DocBauer

Only copying your post due to the fact it mentioned Phillips and the DT spot. I was really surprised to see Phillips go, and quite sad. He's been a really good performer, captain, leader, and great influence in every community he's been a part of. Including here in his home town of Omaha. NEVER saw that move coming! But the more I've thought and reflected on it, kinda makes some sense. They get another pick, help with the CAP to some degree, and as good as Phillips has been, he's just probably not as good as Allen or Hargrave. I also doubt any of the young DL turn out to be Pro Bowl type performers. But I was so impressed with Redmond last preseason and thought they might have gotten a steal. Looks like they might have. Hard to say how good LDR and Ingram-Dawkins will turn out, but damn if it doesn't look like they got a couple of potential steals there as well. A lot of talent and EFFORT on the field with those two. When they brought Elijah Williams in for a tryout, I did as much research as I could. And when I saw his numbers at Morgan State, and his test numbers at the small school HBCU Legacy Bowl, I couldn't figure out why he wasn't listed as a possible late round or priority UDFA option. He's still got a lot to prove coming from such a small program, but he really flashed in all 3 preseason games. I have to believe he did as well in camp, and the various team scrimmages. It's really hard to believe that Taimani...who made the initial roster last season before becoming injured...couldn't land a spot despite quality play this preseason. Just a lot of young talent to work with behind the veterans. I'm really going to miss Phillips, but I'm also very encouraged by the young kids and their potential.

Just tossing out a couple of thoughts now that the roster and PS are MOSTLY set. Hard not to love having Thielen back. If he's got enough gas in the tank for 2yrs left, it's a really nice add. But I don't like the 2027 4th rounder to make it happen. Really unfortunate that Howell didn't work out. But I feel really comfortable about Wentz as a veteran #2. Doesn't it just feel like another CB is coming on board still? The PS is pretty close to what I thought and hoped. But a couple guys I thought would be there are on the current roster, or on the temporary IL list. Very happy to see Taimani back. He deserved to be on the 53 man. Just crazy we are so deep there that there wasn't room. Equally happy to have Murphy back. Thought for sure someone would snag him. What am I missing that he didn't make the 53 man? Also nice to see Vaughn kept at CB. Terribly inconsistent in the preseason. Flash one play and then slip or break wrong on the next. But there's some real potential there. And interesting to see Moreau back at CB. Initially, I thought they'd bring him back as a 5th-6th CB option. Obviously, the primary roster is going to change a bit over the next few weeks. Addison will be back, Ham will be back, and so will rookie UDFA Batty. So the roster and PS are going to be in some state of flux still. Any initial thoughts one way or another?

I hope you're right. Some re-worked deals are a possibility. Thankfully, we have some of the best CAP thinkers in the league. Having, potentially, 6 picks in the 1st 4 rounds doesn't hurt for the future either.

A strange dichotomy for sure. You don't want the Twins to lose...but...you kinda don't mind if they lose and keep up their opportunity for a top 5 pick while at the same time wanting to see the younger players perform well.

Nice start for Rojas. He's young, has limited IP, and has probably been pushed a little hard to be at AAA at this point. I don't believe he'll be ready to help until mid '26, but he's intriguing for sure. MacLeod had a nice relief apparance as well. The Lefty was doing well at AA before his promotion. He's been struggling since. I'm not saying he can't still be a potential ML SP, and I never like moving guys too soon, but as a prospect he's got to be behind Prielipp, Rojas, and Hill (who's further down the line). He might be a potential pen conversion option. I'm also mixed on Rosario a bit, even though I've been championing him for a while. I think recency bias is in play somewhat with an injury affected 2024 and his bad April this season. I see a passable corner OF who might end up as a possible platoon bat. Time will tell. And while I don't like risking losing him to someone who might take a shot...A's, Dirty Sox, etc...I'm 50/50 on protecting him. Would he even stick? So few position players are selected in the rule 5, and even fewer stick. Nice start for Oliveras at CR. That staff could be AMAZING in 2026! Ross with another solid start as well. And my "prospect arm crush" Doktorczyk did a nice job out of the pen. I really think he's someone to keep an eye on for 2026. Solid day on the farm!

I've been pretty much beaten to the punch on this, but there are 40 man considerations involved here, not just who we'd like to see, oe who deserves a shot. And yes, I'm fully aware there are a few guys who could easily be removed from said 40 man roster. For instance, no matter how much I want to see Eeles up, he doesn't have to be protected, so he might have to wait until ST next year. Currently, Fitzgerald is the only backup at SS, so you probably don't send him down or remove him. But unless the Twins still hold out some sort of hope that Miranda can be fixed, he can't even hit at the AAA level. That's an available 40 man spot for Fedko. They seem to want to give Julien every opportunity to succeed. Whether you agree with that or not, removing him might send him packing. So it's also up to what the coaches and FO really think about the future of some of these guys, and whether or not they are ready to "give up" on them. Fedko remains my #1 choice as there is a very clear path available for him to be the 4th OF next season. And again, while I think he might need a little more time to work on his HIT tool, I can easily see Cardenas getting a shot at catcher with Gasper going down.

Amen! I understand what defensive metrics say. But I also know why my eyes tell me. Wallner seemed smoother defensively last year. Maybe he's taking frustration out to the field with him? But agree he's probably still best as a DH and part time OF. Nice shout out to @LA VIkes Fanfor listing the improvement by Wallner against LHP. I've heard those numbers before but don't recall seeing someone posted. Just MY opinion, but I was really frustrated when Wallner was sent down early in 2024 after something like 26 AB. But fine. But he was.keot down WAY too long. He's going to be streaky. But don't they know their own player? This season, even when struggling, has maintained the 2nd best OPS on the team but he's been regulated to the lower portion of the lineup instead of worse hitters. Very frustrating. I have no problem with Wallner in RF full time, with Buxton in CF, and a better glove in LF. Ultimately, it would be AWESOME to have Rodriguez and Jenkins in the corners and let Wallner be that DH/part-time OF. But Wallner's bat is for real. But yes, it would be nice if he starts hitting like 2023-'24 soon and the Twins get more base runners on in front of him.

And this is why I really hate the September additions only being TWO players. Teams who have nothing to play for should have the opportunity to bring up more than that. (All teams treated equally for sure). Doesn't mean you have to allow for 40 again. But how does the Twins bringing up another handful of prospects for auditions in Septemeber affect the integrity of the game. They could be worse than they are now? Lol I wouldn't mind Sabato getting a shot. The fact that he's cooled down in a hitters league after his promotion concerns me some. But his future is probably organizational filler if he isn't ready to contribute pretty soon. A month looksee would be nice. Eels is already a fan favorite! His numbers...primarily SLG%...just arent what they were last season. Possibly a result of his surgery recovery? (Not that he ever had a LOT of power). But he's been building up after a slow 1st month. I think most of us would be behind him getting a shot. Fedko might not THIS powerful or THIS fast, but he doesn't have to be to be a quality RH 4th OF who can play both corner spots and help a little in CF as needed. He's always done a great job of maintaining a quality OB%, so there's recognition to go along with pop and speed. And not quite yet 25yo is NOT old. GG is probably the better long term option...with less speed...but Fedko appears ready for an audition NOW. I sure hope he gets one. Cardenas' OPS at St Paul has been enhanced by a sudden power burst. A burst I fear comes from the league/park and not a true power breakout. But he's always had a good OB%...career .380...indicating some zone control and contact ability. (His K/BB splits are very good). And he's got a good arm and a solid reputation behind the plate. I just fear the HIT tool might be a few months or half a season away. But he's got some very good qualities, has been a bit of a hot streaks, and a September looksee might decide, at the least, as to whether he could be the #3 guy in 2026 or not. It would require a little roster shuffling to get 3 or all 4 up, but Fedko and Eeles in particular, IMO, should be getting a shot.

God Bless My Friend. 🙏

Rutschman's career OPS is only 19 points higher than Jeffers. And Jeffers has outperformed him the past 2 seasons ad Rutschman has been on a downturn during that time. CS% for Jeffers is 19.7% and Rutschman sits at 22%. Rutschman would cost more $ than Jeffers and would cost prospect capital besides to acquire. I see bigger needs at 1B, maybe DH, and a pen to rebuild. I don't see a swap of catchers being a difference maker. So no.

Just to be clear, the $90M is a starting point before adding anyone via FA.

There's a lot to compact here. I NEVER thought Phillips would be traded! Anyone saw that coming? I mean, I've been looking at all the young talent on the DL mixed with the veteran FA signings, and was wondering how we could possibly keep everyone, but I still didn't see that trade happening. Long look, I get it. A pair of top FA additions and salary cap concerns and a host of top young talent and I guess a move had to be made. On the plus side, Redmond has proven to be a steal. The staff has been excited about LDR since they picked him. He looks like the real deal. Ingram-Dawkins appears to be the real deal. A super talented kid who played behind a lot of other talented players and never got his time to really shine in college. And I'm not patting my back on Eligah Williams, but I did post that despite being a small school kid with amazing production, I was surprised he was only a camp invite, and to watch him as a PS option. I NEVER thought he'd be this good so soon! CRAZY to realize the DL is potentially just fine without Phillips! And just as crazy to NOT HAVE ROOM for Taimani as a backup NT who AGAIN had a good camp and preseason. I really hope we can keep him for the PS. SOMEBODY tell me why Murphy wasn't kept? Is there something we don't know about his cut? I like Richter a lot as a ST player with the ability to contribute on the defensive side as well. And I saw enough of UDFA Chambliss that I wanted him on the PS. But how in hell does Murphy go from a few flash plays when healthy in 2024, a great preseason this year, to suddenly being cut? I'm so confused right now! I think Thayer Thompson is a better WR than Jones. I think it came down to previous ST production. I'd have gone with offensive potential instead, but I'm not the head coach. Tavierre Thomas Is a CB who they converted to S, IIRC. So he can still fit there as the 5th CB. Metellus often plays nickel and dime CB. Still, I'd expect a trade or signing soon at CB and Thomas waived. I'm so disappointed that Howell didn't take the #2 QB role and run with it. I thought he was a great fit to be a Donaldson-like project who could really step forward on this team, with this coaching staff, and build his career as a top backup, or maybe earn a better job later. But to get a better pick for him and get Wentz as a veteran backup option is OK for me. The FIRST 53 man is ALWAYS fluid for the first couple of days. I get that. But SOMEBODY please tell me why a young, talented guy like Murphy was let go? There HAS to be more to the story.

I don't believe Jenkins will there opening day. Reaching AAA as a 20yo is CRAZY! I'm of the opinion that sometimes you just take an uber talented kid and run with him. Keaschall is a recent example. He was, and still is, recovering from TJ surgery, plus his broken forearm. But the talent can't be denied. Em Rodriguez is about 30 days of health from wearing a Twins uniform. He's an enigma, but an enigma who could be good to potential All Star ability. But he's a little older, has played at AAA and flashes a bit, and I'd give a job in LF tomorrow if healthy and just live with it the way the Brewers did with Chourio. Rodriguez is talented enough to do the same. Not a knock on Jenkins at all. I just don't care about ROY or an extra draft pick if he is. I only care about a yet to turn 21yo kid who MIGHT NEED a couple weeks or months to just polish his game a bit more. Especially considering he's missed so much time and STILL been this good. I do think Larnach is gone for various reasons. I think he has some trade value by himself, or with someone else as part of a deal. LH bats with a career .760 OPS against RHP who can OF part of the time with some decent power don't grow on trees. IDEALLY, he might be moved with a prospect for someone's #2 or #3 setup arm that is young and controlled for a couple of years. But I might be shooting high there. Were I in charge of the Twins, I'd still keep Prielipp in the rotation, find a 4th pitch that works, and keep him working on how to set up batters. He's still learning how to be a "pitcher" and not a thrower. He's still only 24yo. But I don't disagree he has potential STUD RP ability. I just wouldn't go that direction just yet considering age and potential.

I agree. You either trust the talent/prospects on hand, the arms you've acquired, or you don't. And if you don't, then why are you in charge of anything? I do disagree somewhat with 1yr rentals. I do think a couple FA arms to help the re-build of the pen makes sense. Honestly, I think Coulombe, for example, might have another solid year as a 1 out, 1 IP mid game option makes sense. Maybe there's another Stewart out there, or similar, coming off a bad season. Jeffers does need a semi-decent backup because Cardenas probably isn't ready yet. And I currently SO FIXATED on Josh Naylor as 1B to add a veteran bat and presence to the team. But I don't want any other 1yr options that block Rodriguez, Jenkins, K Culpepper, or even GG or Fedko. I'm with you on that for sure.

The biggest question is do the POWERS THAT BE want to tear the whole damn thing down? (Which also doesn't always work). Or do they want to field a solid, possibly competitive team in 2026? While the pitching hasn't wholly stepped up the this season, or late in 2024, it's been the offense that has been the biggest issue. But Wallner and Lewis aren't throw away players. Buxton is great. Jeffers is on of the best offensive backstops in the game. Keaschall has arrived. Jenkins, Rodriguez, and K Culpepper are so very close. And there are a handful of other position players that are really close to providing help as well. IF the Twins want to field a competent team for 2026, they will STOP the teardown and keep Lopez and Ryan. And I'll repeat yet again, if Larnach is moved, the payroll sits around $90M WITH Lopez and Ryan and arbitration numbers accounted for. I just don't buy in to moving Lopez and Ryan because it's silly to have front line, playoff caliber starters for a team not expected to compete for anything. We'll, yeah, if you trade away your best 2 SP, OF COURSE you won't compete for anything. Both are still controlled through 2027. And YES, the pen needs to be re-built. But you've accumulated so many good young arms, you don't think you can use them? With a payroll of $90M you couldn't add even a couple relievers to help with that re-build? And are you telling me that you DON'T believe in Lewis, Lee, Keaschall, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and K Culpepper??? IMO, Ryan should be an extension candidate rather than a trade option. Or, again, do you not believe in all of your pitching depth and the position players you have on hand, and prospects you have developed that are appearing or about to do so??? Sorry, but that was a reality check to the FO and ownership who are a complete mixed up mystery at this point. Might have just as well spit in the wind, but needed to state what I think is obvious. Ober is susceptible to injuries here and there because of being 6' 9". It's what slowed him somewhat in his early days, but the Twins corrected his mechanics and he became the very good SP that we know. He's looked better after his rest. And he stated all along his mechanics got messed up at some point. Might have lead to his hip issue. Could just be wear and tear that happens once in a while. But Lopez, Ryan, and Ober is a hell of a good 1-3 for 2026. After them, IMO comes Mathews as a virtual lock. The pure stuff and control is just too good to ignore. Other than game experience, what he needs is better "command" of his pitches. That means sneaking out of the zone more for whiffs, and to set up batters. The 5th spot is up for grabs between SWR, Abel, and Bradley. That's 7 deep. But let's not forget about Morris as the probable 8th arm. I think Rojas is only ready mid 2026. The recently promoted to AAA Klein shouldn't be ignored even though he's been largely left out of conversation. But he's also probably a mid season option. And what is the future of Raya? The kid gloves have come off the past couple of months and he's been throwing more pitches/innings and while as consistent as we'd like to see, he's thrown some of the best games of his career the past month or so. And what about Prielipp? Is he the biggest dark horse for the Twins rotation in 2026? Honestly, he's still "learning how to pitch" considering his lack of experience. I'd bet the Twins are going to tweak his repertoire with a 4th pitch soon, though I'm not sure what. Ready July 1st as a SP option next season? I believe ALL of these guys are 25yo or younger at this point. Notice I haven't included Festa, or Lewis, or CJ Culpepper? Nor have I mentioned LH Christian MacLeod. I WANT Festa to be a ML SP because it's a great story and I just love seeing "Thin Reaper" put away guys! But there's always been concerns about durability. He's been REALLY GOOD though an order the 1st time. Not uncommon for a young pitcher. The 2 seamer he's been working on is for RH batters as that's maybe been his biggest issue so far. MAYBE he continues to work on that, or maybe the Twins help him with a sweeper, cutter, splitter instead and convert him to the pen for 2026. The shoulder issues he's dealt with tells me he should pitch 1 inning 3 times a week instead of being a starter. His max velocity should jump to 98-99 ish with a good slider and change. Lewis was the Twins MILB pitcher of the year in 2023, IIRC. In 2024 he had an injury setback and it took some time to get his velocity back. He's had a tough 1st full year at AAA as they've also adjusted his mix, and tried to put his crazy good knuckleball more to the forefront. But maybe they need to put him in the pen for max velocity...probably mid 90's...maybe add a pitch...I'm spitballing a bit here as I can't recall his current repertoire...and use that crazy mid 80's knuckleball on 0-2, 1-2, even 2-2 counts and suddenly be an effective weapon out of the pen in the middle innings. Like Lewis, CJ Culpepper has shown great potential that has been interrupted by mild injury. He has a funky, short arm delivery. He has, I believe, 6 pitches he throws. Control isn't much of an issue. But from what I understand, all of his pitches are solid, but none or great. And his velocity tends to dip after a few innings. Again, what I've heard and read. None of that doesn't preclude him from being a potential ML SP at some point. But maybe he's Jax-like that he can crank up his velocity and throw a grouping of solid secondary offerings to befuddle hitters. MacLeod has slowly moved up the system as a LHSP who needed surgery after the Twins selected him #5 in the 2021 draft. Other than 1.2 IP in 2021, he didnt throw again until 2023. His MILB K numbers sit around 10 per. His WHIP is around 1.4, not bad. I've heard reports his FB sits around 94mph. He's just recently been promoted to AAA after an OK season at AA. But he's got to be about 12th-14th on the pecking order currently for ML help in 2026. So maybe an immediate conversion to the pen makes him a possible pen piece in 2026 at some point rather than falling behind other SP options ahead of him? The 2026 rotation and depth is just fine if ownership doesn't just blow the whole thing up. IF there is ANY faith on the players on hand...Lewis, Lee, Buxton, Jeffers, Wallner...and the prospects ready or nearly ready in regard to Keaschall, Rodriguez, Jenkins, K Culpepper, GG, and maybe even Fedko and Olivar and Rosario not far behind, then the GOAL should be to adapt and use all of the talented arms you have, plus maybe a couple decent FA options to build a decent bullpen and look to the future while still having a potentially solid, competitive 2026 team that will still be building up for better things going forward. Remember "consistently competitive"? They CAN do that in 2026? There is a path to do so that doesn't require a HUGE increase in payroll. DOES the FO actually trust in the talent on hand, and most of their TOP PROSPECTS ready or nearly ready to create an exciting future? Or do they want to tear it all down and be the Dirty Sox, A's, and the Royals for YEARS and just try to sell hope for the future? Personally, I can see a hopeful path that starts by keeping the rotation in tact, with just a couple adds, moving arms around, and STILL keeping the payroll low. That's my opinion and rant.

*ADENDUM to any of my previous posts on this OP. If Larnach is indeed moved, as many/most of us expect, the payroll then sits around $90M WITH Lopez, Ryan, and expected arbitration numbers. Instead of just ASSUMING/HOPING Rodriguez is healthy and ready to go and debut at some point, if not immediately. And generally ASSUMING everyone else will also be healthy the majority of the year and play and debut as expected at some point...May-June-July 1st, whatever...there is still an opportunity to add a solid, veteran such as Josh Naylor to play 1B and DH and provide a quality veteran bat and presence to the lineup and club. He and a decent veteran backstop should cost approximately $18M. Not including a couple pen arms, maybe on the rebound, the total payroll would still be under $120M. Obviously, a couple decent veteran arms bumps that number somewhat. But a SINGLE solid veteran BAT doesn't create any sort of major payroll change. But it only makes sense if they want to put a competitive team on the field.

Not entirely sure if you are asking a serious question here or just having a little fun. (Haven't had time yet to read every post). But Clemens has probably earned the right to be on the 40 man going in to next season. Even if doesn't improve a lick, but can basically just repeat what he's done with the Twins this season, he could be a solid bench player at 4 spots. That shouldn't be dismissed. He has played some 3B in college, MILB, and 20 some games at the ML level. No clue how well, or poorly, he plays the spot. But it might be worth giving him some run there next ST to see if he can help at a 5th spot once in a while. As a bonus, he has one of his father's gloves and can "replace" Castro as the "emergency" pitcher if needed. LOL. *I'm only half kidding as he's done it before.

A nice post, though I'm willing to give Keaschall the benefit of the doubt at 2B for a while. He's missed a lot of time in the field in '24 and this season while recovering from his TJ and then that broken forearm. IF Rodriguez is healthy, I'm still inclined to just give him a job and let him bat lower in the lineup and feel his way. But I agree on who plays what spot between he and Jenkins? But I believe Rodriguez is a little faster, so I'd probably put in LF because there's more ground to cover. Initially, I thought Lee to 3B and Culpepper at SS. But Lee has been looking pretty solid at SS since he's been there full time. So maybe Culpepper at 3B...again, Lewis at 1B in my scenario...and if Houston can follow with a decent bat over the next couple of years, his superior defense then replaces a solid, not great, Lee at SS? In the long run, I thing GG will have the better overall BAT than Fedko. But IMO, the older Fedko is still having the better season overall, and is knocking harder on the door for 2026 as the 4th OF.

That's the OF I've been dreaming of for a couple years now. And it can be for real if Rodriguez can finally get on the "wellness good luck" wagon for a change. Jeffers has been in the top 5 OPS producers at catcher for the past 4-5 seasons. We have control of him through 2027, he's not going to be very expensive, and nobody is going to be ready from the system for another 2yrs. So I think he stays. How do you construct the best INF with Lewis, Lee, Kendall, and Culpepper? You put Lewis at 1B, Keaschall stays at 2B, What I'm not sure is if the left side is better with Lee at SS...at least until Houston potentially arrives...and Culpepper at 3B, or Culpepper at SS and Lee at 3B. Plenty of time later to be gloomy and pessimistic, but this lineup could be a really good one.

I'm only mildly surprised Jenkins is up at this point as I thought AA still had another week or two to play? I thought he'd be up after that. No biggie. This just provides him additional time to see a new, higher level, and get a jump on 2026. I believe the power is THERE and will come out naturally the more he plays. I think the kid is going to be very good. But I also feel maturation for even a potential STUD of a ballplayer as he might be follows a natural course. And while I've stated I like the way the Brewers aren't afraid to take some chances on top prospects to learn on the fly and just live with some early struggles, I'm far more concerned with Jenkins growth and reaching his potential than some target ideal of him being on the opening day roster next season. His career doesn't hinge on being a Twin opening day vs debuting July 1st for example. In regard to other players mentioned, I'm still a big believer in Wallner. This season has really been messed for a lot of players, not just him. He's previously shown he can hit decently, carry a good OB%, and has a career .800 OPS, with tons of power. I'm more inclined to just give Rodriguez LF to begin 2026 than I am Jenkins because he's also super talented, has more time at AAA already, and has flashed between injury stints. Nothing against Roden, who hasn't proven anything yet in a SSS despite really solid MILB production, but the enigma that Rodriguez is has SO MUCH upside that if he could FINALLY stay healthy for a stretch, I'd give him LF and just say: "go get 'em kid! You're going to get a long rope. Just go do what you can do, because we know it's a LOT". Roden has a chance to be a good, solid complimentary ballplayer at multiple spots, providing solid defense, a little speed, a little pop, and to be a decent hitter. I don't think 136 ML AB should determine his future at all. I'm OUT on Outman because I just don't expect a sudden "fix" for him to suddenly recapute his 2023 season. I'm also OUT on Martin. With apologies to Martin fans...and I was HOPEFUL...he doesn't hit enough and doesn't play defense well enough anywhere to be a viable ML player. He's an athlete, not a baseball player. I'm IN on 25yo Kyler Fedko being a potential option as a 4th OF, RH bat who has always had a good OB%, provides defense and speed and some pop/power potential. He absolutely deserves a solid looksee. And he's actually younger than Martin. UNFORTUNATELY, the STILL Falvey lead FO is stubborn as hell to the point of paranoia in regards to depth. And I'd bet $ they will continue to hope Martin SUDDENLY turns it around to recoup past trade value. And they'll probably give Roden the primary LF job NO MATTER health and production from Rodriguez in ST. All in the name of depth and "no risk". Money says Outman takes the Keirsey job of seldom used 13th man to PR and late inning defensive substitution. Why? Because we traded for him and we need DEPTH. I honestly know NOTHING about Zoll except for some things in his bio and reports that he's been a "silent partner" in the FO previously in trades and contract negotiations. But now that he's been promoted to the actual GM chair, does he have any TEETH in making decisions? IF he really and truly IS the GM and Falvey is accepting his role as the MAN IN CHARGE of operations and business and keeps his fingers OUT of daily operations, Zoll may have a chance to put his own fingerprints on the roster. I have ZERO problems with quality prospects getting additional MILB time to honestly work on aspects of their game. It's only smart to do so. For their future, as well as the team. But in today's game, and being a mid market team or NOT, when talent is on your DOORSTEP, GIVE those guys an opportunity. That's Fedko soon...who you drafted....and Rodriguez...who you signed...and Jenkins, who you drafted.

As I stated in a Forums article recently, I so very, very much want Festa to be a quality SP for the Twins. Not only is it a great story/accomplishment to find a late round arm and turn them in to something good...such as Ober and Varland...but the good velocity and solid stuff coming from all those lone arms and legs is just fun to watch. But as we saw with Duran, some arms/bodies just aren't built for 80+ pitches every 5 days. I agree with you, Greg, that Festa is still young and still developing. His struggles the 2nd time through and lineup currently, and his dual shoulder issues this season don't dismiss him as a rotation candidate. BUT, like Duran, maybe he's just built to throw 15-20 pitches 3 times a week in 1 IP situations. That just might be his future. I would offer some pushback on Festa's change as I think it is really good, but lacks consistency. His 2 seamer was added to make him more effective against RH bats. I think it stays, or they replace it with something else, but I think he might need a 4th pitch to achieve greater success, even in the pen. But the Twins need to look at more than a few arms and decide where they fit best "Hey kid, we're not sure you're cut out to be a ML SP. And instead of being 8th or 9th in line for a promotion, why not ascend more rapidly to MLB as a reliever for more $ and all the other benefits and future $ you could earn?" A quick addition if I might? I've been wondering about the pen and all the arms ready, or close to being ready at great length in my head. I still like the idea of Prielipp being groomed as a SP. I'd still like a 4th pitch to offset his good stuff. But considering he's still learning how to "pitch", and the recent additions of some other promising LH arms over the past 2 seasons, I can see a path for Prielipp to move to the pen. I also believe CJ Culpepper might be a very good RP with his large arsenal of pitches, but also a couple injuries, and reports his velocity doesn't always maintain. I've also wondered about Lewis making the transition. IIRC he was the MILB pitcher of the year a couple seasons ago. Then his 2024 was limited due to injury setback. His current 2025 has been a bit of a nightmare filled with horrible appearances mixed in with some solid ones. Not only has he been adjusting to AAA, but his pitch mix has been tinkered with greatly. So overall results might not really matter. But if he could go max velocity for an inning...or two...and toss in that CRAZY knuckleball, he might find real success as a pen option. Just me thinking a little beyond Festa alone.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but is Larnaxh is moved...in whatever kind of deal...and I believe he will be...the payroll should be about $90M WITH Lopez and Ryan still on board and with projected arbitration numbers factored in. With $400 and possibly $500M coming in via the new minority owners, the $400+M debt is gone, or paid down significantly. (Maybe they keep a little debt on the books for tax purposes???). They have the ability to add a couple inexpensive arms to the pen for depth. Maybe guys on 1yr deals looking for rebound season? And you're still under $100M. No clue if the debt elimination and some non-Pohlads now involved will push the payroll back up to a still very manageable $130 repeat of 2025, but if it happens, suddenly you have room to add a 1B or DH for the lineup...maybe BOTH...and you can still be at this season's payroll, or less. I think you're on the right path. Just wanted to add a little.

This is not some crazy, WAY TOO EARLY, BLOW SMOKE pre-offaeason prediction opinion. Nor am I intending to be self-indulgent in any way. But A] wheels have been turning in .y head BEFORE the deadline craziness, B] the same wheels have been in overdrive SINCE that day, C] I've had a few different individuals that have asked me questions about 2026 and my opinion. The OP I'm referencing, of course, was on the front page recently. In a nutshell, it stated the Twins were closer to competing in 2026 than most/many believe. ALL they have to do is not trade any rotation pieces and fix the bullpen. And that's pretty much all that was said. And I was in a bad mood that day and got a little snarky, I'll admit, with my initial response. I don't have a TD Blog at this time, and ai didn't want to respond a half dozen times or more to the questions posed to me, and I didn't want to offer up an 8 paragraph response....which I'm known to do at times. LOL. So as a result, this is MY way to respond to all those that have asked for my opinion, and a way to hopefully slow the wheels in my overactive brain, and nothing more. Read on or not, your choice. It's going to be long winded. 😁 [and I'm going to rank a little] PAYROLL, AND STEP #1: With current players rostered, expected arbitration numbers, and a large collection of inexpensive players making minimum, or not much above, the payroll should be sitting about $90M with Larnach removed. The roster needs a shakeup and a few handful of desperately needed changes. (I'm not directly involving myself in the manager, the coaches, or the FO at this moment). I don't dislike Larnach. But he's the 1st change I have taking place. I don't know if he brings back MILB prospects only, or if he can be packaged with someone else to maybe bring back someone's #3 or #4 pen arm, but I believe there are teams in need of a LH DH/OF with a career .765 OPS against RHP. The changes now begin, and the payroll begins at $90M #2] ROTATION: KEEP Lopez and Ryan. (And Ober for that matter). Their salaries are already worked in to the $90M and all have control through 2027, so they still have trade value later if a move is warranted. But quality SP is the toughest thing to find. With that being said, based on pitchers currently rostered, who have been at AAA all/most of 2025, and AA arms who have been recently promoted, or have been fixtures in prospect profiles, you have the following list of options for the rotation, where from DAY ONE, or June/July 1st additions and depth: Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Matthews, Festa, SWR, Abel, Bradley, Morris, Lewis, Raya, Prielipp, CJ Culpepper, Klein, MacLeod, and you MIGHT include newly acquired Rojas on the list as well, despite inexperience. That's 15 and maybe 16 arms for the 2026 rotation and AAA depth, even if some have had rough seasons, or might not be ready until mid summer-ish. That also takes us to.... 3] BULLPEN: There's just NO WAY to re-build the pen overnight. And NO WAY, the FO would have the resources to throw $M's of $ to do so. (It also doesn't always work that way for teams have tried either). But there are enough good/interesting arms from the SP options to make some interesting moves here. A] As an organization, you sit down and examine who you really and truly believe are arms that you think are rotation bound. As close to 100% as you can realistically believe/hope. And you go from there. B] You then decide who might be better in the pen vs being 9th-10th-11th, etc, in line for a ML SP slot. EXAMPLE: While I SO WANT Festa to harness all his stuff as a quality ML SP, maybe he's just not built to do so? Are the pair of shoulder fatigue issues he's had this season an aberration? Or is he just better off as a setup and potential closer arm? (Similar to Duran). EXAMPLE #2: CJ Culpepper has performed very well when healthy and has been a consistent top "teen" prospect in the system. But he's also had a couple minor injury setbacks recently. There have also been reports of decreasing velocity as the game goes on. He's also got a repertoire of 5-6 solid, effective pitches, but questions remain if any of them can be considered DOMINANT. Could he be "Jax-like" arm who could crank up his velocity for a single inning, maybe 2 on occasion? Is his arm better built for that role perhaps? I could go in to further examples with others, but won't, and don't need to. The point is made. Instead of being later in the pecking order of an arm that MIGHT make it as a ML SP, how about reaching MLB sooner, with more $, and better benefits, and solid future earnings instead of "languishing" in MILB hoping to "make it" one of these days. And there are always other arms coming up behind you in the system. C: With a $90M beginning payroll, there's room to a couple of FA arms to deepen/improve the pen for 2026 as well. And I'm NOT talking about spending BIG $. What about a mid 30's LH option like Chaffin? Or bringing back Coulombe again? We might be talking about a 1yr $3-3.5M deal...a pretty small deal...for a 1 IP veteran who is still proving in 2025 they can get the job done? JUST another example. Is there another Stewart out there? Someone who picked 2025 to have a down season before they become a FA? Someone who was coming off surgery in 2025 and didn't have a great 1st season back? It's WAY TOO EARLY to list a bunch of options when the season isn't even done yet. Maybe a Jeff Hoffman, who they SHOULD have held on to? Absolutely NOT saying you have re-built the pen overnight to anything of great quality. But might you end up with a "serviceable" pen with a good and still potentially deep rotation? Imagine Sands getting back to being closer to his 2024 form, Festa and maybe Raya...giggles and examples... in the pen with a PAIR of solid FA veterans, along with Topa, (still under control), and Adams and Ohl as middle options. MAYBE Hatch is worth keeping? MAYBE another Stewart surprise? But if they can move a couple young arms with talent to the pen, add a couple solid, experienced veteran FA arms, etc, to the pen, they might at least have that serviceable pen. It's a hell of a lot easier than trying to build or re-build a rotation! BTW, didn't Cleveland re-build/re-tool THEIR 2024 pen by trusting in some young arms? 4] LINEUP/POSITION PLAYERS: While I stated I wasn't going to get in the manager or coaching aspect, I simply HAVE TO at this point to some degree. There is some sort of IDENTITY FLAW in the current Twins system regarding positional players and offensive approach. The Bomba Squad days are done. That doesn't mean POWER should be dismissed. POWER has ALWAYS played and WILL ALWAYS play. That doesn't mean HITTING ability and defense, and athleticism, defense, and speed to some degree, don't matter. Drafts over the past few seasons haven't ignored power and they shouldn't. But the scouting department has also drafted pretty heavily on ATHLETICISM. But it takes a while for said prospects to get there. Keaschall is the FIRST of said prospects to arrive. Others are on their way. They let go a coaching staff they felt underperformed and replaced them with another staff. The results have been worse. I'm NOT BLAMING the current hitting staff directly. Again, I'm just asking, IS THEIR AN APPROACH THE FO WANTS TO TAKE? And if there is, what is it? Wallner's 2023 and 2024 had him with decent AVG, a .370 OB%, and an OPS hovering around. 880 combined. He was off to a good start in 2025 before injury. Since then, he's struggled. Is that injury and timing issue STILL? Lewis has been admittedly struggling with his body and a new approach. But nobody has been able to help him with that? Or Wallner getting timing back? There IS an issue with either coaching or approach and that HAS to be addressed. But that's where I'm drawing the line on coaching and the FO at this point. A] The Twins DON'T have a 1B. No offense meant to Clemens who I'd bring back in 2026 as a 3 day player, ASSUMING he could be the same guy again. I would jump on JOSH NAYLOR at 29yo for a $14-15M deal for 2-3yrs. Considering how undervalued 1B has been recently, maybe we get him a bit cheaper. But he gives us a SOLID 1B glove and a SOLID veteran player in the clubhouse and SOLID player at the plate who produces 20+ Dbls and HR consistently. And he's neutral enough in his splits that he doesn't have to be platooned. B] The Twins DON'T have a #2 catcher for 2026. This whole playing Gasper at catcher makes me feel like the the FO is playing him there "just because". ********! Come on Falvey! $3M for a Diaz/Jansen type for 2026 while Cardenas is waiting in the wings as the new #3. C] Ideally we see Lewis get his base and new stroke working and we suddenly have a potential All Star player at 26yo and Wallner becomes again the .880 type producer he HAS BEEN before this season fully.healthy And Lee just keeps being better. D] And Rodriguez suddenly stays healthy for more than a few weeks and the Twins follow the Brewers MO, and just toss him in to LF and just accept all of his potential and ups and downs and do the same with Jenkins in the near future. F] Fedko and Gonzalez are right behind E] There remains the option to add a full time DH to this team. I'm not crazy about that option as I still kinda like the option of keeping DH open for half days off. But there are options out there. I'm just more concerned about letting the prospects play and rotating through DH as necessary. AT THE END: 90M payroll to start with. Spend about $10-12M tops on 1-3 pen arms to help future transition. Spend another $15M for Naylor at 1B for a veteran bat and presence. So can the Twins be competive in 2026? Well, they might compete for the ALC or a WC unless ownership tears them down to nothing. But the $27M -ish I've proposed STILL doesn't reach the $130M spent last year. That leaves room for a 1yr DH, or an added arm for the pen. And while id be advocating STRONGLY for extensions for Ryan and Jeffers, MOST of those types of deals wouldn't even take affect until 2027. There's a lot of room to navigate 2026 IF the FO can be smart about a couple of BP options brought in. As well as being smart in regard to handling the internal pitching options on hand. And IF they have a $130M payroll from last season....well below league average...to work with. Smart decisions need to be made But also, a lot depends not only on talent on hand, but so many TOP prospects oh so close. Again, Keaschall is the closest. But we need to see better results SOON! But if you want to look at HOW the Twins might be able to compete in 2026 for an above .500 record and potential playoff spot, and not destroy the team for a 100 loss season, there you go!

No, I absolutely think they can and hopefully will improve. We need them to. And we need more than just them to improve and contribute. But keep the rotation arms and rebuild an empty pen and we can compete? Not a word of HOW to re-build the pen? Not a word how they might compete with an underperforming lineup? That was my objection.

Here is what I Know. While Lewis is no longer a speedy player, he is a STRONGER player with a different body since drafted. He's also continued to have muscle injuries since his body has developed. He's actually acknowledged that. Despite some amazing performances he's produced, he's admitted he's still trying to figure out his body and his swing. It's frustrating as hell for him, the Twins, and all of us. I'm not willing to give up a 26yo kid who understands he's trying to figure out his swing at this point. He needs time, work, and another season to figure out his body and stoke. Lee needs to avoid "Miranda Disease" and stop believing CONTACT by itself is a good thing. He SAYS he understands that. Will he do anything with that knowledge? He began this season BARELY above rookie status as a 24yo. There's a ton of potential still sitting there if he can get his eyes/,head right. If Lee can ONLY achieve a portion of what was expected of him...not saying he can't/won't be better, he could still be a really good utility INF player. But Royce is a different matter. He's either going to be a BIG BAT at 3B, and maybe transition to 1B based on team need, OR, his injuries will make him a very sad story of "what might have been". I'm still betting on Lewis figuring things out once and for all and having an impact full 2026. I sure hope I'm right