DocBauer

Perhaps someone isn't feeling as lazy as I feel right now...to find th3 numbers...but he had a really poor about 7 day stretch around the first week of September, but was actually really solid post deadline otherwise.

I don't know that anyone from the Twins has actually STATED certain moves, but my brain tells me the decision has already been made regarding Raya and Klein. I'd swear I heard the same thing about Lewis. But it's hard to remember sometimes after weeks/months, and so much information to assimilate regarding sale/no sale, new minority owners, a new manager, new coaches, and the latest Pohlad/GM bomb. Again, Festa has the advantage of ML experience already under his belt, as Jax had, as Varland had, and others previous. Looking back in time, even a lot of time, most Twins setup men and closers at least debuted as SP, or long relievers, just to have the advantage of ML experience. Duran is the only one I can immediately think of who debuted in a ML pen from the start. All the more reason Festa gets a leg up on his possible, and logical conversion. All the more reason the Rogers signing is smart. And all the more reason why the new, clunky, FO should find SOMEONE of decent quality and experience to be added yet. Preferably TWO SOMEONES to just not break down and piss themselves the first time they're put in a tough situation. I think Raya has a chance to whittle his arsenal, throw as hard and best he can, and be a solid ML RP. That's a HUGE win for a 2020 4th round pick. But I actually like Klein even more. He's got good velocity and a nice mix, and good K results. And while Lewis HAS to get his command back, imagine throwing around 94mph and dropping in that CRAZY knuckleball for only 1-2 IP? There are a couple other arms I have my eye on that aren't top prospects that have a chance. But NONE of the guys I've listed have thrown a single pitch above AAA. So if Tom suddenly expects them to do so, it only shows that he's incompetent to actually accept the reigns of trying to run a MLB team in any way. But imagine him opening the wallet just a little more...and I DESPISE that comment for obvious reasons...and Zoll can add just a couple decent, experienced arms one way or another, you AT LEAST have a top 5 or so in the bullpen that also has Sands, Rogers, Veteran #1, Veteran #2, Funderburk, Topa, Festa, and Orze filling out Opening Day. That's 1 over. I have ZERO idea how they're going to handle Prielipp. I'm guessing they will initially keep him stretched out for the 1st half of the season to "just see" how it goes. But IF they add a couple, decent, experienced arms to just hold the fort: 1) Sands gets to prove is 2024 and late 2025 is for real and he's ready for extra duty. 2] Rogers is an experienced setup option who gets LH and the occasional RH out. 3-4-5] Topa and 2 yet unknowns who have ML experience and hopefully won't crap the bed when called on with runners on base. At least not too much. 6-7-8] Funderburk, Festa, and Orze to handle the middle innings. Was Funderburk's late 2025 a real turning of the corner? Does Orze have another step in him? How long before Festa feels comfortable and jumps almost everyone to be a 8-9 inning option? Meanwhile, Adams, Klein, Raya, and Lewis can be at St Paul working and adjusting as 1-2 IP RP, preparing for their debut as middle men who can contribute, and also work their way up. Will Tom allow for a couple more smart additions? Maybe they add another Clippard type. MAYBE they actually spring a little extra $ for a Kopech stretch 1 year deal with hope. But it sure makes sense to put Festa in an immediate role and give everyone else a month or two to ramp up in their approach as bullpen options. By June or July 1st, you might actually have a few arms ready to debut and help for now, and the future. But it starts with Festa and a couple veteran adds.

I'm already tired of the whole Tom Pohlad vs Falvey conversations. So I'm just not going to go there. And while I've got my own issues with some of the moves Falvey made...or didn't make...I think the organization needed a change in general approach and planning. I think Falvey did a lot of good things early, but fresh ideas and approaches were necessary, not matter how this played out. I tend to agree with the BAD moves he made. And trading Pressly might have been #1. When that deal was made, I really thought the team had the nucleus to be much better the following year. Turns out I was correct on that point. Imagine having him anchoring that next season's pen and STILL going out and adding Romo. I just can't bring myself to fully hate the Mahle/Lopez mid season trade as it held so much promise at the time. It didn't turn out well, but I'd bet most thought it looked really good at the time. I didn't like the Rogers for Paddack/Pagan trade at the time, but it had nothing to do with Rooker, who I might remind bounced around for a couple of years with a couple of teams before finding a home with the A's. Did Falvey blow the Polanco deal with Seattle? Polanco had a very poor season with the Mariners in 2024. Can we say it was a bad trade based on the Polanco of 2025? Is that fair? Neither team got anything out of that deal in '24. And if Gonzalez turns out to be a quality bat with power...and younger...do we still lose that trade for a player who isn't even with Seattle any longer? The trade for Gray was a good one. The trade for Odorizzi was a good one. Signing Cruz in the first place was a good move. Also signing Marwin Gonzalez was solid. Trading for Michael A Taylor was a good move. Going back to the begining, signing Jason Castro right off the bat helped solidify the catching position. I'm sure I'll get a lot of pushback, but I think a majority of the trades/signings Falvey made were either positive, or at least seemed positive at the time. My biggest issue was some of the moves that didn't make sense in total roster construction. And I also have issues with a "philosophy" that didn't always make sense, even though I still can't put my finger exactly on WHAT the philosophy was the past few seasons. Why NEVER finding a 1B, SOMEWHERE/SOMEHOW and just dismissing the potential impact of that position? I tend to agree that offense overrides defense in roster construction. But at times it felt like defense became too much of an afterthought. Without digressing too much, I still would have loved to see what Falvey might have done in 2024 if he hadn't had his legs cut out from beneath him post 2023 success. I didn't like all the moves he made, or didn't make, but even though I was ready for a change, and a change needed to take place for various reasons, I would still say that in the long term, his trades and signings, even with some neutral results, were more positive than negative. I think he won more moves than he lost. It was roster cuts, and some poor fringe moves, and also a sense of a lack of direction that I object to. Not a top 5 or top 10 W&L equation that I actually think he won.

I have to wonder hiw much the hamstring injury affected him in 2025. Did discomfort linger? Did it throw off his timing and possibly affect his timing? I also find it interesting that similar to Jeffers, he SO far less, but the power slipped for both of them. And they might have been the only ones. Did the previous staff push for contact changes that took away power? Just spitballing a bit here. With all due respect to those who absolutely cringe at the idea of high K totals, I would take higher SO numbers and a return to potential 30 HR power and the previous .870-ish OPS Wallner of 2023-24. He's probably always going to be a bit streaky...many players are to some degree...but over a healthy 162 game season he's shown to be a .250-ish hitter with a decent OB%, and he's got real 30HR power with another 20+ Dbls mixed in. That's a really dangerous and productive hitter.

Festa to the bullpen makes so much sense that it should happen almost immediately, IMO. I have to believe the FO and coaching staff has to be considering it. Have they even broached the idea to Festa yet? I'm not saying he's injury prone, but his shoulder issue has to be a concern. To me, his situation is very "Duran-like" in that he's got some good stuff to work work, but his body is probably just better suited to 1 IP for 2 days, and then an off day. I like the idea of a change in arm slot to make his FB and slider more effective. Hopefully it wouldn't take away from his changeup. I also like the idea of him continuing to get comfortable with his sinker. It could be an additional weapon against RH hitters, and might make his FB even that more effective as well. I'm going to disagree with the OP a bit on his velocity. When I've watched him throw I've seen him sit 94-95 comfortablely, and he's touched 96-97 pretty frequently. Going all out in a single frame could have him SITTING 95-97 easily and touching 98-99. Additionally, while I don't have his breakdown in front of me, even with some of the issues reported above, he's usually been very good the first time through the order. He's shown a tendency to slip the 2nd time, and really start to get hit attempting a 3rd time through an order. Some shoulder issues and a thin frame, strong ONE TIME results through the order, a decent mix that could be even better with a different arm slot...not to mention opportunity and need...he'd seem to be a perfect back of the pen arm candidate. Like most strong arms before him, he can be brought along a little lower in the pecking order at first, throwing in the 6th and 7th while he makes the transition, and then starts to slot in to the 8th-9th inning. An advantage he has over some of his fellow, projected, converts is that he already has ML experience. That's something Klein, Lewis, Prielipp (if/when he converts), Raya, etc don't have right now.

Plus, this could end up being Winokur's best position as well. Keep an eye on Schobel. He's basically struggled on each promotion, then figured out that level, and continued moving on. He was having a great 2025 at AA and got hurt after only a few games played at AAA. Once healthy, he played the final month for St Paul. If he gets off to a solid start in 2026, he could be an important bench option for the Twins.

I actually kind of like the Paddack idea. Not saying it fills me with joy, but he has a ton of ML experience, so he's no rookie being overwhelmed initially. He's got at least limited experience coming out of the pen. And nobody is knocking on his door for a ML job right now. He's still only 30yo. Is there a chance he could reinvent himself and come on board to extend his career for $2M? I kinda like this idea.

I'm not entirely surprised by this. And it's not ONE thing. I think Kwesi is probably a very good FO man, I just don't think he's a particularly good #1 guy. Of course, he may grow and learn and get another chance later. Personally, I like a lot of what McCarthy showed this season once they just told him to go put and play. He's a man of intelligence, character, a good athlete, and he's got a pretty live arm. I think the instincts are there. But yes, there are mechanical issues that had him miss wide open receivers at times with balls over their heads or at their feet. I think he's got a chance to be pretty damn good, but he was essentially a rookie being thrown out there. Regarding Donald, it's my understanding that what the Vikings offered and what Seattle offered was almost the EXACT same deal. I don't know the EXACT details, but Seattle had some sort of parachute built in to the deal where they could walk away after this season if things didn't go well without a crippling financial penalty. Again, this is what I've heard and read, but Darnold was told he wasn't guaranteed a starting job due to McCarthy's status as QBOF so he moved on. Kwesi could have done a better job of handling that situation. Kwesi has a very good track record, overall, of adding quality FA to the roster. And he's done a good job finding some UDFA that have surprised. And it's not his fault that Kelly had enough concussions that should move him to retirement at this point. It's also not his fault that Hockenson got hurt. And it's not his fault, entirely at least, that Hargrave and Allen were almost outplayed consistently by a couple of kids already on the roster. But it IS his head on the line when his drafts have been so disappointing. It's not his fault that a very talented CB with promise was killed tragically in an accident. And it's really nice that Ward is starting to develop in to something better than just a quality special teamer. But Cine is completely out of football, and Booth and Evans were washouts. And the big FA haul of last season basically left CB bare except for the starters, though kudos for adding Rodgers. He HIT on Addison, LDR, Reichard, Turner, and Jackson. And he MIGHT have hit on Dawkins. Ward is starting to show signs. Jurgens and Rouse show potential as possible OL depth pieces at least. And I've already mentioned McCarthy has potential at least. But his drafts are littered with NOTHING that puts depth and potential future starters at the mercy of future drafts and FA with a payroll that needs to be cleaved, or at the very least adjusted, to compensate. You just can't have 1 good player and a couple decent options year in and year out. Are the Vikings scouts that bad? Or was Kwesi's choices that poor? I NEVER liked the trade for Thielen. It spoke of desperation. And not only did it cost us a fairly high pick, but the secondary pick in the trade cost us a round only because he wasn't cut a week earlier! Shouldn't the GM know and understand his own trade? 2025 draftee LB Kobe King was let go. BUT, UDFA LB Austin Keys was kept as a prospect and ST player for the ENTIRE season up until the final week, where the Vikings had nothing to play for but pride. But he was suddenly released to make roster room for "I don't remember". That's how unimportant that roster move for the final game was. (I think it might have been a TE addition, but who cares) Keys was immediately snapped up by Arizona. Austin Keys might go down in history as nothing more than a kid from Auburn who got a shot in the NFL and never amounted to anything. But that's NOT the point! You like the potential of a kid enough that you keep him ALL SEASON over a wasted draft pick, but instead of just keeping him rostered in to next season, you just let him go the last week of the season because you want an extra ? player for a game that means nothing? I mean, some of the late season moves of Thielen and and a potentially playable LB that you kept because he MIGHT turn out to be a decent player and you want "Oops, My Bad" to be an excuse for a GM? He might have done some solid things. But he has largely blown his drafts. And some recent really bad and silly moves seem to indicate a guy who really isn't paying attention.

A change was inevitable. Falvey shouldn't have been promoted to running both sides of the operation. That's too much for one man to handle. If the Twins have a poor season, Falvey was probably gone after 2026. But for the move to take place NOW, just a couple weeks before ST begins is very odd to me. I was a big fan of Falvey the first few years. He modernized everything from how things were run in the MILB system, to greater coaching emphasis on such things as catching instruction, all the way up to the scouting and analytics department. He did a lot of good things and the Twins had some good early success. While Falvey certainly wasn't perfect, and he made mistakes, he also made some smart moves and the 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023 seasons were fun and successful, culminating in actually winning a playoff series in 2023. I don't absolve Falvey of some mistakes made in regard to moves made, or not made, that affected the Twins rosters and lack of success other seasons. But even with mistakes and imperfections, the rug was pulled out from under him post 2023 by ownership. While the team did have a winning record in 2024, the wheels were starting to come off with the whole "right sizing the payroll" mantra. I've said before and will say again, I would have liked to see what Falvey might have done in 2024 had the payroll simply stayed neutral. Now, all that being said, I DON'T excuse Falvey for some of the roster constructions, not changing approaches that weren't maximizing talent, and waiting too long for changes in how the International department was run. Certain things weren't working, there didn't seem to be a plan or formula in place that made sense, and I think a change was needed. Somewhere along the line, Tom Pohlad and Falvey didn't mesh. That seems obvious. But why is the change happening NOW? It's beyond bizarre timing! IMO, this probably was mutual. Tom waited too long, probably due to the whole minority ownership changes dragging on for so long, before deciding it probably wasn't going to work. But also IMO, I tend to think Falvey was the one to just say, "OK then, I'm ready to go". Why? Imagine having a plan...good or bad...having your payroll cutting you off at the knees, not even knowing what payroll you had to work with until November, seeing it cut even further than 2025's OPENING number, but being even LESS than the 2025 CLOSING number. Plus, you and the new boss have different visions. And you know you're probably gone if things don't go surprisingly well in 2026, why not walk away now? Again, I've been ready for a change as even with the payroll cuts, I've been disappointed in both roster decisions and approaches in place. But between unexplainable debts, payroll cuts, and in-family disputes during this transition of sell, no sell, I just wonder if ownership is more dysfunctional than we even realized. I can't blame Falvey for walking away and washing his hands. And I'm hoping whoever is in charge next has a distinct vision that will help maximize the talent on hand, and simply build better, more competent rosters. But I still can't blame Falvey for everything. Ownership still needs to step up at some point. Falvey is gone, Tom. And apparently you wanted him gone. And a change was probably necessary at this point. But now the onus is on YOU to put a smart guy in charge, and for you to keep your promise of growing the payroll going forward to keep the team competitive.

So basically, the minority owners bail out the Pohlads, invest in downtown real-estate and business to make $ in the future, and might also capitalize a few $100M plus on an eventual sale of the Twins. Do I have that right? Meanwhile, the ONLY reason for ANYONE involved with the Twins to ACTUALLY spend $ is to improve the product and the eventual sale price. But only to a limited degree, of course, based on the future negotiations for 2027 and beyond. You wouldn't want to lose a $M or so here and there, even as a billionaire. I really, really wish someone who loved investments, but also loved sports and winning like the Wilf's would just step up and buy the Twins. They actually have an idea how to run a franchise with a salary cap. They might make mistakes, but they then try to correct those mistakes. As a Twins ownership, I have no doubt they'd have $ restrictions initially as the whole MLB market is in flux. But they might actually CARE about the product that IS the Twins. I have serious doubts about the Pohlads and the minority owners more than ever after this OP. Do ANY of these billionaires give a rats damn about the Twins?

It feels really good to have prospects ranked in the top 100 as a fan. But I do dismiss those rankings a lot since so many really good players so ranked tanked, or slipped, then came back, or were never rated in the top 100 to begin with. I could be wrong, but I don't believe Arraez ever approached top 100 status. Not sure about Duran, but I know Jax never was. So it's all a grain of salt, even though it's fun to see your favorite team having players ranked as such. I'm the weird kind of fan that loves drafts and prospect lists for the sake of hope and projection. I think it's great that Soto made a list as I think that kid is one of the Twins top 10 prospects based on potential. And I believe Hill sits right next to him for the same reason. One looked outstanding before injury, one didn't get hurt. Who is better in 2026 is TBD. It's interesting and fun. But ultimately, it really doesn't matter. Sort of like Law's ranking of farm systems. He says he'd rank them so much higher except due to injury. So Rodriguez, Jenkins, and even Soto are healthy for 2026, the Twins are suddenly top 10+? Or they're worse if Rodriguez and Jenkins RAKE and end the season no longer eligible for rookie status? It's all good. It's all fun. I just see rankings as a better way to examine the potential within my teams system. I think Gonzalez has a real chance based on bat to ball skills and potential power to be a quality ML player. Despite a good arm and reportedly improvement defensively in the OF in 2025, he should be moved to 1B. (The same with the similar Rosario). That doesn't mean he can't also play some corner OF to increase roster flexibility. But what I find so confusing, and somewhat silly, is how a A+ kid could be a top 100 prospect with holes in his game, have a poor 2024 mostly due to injury, and then have a great 2025 and reach AAA in his BEST SEASON and he's not a top 100 prospect. It's really not important. I just think it's interesting. And maybe a reflection about how silly top rankings really matter in the long run.

Based on NEED and comments from the FO, the Twins WILL ADD to the current roster, most likely in the pen. (Even though I'd embrace a minor deal for someone's 26yo backup SS/utility player stuck at AAA). It's possible a trade will happen to bring someone in. I'm OK with that. I have doubts Larnach will bring back a ML pen option on his own, but packaged with a solid prospect, that might be an option. Most years, the FO uncovers a steal of some sort that at least helps. Sometimes it's a Wisler or Clippard for 1yr. Sometimes it's a big surprise like Stewart was. Unfortunately, they had Hoffman in camp but decided against keeping him. Poor choice there. And old friend Thielbar was a MAJOR surprise add. Regardless of any potential trade options that are really hard to speculate on, I think we can all agree that they will bring in at least ONE remaining FA to add some depth and experience, maybe even TWO. It's pretty doubtful there's anything close to a "savior" remaining, barring some MAJOR surprise. But as Gleeman jokes, it would be prudent to have an "adult" arm or two with experience to just be competent and help deepen the pen construction and lead the way for the young arms that will be making their debut at some point in 2026. But who's left that YOU like? Evan Phillips has been mentioned, but he's coming of surgery. He's probably not ready until June at the earliest. So while he might be a smart 2yr signing, he doesn't help much the 1st half. David Robertson, 41yo, has made it a recent habit to sign about mid season on a pro-rated deal for a contender in need. Would he be interested in a cheap 1yr deal to prove he's still "got it"? And is there anything left in his tank? Jose Leclerc is no stud. But he's got experience and a solid career profile with solid numbers and some late inning experience. Kopech, ready to turn 30yo soon, is a a bit of a lightening rod of health and good/bad production. Healthy and ready to go, he might be a $ cheap BP arm that could establish the next phase of his career with a 1yr deal. With only a few weeks before ST starts, what surprises me most is how many SP FA are still unsigned. Most of them are 31yo plus. Of course, some are coming off injury. But are any of them open to transitioning to a pen role to prolong their careers and possibly reinvent themselves as hard throwing 1 inning options? I'm just tossing out ideas. By tomorrow, who knows, the Twins might make a move. But is there ANYONE you really like for the Twins to sign that might help?

I'm a little surprised Gonzalez wasn't listed somewhere. He was ranked in the top 100 when he was acquired. Then he has a poor 2024. But his rebound in 2025 was pronounced, AND, he reached AAA at a very young age. Did a poor, injury plagued 2024 really lower expectations that much?

Yes, perhaps I wasn't clear, but he begins '26 at A+ to get his legs back under him coming off surgery. But he's already shown enough at that level previously that I'd expect him to finish at AA. The question is how much time? Here's rooting for 1/2 a season. I fully expect another arm or two on a MILB deal. But I also fully expect 1 or 2 ML deals for the pen. There's still a few arms out there that can at least help.

So we get another one of these during ST? Once again, he began 2025 only about 20 AB above rookie status. So I'm willing to give him a little to grow and improve before giving up on him. I like his contact ability. Despite what some of the numbers might indicate, he flashed enough power for 16 HR last season. And they weren't all wall scrapers. So there's some things to work with there. A little jump in bat speed, and learning to focus on a smaller hitting zone should provide at least SOME overall improvement. Defensively, I like his instincts, his hands, his ability to transition the ball glove to hand, and he throws off balance pretty well. But he's never going to have the athleticism to be anything better than average at SS. But I'm OK with that. He either ends up at 2B or 3B in different INF combinations, or he ends up as a decent bat, decent glove at all 4 INF spots. (No reasons he can't play 1B). And I'd be overjoyed to see him as a league average 5th man for the INF. That would make him of great value. But he does need to be better. And we do need him to hold down SS before K-Pepper is ready. And KC has the athletic ability to stick at SS and make it his. It's also possible HE is also a temporary SS until Houston and his reportedly elite defense are ready. But even then, none of that diminishes the potential role of Lee in that proposed super utility role. An ideal turnout for the 8th pick of the draft? Perhaps not. But a lot of 1st rounders don't even achieve that level, or even make it all.

This is a creative move at least. Kaminska gets 1/3-1/2 of the year at AA, possibly finishing in the pen? And at some point he's at St Paul for 2027. Maybe he hits 98-100mph if he stays in the pen? Again, a creative deal for 2 guys headed out the door. I never saw this happening to Julien. I really thought he was the real deal as a hitter. Best of luck to him. With other roster fodder on hand, I wouldn't have cut Ohl when they did. He's got a great change and was reportedly hitting 95 at times in 2025. At least in his shorter stints. I would have liked to see what he might do going forward in 1-2 inning stints. Still, they were going to sign a couple more guys before the season started anyway, so Ohl was probably going to be removed sooner or later regardless. Now, about that open roster spot....

Just really poor asset and roster decisions made by the FO. I didn't like the trade for Jackson as he seems like a waiver wire pickup, not someone you trade for. The odds are against Eeles ever being a viable. Contributing ML ballplayer. But he has a shot. And at worst, he gave St Paul some depth and versatility. But OK, fine, they set a floor for an experienced, good defense backup catcher. Meanwhile, you already have Pereda on your 40 man as a decent, #3 catching option who has an option left. THEN they go ahead and sign Caratini...who they undoubtedly liked all along...to be the actual #2 catcher behind Jeffers. And I really like the move. And I don't have a major issue with $13-$14M to have one of the better catching duos in MLB. The position is undervalued, IMO. (I understand limited payroll and $ allocation, but that's not what I'm discussing here). But now Jackson is a #3 with ZERO options? There is NO ROOM for a third catcher on the roster, especially for a team that already has a limited bench. And maybe you can waive Jackson and nobody wants him for $1.3M and he ends up sitting and waiting in St Paul in case he's needed. But if he IS needed, now you need a 40 man spot for him, so more unnecessary roster shuffling. And then if you don't need him any longer, it's repeat the while waiver wire process again and see if someone grabs him THAT time. Meanwhile, you could do whatever with Jackson...maybe trade him...and just keep Pereda, already on the 40 man, and with an option so he can be moved up and down without playing any 40 man games. Doesn't that make a whole lot more sense? But at the end of the day we are still talking about a #3 catcher that we hopefully never need. And honestly, with a little more HIT improvement, I think Cardenas might be the best #3 option after a couple more months of AAA. But it's still poor roster planning, IMO. And that bothers me more than anything.

Cody, I appreciate the general nature of your OP, but what I strongly disagree with is the implementation of HOW the Twins have built the 2026 roster to achieve better matchup situations. Caratini was my IDEAL #2 catcher option. I just never expected the Twins to spend the $6-7M that it took to get him. I had thought someone like McCann for $3-4M was more likely. I honestly think, overall, catcher is stronger going in to 2026. I like Bell. I actually like him quite a bit. I think there's gas still in the tank! But I like him at DH, with the ability to play a little 1B once in a while. HERE is where I think the Twins have dropped the ball. Nathaniel Lowe is still sitting out there. He's not a GREAT player, but he's solid, and has been for most of his career. Even in a down 2025 he provided 44 XBH which included 18HR, and he still produced 84 RBI. Those would have been WELCOME numbers for the Twins in 2025. Further, he's at least a decent 1B. Even FURTHER, he's a LH hitter with SOLID career splits against LHP. Still sitting out there coming of a mediocre/poor '25 and only 30yo, might he be had for around $10M? Maybe even a 2yr deal? Take away Larnach's $4.5M, the Twins would only need to spend an additional $5.5M to bring him on board. Imagine a COMPETENT 1B with solid splits, solid career numbers including a solid career .771 OPS, and generally producing 45-50 XB power. Your entire lineup suddenly changes on the 75% against RHP: 1] Keaschall 2] Buxton 3] Bell 4] Wallner 5] Lewis 6] Lowe 7] Jeffers/Caratini 8] Lee 9] Roden/Martin LF defense is vastly improved with Martin/Roden working some sort of combination there. And Roden is at least competent in CF to give Buxton a day off. Martin is a seldom used #3 option. And you've added a competent 1B option with a history of not only being available, but is solid against LHP. Bell and Caratini are switch hitters who's career split numbers are solid. NOW you have, potentially, a pretty good lineup. And with a solid pair of switch hitters in Bell, and Caratini, PLUS a generally neutral hitting 1B, you've ACTUALLY achieved balance and depth, along with improved defense at TWO positions. Clemens...if he only replicates 2025...is a decent LH bat with power who can play 5 spots. (He needs to get back to playing some 3B just because). And the only real hole is the 13th spot of utility player. Right now, that's Gray or Kreidler. Gray appears to be able to hit .200. Kreidler not so much. Kreidler reportedly has a great glove at SS, and can play a quality CF. Great. But if he can't hit his way out of a paper bag, maybe Gray is the better option to begin 2026. But if that was the Twins biggest issue, position player wise, it's almost a non-issue. Personally, I'd still be looking for a small deal, even a MILB deal, to look for a Newman, Punto type of deal and HOPING I might stumble on to Castro type of acquisition for some 26yo who just needs a chance. But removing Larnach by himself for a prospect, or combined with a decent prospect of our own for a solid, potential arm for the pen, simply allows the Twins to make ONE MORE MOVE that really changes the complexion of the team. The math isn't hard. A rough $105M minus $5M gives the Twins $20M to spend to ONLY reach the ENDING 2025 payroll. And even that is about a $2-3M stretch. So you add Lowe for approximately $10M and add the defense, offense, and better balance I've mentioned. And you have the "luxury" of $10M left to spend on the bullpen. If Rogers was available for only $2M...that might be partially emotional...what might a couple decent, solid, RH options cost? What the Twins need is a solid, experienced arm or two to be a bridge. What if Hendricks, as an example, was healthy and wanting to prove himself again? LeClerc and Philips might be options. I have no idea of what's left on the market that might be smart additions on the temporary. But I do know nobody left is worth some $7M type deal. BUT I DO KNOW that you SET a lineup that ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE with a $120M payroll. And you HAVEN'T blocked ANY prospects from debuting at any time. Falvey has a habit of pushing the payroll a bit. I don't always agree with his choices, but he does seem to have some "nudge' ability. I'd tell him to "nudge" the HELL out of Tom Pohlad for a $120M payroll, move Larnach for whatever in whatever scenario, SIGN Lowe, and grab the best 1 or 2 RHRP you can as bridge options. This really isn't that hard if ownership will just agree to a slightly less payroll than they ended in 2025. It might even be an 85 or so win team.

I agree as to Rogers providing mentorship as an added value. It doesn't matter if Prielipp has outstanding STUFF already, harnesses it more this year, maybe even develops his 2 seamer still, and looks ready sometime in June, he's probably going to be worked in middle innings first. And that goes for Raya, Lewis, Klein, and anybody else who moves to a pen role. Hawkins brings a WEALTH of knowledge as a coach who has "been there, done that." But it's valuable to WATCH a ML pen arm go about his business, and impart knowledge, and even show how to respond when you have a bad day. Now, messages tend to fall flat if said veteran, Rogers in this instance, suddenly hits a wall and tanks. But he's smart, experienced, and was having a really solid season with the Cubs before the trade to Cincinnati. So I'm still expecting decent, solid results, even though he's not the pitcher he once was. The biggest question remaining...only slightly off topic...is whether or not there's 1 or 2 decent "Rogers-like" RH options available to acquire who can help bridge the pen opportunities while the younger arms work their way in to more pressured roles without crapping themselves on the mound. Unless the Twins spent enough $ for a TOP arm, or two, it was always going to be 2-3 veteran guys to just hold the fort, be decent, and not just blow up on a daily basis as bridge arms. Placeholders. But those placeholders HAVE the ability pass on knowledge, even non verbally, just by showing how they prepare, and how they respond when things go well, and also when things don't go so well.

While I have some hope that DeBarge is going to turn out to be an excellent super utility guy, actual 2B are pretty thin in the system. But as pointed out, Lee and K-Pepper could end up at 2B in the near future depending on Houston's development. (I understand the OP is about NON 40 man options). But this is exactly why I think any chatter about Keaschall in the OF is a bunch of nonsense. First of all, how will he ever get better at 2B unless he's allowed to FOCUS on 2B. He's got the athleticism and range, his arm should be better this season, now it's getting the fundamentals back after playing so little there the past 2 years. Secondly, who do you have in mind to play at 2B on a consistent basis if you actually do play Keaschall in the OF? Clemens? He's part of the 1B mix and a utility player, not a regular starter. Thirdly, Buxton and Wallner are still around. We're not certain yet what we have in Martin or Roden, but they deserve a shot. And behind them is Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, and possibly Rosario as well. So I'm not certain putting Keaschall in the OF at this time does anything more than muddy the whole roster. Just let him play 2B for 2026 and see how it goes. That's best for him, and for the Twins.

So a team lacking any pen depth adds a reliever and then cuts a pen depth arm to make room? You can't make this stuff up. IDK if Ohl has a ML future of not, but any decent, young, controllable arm with potential should be about the last cut option, IMO. Now, if they had signed TWO arms, I can see removing Ohl if you honestly felt that was the right choice. But as of today, I don't like removing Ohl.

So Dominguez is gone. I would have really liked to have him. But no way would the Twins have ever offered him the kind of deal the Dirty Sox gave him. I wouldn't have either. Zoll just commented at a media luncheon that the Twins still have room to add to the bullpen. Of course, there is no mention of just how much $ is available to make said additions. While the FA has been largely picked over, as always, there are still a number of veteran arms available and looking for work. There is obvious debate as to what QUALITY is left to bring in, but adding an arm or two that have "been there, and done that" to add experience and depth as younger arms transition to the pen is still a smart move. TD had an article a few weeks back that mentioned Dominguez, Leclerc, and Phillips as veteran options that might make sense. Well, Leclerc and Phillips are still available the last I looked. Are they logical possibilities? Is there anyone else you like? I think we're going to see at least one veteran added. Maybe there's room for two? I never really expect any team, much less the Twins, from revealing what their budgeted payroll is. But it appears they aren't done yet. My DREAM remains that there is enough room for a couple decent RHRP signings, that Larnach is moved for SOMETHING and clear his $4.5M, and Falvey nudges Tom Pohlad with an elbow and says; "You know, if we nudge this payroll just a little bit higher, Nathaniel Lowe is still there. And we might grab him for $10M and have an actual, competent 1B and let Bell be the primary DH". The odds aren't good, of course, but that would by my DREAM SCENARIO to finish the offseason on a budget that might actually turn out to be generally positive. A lineup of Keaschall, Buxton, Bell, Wallner, Lewis, Lowe, Jeffers, Lee, and Roden/Martin might not be too bad. WITH Larnach, plus the recent signings, the payroll sits just below $105M. And would sit almost dead on at $100M if Larnach was moved. Is it so absurd to think they MIGHT settle on a final opening day payroll between $115-120M???

I expected Jenkins for sure. And Culpepper is not a surprise considering he's a recent #1 pick that is ready, or close to being ready for AAA. But I am a little surprised about Rosario and Fedko, but also very pleased. I really hope Rosario is given an opportunity to play 1B this year. He's got a good arm, and isn't a bad athlete overall from everything I've ever heard about him, but just might not have the instincts to ever be a quality OF. Plus, of course, the OF is pretty crowded with ML players and top prospects. I'm still confused on the Twins approach to Fedko. They were intrigued enough to keep him despite less than stellar results, but then after a breakout season in '25 they didn't bother to bring him up to finish the season to see what they might have. So everyone sort of guessed they didn't really believe in him. But now they're bringing him in to ST as a non roster invite. So maybe they actually do sorta like him and see potential but they were A] Not wanting bring any additional attention to him in order to not feel the need to protect him on the 40 man, B] Just wanted to look at other players first to finish out the season. I hope all 4 get a lot of playing time in the spring and aren't used for a couple of games only and then sent to MILB camp right away.

Falvey's ego gets in the way. He traded for Outman, so Outman must stay to get an opportunity to PROVE for a THIRD year he's not a bust. Meanwhile, Falvey traded a BETTER player for Roden...part of a package I know...as an additional LH OF who is younger and has more potential and is probably a BETTER player than Outman. So where does Falvey's Ego go? You send down the younger player with more upside than the player who's proved he isn't a ML player only because he has an option? So Roden sits at AAA to compete with Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, and Rosario because despite HIGH career AAA and MILB production you want to give Outman a 4th chance to be a MLB player? I mean, this is RIDICULOUS! Outman shouldn't be on the 40 man today. If he was DFA tomorrow and someone claimed him, what would be the harm to the Twins? They'd still have Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Fedko, and Rosario. PLUS 1B convert Mendez that I expect to also play at least a little OF here and there. Meanwhile, I'd absolutely love for the FO to have made a minor deal for another Pedro Floriman, Punto kind of deal for a MILB utility player that has a chance to at least hit .200 vs at the ML level vs Kreidler. Maybe Gray can be that guy. But I'm hoping and praying they add another quality RH RP and dump Larnach for roster flexibility and $ and will have enough payroll to grab Lowe as a 1B for 1yr ir 2yrs to stabilize the INF AND the lineup. While not tremendous, imagine a lineup where Bell is the DH, the very solid Lowe at 1B, Keaschall, Lee, Lewis, Wallner, Buxton, and a mix of Martin and Roden in LF and no block for Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez. While the utility position is still a question mark, Clemens as a 5 position option doesn't exactly stink. And that may change mid season if K-Pepper is ready, but also, maybe Schobel is ready to contribute to some degree. It all comes down to payroll. No Larnach, add 1 more solid RHRP, add Lowe...who should have been a primary addition and is still looking for a team/deal...the only real flaw is the backup SS/utility INF. Again, maybe that's Gray. MAYBE they just give Kreidler the 1st shot. But a $115-120M payroll allows these things to happen very easily. It's up to Tom to PROVE his go big or go home. And it's also up to Falvey to nudge the payroll as he's done in the past. The roster construction is not good right now. Removing Larnach, and adding 1 quality RP, plus adding Lowe, suddenly has the Twins with better defense at 1B, with a solid bat, and better defense in LF, and a quality DH with nobody blocking the AAA prospects on hand. St Paul, position wise, will have Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Culpepper, and others on hand. So why deny their debut by keeping outcasts like Outman when Martin and Roden are not only younger and more talented, but also about ready to push them out of the way? WAKE UP Falvey and do your job right and let your damn ego go!

Sorry, what? Did you get the short stick to write an article? This is absolutely ridiculous! I would absolutely trust in Cartini, and Pereda and prospect Cardenas, who I see as a better hitting version of Butera, before I would do this move. NEXT!