DocBauer

Yep, this seems right, more or less. Just for a moment were we to forget college seniors have ZERO leverage on draft day, you kinda have to wonder what Quick might have done his senior year post TJ. This kid has real STUFF. He's probably a top 10 if he had another college season to prove himself. I think we got a real steal here. I'm in what seems to be a minority in regard to Prielipp. I'd rather have a 25/26 yo late arriving SP who can be good mid rotation SP who might have TOP of the rotation potential until his his late 20's and early 30's. Who decided he should be some HOF pitcher? He might still end up being a STUD RP. But why give up so soon as a potential rotation option? Soto is big, strong, smart, a quality and hard working kid, who has already flashed his potential. If he can just be healthy in 2026, he could be rising up prospect rankings fast. I think he's special if he can just be healthy in 2026. Patience is required, but he's got everything you want for a young pitching prospect. Rojas and Prielipp are very similar. When does the STUFF take hold? While it would be AWESOME for BOTH to challenge for a SP with the Twins at some point in 2026, SOMEONE might move to the pen in the future. And that future might not be that far away. But as much as I'd argue that Soto REMAINS a TOP prospect despite his abbreviated 2025, I can see him being a fast riser and potential top 100 prospect if he can he just be healthy for 2026. Hill makes sense as #1. Pure potential and what we've seen so for, he has the ability to be special. I think a sleeper is Ellwanger. I wouldn't be surprised if he changed some top prospect list pretty soon.

I'm not an extremist so I'm not a 'this guy is a bum" at 25yo believer. I just think that's a nasty response for someone who hasn't been a top performer to this point. I really think that's a short sighted window. BUT, while I have argued over and again about some of the positives of Lee and his potential, I AM in the worry mode, even this early in the season. Let's be honest, all we need to is slightly better defense...and he's probably capable of...and let the BAT come around, which he's also capable of improving and proving. His ST SEEMED to see improvement in both. So far, in SSS, we haven't seen either. But we're barely 2 weeks in to the season. I'm NOT an apologist for Lee. I want to see improvement. Especially with the his BAT. But can we give him more than barely 2 weeks in to the season before we decide anything? What is this, the 7th or 8th Lee OP since 2025 ended? I honestly can't recall another 25yo who has ever been put under such a microscope! Here's a novel idea, we let April actually play out and go in to May and give a former top prospect a little time to settle in and see what happens. I think, if his bat comes through, he's a 3B or 2B, or a super utility player. But I am TIRED that he isn't a STUD player yet.

Larnach got a lot of opportunities against LHP in 2025 primarily because Wallner missed time. He's actually the default LH bat to face LHP, and while not great at doing so, is the better option. The fact that Larnach is performing well in a SSS here in '26 against RHP is encouraging. But he simply doesn't have a future with the club, even in a maximum split situation. I do think he's got value in that same role for a good team that just needs another solid, productive DH/LF that is short of LF bats. I don't believe a trade return brings a lot back, but he's a useful player for a team that is RH heavy. But he is an odd fit for a non contending team that won't have him back in 2027 anyway. Again, it's just lousy roster construction, without saying in any way that Larnach himself is a lousy ballplayer. I see lineups against RHP with Clemens batting #1 and wonder if Shelton has been sniffing too many gloves already. Especially when I see how Outman is being used...virtually wasting a roster spot...and then I look at Roden yet again. Roden has proven himself in AAA. He had a great 2025 ST with the Jays, but got off to a rough rookie start. It happens. He had a great ST with the Twins and in an admitted SSS, he's batting .300 at St Paul with a an OB% OVER .500! We couldn't use him in LF as a #1 hitter before Buxton and Keaschall against RHP? At LEAST he offers defense, speed, some HIT and OB%. AND he might have some sort of future. But we're pushing Clemens to the #1 spot when he should be hitting around 7th or 8th why? Outman is doing NOTHING. Roden can play all 3 spots, and form a quasi platoon with Martin in LF that actually makes sense. And I have yet to see where Outman as a backup CF, or late inning defensive corner OF is anything special. 1B, for now, is a mix or Clemens and Caratini. It sure isn't great, but you can at least try to maximize it for now. But the whole LF situation seems SO EASY, IMO, to fix 2 issues. 1] A mix of Martin and Roden actually gives you a potentially solid #1 table setter bat, with both being able to spell Buxton here and there, and give RBI opportunities. 2] No Outman and no Larnach means an opportunity for another RH bat for the lineup that is desperately needed. I am no fan of Wagaman. He's an OK 1B/3B/CORNER OF who hits LHP pitching OK, and had a strong 2nd half in 2025. That's why the Twins traded for him. He's not off to a great start for St Paul in SSS, but if you offered me Roden and Wagaman TOMORROW instead of the SSS production of Larnach...and his history...this season, and the wasted roster spot of Outman, I'd run with Roden as Wagaman as the better option. Against RHP, I'd really like to see Roden, Buxton, Keaschall, Wallner, and Bell as the top 5. Martin probably starts against LHP at #1. It's a hell of a lot better than some weird configuration of Clemens hitting #1. One more time, Larnach isn't a bad ballplayer. He's just a poor fit for this team. He shouldn't have been brought back. I'm still not sure why he was. But the offense and defense are potentially better without him and Outman. I'm still AMAZED how the obvious is so ignored.

Thanks for the update. Hopefully the 7 day IL guys are ready sooner rather than later. Really interested in seeing if Questad's arm talent can begin to mature with better control. And Mitrovich and Reitz were just drafted last year and I'm anxious to see them debut. Of course INF Agbayani was also selected in 2025. And I think we're all interested to see what Jimenez can do behind the plate and at the plate after acquiring him at the deadline. I'm a little concerned that 2025 draftees Barr and Fang open on the 60 day IL. I'm especially intrigued by Barr and want to see his stuff on display. I think he might have been a sneaky excellent pick. If I'm not mistaken, Jack Dougherty came to camp in 2025 throwing real gas and then got hurt. Or was it 2024? I don't believe he's thrown a professional, in season inning since being drafted. Have to worry about his career at this point. I like the athletic talent and potential of the OF. Is this the season where Mercedes finally puts it all together? JP Smith is a true 1B drafted late last season, from a smaller school, but seems to have some bat and power potential. Fellow 2025 draftee, 3B/1B moved to catcher is interesting. Of course, BIG 3 to watch are Quick, Ellwanger, and Young. If, for some reason, Quick had gone back to school for another year, I wonder how high he might be drafted, despite being a senior. The pure STUFF appears to be there as a potential top of the rotation starter. And I think Ellwanger might not be too far behind him. As big as Young is, he's probably a 3B sooner rather than later. But he's got a cannon for an arm, BIG power potential, but is well put together and reportedly a pretty good athlete as well. He's a bit like Winokur, sort of a work in progress to be sure, but massive upside. I don't like to see anyone's dream come to an end, but when some of the IL guys come back, there are going to be some cuts, as well as a few demotions to the later starting FCL team. Ft Myers could be a lot of fun to watch this season.

Back to the OP, haven't we discussed this enough in the previous 2 or 3 offseason articles about him already? But I guess we need another? He's got a solid BAT. But he needs to reign in his instincts to "reach" for pitches out of his ZONE. So do many young prospects. IF he can learn a little better "personal zone" and lay off the outer zone stuff his BAT plays. It's not as easy as "don't swing at that stuff". Some learn it and adjust, and some don't. He's got tremendous power potential. He's got a great arm. He kind of reminds me a bit of Jeffers where he doesn't have to a great defender, but he just needs to be decent behind the plate. With his arm and hitting potential, that's enough if he can call a good game and have the confidence of the staff he's working with. All he needs to do...kinda laughable considering the importance of a catchers job...is just be a solid receiver who has the mental ability to call a good game and work with his staff. His BAT could be special from power alone. But you'd like a little better contact and patience. And I'd have ZERO problem if he spent the entire 2026 season at CR to just hone his craft and work on his hitting approach. He's a potentially wonderful ML catcher. But he's also so young that we just shouldn't be tempted for immediate returns. His debut is probably 2-3 years away. I do think we shouldn't dismiss Diaw as an option that might be ready sooner. He's a tremendous athlete with some serious HIT potential even if he has only limited power. He's rough around the edges, but he's got real ability. The SMART move is for an extension of Jeffers for a couple of seasons as a good bat, smart handling of the staff, rather than scrambling for a 2yr fill-in who's probably cheaper but worse. That allows Tait and Diaw to grow and develop over the next couple of seasons. But when was the last time ownership was smart?

Just a few observations as the Twins come home: 1] There have been some very poor mistakes that have hurt, and the team absolutely needs to clean up some things. But while 2-4 in 6 games doesn't sound great, but the Orioles and Royals are both projected to be above .500, and possible playoff teams. I think the Good Guys blew at least 1 game they should have won, and 3-3 would be a lot better. But they've basically been IN all 6 games. I'm not overly disappointed so far. 2] Is it my imagination, or has the pen been a little better than expected so far. SSSS I know, but it hasn't quite been the disaster I half expected. I still can't wait for a couple young, live arms to make their way to Target Field later this season, but the usage and results of the pen have been subtly OK thus far. 3] Martin has been really solid at the plate so far. I think he deserves a chance to see what he can do against RHP. You don't hit .300+ like he did in 2024 with St Paul if you don't hit decently against RHP. When he came up to the Twins that season, he actually hit better against RH than he did against LH. He reversed those splits with the Twins in 2025, but he wasn't terrible against RH. And this appears to be a more developed Martin. So maybe he should get a legitimate shot against RHP? 4] DESPITE what I just said about Martin, I still think Keaschall should be the primary #1 in the order. But I appreciate Shelton playing with the lineup and batting Keaschall behind Buxton. I see why he's doing it, at least against LHP, and I can see the logic in what he's doing. BUT, the Twins aren't going to be seeing LH starters almost every day going forward. And when I see a roster spot being handed to Outman to basically ONLY be a PR and defensive replacement...and CLEMENS batting leadoff against RHP i just want to scream WHOA! Roden is a solid defensive player. He had a great ST. He's off to a great start with St Paul getting OB. Why in hell are we wasting a roster space on Outman ONLY for an extremely limited role when we could have a younger, almost certainly better hitter in Roden, who could do the same job, and form a quasi platoon with Martin? You want Martin to bat #1 against LHP and have Keaschall hit #3? OK. IF Martin gets an opportunity to show he can hit RHP, well then Roden could hit #3 behind Buxton at times, depending on that days lineup. Or maybe Roden hits #1, and Martin hits 9th, or even sits. Maybe Keaschall hits #1, Roden #2, and Buxton hits at #3 in a sweet spot because he's got 2 good OB guys ahead of him. I am beyond the poor roster construction at 1B. But not having MORE and BETTER options to construct a better lineup with a player like Roden vs holding on to a 29yo OF who's ONLY role is PR and late inning defensive replacement is ridiculous use of your position player roster! 5] I am NOT digging anyone's player grave. But is Abel one of the most important Twins for 2026? You simply DON'T replace someone like Lopez. But success was at least partially based on Lopez, Ryan, and Ober leading the rotation, with SIM almost a virtual lock. Suddenly, unexpectedly, Lopez is gone. And despite being reportedly healthy and not being bothered any longer by a troubling hip that ruined his 2025, Ober suddenly doesn't have a FB that can rise above 90 mph. And reportedly by him, he was consistently hitting 90 before he took a couple weeks off before camp. And suddenly the velocity wasn't there. He's ALWAYS been a "mechanical" pitcher based on his length. So MAYBE his mechanics are still out of whack and he's going to get to 91-93 again with a few more starts? How many 30yo pitchers have you heard of who suddenly lost 3 mph while being 100% healthy? But Ober says he feels great. So is he quietly hiding an injury? Or are his mechanics out of whack and maybe without even realizing it, he's stuck in 2025 mode? This is why I ask if Abel might be one of the most important 2026 Twins. Again, you just don't replace Lopez. But Bradley is starting to look like he's taking another step. And SWR took a major step forward late in 2025, and hasn't done anything to suggest he's not a solid, quality SP. But there's a real, unfortunate chance that Ober might only be the Twins #5 SP this season. That's depressing and unexpected. But with Ryan on top, and Bradley looking like he's ready to take the next step, and SWR still as solid as ever...if not improved...if Abel can actually prove that he's ready, if his great STUFF and a very good ST prove he's taken a step forward...NOT talking crazy All Star, Cy Young performance...just turning the corner to being a really good, young SP with an upswing potentially in the near future, the rotation can survive the regrettable loss of Lopez. And it can lead to even better depth and results in 2027. Sorry gang, I just had a TON of thoughts the last few days. Bless you if you spent time reading my ramblings.

I don't mind the deal. But I had my eye in Whitaker and was impressed with the numbers he posted last year. I was holding out hope that he might repeat good numbers in Wichita and see St Paul before the year was out. I think was made for 2 reasons: a) Acton has options, and at some point they are going to shuttle some relievers between the Twins and Saints, b) a full season removed from TJ, and with a nice pair of weekend performances...and almost certainly a solid report on his velocity...the thinking is he might be ready to turn a corner. Remember, St Paul has 4 or 5 guys on the IL right now. So they are starting the season a little light. So it's a low level move for a AA pen arm to bolster AAA, and maybe help the Twins at some point. Nothing exciting, but it makes sense.

OK, I'm really late to this thread, but I HAVE to comment on the Kernals. I really like this team! A staff lead by Hill, and Bohorquez (thank goodness for auto fill, LOL) could be an outstanding 1-2 punch. Add a healthy Soto late April or early May and we really have something! And that's no disrespect to the other starters there. Just for fun, I picked Doktorczyk as a "pitcher to watch" last season. And he actually started the ST "Futures Game" for the Twins last season, before he had thrown a professional inning, IRC. He's tall, and has a funky, deceptive delivery that reminds me a bit of Ober. Alas, he was inconsistent in 2025...some good games, some not so good...but I'm going out on a limb again to say he's a very interesting arm that should be watched. I'm guessing Becerra, Peschi, and Michael Ross are in the rotation, for now at least, with Soto out. But I'm still really intrigued about LH arms Michael Carpenter...only 19yo when drafted...and Garrett Horn...acquired at the deadline last year...as guys currently on the IL. The Kernals should have an excellent staff even before guys come off the IL, and before arms from the '25 draft make their way up later in the year. We all recognize Tait as not only a TOP Twins prospect, but a top 100 prospect. I'm really excited about his arm, and his power. And I couldn't care less...at his age...if he spends the entire season at CR. All I want is gradual improvement with his contact, and the defensive subtleties of being a catcher. There is no reason to rush him. But I'm very high on Diaw. He is almost certainly the best ATHLETE the Twins have drafted since Mauer. Regardless of potential power, he's already shown a propensity to be a good HITTER, with a solid eye. I think at least SOME power will come naturally. But give me a great athlete behind the plate with a quality HIT tool, the actual nuances of defense and game calling can be taught. I think he should get a little more love than he's gotten so far. There's a LOT to like in the INF as well. Up until the last 2 drafts, DeAndrade was the best SS prospect in the system. Unfortunately, injuries have delayed his progression. As a result of his delayed development, and a pair of college SS in the last 2 drafts, he might have a hard time reaching the Twins as a "SS of the future". Not saying he CAN'T, but he might end up at 3B or 2B, or as a super utility player. He's still not quite 22yo, and has flashed POP and speed and a decent bat. He could be a fast riser if he can stay healthy. Doncon has flashed some power, and seems to be settling in to a corner INF spot. That's fine if the BAT takes a step forward, but so far, he's been pretty mediocre. I THINK Andy Lugo was the payment for the Alcala trade to Boston. He's a 1B/3B/LF defender at 22yo who has some speed, DBLS power with the occasional HR, but can actually hit a little. Not sure there's much there. Thomason, drafted in the 17th round of 2024 from the Air Force, actually played quite a bit, unusually, once drafted. His initial numbers were poor. But the 23yo raked in 2025 at Ft Myers before hitting a wall at A+. He's got some power and HIT ability, but at almost 24yo, he's probably MILB filler. But DeAndrade is the #2 guy in the INF for this team. And that's a shame based on ability. Injuries have held him back. But the POTENTIAL is still there if he can stay healthy going forward to end up as a potential starter at 3B or 2B. That's his ceiling. His lower ceiling is a really nice super utility INF. I don't want to sleep on him yet, IF he can stay healthy going forward. But let's all be honest as to the #1 player in the INF. Houston's glove might already be ML ready. The question is his BAT. Well, despite being a fairly large SS at 6' 3" and 205lbs, he's never had much power until his last season at Wake Forest. But most of his HR came at home in a small ballpark. IMO, the Twins drafted him for his defense, and a solid bat, but were somewhat disappointed because they had their eye on a HS SS they liked even better. (Rumors and such). But Houston was a really nice consolation prize. Based on his college career, he's a high contact hitter with a good eye that leads to a good OB%. I'd like to think the Twins recognize he's just not a power hitter. His eye and discipline indicates he's a good contact hitter, with DBLS power, the ability to steal some bases, and generally "run" the bases well. MAYBE he turns in to a hitter like Dozier at some point. But do we care that much? If Houston could bat .250 with an OB of .320 with his eye/discipline and 30 DBLS power while jacking 8 HR with his defense he's a borderline All Star. Unfortunately, he might be slightly lower than those numbers. Even then, then the defense could overcome the offense, if his bat doesn't completely stink. The OF is a mix of maybes. Ferrer WAS a TOP catcher prospect when recruited. The Twins have had him catch some. I really thought they had a serious opinion for the catcher position. Apparently he's just an OF now. And the OF is a weird mix. But let's now direct our attention to the #1 player elephant in the room. Winokur. He MIGHT be the best CF option for CF in 2yrs for now. He's got the ability to be a very good 3B. At WORST, he could be a tremendous 1B. But if his BAT is even average, he could play almost anywhere.

Olivares is a legitimate rotation prospect, and there's a couple decent options in CJ, Gallagher, and Langenberg. They've all got some things to work on obviously. Maybe he's still getting command back after missing 2024, but Hidalgo needs to do more than just K batters. He was really inconsistent in 2025 and would seem to be an obvious pen conversion in the near future. Frankly, I see a lot of rotation arms and current pen arms at Wichita that could be part of the Twins pen in a couple of years. The Surge may have a tough time scoring runs this season, but Rosario, Mendez, and Olivar should all be in AAA, but are simply blocked right now. Can Amick find his power again? If so, he starts to look like a legitimate prospect again. (Really improved his contact ability last year). Really excited to see if DeBarge can take the next step and find greater consistency. His glove and speed and versatility are intriguing.

Regarding SIM, it was a solid 1st start even if it didn't qualify as a 6 IP quality start. I mean, we're only FOUR games in people. Ryan. Bradley and Sims have looked good. Ober, unfortunately, not so much. The RH lineup vs LHP works if Jeffers gets untracked, same with Lewis and Bell. But it's still FOUR games. And Keaschall, coming off a tremendous ST, has been cold so far. I wonder if Martin's good start might mean he gets chances against RHP? Lewis's 2 HR is a positive sign. Now let's see him make better contact consistently. Wallner is the Twins choice to be the 1 LH bat in the lineup. And that makes sense on multiple levels beyond being in the lineup when the opposing team switches to a RHP. He was SUPPOSED to the the 1 LH bat in the lineup in 2025, NOT Larnach. But his injury held him out. He's shown SOME improvement against LHP in his career, and has a solid eye. So far, in SSSS, he has 2 BB and 1 HR against LHP to begin 2026. That's why he's the lone LH batter in a mediocre RH lineup against LHP. He CAN earn a BB. And he CAN turn on a mistake. And then when a RH reliever comes in, he might just be dangerous. I kinda like what Shelton has done early, even if I'm not crazy about it. The Twins lineup is weak against LHP unless Jeffers, Lewis, Bell, and Keaschall start to get hot. But that's almost ditto against RHP. SO FAR, the bullpen hasn't collapsed. But offense and the lineup, I'm not ready to panic of complete incompetence after four games.

I have zero interest in Brebbia due to age and a pair of mediocre seasons in '22 and '23. But I could be convinced that the Smith signing is smart. 32 isn't ancient for a reliever. And while he's never been a stud pen arm, he was really solid for the Mets from 2021 though 2023-24 before injury set in. Recovering from his 2nd TJ, he's cheap to sign as a flier that might help at some point. And he's an easy cut if not. Personally, I might have more faith in Altavilla coming up before either of these arms. But St Paul needs depth as well. I was pleasantly surprised the Twins stuck with Funderburk, and Orze, even though Orze didn't provide good numbers in ST. At least, they kept a couple of "young" arms for the pen to begin 2026. I had HIGH HOPES Festa would be 100% and they'd convert him to the pen. I still think that's his ultimate destination. But despite the idea of converting other young arms to the pen, I really never expected Raya, Klein, or Lewis to be immediate contributors. I always felt they needed time to adjust and prepare. All of which made me that more disappointed in how they approached the bullpen rebuild this offseason. I do think Smith has a chance to be a lesser version of Stewart who could contribute in the 1st half. But I'm really waiting for Raya to get his s**t together as a power arm, and for Klein to keep up his high K numbers, and for Lewis to get healthy and throw his stuff as hard as he can for 1-2 innings and then throw that crazy Knuckleball and drive ML hitters crazy. The problem is, those wishes are all 2-3 months away.

If you look at MILB.COM right now at the roster, I'm not sure it's 100% accurate as I'm not sure the roster is entirely set just yet. But it's probably close. The starting staff isn't exactly loaded, but there's some solid arms there in there including CJ Culpepper, Gallagher, Hidalgo, Langenberg, and Jose Oliveras who I thought would begin the season at A+. A couple od those arms are primed to be bullpen converts, probably, in the next year or so. But a couple have a chance to remain as starters. Interesting enough, there's actually a handful of arms in that pen that have a chance to reach the ML level, which is something you don't often see. Bengard is an innings eater with solid WHIP and K numbers that kind of flys under the radar. Nowlin is a late round pick LH who frustrates because he has a funky delivery and solid stuff, but remains inconsistent. Whitaker had a really good 2025 out of the pen. But Hoopes is the arm to watch. He is an interesting story of a LIVE ARM who was signed out of the Independent Leagues and BLEW AWAY A- and A+ in 2025, went to the AFL where he didn't fare so well, and could be a 2026 surprise if he gets off to a good start. Lineup wise, there was NO ROOM for Rosario, Mendez, or Olivar, DESPITE great 2025 seasons. (Goes back to poor Twins roster management, and a crowded St Paul roster). But it appears Amick and DeBarge are listed currently on the roster. Belief in them taking the next step? There are a handful of others that I'm not getting in to right now. I'll save that for the final TD breakdown. But I think it's a pitcher heavy roster, even if most of the pitchers aren't top prospects.

With Rojas out temporarily with an injury, I find it interesting that MacLeod has been moved temporarily in to the rotation. And I'm a little surprised about Klein. I'm not saying he doesn't have the stuff to be a SP, but I just have a feeling he could be an excellent power arm in the pen. But with Rojas out for the moment, would he be better used as a temporary starter while still following the 4 IP plan? While a SSSS it's nice to see Jenkins back and playing and performing. K-Pepper off to a nice start as well. But we all know 3 games doesn't mean much. But St Paul should be really fun to watch this season!

Including today, it's FOUR games, so I don't know that we can take a lot from such a miniscule sample. But on the plus side, I've liked Martin actually getting a chance, but can he also play a little against RHP also? Ryan looked good, especially considering he's a little behind. Bradley was a little off target, but really impressed me in his first outing. SWR seemed to throw a nice game today. And the pen, in a 4 game SSSS hasn't imploded this far. And they've been fairly aggressive on the bases. In the negative side, a couple miscues defensively have hurt them. Ober and Abel were both rough in their first appearances. And the offense is mostly stone cold to begin the season. There's no moral victories to be had, and a 1-3 on the road against a pair of decent teams is nothing special. But actually being IN all 3 loses and not being blown out to this point, especially with a cold offense and missed opportunities, is kinda, sorta, a positive sign.

I was really curious how the Saints roster would shake out. Rosario and Olivar seemed to be easy adds and ready for AAA at this time. Deservedly so. But I guess the OF and catching depth is strong enough, deep enough, that they decided to keep both at AA to begin 2026. **Rosario was screwed out of AA player of the year by an older journeyman player. He's ready for AAA! Olivar is more an OF than he is a catcher. But his profile suggests a AAA promotion fairly soon. But Rosario should already be in St Paul save the ridiculous OF depth there. It's "nice" to have a ML experienced catcher like Jackson as a #3 with a quality defensive reputation. Banuelos was signed for defense as well. But Cardenas is the best combination of defense and potentially "adequate" offense with the ability to hit a bit, and work a count. While the FO might disagree, I believe Cardenas is the #3 best option. I guess Sabato gets ONE MORE CHANCE at 1B. He pushes Mendez back to AA, where he dominated despite an issue with ground balls. So I get him getting more time at AA. I'm not crazy about that decision, but I can see the logic of spending time at 1B, and learning to "power up" a bit more and learn a bit more pop/power for more line drives and XB potential. The Saints INF is really based around K-Pepper and Schobel. Everyone else is a borderline player. KP could be up as early as June 1st if he just keeps doing what he did in 2025 and his strong 2026 ST. While injury affected his 2025, there's a chance Schobel debuts later in the season as a decent utility player option. I'd rather see him than Kreidler or Arcia. I DIDN'T agree with some posters entering 2025 making Rodriguez as ready to go. But with a solid AAA, season, a great, healthy, WINTER LEAGUE season, and a healthy ST , I'm FINALLY in the camp of "go for it" BUT teams like the Brewers, the Rays, and the Guardians aren't afraid to "go for it" with top prospects. Remember how Keaschall needed more time but was promoted out of desperation? So when does Rodriguez, despite some K issues, get his chance to prove he can be good, and maybe great later? Were he a Guardian prospect, he'd probably be in the opening day lineup and they'd just live with some ups and downs until he figured some stuff out. Same with what Chourio did with the Brewers. The Saints roster is FUN for the OF. But it's also a collection of WHAT SHOULD BE DAMN SOON. As far as the rotation, it stinks Rojas is out for now. Hopefully he's back soon because MeCloud is really a BP add. IDEALLY, Matthews, Morris, Klein, Prielipp, and Rojas will fill SP roles for the Saints and allow Festa to fulfill his ultimate role as a stud backend arm, and potential closer.

I really like Festa a lot. And while it would be great for him to add a little more weight/muscle and develop in to a quality starter, I still think his future is as a high velocity K bullpen arm as a setup man, and potential closer. But with Lopez out for the season, and major questions about Ober right now, maybe he needs to stay as a starter for now. HOWEVER, Festa is a couple weeks from throwing from the mound. And then a few weeks of doing that and building himself up pitches wise. So if Matthews, Morris, Klein, Prielipp, and Rojas any/all get off to strong starts over the next month plus, it might affect how Festa gets used ultimately.

But nobody seems to care about that. They only see a #1 pick that seemed to be a steal and should already be a stud position player.

This is about HIT tool, not pure OPS. I just can't/won't comment on Agbayani or Young. I mean, COME ON, we're talking about 18yo kids just drafted who barely held a bat in a game after being drafted. As to the rest, why would anyone be down on Houston? He was great at A, and then didn't look so good at A+ in his rookie debut. Didn't K-Pepper do the EXACT same thing the previous year? There are debates about Houston's power...despite not being a small guy...but he has a history of contact and zone recognition indicating he might be a solid hitter. Amick has suddenly lost his power, but has suddenly been a solid hitter and OB% batter. If he can find a way to combine the 2 approaches, he just might jump up the prospect rankings. But back to the top 5: DIAW: He might be the most athletically talented catcher since Mauer. The kid can play some CF for you if needed. But he needs to be healthy and stick behind the plate. When healthy, he's shown actually HIT ability. He runs well. There's at least some pop/power potential. If he's healthy in 2026, watch his status rise. He MIGHT be catching in Minnesota sooner than you realize. CULPEPPER: I really don't think we have to discuss him much. Great athlete, way more potential than I realized when drafted. He's up with the Twins in 2026 at SS, or utility early, before taking over SS. Even that might be temporary based on Houston's development. But Culpepper will be starting somewhere in the Twins INF. MENDEZ: I think it's great the Twins are moving him to 1B. I think it's even better if they commit to it. I have zero objection to him playing a little OF for versatility, but reports are he's just not a good OF. He's shown the ability to HIT. And not everyone can do that. And he seems to have at least some power. But you can't succeed at the ML level with the number of ground balls he hits. ML INF will gobble them up. He just needs to take natural power, contact, and a solid swing and elevate his bat to ball and he has a real future. He actually reminds me a lot of Arraez with more power. That's a good thing! But I need to see more power and LIFT of hits before I buy in. GONZALEZ: The kid can HIT. He's got power and a good arm. Whether he can ever be a starting OF or not depends on his defense, as well as the talent around him. As impressive as Rodriguez was in ST, Gonzalez was right behind him in looking good. And while ST stats don't matter in a SSS, he looked good and had a great 2025. It's crazy to realize he reached AAA as a 22yo, only a little younger than Jenkins. There might be more HR power in the the future, but he had a 2025 season that surprised me he didn't jump back in to top 100 prospect rankings considering age and production. His bat may be ready soon. Same as Rodriguez. JENKINS: Not sure there is anything more to say. Just stay healthy. The BAT is there. The power will come naturally. I still keep thinking a "Mauer" bat with more power.

Honestly, what is this, the 6th or 7th article about Lee since the offseason began? There's a chance he might flame out and never be close to the player hoped for when drafted. But why is he such a major target? One more time, he only turned 25yo in February, just as ST began. While he DID debut in 2024, you'd think he's been around forever. In 2024 he had 172 ML AB. Rookie status is 150 ML AB. So he began 2025 ONLY 22 ML AB above rookie status. And his career is at some kind of crossroads after ONE full ML season as a 24yo who JUST turned 25? Please! Even when drafted, it was expected he'd probably move off SS to be a 3B or 2B simply because he might not have the athleticism/quickness to be a ML SS. Not exactly his fault he's the default SS to begin 2026. To his credit, by all reports, he's worked really hard to re-build his body and re-distribute his weight/muscle. He's also worked really hard to enhance his lateral movement to gain an extra step. He's also spoken of a tendency he needed to get rid of, of instinctually taking a step forward that probably goes back to his college days. I haven't seen him to this point. But everything I've heard and read is his body looks different, and he's looked at least a half step better in his movements and coverage. That can be important. Because he's got good hands, a decent arm, a good glove to throwing arm, and seems decent in off balance throws. I have zero illusions that he's the Twins SS of the future. K-Pepper is just a better athlete and maybe a better defender already. And if Houston's bat can be even ML average, HE probably moves K-Pepper to a different spot in a year or two. A better defensive profile as the Twins SS in 2026 HELPS, but he's probably just not the SS of the future. What he needs to do is just provide AVERAGE defense for NOW, and become something close to the HITTER he was projected to be. If he does that, he has the potential to be a starter at 3B, or 2B, and be a real asset. He also has the ability to be a Super Utility player with a good, productive bat who can play ALL 4 INF spots with a solid glove at each spot, playing almost every day. Think a younger version of Marwin Gonzalez, but without OF ability. I think there are a couple varying paths where Lee is a successful ML player for several years. I just don't think either path has him continuing on as a starting ML SS. But that was kinda the opinion the day he was drafted. But to say 2026 is a make or break career season for a barely turned 25yo is just short-sighted, if not downright silly.

It all comes back to roster construction. And I guess I'm going to sound like a broken record, BUT, here I go again. No Larnach means Bell is the primary DH as a career solid, switch hitting bat. (Pretty neutral splits for his career, just not in 2025). He can be an emergency 1B. Having to platoon at 1B is a cruel joke, but Clemens and Wagaman would be better doing so...with Caratini getting a few games there...than Bell. You'd probably have at least average defense at 1B. Roden...Outman for now I guess...and Martin can play a good LF. Not to the level Bader showed last season, but still good. They can also cover CF once in a while for a Buxton day off without killing you. I'm sorry, but Larnach's presence skews the entire roster. And his bat isn't going to make up for it. CF is still really good. LF should be good. Catcher is solid. 3B is solid/good. 1B is average, but not horrible, if the above changes are made. Wallner's arm keeps hitters from running. He's been better previously than he was in 2025. If he can raise his defense up even a little, I'll settle for that. Especially considering his offensive potential, and how good he's been this spring. The biggest problem...IF 1B could still be "adjusted" is the middle INF. I'm 100% in the camp of "let Keaschall play 2B and let him get comfortable there again". He's got the athletic ability to be solid-good there. I'm willing to live with a few growing pains. And there's Lee. Personally, I don't think he's as poor a SS as some state. I believe he was -1 Outs Above Average post Correa trade. That's not great, but he's not a butcher. He does a few things well. IF his re-shaped body and hard work to gain a step of lateral quickness is real, and if he's eliminated his self diagnosed impulse to want to initially take a step forward has been eliminated, he just might be AVERAGE. I'll take that for NOW, especially if his hitting comes around. I can see a "coming soon to a ballpark near you" future where Wallner becomes the primary DH as Rodriguez, Jenkins, and also Roden are with the club. And I can see K-Pepper being a quicker, more athletic SS and Lee moving to the role of quality super utility INF, possibly as soon as July. (Though I wouldn't be surprised if KP DEBUTS as a role player initially). The opening day defense worries me mostly about 1B. The Twins believe they can mitigate Bell's deficiencies at 1B due to how they position their 1B. But that puts more strain on the 2B who is trying to get comfortable again at the spot. Grrr. It's like a spinning merry-go-round you can't get off. Between the options at LF, Buxton in CF, and an OK Wallner in RF, I don't think the OF looks terrible at all. Again, 3B and catcher are solid. Not great, but solid. The middle INF is not good, even though there is at least SOME growth potential. But I remain flumoxed in regard to the Twins handling of 1B. (Sigh). The BITE is, they COULD have done better if they just didn't assemble the roster like a blind man throwing darts. Maybe it's not too late? But it probably is. I can see a MUCH better defense in 2027 with Rodriguez, Jenkins, K-Pepper, and an improved Keaschall...if given a real opportunity to re-adjust and grow...but 1B is still a major question mark defensively. And that just shouldn't be the case. But I think there's a real possibility the 2027 version of defense might debut in the 2nd half of this season. But the OD defense absolutely has me worried about giving away outs that we can't afford to give away.

To state the obvious, I've always believed in the deepest, most well balanced team you can field. OBVIOUSLY, you don't always have that based on roster talent, plus adding in bench players here and there. Though matchups also do have an affect. Back when pitchers still hit in the NL, I believe it was Larussa who hit his pitchers 8th so the 9th hitter might have a better chance of being on base for the top of the order to potentially have a runner on base. In my dreams for 2026, Keaschall would be the #1 hitter, followed by a quasi platoon of Roden/Martin in LF getting on base, having the ability to run and not block Buxton, and giving Buxton more chances to drive in runs. NOT the old fashioned speedy leadoff guy and a contract guy who could bunt someone over. I understand and embrace your best hitters getting the most AB in a game. It just makes sense. But IDEALLY, I'd still have TWO really nice hitters setting the table for my #3 and #4 hitters. I'm not sure that approach has changed in an IDEAL lineup. The simple reason being your LEADOFF hitter is ONLY guaranteed to actually LEADOFF ONCE. Now, you'd like to have a bottom of the order that doesn't STINK because your top of the order hitters have the potential to knock in runs also! But how many PA/AB over the course of the ENTIRE SEASON does your BEST hitter actually lose if he hits 2 or 3? It can't be more than a dozen. But how many RBI opportunities does he GAIN from that dozen with runners on base? The way the lineup figures to be constructed currently...grrr from roster construction....Buxton is best at #2 with Keaschall at #1, even though I'd like to go a little "old school" with Buck at the 3 spot with ducks on the pond. Keaschall sets the table, and Buck is OK at #2. Makes sense. DESPITE a poor ST...working on his new balance/approach...Lewis is STILL part of the OD lineup and should be. It's really up to HIM at this point. Bell or Wallner hits 3. I'm going with Bell only because he's a switch hitter and for his career he's been generally neutral. Wallner is next at #4. He's always going to be a bit streaky, but his power is crazy, he has a history of crunch hits and HIGH OPS before 2025, and he's looking like his previous 2023-24 self this spring. Lewis bats #5 despite a poor spring. But the talent is still there. He's still working on a new approach. I'm still a believer he's going to get the new stoke with his talent to work even if it takes a couple weeks. Beyond that, it's who steps forward. Jeffers is a good bat, and a powerful one. Does his power return? Does Lee's bat improve to what we all thought it might be? Early returns are at least hopeful. If Larnach is the DH, where does he fit in? Despite where Rocco placed him, does hit fit in at 6th, 7th? Maybe 6th behind Jeffers? So Lee might be 8th ahead of Outman in LF at 9th? MAYBE that roster works. But I like it a lot better if we were talking about Roden, or Rodriguez or many other possibilities that included prospects, but maybe even Wagaman as a role player other than just a collection of BS LF options in the OF that shouldn't be here. But Keaschall should be the #1 and Buxton #2 even though a better lineup might place him at #3 for even more RBI opportunities.

On a serious note, I think the ABS system might only be a year or two away. And ACCURATE height measurements are very important. On a more important note, I've been 5' 11 3/4" since I was about 14yo. So I've always stated I was 6'. It's even on my driver's license. At my recent 60yo physical, they listed me at 5' 10 and 3/4". Not sure if I was disappointed or pissed. Maybe age cost me an inch? Maybe a couple drunk nights losing my footing and tumbling down stairs lost me an inch? Or maybe they were just being lazy in their measurement? Maybe that slide rule was out of whack? Yeah, I'll go with that. 😁

Absolutely ridiculous roster construction. First...and I mean no offense to him...Larnach is not a fit for a team that already has/had Roden, Martin, Buxton, Wallner, and still Outman for some reason. Beyond that, THREE top 10 prospects in Rodriguez, Jenkins, and Gonzalez. Let's just play devil's advocate and the Twins are right to give Outman one last chance to see if he can build on a solid spring. They can argue: "well, he was really good for ONE ML season back in 2023. And he's been good the last 2 seasons at AAA." Well guess who else has been really good the last 2 seasons in MILB, including AAA. Roden! And he's 3 years younger and offers some upside at least! Have you really considered AAA at this time, directed to the powers that be, including our own easy vision? Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, Roden, Olivar, Rosario, and even Fedko. That doesn't even include Mendez who despite being targeted for 1B play, has continued to play some OF. I mean, this just makes no sense! I think Roden has a chance to have a good solid career as a quality 4th OF who can play all 3 spots, even if he's only average in CF. If someone wants to ACTUALLY have a little imagination in the Twins FO, they guy also has some experience as a 1B. He has the potential to be a decent hitter, with a solid OB%, gap and some HR power, and the ability to run a little but while being able to backup 4 spots. That's a really valuable role player! He didn't have a good rookie debut. It was 150 PA and 136 AB split between 2 teams, and then an injury that cut his season short. Some rookies hit the ground running, like Keaschall seemed to do. Some, Hunter famously for the Twins, struggle and get a re-set and look much better at their next opportunity. (Psst...Buxton did the same thing). This team needs some youth, defense, speed/athleticism, and projectable players. Roden is that, even if he might end up as a 4th OF. What projectability do a pair of 29yo OF in Larnach and Outman offer the Twins? The answer is none, barring some massive and unexpected turnaround. Who would you rather bet on? I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd lay $ Outman looks like the same ML caliber of player he's been the previous 2 seasons. So HOPEFULLY, the Twins will pull the plug and Roden will be up to get his next opportunity. But for a team that is HOPING to compete, and needs the things previously stated, the smart thing to do would be to give Outman the Day One roster spot. And if he struggles after a month or so? Well, he's got options, so you bring up Rodriguez. Rodriguez struggles a bit more than you like? You can cycle again. Now, I believe in giving prospects a real chance and not just bouncing them up and down. Especially when they are as talented as someone like Rodriguez. But keeping the poor performing Outman at 29yo...not to mention Larnach at the same age...only kicks the can down the road because you HOPE they might suddenly surprise you??!! To what end? It does NOTHING to actual build a quality team of talented, younger players, with control, that you NEED as a mid-market team in the middle of what they HOPE is a re-tool and competitive on the field offering. Just HORRIBLE roster construction! As an add on, while he didn't cost much in prospect capital, and is only earning the minimum, why trade for Wagaman at all at this point? While he doesn't offer anything exciting, he's a RH bat who can kinda, sorta, play 4 spots. That fact, and because he finished 2025 really strong, and is a possibly decent RH bat is why they traded for him in the first place. No Larnach, no Outman, Roden is in LF, able to backup the other 2 spots, providing some upside. Rodriguez is waiting in the wings. No Larnach, no Outman, the RH hitting Wagaman brings a potentially decent RH bat who might form a platoon at 1B with Clemens and Bell gets to focus on DH. Doesn't that make a hell of a lot more sense? Instead, we're left with a 29yo DH that should only play the OF once in a while, and a 29yo who has shown he was capable of only 1 good ML season. And the roster is a weird, mis-match collection of pieces that don't fit. Crazy to me that myself, and fellow TD writers and posters can see the obvious...and could have done a better job...and the "professionals" were unable to see and do the same.

This is one of my biggest BURNS about the offseason and how screwed up ownership has handled the entire situation. They handcuffed and confused the FO so much that NOBODY seemed to be in charge. But considering Falvey WAS in charge initially, I am forced to place some blame on him. They KNEW they NEEDED a viable backup SS/utility option. And the BEST they could do was a collection of waiver wire options to run through? There was NOBODY smart enough to examine the other 29 teams, and their rosters, and their AAA rosters, and target SOMEONE who might be a teams #2 utility option? Maybe someone blocked and needing an opportunity? You're telling me the FO, even as frustrated and confused as they were, couldn't identify another Nick Punto that would cost them next to nothing to acquire, but had a good glove, versatility, maybe a little speed, or pop in their profile, that would cost a lower level prospect? Nice to see the OP speak about Kreidler's MILB numbers that still aren't great. And he's only 3yrs younger than Arcia. Funny that Kreidler's ST numbers about mirror his SSS ML numbers. He just can't hit! If Aecia can be solid/competent at SS still, he has the ability to hit around .200. That's way more than Kreidler. For a guy that only plays 1-2 games a week, that's probably OK if the glove is just decent/solid. Funny how Gray wasn't even mentioned in the OP. He's not the glove of Kreidler, but he might hit better than both. Do we care he hits LH at this point? Truth is, HOPEFULLY, K-Pepper is ready in a couple months to be added. He might take over SS, or he might be used as a utility player initially. But for the short term, if Arcia can still play a competent SS, I go with the veteran and what I HOPE is a "competent" bat vs a guy who can't hit his way out of a wet paper bag. And frankly, IDK care if Kreidler can play a decent CF. Roden and Martin can play CF here and there. And we already have a couple "built in" options for CF if Buck spends any time on the IL. There's NO WAY the Twins would let Kreidler play CF for 2 weeks. Arcia gets the job unless they like Gray a little better. Kreidler is a DFA if they want to. This really isn't so hard.

Abel was the right choice. I'm disappointed he's the right choice in so much as I really wanted Matthews to take a step forward and CLAIM that job as his. I still believe there is a viable, quality ML arm in Matthews. But SOMETHING is still missing. I think the control is there, but I think he's still missing the COMMAND part of pitching. That is, the ability to "just miss" the zone enough for whiffs and weak contact. If he can get that part figured out, I could see us as a group suddenly saying: "What's gotten in to Matthews all of a sudden?" in a pleasantly surprised and pleased way. I suppose he's still a viable oen convert where he might just dominate. But I'm still holding out hope for him to be a rotation fixture. This doesn't mean I'm not excited to see what Abel can do. IIRC he was a top 100 prospect...for what that's worth...for 2 or 3 years, but slipped out of those rankings prior to the Twins acquiring him. The STUFF and potential are real. But I don't expect an All Star caliber performance his 1st year. Bradley is interesting. Again, great STUFF. But he never put it all together while in Tampa. He's still young and his arm has some real electricity. No insult to the kid, but I'm still blown away that while in Tampa he didn't really do the "bookwork" on opposing hitters and just trusted his catcher. As I understand it, he's started to embrace the pre-game work the Twins are so diligent about. This would seem to indicate a next level of mental "maturity" as a professional pitcher. NOT to say he was immature as a person, simply that he's growing as a professional. Considering his repertoire, his still young age, adopting a new "homework" approach, and the Twins having a good history of tweaking deliveries and grips, he might just be about ready to raise his game another notch. Again, not expecting All Star results immediately, but considering past experience, it might not be out of the realm of possibility. I'm a fan of SWR not because he blows people away, but because I'm somewhat amazed at how well he's done considering how poorly he's been handled in his early career. The Mets traded him to the Jays when he was 20yo, I believe. The Jays put him at AA as a 20yo, but he had a badly disjointed season being selected to the Olympic team that he never even pitched for. The Twins were pretty much: "OK, maybe you've been rished and missed a lot of time, but you've already been at AA, so I guess we'll keep you there". Not going to blame the Twins for "damage done", but maybe they should have sent him down initially for lost development time. But he looked pretty good as a 21yo in AA in 2022, and finished the season at AAA looking pretty solid. So he began 2023 at AAA as a 22yo and looked average at best. This where the whole lost velocity and change of arm angle happened to get him ready for 2024. And while he was nursed a bit early on, he really saved the Twins BUTT with solid performances before running out of gas late. Fast forward to 2025, he really disappointed me with his early season. I really expected another jump in his development. But after a demotion, he came up and pitched as well, or better than, he ever had before. His splitter over the last couple of months was excellent, and he looked as if he had truly raised his game to another level. And he's STILL only 25yo and learning the game. He's absolutely behind Bradley and Abel in pure STUFF, but if he can keep that splitter working, he has the ability to be really solid, if not downright good. I'm really worried about Ober, as most of us are. I just can't believe a 30yo has suddenly lost 3MPH off his fastball. And yet, he says he feels great, with no physical impairment. So MAYBE it's mechanical and we'll see a ramp up. We can hope for that. Otherwise, he needs to adjust the velocity of his other offerings and take them down a notch to keep a suitable speed variance. In other words, he needs to be more "crafty" as a pitcher. He's got the intelligence to do so. But his days as a really good #3 who often throws like a #2 may be behind him. He might honestly be the Twins #5 starter without an uptick in velocity. And that really stinks! But while I'm not expecting Bradley and Abel to make All Star kind of jumps in 2026, BOTH have the ability to "take over" the #2 and #3 spots pretty quickly. And that's what we should be hoping for, and why the Twins traded for them.