DocBauer

In theory, the OP is correct. But the OP is also rather short sighted. The most glaring oversight is not including Lewis in the discussion, or any mention of Houston as part of the discussion as well. And I'm going to leave out other INF in the system that might still rise, or at least become valuable utility options as that's not really pertinent to this discussion. Lewis is the 3B for now. Period. Does he have a lot to prove in 2026? You bet. Playing the most games of his career and looking much better then2nd half of 2025 and even having the legs to run provides optimism beyond simply being a talented 26yo. Could he end up at 1B at some point if that turns out to be the best alignment of talent? Sure. But so could Keaschall. And speaking of Keaschall, I don't have a problem with him playing some OF. He clearly has some aptitude and talent to do so. But I strongly disapprove of not giving him the time needed to improve at 2B. He's a very good athlete. He gets to balls. A healthy arm will help his throwing. But my goodness, his playing time there has been so disjointed due to arm injuries that he needs TIME to actually play the position and settle in. Lee has the instincts and hands to become a solid 3B or 2B. For now, he's the SS and has to improve there. I believe he will. He was better there in 2025 after the Correa trade. It's jus natural, most comfortable spot. But he's not going to be the long term answer there. And he absolutely, positively has to improve his offense. But he's also damn young and came in to 2025 with ONLY about 180 ML AB. So let's cut him a little slack, OK? But there's also the potential that he becomes a 4 position super utility INF. That would not be a poor outcome, despite being a 1st round pick. K-Pepper should take SS away from Lee, more than likely, in the 2nd half of 2026, barring major improvement from Lee.. He's just a better athlete. But he also played a lot of 3B in college, so he could be a factor there in a year or so, depending on how this turns out. And I don't think there's much doubt he could be a hell of a 2B. While Houston was just drafted, he appears to be a really fine SS. He's also got some speed, and some pop/power. (He's not a small kid). As an experienced, college selection, there's at least a chance this time next year he's following the same path as Keaschall and Culpepper where he's ready for AAA in 2027. No pressure, I'm just saying. And with a solid, all around offensive profile, if his defense is as good as advertised, HE might be the starting SS at some point in 2027 or 2028. He wouldn't have to be a Silver Slugger candidate if his defense turns out to be legit. That frees up Keaschall and Lee for WHATEVER position and role is best for them, and the TEAM. And while I really don't want to put the cart before the horse, as things stand TODAY, the Twins MIGHT select another college SS in the next draft as the best player available. Now, that's REALLY extending the INF discussion as we have a LONG WAY to go before the 2026 draft. But in theory, Alabama SS Lebron is currently the #3 best prospect as of TODAY. You NEVER apologize for having "too much talent" in your system. Instead, you FIND a way to make it work. And sometimes kids just never turn out despite their talent and projections. But in THEORY, over the next 2 seasons, the Twins will have to "fit" Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, K-Pepper, and Houston in to their roster and lineup. Maybe Lewis or Keaschall end up at 1B. Maybe Keaschall ends up in the OF flanked by Jenkins and Rodriguez. Maybe Lee becomes a valuable 4.position super utility player. The reality is, I DON'T CARE. Develop them, get them up here, and then figure it out from there. You FIND A WAY to play your best players. And that's why some versatility is a GOOD THING. It's also a reason to feel really good about the projection of the Twins INF going forward, even though we really haven't talked about other potential 1B options in detail.

I like this move on the surface at least. We've all become jaded by how the Pohlads run the Twins. But I would say this is definitely the biggest change since Carl bought the team in the 80's. There are new partners that are going to want some return on their investment. That's good. That puts pressure on the Pohlads to do things better. And maybe they bring in some ideas of their own. I feel a little bad for Joe as I believe he really did want to be partner running the Twins. But I don't think he did very well, and he certainly embarrassed himself a few times with various comments made. As @jkcarewsstated, Tom spoke good words. But they are only words until we see action. Despite what I believe to be a worthwhile jaded attitude towards ownership, I think, as fans, we should feel at least a little encouraged by what Tom said. It at least appears he understands and recognizes changes have to be made, and there has to be an accountability factor. Personally, I'm willing to give him and this new reorganization a chance, even if I remain skeptical. And change doesn't happen overnight. And until the impending labor situation is settled come 2027, I don't know that we will necessarily recognize immediate changes. There's a lot to unpack over the next 24 months. There will be changes at the MLB level, hopefully positive ones. The new partners are going to have at least some say with this new direction. The debt will now be eliminated, or at least lowered greatly. And Tom has basically said the Twins haven't been run well. Again, all positive sentiments. I don't think anyone ever expects the Twins to function as a top payroll organization. But not being in the bottom third of MLB in payroll should be an obtainable goal in the future. And based on his statements, I'm betting Falvey, and perhaps Zoll, are going to be feeling some heat in the near future. The reorganization has begun. Change can be good, and was much needed. Now it's time over the next 24 months or so to see those changes actually take place.

With no personal insult intended, Kriedler has been a mediocre MILB hitter. And while SSS, his MLB numbers are on par, or worse, than many ML pitchers in the NL before the universal DH came in to play! How EXCEMPTIONAL must be his defense to even warrant a 40 man spot vs even being on a ML roster? He's better than Ozzie Smith? He can turn double plays and triple plays by himself? Come on! He should be the easiest DFA tomorrow when the Twins sign their next FA. And he probably will be. While Fitzgerald isn't special, he's at least competent as a glove man, has some speed and pop, and is a much better projected hitter. And we're talking Mendoza line against even lower expectation. I'd even be willing to state the Twins might be able to make a minor trade for someone else's AAA 26-27yo SS with a good glove and SOME talent/ability to be better than Kreidler. I've always believed he was signed for St Paul for depth and will be removed from the 40 man as soon as a FA was signed. He should slip through easily. So this is probably nothing about nothing. TODAY, Fitzgerald is still the utility player and backup SS for 2026 barring another move or surprise.

I have extremely fond memories of Arraez as a Twin, and what he accomplished. It was a sad/happy day when he was moved for Lopez. But memories of Arraez as a Twin don't mean he's the same hitter he was AS a Twin. I agree with Gleeman that...for some reason unfathomable to me..."analytics" has become a sour word for many. Change "analytics" to "information" in your mind and it might make more sense. INFORMATION has been used in baseball almost since it's inception. EXAMPLE: bring in a LH from the pen to face a key LH batter in a key moment. Arraez is/was an extremely gifted HITTER. But he never had speed, and never had much power. Period. The INFORMATION presented in the OP is actually very simple, he doesn't BB very much, and he's swinging more and more at pitches that aren't strikes, believing he can contact the ball for hits that don't happen. It's not an insult to the Arraez we knew and loved as a Twin. It's just a fact. And it's why his AVG and OB% have been dipping. What troubles me as a fan of Arraez is that you would almost EXPECT that as a veteran hitter, he might become MORE selective at the plate as an almost 29yo veteran, taking some BB, waiting for a good pitch to hit, etc. Instead, his trend has been to be LESS selective. MAYBE he can be "fixed" and become the HITTER he was earlier in his career. But the INFORMATION says he's on a downward plane. This is NOT an insult to Arraez, but he's just not a great athlete. He has had knee problems. He doesn't run especially well and is not a great defender. He doesn't have a lot of power. So when his GIFT of being a special HITTER suddenly declines, what do you have other than a bench player, PH? MAYBE, and HOPEFULLY Arraez finds his previous, much more disciplined self and hits over .300 again and helps his next team as a top of the order hitter. Again, I'm a FAN and want the best for him. But he isn't a fit for what the Twins need right now, whether you like the Bell signing or not.

Just wanted to say I'd dance a jig if he could pull that off again. From what I hear...I'm really not familiar with him...the defense is legit, and so is his arm. Considering how low the bar is for offense from backup catchers, I'd even settle for something around .200 if he could stroke some doubles and a hand and a half of HR when he DOES make contact.

OK, finally home and settled and have a chance to comment. A few personal items to mention first. #1] I wanted Bell last offseason. I don't know if 1 year younger makes a major difference, but I thought he was an inexpensive addition to the lineup as a DH/1B who could help. So I can't exactly bash his signing now. #2] For THIS offseason...realizing a month or so ago Naylor was a pipedream...I wanted O'Hearn or the less expensive Lowe on a 2yr deal to "settle" 1B for a couple of years to allow the Twins to FINALLY find their 1B of the future either within the system, or via trade. I didn't care that neither was a true "slugger". I saw a pair of solid 1B who could HIT, have a decent OB%, decent power, and solid career splits. OK, so that's out of the way. Despite NOT getting what I wanted, and what I thought was the smarter move...baseball wise, screw the Pohlads idea of a payroll...I don't dislike this move within the vacuum of the current roster and speculated payroll. I 100% understand the frustration with the Twins looking to "raise the floor" instead of the ceiling. And I'm on @chpettit19 bandwagon of objecting to limited thinking, just as I'm on the @Riverbrianobjection to yet another 1yr rental at 1B. So please don't accuse me of blowing smoke about this signing. Again, it's not exactly what I wanted, even though I kinda like it. BUT, what we got is a solid, consistent career production BAT. He has really solid numbers against RHP, and except for 2025, he's maintained a pretty solid career OPS vs LHP. He's not a good defensive 1B. He's better as a DH who CAN play 1B. But I found it very interesting listening to the G&G podcast today when it was pointed that a 3rd party had pertinent information that the Twins defensive alignment over the past few seasons had their 1B playing closer to the bag than most teams. That might help explain how/why Sano, Arraez, Solano, and even France might have been better than expected. What we don't know yet is whether Bell was signed to be the primary 1B, or a primary DH, or a mix. And if you believe in WAR, Bell has lost points as a defender from his overall production. But what if the defensive alignment the Twins are supposedly known for allow Bell to just stay closer to the bag to make sure outs are outs? Well, it puts more pressure on the rest of the INF...not necessarily a good thing...but if he can reach and scoop properly, he might not suck at 1B entirely. What if this also allows the addition of someone like Andujar, who has been speculated as a possible signing? Just spitballing here, but he "can" play 3B/OF corners here and there, as well as 1B. This adds a RH bench bat helps Clemens as a now utility player. NOT saying that's the next move, only saying I can see a path for another solid bat to maybe be added. REGARDING THE LINEUP FOR 2026: Well, I guess we're talking about Opening Day and ASSUMING the FO won't make a major move such as Rodriguez or Jenkins to open the season due to youth and possible control possibities. Larnach, more than ever, has no place. Again, I don't dislike him, but there is NO FIT. HOPEFULLY he's packaged with a lower level prospect or 2 for a decent RP option to a team in need for a solid LH bat against RHP. A decent prospect at worst. He's a solid player, but he just doesn't fit the 2026 team. Clemens as a utility player who can play some 1B, Bell as a 1B/DH and Andujar, or a similar signing, on the cheap, really can raise the floor. But I digress a bit here offering speculation for an Opening Day roster when we still don't know all the potential moves to be made. Bell is NOT a difference maker. But he's a solid player who deepens the lineup with solid career numbers. There is world that isn't fantasy where Buxton and Lewis and Wallner are all healthy and have solid seasons where Bell is MUCH better than what France provided. I can see an Opening Day Lineup with Keaschall #1, and maybe an old school lineup with Roden/Martin #2 with hitting and OB% ability to allow Buxton to drive in runs. Behind him SHOULD BE a mix of Lewis getting right and Wallner rebounding to what he was in 2023-24. Bell comes next at a 6 spot. That's a solid lineup. But let's just accept the fact that Bell was signed for that role. And if he does better, that's great. But he wasn't signed to be a difference maker in the 3-5 slot. He was meant to augment what's on hand. It's on Falvey, the players, new hitting coaches, and even Bell to make a lineup like that work. And it would be a really solid lineup. But come June 1st, for an arbitrary date, Rodriguez and Jenkins are pounding at the door, what happens? The DH spot gets more crowded and interesting. But to START the season, I just can't be disgruntled by adding a solid BAT with power and proven production considering how many games have been lost the past few seasons by 1 or 2 runs. I just can't hate this signing even though it's not crazy good.

IMO, the 8th spot in the pen, currently, is between Ohl and Adams. WAIT, what about the other 7 spots? There's still a LOT to be figured out between trades and signings. So I'm ONLY focusing on the OP. I don't take a lot of belief in any rookie arms initial appearance. Stuff plays up in the bullpen. I think Adams has a chance. His STUFF isn't great, but I saw enough movement on some of his pitches to believe he might become a functional reliever with some upside. But I like Ohl more. While he slipped in 2024, he's always shown solid control. His FB touches 95 these days. His change is excellent. I don't think his potential is as good as Sands at this point, I think his change has the potential to move him from the #8 spot, sacrifical lamb to ride the St Paul shuttle, to being a solid, dependable middle arm. His experience as a former SP might make him a 2 IP pen arm you can count on. Anything more than that is questionable projection and TBD.

It's a sound idea in principle, but I'm also looking for more than 1yr stop gaps where possible. And I don't like giving up on 24yo ish players too early for said stop gaps. I've said before, I think the Twins will have 2 different halves of a season. I say that because of players on hand, some of whom are young and developing, like Lee and Keaschall, and still quite young like Lewis and Wallner, Martin, and Roden. And in the very near future, K-Pepper, Rodriguez, Jenkins, and maybe even Gonzalez are going to be pounding at the door. That doesn't mean I want to "give away" the first few months of the season, of course. I'm taking the conversation of Keaschall playing some OF with a major dose of salt. It's not dissimilar to Lewis preparing for 2B in 2025 before the FO just went, "meh, forget about it". Keaschall has played OF before. He might again. Nothing wrong with being versatile. But who then plays 2B? Utility LH bat Clemens? Why? You've got Martin and Roden in LF, Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez on the way. What does this accomplish? Keaschall primarily played a lot of OF in MILB because of his pending elbow surgery. It's also the reason he played a lot of 1B. Did he look rough at times playing 2B in 2025? Yes he did. But he's also barely played it the last 2yrs! He's got the athleticism to play the position but obviously needs time to just get back to the basic fundamentals of playing the position again. And that's where his focus should be. It makes so much sense I shouldn't even have to go on. Lee is OK, but not great at SS. But he did look better once he played there daily post Correa being traded. It's not his long term home. But I can live with an average SS and a talented, athletic, young 2B who needs some work/time vs "giving up" too early on their potential, at least in the case of Keaschall. Especially when 1B and the bullpen are much larger current concerns. K-Pepper looks to be on the fast track. I can see him up as early as June 1st if he just keeps his current development profile going strong. He's almost assuredly going to be better than Lee. Even with improvement with the glove, and his bat, there's room for Lee as a 4 position super utility player at the least. Think Castro with 1B, but no OF work. And it's possible he takes over 2B and Keaschall becomes a full time 1B eventually. Nothing wrong with that. You can't have too much talent on your team, no matter who plays what. But you just DON'T give up on Keaschall as a 2B this early with all of his athleticism and potential. That's just silly. Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, and TBD is your starting 2026 INF opening day. Substitute K-Pepper at SS at some point, and your depth and options change tremendously from where they are today.

Pre 2025 Mountcastle is a solid player, even though there was a sight decline in 2023-24. But at 29yo for 2026 I'm willing to bet on a bounce back version of him for a prospect deal. Maybe it starts with Matthews, for example? Mayo may have power and projection, and might be a long term solution, but I don't like moving a part of the rotation for a 1B only prospect unless I feel really confident he's going to turn out. I mean, there's a pretty reasonable chance he does, but SWR is about the highest offer I can think to offer. I don't like filling 1 hole and then creating another one in the rotation, unless the Twins are feeling pretty confident about Bradley, Matthews, Abel, and Morris stepping up in 2026. Truth be told, they SHOULD feel good about them all taking that next step, or something has gone wrong. Considering the relative youth of the Orioles, I'd still begin the discussion with someone like Matthews and then...gulp...maybe someone like Soto as a high ceiling arm a couple years away, but with tremendous potential? But then I reflect on just spending some $ on O'Hearn or Lowe for 2yrs to stabilize the position and KEEP the rotation and prospects instead. And I guess that's where my head is at.

If the Twins could actually get for 2yrs and $12M IMO. That price should still leave room for a couple solid pen arms as well. If that cost is accurate, and Falvey says they have $ to add, they should JUMP on him, IMO, for a couple of years and stop the revolving door at 1B for the immediate future. For once, make the smart, early signing and then sit back on the pen arms and wait out the market if that's what they choose to do again.

Can we, for a moment, just STOP with the Lewis articles? This has to be the most ridiculous "I need to be paid" article #5 or 6 since the 2025 season ended. I'll just get everything negative out of the way. He's been injured a lot. He speaks before he thinks sometimes because he wears his heart/frustration on his sleeve. Someone should tell him to think before he speaks because he gets ripped when he says something honest, but is taken out of context, at least to some degree. What's SELDOM ever offered up is an honest confession early in 2025....where we finally saw the perpetual optimism wall Royce always puts up...is how frustraded he has actually been. After TWO knee surgeries, rehab, and physical changes, he's no longer the speedster SS drafted. Instead, he's a quality 3B with a TON of talent who has been mitigated post DUAL knee surgeries that he has admitted to robbing him of control and confidence in his approach. Imagine that? He finally admitted he's only human despite some of the amazing performances he's produced in limited opportunity. He played the most games of his career in 2025. He was slightly above ML average the 2nd half of 2025. His defense improved. He was actually so healthy for the 2nd half that he began to run again! Those are ALL positive signs that his ongoing physical therapy to prevent muscle injuries and re-knewed confidence are taking hold. But if you expect SUPERMAN for 2026 and beyond, even considering some of the crazy performances Lewis HAS done, you're just fooling yourself. All he has to do is bat .270 and OB of about .325 and SLUG 35 Dbls with 25 HR per season. That ISN'T SUPERMAN. But that's a damn fine ballplayer! Still only 26yo, you want to bet against him?

I believe the term Zoll used was looking for a "thumper". Personally, I think that's a poor choice or words. Who might be a potential Cruz sitting out there that we can grab cheaply? I think "quality bat" might be more accurate. Everyone is going to be sick of me saying this...I'm almost sick of saying it myself...but why not Nathaniel Lowe? He settles 1B for 2yrs at $18-20M, and provides a solid, quality hitter with a career .771 OPS, even though he had a down 2025. (But still provided power and RBI). He's also got a .729 career OPS against LHP so he DOESN'T have to be platooned. Is he a "thumper"? No. But he's a quality hitter with some power and a 12.2 career WAR that fills an important spot in the INF and the lineup. He's not as "old" as others that the Twins supposedly are interested in, and shouldn't be expensive. And with an undetermined but not large payroll, every $M saved is a little more to be spent on the bullpen. But speaking of the bullpen...since it's been brought up in this thread about bats...they need TWO solid, decent, veteran additions to just lead the way. And I'm not talking about the inevitable MILB FA fliers they bring in with hopes of finding the next Thielbar or Stewart, etc, who we HOPE they uncover. They need 2 decent veterans to help lead the way instead of just going with rookie converts. From the LH side, it's not hard to look at Coulombe, Thielbar, Rogers, or Chafin as older guys who are ALL coming off really solid 2025 seasons. They should cost around $3-4M. Just pick one you really trust for one more good year. Maybe Funderburk's last 2 months are an indication he turned a corner. And maybe Prielipp really does convert to the pen. (There's also a handful of interesting LH arms that might be ready at some point in 2026). But you add the stability of a decent veteran. From the RH side, I'm just not going to offer up possibilities for the simple reason as there are WAY too many options and tangents of possibilities. We could go all the way from Finnigan being affordable to Pressly having ONE MORE good season in his arm after a good start to 2025 and a lousy finish. But find ONE you think has a good 2026 in his arm, and you really change the complexion of the 2026 Twins BP. Digressing somewhat, but am I the only one who believes Larnach was offered arbitration to "set the floor" until another bat was added? I remain of the opinion he will be dropped if needed, but the Twins remain hopeful of moving him, and his almost $5M to a team needing a solid LH platoon bat for a prospect(s), or part of a package for someone's young 4th or 5th best BP arm. His almost $5M makes a difference in a limited payroll situation and a crowded OF. I'm hopeful of a smart deal that provides such, but I'm 50-50 a deal for immediate value will happen. So I'm leaving any possible, hopeful addition out of this discussion. (But DAMN, it would be nice if the FO could be creative here!). FA, FA, Sands, Funderburk, Orze, Topa, Ohl/Adams isn't exciting. But it's not a horrible start. And I don't care about who says what about whom, but SOMEONE from the collection of SP options is going to move to the pen. And while I despise the idea of giving up the potential of a young SP, don't most of us all just recognize that Festa is meant to be in the pen? He's damn near devastating 1 time through the order, good the 2nd time, but then he starts to fail a bit. And while his shoulder issues in 2025 shouldn't be the determining factor, it adds to the ultimate conclusion. I'd STILL have him working on his 2 seamer for an additional weapon, unless they see a better option instead. His FB plays up even better in a short stint. He's got a great slider and a solid change. And he has a deceptive, whip like delivery that doesn't hurt. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Matthews or Bradley is the better move to the pen. But I think Festa is on the Duran path. And Falvey has mentioned Prielipp as a possibility, which kind of kills a hopeful part of me, but I've also started to give in to logic. You ADD Lowe, IMO, and ADD 2 solid FA pen additions for a combined total of around $20-22M, with Larnach gone, the payroll still sits at an absurd $105-107M. Frankly, that sucks. $110M allows for 1 more decent pen option, or maybe a better UTILITY option. $115M MIGHT offer both. A $120M, which has been MY projected option all along, might allow both. While I refuse to escape the ridiculous way ownership is running things, the truth is the Twins DO have talent on hand, even if there were under performance players in 2025. And even though $120M payroll...my hope and expectation...is ridiculously low, they have a lot of low contracts for 2026 with about half of their top 10 prospects about to debut next season to provide both help and excitement. Sorry for being so long winded. There's just so many moving parts, even with a limited payroll, that I can see a team in 2 parts with a good rotation, a decent bullpen that might be better later, and a lineup that can be good, and even better come June or July. I just don't see a team that should be dismantled.

I wanted Bell last season, but I'm not so excited about this year. IIRC, he didn't have a very good start to 2025 but then rebounded and finished pretty strong, more in keeping with his normal production. But he's best as a DH. And that's fine by me. The problem comes sometime after June 1st when Rodriguez and/or Jenkins might be ready. Wallner is a perfect, primary DH who's gradually improved some against LHP. We might be surprised by Hoskins, but I'm betting he's toast after a pair of sub par seasons. I'd be very happy with O'Hearn as the every day 1B. He fills that spot, as well as a solid bat in the lineup. But I keep seeing speculation that he's going to be signed for around $12M. While that's do-able for the Twins, I don't think it's the smartest play. I am still pounding the table for Nathaniel Lowe. He's almost exactly 2yrs younger than O'Hearn, is a solid 1B, and is projected to come in at $2-3M less than O'Hearn on a deal. While O'Hearn has been on an OPS "high" the past couple of seasons, and Lowe's OPS slipped in 2025, for their career quad slash line, Lowe beats O'Hearn in all 4 categories, though the differences are rather negligible. They posses about the same power ability, and Lowe has better career numbers against LHP. O: .217/ .287/ .355/ .642 L: .258/ .337/ .392/ .729 Yes, Lowe is coming off a down 2025 season...even though he still produced some decent power and RBI numbers...but who would you rather have? A 32yo for $12M...even riding a bit of a "hot streak" the past couple of seasons...or a less expensive 30yo with better career OPS, and a much better career mark against same side pitching? Maybe I'll be proven wrong but I'd take Lowe at 2yrs and $18-20M every day of the week, and twice on Sunday at this point.

So we get another young catcher to develop for the future. I don't have a problem with that. I'm just really surprised there wasn't a AA...maybe recent AAA promotion...arm that threw hard but was missing a 3rd pitch or had some control issues that didn't look like a draft and stash for the pen. Question is now what? Trade Larnach in a package for someone's young 4th or 5th pen arm with potential? Sign 2 decent, solid pen arms to actual ML deals? A 1B of decent quality? Lowe maybe? That might just about do it...not inuding the usual MILB signings...unless there's a couple $M somehow left over for a reserve INF or 3rd FA pen arm?

I like O'Hearn and would be happy to have him. But isn't Nathaniel Lowe an equivalent option who is slightly younger and might come in $2-3M less? He also has solid splits against LHP in his career.

No matter how much depth you have, there will always be bullpen games here and there, and some prospect brought up who's not quite ready, or some AAA singing who gets a shot, or some different version of an opener and pen game. It happens for EVERYONE at some point. It's just the marathon that is MLB. So "how many starters" the Twins should have is arbitrary to be sure. BUT, the rotation begins with Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR, and a competition of Bradley, Matthews, Abel, and Morris. I had thought Bradley had no options remaining, but brief research has shown me he has 1 more option remaining. Personally, I think a lot of people are sleeping on Morris. He did have a mediocre 1st half of 2025 before he had an injury stint. But it was also discovered that he was unintentionally tipping his pitches early in the season due to a bizarre gum chewing habit. (If you can believe something so weird). And he was borderline excellent the rest of 2025. That's 8 quality arms of experience or young talent not yet proven. That's not a bad way to start a season. Rojas and CJ Culpepper are behind those 8, but might be real options later in the season. That might be the envy of a lot of ML teams. But notice I left out 2 very important arms. I hate, hate, hate the idea of Festa and Prielipp NOT being potential SP arms for the Twins. IF Festa gets that 4th offering under control and can be at least decent the 3rd time through the lineup, and IF Prielipp can do the same, and build up his IP, what great rotation arms they might be! But then reality starts to settle in. SOMETIMES a really good pitcher, even WITH a 4th offering, is just destined for the bullpen. And in today's game, the pen has greater value than it ever had before. I know Festa has flashed. I know he's been very good the 1st and even 2nd time through a lineup. And ANY young pitcher has to learn to adjust to a 3rd time through an order, but maybe he's just not built to do that. Maybe he's just ready to dominate as a late inning reliever the way Duran did, and the way Varland looked like he was becoming. And that's what I'm seeing happening. I grudgingly admit to the idea of bullets in the chamber for some young arms that have had injury issues. But Prielipp was fully healthy in 2025 for the first time in YEARS. And like Festa, he's not exactly old. But might he follow the Santana and Lirano path where he starts in a ML bullpen and then moves to the rotation? The fact that Falvey mentioned him as a pen option tells me they believe he can be a potential dominate arm there. He might begin 2026 as a 4 IP type of pitcher to keep him stretched out. Or they just might have him as a 1-2 IP option who is a potential late reliever. If Prielipp turns out to be a dominate late inning reliever, do we care? Are we angry at all that he didn't turn out to be a quality SP despite his history? Again, I hate the idea of Festa and Prielipp NOT being quality SP for the Twins. But it's also not hard to love them being part of the 2026 bullpen and beyond, at some point, along with Sands, Funderburk, Klein, Lewis, Raya, Bragg, Whitaker, MaCleod, Ohl, Adams etc, etc, as well as a couple veteran FA options for immediate help in 2026. But back to the OP, it's really not hard to be excited about SP depth of Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR, Bradley, Matthews, Abel, Morris, and Rojas and CJ Culpepper bringing up the rear.

I have to disagree, Cody. Ober is not old, doesn't have a ton of miles on his arm, isn't expensive, and his hip issue is what messed up his season. The question remains if his mechanics slipped and messed up his hip, or did he hurt his hip and it messed up his mechanics and everything else along with it? We have a chicken and egg arguement here. We have yet to hear a single word that Ober's injury requires anything other than an offseason of reat and normal rehab. I see his value, based on previous, healthy production and low $ as being of great value to the Twins. More than moving him would add. And while I feel really positive about the progression of SWR, Bradley and Matthews are both a bit of a question mark entering 2026. Abel looks SO CLOSE to being about ready. And I think a lot of people are selling Morris short based on his 2nd half of 2025 after an injury stint, and realizing he was accidentally tipping pitches early on. In my heart of hearts, I really wanted Festa to be a great story of a late round draftee who turned in to a quality SP. And maybe I'm wrong...he's still "young" and has flashed...but considering how dominant he is ONE TIME through a lineup, and still solid the SECOND time, and his build and remaining stamina questions, and his shoulder issues in 2025, I just think he's on a "Duran" path of moving to the bullpen. OBVIOUSLY, most SP, especially young ones, have some struggles learning and adapting to being able to handle a lineup the 3rd time. It's just a fact. And a single season of shoulder issues shouldn't be a single indicator of a young arm moving to the pen. But when you combine all factors together, Festa is just a logical move to the pen where he might prove to be a dominant arm. IMO, that's where he should be for 2026 and beyond. The rotation still has Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR, and then open competition between Bradley, Matthews, Abel, and Morris. Behind them is Rojas and CJ Culpepper. That's an enticing group. 1B SHOULD be Lowe on a 2yr $18-20M deal and 1B is solid for the next 2yrs and you don't have to move ANY arms. His FIT is so PERFECT for the Twins it's almost crazy they haven't made the move yet. And it's time to move on from Larnach and let Martin, Roden, Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez...all younger, cheaper, and with more potential...fill out the OF. Package him to a team in need of someone with a career .759 OPS against RHP that has a solid young pen arm they are willing to move for him and a decent prospect or two. That also removes his projected $4.7M off the payroll. Be creative! Then ADD a couple veteran RP for around $11-12M. Do I have to repeat the options AGAIN in ANOTHER OP? Or can we just accept status quo at this point? Post arbitration, Larnach moved in whatever fashion...help of prospects...the payroll sits about $85-86M. Lowe at $10M, and the aforementioned FA RP, the payroll only sits about $106M roughly. WHY trade young pitching of any sort where even a PALTRY $110M payroll could make a very solid addition to the lineup and the pen, and could possibly have enough room for 1 more add on a low $ deal for the BP or INF? To quote the famous Chris Carter line: "come on man!" Your own TOD podcast provided a very sound idea...swapping Goldschmidt for Lowe...that makes more sense than trading away arm talent on hand.

I've been championing Lowe as a signing for WEEKS now in just about every single thread that deals with 2026. Just repeating everything you've said, and I've said, he's a solid glove and a solid producer for his career. And he doesn't have to be platooned either. I just can't understand why so many are obsessed with a RH 1B? I mean, I'd be just fine if we actually GOT a RH 1B...assuming he could also hit RHP...but 75% of all pitchers are still RH. I would have zero problem offering a solid 30yo 1B a 2yr deal. He won't turn 31yo until July. I'm not aware of any injury history. He stabilizes the INF, he adds a quality bat that could hit anywhere from 3rd to 6th depending on how Shelton wants to build the lineup, and he blocks NOBODY. Unless the payroll turns out to be ridiculous, 2yrs at $18-20M fits easily in to even a $110M payroll. And he FIXES the most GLARING HOLE in the entire lineup for 2yrs. He's basically Naylor junior, and that isn't a bad thing. There are various roster scenarios where Andujar can be added for about $6M that work. Especially IF the Twins keep Rodriguez and Jenkins down in St Paul to begin the 2026 season. And I LIKE the idea of bringing Andujar on board as a nice RH role piece. I can see the fit, and I can see how it works. But Falvey should have Lowe's agent on speed dial and get something done ASAP. He fits position need, lineup need, and fits easily in to anything but an ABSURD payroll structure.

Had his best ML season at 29yo to be a slightly below average player. He helps as a LH power threat off the bench who can play 4 spots, or 5 if the Twins begin working him at 3B again, at least for emergency purposes. But he should never, ever be discussed as a starting player. Period. End of story. When does Falvey finally realize 1B is an important spot to ADD to your lineup, and not a throw away spot?

He can't hit, he can't get on base, his power has virtually disappeared, he doesn't steal bases, and apparently he can't play defense any longer. He also can't be optioned, can't even perform at AAA, and he's about out of time as a 29yo. But yeah, he sure deserves a spot on the 40 man doesn't he? Probably never should have been traded for. But if you wanted to take a shot to see if a change in scenery could unlock something, OK. But he's already proven he has no game and no future. His spot should have been given to another, younger player, or simply be an open spot for a rule 5 selection. A 29yo who is awful should never be kept for any reason over a young player that actually has some potential.

1] Don't trade any of Lopez. Ryan, Buxton, or Jeffers. But feel free to move Larnach with a prospect or two in a deal for a decent, young pen arm. 2] Honestly don't know if I care all that much about who the new minority owners might be. All I care about is the final result. Does their investment eliminate debt and allow for even a mediocre payroll? 3] They need at least a pair of veteran RP to help lead and solidify the pen. The FO needs to pick the correct 2 as there are lots of options, inuding in their projected price point range. But they need to make smart/good/lucky choices 4] Why is everyone so focused on a RH hitting 1B? Just because Clemens...a utility player...bats LH? If they find a quality RH 1B I don't have a problem with that. But what if they had a switch hitter, or LH hitter who had good splits against LHP? I mean, aren't 75% of all pitchers still RH? BONUS]: If there's a legitimate arm with potential that could be a nice fit for the pen with the #4 selection in the rule 5 draft, go ahead and take a shot. Or perhaps a younger player than Fitzgerald with potential as a utility player and backup SS?

If THE CORE is keeping Buxton, Lopez, Ryan, Jeffers, and some other, younger, cost controlled players them I'm 100% on board. If you consider THE CORE to be a repeat of the exact same team from the previous 2 seasons, I'm not on board. But I also think that's a bit of a fallacy. Martin and Roden get first crack at LF to improve defense and team speed. Wallner may, or may not, be starting in RF depending on whether the Twins keep Rodriguez and/or Lopez down at St Paul to begin the season. Keaschall was not part of the team opening day last season. WHOEVER wins the #5 spot in the rotation either wasn't with the Twins opening day last season, and perhaps not even in the organization. Personally, I still don't buy Larnach with the team opening day. I think he "sets the floor" for now and will be moved. But even still, as a DH and not starting OF, I couldn't complain all that much. But there are definitely changes from opening day 2025 to opening day 2026 in the works. And that's a good thing. A shakeup was warranted. FWIW, I believe there will be 2 different "parts" to the Twins 2026 season. There will be the roster that opens, and then "part 2" begins when we start to see Rodriguez, Jenkins, K-Pepper, and hopefully Gonzalez making their debut. (There may be additional prospects/arms included). Hopefully, there won't be a "part 3" where trades happen to break down the team. I will state essentially what I said in a different post in that every team begins each season with the need for some things to go "right" in order to have a good season. Some teams have long lists, and some teams have shorter lists. But they all have them. I believe in 26yo Lewis, playing good defense and running the bases the 2nd half of 2025, as a step up player in 2026. I believe in Wallner rebounding to something much closer to his 2023-24 self. I believe the 25yo Lee will take a step forward in 2026, but how big of one is TBD. I have faith Lopez and Ober will enjoy far healthier 2026 seasons. And while I don't expect everyone to take the world by storm when they debut, I can't help but be excited about the prospects...bats and arms...that project to begin in St Paul. IF the FO actually has SOME payroll flexibility, I can see additions that might be enough to make a difference. A trade of MILB talent for a 1B would be awesome. But if they want to hold on to said prospects, might they not still fill the 1B hole decently with someone Iike Nathaniel Lowe for $9M? (Solid career numbers-go look). And spend another $11-12M ish for a pair of veteran RP such as Coulombe/Thielbar/Rogers as a LH option and perhaps Finnigan as a RH. (Examples, not the only options). This might be accomplished even with a ridiculously low $110M ish payroll. I'm not naive enough to believe arms on hand, arms signed, and arms converted (EX: Festa) will rebuild a high end bullpen in a single offseason. But I can see a path where a competent pen might be assembled. It's a new season with a new manager and some new coaches. There will be a handful of new players when all is said and done. And there will be some interesting promotions and debuts from young talent at some point. And I like the rotation and the other factors I've already mentioned. I just refuse to see the talent on hand, granted some needing upticks or rebounds, and the young talent assembled and nearly ready, and decide we should just give up on 2026 before it even begins. So yeah, I'm in favor of keeping "the core" together if it means Lopez, Ryan, Buxton, and Jeffers begining 2026 as Twins.

I know that talent on hand, talent set to debut this season, any kind of average bullpen rebuild, the 2026 Twins aren't the team we watched the last 2 months of 2025. Every team begins the season with a list of a few things that need to go right whether that list is short or long is a different matter. The 2026 Twins do need a few things to go right. But the reality is a majority of the team are being paid about $7M or far less for 2026. So even a ridiculously small payroll of around $110M could still allow for a handful if smart, solid additions that could make a difference next season. For instance, a competent 1B, and a pair of solid, veteran pen arms to help lead the way. So I do believe the Twins are capable of 80-85 wins in 2026 if a few things go right, (no major injuries, a couple guys take a step forward), and ownership gives the FO at least a little breathing room to make a few solid additions. Doesn't mean they can't fall to pieces or underperform. That happens every season for some teams. But I can see reasons why this team could win between 80-85 next year, and that's why I object so strongly to the "blow it up and start over" mantra that I read in some articles and posts. I think that only happens if ownership forces the issue.

While Nick has a bit of grudging optimism, I'm in agreement with @Riverbrianthat I don't believe this team is that far from being decent, if not fairly good. (Paraphrasing slightly). I'm dismissing both Fangraphs projection of 82 wins, and the Twins falling short in previous seasons. EVERY SINGLE SEASON is an entity unto itself. And every season should be treated as such. While a born optimist, when I take a good, hard look at the Twins TODAY, I see holes, of course. But I also a lot of really good, hopeful, even projected options that can make the Twins a solid team in 2026. YES, a few things need to break right, but those "things" aren't crazy, "fairy godmother" issues with a wish and a prayer. DO the Twins have a couple...maybe three...TOP OF THE ROTATION arms? You bet they do. And how many seasons in the past years could we say that? DO the Twins have a really nice collection of talented arms to fill in the last 2-3 spots and some depth? You bet they do! Now, granted, not all of those arms...still young and mostly inexperienced... have proven themselves fully, but the talent and potential are there. Is there offensive potential available? Despite some bad performances and question marks, the answer is YES. Lewis is STILL only 26yo and just played the most games of his career. Despite not being able to maintain his brief glimpses of SUPERMAN status previously, he was still league average or above the last half of the 2025 season, improved his defense, and was healthy enough to start running again. You want to give up on him at this point? Sure Lee needs to raise his game up a couple notches, but he was a near-rookie at 24yo in 2025 and was a top draft choice and top prospect for a reason. Whether he changes positions or becomes a super INF utility player, do you want to give up on him already? Wallner might be best as a DH, hopefully soon, but 2 previous .880 OPS seasons and then a bad 2025 where he was still above league average shouldn't dismiss what he's shown he can do. Buxton is a STUD. Jeffers is one of the best offensive catchers in MLB. I look at that foundation, and I can't help but believe the offense has a decent start with a little better/continued health and some natural growth and development. And then I look at Martin's sudden improvement, and what we've seen of Keaschall, and I get a little more excited, and a little more optimistic. And then I look a little farther down, and I see Rodriguez and Jenkins just about to break through to the ML level, and I'm even more excited! Oh, BTW, there's a real chance K-Pepper will be ready by mid season to be an even better SS than Lee...moving him to a different role...with even better offense! And wait, did I forget to mention the RH bat of Gonzalez that should be up at SOME POINT in 2026? Not everyone will be great the minute they debut. It seldom works out that way. But FOUR of the Twins best position player prospects are already at AAA or about to debut there. REASONS for offensive optimism that aren't just wishes. But the biggest issue remains the pen. I feel almost dirty hoping for a $120M payroll for 2026. It would still be about $20M less than opening day 2025. Imagine how filthy I feel begging for a $110M payroll instead? They trade Larnach and a prospect or two and grab a solid young BP arm from someone who really needs an above average LH bat against RHP. It's imaginative, and what they should be looking to do, and what I suspect they are hoping to do. And what I hope they do. Then they spend about $7M ish for someone like Fairbanks, Jansen, or Finnegan as the closer, or Fireman at least. And how about $3-4M for Thielbar, Coulombe, Rogers, coming back, or Chaffin, who ALL had quality 2025 seasons, as a LH option to supplement the sudden improvement of Funderburk. This builds, potentially, a ML AVERAGE BP at least with what's on hand with Sands, Topa, Funderburk Ohl, Adams, Lewis, and possible transition pieces like Prielipp, Raya, Lewis, And we can't disregard the SP depth of arm talent on hand making the transition. But as much as I want Festa to be a quality top of the rotation starter, I just don't know that it's meant to be. His SSS career numbers say he's great through the order 2 times. But isn't that the case for almost any SP early in their career? But considering his build, his stuff, his recent shoulder issues...that seem to be fixed...he should absolutely be in the pen mix for 2026. The bitch is, the Twins could have a $110M payroll and move Larnach for something, add a couple really decent arms, and STILL ADD a 1B like Lowe, and maybe add a secondary bat for depth, and be a solid team.

I want to reflect back for a moment on the recent TWINS OFF DAILY podcast where they built a roster based on a $110M payroll. I think it's pertinent to this discussion. While that's an obscenely small payroll. It's also realistic. They have Larnach being moved with other prospects...I don't believe they were ever named...for a young RP from the Phillies, Orion Kerkering, who the fans there may want run out of town. Whether or not THAT trade is feasible doesn't matter directly, it's exactly the TYPE of move the Twins should make for somewhat obvious reasons. Next, they had the the Twins signing RH 1B Goldschmidt for around $9M. The idea is sound in principle, but I object to the idea. I understand the weakness facing LHP, but I don't want a 1B ONLY because he's RH. So I'm going to continue to bang the drum for Nathaniel Lowe for the same $9-10M! Even in a down season from his career numbers, he still produced 44 XB and 84 RBI. His career marks in the TRIPLE SLASH LINE are better than 2025, he's still only 30yo, and with solid career splits against LHP, he DOESN'T HAVE to be platooned. And we can stop the nonsense of Clemens being the primary starting 1B and let him be a utility LH bat player. But all of that brings us back around to Andujar. Their consensus was to sign him for $6M as a DH who CAN play 4 spots even though you'd want him to be a primary DH. And on that principle, I like him as an addition. It really makes a ton of sense. He's a solid bat who helps deepen the lineup, adds some RH punch needed against LHP, wouldn't be expensive, and with his experience, can at least play mediocre defense here and there at 4 spots when the lineup needs to be shuffled a bit for days off, late game switches, etc. My only concern is total roster construction. With Andujar, Clemens, and Fitzgerald all on the roster...and Larnach gone as proposed, and I agree...your OF is Wallner, Buxton, Martin, and Roden, with Clemens and possibly Andujar getting a few appearances here and there. While potentially weak in regard to backup CF, that OF works to begin the season if Rodriguez and Jenkins are held back initially. However, at some point, Rodriguez, Jenkins, and possibly even Gonzalez are going to be ready for their debuts. And that sort of scrambles the OF/DH situation. So does Andujar still make sense at that point? I guess I'd say YES, as injuries happen, option demotions are a factor, and as pointed out previously, maybe Andujar becomes a trade option mid season if good health FINALLY happens for the Twins, and the kids are up and doing well. So I think this is a potentially solid move for a helpful bat. At least to begin the season, and then see what happens. You can't build a roster only based on the idea of everything going right. You have to attempt to build the Opening Day roster FIRST, and go from there. And I like this idea quite a bit. FWIW, the TOD roster construction, AFTER trading Larnach as part of a deal for a young pen arm, adding a 1B, adding Andujar, they still had room for a pair of solid RP for around $11-12M with a couple $M for breathing room. So this whole concept of Andujar as a RH DH and role player would seem to not only make sense, but fits in to a WAY TOO LOW $110M payroll that might still work.