This was my first year as a Twins fan and I had no expectations so I was happy enough - I would have loved it if they made playoffs but they weren't going to compete meaningfully so they best they can do is give us hope for 2027, and I think they did that.
I would say I have more hope at the end of 2026 than at the start.
Cut some dead weight and let the kids play and there will be something worth cheering about most weeks of 2027, shortened season or not.