to one hit. Teilon Serrano started the game with a four-pitch walk and proceeded to steal second, his fourth steal. With two outs, he moved to third on a ground out, but was left stranded in scoring position. The Twins got their lone hit in the second on a one-out single from Darwin Almanzar, which was quickly erased on a line drive double play. In the third, Serrano walked again and stole second base, but was left stranded again. Defensively, things got a little ugly in the bottom of the second. Eli Urena allowed a leadoff single to Moises Morales and the runner advanced to second on a wild pitch. He moved to third on a steal, and Twins catcher Gerardo Cardona threw the ball into the outfield, so the runner scored. Urena pitched two innings by allowing one unearned run. He walked four and struck out three. Marlon Mirabal and Aaron Carranza combined for four shutout innings to end the game. It was the first scoreless appearance for Carranza this season. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – John Klein, Wichita Wind Surge (5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K) Hitter of the Day – Aaron Sabato, St. Paul Saints (2-for-4, R, HR, 5 RBI, K) PROSPECT SUMMARY Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they performed on Tuesday. #1 – Walker Jenkins (Wichita): 1-for-4, R, K #4 – Kaelen Culpepper (Cedar Rapids): 1-for-6, HR (9), 2 RBI, R, 3 K #9 – Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids): 2-for-7, HR (9), 2 RBI, R , SB (17) #10 – Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids): 0-for-4, 2 BB, R, SB (37) #15 – Eduardo Beltre (FCL Twins): 1-for-6, BB, R, 2 K, SB (11) #19 – Danny De Andrade (Cedar Rapids): 1-for-4, 2B, R, K #20 – Payton Eeles (St. Paul): 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, K FRIDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Toledo @ St. Paul (7:07 PM CDT) - RHP Darren McCaughan (4-2, 4.43 ERA) Wichita @ Arkansas (7:05 PM CDT) - RHP C.J. Culpepper (0-0, 0.00 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Beloit (6:05 PM CDT) - RHP Tanner Hall (3-3, 4.29 ERA) Lakeland @ Fort Myers (6:05 AM CDT) - RHP Adrian Bohorquez (1-3, 8.55 ERA) DSL Twins @ DSL Rangers Blue (10:00 AM CDT) - TBD FCL Twins @ FCL Red Sox (11:00 AM CDT) - TBD Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Thursday’s games! View full article

Image courtesy of © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Following the blockbuster Rafael Devers trade, a trio of writers from The Athletic created the first MLB Trade Deadline Big Board of potential players who could be traded in the next month and a half. The top five players on the list are Boston’s Jarren Duran, Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins, Miami’s Sandy Alcántara, and Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez. In MLB’s expanded playoff format, there are more buyers than sellers at this point in the season. However, there will likely be more separation in the standings as the deadline looms closer. Minnesota has walked a fine line between contender and pretender this season, with a 13-game winning streak sandwiched between two terrible stretches of baseball. The team’s upcoming schedule will dictate whether they are buyers or sellers before the deadline. If things go south, here is where the team’s players on expiring contracts would rank on the Big Board. UTL Willi Castro Big Board Rank: 9 Castro has quietly become one of Minnesota’s most valuable and versatile players over the past two seasons. A switch-hitter with experience all over the diamond, Castro brings positional flexibility that is hard to find in today’s game. His bat has also started to warm up lately. Over the last 28 games, he is hitting .342/.416/.595, with five home runs, three doubles, and 14 runs scored. For a player in a contract year, he seems to be putting it all together at the right time. Why would other teams call? Contenders love Swiss Army knife types for playoff runs, and Castro’s ability to seamlessly bounce between infield and outfield spots makes him an ideal bench upgrade or injury insurance piece for clubs in the postseason hunt. His cost won’t be as high as some other players at the trade deadline, but his versatility will be hard for contenders to ignore. RP Danny Coulombe Big Board Rank: 20 Coulombe was brought in to be the Twins’ only left-handed reliever, and he has provided a steady presence in the bullpen mix since joining the club. He pounds the zone with cutters and sinkers, keeping hitters off-balance while rarely issuing free passes. His ability to get both lefties and righties out in leverage spots gives him value beyond the traditional "LOOGY" role, which has mostly disappeared under the three-batter minimum rule. Why would other teams call? Left-handed relief is always a hot commodity in July, and Coulombe’s track record, strike-throwing ability, and affordable contract make him a low-risk, high-reward option for teams trying to shore up their bullpen depth for a stretch run. He might be the second-best left-handed reliever who is traded before the deadline, behind Aroldis Chapman. SP Chris Paddack Big Board Rank: 27 Paddack has been a roller coaster in his Twins tenure, but the stuff remains intriguing. After recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, Paddack has shown flashes of his old form. He has two blow-up starts this season where he allowed 8+ ER, but between those appearances, he posted a 2.51 ERA across 12 starts. His control can waver, but teams could add him in hopes that he can take the ball every fifth day and eat innings for a rotation that has needed stability. Why would other teams call? Rotation depth is always in demand, and Paddack offers potential value as a back-end starter with upside—or even as a bullpen weapon down the stretch. Some contending teams will run into injury issues, and Paddack can be a buy-low opportunity for the season’s final two months. OF Harrison Bader Big Board Rank: 30 Signed as a free-agent gamble this past offseason, Bader has delivered more than what was expected: excellent outfield defense and more than enough offensive punch to stay in the lineup. He ranks third on the team in rWAR, behind Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton. His glove remains elite, saving runs in the outfield and offering playoff-caliber defense up the middle, a skill set that becomes even more valuable in October when every run matters. Why would other teams call? For contenders looking for a late-inning defensive replacement or fourth outfielder with speed and playoff experience, Bader is an ideal target. He can pinch-run, provide elite defense, and give a starting center fielder a breather, all tools that championship-minded clubs covet when building out postseason rosters. 1B Ty France Big Board Rank: N/A The Twins brought in France to serve as a veteran presence and a capable bat in Minnesota’s right-handed DH/1B mix. He has provided some clutch hits, but his overall power numbers have dipped from past seasons with a 95 OPS+. He doesn’t make the Big Board, because few clubs are looking for a below-average first baseman. Why would other teams call? France could appeal to clubs seeking right-handed bench depth, especially those that require a steady hand against left-handed pitching or want insurance at first base. His contact-oriented profile could also fit clubs tired of strikeout-heavy lineups as they make a push for October. How would you rank these players on the Big Board? Who is too high? Who is too low? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of © Dennis Lee-Imagn Images When Royce Lewis met with reporters over the weekend, following his second trip to the injured list this season, his frustration was impossible to miss. After re-injuring the same left hamstring that sidelined him for the first six weeks of the 2025 campaign, Lewis sounded emotional and exhausted. He voiced what many fans and teammates likely thought. “I’m tired of being the one who’s being bullied and picked on by this game," Lewis said. "Whether it wants me to suffer on the offensive side or when I’m going hot, it just wants to kick me out with an injury. Seems like it’s picking on me at this moment, so I’m waiting for one of my friends to pick me up and stop this bully.” It is rare for a player to be this open and vulnerable about the toll the game takes on both their mental and physical well-being. For Lewis, who has now been derailed just as he was swinging the hottest bat on the team, the frustration is understandable. In June, Lewis was hitting an incredible .367, after enduring a brutal slump in May while shaking off the rust from his previous hamstring injury. Just when the swing returned (and his confidence followed), baseball’s cruel side showed up once again. A Frustrating, Familiar Pattern Unfortunately, this is not the first time Lewis has lost a battle with baseball’s darker side. His entire professional career has been marked by breathtaking potential, interrupted by poorly timed injuries. In 2021, Lewis tore his ACL just before reporting for spring training (it wasn't diagnosed until he got to camp, in fact), which resulted in him missing the entire minor-league season. This came after a 2020 campaign wiped away by the COVID-19 shutdown. After nearly two full years without competitive baseball, Lewis exploded back onto the scene in 2022 with the Twins, slashing .300/.317/.550 over 12 games and making a clear case for an everyday job. However, just as excitement around him was building, another setback arrived. Lewis tore the same ACL again while making a catch in center field, ending his 2022 season and setting him back once more. When Lewis finally returned to the big leagues, he delivered a thrilling stretch of play that helped push the Twins toward the 2023 postseason. His grand slams, his energy, his poise, everything fans had dreamed of since Minnesota made him the first overall pick in 2017, came to life. Still, he was barely fending off the injury demons. He suffered an oblique strain that cost him most of July and the first half of August that year, and a hamstring strain in September that had him half-hobbled even during the playoffs. In 2024, it was a quad strain on Opening Day and an adductor strain suffered in early July. Then, he slumped badly (while ostensibly healthy) to finish the season, and came back this spring ready to avenge himself on the game—only to suffer that first hamstring strain less than two weeks before the season began, sidelining him for nearly two months. Timing Couldn’t Be Worse What makes this latest injury even more challenging to swallow is its timing. After returning from the IL in May, Lewis struggled through one of the roughest stretches of his young career, going 9-for-69 (.130 BA) and looking out of sync at the plate. But in June, everything clicked. He was hitting balls to all fields, driving key line drives, and lifting his OPS over 1.000. For the first time all season, Lewis looked like the middle-of-the-order threat the Twins needed. Then came Friday night. While running out a could-be double to left field, Lewis felt the hamstring tighten again, the same one that robbed him of April and most of May. And what made this sting more was that he was actually holding back. “I was trying to be a little bit smarter running the bases,” Lewis said. “These ground balls, 99 percent of the time you’re out, and if someone bobbles it, you’ve just got to run fast enough to be safe on those. So that’s what I’ve been doing." That's well and good on the routine grounders, but Lewis smelled an infield hit on the ball that he got hurt on in March. He was accelerating to try to take an extra base on a slow-developing play when he hurt his quad last year. This time, he seemed to be trying to accelerate more smoothly, but it was still clear he was thinking about whether he could speed up enough to take second on a ball hit to the shallow left-field corner in Houston. Even while consciously protecting himself, the injury crept in anyway. That is the cruelest part. The Long Memory of Fans Unfortunately for Lewis, a segment of the Twins fan base will not forget these injuries, no matter how well he performs when healthy. This is the same shadow that has followed Byron Buxton for years. Even during stretches when Buxton has been one of the best players in baseball, some fans have dismissed his value due to the time he has missed due to injuries. Lewis may already be heading down a similar path. For some, the perception of him being “injury-prone” will outweigh his production on the field. Even if he comes back later this season and rips off an MVP-level performance in August or September, there will still be those who see him as unreliable until he proves he can stay healthy for an entire season (or multiple seasons). This is an unfair weight for a young player to carry, especially given how many of Lewis’s injuries have been freak occurrences rather than signs of chronic fragility. However, the modern baseball conversation, especially among certain parts of the fan base and media, can be harsh. Patience wears thin. Labels stick. And Lewis will have to battle not only his own body, but also that lingering doubt from the crowd. Buxton’s story is a clear warning of how difficult this can be. Even after a Platinum Glove, an All-Star start, and highlight-reel plays for nearly a decade, there are still fans who write him off every time he hits the IL. Lewis is charismatic and talented, but unless his health finally improves, he could become the next target of this relentless skepticism. What Comes Next The Twins placed Lewis on the 10-day injured list, but no one following this team believes this will be a simple rest and return. Given his history and the recurrence of this injury, Minnesota will handle this situation as cautiously as possible. Another misstep could turn this into a long absence and potentially threaten the second half of the season. For Lewis, the battle ahead is as much mental as physical. Few players in recent memory have had to restart their careers this many times before turning 27. ACL tears, oblique strains, and hamstrings, it is a brutal résumé of setbacks, always appearing just as things start to go right. The Twins are aware of the vital role Lewis plays in their plans. When he is healthy, he changes the lineup, the clubhouse, and the team’s energy. He is a franchise cornerstone with a skill set few can match. But until the injuries stop, health remains the only thing missing from his superstar profile. Minnesota’s best path forward is to think long-term. Even if the Twins stay close in the AL Central race, risking Lewis for short-term wins would be a mistake. His value comes (hopefully, eventually) from full, healthy seasons, not rushing back for early July games that might compromise his performance in August and September. Beyond the numbers, Lewis’s comments reveal the human toll of all these injuries. His frustration extends beyond this past weekend. It is years of surgeries, rehabs, delayed dreams, and constant doubt packed into one exhausted quote. Maybe the baseball gods are bullying Lewis right now. But his honesty, his joy for the game, and his fight are exactly why Twins fans remain firmly in his corner. They, like Lewis himself, are just waiting for the day when this game finally lets him run free. View full article

Walker JenkinsEmmanuel RodriguezLuke KeaschallKaelen CulpepperConnor PrielippCharlee SotoBrandon WinokurDasan HillAndrew MorrisKyle DeBargeCole PeschlGabriel GonzalezBilly AmickKhadim DiawDanny De AndradeCory LewisCJ CulpepperRicardo OlivarRayne DonconEduardo Beltre

Walker JenkinsEmmanuel RodriguezLuke KeaschallKaelen CulpepperConnor PrielippCharlee SotoBrandon WinokurDasan HillAndrew MorrisKyle DeBargeCole PeschlGabriel GonzalezBilly AmickKhadim DiawDanny De AndradeCory LewisCJ CulpepperRicardo OlivarRayne DonconEduardo Beltre

Image courtesy of © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Major League Baseball’s ownership landscape has seen plenty of activity in recent years, but one of the most intriguing developments surfaced this past week. The Tampa Bay Rays, long considered one of the league’s trickiest franchises to assess when it comes to value, are on the verge of being sold for around $1.7 billion. For Minnesota Twins fans watching the Pohlad family’s quiet but ongoing effort to shop their franchise, this latest development adds another wrinkle to the story of a potential Twins sale. Rays Sale Sets the Bar Reports out of Florida indicate that Rays owner Stuart Sternberg is in “advanced talks” to sell the team to Jacksonville real estate developer Patrick Zalupski for a price in the $1.7 billion range. According to multiple sources, including Sportico and The New York Post, Zalupski has already signed a letter of intent to buy the club. While that isn’t a guarantee the sale will close, the serious nature of these discussions sends a clear message to the market: small-market teams can command high prices in the current professional sports climate. The Rays’ situation has been messy for years. Their ownership’s long battle to secure public funding for a new stadium in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area dragged on (with little success) until a natural disaster intervened. Last year, Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, forcing the team into temporary residence at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training home in Tampa. Despite this disruption and their long history of bottom-five attendance, the Rays are set to fetch a valuation that some thought would be out of reach for such a franchise. What This Means for Minnesota So what does a likely $1.7-billion price tag on the Rays mean for the Twins? Quite a bit, actually. The Twins have been sticking firmly to their own internal valuation, reportedly seeking around $1.7 billion in sale talks. The organization has turned away offers in the $1.5 billion range, believing the market and team valuations in general will continue to rise. On paper, Minnesota should be a more attractive purchase than Tampa Bay. CNBC’s latest 2025 MLB team valuations list the Twins (22nd, $1.65 billion) above the Rays (29th, $1.4 billion), and the club benefits from something the Rays can only dream of: stadium stability. Target Field, which opened in 2010, remains one of MLB’s premier ballparks. It’s centrally located and well-maintained, with no lingering drama of relocation threats. Compare that to the Rays, who face uncertain long-term plans in the wake of the hurricane and are without a permanent home. Minnesota’s stability in this area gives prospective buyers confidence in revenue streams and long-term planning. However, the Twins do have a complication that could muddy the waters: debt. The franchise carries an estimated $425 million in debt, a figure that may have contributed to the rejection of offers below their asking price. This liability could act as a deterrent for some ownership groups, particularly when interest rates and financing costs remain high across the country. Raising the Price Floor? If the Rays, with all their baggage, manage to close this deal for $1.7 billion, the Twins are likely to view it as confirmation that their own asking price is realistic—or even a little low. After all, Minnesota has more stability, greater regional market control, and a more consistent ticket-buying fanbase (even if that is a low bar to clear). Tampa has long been lauded for its player development, but the Twins have made strides in recent years to produce consistent pitching, and other young hitters are on the way, like Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez. The Rays' sale could raise the overall price floor for small- to mid-market MLB teams. If Tampa Bay is worth $1.7 billion with a shaky stadium and disaster recovery on its plate, what’s a debt-burdened but otherwise stable franchise like the Twins worth? This is the math that the Pohlads and potential buyers are undoubtedly running through right now. Debt: The Cloud on Minnesota’s Horizon Still, the $425 million in debt is no small matter. Any buyer would need to assume, restructure, or pay off that liability as part of the transaction, making the actual cost of the purchase higher than just the $1.7 billion sticker price. For comparison, the Rays’ own debt situation has not been publicized as aggressively, but their lack of stadium resolution and post-hurricane costs likely carry risks of their own. For the Twins, this means two things: First, their asking price may remain out of reach for less capitalized buyer groups. Second, the franchise may need to sweeten the deal by lowering its asking price slightly or restructuring its debt to attract a strong new ownership group willing to invest heavily in both the team and its future. What’s Next for a Potential Sale? The Pohlad family has made no secret of its openness to selling the Twins, but they also don’t appear to be in a hurry. By waiting out the market, they may have played things perfectly. The Rays' sale, if finalized at its rumored price, sets a precedent that will encourage the Pohlads to hold firm on their valuation. That said, the debt issue remains the big difference. While the Rays have location issues, the Twins have financial obligations that may deter some cautious suitors. A team’s valuation and sale price aren’t always the same thing once the finer points of liabilities, cash flow, and future obligations are considered. For Twins fans hoping for fresh ownership and potentially deeper pockets, the Rays’ pending sale is both encouraging and frustrating. On one hand, it shows that $1.7 billion is a fair price for a mid-market team, making a Twins sale at that price more likely than ever. On the other hand, the Pohlads’ significant debt load complicates the picture, possibly slowing the process unless new financial arrangements are made. As the Rays sale nears the finish line, all eyes in Minnesota and across Major League Baseball will be on what happens next in Minneapolis. The table is set. Now, it’s a matter of who’s willing to pay the bill. How do you think the Rays’ sale will impact the Twins? Leave a comment and join the discussion. View full article

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge For top prospects, development rarely follows a straight and predictable path. In the case of Walker Jenkins, the journey to big-league stardom hit a significant speed bump this spring. Now that the 20-year-old outfielder has returned to Double-A Wichita following an extended rehab stint, it is fair to ask what exactly he needs to prove during the remainder of the 2025 season. The answers begin with health and culminate in unlocking more of his long-anticipated offensive potential. A Rocky Start to 2025 Jenkins entered this season as one of the crown jewels of the Twins’ minor league system. As a former first-round pick, fifth overall in 2023, he was set for a full season at Double-A during his age-20 campaign. Unfortunately, those plans quickly unraveled. He suffered a left high ankle sprain during spring training, though he was cleared in time for Opening Day. After just two games with Wichita, however, renewed stiffness in the same ankle forced him back onto the injured list on April 9. What was initially viewed as a minor setback turned into a lengthy absence. A cortisone injection was required in late April to calm the persistent inflammation, and Jenkins didn’t return to game action until early June with a rehab assignment at Low-A Fort Myers. In eight games for the Mighty Mussels, Jenkins produced a .280 batting average, going 7-for-25, with a .419 on-base percentage, one home run, and two stolen bases. The results were respectable, but, more importantly, he moved well and logged consistent at-bats. Now that he is back at Double-A, the real test begins. Staying on the Field is Priority Number One More than anything else, Jenkins must stay healthy for the remainder of the 2025 season. There is no sugarcoating the reality that durability is now a concern in Jenkins’ prospect profile. High ankle sprains can be problematic for outfielders who depend on quick first steps, sudden cuts, and explosive bursts both in the field and at the plate. The lingering nature of this injury is something to monitor moving forward. What Jenkins needs more than any highlight-reel performances is a steady stretch of daily games. There is no need for a rushed promotion to Triple-A St. Paul or talk of a late-season call-up. The goal should be straightforward and clear: maintaining health, playing games, and achieving steady plate appearances against upper-level pitching. If Jenkins can log 80 or more games at Double-A this summer, that alone would be a significant step forward. It would help restore confidence in the front office that he can handle a full workload when the Twins call on him in 2026 and beyond. Finding the Power Stroke Another essential part of Jenkins’ checklist this season is showing growth in the power department. Some national outlets have ranked him lower on their Top 100 prospect lists, with concerns about his game power playing a significant role. Last season at Low-A Fort Myers, Jenkins posted solid overall numbers, but his underlying contact quality metrics left room for improvement. His Barrel rate, 90th percentile exit velocity, and Hard Hit percentage all ranked below the 62nd percentile. These numbers suggest that his raw power has not yet translated into consistent in-game pop. A closer look shows part of the problem. Jenkins is not pulling the baseball with enough authority. His pull percentage last season ranked in the 21st percentile, and his rate of pulled fastballs sat at an even lower 13th percentile. This means that far too many of his batted balls are being hit softly to the opposite field or up the middle rather than turned on with intent. For Jenkins to unlock the extra-base potential that made him such a highly regarded draft pick, this must change. Whether it requires a slight timing adjustment, a tweak to his swing path, or a more aggressive approach on fastballs he can drive, Jenkins needs to start punishing mistakes. Scouts and analysts want to see him pull fastballs into the gap with force. Keeping Patience at the Plate Even as Jenkins works to tap into more power, he cannot abandon his natural strength as a patient hitter. His Fort Myers rehab stint provided a reminder of this skill, as he posted a .400 on-base percentage and displayed his usual calm, disciplined approach. Jenkins has always had an excellent feel for the strike zone, rarely chasing pitches out of the zone or swinging wildly at them. Maintaining that patience is essential as he attempts to add more aggression and pull-side damage to his game. The challenge for many young hitters at Double-A is learning when to sit back and when to attack. Jenkins has the instinct to find that balance, and Double-A offers the perfect environment for him to develop this critical skill. What Does Success Look Like in 2025? So, what would make this season a success for Jenkins? It is not about Triple-A St. Paul or gaudy statistics. The mission for 2025 is proving to himself, to the Twins, and to baseball evaluators that he can stay healthy and take the next steps toward unlocking his offensive ceiling. Suppose Jenkins can play 80+ games without further incident, improve his hard contact rates, pull more fastballs with authority, and continue to show his signature plate discipline. In that case, this season will be considered a success. The prospect rankings will follow in time. The power will come. His enormous potential remains, but 2025 must be the year when the foundation for a healthy and productive career is finally established. For now, there is no reason to talk about Triple-A or major league debuts. The goal is far simpler but just as important: health, production, and progress at Double-A Wichita. And for Jenkins and the Twins, that is enough reason to consider this season a vital step forward. What will you look for from Jenkins this season? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article