DocBauer

Not a bad first week. But I was really expecting Mendez to get some action at 1B.

Obviously, as of today, there is a consensus #1 and we have a good chance to get him. And if we don't have the #1 pick, you go with the BPA. But my hope would be a top of the rotation arm, or a pure CF with a good bat would be available ad a future Buxton replacement. In total agreement with @Dmanthat an up the middle position is the way to go unless there's a special arm sitting there waiting for us.

OK, we have months to go and a lot of unknowns and debates to consider over the next few months, but I'm willing to play along. WHAT DO THE TWINS HAVE RIGHT NOW: Well they have SANDS who was OK in his RP debut in 2023. Then he was great in 2024. Then he was mediocre in 2025 and pretty damn good again after the deadline. I don't like cherry picking, but if you take away about 10 days in September he really looked a lot like his 2024 self. FUNDERBURK allowed a few inherited runners, but suddenly came alive in the last 2 months after the deadline. Is he finally figuring it out? I sure hope so. TOPA is discussed in a different OP, but he's a 50/50 keep for a residule $1M option as at least a veteran #6-7 option in the pen. So then we get to the OP: LAWYERSON was part of a really good 2019 class and has been used in various roles. He's slowly climbed the ladder and got a debut that was probably later than should have happened. He's got nothing special to offer. But he keeps getting guys out. That's worth looking at. ADAMS AND OHL, and I can't believe Ohl was left off this list. Adams has bloomed late. Ohl was a control freak who lacked velocity. Adams began to flash in 2024. It's why he was added to the 40 man. Ohl slipped in 2024, and then rebounded in 2025. I don't hate Adams. He actually reminds me a bit if Sands that he throws hard enough now, with a breaking ball not quite as good, that could make him still a solid mid pen arm. But I like Ohl better. Now that he sits 95 consistently with an outstanding change, he might be the better of the 2, but that's only my opinion. With a little luck from the baseball gods...and goodness knows we are due...the outlook from doctors that Festa's condition was minor and treatment and normal rehab and throwing was simple. He only needed a nerve and muscle to relax and then he could go back to normal. Why is this so important? Because Festa just might be a similar reliever like Duran. Duran ALSO had some shoulder issues. Some arms just aren't designed to be SP. Some are destined to be 1 IP 2 or 3 times a week. I believe that is where Festa should be. The "Slim Reaper" should be in the pen for 2016 and begin the rest of his career as a top setup man and potential closer. He needs to get his 2 seamer under control to be as good as he can be, but the pen is where he belongs. He honestly could be the #1 pen arm in 2026. But could we pause for a moment to realize that most young arms need a moment to just get their **** together? Varland had a couple of seasons of MLB experience before he excelled. It doesn't mean other really good young arms can't develop and transition. I'm only saying that there's more than a few arms to build a bridge towards a bullpen for 2026 internally and externally. But a couple FA arms should be available on the cheap to assist. Who wouldn't love to have Coulombe back for 1 more year? How about 2 more FA, solid, dependable, maybe coming off a disappointing season looking for a rebound year? There IS some talent in the system. There's transitional talent that might make difference. But there's also the opportunity to add a few solid options that don't decimate payroll and help 2026 and just fill in the gaps for 2027 and beyond.

I appreciate your sentiment. I really do. Canterino suddenly waking up one day after all the injury nightmares he's had and suddenly being Right is a personal Twins fantasy of mine. And you're correct that his career path is similar to Stewart's. And I think we'd all just love to see him surprise himself, and all of us, and be a Cinderella story for the Twins. Similar to Stewart, but also "somewhat" to the Cinderella story Thielbar was as well. I've just given up on the fantasy at this point. But I'd LOVE to be proven wrong!

I don't disagree. The Lee, as a hitter, that I think we'd all like to see could be a fine defensive 1B with his good hands and good baseball instincts. He wouldn't be a masher, but I've never felt your 1B HAD to be a powerplant at 1B to be successful. Especially if you had power/offense at other positions. Rewinding, I grew up watching guys like Carew, Hernandez, Grace, and Joyner playing 1B without tremendous power at 1B. But the did contribute to the lineup. More recent history has guys like Erstad and Bellinger playing 1B, even though they were also natural OF as well. It's why I have ZERO objections to Keaschall moving to 1B IF his arm just doesn't come around after TJ and then a broken forearm this season. However, I just don't see that happening. I fully believe rest and rehab will get his arm back strong enough for 2B. After that, It's all about him just working on the little things defensively. Remember, he's barely played 2B over the past 2 seasons due to his impending TJ surgery, and then the actual recovery time, messed up due to the broken arm. Keaschall has all the quickness, speed, and athleticism to get to balls. But what he's been missing is the subtleties of positioning himself better, snaring the ball, and making the glove to theowing hand transfer. IF things work out as hoped for, Lewis will ACTUALLY be healthy for most of 2026 with another offseason of hard work to get his body and swing right. Eventually, Lee is going to be more of the hitter we hoped for. Once again, he was almost rookie status during 2024. And the Twins will find a 1B for a temporary fix, at least. And then K-Pepper comes up to assume SS and Lee becomes a super utility INF who has all the tools to add 1B. I'm not as down on Lee as some are. But 1B is also the 2nd easiest spot to simply add a BIG BAT to your lineup. And when I look at talent on hand, talent so close to arriving, I just see Lee's best fit as that super utility INF, with someone else taking over 1B with a bigger and better bat.

Generally speaking, I agree with you. I have no problem with Lewis sticking at 3B. I only like the move to 1B if Lee starts to become the hitter we all hoped for, or close to it. Then it just becomes figuring out the best 4 man alignment. And that's where I see Lewis possibly moving to 1B. I'll repeat what I just stated in another response; if Lee just STOPS worrying about crappy contact and can reign in that urge to swing at crap outside his hitting zone, he just might be a .270 hitter with an OB% above .300. I believe he's got 30+ Dbls power and can still jack mid teens HR numbers. That's not a star player, but it's a really good player. I think he's capable at 25yo... and damn near a rookie in 2025...of becoming that hitter. Over the next year or two, they find a 1B, Lee becomes a 4 position super utility INF, and there's no reason for Lewis to move to 1B. Period. I can also see a scenario where Keaschall's arm just never comes back and he moves to 1B. I just don't see that happening with time and rehab, but it's possible. That's where Lee suddenly slides in to the 2B picture. But again, I think Keaschall is going to be just fine with a little more time. I tend to agree with @Riverbrianin regard to the team having more pre-arbitration players on the team and fewer 1 year fillers. I think the team is headed more that direction. But for various reasons, most all teams use 1yr rentals at various spots. And considering 1B and DH are the easiest and cheapest positions to fill, I'm still in favor of a short term option at 1B while younger players such as Roden, Fedko, Mendez, and Amick work at the position, climb the ladder, and a viable option emerges. MAYBE it's time for Rosario to also learn to play 1B. I could even, potentially, see Winokur evolving in to a powerful 1B with speed in a couple of years. I don't disagree with your idea of trading for a long term 1B. I just feel it's the wrong use of prospect capital when you could add a rental there while ACTUALLY spending some time DEVELOPING a couple 1B options from the talent in your system. You mention 3 guys as potential 1B options...which was a creative idea I brought up...as maybe being tough to roster. Not a big issue IMO since Clemens would still be a utility player, which includes 1B/2B both corner OF spots, and MAYBE an emergency 3B. Fedko and Roden not only form a quasi platoon at 1B, but they are also part of the 4th OF coverage. I mean, this ONLY works if these kids actually SHOW SOMETHING with the bat. But imagine an opening day roster of Martin, Buxton, and Wallner in the OF. There's STILL room for Rodriguez or Jenkins to be there opening day and Wallner becomes the primary DH. Add in everyone else and SOMEONE as the utility INF and you get to 13 position players. That's 3 rookies, or near rookies, along with the young Lee and Keaschall, for a lot of youngsters on hand. But it's at least an interesting idea if the payroll is $100M ish. Obviously, I'm hoping for $120M ish.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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