DocBauer

I don't disagree. Let's say Lee starts to look like the hitter we all hoped for. Say he starts hitting on the .270's, lowers his K rate, takes a few more BB and his OB goes up to .320 ish. I believe there's 39+ Dbls potential inside of THAT hitter, who can still ding mid teen HR. That's a pretty good ballplayer, but not a star. But he doesn't have a great arm, though I think it's good enough for some 3B, and with more time, I think he could be fine at 2B. And there's also room to improve at SS as well. But WHEN K-Pepper arrives, he's got a stronger arm, and more pure athleticism and range for SS. THAT'S when things start to get interesting IMO. That's when I see Lee moving in to a bench role who can play all 4 INF spots. Similar to Castro, he would play about as much as a starter, but taking over that super utility role. And IMO, that's still a valuable and important role. IF we can find a solid answer at 1B now, or maybe after a 1 or 2yr rental, that INF could be really, really solid. So I don't disagree with you. But until a couple things shake out, he begins 2026 as a starter.

My dream is Naylor for 2 or 3 years at $15M. But I'm going to guess someone outbids the Twins, or offers the same and a better chance to win. I like O'Hearn as a secondary option. Creative? I've be3n in favor of Lewis shifting to 1B EVENTUALLY, not because he can't play a solid 3B, but because it's seemingly the best way to construct an INF of Lewis, Keaschall, Culpepper, and Lee. But K-Pepper isn’t quite ready yet...speculating...so that's an EVENTUAL INF assuming Lee keeps improving with the bat. But maybe Lee moves to 1B instead? Maybe Keaschall's arm just never gets quite right so he moves to 1B. Regardless, Culpepper isn't up and ready yet. Amick and Mendez might be interesting options, but both would appear to be a good year or so away. More creativity? Roden has experience at 1B. Fedko has some experience at 1B as well. They could create a quasi-platoon with each available to play some OF and DH as well. Clemens, as a utility player, fits in at least occasionally at 1B as well. It's not what I want, but it offers up some creativity, some roster flexibility, and some future production, even if there is a growth/adjustment period with some struggling.

If they move on, they still pay the $225K buyout. A replacement at minimum cost is just shy of $800K. So in reality, Topa is a $1M question. The good is that he's at least average and experienced. That's not so bad for a 6th or preferably #7 arm in the pen. The bad is little to no upside. If you plug in a rookie at the minimum, you get much more upside. But do you get anything close to immediate, positive results? Or do you get a rookie train wreck feeling his way initially? I'm 50/50 whether he's worth that $1M and a 40 man spot. Realistically, he neither really helps or hurts the pen. He's a placeholder who MIGHT be worth 0.5 to 1 WAR if he's healthy all season and he has a bit of 2023 magic still left in his arm. You'd like to think $1M, even for the cheap Pohlads, is a drop in the bucket so you might as well bring him back. But if you're going to sign 3 good, solid ML FA on 40 man deals, plus bring in a couple lower MILB flier types, and you also have a couple younger arms in the system, (Sands, Funderburk, Laweryson, Adams, Ohl, Raya, Lewis, etc), maybe it's more about the 40 man spot and less about the $1M? Again, I'm currently 50/50.

I don't feel a lot of belief in Wallner is misplaced. I think recent bias is working against him in a lot of people's mind. Dismissing ONLY 65PA in 2022, his OPS over the past 3 seasons, WITH a disappointing 2025, is still a collective .849 OPS. How much did his initial injury affect him? Did it mess with his head? Did it affect his defense? I have to be honest, he was better defensively in 2024. Something just didn't look right most of the year as I watched him play. He was either still playing hurt. OR, he was letting something get in to his head. He is way better than Larnach in all facets. He could easily be a high 20 and probably 30 HR primary DH and part time OF. But it is still up to him to prove 2024 was a blip, and not what he's actually capable of.

Yep, looks like the clock is ticking. Thank you for the information. I was a bit confused about playing time vs options. Here's hoping for a good Winter League performance and a healthy ST.

Just to get my own personal feelings out of the way: 1] I never believe in not trying to win. That means keeping your best assets as much as possible, and adding where needed per trades, FA, and your prospects. The whole "blow it up and rebuild" idea often doesn't work as expected or hoped for, and often takes longer than expected or hoped for. I don't believe in giving up too soon. 2] Quality, front line SP is the hardest thing to find. OK, with that out of the way, Nick is exactly right that moving Lopez signifies a complete breakdown of the entire team. With all due respect to the VERY GOOD Ryan, Lopez is the #1 arm on this team, and it's leader. Some still reminisce about Gray. We'll Lopez is younger, better and is the same kind of leader. Moving him is wrong, IMO, and changes the whole dynamic of the staff, and the potential of the 2026 team and beyond. Without creating a hijack of the thread...not my intention...I re-state that KEEPING Lopez and Ryan still has the team at around $90M. That's about $50M + below opening day 2025. That puts the Twins in the lower 3rd of all MLB. Moving Lopez for a $ grab ends up putting the Twins in the bottom few teams. Meanwhile, if the payroll was only $120-130M for 2026...still below opening day 2025...the FO would have $30-40M to add a quality bat, and a handful of useful RP to supplement the new manager and staff, the players on hand, and the collection of arms and position players that have either just debuted, or are about to. That size of payroll still keeps them in the lower 3rd of MLB, but allows a chance to be fun, interesting, and possibly in contention for an 80+ season and possible playoff birth. Again, my personal philosophy as mentioned earlier, I don't believe in giving up. And quality, front line SP is the hardest thing to find. Does Ryan's trade return hold less value at the deadline if everything goes poorly in 2026? Probably some as acquiring teams only get 1 1/2 years vs 2 full years. But it also removes most any chance for the 2026 Twins to have a potentially good season. Once more, I don't like giving up too soon. Unfortunately, I'd have to agree with @Dmanthat IF the Twins moved Lopez, you might just be better of trading Ryan as well and go ahead and tear the whole damn thing down. Losing Lopez loses your #1 SP and the heart of your staff. I'd keep both. I hope they do. While my faith in ownership is almost non-existant, and my faith in the FO is rather poor right now, I keep remembering Joe Pohlad arguing for a little more $ last season. I keep thinking about the elimination of debt and minority owners that might not want to see their new toy/investment blown up right after they buy in. So I'm hoping for a $120-130M payroll that is still well below MLB AVG, but might allow for a solid, perhaps surprising, season with the new manager and staff and all the young talent debuting. One more time, I just don't believe in giving up too soon.

I saw enough from Sands in his 2022 debut...especially his breaking ball...to see a lot of promise. I was totally in favor of his pen move for 2023. While he only threw 21.2 innings in '23, he was solid in his transition. His 2024 was downright outstanding with good K numbers, very good HITS per 9, and crazy good BB numbers. I wish I was a bit better with Baseball Reference...and not lazy enough to not get better, LOL...to see a better breakdown of last season. What I saw was a lack of consistency the 1st half. While not bad, he just wasn't as good as in '24. But something began to click post deadline. Maybe it was just opportunity? But other than that BRUTAL stretch in September, as pointed out in the OP, he looked a lot more like his 2023 self. Was he tipping pitches? Was it bad luck? Was he feeling pressure by trying to be too perfect for a depleted pen? IDK. I appreciate what FIP tells us about a pitchers expected results. But you still need to throw the best, and the most consistent you can, and get the job done more often than not. But the nature of a reliever is a bad stretch can ruin your ERA, even though you were better than that. My concern is the K's went down, and the BB went up. The HITS per 9 was still solid. He's an EASY keeper, and young enough to also consider a small extension rather than go year to year. The underlying numbers, stuff, and what my eye saw throughout 2025 makes him part of the Twins pen in 2026. He smooths out his K and BB %, he's a valuable member of the backend of the pen, no question. I'm not quite as despondent about the 2026 pen as some...talent on hand and a couple smart signings and some conversions we're already seeing and hearing about...but Sands is a fairly big key to that pen.

Why I have him ranked ahead of Jenkins...BOTH healthy and looking good...since Rodriguez is the older and I don't see the Twins starting TWO rookie OF opening day. But again, will BOTH be 100% AND have a great ST? No reason one, Jenkins in theory, getting a little more AAA time and up in May or 1st of June. My opinion. Of course, you could reverse them in my scenario as well. Question: I was under the impression players had 4 options. I guess I'm probably confusing that with players who occasionally get a 4th due to injuries that slow them. What would be the process of Rodriguez being awarded a 4th option? Is it just a paperwork request due to time missed while rostered?

There are a handful of 26yo and under LH possible pen arms that will be sitting at AAA this year, or AA to begin the year like MacLeod, Bragg, and Nowlin. Nothing proven yet to be sure, but some guys that have some decent stuff if they can find a little more consistency. And hopefully, there's a Coulombe re-sign, or someone similar, for around $3-3.5M. Thielbar has been mentioned. If this new arm angle has indeed raised Funderburk's game to a higher level, I'd ecstatic if he was Thielbar for 2-3 years. I don't know that he's actually reached that level, but if he has/could, that's a huge win for an arm that has shown potential but no consistency. Crossing my fingers he might have that level of production going forward.

To be fair, he had a pretty solid 2023 and a better overall 2024. At times this past season he threw some solid innings. But at 36yo and the rotator cuff issue earlier in the year...which appears to have been minor...there just isn't a 40 man fit here. As stated by others, there's young players with actual upside that need/should be protected. Additionally, there's bound to be a couple FA additions that are younger and have as much, or more upside like a Wisler, Thielbar, or Stewart type. Plus, possibly a couple of actual 40 man worthy additions. I'd offer him a MILB deal and see if he bites. He has as good of a chance to throw for the Twins at some point in 2026 as he would anywhere else. And he's more than familiar with the organization. But that's as far as I'd go. There's just too many other potential options that should be ahead of him.

I'll say yet again that I don't dislike Larnach, even though he's never turned out to be the player we had hoped for. I also understand that he was supposedly shopped at the deadline and nobody bit. But there are a lot of unknowns regarding that, as pointed out by others. No interest at all? The Twins asked for too much? Bad timing? But the offseason is a different season unto its own. Now that teams step back, as a collective, and examine their roster and needs, will there be a team that sees value in a DH/part time OF who hits RHP with a .759 career OPS and decent power as a fit? Maybe a team short of LH bats with some power? I'd like to believe he's got value to SOMEONE. Probably traded along with a 20th ranked prospect or so, to potentially bring back a decent pen arm or solid utility INF who can play a competent SS. Maybe I'm wrong. But I'd sure try that before any non tender. I can see value for the Twins keeping him. But at some point you have to rip the bandaid off and look at your system for players/results. Not everyone is going to turn out. But you've got Martin looking like someone who may have turned a corner. And you have a collection of 22-26yo OF that all offer a degree of talent/intrigue/potential in Fedko, Roden, Rodriguez, Jenkins, Gonzalez, and Rosario. Again, they aren't all going to turn out. But when, if not now, do you begin to just open up opportunity and PLAY THE PROSPECTS?

Naylor is MY pick, and I've made no bones about it. I'd consider a 3yr deal based on age and consistency. Maybe $15M per? I don't think that's out of line. It's also a number that shouldn't preclude him from being traded at some point if/when some combination of Fedko, Roden, Mendez, or Amick proves ready to take the spot over in the future. Further, a 3yr deal expires about the same time as Buxton, when some other players start to get a little more expensive. I am concerned, however, that a larger market team is going to offer a larger deal. As a result, I'm starting to look harder at O'Hearn as "Naylor-lite" for a more affordable deal.

If they don't sign someone, I'd think a Fedko/Roden quasi platoon makes more sense than Mendez for 2026. While Mendez is very interesting, he's just learing 1B, and played at AA last season. Even with a good AFL this offseason, I just don't see a jump to the ML level for next year. The bonus of Fedko/Roden is they offer OF flexibility/depth as well. And Clemens, assuming he makes the club, does the same as an additional 1B option as a utility player. Of course, this is also assuming Fedko's breakout year and career solid OB%, and Roden's very nice MILB career prove them capable of succeeding as rookies, at least to an acceptable capacity. While I want the team to begin moving away from 1yr type deals, 1B is an obvious and open need. I'd say more than any other position on the team. So I do think they go the veteran route here.

Funny, I could have sworn last week I read another OP where someone listed Flaherty and Albernaz as interesting options. Who was that again? Oh yeah! It was me! LOL But seriously, I do think they fit the profile of what the Twins need. They've got experience, are young, and would be coming from organizations that are doing things well right now. But I keep going back in my head to George Lombard as an ideal choice. He is only 50yo, has been in MLB since he was 18. I mean talk about being "plugged in" to modern baseball, he's got a son playing baseball in MILB. He would bring a reputation of both being more hardline, but also with a good, open personality as well. And he's young enough to relate to players, as well as young enough to be around 6-10yrs if things go well.

IMO, the lack of FA catchers only goes to show how valuable Jeffers is. Over the past couple of seasons there had been so much tired debate about is Jeffers good or not good, or is Vazquez superior, etc, that I've just grown tired of the debate. I am one that appreciates different metrics, but had disagreements regarding defensive numbers as different analytics can say totally different things depending on who you subscribe to believe. I think Catcher is the HARDEST position to quantify. If I told you Jeffers had a team ERA better than Vazquez over the last 3 seasons...truth...would that mean he's the better defensive player? Or would say ERA is dismissive and post another stat? My point is IDK when it comes to the catcher position. It's almost like being an NFL Center: How do you grade in pass pro? How do you grade in run blocking? But ALSO, how do you grade in accurate snaps and calling out blocking assignments? Jeffers is not a tremendous defensive catcher. He's fine, but not great. He's been about AVG in regard to CS%. But he's super smart, and from all accounts, he's a good game caller. And THAT'S what I care about! Despite some ups and downs, he's ranked as a top 4-5 OPS producer over the last 5yrs. THAT'S overall value in a ML backstop. When asked if he could handle a 60-65% opportunity to physically stand up, he stated: "I don't know. I haven't been given the chance to do that". I'm only slightly paraphrasing. But he's built like a tank. With a little time off here and there, occasionally as a DH against LHP I have little doubt he could stand up. Just because he's not Perez or Mauer in his prime, what else should be expected of him as a primary backstop? But I digress. I'd absolutely sign him for a 2yr extension tomorrow for around $8-9M. So would half the teams in MLB if they had a chance. That puts him in line to be replaced by Diaw, Tait, and maybe even Jimenez. For 2026, I can honestly see Vazquez back as a cheap, experienced, respected, veteran option for $2-3M. But I'd be looking elsewhere for a similar option with the POTENTIAL to be better than a sub .600 hitter. Is Jansen, with a solid performance late in the year an option? Can Elias Diaz rebound to his 2024 version of himself? McCann also finished strong in limited opportunities in 2025. Or is there someone else who might be ready for one more year in the sun on a comeback season the FO and scouting department likes? Pereda is an interesting option as a #3 option, but I wouldn't give him a 40 man spot. I'm a fan of Noah Cardenas as a non roster #3 option. From most every scouting report I've ever read he's a solid game caller and defender. He's got a good arm. He's not much of a HITTER, but he's always been a solid OB% guy, meaning he can control the zone a bit as has at least an idea what he's doing at the plate. But since this OP is ALSO about the DH position, I have to state that it reflects back to the OP concerning the OF. Which is where I would have placed DH initially. Larnach figures to be the primary DH if kept. As most of us, including @stringer bellhave agreed, we don't see Larnach back for a variety of reasons from cost to prospect depth. in an ideal world...and let's face it, the Twins are due for some good luck...Em Rodriguez has a good winter season, and a strong ST and the FO suddenly has the balls to follow other franchises who have the same, and start him from DAY ONE. Wallner suddenly becomes the primary DH and a part time OF. Why Rodriguez and not Jenkins? Switch them around if you want to. But Rodriguez is a bit older, a bit more experienced, and has already burned 2 options. Jenkins doesn't even have to be added to the 40 man yet. This is OPTIMAL, and SHOULD BE DONE ASAP if he looks close to ready. FOLLOW the Brewers path like they did with Chourio. If not now, then when? Of course it means Rodriguez is healthy and ready to go. But even if there is a minor setback, when do you start to trust your top prospects? 1B, for NOW, should be a viable FA, IMO. That doesn't mean Fedko and Roden shouldn't be included in a 1B spot and potential OF spot. That only increases the OF and DH depth. But on a wish list, Jenkins would look close to ML ready and spend a month or so to ramp up, and Rodriguez would be ready to play day one. They sign whoever they think is best to backup Jeffers, and then Catcher and DH are taken care of.

I'm going to first and foremost disagree that Prielipp should suddenly move to the pen. He's only 25yo to begin 2026. Not young, not old. We all know his history at this point. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have him as a late 26-27yo SP with solid stuff and control than automatically move him to the pen. A pen change can always happen any time. I've stated time and time again that when trying to build, or re-build a pen you should be looking at failed SP, or pitchers coming off injury, or having a poor season coming off injury but had a rough season and are now looking for a make good deal. The problem here is 2 fold. Cabrera simply stunk with his Twins audition. The 2nd problem/issue is whether or not he's even worth a MILB deal. Maybe he is for hopes and giggles. But come on Seth, you know Funderburk has surprised us all with his late 2025 performance. MacLeod was "iffy" at best with his late 2025 performance, but there's some hope there. Fairly recent draftee Bragg had a hell of a 2025 season and is ready for St Paul in 2026. Nowlin seemed to finish 2025 strong. How close is he for a promotion? I don't know that I'd trust Misiewicz more than Cabrera at this point. And I'm not against solid depth. But at this point I'd almost trust any of my younger LH arms than Cabrera.

His TJ surgery is just one of those things that sometimes happens to position players. It's normally not a big deal. His broken bone was a HBP. It socks, but it happens. Unless it happens again due to a weird confluence dependent on his stance, it's just a fluke injury. A thumb injury on the bases can be mitigated by slide position and the glove worn. Are we just looking for negativity considering past top prospect injuries?

I have some optimism for Lee and his future, but I'm not an apologist for him by any means. I appreciate and even embrace most all statistics. I have a hard time with defensive statistics, however, as there are so many, and they often say completely different things depending on which one(s) you embrace. Throw all the defensive stats you want to at me, that's fine. But I'm not using them in MY evaluation of Lee in this response. OK, let's get the bad pit if the way first: 1) He's slow and not overly athletic. 2] He has a medium arm. 3] Much like Miranda, he has contact ability that often translates in to weak contact as he's too much of a free swinger who just doesn't lay off pitches outside of his hot zones. And now the positives that I see: 1] He's got good hands despite some frustrating flubs. 2] He transitions the ball from glove to hand well and makes accurate throws. I also see him making nice adjustments on said throws, despite not being a great athlete. 3] He's demonstarated some pop/power potential, maybe more than initially expected. He can drive the ball when decently when he makes solid contact in his proper hitting zones. He's most comfortable at SS. No surprise there as it's been his primary position his HS. But I believe he's got the ability to be a solid glove man at 2B and 3B as well with a little more time, work, and experience. I still ask everyone to remember he was a 23yo rookie in 2024 and had only 172 AB. Rookie level qualification is 130 AB. That's means he entered 2025 as a non rookie by only about a dozen games. So he was very nearly a rookie when the past season began. His numbers weren't anything to be proud of, but he did prove his entire quad slash line from one year to the next. So as a 24yo, we did see SOME improvement. Do I think he's a long term answer at SS? No. Do I think he can be solid/OK for NOW to begin 2026? Yes. There's just nothing special enough to be a long term answer there. But he's solid to fill the role for now, and will probably be somewhat better for next season. Can the bat improve? Absolutely. He's smart enough to recognize some of his failings by chasing pitches outside his best hot/hitting zones. He's commented on this. CAN he take that recognition and lay off pitches...fight that "I can make contact with any pitch"...and be more disciplined in his approach going forward? I sure hope so. Some can, some can't. I'm willing to bet on a highly intelligent young man...with the coach's son backdrop as some insurance...with a solid work ethic will figure it out. Again, I hope so. I have a personal belief/hope/feel what Lee MIGHT become as a ML hitter over the next couple of years, but I'm not going there. But for argument sake, let's just say continued development, work, and experience would have him continuing growth as a hitter and in 2026 he might bat .250/ .310/ .400-ish with another 16HR but increase his DBLS production to 25-28. (I think the DBLS projection might be a little low). That would be FINE as a high quality defender at SS. But even with improvement defensively, I still don't see him TODAY as better than average at SS. I'm not betting against continued improvement, I just don't see it. Even when drafted, there were thoughts he'd move to 2B or 3B. We're speculating on a kid who doesn't turn 25yo until February of 2026. How can we know how much better his bat might be in 2-3yrs as a 27-28yo? It's borderline silly to try and do so! But K-Pepper has more speed, more athleticism, and a stronger arm. He simply projects as an even better defender and offensive force. But even though he's been dynamic in his professional debut, he's not a finished product. His early succes and projection is almost identical to Keaschall. And at some point, June or July 1st, we should see Culpepper up. Does he start as a utility player with someone out? Does he just take SS over? That's unfair speculation too far in the future and too many variables to comment on or project TODAY. But, IMO, K-Pepper should become the #1 SS. I see Lee becoming a super utility player similar to Castro or Marwin Gonzalez, save the OF playability. There's no reason he can't play some 1B along with covering the rest of the INF, and bring a solid, productive bat playing almost every day. Is that what was hoped for when drafted? Nope. But that doesn't mean he's a failed prospect. A super utility 4 position INF player with a solid glove and above average bat is a WIN if that's all he "only" turns out to be. An average defender and bat, or somewhat above average in both regards, provides the Twins with a hell of a valuable player. He's the #1 SS to begin 2026. Culpepper should replace him at some point. But that's more indicative of K-Pepper's potential and not a negative as to the value Lee can still bring to the Twins.

Nope. While I didn't like it when it happened...and might have agreed with you at the time...the end result is a trade that had zero affect on either team. Originally, FWIW, the report was that Outman was PART of the trade. (Maybe wrong information)? Rumor has it his medicals lowered the trade to simply Outman for Stewart. Considering Stewart was done after a couple IP and Outman has been as bad as advertised, if not worse, it's really just a "no benefit for either team" deal that will be forgotten very quickly.

I don't hate this idea. You don't play as long as he did with an average to below average bat and not have a good, basic understanding of how to handle a staff and help lead a team. He's always had the respect of teammates and his managers, as far I know, and has been lauded for his intelligence. And I've always thought former catchers made good coaches and managers. However, I question his "readiness" being so soon retired and working in the Angels front offices. Sorry, but that's not an organization thought very well of right now. I get that hiring a smart, young guy is on vogue right now. And I see merit to that line of thinking as an organization. Especially with a solid, veteran bench coach to work along side him. Maybe Shelton? I'm certainly not trying to speak negative towards Suzuki, or his intelligence, or baseball knowledge. But never coaching, never running any team in MILB, and working exclusively with one team since retirement...again, the Angels?...grants me pause. If the rumor is true, and the Twins really believe he's got the STUFF to be a ML manager...again with a strong, experienced bench coach beside him...then go ahead and pursue him. I'm just impressed with his post playing day career to put him at the top of my list. I feel, at this time, there are other 50yo and younger candidates available with more experience, coming from better run organizations, that might be better options. But I'm just a fan trying to look at the larger picture. I have no information that would lead to believe who is the best candidate at this time.

1] Martin 2] Funderburk 3] Clemens would rank no higher than #3 on my list. If he had an OB% of .300...still not good...or more work that power and low AVG I'd rank him higher.

I should be more clear when I say Rodriguez's clock is ticking. I'm intending to refer to his options clock. He has yet to debut and he's already used up 2 options. Hopefully he doesn't need to use either of his remaining 2, but a lot of times rookies and young players end up needing a re-set at some point. I should have been more clear in my comments.

The Browns aren't exactly a good or great team. But they do have a hell of a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball. But in the 4th quarter the OL consisted of ONE starter. Darisaw was out for some reason, so Skubal was in, switching from RT. Rouse then came in to to play RT. So Fries was the ONLY #1 starting OL at that point. And they still won the game? That's a hell of a performance from the OL and I give credit to them and Wentz.

Any chance that Jefferson gets in his ear? I sure hope so as JJ is a CLASS ACT!

What? Seriously, what? Did I miss something here?