DocBauer

Secondly, consider ADDING payroll and how it might happen: I absolutely don't want the team to spend only for the sake of spending. I want logical roster construction. 1] I WOULD add a veteran corner, RH OF who beats up LHP and can be solid against RHP to be the 5th OF. He can also DH some. He would also allow greater depth in case of injury. Sorry, but Martin at #5 is not what this team needs. They need a veteran for $4-5M until Gonzalez or someone else is ready for the job. That veteran basically replaces Larnach $. 2] As already proposed, you either believe in Lewis just reaching his potential...seemingly the most healthy he's ever been...OR you go out and find a 1B via trade or FA that can be a middle of the order BIG BAT for the next 2-3 years. I just don't know that I like a full time DH that restricts the lineup, unless he's special. So 1B is the ONE spot that makes real sense. A move for a legitimate BIG BAT 1B DOES add to the payroll. I'd say a good $15M if not a couple more. 3] I'd absolutely give Jeffers the QO and recoup the draft pick. He's going to refuse, and he should, because someone...probably the Yankees...are going to give him 4-5yrs at $15M+. And bless him, he and his family are going to be set. The Twins just aren't going to do that, and they can't/shouldn't. So the Twins gratefully accept an additional top 50 pick. No change $ there except the loss of Jeffers $6+M. Unless.... 4] Despite all the hubbub about how valuable Jackson is, he's super inexpensive. And he's a solid catcher. But he's nothing special, which is why he keeps slipping through waivers unclaimed. Caratini is a solid, smart, veteran receiver who's bat is OK, but inconsistent. But nobody will want him unless the Twins pay down his 2027 $10M owed. BUT, MAYBE, the Twins spend another $4-5M on a veteran catcher with a better bat than Jackson to compete and work with Caratini. I think this is a MAJOR STRETCH, but not an impossible one. For now, neutral $ other than a bump for Caratini this upcoming season. 5] Sorry, I just don't see a signing for the starting staff. But I'd LOVE an extension for Lopez or Ryan. I think Lopez is the obvious candidate coming of his 2nd TJ. He's talented, super smart, and a leader. And he would probably realize a 3yr deal for $75M just makes too much sense for his future, and for his family. He'd still have a shot at ANOTHER contract at 33yo if he continues to pitch well. NOTHING against Ryan, who I love, I'm just looking at things as logically as I can. Currently, 2027 has Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Kremer, and Matthews as the top 7 SP options. With all due respect to Ober...who I believe has value as a back end starter...he's either traded or non tendered. And while that makes me sad, it's just a reality. But I also see Rojas as a SP option still, along with Gallagher...possibly pressed to AAA a little sooner than expected...and a few others that could be "fill in" options that might include Paredes, not to mention maybe Quick by mid season. Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, etc, why do you spend $ for a FA with those options available if everyone is healthy? You trade Ryan and then have to sign someone else? What have you accomplished? Now, if you get another Abel type back, OK. But the rotation is good as is. I don't see a payroll jump here for 2027 unless the Twins trade and sign. But as I've pointed out, it doesn't make a lot of sense. 6] The bullpen is where spending some $ starts to make sense. Gomez is cheap. So is Morris. So are countless options from Sands to Nance to Raya to Acton, etc, etc. A healthy Banda is still under team control, but might require another $1.5-2M. I'd do that. Minter will be a FA again. He's still solid, done well so far with the Twins, but he's just not going to get another $11M deal. At 34yo in 2027 he's looking at 1 and 2 year deals that pay him $4-5M I'd bring BOTH Banda and Minter back for 2027. Funderburk, who might play a part in the 2027 bullpen, is the ONLY internally developed LH option in years. Hard to calculate how much is spent here since Banda probably gets a small raise and Minter takes a dive from $11M. The Twins probably "save" $ based on past contracts, but end up spending about $12-13M to keep both LHP options. Hoffman costs about $7.5M with the $ thrown in by the Jays. The Twins lose $ from FA departure, but spend additional $ on a few arbitration moves. Not many, but there are some. But Larnach and Bell gone more or less negate any internal raises. And Jeffers gone adds another $6+M. So roughly $18M is off the books and another what, $10-15M goes to raises and Hoffman? So the payroll is close to neutral at that point? So a 5th veteran RH OF is max $5M for discussion. A resign of Lopez doesn't factor until 2028. Keeping Banda and resigning Minter keeps the payroll really close to $110-115 with Hoffman on board. The point ultimately is the Twins DON'T have to suddenly spend ONLY to spend. They have the ability to SPEND for 2028 by resigning Lopez or Ryan. They have the ability to keep Banda and Minter, unless they want to look elsewhere. But these are a couple of really solid LH bullpen options that don't have anyone in the system pressing them. So maybe when we talk about the 2027 payroll, maybe we should be talking more about Keeping some of what we have, in addition to what we need to lose, or are going to lose. YES to Keeping Banda and Minter, and MAYBE adding a FA RP to add what's on hand. MAYBE just trade Lewis for whatever you can get and add a powerful BIG BAT at 1B and be grateful for the ADD vs any potential loss. The CRAZY thing is, I can see a $130-140M payroll....WAY lower than it should be...where this team is very good with the young talent on hand, adding 1 BIG BAT, and keeping the bullpen as is, with a couple additions internally or externally, and be ready for a competitive 2027. It's not about the $ spent. It's about HOW it's spent. This team, IMO, is SO CLOSE to being really good! But they need ownership to be on board as well. And they need a FO that can make smart decisions. I don't like or dislike Zole at this point. But I sure have doubts. And I don't think I'd give him more than a season to prove he's different than Falvey. But OK, neutral results for most options. A veteran OF simply replaces Larnach. An extension of Lopez doesn't factor until 2028. Arbitration raises are pretty much covered by Jeffers and Bell, with a little left over. So KEEPING Banda and Minter and Hoffman and ONE BIG BAT adds something close to $20-25M TOPS? Rough calculations at this point. So a $130M payroll is where the Twins were a year ago? IMO, that's the MINIMUM for ownership to prove they are invested.

Regarding the OP directly first: I didn't vote because I'm having a tough time giving up on Lewis, but 1B is also probably the best chance to actually add a BIG BAT. Lewis has been slumping lately, but the player that came back from his demotion looks to be a .265-.275 hitter with 30 Dbls and 20 HR and a decent glove at 1B that is getting better and better. THAT version of Lewis would be a solid 1B and BAT. But can we get that player for a full season? That's the $1M question isn't it? He's too young yet...just entering his prime years...to give up on, but too frustrating and inconsistent to necessarily want to bank on. The Twins could also add a BIG BAT at the DH spot, but I don't know that I like that when I see so many internal options that could fill that spot just taking half days off. OF: Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez. For the most part, they all play every day, which is why having the DH open makes so much sense. I really don't see the logic in adding a BIG BAT in the OF with those guys on hand. However, I can see a solid, veteran RH OF being added unless they think Gonzalez is ready. Martin is basically a LF who will hit at the bottom of the order if kept. They could use a other RH bat that can damage LHP but not stink against RHP. I don't see adding a BIG BAT here, just a solid one. INF: For the moment, I'm leaving Houston out of the equation. Lee might be an All Star player, but he's really solid at 3B, already has about 50 XBH, including 20+ HR. You'd have to spend a ton of $ or prospect capital to do better. And you aren't going to replace K-Pepper at this point. He's probably the 2B when Houston is ready, but currently Clemens has that spot. Again, not an All Star, but a decent glove and over 50 XBH and 24 HR and over 70 RBI. Who do you get to replace that unless you go BIG. And that doesn't seem to make sense. CATCHER: MAYBE they add someone better than Jackson, but Caratini is $10M in 2027 and Jeffers isn't going to resign barring a MAJOR offer, which makes no sense with Lackey on the way. So that really leaves 1B as the ONE real spot to add a BIG BAT, and move Lewis. Unless there's a Cruz clone waiting out there, I see DH as being a rotation spot for half days off, to work in all 4 primary OF, and when Houston is ready, Clemens might also spend some time there. It's really hard to let Lewis go and potentially see him reach his potential with someone else. But then again, a "bird in the hand" might be the best approach. And through trade or FA, maybe adding a 1B as the BIG BAT this team seems to need might be the best play.

Rodriguez needs to be up today or tomorrow. Get him as much time as possible, playing almost every day, to get his feet wet in preparation for 2027. In fact, get Gonzalez and Ross as much time as possible as well as a prep for next season. I'm not saying to bench everyone, but Bell, Larnach, and Kreidler really don't need to play much the next 3 weeks. The Twins aren't playing for the post season any longer. I'm intrigued by Morissette and have asked previously if we got a steal in him. He was a 2nd round pick and things just never worked out in Miami. But honestly, I'm not sure there's room to also add him and bring him up at this point, unless someone gets hurt. Rozek might have a ML future as a LH middle man. But while he's a good organizational guy, I just don't know that he has enough pure stuff to get ML hitters out. Still, I've often thought the Twins should take a look at some point to see.

With little exception, I really like the "finalized" 53 man roster. There were a couple of surprises on the practice squad I didn't see coming. And a couple of quick waivers and non-signings that also surprised. Personally, I thought Rouse looked good at OG in the preseason and I was surprised he was cut/traded. I'm really hoping Keegan and Samac were good additions. Reports on potential indicate they could be. I don't know how much is left in Van Noy's tank, but I like the signing. Batty and Richter had good camps. Plus, they've been experimenting with Dawkins and Wilson as part time EDGE options. I wonder if the Batty injury lead to the Van Noy signing? Regardless, he knows Flor's system and has been a great pro. All he needs to do is be a sound #3 option. Having Harry back is pretty awesome, and IMO, not unexpected. He may not be what he once was, but he's still really good. I don't think SAFETY was a weakness without him, but it, and the defense, are better WITH him for one more season. It also allows the 2 Thomas rookie kids a year to learn instead of being pressed in to early action. As I understand it, Van Noy might spend a couple weeks ramping up before activation. I'm betting Smith is added to the roster almost immediately. I'll be very curious to see the 2 drops for their additions as there's nobody on the roster that I personally want to see dropped, for fear of losing them. I'm betting on Yurosek to get down to 3 TE. Makes sense. I'd love to keep him on the PS. But who else? Vaughn and you run with 4 CB? Theo Jackson because he didn't take a step forward as hoped in 2025? Surely they don't drop Jacob Thomas simply because he was an UDFA? The kid had a fantastic camp and preseason.

August was a great month in the system for hitting. Some of those honorable mentions would have been top 6 in many months. I've been very pleased by the hitting of a lot of prospects and their development this season, from AAA on down to Ft Myers, including some not even listed in this OP. And that includes a lot of International prospects really upping their game here in 2026. And almost every position player drafted this year is off to a good start as well. Certainly the bats have been better throughout the system this year as opposed to the pitching. But I'm not panicked about the arms in the system at this point. The scouting department sort of fell in love with the idea of developing mid round arms after a couple solid years of doing so. Then they fell flat for a year or two with that approach. Now, a few might still turn out. But in 2025 they changed their philosophy and started to grab talented arms earlier in the draft, and that continued in this year's draft as well. But consider that Soto hasn't been right for over a year. Promising young arm Bohorquez also began the season on the IL. And from the 2025 draft, only Quick and a couple mid/late picks haven't been hurt. Of the top 4 picks from last year, Ellwanger got off to a great start before getting hurt. Reitz and Barr began the season on the IL and missed a chunk of time, as did others. And the 2026 class won't debut until next season. So I would urge everyone to avoid both panic and judgment until we see how 2027 goes in regard to pitching within the system. Let's see a few more guys previously in the system hopefully be 100%, and let's see the 2025 class also be healthy and return to action, as well as seeing the 2026 class debut. It's possible there's a AA level gap in depth, but not empty. And the lower levels should be very strong to begin the season.

Jow

Calling a good game, working with the pitchers and having their confidence, and receiving the ball well and blocking the plate are all more important than CS. BUT, you've got to be better than 8%. Let's not forget that SB numbers are not only a reflection of arm strength, but accuracy, pop time, as well as how well/poor the pitchers do at keeping base runners "honest". There seems to be a general belief that MILB pitchers don't focus much at keeping runners close to the base. But he absolutely has to improve and get closer to at least the 20% area. As a hitter, he appears to be very advanced in contact and zone control. He could definitely use a little more pop/power just to keep pitchers on their toes. But the 34 XBH so far this season isn't horrible and shows some potential. A solid defensive catcher who can hit the way he can would be very valuable, albeit as a probable #2. But if the arm never gets better, the bat could play as a 4th-5th RH OF who can also be a #3 catcher.

Totally understand Rodrifuez is a bit of an enigma. But he's having a hell of a 2026 at St Paul, even in a but if a SSS due to injury. He's only K'd about 10 times morw than his BB, and I believe he has more BB than K since his return. Just tremendous upside with any sort of decent contact. He's ready. And he should be up already. Not saying he is, but is it possible the Twins got a minor steal in Morissette? He was a former 2nd round pick, which is nothing to dismiss, and at 26yo he's easily having the best season of his career since coming to the Twins. Raya rounding back in to form and looking really good again. I still think he's got a future in the Twins bullpen, but probably not until 2027. Mercedes has obviously not hit as well at CR as he did at Ft Myers, but the power and speed are still there. Really looking forward to seeing what kind of step he takes next season. Talent wise, he's one of the most exciting players in the system. Canterino just getting on the mound again is a good story and a credit to his determination. He can probably get 1 more appearance at CR before the season closes down. I'd move him up to AA to get a little more actual game time before he goes to Instructs. It's not about the results so much as just seeing health and velocity. The rest will hopefully come with time.

Great post! IMO, good chance Lackey jumps to AA to begin 2027. He's that talented and polished. Tinney moves up to CR to at least begin the year, but probably plays half the year at AA. Tait only turned 20yo a week ago. Absolutely no shame to him if he cones back to CR to begin 2027. The strong arm is there, and the power is there. Next season he needs to refine the bat/contact and the rest of the defense behind the plate. Yes, he could up at 1B, but we're a couple years away from making that decision. Really, really frustrated about Rodriguez. He should be up and playing and would be already had he not gotten hurt again. IMO, he should have opened the season with the Twins. (Old news at this point). But in theory, the Twins are giving chase to the playoffs, so I can see not wanting to rock the boat. On the other hand, Larnach hasn't been very good lately. And we have a wasted roster spot with Jackson still around. But I don't want Rodriguez up and not playing daily. So again, really frustrated! He may get some Winter Ball, but I think he's ready now. And I can live with a few growing pains. Also very excited about the 2027 OF. Still wonder if the 5th spot will be a DH, or a conventional OF. Very pleased with Winokur's progress this season. Has he made enough progress...and during the offseason...to begin next year in St Paul? He's either the Twins future 3B, or CF, or one hell of an athletic 1B if everyone else stays healthy and develops as hoped.

Sorry gang, started to read but I'm home late and late to the OP. So I guess I'm just going to toss in a nickel of an opinion at this point. 1] KEASCHALL: 100%. He's built well, but will never be a 20 HR hitter. But with 9 so far this season...virtually a rookie season...he is starting to look like a double digit HR bat in the future with plenty of DBLs and everything else you want in a leadoff hitter. I'm OK putting him the DH role for the OP conversation of a lineup. I think his OF defense will improve, but LF is his best spot. I can still see him occasionally at 2B and 1B as a quasi-utility player. But he will primarily roll between the corner OF spots and DH, with spot duty at 2B at least, if not some 1B. Jenkins and Rodriguez can both cover CF, so he's only an emergency CF option. 2] CULPEPPER: I know he's only a rookie, but he's got decent bat and zone control, though it needs a little work. But he's got HIT ability and decent OB% potential and also has 20-20 potential along with a bunch of DBLS potential as well. 3] JENKINS: He has all the ability in the world to do about everything. He's going to HIT and get OB, and he's going to have a boat load of DBLS. He'll even steal a few bases. While his approach might never lead to being a 30HR hitter, he has the ability to easily be a 20+ HR hitter. 4] BUXTON: 120-130 games in CF if his hip is OK after an offseason is outstanding. But a few more games at DH to prolong his career also makes sense. Imagine his RBI totals with actual OB opportunity from the players hitting before him. 5] I'm OK with Clemens hitting 20+ HR and playing a solid 2B for NOW. And I really like him as part of the roster. 6] LEWIS: He doesn't have to be the Superman we thought he might be. And despite a recent slump he's been really good since his demotion and promotion. But isn't he also the biggest question mark and enigma the FO has to figure out? He's either starting to figure it out but just having a slump OR he's just never going to figure it out. 7] RODRIGUEZ: The FO blew this from day one last year. Despite the injury history, the kid has produced at every level. He had a good ST. He's got tremendous talent. And IF the FO wasn't so damn dense he'd be up September 1st, tomorrow, to get a chance to dive in to rhe deep end for a month. And even if he needs some time hitting lower in the lineup, that's OK. But for the FO to not bring him up tomorrow to play in September only proves Zoll doesn't know what he's doing. 8]LEE: Why does everyone doubt Lee? He began this season with only a year and a less than a half before this season. And not only has he settled in 3B, he's also still growing as a hitter. CURRENTLY, I guess CATCHER is as it is. My biggest issue remains the same. Are the 2027 Twins better chasing a Cruz like DH to help rake? Or are they better just better trusting in the talent on hand?

Wow. Lifted almost exactly from the original MLB Pipeline article including no mention of Jiminez. Granted Jiminez had a season interrupted by some IL time, but there seemed to be some excitement about him this time last year after being acquired from the Tigers at the deadline. He's got a long way to go, but reports have been a solid understanding of calling a game with a good arm and some pop/power. Even if he's a future backup he could be valuable.

I understand defering to Buxton as the figure head and leader of this team. I GET IT, even if I don't necessarily agree with it. If he can live with the pain and still play every couple of days, again, I get it. An 80-85% Buxton is still valuable. And I doubt a few more weeks will make a difference in regards to whatever procedure he needs in the offseason. And while I appreciate the WARRIOR that he is, I think I'd set him down and just tell him we're going to shut him down for another couple of weeks to help in the playoffs...which we probably aren't going to get to. If he HONESTLY feels he can contribute every few days, then I keep him on the roster. But Go being released is obvious. You take a shot once in a while, and that was a miss. No harm, no foul. Since the 2025 trade deadline has been brought up, I DON'T think Roden should have been part of that deal. Even with the potential of Rojas, I still wouldn't have made the Varland deal. Especially with Roden as the 2nd piece. And I actually still like him as a 4th or 5th or platoon player with solid ability. But he NEVER FIT the Twins future needs. I like Roden as a player overall, given a fair chance. But how in hell did he EVER FIT with the future with Jenkins and Rodriguez and others? If the trade was Rojas and another arm, or a solid RH OF, or a solid INF prospect, that might have made much more sense. I don't dislike Roden as depth, and maybe part of a trade package in the offseason. He was just never a good fit for the Twins. This trade might haunt the Twins for a while unless Rojas turns out to be a quality SP, or even a stud LH RP. I'm hoping for the former, but am OK for the latter. But Roden, with all due respect, was the WRONG secondary to that trade.

But I would disagree about Martin. I don't dislike him, and I'm not saying the Twins should trade him or DFA him. But assuming Gonzalez isn't ready in 2027 to earn a job immediately, I'd really like to see the Twins FINALLY trade for or sign a RH OF that can beat up LHP and not suck against RHP. Martin is a RH bat who belongs in LF, can cover RF OK, but is really redundant with Keaschall's move to the OF. It's BEYOND TIME to ignore the final bench spot and actually add someone who is a decent bat with some power and who they can play without crossing fingers.

And you've also sort of restated my opinion here as well. But I don't believe the Twins will have to take on much, if anything, to move on from the glut of OF on the roster. Maybe in regards to Larnach? At his current salary, he was worth a ML reliever to the Astro's GM as a mutual rental for each team. Word has it, there were other offers for Larnach that included a prospect or two. The Twins didn't want to disrupt the current team for prospects. Had they known Larnach was going to go in to a funk, perhaps they would have changed their mind. Larnach, still under team control, is due about $7-8M via arbitration this offseason. I'd be surprised if a team was desperate enough to trade a prospect or 2 for him at that salary. MAYBE the Twins toss in a couple $M to make a deal? We can hope for it, but I doubt it. Wallner is still, more or less, a minimum $ player. Moving him to a team trying to build something might net a decent prospect, but there would be no $ included in the deal. I have to point out that with Jenkins and Rodriguez with the Twins in 2027, the St Paul OF isn't exactly deficient. Barring trades, and understanding there might be some 1B play also involved here, Gonzalez, Mendez, Rosario, a rehabbing Olivar...also in the catching mix...and Spain from AA are all part of the St Paul OF to begin 2027. It's also possible Roden is there. And dare I say it, Martin still has an option. An IDEAL Twins offseason might have them FINALLY signing or trading for a RH corner OF who beats up LHP but doesn't suck against RHP. That could be a HUGE but not necessarily expensive add to the 2027 Twins roster. And waiting in the wings would also be Winokur at some point, as well as Kendle, who has made a MAJOR jump in status here in 2026. Not ALL of these names are great prospects, but a few of them are. But St Paul's OF for 2027 is just fine, and there really is no reason to pay anyone to "take" an OF unless, again, a couple $M could be sent along with Larnach to a team in real need for a solid, experienced LH bat and a decent prospect in return.

Thank you Mr Larnach for your service as a solid, slightly above average ML OF for us the past few years. We'll keep you on the roster to finish the season and you'll still play once in a while, but you won't be back next season. While the playoffs are a pipedream at this point, we're still trying to finish strong and hopefully hit a .500 record. But we have younger, more talented young players that might not only give us a spark, but we need to get them ready for 2027. Thank you Mr Roden for a handful od good games and a couple BIG moments. We still like you and believe you have a ML future, with us or with someone else. But right now, we're shooting for a .500 record and need to play even younger players with more potential to get them ready for 2027. That's really the story here. Jenkins, Buxton, Keaschall, and Rodriguez are all in the Twins OF for 2027. Jenkins is now being brought up. Rodriguez should be up in a couple of days. Emma is extremely talented. He's got CF speed...for now at least...and a RF arm. He's got 20-20 potential, along with 30+ DBLs every single year, to go along with quality defense. He could HIT only around .225-.235 with an OB% of around .315...given his eye and zone control...and STILL be a productive, valuable player. Some have speculated he could be "protected" in 2027 as if he was a rule 5 player being "stashed" to allow him time to develop. I call B.S. on that idea! He needs to play! The Brewers, Guardians, and Rays aren't afraid to play young prospects and give them time to "fail" some while "figuring it out". And the Twins shouldn't be afraid to follow the same path! And while there are obvious concerns about Rodriguez and his K% vs BB% and career AVG in MILB, his ability to still HIT at an acceptable pace at each MILB stop, along with ALWAYS having a high OB% tells me there is SOME actual HIT ability inside of him. I recall an interview with him during ST where he openly stated he understood he couldn't be as passive at the ML level as he was in MILB and would have to be more aggressive on pitches he could hit at the ML level because he knew the pitchers would be better. Sounds like a kid who has a pretty good understanding of who he is, has been, and needs to be as a ML ballplayer. Smart young man. I understand he's a bit of an enigma who might take a little time to get his total game going. But forget "freezer burn" as to him being a prospect. Just look at the production when he's been on the field. NOTHING is guaranteed, but the potential is a very special player if given a little time. And that time should start no later than September 1st! He and Jenkins should be in the lineup 5 days out of 6 in whatever lineup configuration is needed to make that happen. The Twins might be shooting for a .500 record, but getting ready for 2027 is what's most important at this point. And those goals aren't mutually exclusive.

I wouldn't have brought Larnach back this season. I had a different roster construction in mind, but there's no sense rehashing that. And while Larnach has never developed in to the player we had hoped for, he's been a league average or above player in his career. He's helped this team quite a bit this season, and could certainly help another team short of LH bats as a DH and part time OF. But he no longer fits with the Twins for obvious reasons. Buxton, Jenkins, Keaschall, and Rodriguez are all in the 2027 OF for reasons we all know. That OF has room for a 5th guy who would ideally be RH just for roster balance, IMO, but we can debate that. Other OF options are Martin, Roden, Gonzalez, and Mendez. So where does Larnach fit in for $7-8M at this point? He doesn't. Not even at DH where Keaschall would be a better option offensive/OPS wise even if it's a strange fit. Larnach has been an OK, solid player who has helped over the years. But there are younger, less expensive, higher ceiling players, some with better defensively, to replace him. I don't know if his value could bring back a decent player/pitcher as nearly happened with Houston. But I'm hoping he has enough value to bring back a decent prospect at least. But it's time to move on.

I like Bell and have liked him. I wanted him signed a couple times over the past few years. And I liked his signing this year, but I greatly disliked the idea he was supposed to be the Twins primary 1B. We all saw how poorly that decision went, and how quickly they disbanded that idea. And I like what Bell has done for the Twins this season, despite his typical 1st half slump issues. But I'm personally a NO on a resign of him. Buxton, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Keaschall...though he might be used as more of a utility player and part time DH...are in the 2027 OF. You need playing time for all 4. And Buxton may end up with a little extra DH time as well just to preserve his body better. Currently, assuming we don't have a major FA signing, or a surprise of Houston jumping straight from AA...though there is precedence in the Twins past of doing so...the INF is seemingly set with Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. Currently, Caratini and Jackson are the catchers, barring a surprise or two. That's 3 spots open. One for a 5th OF, which I'm not going to get in to at the moment, and 1 for a Super Utility player, which I'm also not going to get in to at the moment. That leaves ONE spot open for the player/position of your choice. And while it sounds great to have a special BAT on your team to take that DH spot...like Cruz a few years ago...I don't think Bell is SPECIAL the way Cruz was. (Or Chilli Davis back in the day). Having that primary DH limits your roster flexibility, which is again fine, as long as it's a SPECIAL BAT. Of course, considering poor roster construction the past few years, the Twins tend to ignore the 13th man altogether, which is ridiculous, and a different story for a different day. EXTREME EXAMPLE, but Keaschall as a primary DH produces enough OPS to fill the spot most days compared to league average. The problem there is you give up the potential of a power bat at the position. EXCEPT, POTENTIALLY, the Twins have 20HR hitters in Lewis, Lee, Clemens, Buxton, and possibly K-Pepper. So to do Jenkins and Rodriguez, but I'm not going to bank on that from a pair of rookies, no matter how talented. And not only do we have to mix and match our 4 primary OF, but the INF need days off, and half days off. In 2027, I'd like to focus on the YOUNG players, while relying on the older ones like Buxton, Clemens...not ancient...and Lewis (still only 27yo when the season starts)...and make sure everyone plays almost daily and keep that DH spot open for rotating duties. IMO, that focuses more on today AND tomorrow and provides more roster flexibility. Just my opinion.

I've seen enough good from Adams to suggest he's still got some potential as a decent middle reliever. But I'm 100% in agreement with the OP. Even with SSS, Acton and Anderson have shown flashes of potentially being solid middle of the pen arms. I think it's a real shame Raya got hurt just as he seemed to be raising his game to another level. But he's probably in the "wait until next season" camp right now. (Though things could change in September). And I don't think CJ Culpepper is quite ready yet. So he's in the same camp as Raya. Veteran Merryweather probably isn't long for the Twins organization past this season, and would need a 40 man move, but he's been really good at St Paul and has some ML experience. Maybe Adams takes his game to another level next season. He'd better as he could easily slide down the pecking order in 2027 with arms on hand, and arms coming back from injury. But he's just not doing the job currently. Acton or Anderson, either way, pick one to replace Adams for now. We need all the pen stability and depth we can get right now with the rotation working on vapors.

Regarding the OP directly: WALLNER: If he's not traded, he gets a shot as a reserve OF, LH primary DH next season. Maybe. But even as a fan of Wallner, I just don't see a future for him. First off, it's Jenkins before him 100%. Additionally, you have to carry Gonzalez next year no matter what. Now, the good news is that he's probably ready, and you just live with some growing pains and he probably hits lower in the lineup initially. So there again, he's ahead of Wallner. GONZALEZ: I believe in Gonzalez. He was hurt in 2024 and he didn't perform very well. Healthy again in 2025 he RAKED. He's had a mediocre 2026, but is still young, and I'd bet on a nice rebound from him in 2027. Since he's already on the 40 man, and can beat up LHP...in theory...I would have brought him up when Martin got hurt. He's already burned an option this season, so why not?? But Martin is probably back soon, and I'm just assuming he'll take his job back when reactivated. So Gonzalez probably waits until next season for his shot. ROSS: Look, I get his AAA production and OPS aren't as out of the world like they were in AA, but they're still good. And we're talking about a Super Utility player, not an every day starter. I've become a fan of Kreidler's defense and hustle, but he's been hitting .169 over the last 30 day, or 71 AB. I'm doubting Ross's glove is as good as Kreidler's, but his bat and offensive game are probably better. And he plays all the same positions, and hits LHP well. I'm not saying DFA Kreidler, but unless we sign the next Castro in the offseason, or trade for the next Punto, we need depth and competition at the SU spot. And Ross should be given a serious shot. He's younger and better than Gray, IMO. But I don't know that he gets his shot until next year either. RAYA: I liked the month he showed at AAA before his promotion. I really liked what I saw of him in his SSSS. I saw good velocity and some nasty breaking stuff. It's a shame he got hurt. He's got better potential than a couple guys in the pen currently, or at least some of the guys who have been there. But the pen is deeper and better today than it was a month/month and a half ago. I also kinda like what I saw of Acton early, and Anderson when he was up. I think Raya has a chance to help this pen going forward, as well as CJ Culpepper. But once again, I just don't see it until 2027. I like the OP drawing attention to these options. It makes sense in the context of "other than Jenkins" as options. But without injuries, it's a NO, and 3 "wait until next year". TODAY: Whether or not Buxton is banged up a little and will be ready to go Friday or not, you DFA Jackson again and bring up Jenkins. PERIOD! This "can we find room for him to play daily" is a load of B.S. You MAKE ROOM for a prospect like Jenkins! Buxton needs more rest...if he's not put on the IL...Larnach is struggling, and he and Bell can also sit an extra day a week. And they're barely using Roden anyway. Martin comes back soon and takes back his spot as the September call up player. OK, that works to finish the season I guess. But they need a better option for 2027. IMO, fair to him or not, Roden gets sent back down due to having options, and you bring up Rodriguez and find time for him as well. You NEED to give him September to just get his feet wet! It's up the Zoll to make these moves. It's up to Shelton to find playing time for everyone.

It doesn't matter about his production at this point. I think we all knew Ft Myers was just an initial introduction to professional ball. It's been that way for a couple of years. He may or may not hit better at CR to close out the season. But it honestly doesn't matter. He played a full college season, sat for a couple of months, and now he's just adjusting to pro ball. A move to CR is just a spring board. His offseason development will determine if he begins 2027 at AA, or maybe gets a few weeks at CR to get in a groove. Personally, I still think there's room for Tinney to do the same.

To be honest, there's been a lot of posts that I wanted to "like", but haven't. My reasoning is simple. I just wanted everyone to share their opinions before I shared mine. I LOVE having a full time DH when they are SPECIAL. I reflect back to Chilli Davis in the day, and Cruz more recently, with a little Jim Thome thrown in. Those were SPECIAL DH options. If wishes were granted in MLB, I'd WISH the Twins could have a SPECIAL DH who could be more than a statue at a position for a few games here and there to allow days off, or as a fill in once in a while due to injury. But to now be fully transparent, I don't want the Twins to have a full time DH in 2027 unless they invest in someone who actually is SPECIAL. I prefer to keep the DH spot open for half days off for a quality roster that can make that happen. And I don't believe that's a pipedream. The 2027 OF is going to include Buxton...who might DH a little more...Jenkins, Keaschall, and Rodriguez...out of options. The 5th OF is open to future debate, and not necessarily import here. The INF will be Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. The Super Utility is open to debate between Kreidler, Ross, and a potential trade/FA. ASSUMING the Twins don't just get super aggressive and just give the SS job to Houston, he should be up at some point next season to scramble the INF a bit. IMO, all the more reason to NOT have a full time DH. I've heard theories that MAYBE Rodriguez will be treated as a Rule 5 selection since he's out of options, and will be treated as such. WTH? The 2026 Twins would have been better just giving RF to Rodriguez as I argued for, and just let him be hot and cold and play good defense and give him the time he needs to adjust. SLIDING DOORS, but maybe he doesn't hurt his thumb again sliding in to 1B if he was on the Twins roster. And maybe TODAY, we're talking about how much he's developed this season instead of wondering about his 2027 role. Once again, if Rodriguez played for Cleveland, Milwaukee, or Tampa, this wouldn't be a question. He'd already been a fixture in their lineup. So once again, poor lineup and roster considerations by the FO. And also another argument for NOT having a primary DH. Buxton can DH a little more to conserve his legs, and ALL the OF can DH once in a while. As can the INF with YOUR CHOICE of Super Utility player whether it's Kreider, Ross, or a FA, or trade option. I wouldn't mind another Punto tradez or a Castro FA surprise. And I don't dislike Kreidler either. But I think the Twins would be pretty stupid to NOT consider Ross seriously for 2027. They invested a fairly high draft selection on him and he's really turned a corner in 2026. We can debate his prospect status all day long, but he and Kreidler play the same positions. Kreidler might be the better glove, Ross the better bat. One older, one younger with more bat potential. But I regress only to state Clemens can DH for a day, or Lewis, or Lee, because there is room to do so. At some point, I really believe Houston is going to take over SS from K-Pepper, who is a solid SS in his own right. I just really believe Houston's glove is the real deal. And I think K-Pepper could be a GG 2B in time, AND a SS hitter. ALL the more reason to not have a fixture at DH unless the Twins invest in someone SPECIAL for the position. But I just don't see that happening. While Catcher is a question mark offensively, I believe the OF and INF will have enough talent that a rotating DH will actually be a strength, not just someone to throw in to the spot. We want and need Jenkins, Buxton, Keaschall, Rodriguez, Lewis, Clemens, K-Pepper, and Lee to play daily. But they also need days off. So half days off at DH makes sense. So, OK, let's play with the 5th OF for a moment. It could be Martin. It could be Gonzalez. But the roster just SHOULDNT be built for 12 and a half players! The 5th OF, whoever it is, should be a RH bat who rakes against LHP, but doesn't suck against RHP since they will end up facing RHP once in a while. So here we are at the #5 OF spot where it MIGHT make sense to have that Full Time DH. We already have 4 OF, PLUS Clemens to play some OF, PLUS our SU INF can also play some OF as well. It would be awesome if that Full Time DH could be better than a butcher in a corner OF spot, but it also opens up the opportunity to actually ADD such a bat. I'm not sure who that player might be at this point. We've still got a long offseason to go through. But again, aren't we just better, and more balanced, if that 5th OF isn't maybe a veteran OF who only has to play part time and be decent in the corners while raking against LHP and be decent against RHP? Isn't that a better lineup and position player lineup while keeping the DH spot open? IMO, FINALLY ADD a decent RH bat for the 5th spot in the OF that you aren't "scared" to play in the OF and won't cost a huge $ contract. But DON'T spend $ on anything else but the rotation and the bullpen. It's TIME to play everyone else and trust in them and let the DH be a floating spot. It's really not hard to see a 2027 lineup filled with inexpensive, mostly young, and very talented players with better speed, better defense, and a ton of potential instead of spending $ for a full time DH.

And just as I get done posting I look at the Box from tonight's game and Buxton is 1-1 with a DBL, a BB, and 2 Runs scored. So MAYBE he's just been in a slump and conserving his body?

Buxton's hip issue was caused by his knee issue...since fixed...from everything I've ever heard or read. I'm not exactly sure what can be done this offseason to help correct the issue...hopefully SOMETHING...but it's clearly not going to be "fixed" during this season. But the problem is, twice this season to took a little time off for rest...and then came back looking as good as ever. An 85-90% Buxton is still a really good ballplayer. He got doubled up on a play he just never gets doubled up on, but made a good play in CF. So was he just slowing up on his run to 1B to preserve his hip? Is he really just slumping and not so hurt that he won't go 2 for 4 with a HR in his next game and make us all look silly? Remember, it's STOPPING that hurts, not running or hitting, supposedly. Or is he really hurting so bad that it's messing with his game? If that's the case, maybe shut him down and bring him back if the Twins make the post season. They pretty much did the same thing in 2023 with Lewis when he had a bad hamstring. Lewis was limited, but he had a couple big hits to help the Twins beat the Jays in the 1st round at least. A 4 week shutdown wouldn't hurt, even if it didn't help. Buck is a proud warrior who wants to play and help his team. Only he and the Twins know if he's conserving himself and in a slump, OR, if he's hurting so bad it's affecting him at the plate. Regardless, he's slumping. Larnach is slumping. Ironically, Roden might be heating up some. But there's also PLENTY of room for Jenkins to come up and play daily and possibly spark this team. Just DFA Jackson again who's only role is to PH with average speed for even slower players in late innings, and to be an emergency catcher in case Jeffers has to PH. Please! At this point, it's an EXTREME version of roster mismanagement. Jackson down, Jenkins up and playing DAILY, Buxton gets at least 1 day off a week, same with Bell, and Larnach can PH until he proves he's out of his slump. And if it turns out Buck has to go to the IL again, you have your best CF replacement option in Jenkins. This isn't that hard Mr. Zoll!

JENKINS: I caught a lot of flack a couple weeks ago when an OP was presented the Twins had missed a "golden" opportunity to not bring Jenkins up. At the time he was playing quite well, but had only been back for about 7-10 days roughly from his IL stint. We hadn't seen the flash of power he's producing as of late, and there was hope Buxton would be back in 10-14 days and be OK. Also, I don't think any of us realized what a funk Larnach was going in to. But the narrative has COMPLETELY changed a couple weeks later. Not only is Larnach in a slump, not only does Buck not look right, but Walker has raised his game up a couple of levels. It's TIME! They are worried there isn't enough room for him to play daily? I call B.S. When you have a prospect of Jenkins caliber, you MAKE room for him. He can play all 3 OF spots and everyone "in his way" can sit a day a week. TINNEY: I was very surprised when the Twins took Tinney. They liked him a lot, but it was pretty obvious they got sniped by a couple teams in front of them that selected players they had ranked even higher. But on further reflection, I really like Tinney as a pick. I think he's similar to Jeffers, but with even more power and maybe even a better arm, but maybe not as good of a "hitter". But I like that he has a large number of BB to balance his K rate. He does seem to have some zone control, which was in his draft profile. He could be an excellect #2 catcher with decent defense, a solid arm, and a BAT that allows him to DH and maybe even play some 1B. And if Tait continues to develop, one of them might be the next 1B, and a 3rd catcher without having to actually carry a true 3rd catcher. THAT would be some really good depth and roster construction. (Diaw could also end up as a #4 RH corner OF with a good bat who can also catch some). BOHORQUEZ: If I'm not mistaken, didn't he begin the season on the IL? If I'm remembering correctly, that's also probably why he struggled so much initially this season before getting on a role. He's got good velocity and a nice breaking ball. It would be nice if he could continue as a SP, but I can see his floor being a hard throwing, high K RP. Glad to see his promotion to AA to finish the season. But I think all 3 need to be promoted. Jenkins to the Twins, and Tinney to CR to join Lackey and Tait. With Jimenez out, there should be plenty of room for all 3 catchers to get time behind the dish, DH, and maybe even play a little 1B. The A ball seasons are nearly over. Let Tinney get a little A+ time as well.