DocBauer

I'm going to push back on the OP, despite Larnach having a good 2/3 of a season. IDK if $3+M for NOT keeping Larnach would make a difference or not. MAYBE it would have allowed 1 addition signing for a RP that was competent enough to add 1-2 wins. But I think keeping him only held the Twins back this season vs getting ready for the future. IMO, Roden was ready. You can point out his rough numbers when he came up this season. But to be fair, he also had a couple clutch hits. And right before he was sent down, he was starting to be more consistent. And that's where SSSS is a major issue. Imagine a season where the HOT Roden opens in LF, possibly/probably platooning with Martin. Are we really certain that Roden wouldn't have continued being HOT? Are we so certain that even if he started COLD he wouldn't have been heating up after a couple of weeks? A Roden/Martin platoon would have provided better defense and better speed on the base paths. Are we really confident that Larnach over Roden was the smart play? I think it's questionable at the very least. And I'd take the over on a Roden/Martin platoon, essentially considering Keaschall should have been hitting #1 come May. That was MY plan for LF. The rest of MY PLAN for 2026 was Wallner at DH and just let Rodriguez...who I believed was ready...just play EVERY DAY in RF and back up Buxton in CF...and just get rid of Outman...and LIVE with mistakes as a hitter the same way the Brewers just STUCK with Chourio before he matured in to a STUD player. I'm NOT saying Rodriguez is another Chourio. But he's a massive talent with loads of potential. So NO, the Twins DIDN'T make the right choice in keeping Larnach for 2026. He's a competent player for a team starved for a LH bat at DH, who can play a little corner OF. Roden and Martin, with better defense and speed still makes more sense to me in LF to begin the season. It also allows time for a younger player YOU TRADED FOR to decide if he has a future with the Twins. How much further along might be Rodriguez's development playing the 2026 season when he looked ready? I admit I BLEW the idea of Wallner being the primary DH for this season. I just never expected a decline like he had. So MY BAD for speculation on Wallner vs Bell. BUT I still believed Rodriguez was ready. And oh boy, wouldn't it be wonderful if we saw a full season of Rodriguez struggling and starting to figure it out, and getting ready for 2027. So ultimately, NO, keeping Larnach did NOTHING other than preventing the future.

Long way to get to a point, but I want Ross and Kreidler to fight it out in ST next year for the Super Utility role. Ross has options, Kreidler doesn't, so he probably wins the job initially. I also really want them to pick up a Marwin type, or a better version of a Salono who can provide a half way decent bat and cover 1B/2B/3B as a second INF utility role. Now, Lewis would be a great choice for that job, even at $4 1/2-5M with an arbitration raise. But I believe he considers himself a starter, and I just don't know that he would accept that role. The Twins absolutely need an upgrade at 1B. Someone who can play competent defense, and hit decently, and crank out 20+HR in the middle of the lineup. IDK that there is a FA option available for that job. It might have to come via trade. It could be a rebuilding team looking for prospects and not seeing their 1B as part of the future. It could be a 3B who would be better at 1B, or even an OF with 1B experience who would move there full time. But I'd like to get someone we can put in place for at least 2yrs instead of making 1B a revolving door. I just think it's time to move on from Royce and let him start over somewhere else. If he finds some consistency elsewhere, we just live with that knowing we upgraded at 1B. It's just time for a change. And I really believe they should look to upgrade the 5th OF spot from Martin. He's not a bad ballplayer. He's really improved his defense and he hits LHP well. But he has virtually no power, and for all his speed, he's not much of a base stealer. With the top 4 OF pretty much set for 2027, the 5th man could be ANY of Roden, Gonzalez, Mendez, or even Rosario. But they could also spend around $5M for a veteran BAT who can play some corner OF, PH, and even DH once in a while. I had my eye on someone like Grichuk the last couple of years. But he's 35yo now, even though he's had a good season. Maybe him or someone similar? Nothing wrong with a fairly inexpensive veteran OF to be the Twins #5 OF for 250-300 AB/PA. While the #5 OF is far less of a priority than a full time 1B, I still believe we should be looking to improve everywhere we can. And I think replacing BOTH of Lewis and Martin are needed steps. Larnach and Wallner should be OUT. And it gives me no pleasure to say that. Larnach, even with a mostly solid 2026, has never become we hoped for. And Wallner has regressed defensively from OK to poor. And for some reason, despite being young, he suddenly can't hit anything at 95mph or higher. WTH happened to him all of a sudden? BOTH might hold value to a team needing some LH hitting with punch/power. But IDK if either has much trade value. Maybe a lower level flyer to get something back? And again, it's time for changes. We just can't keep running it back at this time hoping for better results. Especially with TOP prospects arriving and others knocking at the door. And I have ZERO idea what the hell happened to SWR. He went from a decent, solid rotation arm...who took a MAJOR step at the end of 2025 with his new splitter...to a pitcher who either couldn't throw a strike, or if he did, it was hammered. He's already on his 3rd team this season. And if I'm not mistaken, didn't the Jays DFA him twice?? This isn't an error by the Twins. Something went really wrong with him in 2026. Maybe someone gets the better version of him on a flyer? I wish him the best. But NOW to the POSITIVE: Matthews has remained somewhat inconsistent. But in retrospect, his high ERA this season has really been the result of a handful of bad performances. Before he was "sent down", for about 24 hours, he had quality starts in something like 6 of 9 starts. And then he had a tremendous August, followed by at least 1 clunker in September, followed by another recent great start. While he could still end up in the pen, I think he's really shown a lot of development this season overall. Perfection is not the answer. But a little more consistency could make him a rotation staple if he can just find that little more consistency that he's missing. Lee has impressed me at 3B. And it seems his bat came more to life after the move as well. For the UPTEENTH time, I remind everyone he came in 2026 with 1 1/2 seasons of MLB. He's by no means a seasoned player at that point. It looks like he'll never be the HITTER we envisioned, but he's developed more power than expected. (I'd still like to see more DBLS). He keeps improving from his HALF rookie season, to 2025, and to this season. Now that he's comfortable at 3B, I expect even better defense and another raise in his offensive numbers in 2027. Lastly is Bradley. I think he's arguably had the best season of his career in 2026. But a caveat remains. When he suffered his injury, he was on a ROLL. Then he got, IIRC, a single rehab start and was brought back. (Probably out of urgency). And he was pretty mediocre his first 4 starts or so. And then he seemed to get in a groove and look much more like his 1st half self. He's had a really solid season. And I know it's "cherry picking", but if we take away his first few starts away from probably being rushed back, he's performed like a front of the rotation starter all season. It's a good OP. It reminds us of previous hope, that unfortunately didn't turn out, but also some positives that DID turn out this season. It also proves that it's just time to move away from some players that may or may not have been part of the problem directly for the past few seasons, but they sure aren't part of the solution going forward. Change is in the air. IDEALLY, the winds of change would have taken place in July and not August and September. And Abel wouldn't have been hurt. But it IS TIME to embrace the changes going forward. As well as letting go of the past.

Look. If Rogers gets a chance to save a game before the season ends that's cool. HOPFULLY the last game of the season, it would be NICE for him. But you know what really matters? He came HOME for his 10th and probably last season of his career. THAT'S what matters.

I have a lot of love for some things Falvey has done, even though I have disagreements with some of his moves. His lieutenant was Zole. I like a few things he has done when he took over the BIG CHAIR. But I also dislike a lot of the roster moves he's been in control of. Does he get credit for some changes on the fly for the roster and a decent trade deadline? Or is he also responsible for some very questionable roster moves, especially late in the season? I'm in favor of a new voice. The problem I have with a "new voice" is I'm wondering if the organization hasn't been on that course the last couple of seasons. Again, I'm really frustrated for roster construction the past few seasons that really disappointed me. But how much is that the FO to blame vs ownership? What might Falvey have done post 2023 if his legs weren't cut out beneath him. And Zole is suddenly the problem? Maybe he is. He might have done OK in the trade deadline, but I've also seen roster mistakes that make NO SENSE. II'm OK with a new voice as I haven't always agreed with the Falvey lead FO, or Zole behind. But I don't think they've been terrible. I just think they didn't always embrace the talent available. BUT, they have ALSO been in charge of changes currently taking place.

This isn't hard. I have NO IDEA why Keaschall and Martin have been asked to play RF when their skills CLEARLY demand LF should be their PRIMARY spots. Is that Zole or Shelton? Either is a major mismanagement of the roster. I keep hearing Shelton didn't want to "mess" with Larnach even though he was a better fit in RF. Larnach actually has a decent arm, RF is smaller than LF, and he has experience in RF already. So our FO and/or manager are VERY short sighted. It's OK if Martin and Keaschall can cover RF. But there skills say LF. So let's us go "crazy" and put Keaschall in LF to end the season. Let's have Rodriguez and Jenkins alternate CF and RF. And let us play Ross EVERY SINGLE DAMN DAY SOMEWHERE to see if we have a better option for a Super Utility player who might be better than Kreidler.

Revisionist theory is awesome. A lot of people, including myself, really liked the addition of Caratini based on his career as a solid receiver and a decent BAT...for a catcher. I/we saw him as a solid backup and a solid transition piece for 2027 pending WHATEVER might happen for 2028. I don't think I/we thought his arm would fall off. The fact that he hit WAY ABOVE his previous production, but his poor hitting otherwise was an obvious disappointment. The fact is, Caratini IS an experienced game caller. He's generally been a good defender behind the plate. And he's also looked pretty smart in regard to ABS challenges. And another fact is he's owed $10M this year based on his contract and his buyout. So unless ownership wants to excuse a $10M hole in payroll, Caratini is part of the catching equation for 2027. Again, he's NOT bad behind the plate, or handling the staff. That's still his #1 responsibility! The HOPE is he has one more season in his BAT closer to his career numbers than 2026. I remain AMAZED the FO would spend way too much $ and way too many years on deals for over 30yo catchers and not just extend what they already had. (Sigh) I've recently been slightly blasted by a poster simply because I stated I wasn't sure yet that Zole should be fired. My logic was simple. He did a few good things this season. But his part in roster construction...after he got the #1 chair...has left me baffled at times. And I no longer trust his decision making. Jackson appears to be a competent backup catcher. His SSSS batting for the Twins shouldn't dismiss how poor most of his career has been. But unless the Twins want to sign another over 30yo catcher to be the #2, Jackson is it. MAYBE they want to spend $3-4M for a veteran backup who might oust Jackson, and MAYBE outperform Caratini and become the primary. I'm sorry fans. I'm as confused and hurt as you. Jeffers should have been resigned 2yrs ago, or at least last offseason. But the FO blew it. He's not coming back. Accept it. Caratini and Jackson...unless they spend a few $M for someone they like better than Jackson...are the primary catchers for 2027. Forgetting CS for a moment, what we need is quantity game calling, defense behind the plate, and just handling the STAFF. I think we're OK there. The offense will put both options at #9 and just HOPING Caratini can show his previous production, and Jackson flashes some of his 2025 with Baltimore and his SSSS with the Twins in 2026. Solid defense and good game calling is what we should be hoping for at this point.

OK. Per the OP, LONG TERM 1B: I don't want to take away feom their OF defensive development, but I am more than happy to see Gonzalez and Mendez continue to get rather eztensive work at 1B. It appears Mendez hasn't been there a lot, last time I checked. Unless he's already shown he has zero aptitude for the position, giving up on that option is a major mistake, IMO. Even if they don't turn out to be the Twins future 1B, it would be nice to be able to handle the position along with corner OF. A DARKHORSE for the spot would be Winokur. What a 1B he would make! Big, long target, solid glove, great arm for relays and double plays, and big power and the kind of speed you don't often see from a 1B. However, I still see him as a future 3B or CF. But should he arrive in 2028 and those spots are well handled, he could be a great fit at 1B. Barring being traded away in a deal, I believe the 1B OF THE FUTURE will be either Tait or Tinney. I see a catcher making a fairly smooth transition to 1B...been done a lot before...and they have the power to make the position part of the heart of the lineup. They also afford the luxury of providing the team an emergency catcher on the roster should it ever be needed. I think these are the two most logical fits for the future. I believe Tinney to be the more advanced hitter of the two, naturally, but that doesn't exclude Tait from the possible role. In the meantime, they need to find someone short term to play the spot. I'd rather avoid the 1yr FA profile the Twins have been using for some time now. Unfortunately, it's not a great FA class, especially at 1B it appears. So I don't know that FA is the answer. I believe they could potentially find answer via 2 means: 1] Is there a good bat FA 3B that would be a good/smart convert to 1B? Or is there a FA OF with 1B experience that would move there as a fixed position? We need a competent 1B who can hit decently, and provide some 20+ HR power to sit in the middle of the lineup. Is there a FA option out there that fits? 2] I think a trade is more likely. The idea of a good/smart move of a 3B or OF with 1B experience making the transition still applies. But is there a rebuilding team with a proven 1B that is around 29-30-31yo...maybe with a somewhat expensive contract...that said rebuilding team doesn't see as part of their future and would love a couple solid prospects and salary relief as part of their rebuild? Just an example, but I believe Diaz is due $15M in 2027. He's only on a 1yr deal, but does Tampa want to pay that? Perhaps they'd love a Gonzalez/Mendez/Rosario in their system with another solid prospect. Hell, they might even love Lewis at only $5M with the potential to play 3 spots, still only 27yo when 2027 starts, and the belief a change of scenery might unlock his potential. Speaking of Lewis, I think it's time to say goodbye. And I say that as a fan and previous speaker on his behalf for patience. I really and truly thought sudden good health, working with a respected private hitting coach in the offseason, and "baseball maturity"...meaning he found a stance/approach with his changed body type...would lead him to a quality 2026. I really believed he'd hit at least .260, if not .270, and crank out 20+ HR and 30+ Dbls and FINALLY unlock at least some of his potential. Unfortunately, with the exception of about a month's worth of quality hitting, he's had one of the worst seasons he's ever had. (At least the first few months). It's time for both parties to move on. The Twins need a reliable 1B that can produce and Lewis needs a change of scenery to see if it can jump start his career. So there is a LONG TERM issue. But there's also a SHORT TERM issue that needs to be addressed.

Absolutely offer Jeffers the QO. He's going to get 4yrs and $70-80M from someone like the Yankees. ($60M minimum). So he's going to reject the QO and we get what is basically an early 2nd round pick for him. Larnach and Wallner are both gone for obvious reasons. They don't play good defense, Larnach has little real power, and that's all Wallner seems to have these days, assuming he can catch up to a good fastball. As of today, the Twins have: Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Martin, Roden, Gonzalez, Mendez, and even Rosario as OF considerations. (Clemens can also play there). Time to move on to youth and better projections. Bell is pretty solid. But he's also a 1 dimensional player and we've had enough of those. He's just not special enough to be a 1 dimensional player. Personally, I'd keep the DH spot open to rotate the primary 4 OF and others through the spot and concentrate on a REAL 1B that can hit and provide power in the middle of the order. That probably means a trade, but it really enhances the lineup, and keep DH open. So Bell, IMO, is pretty easy to move on from as well. Rogers had a nice career. I don't think he was quite as bad this season as some others believe. But I think he's done. It was nice to have him back for his 10th and probably final season. Easy no return there. Big fan of Ober and absolutely respect how well he threw for most of the year with his "old school" pitching style. I think he's got value for someone as an experienced 5th starter. But Kremer actually still has velocity. I think the Twins would rather keep and work with him rather than the 88mph throwing Ober. It's a shame, but it's also reality. They're both due about $7M+ in arbitration. Kind of a no brainer to keep Kremer, IMO. I have this fear that Lewis is moved somewhere else just in time for him to finally figure out a consistent approach and we live with regret. But I'm willing to risk that happening to replace him with a quality, proven 1B this offseason. Change is needed. A quality producer at 1B is needed. It's time to move on. I think Martin is probably kept for now, but it's not guaranteed. The Twins should be trying to improve the 5th OF spot from a short side platoon option with no power. Decent chance Gray sticks around as AAA depth at 2B/3B but I'd say it's 50/50. The one guy "leaving" that I'd like to see brought back is Minter. He's not the pitcher he once was, but he's still good. He and Banda could make a nice LH duo for the pen. Maybe a 3 lefty pen with Funderburk even? That's a luxury very few teams have. But honestly, most of these decisions seem both obvious and easy. The only "difficult" decision is which 1B to target from where and make a smart trade for him.

I think it's a very interesting group to follow. Mercedes is the top prospect, obviously. He had a really good season, and he's got a lot of talent. This is about more AB to continue to refine his game for 2027. DeBarge has the glove and speed to be a solid player. He even has occasional pop in his bat. But for some reason, the bat to ball skills to actually HIT have never matured. I don't think this is a last chance for him, but it IS a chance for additional time and work to see if he can figure his HIT potential going in the right direction. Rather impressed by McCombs this season. He's showing a well rounded game. Again, just a chance for more AB to springboard him for 2027. Dunn, Lares, and Maldonado are all part of a rather massive injury issue that greatly affected the Twins system this season. And they certainly weren't the only ones. But this gives them the opportunity for IP, and work on control and their arsenal to get ready for a hopefully better 2027. All could end up in the pen, but all 3 need work to just get their game back on track. Murray and Zeldin are not top prospects by any measure. They are going to the AFL to see if they can find any measure of control to be anything more than low level, high K pitchers who offer nothing else. Neither might be on a Twins MILB team next season. But this opportunity allows them to show they deserve another chance at least. 3 solid position player prospects who all could have a future. 3 talented arms that need IP and have the potential to be solid pen arms down the line. (Not sure if any figure to be ML SP options). And 2 flyers to see if they can find some control to make them worthy of sticking around. Again, kind of an interesting group.

I think it's an open ended question that I don't have an answer for. I guess my answer would be "probably". I don't recall exactly when...late June I believe...when he began to throw one inning most of the time, two at most. And suddenly things began to click and he was excellent for something like 6 or 7 straight appearances. So then he gets called up. And except for his 1st inning...nerves had an affect I'm sure...he looked pretty good in his SSSS. I was impressed by his velocity and the amount of wicked movement on his breaking stuff. Then he has a minor injury, misses a week or so, and doesn't look so great again once back in the Saint's bullpen. But he seemed to finish the season strong again. Do I think he's a finished product yet? No. Do I think he's flashed the BB velocity and breaking stuff to get ML hitters out in a 1 inning stint, 2 at the most? Yes from what Ive seen. I do wish we could see him now, before the season ends. I doubt he breaks with the team out of ST next season, but if he keeps being used as a late inning option, and maintains the new control he's been showing, he's going to get another opportunity.

I understand the rankings, I really do. I think the issue going forward is not where we are now, but rather where we might be begining next year. While I objected to much of the roster construction to begin this season...for instance I thought Rodriguez was ready...I do feel injuries affected "the plan" of a transition that would have problem taken place much sooner, and to better long term affect, had K-Pepper, Jenkins, and Rodriguez not missed so much time with injuries. Plus, Abel looked poised to being a part of the future and he went down as well. SOMETHING has to change as what they've been doing hasn't worked. Wallner is done, Larnach and Lewis never matured in to what was hoped for. The door has now been opened for the prospects, and it's up to them to claim their jobs on the roster. I doubt any of them are going to be high echelon 4 or 5 WAR players immediately. It seldom works that way. But at least we are starting to a younger team with more speed, defense, and upside. This season is done. More than a couple veterans are going to be gone. They still need a couple more smart additions in the offseason for 2027. But I think 2027 could be a lot more fun and offer up a lot more hope going forward.

Bad news for K-Pepper. But at least it's not serious. And he's already flashed enough ability to know he's for real. We also have a pretty good idea what Kreidler is capable of. Time.to let Ross play a bunch and see if you actually have something in him. He's younger than Kreidler and has some actual upside. They also both play just about every position on the field, though Kreidler might be a better glove. But it should be Ross Time over the next couple of weeks as much as possible, IMO.

BOHORQUEZ is a smaller pitcher. So that automatically makes him question mark, though I think that's unfair. It's my understanding he probably needs a better change, but he's got some very good velocity and a slider, IIRC. He began this season on the IL and missed at least a month, if not more. So for him to get "right" so quickly is a testimony as to his potential. He could be a hell of a RP, but I don't like to pigeon hole a shorter pitcher in that role too soon. We've seen shorter pitchers become solid SP. He just needs to stay healthy. If he does, he probably ends up at St Paul by July at the latest. BROWN is interesting that he played for a good college team and put up good numbers. I'm guessing age was the reason he wasn't drafted. I think he's proven that he should have at least been a late round pick based on what he's done so far. God bless him, he's WAY behind other drafted players, but if he keeps producing, SOMEONE will give him a chance at some point. LANGENBERG is to me, tied to Gallagher in some ways. Gallagher was drafted in 2024, and didn't make his professional debut until 2025. He played a little at A ball, was promoted quickly to AA by the Cubs, then traded to the Twins. So his FIRST professional season had him at AA. And while Gallagher has been off and on again at AAA, let's remember how fast he's been promoted. Probably too soon, based on ML promotions and questionable 2023 and 2024 drafts in regards to pitching talent. Langenberg is similar, despite being drafted a year earlier, as a mid round pick who may not have a special pitch, but has potential. He's done well at AA. I don't think he was ready for AAA, same as Gallagher. But Gallagher has been MORE READY as he's alternated between good and bad. Langenberg has been a bit of a disappointment so far. But he's also shown enough that he shouldn't just be dismissed. He's got the build and decent enough stuff that he could be a bit of a late bloomer. But 25yo next season, he needs a BIG 2027 to remain a prospect.

I haven't decided if TP will fire Zoll at this point. He seems to have been leaning on Zoll to learn his job. And TP has also acknowledged errors by ownership. Does that influence his decision? And on a personal level, I haven't fully decided if he should be fired yet. Does he deserve an opportunity to prove himself? On the one hand, I don't think the trade deadline was handed poorly. And I don't know that Falvey would have made the massive player/possition moves on the fly that actually helped the defense get somewhat better. On the other hand, I still have massive problems with roster usage, especially lately. When Jackson passed through waivers, he NEVER should have been brought back. It should have been a prospect. I object to Gonzalez being brought up, being forced to sit when the team realistically wasn't playing for anything, and then bring Martin back up after 1 rehab game. What was the point of that? Ross was a 5th round pick who has really matured this season. He's potentially a better overall version of Kreidler, and younger. But he sits on the bench, gets a handful of AB, and then gets sent down again. Once more, what's the point when you aren't really playing for anything? I think Zoll has been put in a weird position as a Falvey disciple, but had been given THE CHAIR shortly before the season began. Has he actually been allowed to put a stamp on the team to show what competence he might have, being his own man? I think he's done some good/interesting things, some on the fly. But I'm still greatly frustrated with roster usage. I wouldn't object to a massive change. I just don't know if it's going to happen.

My answer is NO, he's not the problem and shouldn't be the fall guy. Was this season disappointing? Absolutely. But I think you have to look at various successes over the past few years when he's been the guy in charge. Lopez believes Maki...and the system as they are intertwined...made him a better pitcher. Ryan was a a 12-14th ranked prospect with Tampa and became a borderline #1 SP. He was part of the staff when Ober turned in to a quality SP. Bradley is probably having his best season. When he stumbled, it was coming back from the IL and only had 1 MILB rehab start and was brought back too soon. Despite his actual ERA and a couple bad games, I have been generally impressed by Prielipp as a rookie this season. Surely he hand in a development of the various quality RP who are no longer with the team. Likewise, he's not to blame for Lopez going down the first day of camp. He's not responsible for Ober losing 5 mph off his FB. I have no clue what happened to SWR, but considering the Jays DFA him...(was it twice?)...I can't put that on Maki. And I sure as hell can't blame him for a miserable bullpen to open the season. But shouldn't he get credit for Morris and Gomez? He's not responsible for the injuries this season, the horrible opening day pen, or the initial, inept defense. Two of those things are the responsibility of ownership. But we have to remember the good that we've seen from many success stories and good seasons over the past few years, not just the disappointments. As @HerbieFan already stated, I don't think he's the problem. But I'm not 100% he's part of the solution either.

Sh*t happens. Even the best closers have bad days. At this point, why Martin instead of Gonzalez? Bring Rodriguez up tomorrow. And also let Ross play daily.

I agree with most of this.

I actually belive the Twins BELIEVE in Rodriguez. I just think they are so short minded to believe they had a chance for the playoffs that they ignored reality. I'm sure hoping that wasn't TP being stupid and short sighted and Zole just looking to keep his job. Teams HOPE for a talent like Rodriguez. Now it's time to put him on the 2027 roster and run with him. Just accept some bumps in the road.

Someone like Grichuk would have been perfect the last couple of seasons. Someone who can be a competent corner OF who hits LHP well, but doesn't suck against RHP. I DON'T believe that is Martin and I'm not certain Gonzalez is ready. Nor is Rosario. And depending on the roster for 2027, maybe a RH OF doesn't matter. But recent history has shown this team needs another RH bat to enhance the lineup. So I'd really like a #5 OF who beats up LHP but doesn't suck against RHP.

Sorry it took me so long to comment. I don't believe the Twins don't believe in Rodriguez. I think they are currently so obsessed with the idea of "playing for the playoffs" that they are almost blind to reality. And I sure hope that TP isn't meddling too much, or Zoll isn't too stupid to accept reality. Honestly, the Rodriguez situation is what is tipping me towards a whole new FO. But we also don't know everything going on. Trading him for no reason other than FO mismanagement makes no sense. What ACTUALLY makes sense is playing him just about EVERY SINGLE DAY along with Buxton and Jenkins and Keaschall. The Rays, the Guardians, and the Brewers especially have shown the grit to promote and PLAY TOP prospects and live with a few speed bumps along the way. Between 3 OF spots and DH, the Twins have the opportunity to play Rodriguez, Buxton, Keaschall, and Jenkins almost daily. And Emma is a supreme talent who probably should have been on the 2026 roster if the FO had foresight and B*LLS to do the smart thing. He could flame out like a lot of prospects do. But he also keeps getting better and better and has TREMENDOUS potential. He should be in the lineup daily in 2027 and live with some speed bumps. If you want to be stupid about how you handle Rodriguez going forward, the Rays, Guardians, and Brewers are salivating for the chance to grab him.

I 100% understand that Zebby hasn't followed the path as a SP we had hoped for. ML baseball is hard. I don't doubt that he could be a solid RP with his pitching make-up. And I don't dismiss he's been a bit of a disappointment so far as a SP. BUT, I believe he had something like 9 of 11 or 12 QS before he was "sent down" for a day when Kremer was added. You just can't dismiss that development. And he was the Twins best starter in August, with the team going 5-0 in his starts, IIRC. You just can't dismiss the growth he showed this season. While he might end up in the bullpen, and be good there, I simply won't dismiss what I've seen from Matthews this season. He ABSOLUTELY deserves to stay in the rotation for now. If he takes the next step forward to be a little more consistent, we have a really solid back end SP. If he slips or is bypassed by other arms, I could see him in the pen. But IGNORING what he's done MOST of his starts would be akin to ignoring MOST of the starts or Prielipp. Prielipp is praised for what he's shown so far, deservedly so. So why don't we also praise the development of Matthews this season as well. Because he's older and taken more time to settle in? IMO, we're at least a half season, if not more, before we decide Matthews is just not a ML SP and should be in the pen.

The OP is about a handful of players that should be gone for the future. But it's also delved in to SP. So I'm going to jump in to that discussion as well. EVERY TEAM needs at LEAST 8 starters during the season, minimum, due to the occasional double header, as well as injuries. HOPEFULLY you never need more than 10, even though 1 or 2 of those could be due to a double header. But the truth is, NOBODY EVER has 3 or 4 ML quality SP just SITTING at AAA waiting for a chance. That's just preposterous! Now, a ML quality SP pushed to AAA to begin the season is common. Think about Ober a few years ago when he began the year at St Paul before an injury. And it's also possible a team might actually have a couple good prospects sitting at AAA still developing and getting close to appearing, or coming back up. That would be very similar to the Twins here in 2026 with Prielipp and Matthews sitting at St Paul waiting for their chance. But to think rotation depth means you can just "collect" arms and keep them is ridiculous. KEEP Ober AND Kremer costs you around $15M and Ober is the only one who might have an option left. Keep ONE of the two and STILL sign a FA means you have a SP option who doesn't have an option that you have to keep, probably at the expense of a more talented, younger, cheaper arm. CURRENTLY, the projected 2027 rotation has Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Kremer, and Matthews. (I've left out Ober as I believe Kremer is the better option). That's 7 for 5, with Prielipp having options, and I believe Matthews has one left. Matthews might also be a pen option, but his overall improvement this season shouldn't be dismissed. After those 7 are Rojas...who might still end up as a power arm in the bullpen...and Gallagher, getting close to ML ready, and then probably Paredes, who surprised the hell out of everyone with his performance when called on. Quick is NOT ready, but might be by mid season. Other than being a little smarter, and spending a little $ for the BEST MILB FA possible to add to the St Paul rotation, what else could the Twins do to add to their depth? They're 7 deep to start 2027 with a couple solid prospects targeted for AAA, and HOPEFULLY add 1 more solid journeyman to the Saints roster. Honestly, that's about the best you can do. Again, teams just don't have 3 or 4 ML quality starters just sitting at AAA ready to debut. IF THE DID, they would have already made some trades to add to the rest of their lineup. That the Twins don't have SP depth entering 2027 is incorrect. Beyond 8-10 might be an issue, but it's the same for everyone else as well.

LARNACH: He's not a bad ballplayer in the role of LH DH and part time OF for SOMEONE. The question is, who really needs some LH help and won't blink at him making around $7-7.5 next season in arbitration? He just doesn't fit the roster going forward. L WALLNER: I'm adding him to the list. He also doesn't fit any longer. His defense has gotten worse, not better. And he can't catch up to fastballs 95mph or higher any longer. That seems to be the main reason the Twins left him down in AAA. But again, there's probably someone who sees the power, and past production, who could use a LH power bat at DH and part time OF. But not the Twins. OBER: I'm a huge fan. Before the sudden velocity drop in 2025, I'd argue he was one of the better #3 SP around. Other than 1 or 2 really poor games a year...which everyone has...he threw like a #2 about every third start. He's super smart, and has amazing control. And really, even with poor velocity, his ability to throw "80's style" and get the job done most days has been fun to watch, and largely successful. He might even have value for someone as a #4-5 starter. But he's owed around $7M+ in arbitration this season. So is Kremer, who the Twins still control. Ober just isn't going to get his velocity back it appears. Kremer isn't perfect, but he fits as the #5 starter for the Twins and can still sit 94-95. A little more time with Macki, I have to pick him over Ober. Even with an increase in payroll, we just don't have room for both him AND Ober. So I'm going with Kremer. LEWIS: He's still only 27yo when next season begins. He won't be 28 until June. He should be in his prime, productive age right now. And what's been surprising is his relatively good health each of the past 2 seasons. I just can't help but wonder if 2027 is where good health, hard work, and experience FINALLY takes over and he hits around .265-.270 with 25 HR and 35 DBLS and we all shout out: "FINALLY!" But I really thought 2026 was the season we'd all rejoice and scream that. Can we wait another season? Have we already waited long enough for a still 27yo to reach that level? Boy will we be pissed if he goes somewhere else and does it! I'm generally opposed to a full time DH unless it's someone really special in the way Cruz was. I see a 2027 team that rotates Rodriguez, Keaschall, Buxton, Jenkins, and maybe the 5th OF, through the DH spot daily. The occasional half day off for the INF also takes up a little DH time. It seems to me the #1 place for the Twins to add a BIG BAT is at 1B. Currently, FA might not offer someone to fill that role. But we also aren't to the offseason yet. Maybe someone becomes available we aren't thinking about. Maybe there's a 1B convert with some experience. Maybe we have to go the trade route. IDK who it might be, and it's crazy that 1 of the 2 easiest positions in a lineup can't seem to be filled by the Twins internally. And there remains a part of me reluctant to just give up on Royce yet and move him. But I also, reluctantly, feel it's time to make 1B the primary add for 2027.

Secondly, consider ADDING payroll and how it might happen: I absolutely don't want the team to spend only for the sake of spending. I want logical roster construction. 1] I WOULD add a veteran corner, RH OF who beats up LHP and can be solid against RHP to be the 5th OF. He can also DH some. He would also allow greater depth in case of injury. Sorry, but Martin at #5 is not what this team needs. They need a veteran for $4-5M until Gonzalez or someone else is ready for the job. That veteran basically replaces Larnach $. 2] As already proposed, you either believe in Lewis just reaching his potential...seemingly the most healthy he's ever been...OR you go out and find a 1B via trade or FA that can be a middle of the order BIG BAT for the next 2-3 years. I just don't know that I like a full time DH that restricts the lineup, unless he's special. So 1B is the ONE spot that makes real sense. A move for a legitimate BIG BAT 1B DOES add to the payroll. I'd say a good $15M if not a couple more. 3] I'd absolutely give Jeffers the QO and recoup the draft pick. He's going to refuse, and he should, because someone...probably the Yankees...are going to give him 4-5yrs at $15M+. And bless him, he and his family are going to be set. The Twins just aren't going to do that, and they can't/shouldn't. So the Twins gratefully accept an additional top 50 pick. No change $ there except the loss of Jeffers $6+M. Unless.... 4] Despite all the hubbub about how valuable Jackson is, he's super inexpensive. And he's a solid catcher. But he's nothing special, which is why he keeps slipping through waivers unclaimed. Caratini is a solid, smart, veteran receiver who's bat is OK, but inconsistent. But nobody will want him unless the Twins pay down his 2027 $10M owed. BUT, MAYBE, the Twins spend another $4-5M on a veteran catcher with a better bat than Jackson to compete and work with Caratini. I think this is a MAJOR STRETCH, but not an impossible one. For now, neutral $ other than a bump for Caratini this upcoming season. 5] Sorry, I just don't see a signing for the starting staff. But I'd LOVE an extension for Lopez or Ryan. I think Lopez is the obvious candidate coming of his 2nd TJ. He's talented, super smart, and a leader. And he would probably realize a 3yr deal for $75M just makes too much sense for his future, and for his family. He'd still have a shot at ANOTHER contract at 33yo if he continues to pitch well. NOTHING against Ryan, who I love, I'm just looking at things as logically as I can. Currently, 2027 has Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Kremer, and Matthews as the top 7 SP options. With all due respect to Ober...who I believe has value as a back end starter...he's either traded or non tendered. And while that makes me sad, it's just a reality. But I also see Rojas as a SP option still, along with Gallagher...possibly pressed to AAA a little sooner than expected...and a few others that could be "fill in" options that might include Paredes, not to mention maybe Quick by mid season. Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, etc, why do you spend $ for a FA with those options available if everyone is healthy? You trade Ryan and then have to sign someone else? What have you accomplished? Now, if you get another Abel type back, OK. But the rotation is good as is. I don't see a payroll jump here for 2027 unless the Twins trade and sign. But as I've pointed out, it doesn't make a lot of sense. 6] The bullpen is where spending some $ starts to make sense. Gomez is cheap. So is Morris. So are countless options from Sands to Nance to Raya to Acton, etc, etc. A healthy Banda is still under team control, but might require another $1.5-2M. I'd do that. Minter will be a FA again. He's still solid, done well so far with the Twins, but he's just not going to get another $11M deal. At 34yo in 2027 he's looking at 1 and 2 year deals that pay him $4-5M I'd bring BOTH Banda and Minter back for 2027. Funderburk, who might play a part in the 2027 bullpen, is the ONLY internally developed LH option in years. Hard to calculate how much is spent here since Banda probably gets a small raise and Minter takes a dive from $11M. The Twins probably "save" $ based on past contracts, but end up spending about $12-13M to keep both LHP options. Hoffman costs about $7.5M with the $ thrown in by the Jays. The Twins lose $ from FA departure, but spend additional $ on a few arbitration moves. Not many, but there are some. But Larnach and Bell gone more or less negate any internal raises. And Jeffers gone adds another $6+M. So roughly $18M is off the books and another what, $10-15M goes to raises and Hoffman? So the payroll is close to neutral at that point? So a 5th veteran RH OF is max $5M for discussion. A resign of Lopez doesn't factor until 2028. Keeping Banda and resigning Minter keeps the payroll really close to $110-115 with Hoffman on board. The point ultimately is the Twins DON'T have to suddenly spend ONLY to spend. They have the ability to SPEND for 2028 by resigning Lopez or Ryan. They have the ability to keep Banda and Minter, unless they want to look elsewhere. But these are a couple of really solid LH bullpen options that don't have anyone in the system pressing them. So maybe when we talk about the 2027 payroll, maybe we should be talking more about Keeping some of what we have, in addition to what we need to lose, or are going to lose. YES to Keeping Banda and Minter, and MAYBE adding a FA RP to add what's on hand. MAYBE just trade Lewis for whatever you can get and add a powerful BIG BAT at 1B and be grateful for the ADD vs any potential loss. The CRAZY thing is, I can see a $130-140M payroll....WAY lower than it should be...where this team is very good with the young talent on hand, adding 1 BIG BAT, and keeping the bullpen as is, with a couple additions internally or externally, and be ready for a competitive 2027. It's not about the $ spent. It's about HOW it's spent. This team, IMO, is SO CLOSE to being really good! But they need ownership to be on board as well. And they need a FO that can make smart decisions. I don't like or dislike Zole at this point. But I sure have doubts. And I don't think I'd give him more than a season to prove he's different than Falvey. But OK, neutral results for most options. A veteran OF simply replaces Larnach. An extension of Lopez doesn't factor until 2028. Arbitration raises are pretty much covered by Jeffers and Bell, with a little left over. So KEEPING Banda and Minter and Hoffman and ONE BIG BAT adds something close to $20-25M TOPS? Rough calculations at this point. So a $130M payroll is where the Twins were a year ago? IMO, that's the MINIMUM for ownership to prove they are invested.

Regarding the OP directly first: I didn't vote because I'm having a tough time giving up on Lewis, but 1B is also probably the best chance to actually add a BIG BAT. Lewis has been slumping lately, but the player that came back from his demotion looks to be a .265-.275 hitter with 30 Dbls and 20 HR and a decent glove at 1B that is getting better and better. THAT version of Lewis would be a solid 1B and BAT. But can we get that player for a full season? That's the $1M question isn't it? He's too young yet...just entering his prime years...to give up on, but too frustrating and inconsistent to necessarily want to bank on. The Twins could also add a BIG BAT at the DH spot, but I don't know that I like that when I see so many internal options that could fill that spot just taking half days off. OF: Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez. For the most part, they all play every day, which is why having the DH open makes so much sense. I really don't see the logic in adding a BIG BAT in the OF with those guys on hand. However, I can see a solid, veteran RH OF being added unless they think Gonzalez is ready. Martin is basically a LF who will hit at the bottom of the order if kept. They could use a other RH bat that can damage LHP but not stink against RHP. I don't see adding a BIG BAT here, just a solid one. INF: For the moment, I'm leaving Houston out of the equation. Lee might be an All Star player, but he's really solid at 3B, already has about 50 XBH, including 20+ HR. You'd have to spend a ton of $ or prospect capital to do better. And you aren't going to replace K-Pepper at this point. He's probably the 2B when Houston is ready, but currently Clemens has that spot. Again, not an All Star, but a decent glove and over 50 XBH and 24 HR and over 70 RBI. Who do you get to replace that unless you go BIG. And that doesn't seem to make sense. CATCHER: MAYBE they add someone better than Jackson, but Caratini is $10M in 2027 and Jeffers isn't going to resign barring a MAJOR offer, which makes no sense with Lackey on the way. So that really leaves 1B as the ONE real spot to add a BIG BAT, and move Lewis. Unless there's a Cruz clone waiting out there, I see DH as being a rotation spot for half days off, to work in all 4 primary OF, and when Houston is ready, Clemens might also spend some time there. It's really hard to let Lewis go and potentially see him reach his potential with someone else. But then again, a "bird in the hand" might be the best approach. And through trade or FA, maybe adding a 1B as the BIG BAT this team seems to need might be the best play.