DocBauer

I did one of these sometime in 2025. A lot has changed since then, so it's nice to do another review. The Twins haven't IGNORED the catcher position at all. One of the first things the current FO did was sign Jason Castro as a FA backstop, work with Garver, and draft Jeffers. And they've drafted quite a few catcher prospects over the years. Unfortunately, they've mostly whiffed on those selections. But here we go: GASPER: He can't translate his AAA bat to the ML level. Boston thought so little of his development behind the plate they removed him from that duty. I haven't seen anything from him to convince me he shouldn't be cut in favor of a RP FA signing. PEREDA: NOT mentioned, and no FIX, at least he IS a catcher. His bat offers a little bit of hope, I hear questions about his arm. But his career CS% in MILB sits around 25%. That's not bad. I'd trust him behind the plate more than Gasper. WINKEL: The Twins seem to like the way he calls a game and handles pitchers. But he can't hit, has limited power, and can't throw. CARDENAS: NOW we get to talk about someone of actual interest. He plays solid defense, can call a solid game, and while he's never been much of a hitter, one very poor MILB season has brought his numbers down a bit. But he's always maintained decent contact, and has a good eye with a quality OB% in his MILB career. He doesn't have a lot of power...despite a brief eruption when he reached AAA in 2025...but he'll hit some doubles and jack a HR here and there. His 28% MILB career CS% is pretty impressive. Ideally, he gets another couple of months at St Paul to just refine his game and work a little more on his actual HIT ability. IMO, he's absolutely the Twins #3 catcher in a few months, if and when needed. I can see a solid career as a #2 receiver in his future. OLIVAR: He's a contact, solid OB% bat with SOME XB power who is really a LF who CAN catch. He set a career high in CS % in 2025 at 16%. And he only caught about 30% of the time in 2025. After 1 1/2 years at AA, he's probably ready for AAA. But where does he play? He's just NOT a primary catcher prospect unless he suddenly makes massive improvement behind the plate. And catcher and OF at AAA is so deep we're wondering how to play everyone? Maybe he starts in AA simply because of the depth at St Paul, but he's just not a primary catcher. COSSETTI: He was drafted as a BAT FIRST catcher who they hoped to develop. And he looked really good initially as a hitter. But his bat disappeared in 2024 and only made a small improvement in 2025. And his CS% is a poor 16%. BAEZ: This is my biggest disappointment in the catcher position within the system. He's a really good athlete with a potentially solid bat who was never a full time catcher until 2022 at AZ State. He played almost everywhere. I thought he was a "develpment" steal. But so far, he's been better as a 1B with little power. Just a real disappointment for me. DIAW: Here is where it gets really interesting again. He's got OF ability, and enough athleticism that he even played a little CF. There's SOME power potential, but a SOLID BAT ability. He's going to need some time to develop, and he needs to stay healthy, but he could be exciting to watch over the next couple of years. Nothing wrong with an athletic catcher. He got off to a really good start in 2025 before being hurt. Two years from now, good health, we could be talking about a really good catcher prospect. There's a lot to like here. TAIT: There are reasons he's a TOP prospect with top 100 status. He's got BAT potential with good power, and a strong arm behind the plate. I guess, at worst, his bat plays at 1B. But IMO, as young as he is, it's about communication with a staff and just learning how to call a game and work with his staff. He does THAT with his offensive potential, he could be an All Star. JIMENEZ: Honesty, I would just normally STOP after Tait. There's just no real reason to dip down to the Rookie league or DSL, with all due respect to the author of the OP. But the simple fact that Jimenez was part of a ML deal, and actually IMPROVED his numbers in a promotion to Ft Myers gives me pause. He's a "squaty" built kid who supposedly has a good arm, and a decent knowledge of how to call a game at his young age. He seems to have some pop and power potential. Whether his switch hitting remains is TBD. But the early results are at least intriguing, and worth mentioning. I'm a BIG catcher guy who believes the position still remains undervalued, surprisingly so, even today in regards to current value, and even HOF value. And when I talk about CS% for MILB prospects, I understand that MILB pitchers don't always do the best at holding runners on base. And maybe poor INF defense also affects CS% numbers. The single most important thing is calling a good game and just being solid behind the plate. However, with all of that considered, if a MILB catcher shows a good arm, that tells me he's dutiful in what he does and his defense might just translate to the ML level. Cardenas is the best #3 catcher for the Twins in 2026 if he's just given a little more AAA time. Diaw COULD be a stud and top prospect 2yrs from now. Tait might be the #1 catcher 2-3yrs from now. Jimenez might be a great #2 3-4 years from now.

I wasn't a big fan of Garlick because he was horrendous against RHP and not much of an OF. But to be fair, he was initially a pretty good, powerful, and productive bat against LHP. And maybe Wagaman can offer that as a platoon 1B with Clemens and a PH. My primary objection is ROSTER CONSTRUCTION. How many teams have a platoon at 1B? It shrinks the entire roster! I wouldn't have resigned Larnach, not because he's bad, but he doesn't FIT. Or at the very least I'd be everything I can to move him in a trade, or part of a package, for someone who might be useful. Preferably a pen arm with some potential. And I would have used Larnach's $4.5M for an unspectacular, but USEFUL player like Ramon Urias, a switch hitter with neutral splits, who is an OK bat, who ALSO plays 1B, in addition to 2B and 3B. That's a USEFUL bench option who can fill in 3 different spots. Right now, if Lewis spends any appreciable time on the IL again...knock on wood for his healthiest year to date...who plays 3B?? You move Lee to 3B and have Kreidler play SS with one of the most anemic bats you could ever put in to a lineup? Someone like Urias could at least cover 3B for a while and not destroy the lineup. I sort of "get" Wagaman as an inexpensive option, who might even surprise a bit, to work the margins. But again, how many teams actually platoon at 1B and shorten their bench like this will do? I just don't like the way the player roster is being constructed.

Said it before and will repeat it again...and the OP alludes to it...2026 will be 2 different seasons in one for the Twins. There will be opening day, and then there will a "second" part of the season that could begin as early as June 1st: when the prospects begin to debut. I have no problem with the 21yo Jenkins just getting a little more time at AAA for experience, work on his power stroke a little, and just "ramp up" for his debut. Inadvertently, it also grants an additional year of service time. While it's not what I want, Rodriguez probably begins the year at St Paul as well to also "ramp up" after missing so much time. But with only a single option left, I want him up ASAP. IF he debuts and needs a "Hunter-like" reset, better to do it sooner rather than later with a single option remaining. With power, speed, a good eye for a decent OB%, and CF caliber defense, he could HIT only .225-.230 and STILL be a valuable part of the lineup. How about Gonzalez? He needs to keep polishing his defense, but dangit, let him at least TRY some 1B on for size while he's in AAA. What do you have to lose? K-Pepper suddenly changes the whole dynamic of the INF when he's ready. He has the ability to play 3 spots. MAYBE he takes over SS and Lee, even with improvement, becomes a super utility player. Maybe Culpepper STARTS as a utility infielder to get his feet wet. MAYBE Keaschall moves to 1B at some point and there is a shuffle in the infield. But we suddenly aren't so worried about backup SS for sure. I, like most everyone else, has dreamt about Prielipp as a LHSP we haven't had in years. But if the love the Twins have for Rojas...echoed by other scouts per reports...is legitimate, it eases the "pain" or moving Prielipp to the pen where he has the potential to be dominate. Similarly with Festa, as we once dreamed about Duran in the rotation, some arms/bodies are just destined for the pen. And like Duran, that's not a bad thing ultimately. IMO, SWR is a starter. I think we sometimes forget how young he is, and how weird his development has been. I think his splitter makes a difference and he might just be ready to raise his game another level. Bradley, Matthews, Abel, Morris, and Rojas provide a TON of potential. Who takes the reigns and runs with the job as #5 and depth that's chomping at the bit for opportunity? I honestly can't recall a time when the Twins had this much POTENTIAL arm talent since the mid to late 80's. (It didn't turn out, but that's DECADES ago). So the OP is very correct when discussing AAA alone, much less examining any talent from AA down. Just not going to go that deep here. A little more discussion? Where does Mendez fit? It seems the BAT is ready for AAA. I don't mind him spending a little time in the OF, but if they're serious about him playing 1B, NOW IS THE TIME. And Rosario is ALSO ready for AAA. He's shown reported defensive improvement, has a good arm, but where does he fit? Like Mendez, give him a 1B glove and let him play there. NOBODY is asking for a Gold Glove rookie 1B! We're just asking for prospects to at least BEGIN learning how to play 1B so they can fill a future role. *NOTE to Falvey, 1B is a position where you can have a really productive player, not just a fill in. Pure power isn't necessarily important if said player has a great all around offensive profile. Witness Hernandez, Grace, Joyner in the past and the likes of Erstad and Bellinger in more recent history. What is your personal aversion to having a quality 1B offensively who might develop in to a decent defensive player as well? Do you lack imagination? Or are you just blindly stupid? That sounds harsh I know. But come on! Morneau was a CATCHER when drafted and wasn't a GG 1B day one. Mientkiewicz was drafted as and INF. HOF Mauer was ridiculously denied a GG after his transition. But even he took a little time to adjust. Sano, Arraez, and FA signing Solano have all been suddenly pressed in to 1B duty on the fly? But no players have been asked to at least TRY 1B since then? Where is the IMAGINATION from the FO? Well it better come back real damn soon because you've got a lot of very interesting prospects sitting at AAA St Paul wondering what the hell their role is, and how do they get to the ML level. And how does everyone potentially fit? I'd love to get deeper in to the MILB system as the OP has spoken about. And there's a lot I like, including the next draft. Man, I LOVE the talent of Emerson and Lombard as HS kids with great ceilings! But it's really hard not to fall in love with LeBron if his contact issues take another level step forward and he joins Houston and Keaschall, and Lewis, and Lee, as an INF that could be dynamic in a couple years, along with the OF talent projected. But I digress. I LIKE Lewis, Prielipp, Klein, and Raya moving to the pen. I can see successful roles for all of them. And Festa should be the #1 guy converted due to stuff, health and build. But there is still a need for a couple veteran additions to actually make a future pen work. The OP STORY LINE is pretty accurate. Again, even looking forward, you still need to look at today. NOT trading and TRYING to compete only goes so far if you ignore the BP to a ridiculous degree. You just can't expect talented prospects to SUDDENLY be go relievers. But they might be come mid season. While the MILB system of the Twins is pretty solid, it's weighed heavily in the AAA level right now. Not to say AA and below don't have talent. But St Paul is LOADED with arms and OF and POTENTIAL 1B options if Falvey and Zoll don't just sit on their ass and don't try something i don't know know what in the hell they're doing. Not every prospect turns out. That's a given. But dammit, give them a chance.

I suppose you could sign Caratini for 2yrs and nurse him for a 90-100 games caught season and trade Jeffers if the Phillies would offer a solid return. But I expect Realmuto to sign back with the Phillies. He's still solid, they have the $, and he's already PART of a good ball club. So I think this is much ado about nothing.

The only 2 teams in all of MLB that have to open their books are the Jays and the Braves. And IDK if my calculations are exact or not, but TRYING to put semi accurate numbers together, since 2017 the Braves have averaged about $358M in income including the covid seasons. Being part of a Super Station obviously gives them an advantage. The Jay's have averaged, with covid and a couple down payroll seasons, about $238M in revenue per season since 2017. Since 2017, the Twins AVERAGE yearly income through 2023 is $235M. Are these numbers accurate? Well, unless I messed up my math, or the internet lied to me, the Braves and Jays are publicly known. So for NOW, I'm going to assume the Twins numbers are mostly correct from my brief research. I have ZERO doubt that covid messed with income for EVERY MLB team in 2020 and 2021. Period. But when MLB's revenue sharing plan basically gives the Twins $100-130M EVERY YEAR so far, and if you spend approximately 50% of your revenue on the ML roster, you should be STARTING with the minimum. It just BLOWS MY MIND that the Pohlad's are so deaf. Deaf to reality and deaf to the public. You want to be different Tom? You want to make a difference? And you want to increase the Twins future? I can get on board with not spending TOO MUCH on FA for 2016. But it appears you've already capped your FO from making a few deals. You want to make a difference? Then let your FO give a chance. Right now, you're just another Pohlad pretending to care by suckling off the $B dollar tit that is the Twins. And you and your family think, for some reason that we don't understand what's going on.

I think claiming Schultz has merit. His K rate last year was 10.2 and his BB was an acceptable 2.9 per 9. For a rookie making his debut the BB aren't bad when backed up the K's. What seemed to hurt him was the 27 HITS in his 24.2 IP. Having a pair of options helps increase his value. IDK if they SHOULD claim him as I don't know anything about his STUFF. But it looks like there is something to work with there. And I'm always in favor of a former starter being converted, or having just been converted as an option for a mid market team to take a flier on. That being said, I still want at least TWO actual, veteran arms, one from each side, to be added to deepen and help stabilize the pen. There's a lot to be said about veterans assisting other young arms in their transition to the pen just showing how to go about their business. I can't recall, but was Castro a FA when the Twins grabbed him? Or was he a DFA from the 40 man the way Schultz was? It's not dumpster diving to grab someone 25/26yo, or even Schultz at 28yo, who hasn't "found himself" yet, or is moving to the pen for the first time and might suddenly take off in that new role. I don't think it's a formula for great success, but you do sometimes get surprises. Thielbar, Stewart, and Castro are recent examples of the Twins uncovering "hidden" talent of castoffs of other teams. I've caught a bit of flak in the past few days...which is fine...for me stating I was OK with the recent MILB signing of veteran glove man, utility player Orlando Arcia. He costs zero prospects, a zero immediate 40 man spot, and costs very little $ wise IF he actually makes the roster. IMO, just keeping Fitzgerald on the 40 man was the best option as he's a good clubhouse guy, and a solid backup option for what is probably a temporary position until a couple prospects like K-Pepper and possibly Schobel are ready for daily duty, or depth. I just don't understand the Twins love and belief in Kreidler as the best option for that role. I say all of this to say I'm really disappointed the FO seems to limit their imagination at times. They grab Castro for virtually nothing a few years ago and are greatly rewarded. But KNOWING they have a SERIOUS need for a backup SS they have seemingly ignored MILB options that might be available to sign, or make a minor trade for...no pun intended...in hopes of MAYBE finding Castro-lite. I digress, but am also making a point. Schultz might not fit the Jay's roster and plans. But I'm betting they hope he passes through waivers. And he might. But again, I think it's a bit short sighted to ever claim a "cut" from another team might be "dumpster diving". Thielbar actually had a really solid AAA season when Detroit let him go, and he was outstanding back with the Twins again. Ditto with Castro. Never leave a stone unturned where you might find value. That's all I'm saying. Schultz is fine. Is he better than the 28yo Orze we picked up in a small trade? Depth is a good thing. I'm actually a little excited about the arms that are about to be converted to the pen. I just don't want the FO to stop at potential.

I don't disagree with you. But they aren't trying to add a veteran starter with fingers crossed and hope that he suddenly "finds himself" again. On a MILB, they added a solid, veteran glove man to challenge for the job of backup SS and utility INF. His bat was pretty good in 2023, and quite mediocre in 2024, but the power was nice. But this is a temporary position until Culpepper...and maybe a couple others...are ready to bump whoever has the job off the roster. Personally, I would have preferred a younger option with upside like Castro was a couple years ago. But I'd rather have a veteran like Arcia around to challenge for the spot instead of just handing it to Kreidler.

I'd really like to see what Taimani could do with a chance at some regular playing time. He's impressed me each of the past 2 preseason and looked OK in very brief action on the regular season roster. Overall, the DL is very deep and a nice combination of veterans and young players. I don't know if Taimani has simply been pushed out by that depth, or because he's a classic run stuffer, NG type that Flores has been reluctant to use him.

So we're basically saying the exact same thing. Especially concerning Lewis, Lee, and Keaschall in their respective spots daily. I also want Culpepper up ASAP. And I don't see the Twins holding him back as he only makes the INF better and deeper, and there will be PLENTY of games and AB for 4 guys in 3 spots. But as bad as Arcia was in 2025, he was decent in 2023 and still provided power and 46 RBI. For a glove first player, that's not awful. And again, vs Kreidler, Arcia only hitting to his career average numbers would still be an improvement over Kreidler. So I'll take a cheap, MILB deal for a veteran glove man for depth and insurance any day over a guy with a .383 ML OPS. And Kreidler's .743 career OPS isn't a lot to brag about either. It would be great if the 28yo Kreidler could suddenly find a different level as a hitter. But I'm not betting on it.

What young utility player, back up SS would you play ahead of him? Kreidler is 28yo and can't hit in MILB, and has hit worse than some pitchers used to in his brief ML career. Culpepper has ONE full pro season, has yet to play above AA, and you'd rather give him a full time job? At the expense of what other young INF in Lewis, Lee, or Keaschall? Schobel had a really nice rebound 2025 but then got hurt right after being promoted to AAA and didn't play a lot the 2nd half. So what young player could Arcia, if he makes the club, could he possibly be blocking? He, Kreidler, and possibly Fitzgerald are temporary depth pieces. They are blocking NO-ONE.

As stated in the front page post, I kinda like this signing. Kriedler's bat makes Arcia look like a Silver Slugger contender. I expect little from Arcia's bat, but 4 times in his career he's managed double digit HR, including 2023-24. And while he may not have the glove he used to, he's still solid as well as experienced. Considering the lack of INF depth, I never would have removed Fitzgerald from the roster when there were options like Outman and Gasper instead. K-Pepper is the future, but he's not ready yet. I think Tanner Schobel might provide depth at some point in 2026 as well, but he's also probably not ready yet after losing time post AAA promotion. And I don't know about you, but I didn't like the idea of Kreidler being the primary option at back up SS. It would be awesome if Kreidler suddenly developed a better bat and turn himself in to a competent ML hitter. But having a veteran option like Arcia...on a MILB deal no less...makes me feel better, even in the short term.

I guess I'm the contrarian here. While there is nothing about this signing that moves the needle, I like that it helps prevent the needle from dropping. Arcia isn't much of a hitter and never has been. But 4 times in his career he's popped double digit HR, including as recently in back to back 2023-24 seasons. And while he's not the glove he used to be, he provides a serviceable, veteran glove to provide cheap stability on a MILB deal. I absolutely would have kept Fitzgerald on the 40 man and removed Outman or Gasper post Wagaman trade. And look, I wouldn't be upset if Kreidler suddenly blossomed as a hitter and played a great SS and earned a deserved 26 man spot. But when Kreidler makes veteran Arcia look like a good hitter, I can't hate a MILB depth move like this. K-Pepper is a big part of the future. I think we should all remember Tanner Schobel who had a great bounce back 2025 season that was derailed somewhat by injury. Both should be sitting at St Paul and both should help the Twins at some point in 2026, Culpepper as a top prospect and Schobel as a potentially solid depth piece. But neither is ready yet. And I wouldn't be disappointed if Fitzgerald passes through waivers and returns to St Paul for additional depth. But I really didn't want to start 2026 with Kreidler as the only option at backup SS.

I was never in favor of trading for Thielen. And if I was tempted to, it never would have been for anything but a late rounder or conditional pick. But he/they did. And while he sat and didn't produce, they cut him ONE WEEK later than they needed to in order for the cost to be a later round pick. Shouldn't the GM understand the terms of his own deal? Drafted LB Kobe King was basically dumped earlier this season due to roster maneuvering. Rookie UDFA Austin Keys, however, was kept ahead of King. That is until this past week when he was allowed to be poached by another team with ONE GAME to go in the Vikings season and no obvious roster needs screaming to be added. Is losing King a disaster? Probably not. But there are depth questions at LB for 2026, you thought enough of Keys to keep him all season until there was a single game played? Why lose a depth piece with at least some promise NOW, when you could have had him rostered all offseason by just keeping him through game 17? His track record in the draft hasn't been exactly great so far, but now he's mismanaging picks and roster depth late in the season with nothing to play for but pride and development. I'm not saying he should be gone, or that he hasn't also done some good things in his tenure so far. But items like this make me feel he just may be out of touch. And we can't have that from our GM. Or do you think these are simply blips and I'm making too much out of them?

While by no means close to a finished product yet, I've been fairly impressed by McCarthy the 2nd half of the season. Coaching and mental reps can only do so much. His missed field practice time really set him back. They will need a viable veteran backup for 2026, but they aren't drafting a QB this year. There could be some surprise cuts or retirements that affect the team's 2026 cap and allow them to sign a decent option or two, but right now it's about keeping the best players on hand and using the draft to help add and build up. In no particular order, the biggest needs are S, CB, LB, RB, and either a 2nd LB, or possibly and EDGE so that we can be 4 deep instead of 3. I'd really, really like there to be a WR or OT sitting there when the Vikings' turn comes up and they can trade down just a couple spots for a 3rd 3rd rounder. That helps replace the 4th rounder we don't have this year. In an average draft, I'd be ecstatic to have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds and fill those spots, in whatever order. While the dual 5th and 6th rounders and solitary 7th rounder should all by BPA, I could easily see another CB, and LB being focus points. And I'm always in favor of OL who slip to day 3 but have have potential if you can just get a season or two to stash and worth with them. So that would be what I see draft wise as of today.

Bad luck or not, projection metrics that say he could still be better, how does Julien even fit with Bell and Wagaman on hand at 1B and DH with Clemens as at least part of the equation there as well? Mediocre defense, can't hit any longer, power had largely disappeared, would you want him at 2B and move Keaschall to the OF? Why on earth would you do that for such a young player when you already have a crowded OF and 3 top 10 prospects who are all OF sitting at AAA? Outman played poor defense and was one of the worst hitters I've seen in recent memory. Even the projected numbers presented in the OP state 'improvement" would still have him as a poor hitter. Clemens, if he can hit fastballs better, has some room to improve even to a small percentage. Considering he was a useful reserve and not far from league average, he's worth discussing. But he should be a useful reserve and not a starter.

The Twins don't have it in their budget to pay Phillips $2M to sit and rehab this season snd maybe get 2- 2 1/2 months of actual ML work, plus add a 2nd season of $7M in 2027. (Rough $ numbers by me). IMO, they need 3 adds, of various ability and experience, to the pen to insure it's viable opening day. They need an experienced LH option. Rogers, Coulombe, and Chaffin are all out there and available and all 3 are coming off solid seasons. Stop messing around, make your selection, and go get him. I have little issue with either Dominguez or Leclerc. I'd take either as a "better than 2025 Sands" option for the back end of the pen. And I'd really like BOTH, or similar. But can the budget find room for all 3? Call me hopeful but doubtful. I think a said LH arm, 1 of the aforementioned veterans, and the 3rd option probably comes from a Larnach and a prospect to someone who could use his LF bat for a DH and part time OF role and could use another solid prospect, for that team's #4 or #5 pen option. Maybe their version of Varland, for example, someone who just debuted and showed promise, or is about to be moved to the pen, but with ML experience. FA, FA, FA/trade, Festa (IMO), Sands, Funderburk, Topa, Orze are your 8 spots for opening day. The 8th spot might be open depending my proposed 3rd addition option. So the final spot might be open. Your depth comes from the obligatory 2-4 MILB deals of fliers, plus Lewis, Raya, Klein, Ohl, Adams, Prielipp, and possibly MacLeod as well. That is a potentially solid, functional pen with some interesting depth options that will work themselves in over the course of the season to get even better, but also a build up for 2027.

Nobody is TRYING? Players and coaches aren't TRYING? Coaches are always TRYING to keep their jobs, or at least not suck so bad they can't get another job. Players don't TRY when the whisle blows due to pride and hope for next season and possible signings next season? Unless someone is just a malcontent who simply doesn't care about ANYTHING, coaches and players always TRY, even if a small part of them is depressed. Their FUTURE depends on what they do. I don't buy in to any coach or player that just "gives up". If I was a FO and thought for a moment that a coach or player "gave up" instead of just coaching and playing hard despite a disappointing season, I'd NEVER hire them or sign them.

God Bless! Please recover and have a wonderful 20-30yrs plus in your life!

Stringer, I've been up and down, up and down, for 4yrs since the Twins acquired Martin. And I'm not going to cover old ground. While some don't appreciate the total context of what you're discussing, I see it. Martin had an incredible start in 2025, but was plagued by a bad hamstring injury. I have little doubt a healthy Martin would have been brought up earlier had he been healthy. Numbers are one thing that we can all look at and measure. Did Martin have better numbers in 2025 vs 2024? Yes he did. Were they in a smaller sample? Also yes. But even though I watched fewer games late in 2025 due to frustration, the Martin I watched just seemed more confident in his AB. It just looked like he turned a corner in his approach. What really blew me away was how well he played LF. Previously, he looked like someone in the fan section looking to grab a hotdog or T-shirt from a cannon. But he suddenly looked looked like someone who could actually track a ball! And he made a handful of great plays. More confidence at the plate, better numbers, even in a relatively SSS, and greater confidence and defense in the OF has me believing he might have actually matured in to a decent, solid ML player. And I don't think it's just an illusion. I think we're seeing a drafted "athlete" who is actually turning in to a ML player. BUT, he has to have enough POP in his bat to produce DBLs and the occasional HR or he will be eaten up. He did flash more of that ability in 2025. His speed plays, as long as he learns to run the bases better as he's also made a few egregious errors at times. With all due respect to Roden, who has been ridiculously written off by so many after a very brief rookie appearance, I can easily see Martin replicating his solid and very improved 2 months to end the 2025 season. IMO, Martin is the "preason" starting LF based on defense and his 2025 season. With NO IMPROVEMENT, he could still be a top of the order batter based on what he did in 2025. That AVG and OB% was damn good. But if he's as good, how does he fit in Shelton's lineup? I like Buxton in the #3 spot to have runners to knock in. So I can see Martin and Keaschall being an excellent top of the order setting the table. I can also see Martin spraying some line drives here and there, providing speed, but not being enough Kwan-like to sit at the top of the lineup, but being a tremendous #9 hitter who helps flip the lineup over again. I see what you see. But I also see Rodriguez, and Jenkins, and Gonzalez, and Roden taking the next turn, and I see Martin maybe not fitting in in the near future. But he has the opportunity to be a solid ML bat and contributor in the near future for the Twins.

II HOPE Wagaman improves 10-15% in 2026, fills a solid role, and makes me eat all of my next words. (Not crossing my fingers). I don't like this move for MANY reasons! I'm stupified by it, and downright p*ssed off by it! Where do I even begin? 1] A mediocre hitter...so far in his career...even one who hits LHP decently...not a great SSS history so far...who never even mashed in MILB, as a short side platoon at 1B does what exactly? Other than 25% of games played against LHP, how does he really add to the construction of the 13 man roster? It allows Bell to DH more and allows another mediocre/bench player in Clemens to play MORE on a daily basis? 2] Not only did Larnach need to be moved before hand, but he's absolutely dead weight now on the roster more than ever. 3] I mentioned veteran utility player, switch hitting with almost neutral career splits, Ramon Urias in a recent thread from Seth about roster construction. While he's more POP than POWER, he DOES hit dingers. He's a better OB% batter than Wagaman in his brief career, plays a decent 1B, and can also cover 2B and 3B. His arbitration number is around $4.5M, which makes him almost an exact match to replace Larnach, and provide MUCH BETTER roster depth and versatility. But we add a platoon RH 1B/DH instead? 4] Not only does Wagaman limit the bench BIG TIME vs someone like Urias, but the ENTIRE IDEA of playing Keaschall in the OF is COMPLETELY misguided! Why? So Clemens can play 2B? He's at best a LH power bat off the bench who MIGHT play well with Wagaman at 1B. But now you want to play Clemens more at 2B? Keaschall has the athleticism to be a solid 2B, if not better. His arm SHOULD FINALLY be healthy for throws he has to make. Does he need to smooth out his mechanics at 2B? You bet! But how does he do that WITHOUT actually playing 2B? Furthermore, what about Martin and Roden in LF? We've just decided not to give them opportunity? Or does Roden move to RF? Then what do you do with Wallner when DH is suddenly filled almost daily by Bell? And TWO of your TOP 1-4 prospects are AAA LH hitting OF in Rodriguez and Jenkins. So even forgetting giving Roden an actual chance to perform and contribute, those TOP TWO prospect are ready to debut anywhere from Opening Day to June or July 1st. So then where does your TOP young player Keaschall fit if you start playing him in the OF? And let's not forget Gonzalez is ALSO a TOP prospect OF from the RH side of things. Keaschall playing the OF, as ANYTHING but an occasional option to set a RH dominate lineup against LHP is absolutely ridiculous in roster construction. Not only should he be playing 2B DAILY for 2026 to just let him develop there...his offense is just that more important as a 2B...but AFTER 2026, if you aren't satisfied, he could still be a hell of an offensive player with a move to 1B. Dare I say playing him a lot in the OF in 2026 is not only misguided, but downright lunacy! 1B with some OF come 2027 if you really think that's the right move. (Small chuckle). But WHY IN THE WORLD would you give such a long leash for Julien but NOT Keaschall? 5] Even WITH the Wagaman trade factored in, why on earth do you dump Fitzgerald ahead of Outman, or Julien, or Gasper, or Pereda? IDK that he's almost 32yo and is a journeyman. The INF depth is non existent until K-Pepper is ready. Fitzgerald has been around as long as he has been because he's a solid defender who doesn't embarrass himself at the plate. Despite reported defense and some speed, Kreidler barely hit at the MILB level, and has hit at the ML level at the level of a PITCHER pre DH days. I'd take a small step down defensively for a guy who could at least hit in the .200 range with some pop and speed vs a .150 fill in. 6] I get moving Bragg. For those that don't follow the Twins MILB system closely, he was a late round pick who was either injured when drafted, or injured just after being drafted, I'm not sure. But he missed time. He had a BAD AFL season post 2024. But he rebounded with a really great 2025 between A+ and AA. He put up some really solid numbers and good K rates, and was probably really close to either starting 2026 at St Paul, or maybe getting some AA time before a AAA promotion. He's not just a "throw away" LH pen arm. I'm not upset about trading a possibly interesting arm in Bragg. I'm upset about a misguided roster construction that brought in a 28yo platoon 1B that really restricts the 13 man player roster for 2026. And I'm p*ssed because even as a fan who likes to play the "if I was the GM" game, I can see a very different example of a more versatile player being added for a BETTER roster fit that a 25% useful player. And it makes me frustrated that I can see a better fit over those in charge. Again, I'll HOPE Wagaman turns a corner and is even better than he was in 2025, or closer to his reported late season production. But TODAY, I find this addition to be poor. Maybe even comical considering options I think a semi-intelligent fan like myself might have done better.

Certainly not going to bash Cody or anyone else for their opinion on a possible top list for 2027. The issue I have is narrowing it down logically. FWIW, I can see a pretty easy path to the top 5 being ALL pitchers or ALL position players. POSITION: The Twins #3 overall selection in the 2026 draft, Houston, Tait, Winokur, and the recently drafted Quentin Young. While Winokur and Young have enough bust potential to certainly not be on said list, based on tools and potential they are also as intriguing with as much upside as Jenkins and Rodriguez in the entirety of the Twins system. On the pitching side, you've got Soto, Hill, Quick, and probably Rojas, who has drawn raves based on stuff/potential, and not his 2025 finish. There's a trio of arms from the last draft in Ellwanger, Barr, and Reitz that have the potential to really flash as rookies in 2026. And on top of all these choices, Bohorquez and Oliveras at Cedar Rapids just need a little more consistency and they could explode. There was even talk of someone possibly snagging Oliveras as a draft and stash arm in the rule 5. On top of the Twins 2026 #3 selection, I believe they pick at #4 in the 2nd round? That would be another prospect selected roughly in the top 40. So it's just really hard for me to try and pick any sort of top 5 for 2027.

The problem with the draft at this point is the salary cap. Does Harry retire? Does Kelly retire? Did we see enough from Allen and Hargrave to keep them around? And despite flashes, and a great teammate, is Jones done? And what $ is in play for cuts that hold over. That's important for keeping someone like Nailor as the 3rd WR. There has to be some "play" in extensions in order to keep the best players maintained on the roster. The good news is we have one of the best cap administrators on hand. The bad news is we're hard against the cap, TODAY. I lost faith in Kwesi when he traded for Thielen. It just didn't make sense for so many reasons. And I don't have trust in him for the next draft. But if you asked me my DREAM DRAFT for 2026: The Vikings should draft about 14-16. Ideally, there would be a WR or OT, for example, where someone would be desperate to move ahead before a competitor team could nab said player. The Vikings drop down only 2 or 3 spots and pick up an additional 3rd round selection. IMO, this is the ultimate idea draft scenario. KEEP what you have, but trade down ONE TIME because your board is still intact. So now you have a #1, a #2, and 3 round picks. BPA always applies, but in no order you draft a CB, S, RB, ILB, EDGE and then wait for day 3 where you might add another CB and S, and maybe another OL prospect or two. But we can only hope for a good class, and a GM that has learned from previous mistakes and doesn't blow the 2026 draft. If he does, he should be GONE and OKC shouldn't be held responsible, IMO.

A couple of your comments caught my eye. The Saints OF, opening day, should include Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, Rosario, and Fedko. Additionally, Olivar should also be ready to challenge AAA at this point as an OF and part time catcher. So where is the room for someone like Outman as a failed ML player still on the roster? Is Falvey that stubborn to insist a recent trade acquisition should be kept? Well hell, he ALSO traded for Martin and Roden. So he needs to get over his pride. There's also no room for Julien, and I agree with that. Even if he somehow has a great ST, how does he fit with roster construction? I disagree regarding Bell. But I like him a hell of a lot better as a primary DH with another addition at 1B.

Seth, with the exception of picking an initial 14 man roster, I think you have it pretty much if the season started TOMORROW. Thankfully, it doesn't start tomorrow and I think...hope...there's at least one more player move involved. IF the payroll was stretched to $120M, there's room to add a 1B still (Lowe?) and let Bell be the PRIMARY DH. If the payroll comes in around $115M, they can still TRADE for a young 1B at or near the minimum $. Who and who for I'm just not going in to the details at this time. They could also just grab a USEFUL player like switch hitting Ramon Urias...with almost neutral career splits...for help at 1B/2B/3B for around $4-5M based on projected cost. While I'd prefer a true 1B addition and let Bell be the primary DH, someone like Urias adds a decent, veteran bat with some pop, and his $ is added with the subtraction of Larnach. And while Larnach can still be dropped with ZERO $ spent, I'd still try to package him with a decent prospect to a team that could use a solid, proven LH bat against RHP for a platoon DH/OF role for a solid, young arm that currently sits around 4th or 5th in the pecking order of a team but has upside. Sort of a Varland-ish type. Whether it's an actual 1B as the BEST addition, or a useful player such as Urias, the roster depth and balance is better. CATCHER: We have our primary 2. We don't need BOTH Gasper and Pereda. I actually like Pereda better as he's an actual catcher, IMO, while Gasper used to catch, was removed from that duty by the BoSox, and then was ATTEMPTED to return to catcher by the Twins. DEPTH: Honestly, I think a couple months of AAA experience will make Cardenas the best #3 option. He's solid behind the plate, has a good arm, and has a solid eye and solid contact in his bat. I think he's a young, but better Butera type. (It also frees up an additional 40 man spot in the future for various moves) INFIELD: I have objections to Keaschall playing almost anywhere other than 2B in order for him to refine his mechanics there. He can get to balls! He just needs to smooth out his footwork and mechanics when he GETS to the ball. So why mess with his development? And who do you put at 2B if he plays 1B or OF? Clemens? I'm not sure I see a lot of wisdom there, but OK. But IF they DON'T add a TRUE 1B via FA or TRADE, a useful player like Urias can plug in to 2B when/if you really want to mess with Keaschall's development and move him around. He can also form a quasi platoon with Clemens at 1B if/when you want to put Bell at DH. NOT my IDEAL, but I think you can see the versatility at least. Lewis is at 3B, Lee is at SS, and Keaschall is still your primary 2B. 1B is in flux, IMO, with Bell part of the equation, as well as Clemens, as well as Urias, in my example. I simply don't understand any love for Kreidler. IDK how good his glove is, he can BARELY hit at the AAA level. IMO, it's only a matter of time before he's removed from the 40 man in hopes of being added to the AAA roster. Fitzgerald has a solid glove, a little speed and pop, and won't embarrass himself at the plate. DEPTH: When K-Pepper is ready, the INF depth suddenly changes. Whether he takes over SS day one, or starts as a utility player, Fitzgerald/Kreidler becomes a moot point. Ross has the ability to play 4-5 positions. He's got some speed and some pop, but he's barely ever hit anywhere. It would take a HUGE step forward for him to be a ML player. HOWEVER, I think a lot of people have forgotten about Schobel. He really turned around his projections in 2025 after a major slump in 2024. He basically RAKED in AA last season, earned a promotion to St Paul, and then got hurt almost immediately. I believe he was healthy for the last couple of weeks, but keep him in mind for the 2nd half of 2026. *It pains me to say it, but Julien is an easy cut who would probably pass through waivers. OUTFIELD: This HAS to begin with Outman being OUT. He hasn't hit ML pitching since 2023. He didn't hit with the Twins, and didn't look particularly good defensively either. I don't believe a 24-25-26yo player has NO FUTURE as history has proven some guys just mature in their mid 20's and turn out to be good ballplayers. But to expect a 29yo to SUDDENLY find himself again is a ridiculous waste of roster space. He's an easy cut for a pen addition, should easily pass through waivers, and might stick around for AAA depth. But even THAT is questionable considering the St Paul OF to begin 2026. With THAT messy business out of the way, let's examine the 2026 OF in detail. Martin suddenly looked like a legitimate ML player in 2025. He raked in AAA, had injury issues, and really played well the last 2 months for the Twins when finally healthy. Perhaps just as important, he played a very good LF. Can he take that offensive and defensive development and carry it over to 2026? Can his improvement in LF carry over to being competent in CF as well? With limited pop, can his contact and spraying the ball continue? He's got a role if he can continue. And can we give Roden a little break? His MILB numbers are very good. He's a solid defender who can play both corner spots well and can cover CF here and there decently. And he's also got some 1B experience as well. And I don't know about service time, but based on ML AB, he enters 2026 as a rookie. He's a good AVG hitter with decent contact and a solid OB% with a little mix of speed and pop. I don't know that a disappointing debut with less than 150 ML AB should exclude him from being a decent, solid ML player. Those 2 are probably part of LF to begin 2026, and they should be. This is a lineup in FLUX and Larnach just shouldnt be part of the plan at this point. Buxton is in CF. Nothing more needs to be said other than Martin and Roden can provide acceptable days off here and there, before we discuss prospects. Wallner appears to be the opening day RF. That's not MY plan as I'd just "go for it" with a healthy Rodriguez and use his remaining option if needed, but that's not what I see the Twins doing. Between cost control and just a paranoid aversion from promoting too soon, Wallner will be the starting RF. He's not bad, just a little slow getting his body moving forward. And his arm is such a weapon, nobody runs on him. And while many are down on him, and he will always be a bit of a 3 outcome batter, I just don't understand how so many can be so down on him considering his MILB numbers, his decent rookie numbers, TWO consecutive seasons of a .875 OPS, and then an injury affected 2025 where his OPS was STILL above average. DEPTH: 3 of your TOP 10 prospects are AAA OF with Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Gonzalez. A top 20 prospect in Rosario is ready for the AAA challenge. And a "non prospect" like Fedko...coming off a great season where he challenged a 30/30 year...provides OUTSTANDING depth to the point where you even wonder not only why Outman is still around, but is there even room for him at AAA? Of course, Clemens also provides some OF depth, as does Keaschall, potentially, but I still take that with a grain of salt. The way the opening day roster SHOULD look like, considering Falvey is always cautious with promoting prospects, and an expected ONE MORE ADDITION considering comments made by Zoll SHOULD be: CATCHER: SET INFIELD: Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Bell, Clemens, Fitzgerald over Kreidler because Fitz is simply the better overall player, and a TBD. OUTFIELD: Martin, Roden, Buxton, and Wallner. This is a team trying to compete, but also re-tooling on the fly. And I don't have a problem with that. The single biggest question is whether or not the FO adds a full time 1B via FA or trade, or adds a "useful" player for depth purposes. There is ZERO reason to keep someone like Outman around. Unfortunately, there's also no reason to keep Julien around either. That's your 13 man position player roster to begin 2026 with ONE open spot to add. And that roster will change come June 1st, and/or July 1st. But there remains ONE open spot to ADD an INF option at 1B, or as a solid utility option for the temporary.

I expect little of Brosmer going forward. But come on. He's a smart kid with some skills and at least offers SOME potential as a backup option. In Vikings history, Brad Johsnon and Wade Wilson were, or would have been UDFA based on the current system. Purdy was the last man standing in his draft. I'm only stating this kid is a good athlete, has a decent arm, and is smart. He didn't blow last week, and helped win this week by simply not making mistakes. We might just have a solid young backup is all I'm saying.