DocBauer

I thought he looked pretty solid when he was with the Twins earlier this season, even in SSS. But I thought Anderson probably looked even better. Or it might just be I liked his breaking ball better. I don't know that either has the ability to change the scope of the bullpen, but I could see either finding a role as a solid middle man.

You know what, I almost don't care. And I really don't mean that as negative as it sounds. I don't believe in moral victories, but despite how bad the Twins have been against NL teams this season...following a pattern of AL ineptitude...I still find some solace in how well the team played against the Dodgers and Brewers and SHOULD have at least won a single game against the Pades Saturday. I could easily blame Morris for losing the game Saturday. But he's also a rookie who has generally been outstanding all season. So a couple poor plays and a bad day by him, I'm supposed to blame him? How about I applaud him for the work he's done this season, and how much better he might be in 2027? I can say Funderburk has been really good until today. Or I can blame Hoffman for a bad day. I can point out that the rest of the Twins season seems generally winnable, and they have a positive W-L against the AL this season. They still have a chance to make the playoffs and MAYBE win the ALC. And I ALWAYS want my teams to "go for it" the best they can. But reality is starting to set in. I'm not giving up hope. Anything can happen still. And I'd love a chance at the playoffs for fun, at least, and a chance for growth of the organization and it's players. But even being a major optimist, I just don't see us doing any better than the WC. But I'd accept that for fun and the future. I just have this feeling that this team is so close to being really good, but they just can't get over the proverbial HUMP. This was SUPPOSED to be a season when the young arms and players were going to start to make their mark for the future at some point, IMO. But the rotation depth is getting tired, even with a great effort from Ober today. And while the bullpen is better now than ever before, the lineup has struggled recently. And I don't know if there's any easy answers. I'm hoping for the best in August, but I'm just starting to think the Twins are running out of steam. And while I really want them to play meaningful games in September, and HOPEFULLY play some in October, I'm still a bit worried we are going to miss opportunities to get ready for 2027 with a handful of prospects.

I'm going to take the unpopular opinion that the so called "pitching pipeline"...I don't recall Falvey ever using that term, perhaps he did...has actually been pretty strong the last few years. IMO, any sort of "pipeline" is acquiring quality arms for the rotation, and the pen, HOWEVER said arms are acquired. We traded Arraez for Lopez. Good trade IMO. We moved a low level prospect for Odorizzi. Good move. We got Ryan as a MILB who, I believe, was just outside the Rays top 10 and turned him in to a debateable #1, and 2 time All Star, for a Cruz rental. Also a good move. A HS pitcher, Petty, recently drafted, turned out to be Gray. Abel looked really strong before his injury. Whether you agree with the sell off in 2025 or not, we got Abel and Rojas both at that time. Ober and Festa and Matthews all turned out to be major surprises, as was Varland. The fact that Ober put together a string of very good seasons prior to his loss of velocity doesn't change the fact he turned out really good. Even now, he's a competent ML SP, albeit as a 4th or 5th option. The jury is out on Matthews still...who has shown improvement this year...and whether or not he takes another step forward, or moves to the pen. The jury is still out on Festa as well. It's not his fault, or the Twins, that he got injured. HOPEFULLY, he can have a successful return, regardless of future role. Currently, Prielipp is another actual draft pick that looks to have a bright future. And there have been a number of Twins draft picks that have turned out to be good or decent relievers, and ALSO, can we remember that Duran was a talented A ball pitcher when acquired who the Twins developed in to one of the best closers in MLB. As @Major League Readypointed out above, very well, Cleveland's own "pipeline" included a ton of arms acquired from other teams before being turned in to quality rotation arms. Do THEY get downgraded because so many of their arms were ORIGINALLY drafted by other teams? (crickets chirping) I 100% grant you that it's been a while since the Twins system turned out a top of the rotation arm, though Ober was close to being such. And they haven't exactly ignored early picks in the draft from both college and HS as pitching options, but injuries messed up a handful of quality prospects, unfortunately. I will also grant you that a couple draft seasons of succes in developing mid and late round selections gave the organization a mistaken belief they could continue to find success in those under appreciated arms. In both the 2025 and recent 2026 drafts the team changed philosophy and began drafting more arms, of more immediate quality, earlier than they had in a few years. Quick wasn't the only good looking arm drafted in 2025. They also selected Ellwanger, Barr, and a few other very interesting arms. Again, unfortunately, they were all seemingly bit by an injury bug and either got injured almost immediately, or began the season on the IL and are only going to get about a half season here in '26. It STINKS that our MILB arms were bitten so bad by the injury bug this season. But a couple of guys like Mitrovich and Merit Jones have escaped the injury bug like Quick has. And they've had really good seasons. It could be a lot of fun in 2027 to see the 2025 and 2026 classes of selected pitchers all healthy and ready to throw. And I don't want to put the cart before the horse just yet...especially considering the voodoo curse that seems to hit almost every Twins prospect for at least 1yr...but BOTH A ball teams could be STACKED in 2027, with more than a few hitting AA at some point. Injuries and some questionable arm selections in 2023-2024 drafts has left a bit of a gap in possible rotation arms for the system. But we might start to see some real change beginning next season. **Side note: if you actually looked at the 60 day lists for injured arms across the MILB system, you might be surprised how many arm are listed there. It happens to ALL teams, of course. But even a few 2023-24 arms that offer up SOME potential, are also hurt currently. For those clamoring for additional International prospects signed, those are even a bigger crap shoot than HS kids are. But with the changes they've made in regard to International scouting, it looks like they're at least willing to take a few more shots. But within the system NOW, their 2 best arms are probably Lares and Bohorquez. And BOTH of them are coming back from injuries as well. I just wish this whole "pipeline" debate would just go away. It's really just a nuisance arguement! I mean, all we should care about is how good the rotation and pen actually ARE, right?? Do we really care that Lopez and Ryan are great but we went out and traded for them? And made them better? If Prielipp and Rojas end up giving us the best 1-2 LH punch in the rotation for 2027 and beyond, do we really care that we drafted and developed one, and traded for and developed the other? Would you really watch Rojas throwing a great game and say to yourself: "That's great! Too bad we didn't sign him initially"? EVERY TEAM gets bitten by the injury bug every season. It happens. It just stinks the Twins got bit HARD in the rotation, and rotation depth, this season. But let's be honest with ourselves shall we? We'd LOVE to see our team just draft a BUNCH of front of the rotation SP arm. But guess what, EVERY fan of every team would like to see their team do that as well. It's just not that easy. If there was a magic formula for ALWAYS being right, everyone would try the same thing. All I care about is some ridiculous "pipeline" means my Twins continue to draft a collection of interesting arms, develop them the best they can, sign and trade for better offerings, and build the best rotation they can. And if they DO THAT, they have created a ML "pipeline" to make sure that the ML team always has good arms to build around. Do I care if this "pipeline" also includes trades to keep it running? Not in the least +

Lewis has adapted to 1B wonderfully, and will only get better. If he just maintains his current production, he is a mainstay in the lineup going forward. He doesn't have to be Superman to be a quality player. Just producing like he's been doing makes him important for this year and 2027. I don't doubt that Matthews could be an excellent RP. But despite some blowouts, he's actually shown real improvement as a SP. Inconsistently is an issue. But I'm not ready to move him to the bullpen just yet. The potential as a SP remains. Keaschall is a bit of a mystery. Were i in charge of the Twins, I'd STILL have him working at 2B in the offseason, just for roster flexibility. But I'd have him spend most of.the offseason working in the OF. The speed and instincts are there. And his BAT is too good to ignore

First of all, I think this is a silly argument for a 19yo kid in his first professional season. But perhaps you are just bored and want to bang on someone. At the same 19yo age he's behind Winokur except in HR totals. And he's got a LONG WAY to reach MLB. But he's got real power and real athleticism, and a powerful arm for 3B or the OF. But you've already decided he isn't a ML ballplayer at 19 yo? I wonder what you thought of Polanco and Arraez when they were coming up? We can agree to disagree, but I have a really hard dismissing Young as a 19yo kid still feeling his way as a professional in his rookie year. Do you have an agenda against prospects this young with talent and projection after ONE professional season in which they don't dominate? This argument is just ridiculous until we see what transpires in 2027. Period.

We seem to see the same things. Currently, without the Twins trading Ryan in the offseason, which I'm betting doesn't happen, the biggest questions remaining are: 1: Do the Twins believe enough in Ober to bring him back as a solid #4-5 option pitching "old school", but doing so generally effective and doing so well enough he's worth bringing back? That almost sounds like an insult, but it's not meant to be. He is so smart, and has so much control, that he has viability still. I'm just afraid that for whatever reason, the 92mph fastball is gone. And it's a mystery why a 30yo should suddenly lose that velocity. If, by chance, it comes back, someone will get a steal. But as is, the Twins have to decide if he's worth bringing back as a 4th or 5th option...or worse. CURRENTLY, we're looking at Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel...coming off injury...Prielipp as well as Kremer. So everyone healthy, maybe Abel starts at AAA to sorta rehab and get in full swing? Beyond that we have Matthews...who has shown real growth this season but might end up in the bullpen at some point...and Rojas...same as Matthews...and Gallagher...still figuring it out, but maybe close to ready...and then Paredes, who saved the Twins Ass this season, but who we hope never has to actually start a game again. Leaving Festa out of any future plans, because we have to currently. I still like the rotation depth for 2027. FUTURE: I also kinda like Anderson, (I think I said Andews previously, My Bad) and Acton as possibles for the pen. I like Anderson more because I've seen a sneaky nice breaking pitch that I like Raya might be about ready to.come up again. And we shouldn't dismiss CJ Culpepper in the pen as well. IF the Twins bring back Minter...and despite production, I believe age and loss of velocity will make him far less expensive than his last deal...the Twins can also bring back Banda for a decent deal...injury applies this season in arbitration...and they could have a great 3 some from the port side. That's a luxury most teams don't have. With Gomez, Morris, Hoffman, and Nance under control the question remains about the 8th spot, with some rather obvious depth talent. But haven't I already stated this previously? Resign Minter unless you see a better option. Otherwise, the 2027 bullpen looks pretty damn good with what's on hand, and further development from the young arms, and the potential of Matthews moving to the pen, or Sands getting his crap together. Depth isn't an issue, IMO, it's KEEPING Minter, or.signing someone better, and then figuring out who is the 8th man in the pen. The 8th man could be a CLOSER like Matthews suddenly put in that position. It could be a Festa, suddenly healthy and ready to contribute. [I have hope but serious doubts about Festa]. But I really like the 2027 rotation, and I think the 2027 bullpen is really close to being very good.

A really good day on the farm! AAA: I appreciate what Zoll recently said about Jenkins not coming up yet and why. The team is still trying for the playoffs and they don't want to mess with what's working, more or less. But Jenkins isn't an ordinary prospect. He's potentially a future cornerstone of a strong lineup. You MAKE ROOM for a player like that. No offense to Roden, or what Larnach has done this season, but it's time for Jenkins to replace Roden and play almost daily. It's up to Shelton to make it happen. Is Rodriguez heating up? Sure looks like it. And speaking of young OF that need to play.... I sorta get the Twins bringing Jackson back up to replace the injured Martin, allowing Jeffers to DH or PH, etc, when he's not behind the dish. But still, even with an uneven season, I would given Gonzalez a shot. I mean, he's already on the 40 man. While a SSS, I liked what I saw of Anderson when with the Twins. I thought he flashed a really nice breaking ball. I think he might have a future in the pen. Speaking of the pen, Raya has looked better his last few appearances. And again, SSS, I didn't think Acton looked bad earlier in the season before his injury. Merryweather hasn't had a great ML career, but not a poor one either. But he's also 34yo. Still, he's having a very good season for the Saints. A possible call up if someone gets hurt?? On the negative side, I've seen Cardenas flash a little the past couple of months and think he's turning a corner. And then I look at his season stats and realize he's still having a poor year with the bat even with his power output. Definitely one of the "most disappointing" on my list. But I think he's still back in 2027 to see if he can right the ship. He's got the defensive chops to be a good ML backup. AA: Houston once again hot after a mini slump. I'm serious when I ask if he should be considered a possible Opening Day option at SS for 2027? I'm OK with him begining next season at St Paul. It makes sense. But it's also not unprecedented for the Twins to move a Top Prospect straight from AA, although that was with a different FO in charge. I think, at the least, he deserves more than just a cursory look in ST next year. Is Winokur's development this season the biggest and most fun/interesting MILB story that we aren't talking enough about? In a couple of years, I'm serious when I say he might be the Twins best young CF currently in the system. He'd also make a hell of a good 3B! And IF the team in place is so set...wouldn't that be a nice problem to have?...he could be a tremendous 1B with a collection of power and speed that you just hardly ever see. Cory Lewis began his AA appearances a little shaky. Since his first couple of starts, he's only had 1 bad appearance in his last 5 or 6. That's really nice to see. I'm still not sure that his future isn't in the bullpen as a 2 IP arm that can baffle opposing lineups mid game. But it sure is nice to see him healthy again and throwing well. A+: If we could ever get and keep Bohorquez healthy and consistent, he could sky rocket up the prospect charts! Keep your eye on Merit Jones as the Twins really like him. Despite a relatively poor college career, they drafted him late in 2024, didn't sign him, and then drafted him earlier in the 2025 draft despite not having a good senior season. But he tore up Ft Myers opponents in his debut this season before his promotion to CR a couple weeks ago. It's been a rough season for CR, unusually so. Injuries to pitchers who were supposed to be there hasn't helped, and a couple of their best players received deserving promotions to AA. But there's a handful of talented International kids who are finishing the season strong. A-: I think it's really fun to look at the daily box scores here and see the lineup covered almost entirely by player selections from the recent draft. A couple guys are off to great starts, a couple are off to OK starts. Of course, in the long run, it doesn't really matter. These are kids who played, then sat waiting for the draft, then went to Ft Myers for brief instructs, then were assigned to go play ball again daily and finish the season. But it's still fun to see all of these names. The A level seasons will be over fairly soon. I don't think anything Vahn Lackey is doing, or not doing, with his bat matters. He's had enough time at Ft Myers for his initial "professional adjustment" time. He should finish the season at CR as a springboard for 2027. For those already giving up on Quentin Young, just STOP. He's a SUPER TALENTED kid who is in his 1st professional season after a handful of games late in 2025. While he might not match him in speed, he's a virtual clone of Winokur. He's a low floor, but extremely high ceiling prospect that you take chances on once in a while. In fact, if you draft smart, you try to take one of those types of prospects in every draft. It takes time to develop those teenage picks. And you might only hit on 1 of every 3 or 4 to actually make it, but the payoff is worth it when you do! He's played mostly SS so far because that's what he's used to. Also, right or wrong, the Twins believe more time, more chances at SS, will only make an INF better at 3B. And that's probably where he slides down to next season. And he has the arm and speed to become a powerful corner OF as well. And at WORST, he'd be an athletic 1B with power, decent speed, and a strong arm. But can we just STOP with the idea of a 19yo kid at A- ball being a non prospect with a mediocre season? Honestly, it's just ridiculous.

Hoffman still has great stuff, but he's a different level arm if he can get the BB down. And as mentioned, Banda is under team control and can be part of the 2027 pen as well. In fact, only Minter is a FA IIRC. And I'd really like to see him brought back. Banda, Minter and Funderburk from the LH side. Gomez, Morris, Hoffman, and Nance from the RH side. That's 7 arms with some nice balance that gets me excited for 2027. And I see enough internal options that I don't think you'd need to spend $ on a FA to fill the 8th spot.

To be fair, IIRC, the majority of Clemens' issues at 1B were after he was given the job, and not later as he grew more comfortable there. I believe there was even some report that he lead AL 1B in fielding % for June, or something of that nature. Now, that's not to take anything away from Royce at 1B, his move there, and his growth. I don't think he was a bad 3B...despite a few throwing issues previously...but I, and others, have often stayed he would be a great candidate at 1B considering projections as to a changing INF structure. We all know the conversations, Lee at 3B, K-Pepper at SS until Houston moves him to a different spot, Keaschall at 2B...though that projection didn't age well...and Lewis to 1B just seemed natural. While not overly tall, he's a solid athlete still, solid hands, vast experience with choppers and grounders to make scooping relatively easy, and a large enough target to handle the position. (The long arms only help). The biggest question has always been, besides just being healthy, his bat. I no longer have expectations that Royce will be a STAR player. The Superman stretches we've seen in the past are probably going to be nothing more than good memories. But not only am I very encouraged by what I've seen of his early play at 1B, but if he can just maintain that .274/ .336/ .481 slash line over a full season...or close to it...he would be a highly productive hitter, even if he's never going to be Superman. And with his power, numbers like those would equate to 30+ Dbls and 20+ HR. I'll gladly take THIS version of Lewis for the next few years and be very, very happy with it.

I think Jenkins is ready. Period. The ONLY reason to keep him down is a BS reason for a potential rookie of the year draft pick in 2027, which is a long shot. Also, the consideration of a lock out that would allow him to play in early 2027 shouldn't be ignored. It might be the best thing for his career considering youth and development time missed. But we also have to remember Rodriguez. He's out of options. He's older than Jenkins, has more time at AAA, and is more than ready based on talent and production. He's either going to be "hid" like a rule 5 pick, or the Twins will FINALLY be smart enough to live with mistakes and just let him play and learn. It's what the Brewers do. I'm not saying Rodriguez is the next Chourio, but Chourio wasn't Courio until he got an opportunity to be what he is today with struggles along the way. The Twins should understand that going forward.

I'm hoping what I say next won't earn me my first ever negative points from TD. But while the Twins have been about as bad as every other team against the NL this season, what pisses me off was we held our own against the Dodgers and SHOULD have won at least one game. We gave the Brewers everything they could handle and basically BLEW a chance for a series win there. For whatever reason, the Phillies had our number. And that doesn't excuse poor performances from the entire team. But for some crazy reason, the arms and bats suddenly woke up against Atlanta, and we got a sweep. Funderburk's final numbers weren't indicative of how how he pitched. This was a much needed win. The Padres are next. Other than a Giants series, the rest of the season is against the Yankees and the ALC, if IRC. That puts the final record for this season and any playoff options squarely in their hands. And that's how it should be. And I'm ROOTING for the Twins to claim that last playoff spot and HOPING like hell they might finish strong enough to actually win the ALC.! But I'm also waiting and wondering why the Twins aren't letting Jenkins loose. I can only believe it's because they are waiting to bring Rodriguez up soon.

Look, I understand the 2026 season isn't done yet. And I'm still engaged and hopefull out Twins will finish this season strong and make the playoffs. No matter what happens, that's just more FUN than the season ending. BUT, there have been so many posts about K-Pepper FINALLY up, and debates about Rodriguez and Jenkins and "getting ready for 2027" already, that my brain is already looking at tomorrow, while still paying attention to TODAY...especially with a sweep of Atlanta...that a combination of TODAY vs TOMORROW is heavy on my brain. While NOT ignoring the NOW, there's been so much conversation about "what's next" that is a bee in my brain looking at this ONE particular spot for 2027 that I just can't ignore. This isn't about moves the remainder of 2026. I have my own opinions about that, as do the rest of you. I'm just trying to coalece those opinions with the rest of 2026, and the reality of 2027 to answer a very serious question. To DH or NOT to DH? And by that I mean, when the dust of 2026 settles, what we WANT to see is a K-Pepper debut, which we got, and Rodriguez and Jenkins to also debut, which we haven't seen yet. There's still a chance we see both. But let's flash forward for a moment shall we? More than likely Bell and Larnach are removed. Jenkins is ready. Rodriguez, IMO, is also ready. And I've heard various thoughts that Rodriguez, out of options, could be treated as the 13th man, being nursed along to adapt to MLB. I call BS on that because the best and smart thing to do is let him and Jenkins play daily and live with some mistakes. LIKE other teams like the Brewers have done. STOP being afraid of playing your TOP prospects. But I regress. The CATCHING position for 2027, for now, is Caratini and Jackson. UNLESS the Twins just jump Houston, which is not their normal, the INF will begin with Lee, Culpepper, Clemens, and Lewis. (Personally, I think Houston is a given by mid season at least). That leaves a SU spot that is probably Kreidler, or a surprise of Ross. Maybe they sign a solid option instead? But the OF is going to be Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez. That's a fact. And I'm sorry for being long winded, but I'm just setting the roster table. That leaves 2 spots open, pending the IDEAL of Houston just being ready day ONE. But supposing Houston ISN'T just brought up immediately, there's 2 spots open. Buxton will need some days off at DH. We have a nice mix of Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez in the the OF. And we have a pretty solid INF of Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens...at least for now...and Lewis with a battle of Kreidler and Ross that SHOULD take place for the SU role, unless they bring someone else in. So SHOULD the 2027 Twins be looking for another Cruz type of bat? Buxton will need some time at DH. Lee, while not a great hitter, has suddenly turned in to a potential 20HR hitter. POST trip down to AAA, Lewis has been very good/solid. And he doesn't have to do anything but just be the hitter he's been since he came back and he's a 20HR bat. While I don't expect K-Pepper to suddenly explode, he's shown XB and HR power in his MILB career. Clemens has shown power. Even as rookies, Rodriguez and Jenkins will provide some power. The biggest flaw in a potential 2027 roster is probably the 5th OF spot. (At some point, Houston is going to be ready). Cruz was an amazing difference maker for the Twins. And I have ZERO problem spending $15-18M for a similar player to be the DH for the 2027 Twins. But does it make sense is my point. THEORETICALLY, the Twins have 20 HR power at 1B, 3B, CF, maybe at SS with Culpepper already done that, plus Clemens, and the potential of Rodriguez and Jenkins. So SHOULD the Twins be looking for a Cruz like bat? Or should they leave the DH spot open to allow Buxton, Keaschall, Rodriguez, Lewis, and the rest of the lineup to just rotate through the DH spot?

Sorry, NO. Mendez has a great contact bat and limited power and a good OB%. He's also still a work in progress defensively. His ground ball rate might work at AAA, but it's not glong to work at the ML level. He doesn't have to be a consistent 20+ HR...Doubles are also great...but he will be another Miranda or Julien with contact only. He needs another year...and he's still really young...to learn to LIFT the ball for even more hits, as well as more power. He's ABSOLUTELY NOT on the list for promotion with Rodriguez and Jenkins sitting in the wings. In fact, I'd put him behind the RH Gonzalez before promotion.

I'm going to disagree with the OP somewhat strenously. The Buxton in CF we're seeing now isn't the Buxton of the past. But he's still damned good. And the defensive numbers indicate he's still good, according to the OP, but I still have a hard time conseptionalizing most defensive metrics where there are so many, and they often disagree. I haven't watched as many games lately as I normally due for various reasons. But throughout this season I've seen him continue to chase down balls that seemed destined for the gap that fell in to his glove. He's still QUALITY in CF from everything I've watched this season. He STILL belongs there. His sprint speed is still amazing. The fact that he holds up once in a while to preserve his body might mess with a few metrics, but it's also something he's learned, with the advice of the Twins and Hunter as well. For those worried about injury, both corner OF still have the wall to consider. In fact, corner OF have 2 walls to consider. So there is no saving grace there. I DO think Buck might move to a corner OF beyond 2027. And I DO think he might DH a little more in 2027 just to preserve his legs/hip, but he's still the best CF for the Twins in general, but also a quality CF, in general at the ML level. So NO, not now.

I've become a fan and believer in Clemens. He's never going to come close to being an All Star type of player. And his best role is as a valuable Utility player who plays 5 spots solidly. I say 5 because beyond all expectations, he was actually decent in CF a bit this season, though obviously he's not the 1st or even 2nd choice there. But damned if he didn't look at least adequate there. I mean, they bypassed Martin in favor of him there. I'm still confused by the fact that he played some 3B in MILB but the Twins haven't even tried him there in ST. I'd like to think he's at least competent there as a #3 type fill in, but maybe he's just uncomfortable there. Regardless, he's a very valuable 10th man with solid defense wherever you put him, who will never be a great hitter, or have a great OB%, but his defense is solid, and the power plays. IDEALLY, at some point in 2027, he actually becomes the 10th man, and plays 4 days out of 5. That's his best role. But I think we're beyond the SSS in his career with the Twins. While not a star player, he is a classic late bloomer who has turned himself in to a viable, and quality ML ballplayer. And I appreciate the work done in an OP like this one. It's a very detailed breakdown that is worthy of some praise due to said hard work, but also a SSS. And I'd like to know when it was actually written. Because his 5 games up until today, Wednesday the 19th, he was 6 for 19, which is a .315 AVG. And now, TODAY, he goes 2 for 4 with 3 RBI, and I believe both hits were against LHP. At least 1 was. So yeah, the timing of the article wasn't exactly that, timely. I have a lot of worries about the Twins, but Clemens isn't one of them.

The Twins still hold control over Banda. I'd love to see them bring Minter back in the offseason. But I don't have a problem having 3 LH in the bullpen with Funderburk. He's been inconsistent in his career thus far, but he's certainly flahsed when his mechanics are good.

Caratini is actually owed about $10M for 2027 due to some back loading of his contract.

I both agree and disagree with the OP. Positional versatility is a GOOD thing on a limited size roster. You need to move guys around once in a while for days off, matchups, or even injuries. But OVERALL roster construction is important. And the construction of the Twins Opening Day roster was flawed at best. And while changes made during the season haven't erased those initial roster mistakes, they have made the defense a little better than how it began. Lee to 3B was the 1st move that created a cascading event. I believe this was the RIGHT move as I think it's Lee's best position for a variety of reasons. And he will only get better. WHEN Kreidler played SS, the whole INF was better. If there's one thing about Shelton I disagree with, it would be he love of Gray. At BEST he's a decent 3B/2B backup who can play SS here and there. K-Pepper is a very talented young man, but a rookie, who may move to 2B when Houston is ready, but let us not pick on him so early, OK? I don't think Lewis was a poor 3B, I just like Lee better there. And again, I think he'll only get better. I think Lewis has the potential to be a very good 1B with a little more time and experience there. As a former SS and 3B, I really don't have a problem with him playing some 2B here and there. He SHOULD be able to be competent there with a little more work. I still believe Keaschall can be competent at 2B with time and work. He's too good of an athlete to NOT be able to get over the "over thinking" plays and just trusting his instincts and natural ability. But regrettably, I DO think he's better in the OF. He's actually flashed in the OF, but has also made some poor mistakes out there. But I actually believe he has the potential to be a solid OF with some more time there. I even think he can be a decent backup CF with more experience. But if you haven't already guessed by my comments, the problem is TIME and EXPERIENCE. ALL of these changes have been happening ON THE FLY during the season. But as average to poor as the results have been, the defense has still looked better. That's how badly the roster was initially constructed. And that's why I state I agree and disagree with the OP. Lewis HAS worked out at 2B in the offseason, but was then told to forget it and concentrate on 3B. NOW he's learning 1B, and also being asked to play a little 2B. Even Mauer took a season or two to become an excellent 1B. Lee has been asked to play 2B, SS, and 3B in his brief career. Now he's finally SET at a singular position. I think that's important. Keaschall, due to his arm injury, has played very little 2B. He's mostly played 1B, OF, and DH while in MILB. His TALENT says he can play all of these positions. But come on! The kid has played all over the place just to keep developing his BAT before surgery. Then he comes up early, flashes, and gets a broken forearm that robs him of months. He's not only still, hopefully, getting at least a little more arm strength back over time, but also adjusting to semi-new positions at the ML level with limited time playing them in MILB. Do you realize Julien had more time at 2B to prove himself than Keaschall has had? Bouncing around at both the MILB level and at the ML level hasn't exactly been beneficial to his development. But he's flashed in the OF, and made some poor plays in the OF. But he does seem to learn from his mistakes. But here is where the GOOD NEWS starts to take place. Lewis will gain confidence and experience at 1B and continue to get better. I still don't have a problem of him playing a little 2B or 3B if needed. But he will be the PRIMARY 1B in 2027. Lee is now the 3B. The fact that he CAN play a little SS or 2B if needed due to injury or late game changes is OK. But he's the regular 3B. Until Houston is promoted to the regular SS spot...and I'd seriously consider that for Opening Day based on potential, and the BEST INF alignment...K-Pepper is the Opening Day SS. So again, I agree and disagree with the OP. In 2027, there just shouldn't be a need for Caratini to play 1B unless it's a late game switch. Kreidler should ONLY be a Super Utility player, and not a regular. There's just no reason for him being anything but that. Keaschall is a key to the lineup. I remain STUNNED that Shelton hasn't already put him in the #1 slot. Larnach has been slumping, and Keaschall has been great since May. But how much better might he be defensively in 2027 with some hard work at 2B AND the OF. It's up to him to improve, but I have a hunch he will put in the work. I DON'T dislike roster flexibility. I think it's a good thing when you have the talent to do so, unlike this current roster who is doing so out of necessity. But that's going to change in 2027. Even with some growing pains, the OF of Rodriguez, Buxton, and Jenkins will bring back memories of the "no raindrops falling" of past OF defense. Keaschall will have the offseason to turn himself in to the next Marwin Gonzalez. And I'm not joking when I say that. He's got a lot of work to do, but he's got the potential to be a 5 position player. And we already know he's got the BAT to play. I really respect Kreidler. And even with a slump, he still impresses me with his bat approach, some power, and his defense is excellent. Even still, I'd love to see Ross give him serious competition for 2027. SOME of the roster flexibility for this season HAS held the Twins back, no question. But roster flexibility as a whole is a good thing with better players. The Twins for 2027 are poised for a better lineup, potentially, and with better roster flexibility out of options, and NOT necessity. Clemens becomes a great 5 position player who can also DH. Kreidler, unless Ross beats him out, is the Super Utility player. Keaschall can also be a 5 position player who plays daily because his BAT is too good to not play. I'd have him as the #1 in the lineup daily. The only thing this team needs is a good hitting RH OF to balance the roster. So yeah, the roster flexibility of the 2026 team is actually kinda hurting them because of changes on the fly. BUT some of those changes could really help in 2027. Personally, I think that's more important.

First of all, let me state that I don't dislike Martin. He's grown defensively as an OF to actually be pretty good, even with a mediocre arm. I liked what he showed with his bat in 2025, and I love what he did early in this season. And I was fully in favor of him getting a full time opportunity when Larnach was sent down. Unfortunately, he's also proven he really is a RH bat that should only hit against LHP and be a late inning defender and PR. (Though his reported speed has NEVER translated in to being a good base stealer). I agree with NOT burning his last option with a month and a half left in the season. I also agree he still has value as the RH counter to Larnach in LF, at least for now. I wouldn't just give up on him at this point. But is he the RIGHT FIT for the Twins going forward? I have to say no. Martin never had to be a power hitter to be successful as a ML player. He just needed some decent POP in his bat. If you don't have SOME XB threat in your bat, ML pitchers will adjust and challenge you repeatedly, and often win. Without that ability, you'd better be an amazing HITTER. And I just don't think Martin has shown to be anything but a decent hitter. Unfortunately, the Twins are very short on RH OF. Gonzalez is really the only option close to being ready. And he might need a little more time at AAA before he's ready. The Twins don't need to find an expensive RH slugger for 2027. But let's be honest about the roster next season. The OF will be Buxton, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Keaschall in what I believe will be as a utility role, but playing daily. Clemens can also help in the OF as needed. (Yes, there will be some growing pains with the rookies, but the potential payoff is huge). What the 2027 Twins need...via FA or trade...is just a competent defensive corner RH OF...who doesn't completely stink against RHP...but who hits LHP well and can lace DBLS and crank out a few HR. A hitter LHP have to respect in the box. I don't think Martin is that guy, and Gonzalez probably won't be ready. Again, I wouldn't just give up on Martin or burn his final option at this time. He's still the best viable option for this season. But I just don't believe he fits what the Twins need going forward after this season.

Isn't funny how prospects are initially viewed and debated as opposed to hiw they turn out. My favorite Twins example is the drafting of 1B Dave McCarty out of Stanford...I want to say he was All American...in the early 90's and turned out to be a bad choice. But a local HS kid like Kent Hrbek, drafted in the 17th round a little over a decade previously became a Twins icon. You just never know...until you know...how a prospect is going to turn out. I've basically given up trying to "figure out" Brooks Lee. He has more HR power than was expected, but isn't the sure fire HITTER he was supposed to be. And when you read all the numbers presented in the OP, you still end up with an enigma as to whe he is, and who he might yet be. The actual production doesn't seem to mesh with some of the underlying numbers. As a hopeful fan, this is what I DO know, this is only his 2nd full ML season. And I think we often forget that. YES, he debuted in 2024 as a TOP prospect. But 185 PA and 172 AB is barely above rookie status, (150 AB), and less than half a season. And it was a mediocre debut. In 2025, his 1st full season, he improved his quad slash line numbers across the board in all categories, and the HR power began to appear. It wasn't a great season, but it did show improvement. Now 25yo, in only his 2nd full ML season, he has once again raised all of his quad slash line numbers yet again. He's also already surpassed his XB hit totals, and HR mark, with a month and a half of the season yet to go. For giggles, his 3yr OPS numbers are .585-.654-.721, though 2026 is not over yet, of course. His OPS+ numbers are 64-81-101 again with the caveat that 2026 still has a month and a half left to play. So we can look at positive numbers, and negative numbers, that don't necessarily align. I think we're looking at a still young player who is improving as a hitter, and improving his power and production, but in a way that not only defies a few underlying metrics, but is also different from the player we THOIGHT we drafted. He's SUPPOSED to already be a .270-.280 hitter with good contact, a solid OB%, with good DBLS power, but somewhat limited HR power. Instead, we're getting less AVG and OB%, and less contact, but more power. He runs hot and cold, but he's also had some great moments and key AB with key hits that have won games. So who is Brooks Lee as a hitter? I still don't know. I think the question should be, deapite analysis, who MIGHT he be? Again, I just don't know. But I do think he's growing and adapting as a ML hitter. He's currently on pace for about 46 XBH, which includes 21 HR, and is targeting around 78 RBI. That's not a bad ballplayer. And while I don't expect him to ever win a Silver Slugger award, if he just maintains the growth path he's shown going in to 2027 as a 26yo, we might be looking at a .260-ish AVG, a .315-ish OB%, and a .450-ish SLG%. That's a .765 OPS. Now, he could regress, or he could do better. But continued improvement for someone who will only turn 26yo during ST next season, with 2 full seasons behind him, I don't think growing as a hitter should be unexpected. Growth as a ballplayer eventually hits a ceiling and you are what you are. But I don't think we've seen the best of Lee yet. I expect he's got another level yet to reach. He's probably never going to come close to being an All Star caliber player, and maybe that's a disappointment considering his draft status and hype coming out of college. But if he can raise his game that one more notch, he's a really solid ML BAT who fits anywhere from 5-7 in a good lineup. Again, I've stopped trying to figure out who he is, and might be, as a ML hitter. But I believe he has one more level he can reach. And that level plays nicely.

I don't disagree with you Ash. I've always believed, generally speaking, that a pitcher is/can be his best in his late 20's and early 30's because of experience/knowledge plus stuff, as long as the stuff doesn't suddenly go away. I don't know that Coors Field, by itself, can "ruin" a pitcher. But I do wonder if it can mess with their approach, and maybe rob them of confidence at times. It's the "this worked before, why isn't it working here"? I absolutely love what Ober has done this season for the Twins. For whatever reason, his FB just seems to be gone. But except for a few bad games, he's been largely effective for a rotation that needed him. And he's been throwing "old school" with location and deception. I have doubts the Twins will bring him back for 2027 though. Marquez might be toast. And I hope we don't need to rely on him. Visions of Dallas Keuchal (sp?) still run through my brain at times. BUT, if he can STILL hit 93-94, there MIGHT be something there to work with if he hasn't lost the feel for his other pitches. I have zero illusions he's some kind of steal. He was signed to a MILB deal for a reason. But he MIGHT be a better version of Keuchal if we need some emergency rotation help.

Maybe. And Maki and his staff do a hell of a good job bringing out the best in arms that have talent. But as I understand it, there isn't enough time, right after a trade, to just tweak the hell out of a veteran arm just acquired. But I have no doubt the Twins offered up a couple initial suggestions they believe can make him better. While Kremer is no stud, top of the rotation arm, I think we have to remember that they didn't trade for a guy with a 6 plus ERA. They traded for a pitcher who has a history of a high 3, low 4 ERA who's been pretty solid as a #4-5 SP, who had a similar ERA before a couple of blow ups just before the deadline. I have no doubt Maki and his staff have offered a couple tweaks in his repertoire and arm angle. But I think Kremer also deserves some credit for embracing those tweaks immediately, and just pitching closer to the pitcher he has been. When all is said and done, the "meh" of acquiring Kremer just might turn out to be a "hmmm...and we have him for 2027 also?". We still have a month and a half to go before the season is done. But if the Twins really did get the Kremer from the previous 4 seasons, and if Maki can tweak a couple of things to raise his game even a single notch, this will turn out to be a very solid traded for acquisition.

I tend to agree. Which is part of my point of what is most important, playing the best players, promoting top prospects to get ready for 2027, or holding on to a potential #2 catcher for next season. I mean, let's just say the Yankees, for example, decide Jackson is better than what they have. But whoever might grab him. He might be DFA'd again in the offseason. I believe, to this day, that the catcher position is undervalued. But is Jackson really so valuable they could've find a different #2 in the offseason? I did listen to the G&G podcast from Wednesday. And I honestly don't recall Gleeman stating Jackson was going to be dropped. I think it was more his opinion, matching my own, and not a report he was passing on. But I was driving at the time, and might have missed something.

I agree totally. And I hope we don't need him. But as @Greglw3stated, we've already seen that Maki and his staff are really good at what they do. If there's an arm that has hidden talent, they're really good at enhancing it. I sometimes wonder if the very quiet Maki isn't greatly under appreciated for the coach that he is. Marquez might just be toast after all of those years pitching at Coors Field. But 31 is not exactly old. I am NOT expecting crazy waiver wire street FA steal. But if there's still life in that arm of his, I think the Twins are one of the better teams to resuscitate such arms.

Well we know it's 1 of 2 options in Roden or Jackson. It might not be "fair" to send Roden down as I think he needs and deserves a little more runway. And I think the Twins would like to give it to him. And he's more useful than Jackson sitting as the #3 catcher. But it seems sort of natural to send Roden down, replacing 1 OF with another. I've been fairly impressed by Jackson. And I do think the Twins want to keep him for 2027 and are worried he might be grabbed off waivers by someone. Maybe they try to sneak him through in September when teams may be less likely to need/want to grab him? But with all due respect to him, are we really that concerned we can't trade for or sign a different #2 catcher in the offseason? Is that important to keep vs a more useful player like Roden? And there is the Jenkins and Rodriguez situation. One could be added by removing both Roden and Jackson, the other could be brought up September 1st. So yes, I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth. I'd rather give Roden more time. But I think long term thinking is important here. Removing both makes room for Buxton, and let's say Jenkins. And in a little over 2 weeks, we can bring Rodriguez up as the 14th position player without having to make a roster move. That also gives him a couple more weeks to ramp up at St Paul. Regardless, I think it's Roden going down, fair or unfair. But I still think risking losing Jackson to bring up Jenkins is still smarter than being worried we might lose Jackson.