DocBauer

It does sound as if Provus is merely speculating. And I hope that's the case as I really want to see him a Twin for life. Not to mention he's still currently the best player, a class act, and someone to help lead thr younger players. I no longer trust the FO/Twins. Or at least, any trust is greatly strained. Despite speculation, there is no smoking gun regarding a trade of Ryan to Boston at the deadline. All we have is an erroneous report of a trade being made, and what appear to be actual, accurate reports that Boston came in late, asked, the Twins listened, (which they always state they do), and then rejected the offer made by the Red Sox. And Falvey seemed to indicate in his most recent interview that he sees the rotation as a strength for 2026 and included Ryan and Lopez in that discussion. That would seem to end speculation...for the most part..that Lopez and Ryan are automatically being moved as part of a massive teardown. Thus, it should also end speculation of a disgruntled Buxton requesting out. But once again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone. Simple logic would indicate new partners, elimination of debt with new cash flow, and a large stockpile of young talent on hand, or getting ready to debut, and room to add to the speculated post-arbitration payroll, would make ownership WANT to keep Lopez and Ryan...and Buck as a result...and try to increase what remains of trust and interest from the fans. Simple logic. But then again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

Could they have run more earlier in the season and been as successful? I think that's very much open to debate for a variety of reasons. But having nothing to lose, having Keaschall back. Lewis' legs getting stronger, Martin taking another step, would surely have added to this sudden surge. I like the ability to steal some bases. It's another way to score runs PROVIDED you can be successful at a high %. It can be a useful weapon. Otherwise, you are just giving away outs to the opposition. But frankly, I'm more interested in better team speed in regard to better defensive range, and the ability to take extra bases and score successfully on base hits. My greatest worry is a team that finished dead last in AVG and OPS last season with the bases loaded and are dead last in AVG and 2nd to last in OPS over thr last 5 years. How is that even possible? I'm just fine with more SB to have another weapon at our disposal. And it is an exciting form of baseball. But I'm more concerned with disappearing power and the worst hitting in the league over 5 years eith the bases loaded. How many games were lost right there?

Lawyerson is RH.

I was a little surprised that Logan Whitaker wasn't on the list. He had a great season. What's interesting is that everyone except for Gomez pitched a substantial amount at AA, or above, this season, or at least finished there. A few of these guys, if not all, might help in 2026 at some point. (With Whitaker thrown in).

28yo in 2026 coming off surgery and 1 good season, one great season, and then a poor season. You bet. You're 28yo coming off surgery and a poor/mediocre season before that. Is it time for you to think about a move to the pen to further your career? You have risk attached to you. How about 1 year at $3.5M with a team option for $5M? No? OK. God bless and move on.

If Lewis hits .270 next season with 34 Dbls and 25 HR this all goes away. And that's what frustrates me the most. But I really don't understand this post, Van. Where did Lewis EVER REFUSE to play 2B again? In September 2024, Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis publicly expressed his resistance to moving to second base, calling the prospect "terrifying". He explained that changing positions mid-season, especially during a playoff push, was too disruptive for him and created a defensive risk for the team. Reasons for Lewis's reluctance Mental adjustment: As Lewis put it, "The moment you have to think in this game is when the game speeds up on you". All-Star caliber players rely on muscle memory for defensive reactions. Moving to a new infield position requires re-establishing that muscle memory, which is a difficult adjustment to make on the fly during a pennant race. Defensive concerns: Lewis stated, "I don't want to mess up our defense just because we're going to try something new". He felt the team had other talented second basemen who were more prepared to handle the position. Troubling injury history: Lewis has a long history of lower-body injuries, including two torn ACLs and multiple hamstring and quad strains. His 2022 ACL tear occurred while he was playing center field, another position he was trying out for the first time in the majors. This history of injury during positional changes likely contributed to his cautious attitude. Team's perspective and resolution The Twins were looking for more lineup flexibility to field their best offensive players and create defensive alignments. Moving Lewis to second base would allow Brooks Lee to play third, his natural position. Despite Lewis's initial hesitation, the situation evolved: Late 2024: Lewis did make his first career starts at second base during September 2024, signaling a willingness to at least try the position. Offseason 2024-2025: Lewis's attitude changed considerably. According to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, Lewis began taking practice at second base over the offseason, telling the manager he was doing so "just in case" the team needed him there. This was seen as a sign of his growing maturity and open-mindedness to a potential future transition.

I'm sorry, but "juvenile"?? It's OK if you want to criticize Lewis for his production post 2 knee surgeries and a slew of soft tissue injuries since then that has have robbed him and the Twins for production we're still dreaming of. (Not in his control). And it's OK to criticize his heart on the sleeve comments when he's frustrated and maybe should keep his mouth closed or be more calm, collected before he speaks at times. But his comments about playing 2B, once again were probably not the BEST he could have said. But was he wrong to not throw his teammates under the bus? Was he wrong to say he was worried about making a poor play being thrown in to a position he wasn't used to and would rather have an offseason to learn the position? Yes, he probably should have added, "I'll do the best I can". Or did he say that? I can't recall exactly. But then what did he do this past offseason? He spent time at 2B to prepare for 2025 and then the Twins said forget about it. This is the reality. And I STRONGLY object to anything I've stated as "juvenile"!

Absolutely! I'd tell them to get out there and just do the best they can and we'll see what happens. But by your own admission of Lewis going out there, where is the argument? Are we truly saying Rocco had so little power that Lewis had an unreported fit? Or are we just frustrated that a potential difference maker for our team is human, and fighting a whole bunch of injury crap, and once in a while says something in the moment that Crash Davis would have smacked him for?

OK, I never pick on anybody and I seldom call anyone out. It's not my nature. And I'm not doing that now with you either, just to be clear. But Royce Lewis is guilty of only 2 things to this point. 1] Having immense talent but has been cursed with 2 major knee surgeries and subsequent soft tissue injuries that he's been trying to fix. NOT his fault. 2] He wears his heart on his sleeve and when asked a question, he doesn't always think things through and just says what he's feeling in the moment. Once again, the topic of playing 2B he commented he didn't like the idea of playing it mid season for fear of blowing a crucial play. I don't recall his comment about the team having enough players to cover 2B, but I'm accepting that as something I just don't recall. But was he supposed to say "we have poor players there, so I'll try to be better than them"? What kind of teammate would that make him? Should he have said I don't want to move there mid season because I'm afraid of making a bad play that can cost the team, but I'll do my best? Yes. That little extra might have made a difference. Honestly, I'd love to find the while quote because maybe he did say something close to that, I just don't recall the entire conversation. But he DID go out and play some 2B. And I don't recall Rocco, or anyone else, ever saying ANYTHING regarding a poor attitude or a refusal to go out there and do it. And last I checked, Rocco makes out the lineup. How hard or how long did Royce work out at 2B this past offseason? Does it matter? HE never said to stop doing so. The Twins made the decision to stop the experiment at 2B shortly before ST. And IIRC, I read a quote from Lewis in the offseason stating something to the affect that he was working at both spots to get ready for wherever he was needed. Yeah, sounds like a primadona to me. (Sarcasm note, not directed to anyone) I've NEVER heard even a whisper from Rocco, the coaching staff, players on the team, or the FO negative about Lewis directly. Correa's abstract comment after last seasons disappointment was directed towards younger players. That could include a rather large collection. He NEVER singled out anyone. It's OK if we as fans are disappointed that the STUD we hoped and thought Lewis might be has caused disappointment and frustration. He's certainly tantalized like a superhero at times the past couple of seasons. But maybe he's just not really Superman. Maybe he's really Batman. (And I'm a Marvel guy, LOL). But Batman is still really good, and a potential All Star here and there. But until I actually hear something from elsewhere that Royce is lazy, Royce is a "me first" player, Royce is a poor teammate, I'm going to accept him as a super talented player who STILL has a nice career ahead of him if he can stay healthy. As to the rest? I'd love a veteran in the clubhouse who could locker next to him and just put a hand over his mouth once In a while and whisper in his ear; "pause before you answer, because they're just looking for a quote". And that's about the only thing he's guilty of at this point.

But despite his comments that he didn't want to convert to 2B mid season because he didn't want to blow a game for the team, he still went out there didn't he? And Rocco still fills out the lineup doesn't he? And Lewis still spent time this past offseason working at 2B until the Twins told him they had decided against him playing there. Do we really have to continue repeating ourselves? Do you just really dislike Lewis? Or are you just frustrated he hasn't been the Superman we hoped he might be? But I'm really tired of repeating the same circle of comments at this point.

Wait, even if I don't recall the statement of him saying the Twins had "good options at 2B" , you're saying him NOT being negative about his fellow teammates is a bad thing? How does that equate to him saying he didn't want to transition to 2B mid season because he was worried about blowing an important play? Should he have said instead we don't have anyone good at 2B so I'll give it a try mid season? That's what he should have said instead? By your own post he DID play some 2B. Rocco makes out the lineup. Lewis does not. Lewis also spent a lot of the offseason playing 2B to get ready for 2025 and then the Twins said don't worry about it. Do you have a personal grudge against Lewis? Or are you just a frustrated fan looking to vent? Because I really don't see any issue here.

The reason is BOTH hitters and pitchers don't feel the AI is accurate enough yet. I don't have all the answers, but that's been the complaint. There are enough variations...per reports/complaints...that bend and depth of pitches and individual strike zones aren't accurate enough yet to make it fully viable. I think it's coming, but this is a step in the right direction for sure.

I absolutely love this being implemented for next season. I watched a number of ST games this past year and absolutely loved it. It's quick, accurate, and doesn't disrupt the game at all. My only thought is, since the game is based on 3 outs per inning as a basis, should the challenge system be 3 challenges? The process is so quick and easy, I just feel there should be a parallel of 3 challenges allowed per team until nullified due to an error in asking. Somehow it just makes more sense to me.

Here's the problem with that. Just like so many clamoring for Wallner or Larnach to grab a glove and put them at 1B, it's just not that easy. While LF and 1B are at the bottom spectrum of defenensive value, you just can't tell a guy to grab a 1B mit and go there. Forgetting nuances of actually playing the position, you have to have the ability to handle off target throws and grounders, and throws in the dirt. How many career OF have had to do those things for years, if ever? Now, that's not to say some guys haven't had previous time in the dirt in HS or college, or don't have a more natural ability to perform those basic operations. Fedko has been working some at 1B for St Paul, and had 13 games at Wichita in 2024 at 1B. That's not an impressive resume at the position. But maybe he's got the ability to do so? Maybe that's why he got some AAA time this season to work at it? It sure would increase his roster value and potential if he could be competent there. Perhaps Rosario has time to try 1B? No better time to attempt a shift than in MILB. And I have ZERO clue if he's EVER played on the dirt, even in HS. Maybe he did? Maybe he's a smooth enough athlete to begin the basics at least at AAA in 2026? I'm not against your idea. You have merit. But most 1B start out as catchers, or 3B, and occasionally as a SS or 2B who outgrow their previous position. But again, those guys actually played in the dirt. I'd honestly take a look at Rosario at 1B next season to see if there is any chance he could be a decent 1B. I'd continue having Fedko play 1B to see if he could do the job. Let's not forget the injured and recently acquired Roden who has a fair amount of 1B experience going back to college. The Twins have been working Hendry Mendez, recently acquired, at 1B behind the scenes. Now he's going to go to the AFL and possibly work more at 1B. But he, like Rosario, are AA OF. So you might be correct in asking some OF to try 1B. There's been speculation that Billy Amick might be the 1B of the future. And he's going to be at AA next season. I'm absolutely not picking on you, or your quote. I'm really just talking more at random to a lot of posters that just say; "put him at 1B". It's just not that simple. But I do agree that there are SOME OF prospects that might be able to convert to the position and should do so.

It's an impressive list! And it's a very good thing to have so many good choices to debate about! I'm really not sure you could pick a wrong answer for #1, or in whatever order you want to list the top 5. But do you give position a bias? Then it's definitely Culpepper. Do you go positive or negative in your vote regarding prospect status? Or just the best season overall, much like the monthly awards here at TD? Again, wonderful choices and I don't think you can go wrong. But IMO, I think TD got it right. #5 JENKINS: He's accomplished so much considering his age, and even considering time missed. But total results put him at #5 for me. #4 ROSARIO: I know R and RBI are somewhat argumentative in context as they depend somewhat on opportunity to knock guys in, and who hits behind you to knock YOU in. But Rosario's season shouldn't be dismissed. He's possibly going to win his 2nd league MVP in 3 years. The only reason I don't have him higher is othes beat his AVG and OB% enough for me to keep him at #4. But how many past seasons would we be RAVING about his numbers? #3 CULPEPPER: SS bias might have made him the Twins choice for HOY. And no question he had a hell of a season. He did it ALL from across a great quad slash line with speed mixed in as well. And the R and RBI numbers are there as well. He seems to be on the "Luke Keaschall" train of almost ready in your 2nd full pro season. And he plays a premium position as well. Even still, I almost put him at #4. But the better AVG and OB% kept him at #3 for me, following the TD writers path. #2 FEDKO: I simply don't care that he was 25yo when he had his breakout season. He was still only 25yo when the season began, was still 25yo when he reached AAA, and didn't turn 26yo until the last, or next to last day of the season. He had a solid AVG, a great OB%...par for the course with him...and suddenly found his power stroke with 53 XBH and also ran for 38 SB. He was very close to a 30/30 season. And again, we can argue about R and RBI numbers, but he and Rosario were neck and neck with their final numbers there. He produced nearly as well at AAA as he did at AA. Like Rosario's season, how many years would we have been ecstatic about his season? I ALMOST wanted to put him at #1 simply based on his season, not his prospect status. **While I don't often like to compare players directly, Fedko reminds me so much of Lew Ford 20+ years ago, who debuted with the Twins as a 26yo. Might he be a similar 4th OF with a well rounded game? #1 GONZALEZ: I just can't argue this choice, even though I almost did initially. And playing at 3 levels, while impressive, wasn't what swayed me. He didn't steal near the bases as everyone else, and he didn't match Rosario, Culpepper, or Fedko in HR. But how can you argue against a quad slash line of .329/ .395/ .513/ .909! And 56 XBH mixed in as well? He's deserving of the #1 spot. Ask me today who is more ready to challenge for a spot on the 26 man roster in 2026, I'm going to say Fedko for a variety of reasons that we don't need to go in to right now. But ask me who is the better, more productive BAT a few months from now in 2026, Gonzalez is the answer. For obvious reasons Rodriguez isn't part of this discussion. It's about best season, not future potential. But how good does it make you feel as a fan to see these 5, and add Rodriguez to hope and potential, and realize they are ALL going to be at AAA or with the Twins in 2026?

Matthews flashes his potential in what might be his last start, and finishes the season on a positive note. But I'm almost as excited that Sands suddenly showed back up again, and Funderburk has continued to throw pretty well since the deadline.

Totally get where you are coming from. And at some point, a signing like we're speaking about doesn't make sense. But considering how low the Twins payroll projects to be once Larnach is presumably moved out...$90M...and factoring in the minority cash flow to eliminate debt, the Twins have room to add to the payroll and still end up less than the approximate $140M that the BEGAN 2025 with. I know you know this, I'm just rehashing to make my point. Philosophically, I believe in putting together a team with a mix of different types of hitters. The Twins, through recent drafts and a couple other moves, are starting to move in that direction. And then I believe in trying to compete yearly, whenever possible. I also believe in always having an eye on the future, which can mean re-tooling your roster. Cleveland and Milwaukee are good examples of mid market teams that do that pretty well. I think the FO has been slow to do that. I seldom agree with the "blow it all up and start over" philosophy because history shows that doesn't always work, or takes a lot longer for a successful re-build to actually take place. We've some of that with the Twins in the 90's and the 00's. So if I'M the one in charge and I see a need for my team that is this obvious, and I have a $90M payroll and room to add, yes I'd be willing to add that 3yr deal to my team providing the bidding doesn't get out of hand. If that happens, I then have to re-evaluate where I go. Now, I understand there are no guarantees as to who is going to come through, and how good they might be. There's still questions about development of the talent on hand. Rodriguez, for example, is he going to make it? And how good might he be, or not be? But it's nice to have a number of options to roll through and see who comes out on top. Same with the rotation. Give me 8 guys for an OF or rotation and I'll probably get 3 or 4 good ones. But in the current situation "MY TEAM" is in, adding that proven veteran becomes all the more important, IMO, to stabilize the lineup. Buxton is only $15M before any bonuses. Pablo is about $21M. Currently, the $10M we will be paying Houston for Correa being gone will be the 3rd highest deal on the books for 2026. Barring extensions for anyone...which wouldn't kick in until 2027...the next highest deal for 2026 would be Ryan/Jeffers for around $8M each. The remainder of my total team will be anywhere from around minimum to maybe $4-5M. I've got cost control for the next couple of seasons and a lot of minimum wage players either on the roster, or soon to debut. In theory, Correa, Buxton, and Naylor...in this scenario...all come off the books in 3yrs. (Lopez possibly as well). So that coincides very well with future raises for the rest of my roster. I've even advocated signing Jeffers through 2028, when other young catchers in the system should arrive, and that deal also expires at just the right time. I know that's a long winded response, LOL, but I want to be thorough in my answer and how I see the finances of the team playing out over the next 2-3 years. Now, I need to spend a few $M for a couple decent/mediocre arms for the pen to help with the initial re-build there...along with some fliers...and maybe a veteran backup to Jeffers, but those are inexpensive moves in total unless I want to jump back up to a $140-150M payroll. (Which isn't happening tomorrow for sure). So once again, yes, I'M willing to make that addition/commitment because it helps stabilize my INF and my lineup. And it helps my current team without impacting future payroll in a few years when certain players start to get more expensive.

A valid question. When I examine the roster...looking at every position...while I can find question marks almost everywhere, I also see potential answers everywhere. EXAMPLE: We have Lee at SS. If Lee can become the .270-.280 hitter and .320-.330 OB producer we've been believing he could be, we've seen he's got some power. We've also seen he's OK, solid at SS, though not great. We have the more athletic, more talented K-Pepper right behind him. And down further is an even better glove SS, probably, even though his offense more than likely won't match Culpepper. No need to break down the OF and the various options there. But again, while questions remain, there is talent to provide answers. But IMO, the biggest hole this lineup has had for more than a few years now, is at 1B. And that should be the easiest position to fix/fill. That's not to say we haven't gotten a couple decent years of play here and there, but it's been sporadic. So with an open spot that screams for improvement, no prospect beating down the door to claim that spot, what if I can spend a little $ to fill it for the next 2-3yrs and not have to worry about it? I keep bringing up Naylor as he's a perfect fit, IMO, for this role. While he's not exciting, he's also very solid, proven, and provides a veteran in a lineup and lockerroom that is starting to get younger very quickly. (Or should be). He'll only be 29yo, is a legitimate 20 HR LH bat, but he's also pretty solid against LHP career wise. Therefore, I don't have to force a platoon situation. He deepens and helps solidify the lineup amidst all of those "questions" we still don't have answers for. And in the grand scheme of things, he really isn't that expensive financially. Does it have to be Naylor? No. But he's a perfect fit, IMO, and he costs $, not prospects. Even if it takes a little while to "settle" the other spots and get answers to some of those questions...such as how soon Jenkins is an actual stud for instance...Buxton, Naylor, and probably Jeffers are 3 spots that are stable. A couple others aren't far off. So in other words, stability and production for a lineup that has been frustratingly instable and inconsistent in production the past few years.

Yes, WAY too early. But this is something I play around with in my head daily so I'm game to play. CATCHER: Jeffers and a $3M-ish veteran backup with Pereda as the #3 in waiting. I also agree on an extension for Jeffers through 2008. By then, Tait and a couple others should be ready. Jeffers gets some security, and he won't break the bank. INFIELD: Lewis, Lee, and Keaschall are locks. While MY VOTE is for Josh Naylor at around $14-15M...maybe on a 2 or 3yr deal?...there are a handful of somewhat interesting secondary options such as Hoskins on a rebound. Maybe O'Hearn, who I've seen mentioned elsewhere. (Would it be nuts to bring back Polanco for 1B if Seattle doesn't want him back)? But there are no 1B prospects ready. They need a decent, competent bat and glove there. I hate to say it, but they may need to do another 1yr deal for someone. But that's all the more reason to invest a little $ in Naylor, who will be 29yo next season. I'm OK with Clemens getting a shot for a bench role. LH power off the bench and the ability to play 4 spots adequately is at least interesting. He's played some 3B earlier in his career. Might he be able to be at least an "emergency" type there? I'd have him spend some time there in ST. I really hadn't thought about Kiner-Filefa as an option. Would he come cheap enough? Even though K-Pepper appears to be on a "Keaschall-like" advance, he probably still needs some AAA time. Right now, I'd predict Fitzgerald opening with the club as a cheap utility option with a decent glove. Of course, they'll bring in some MILB FA to compete and hope they find another Castro. But I don't see a $ investment of more than a couple $M at utility, so Fitzgerald is the choice. OUTFIELD: Forget about any long term control issues, it's not unlikely Jenkins begins 2026 at St Paul to just get a little polish and get in a nice groove, and then come up. Not saying he won't make opening day, or shouldn't, but the FO tends to be a little conservative about losing depth. If he has a great ST, I'd be tempted to give him the job. But let's not pretend that beyond a little polish, a little more work time to work on the power stroke, an additional year of service time wouldn't be a bad thing. Just about everything I said about Jenkins applies to Rodriguez as well. Except for the fact he's a couple years older and his option clock has already been ticking. Honestly, if he has a good ST, he's my 1st priority to just hand out a job in the OF. Wallner is in, and Larnach is out, hopefully in some sort of trade to bring someone of decent value back. Wallner fits best as the primary DH and part-time corner OF. But he may be in RF DAY ONE. I say that because there's a difference between what I WANT, and what I think opening day will bring. There's a good chance Martin, Buxton, and Wallner are your starting OF to begin with. Rodriguez and Jenkins come up later. Roden and Outman just might be the reserves, even if I don't like it. I still think Outman is 50/50 after proving once again he can't hit at the ML level. But if Roden has a solid ST, Outman can fill the role Keirsey had for most of this season. Personally, I'd be OUT on Outman and offer him a MILB deal and give either Rodriguez or Jenkins a DAY ONE job, let Roden compete against anyone and everyone else...including maybe Outman if he sticks around...and call it a day until the Rodriguez/Jenkins "loser" is brought up to settle the OF for keeps. ROTATION: Lopez, Ryan, Ober all healthy hold down the front 3. They can afford it. Anyone can be traded at the deadline. SWR has been solid, might just be taking another step with his splitter, and might be out of options. (Not sure on the options). I think he's in the rotation to begin the season. Could his new splitter make him a viable pen option though? Bradley, also out of options, would figure as one of the remaining rotation arms. The talent is there. Matthews has tons of talent, but hasn't been able to put it altogether just yet. So he probably goes to St Paul to begin the season. If he has a great ST, would the Twins consider moving SWR or Bradley to the pen? Matthews, Morris, Abel, Prielipp, Rojas, Klein, and CJ Culpepper are the depth options remaining at St Paul. BULLPEN: OBVIOUSLY this is a mess. But you have to start somewhere. First comes Sands. After a tremendous 2024 he was mediocre this season, then looked really good following the deadline, then looked bad the past 10-14 days. But there's a good arm there. Ohl and Adams both have short comings, but also some intrigue. Both have a chance throwing 1 inning at a time. (I like Ohl and his changeup a little more). Funderburk...who I had given up on...has been much better post deadline. His last 30 days have been pretty darn good overall. Has he finally figured out how to get LHH out? Laweryson is a mediocre K arm who just gets guys out. He might be a decent middle arm. That isn't much, but it's a starting point. Prielipp and his new 2 seamer are staying in the Saints rotation for now. I also believe Morris will stay there as well. For now at least. I think Raya and Lewis are both relievers going forward. But is Raya ready? He probably begins the year at AAA, but what if he has a good ST? I know Lewis had a rough season, but he's got enough stuff to throw an inning, two once in a while, and can you imagine that crazy Knuckleball on 0-2 and 1-2 counts? He might surprise. And IF Festa gets the absolute best news about his TOS symptom, it's possible he's ready to go from early reports. If it's slightly worse, his ability to be ready for ST comes in to question. Anything worse, and he becomes a real question mark. But I think he's just "built" to be a back end of the pen arm and not a starter. But we can't count on him at this moment without more clarification. But what to do from there? Despite being 35yo in 2026, I'd bring back Coulombe for 1yr. He's been excellent for the Orioles and the Twins for 4-5yrs now, and I'd be willing to bet he's got enough gas left in the tank for another season. But maybe Rogers back or Chaffin as options as well? From there it's got to be a couple of just decent, experienced options. But they aren't going to be big $ signings. The FO needs to be looking at guys coming off poor seasons, coming off injury, maybe coming off a mediocre season following surgery. Pitchers looking for make good deals. Maybe a late 20's hurler who has just never put it together and is ready to transition to the pen to extend and re-build their career. You're smart enough to find a pair of arms from this category, you just might get a nice surprise. From there, you always look for some MILB deal fliers. That's how they found Thielbar, and Stewart, and could have kept Jeff Hoffman had they just been more patient with him. They also got solid single seasons in the past from Wisler, Clippard, and the likes of Blake Parker, among others. So it's guessing and scouting properly, maybe with a little luck thrown in. So there's no easy answer in the 1st attempt at putting together a new pen. But you have to start somewhere. A] Sign a decent 1B for 2026 at least. But they can afford a larger investment for Naylor unless the bidding suddenly goes up. B] Sign a.decent, veteran catcher to back up Jeffers that won't completely embarrass at the plate. C] Spend a few $ on the pen, but don't go crazy. And they won't. And just be smart/lucky with the couple 2-3 FA and the MILB FA you sign. D] DON'T be afraid to keep and play the BEST young talent you have. EXAMPLE: Give Rodriguez a job if healthy and having a good ST. You can still send him down and bring someone else up if you really feel you need to. Same with Jenkins. Same with Gonzalez. Etc, etc, etc.

If this version of Martin is, more or less, the real version, then he has a useful role in 2026. I'm still worried a lack of pop/power is going to see him come crashing down. But 30 Dbls, a handful of Trips and HR, he's got enough pop to succeed with a high AVG and high OB%. Combined that with speed and much improved defense, he can be a quality backup/part-timer, or the starting LF. Fedko is an unknown as he never put his game together until this season. But his mix of power, speed, and OB ability makes him worthy of at least a look. He's a potentially better version of Martin, about 6 months younger as well. Long term, Gonzalez is the better prospect. But how soon might he be ML ready? But he's RH, has a good arm, seems to be able to HIT, and has more power than Martin. He doesn't have Martin's speed by any means, but he might be the more dangerous hitter. But Martin has taken advantage of his opportunity and if he continues to run with it, he's got a spot on the 26 man to begin 2026. As much as Buxton likes batting leadoff, I'd sure like to see him hit #3 behind a combination of Martin and Keaschall to allow more RBI opportunities for his power to be more effective. I think it's generally accepted that Rodriguez and Jenkins joining Buxton as the primary starting 3 is ideal. But even if that happened opening day...in an ideal universe...Martin still has a role on the team. In this scenario, Wallner becomes the primary DH and part time corner OF. But the pattern here is still the same in that THIS version of Martin is the #1 RH OF at the moment, with Fedko and Gonzalez behind him in whatever order of preference you like. Roden is still deserving of a shot. While his MILB hitting hasn't translated yet, he really doesn't have a lot of ML PA yet. (I think his previous 1B experience should be explored more as well.) But pure talent and potential, he's behind Rodriguez and Jenkins for a LH OF role. And yet, it's possible he and Martin could form a quasi-platoon in LF to begin next season. So again, Martin has a role almost any way the initial 2026 OF lays out. I sort of like Clemens coming back as a LH, power utility player. But I don't want him in a daily role. They should be aiming higher than that. I think Larnach is moved. I believe Keirsey and McCusker are removed from the 40 man and offered MILB deals. Will they accept them? I don't believe Outman has any role other than the one Keirsey had for the majority of 2025: defensive backup and PR. I'd remove him from the 40 man and offer him a MILB deal as well. I'm not convinced the Twins will do that, but it's what I'd do. 50/50 they keep him as an "asset" until someone else appears ready to bump him off the roster. 5 OF spots and Buxton, Wallner, Martin, Rodriguez, Jenkins, Roden, Gonzalez, and Fedko are the best 8 guys to fill those 5 roles. That's based on production, talent, and age. (Clemens and possibly Keaschall can help out some as well). Outman remains a 9th option, but I really don't see the need. Any of the others offer greater upside than a 29yo who simply can't hit at the ML level. But it's unlikely Martin isn't on the opening roster. How big his role is doesn't just depend on the prospects, it's also up to him to continue producing in his current manner.

I have zero issues with Royce's comments over the past couple of seasons...and there hasn't been many honestly. He didn't like trying out 2B during the season? He said directly he was afraid of blowing a big play and would prefer a change in positions during the offseason instead, for better prep and more work put in. That's ALL he said. BUT, he went out and played some 2B, and then worked at it daily for 2025 before the Twins decided they weren't going to play him there. He's not wrong when he talks about arbitration and salary being dependent on your numbers. But he's probably a little too "opened mouth" while dealing with frustration when he makes some of his comments like this as they come off poorly. He's a kid who wears his heart on his sleeve and just says whatever he's thinking and feeling. That can make you look good, or make you look bad. I just think he needs to hit the PAUSE button once in a while before he speaks. ON THE FIELD, he spent the past offaeason not only working out needlessly at 2B, but working with a trusted physical therapist to increase flexibility to try and avoid the soft tissue injuries that have hampered him. Also, he confessed earlier this season about being frustrated not being able to find a base/stance/approach that felt comfortable to him with all of the injuries he's had to endure. Open, honest, and understandable. I guess I'd hope that being healthy the past few months, going in to the offseason, and more hard work, will allow him to play 120 games or more, and FIND that comfort zone he needs. He doesn't have to be Superman. He just needs to be Royce. And as pointed out earlier in the OP, his .757 OPS the past few months is more than acceptable, especially with solid defense. I think he's still got the potential for more than that, but it's a start.

McCarthy is still close to rookie status. His OL did him no favors in the first 2 games. KOC had admitted his play calling might have not been the greatest. No question McCarthy has room to grow and improve. But from what little we've seen of him, including late in the Bears game, I don't have a lot of doubt the kid has a bright future. But he does remain a work in progress. That defense, even with injuries, looks potentially dominate! The DL impressed the hell out of me against Cincinnati. And that line was Allen, Redmond, and Rodriguez most of the game. Darisaw back makes a tremendous difference. I expected more from Skul. I thought Jackson had a hell of a game, and I also thought Fries took a step forward. Never understood certain websites stating Jurgens was a big question mark. I thought he looked pretty solid as a rookie in last year's preseason, and even better this preseason. I thought he had a good game as well. Losing Jackson really stinks, but Brandel is a solid, experienced player who should do a decent job. Quick shout out to Scott off the bench. And is Price the best return man we've had in years?

Ober is still the #3 SP until someone overtakes him, IMO. Until told otherwise, I will hold out that his hip issue is not career threatening...no indication it's anything long term at this point...and his mechanics and normal velocity will be back in 2026. TODAY, SWR might be #4. But there's a whole offseason and next ST for Matthews, Abel, and Bradley to take the #4 spot from him. (My hunch is Festa is moving to a high leverage role in the pen with a good medical report later this month). I can't totally disagree with your take on Ryan. He's going to be 31 going in to 2028, IIRC. There is hope of lower level arms currently in the system that will be ready to replace him by then. But then again, Morris, Prielipp, Morris, Bradley, Abel, and Rojas are also part of that equation on an earlier timeline. Still, if we could buy him out of his first couple of seasons of FA on a somewhat team friendly deal...IDK, 2 for $34-36M?...you pad your talent level, he's still very tradable at something similar, and he can still sign a new deal going in to his age 33 season. So I can see reasons for an extension on both sides.

Stealing more bases only tells me Royce is feeling GOOD physically. And that's all I care about. He worked out hard in the offseason with a personal trainer he trusts to work on greater flexibility to avoid all the soft tissue injuries that have plagued him the past couple of seasons. Alas, he couldn't get out of ST without another injury. And while he might have been rushed back, he's remained pretty healthy since he came back, even with disappointing results. By his own admission earlier this season, he's admitted having issues finding a stance/approach that works for him considering his 2 knee injuries, larger muscle mass, and the various injuries that have slowed him at times. He doesn't have to be the Superman player he's flashed at times early in his career. He just needs to be healthy and find a BASE at the plate that he feels comfortable with. He doesn't have to hit .300, but I think there's a .270-ish hitter there. There might still be potential for 30HR, but I'd be happy with 22-25. If he never stole another base in his career but could play a good 3B, hit in the .270's, and crank out 30+ Dbls and 20+ HR I'd be ecstatic. He might be capable of more, but that would be a cornerstone type of player. It's all about just staying on the field and finding a stance/base/approach that feels comfortable.

NO! The hardest thing to find in MLB is quality SP. As Twins fans, we can point to YEARS where the Twins had someone like Radke and WHOEVER behind him. Even in some good years earlier in this century they seldom went 3 deep. Currently they are 3 deep with everyone healthy, and a deep pool of talent to flesh out the last 2 spots and have additional options. If you want, I'll even say POTENTIAL depth. But it all starts by actually HAVING arms with talent vs fringe guys. There is enough talent on hand, and about to appear, hopefully with at least 1 solid FA BAT to augment the lineup/team to have a decent lineup. They are moving towards better athletes, more speed, and hopefully/probably even better defense. Again, trying to re-build the pen to at least a solid, competent level is a different story. But unless you want to tear the whole damn thing down and start from scratch...which doesn't always work BTW...you KEEP Ryan AND Lopez and keep building around them with players on hand, prospects about to debut, and hopefully a couple smart FA additions within whatever proposed budget is put in place.