Twins 72

With all the catching depth they have acquired the past year or so, they should be good to go with home-grown players in 2028. They need a bridge year in 2027 that doesn't kill them. They have Caratini and Jackson, but I would 100% give Jeffers that qualifying offer. They should not be scared of that. He probably won't sign it so they get the comp draft pick. It he for some odd reason did sign it, it would fit in perfect. They would be paying him a lot of money for a year, but they can suck it up. To me that would be best case scenario. You have Jeffers for one more year, you don't have to commit long term, you don't have the whole at the catcher spot and then the young ones will be ready the following year.

The more we can get a look at these guys the better. There are some really good building blocks. Actually having a chance at the playoffs is almost gone. Bell and Larnach have had good years but will probably not be here next year. It does no good to keep rolling them out on a consistent basis. Let's see what ERod has instead of Larnach. Let's see what Saboto has instead of Bell. Could a DH platoon of Saboto and Wallner work next year? Maybe not but at least investigating it this year would be interesting. Keaschall, Culpepper, Jenkins, Buxton, Lee, Lewis, Clemens should be regulars. Need to figure out Catcher and DH. There is no reason they can't resign Jeffers if they/he wants to. I think his value is overblown. The Twins can compete if they want. Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Kremer, Matthews, Rojas gives them a good rotation. One or two of those can move to the bullpen which will strengthen that group. I like having Hoffman back with Morris and Gomez. Add Matthews or Rojas to that and you would have some power in the back end. Bring Minter back? This is the making of a good team. And these are all in-house players. There is always the possibility of adding a few from outside. Front Office needs to make good decisions and maximize all options.

A lot seems to depend on Buxton. If he is going to be back soon and stays healthy, I might lean Erod because I am not quite as worried about him playing everyday. He would be the better choice to play more of a part time role. He is older and he is out of options so even a part time role this year would help to see what the future holds for him in the organization going forward. I would not want to do that with Jenkins. He has to play full-time if he is called up.

Agree, I think they are going to need another starter. Connor in the pen would be beneficial and allow him to continue pitching throughout the year. Not opposed to adding a reliever as well, but me first priority would be a back-end starter first.

Great start!

Out of all the positions, I think 1B is the one that seems to be his best. Just be the eye test. He is not quite the athlete he used to be because of injury, but he is still a pretty athletic first baseman. We really don't have anyone knocking on the door for that spot. Stick him at first for a full year and see how that goes. Having an off-season to prepare for that position might make him a better overall hitter. Develop a plan stick to hit for a full season and see whether he can have salvage his career.

I think exploring a trade for Ryan should be done regardless of whether we think we are in contention or not. Every move should be about acquiring talent that will help next year and selling players that will not be here. That doesn't mean you are not concerned with this year, it just means I am not trading for rentals and I am not getting rid of players that can be a big piece for next year. Personally, I would love to keep Joe. Putting a rotation of Pablo, Joe, Taj, Mick, and Conner could be really good next year. The bullpen has gotten some pieces that may stick and you could possibly add Zebby to that mix. Jenkins and Culpepper will give added youth and athleticism. A good mixture of youth and experience would give this group a chance to compete at a higher level next year.