DocBauer

I've been a huge fan and believer in Wallner for some time now. He proved me right in '23 and '24, and was still above league average in '25 overall in regard to OPS. MY PLAN as an amateur GM was for him to be the DH here in '26, occasionally play OF, and Roden and Gonzalez were going to be the primary starting corner OF. OBVIOUSLY, the opening day roster didn't come close to that. IF Buxton goes on the IL for a rest, Roden is the next man up, not Wallner. His K's and lack of BB is still an issue for a ML ballplayer who's not rehabbing...where a lot of numbers don't really matter...but is instead trying to "reset" himself. And is he still missing on anything above 95mph? I don't like selling Wallner at a low point. And he's maybe the most disappointing Twin for me this season. But as the OP points out...and we all know the names already...at some point the prospects need their opportunity. And now with Keaschall in the OF...though he still might end up as a 5 position utility player...the OF is getting even more crowded. If Wallner keeps up his AAA numbers, maybe improves them some, I can see him possibly getting a call up after the deadline. But even then, what about the prospects? I still believe there's a pretty good ballplayer, or least a good BAT, in Wallner. But while it pains me, I think if another team is willing to give up ANYTHING of any sort of decent value for his services because THEY see potential in him, it's time to move on. Let the prospects play. Hope Wallner still has a solid career, for his own sake, just not against the Twins, and LIVE with it if he does well elsewhere.

Yes, 6-0 and 5-1 is better than 4-2, but it was a great road trip! And I had my fingers crossed for 3-3. If the defense plays better and Ryan wasn't still worn out...I bieve he stated he was exhausted when he came out of that Astro's game...we very well might have avoided that crazy 6 run inning, which was really the game, and, and gone 5-1. Team effort all the way around. Discounting his 1 inning today, I believe he only played 1 game? Good for the team they could play well without Buck, but bad he hurt his hip again. Maybe it's just a "tweak" and he's only out a day or two? If not, a brief rest and brining Roden up is probably the smart move. In regard to @ashburyquestion, I'm pretty sure Buxton can't play if on the IL, but he can still attend the game. A few additional comments/observations: 1] Keaschall is starting to look pretty good in the OF. 2] Really encouraged by what I saw of Raya Saturday, blowout or not. His stuff seemed to be in control and showed real life. 3] Matthews was absolutely cruising before the cut on his foot. From a post game interview, he was trying to gut it out to save the pen. He was hurting and trying to step differently to take pressure off his foot. Undoubtedly, that explains his sudden loss of control. Thankfully, it's just a cut and he's expected to be OK for his next start. 4] Just watching his approach and how he plays, I think Fedko probably is a ML ballplayer, of the 4th OF variety. Bad luck, intermittent play, possibly pressing, he still hasn't hit. But he looks like he knows what he's doing in the OF and on the bases. But he's still probably going down now in order to shuffle the roster for Jeffers in a few days. They can't afford to lose Jackson, which is something I never thought I'd hear myself say. 5] Martin might not be dead and buried after all. But I think he's proven he's just not a daily starter by any means. 6] If Buxton does need an IL stint to rest, it won't be Jenkins for a list of reasons. It will be Fedko. 7] The last thing I want is for the Twins to "give up" on the season by moving Larnach and Bell. But Roden is more than ready. Rodriguez should be ready sometime in August. Jenkins keeps performing at a high clip. Mendez has been great all season, and Gonzalez has been good since an awful start to the year. You can't just promote them ALL at once. But you're really messing with 2027 and beyond if some of these guys don't start playing here in 2026. But does the team automatically "tank" if they replace Larnach with Fedko and Bell with Jenkins or OF "X" post deadline? Bring on Cleveland! It's time for a little payback since the Twins are playing some pretty good ball lately.

While the game was pretty much over, I really enjoyed getting a chance to watch Raya finish thiae last 2 innings. Nice velocity, nice movement and depth on his pitches, I was impressed.

Correct! Unless someone just wasn't paying attention, at least a couple young SP were going to be moved to create a new bullpen. We can argue all day about the validity of doing that and virtually spending NO $ to assist, but it also made some sense, despite ownership really blowing the offseason. But let's rewind for a second to remember why this actually had a solid footing as an idea. Before everything kinda went to hell in a handbasket due to injuries, in no EXACT order, the 2026 season began with the following rotation depth: Lopez, Ryan, Ober, SWR, Bradley, Abel, Matthews, Festa, Morris, Prielipp, Klein-Rojas-Cullpepper. Forgive me if I've forgotten someone. There was EVERY REASON for a healthy Festa to just make a smooth transition to the BP as a high velocity arm. Except, the initial positive reports went to crap. But that's just ONE injury. But Lopez literally blew out his arm DAY ONE. BOY did that hurt! Who could have ever expected SWR to just SUDDENLY implode after a couple really solid seasons, and a tremendous end to 2025? Ober's hip was 100% feeling good, no issues, and was throwing in the low 90's in preparation for ST before he rested for a week or so before reporting. When he arrived at ST, he was throwing 88-90 and hasn't been better since. But he got by with guile and experience to be surprisingly solid...even having probably the best game of his career...and then he also gets hurt. Abel DESTROYED the opposition in ST, had a couple mediocre 2 appearances, and then was DOMINATE his next 2 starts. And then HE gets hurt. (Without details, it sounds like his procedure was just a cleanup and he'll be fine for 2027). You just can't hardly make this stuff up folks! The PLAN was there was enough depth to move SOME of that SP depth to the bullpen. Morris was behind other arms, and has been moved, and looks like a keeper there. I truly believe a healthy Festa would have been the Twins closer this season if he was healthy. I even had hopes that a healthy Cody Lewis would transition to the BP and throw as hard as he could, and dazzle batters with his knuckleball as a middle relief option. But even he was injured to begin the season. There was enough initial depth to make this happen. And then thunder and lightening and crap happened. There is NO RULE that states having 4th and 5th SP depth options can't be moved to the bullpen to MAKE a good bullpen. ESPECIALLY if those arms are "blocked" by quality SP already in place. It's called "maximizing your assets". It's unfortunate that injuries have so badly derailed "the plan". Again, I ABSOLUTELY do NOT take management off the hook for being so damned obtuse in regard to the offseason. But PART of the plan got really messed up with unforseen issues. But the bullpen should only include "failed" SP is just not right. Sometimes guys are just meant to pitch more games and less innings. I think that is Festa's future if they can get his shoulder right. In fact, it's not that different from Duran. He just wasn't made to be a SP. I am UNINTENTIONALLY rambling to make a point. Not only SHOULD you maximize your pitching depth in ANY way you can in regard to the rotation AND your bullpen, but where does "failed starter" meet any sort of criteria? If Raya has actually found himself, even IF he goes down and comes up again and does great, is he a "failed starter"? Or does a "failed starter" have to be someone who stunk at the ML level and THEN converted to the bullpen? So I guess I'm also asking @Bodie who exactly is a "failed starter"? Perkins was a failed ML starter. Duran was not. Just as past examples. Morris is not a failed starter, just a good arm the team can utilize in a new role in which he might excel. Might Rojas MAYBE be a NOT "failed starter" who could have a great career as a powerful reliever? I just don't believe in "failed starters" always becoming relievers, unless we're also discussing MILB prospects who also become quality relievers.

And that's a good wrap up of some of the things I've been trying to say, and the OP as well. You've already taken off his training wheels by promoting faster than anyone expected due to necessity. He's been used, largely successfully, as a middle man throwing 2-4 innings at the ML level. But even considering youth, missed time prior to this season, and his pure stuff, isn't using him as a middle reliever a poor use of his talent as an organizational resource? If the Twins actually believe he can get command of his stuff to be a viable, quality ML SP....and I'm NOT saying he can't be...and don't want him to move to the bullpen at this point, and he might be the last line of defense as a SP option if someone else goes down, then by all means keep him as a SP, work with him, and get him up to 75-80 IP per start and ride with him in that role. I'm not saying good or bad, but that means currently accepting Rogers and Funderburk as your lefties in the bullpen for possibly the rest of the season. As an organization, you say you want to compete, so barring a trade for someone, this is the LH side of your BP. Hey, maybe Funderburk repeats his late 2025 and Rogers just relies on guts and experience to eek out another couple of solid months. (His FB was still sitting around 94-95 his last appearance). And I'm FINE if that is the decision. But perhaps, since the label has been torn off, perhaps it's best to use Rojas best as a RP the rest of this season, get him experience at the ML level, and as you say, revisit his future again in 2027? Maybe they trade for or sign a quality LH FA? Who knows? I just don't like leaving him in a "limbo land" where's used in between those 2 options. I just don't think it does HIM or the Twins any good.

I understand the frustration. But you also have to remember that even though college pitchers have more experience than a HS kid, they were used to throwing every 7 days in college. While throwing every 5-6 days doesn't sound massive, it's still a change. And most college arms settle in around 80-85 IP. And now the seasons are much longer, so they are usually on a pitch count, not an IP counter, so it's more of a marathon approach to build up for a full season. If you look at Riley Quick, for example, he basically missed all of 2024 and threw a little over 60 innings in 2025. So again, it's a form of build up.

Not exactly the names we'd all like to see on this list, but these things are cyclical month to month. Said previously I'm glad Raya is getting his shot. He can always go down and be brought up if he needs a reset. But I really hope he continues to get a real opportunity here. I almost don't care what his numbers look like initially, I'm more concerned about improvement and growth via experience. Reitz off to a solid start before his last appearance. You have to kinda root for Rozek as a "good organizational guy", but I doubt he has enough pure stuff to be considered a late bloomer who deserves a shot. CJ should be up with the Twins before the year is done. He's got a solid history of quality production and numbers when healthy. Right now, he's fighting BB a bit at AAA. But he hasn't been there very long. I think there's a good chance he follows Morris as the next successful pen convert. What's been unfortunate in the system this season is injuries. Elwanger exploded on the scene and then got shut down. Soto is being brought along slowly, and Hill has been fighting control, like a lot of young kids do. Bohorquez began the season on the IL. And while it's an exaggeration, it felt like half of the 2025 drafted arms began the season on the IL, including Reitz. So again, this list could look very different next month.

Because I think it deserves it's own reply, I DO agree with the OP that they need to ultimately make a decision on Rojas, whether it be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary. I think the 4 IP every 4 days has merit in MILB for 2 reasons: 1] When injuries and promotions leave a MILB team short of conventional starters, it's a good way to mix and match. 2] I think it can be a good way to take a pitcher who just doesn't fit as a ML SP, but also might not have enough stuff to be a back end arm, and transition them to a middle man. Let's use Paredes as a recent example. He's never been a top prospect. But he's been successful in MILB as a pen option, and as a quasi starter at time. And while he was on NOBODY'S radar to help here in 2026, he's kinda saved the Twins butt so far. So maybe he becomes a 1-3 IP middle man, 8th man in the pen, who can give you innings every 2-3 days. Another example: Cody Lewis, the Twins MILB pitcher of the year, has had some control and injury issues the last couple of years. He's healthy again and throwing at Wichita. Until his last poor start, he was looking at least OK. Could he ramp up his velocity a bit, refine his repertoire a bit, and still use that crazy knuckleball of his as a successful middle man? Well, then the 4 every 4 is a good way to get him built back up, gain some confidence, but never face a lineup more than 1 or 1 1/2 times. But I DON'T like it for an arm as talented as Rojas. If the Twins have decided they are going to keep him in the rotation, then I agree they should "open him up". I get they might be building back up some after his last IL stint. But they need to let him go a good 70+ pitches and see if can get through 4-5 IP. But only throwing him 2+ innings doesn't utilize his potential, both for himself, as well as the Twins. Pick a road and follow it. I'm more worried about 2027 and beyond than I am for 2026. Get him in the pen to make a difference knowing he can also move back later, or get him stretched out and keep him as a SP for now. Just pick a lane.

Not going to disagree with this statement, and in my post I made it clear it's not my normal stance. (No idea if you were speaking to my post directly or not). I really don't have a problem with him, at 23yo, still trying to gain experience and figure things out as a starter. I'm just trying to look BIG PICTURE at the staff in it's entirety. And I just have a "gut feeling" that Rojas' past injury history...while not significant...and his control issues makes him very "Duran-like" where his future will be as a top end RP. That might not equal a 1.5 WAR the way a back end SP might be calculated...provided such a pitcher is worth that, but a 1.25 WAR vs a 1.4 WAR is not such a huge difference in the context of needing a quality BP as well as a solid 5 man rotation. Further, even were Rojas to be "great" and not "elite", his actual WPA might negate any small WAR differential difference between 5th SP and his role. It's a good arguement. Again, I'm just looking at the BIG PICTURE of building the best STAFF we can. I am not one who wants to convert all SP prospects to the pen. That's just knee jerk nonsense by some. And right now, he's the best option to add a LH that can make a difference to the bullpen. We don't have anyone else from the port side knocking at the ML door at the moment. And he might still move back to the rotation at some point.

This is almost totally opposite of my normal opinion...keep a young starting arm AS a starting arm for as long as possible...but I really like the idea of Rojas in the bullpen. And that doesn't preclude him moving back to the rotation one day, similar to what Santana and Liriano did. The bullpen could really use that powerful arm/stuff in the bullpen along with Gomez and Morris and anyone else that can get their game together over the next few months. Losing Banda really hurt. (I would have liked BOTH Rojas and BANDA in the pen). And being a little wild, like Rojas is, is easier to cover when you've got nasty stuff, high K potential, and probably only throwing one inning at a time. Losing Ryan...if it happens...really messes with this year's rotation. But currently, 2027 looks like Lopez, Bradley, Abel, Matthews, and Prielipp as the top 5, with Ober as a question mark. While depth is absolutely a concern, that's a really nice place for the rotation to start. But what about the bullpen? And even if Banda is back, who joins him? You don't HAVE to have 2 LH options in the pen, but OH BOY, to have Banda in a middle role and Rojas blowing away hitters in the 8th inning! I'd like to think the Twins are smarter than me, lol, and have a plan in place for Rojas. And again, this isn't my normal stance. It's a gut feeling due to control issues and some past injury issues, that he's just destined for a back of the pen role. We sure could use his arm there.

While I'd be ecstatic for any of the top 3, I really want Lackey. Big bat with control and he plays a premium defensive position and seems to be qualitt there. So you get the good college bat, the good defense, and he also fits a team need. All wins. Plus, he probably arrives quickly as well, to join Lee, K-Pepper, Houston, Jenkins, Rodriguez, etc, as part of the same wave. Renfrow sounds like a typical Twins pitching selection. They love the upside, even if they didn't have a great season, especially if they have at least 1 really good pitch to work off of. If they draft a prep kid in the 2nd round, I'd expect it to be an arm, not a SS like Ruiz. It will be a talented arm, or a Winokur/Young position player who has the huge upside, even if there are some floor concerns. Peterson sounds interesting. Good glove, big arm, solid bat, big power. Hey, you need those guys too. But something doesn't "feel" quite right about him in this spot. I slightly disagree with other opinions the Twins should focus really heavy on pitching past #1. They went pretty hard on arms last year. Some of them, unfortunately, got hurt like Elwanger, or began the season on the IL, but it was a pretty good looking group and many are showing promise. I just don't think you can be successful as an organization without maintaining balance as well. I like their change last season in going for arms a little earlier than some past drafts. And I expect at least 2 or 3 out of those first 5 picks, at least 1 prep kid. And I have zero problem with 12-13 pitchers. But you've still got to grab another catcher, a couple OF, and a couple INF along the way as well. Your organization needs depth and balance. And you can never predict who from what round might end up a quality prospect. I really wish we had a Comp A this year to go along with the #3 pick, but I'm pretty excited about this draft. We basically draft a Top 100, if not Top 50 player, there's OK depth, and the HS arms seem plentiful with intriguing prospects. I could see 2 HS arms and that might be it for the prep ranks. Getting impatient for draft day!

This REALLY disturbs me! I have watched DECADES of MLB when the player roster was 15 or 14 men when the roster was only set at 25. That includes AL teams having a DH and NL teams sometimes employing a special PH. "Back in the day" Kelly and Gardenhire...just for Twins examples...never had a problem utilizing their full player roster. So why in hell do the Twins CONTINUE to play with a 12 1/2 man roster? Fedko just might not be a ML player. But he's at least earned the opportunity. So he's supposed to continue this idea of being a PR, and potential PH, who only starts against LHP? He's faced RHP 75% of his career for goodness sake. But his promotion is to ONLY replace Outman? Well then you should just kept Outman for goodness sake! No offense to Kreidler in CF filling in for Buxton, but maybe Fedko could play some CF and let Kreidler play SS, where he's better than Gray? Again, maybe Fedko just isn't a ML ballplayer. But how the hell do you know unless he gets an actual opportunity? So if Roden is brought up tomorrow, does he take Fedko's role as a never used PR/PH? What about Mendez and Gonzalez? NOT utilizing your ENTIRE roster is mismanagement. If your talent is so slim that the 13th man can only fill a very small role, then you've mismanaged your roster. This is just beyond frustrating to me! Sorry for the thread hijack.

Despite the Pohlad's reputation of being cheap...deservedly so...I honestly can't think of anyone they have deliberately held down simply due to service time manipulation. Maybe I'm wrong? They have, at times, with the sorta current FO, not given prospects the green light Opening Day...witness Rodriguez this current season...mostly due to a tepid belief in promoting rookies "too soon" and being in love with "veteran depth". But I just can't remember any service time manipulation. Roden's future with the club is somewhat in doubt based on other talented prospects. That doesn't mean he doesn't have a place on this roster, and shouldn't be #1 on the promotion list. Rodriguez, IMO, simply should have broken Opening Day. Regardless, he NEEDS TO PLAY. But he also won't be ready until sometime in August. And Mendez and Rodriguez are both already on the 40 man. Considering all of these factors, plus Jenkins youth, plus time missed, there are very logical reasons why the Twins might not have on a ASAP promotion list that have nothing to do with service time. As someone already pointed out, even if Larnach and Bell are moved...heck, maybe even Martin, though that's doubtful...and Fedko is sent back down, it would still be damn hard to promote FOUR young OF all at once. And you'd also want ALL 4 to have playing time. So yeah, there are actually real reasons to keep Jenkins down a little longer and let him refine his game and continue to work on his power stroke a little more. Additionally...even though he's out until August...Rodriguez has burned through his options. And that's a VERY important consideration. Roden has now burned at least 1, if not 2. Mendez and Gonzalez will have burned 1 each this season. But Mendez, despite his amazing success in 2025-26, is also very young and still working on his defense. (I HOPE they haven't given up on some 1B for him). And Gonzalez isn't exactly old either, and could possibly use a little more time to work on his defense as well, including more time at 1B. But Jenkins is the Twins #1 prospect for a reason. And even with some missed time this season, he's still a TOP 10-25 global prospect. And if he mashes in July, as important as he is for the future of the Twins, I don't see them holding him back due to service time. BUT, considering the caution used previously at times by the FO...and Zole has been part of that for some time now...I csn see logical reasons to promote OF X and Y, and then Z in August and keep Jenkins down a little longer. It might be frustrating, but more time for guys already on the roster to get their feet wet might be better in the long run. I still predict he's up before the season is over, however.

Injuries have forced both Langenberg and Gallagher up before they were ready. It hasn't been pretty all the time, but I've still noticed some growth from them. Cody Morissette is more than likely only a depth piece at this point. But he's also an example how the ML draft sometimes just doesn't turn out as expected. The 26yo was a 2nd round pick of the Marlins in 2021. He's never distinguished himself in MILB. But what's kind of interesting is he's hitting WAY above his career MILB numbers this season. He plays 2B and 3B and definitely doesn't qualify as a prospect any longer. But his 2026 story is at least interesting. It's only 1 bad game, but I'm disappointed in Cory Lewis. I know he's just ramping up after missing most of the 1st half of the season recovering from injury. And he hasn't looked like the Twins MILB Pitcher of the Year for a couple seasons now. Still, I just have this gut feeling that if they'd move him to the pen, his offerings would play up a bit more, and his crazy knuckleball could really confuse hitters for a couple of innings. I'm hoping he gets that chance. Nice to see Quick rebound. He's got the build, the velocity, and the secondaries to be very successful. But I never bought in to the hype that he might reach AAA in his first professional season. He's still somewhat inexperienced IP wise due to college injury. That's why he wasn't a 1st round pick. But it is still only July 2nd. If he can build on this throughout July, a late promotion to AA isn't out of the question. That would be a tremendous debut season for him.

Another well written and thoughtful article Nick. But with all due respect to your intent, I think we should be talking about how to build the bullpen in an overall context, not simply aspirations to reach the playoffs this year. In reality, today and next year really overlap. IF the Twins can finish the season around .500 while introducing some young position players to go along with the young arms we've already had at least glimpses of, I'll consider this a solid season, regardless of sneaking in to the playoffs. I think the Twins, if they play their cards right, can sell AND buy a little at the deadline. For instance, does a competing team out there have need for Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell? I'd say definitely, probably, and probably. But they aren't going to trade an important, high leverage arm to acquire them. And a non contending team is going to want prospects...that I'm generally loathing in trading away...and not veterans they aren't going to have use for, and won't be around. But perhaps a contending team has a young, controllable #5 or #6 man that's similar to Varland before he had his big breakout, who is getting his feet wet, and has potential, but isn't one of their most important pen pieces. Further, what if one of those teams has a AAA arm...possibly a AA arm ready for promotion...that has either just begun a transition to the pen, or seems destined to do so. In other words, can Larnach bring back another team's Morris? THAT is how we can sell....and create room for top prospects that are ready...and also do some buying as well. INTERNALLY, the cupboard is pretty bare right now due to injury and arms already promoted. There's only a couple of arms left at AAA that might help still, and are as good or better than what's already on the roster. So I see this as more about how to build the bullpen with a long lens, and not just this season. Where those 2 issues overlap, so much the better. GOMEZ and MORRIS: While some regression is probably due, I think we've seen enough of Gomez so far to believe he's not just "some guy" on a hot streak. He's young, controllable, and has solid stuff. And Morris is the same, and seems to keep improving. BANDA: While he's gone for a while now, he should be back before the season is done. He's untradable, a solid LH that still has control that won't require some huge salary bump, and SHOULD be brought back next season. ROJAS: I know the idea was for him to be an eventual SP. And maybe that still happens in the future, maybe not. But Santana and Liriano did it, so maybe he can too. But he has POWERFUL 8th and 9th inning stuff written all over him in the future, possibly before the season is over. For now, he could have great value in the middle innings. SANDS: We saw in 2024 how good he CAN be. We saw glimpses in 2025 at times, and even early parts of this season. I don't think we have a handle on who he truly is, but we've seen flashes. He at least helps as a solid middle arm in the pen. FESTA: With a little luck...which the Twins are in short supply these days...he'll be healthy enough to pitch in August, September at the latest. That would help in his initial transformation to being a reliever. But if we have to wait until 2027, so be it. He's been dynamite his 1st turn through a lineup, and pretty good the 2nd time even. But injuries and troubles a 3rd time through an order just makes him destined for the pen. Some guys are just built for fewer IP more often rather than being a starter. CJ CULPEPPER: I'm a believer. He's been very effective when healthy. He seems to be taking to his new pen role well. I believe he needs most or all of July to hone and adapt, but he's got the STUFF to be another good pen transition story. Late July or August 1st for his debut? Pause for a moment and add those guys up. While there are injury factors there, and inexperience, the STUFF and POTENTIAL of those 7 could have a pretty decent bullpen by August, or certainly to begin 2027. A bullpen that is experienced and ready to help a team to the playoffs? That's very debatable. But it's a bullpen better than TODAY, with about as much STUFF and potential as the pen they had the last couple of years before blowing it up. RAYA: I was pleasantly surprised the Twins didn't use him and then send him down right away after his 40+ pitch debut. From EVERYTHING we've always read and heard about him, he's got some pretty serious STUFF in his arsenal, but consistency/command has always been an issue. (Not to mention LENGTH as a SP). But he really turned a corner in May. Unless he just absolutely imploded, I'm for giving him all the rope he needs to see if he can start to reach his potential. They also have the luxury of sending him back down for a reset if needed, and bring him back up later. There's only a couple of arms sitting at AAA that come close to matching his potential. KLEIN: He's been pretty disappointing this season, but he's still got solid offerings and good K numbers. The HR ball has definitely messed with him this season. And perhaps I'm imagining it, but it seems like his first couple of IP are usually productive, and THEN he allows a big hit. But what might he accomplish oy throwing 1-2 IP? I think there's some nice potential in both Raya and Klein. Raya appears more ready. PAREDES: Look, he's nothing special. Despite a nice and versatile career in the Twins' MILB system, he's kind of a throwback, control, pitch to contact pitcher. His career in the Twins bullpen might be short lived. But for NOW, if Ober can come back as the 5th SP for the Twins and continue his earlier season trend of ALSO being an effective, throwback, smart, experienced, pitch to contact arm, Paredes could be a solid 2-3 IP every 2-3 days are to help fill out the pen as the 8th man. At least he's healthy and can be part of the "now" bullpen. EVERYONE ELSE: IF Funderburk could get his control down FINALLY, he can be a decent option. Adams and Laweryson just don't have enough pute stuff to have a bright future. But if they can avoid BB...especially to leadoff hitters...and keep the ball in the park, they can at least help fill the middle innings. I've seen enough from the Jeckyl/Hyde Orze to think he's got room to improve and be a potential 6th/7th man in future bullpens. But I can also see him squeezed out by 2027 as well. But all of these guys provide some depth options at least. And Rogers, also Jeckyl/Hyde, is probably done after this season. Not even sure he has minimum trade value. But when you look at all the above, without adding any FA, you can see the makings of an end of season, going in to 2027, bullpen, that would be VASTLY different than the pen we started with this season. It would also be fairly young, inexpensive, and offer some real upside potential. And potential trades of Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell, might offer up a a decent arm or two as I detailed previously. So there could be another pre-breakout Varland or Morris or two that we might acquire. When I see Roden, Jenkins, Gonzalez and Mendez healthy and performing well at St Paul...Rodriguez won't be ready until some time in August...I don't believe moving Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell is ownership or the FO throwing in the towel for 2026. It would be a "re-tool" in mid stride to promote talented TOP prospects internally to actually/potentially help the team, while building for 2027. *NOTE: I'm only leaving K-Pepper out of the conversation because his promotion isn't affected by these trades. IMO, I don't believe Ryan will be traded unless they get a "blown away" offer. THAT would be a WHITE FLAG that ownership and the FO have simply given up on the season. An already thin rotation would become DESIMATED. And I don't think they want to go down that path. I'd ONLY trade prospects if the return was a quality pen arm with potential and years of control. My current belief is to utilize the young arms on hand. I understand fully that some of the potential arms I've listed aren't quite ready YET, and a couple are on the IL. But I don't want to move prospects just yet when I've felt all along that this season was going to be a transition year. We've already seen improvement and debuts from several young arms. It's time to lean in to them, but also debut the young, talented prospects as well.

Gonzalez is a RH hitting OF with pop and developing power. Something the Twins really need. And based on his contact profile and previous production, he seems a fairly safe bet to say he'll become a solid ML ballplayer. But he doesn't necessarily beat out Martin. There may be room for a 2nd RH bat. (I'm leaving Buxton out for obvious reasons). But I think the younger...and actually producing...Keaschall does. He's as fast, or faster, than Martin, and appears to be the better SB threat. He currently looks like the better hitter as well. I don't think Martin loses his job tomorrow, but since he has an option available, I'd go along with the idea of some St Paul time. But the Twins OF is going to get really crowded soon, and I'm thinking Martin might not be part of it in 2027.

There's really no reason not to pick one of the top 3 unless the Twins scouting department just really and truly believes in someone else. It's hard to turn away the #1 arm in Flora, but there are enough small question marks that it's a little hard to grab him and not one of the big 3. I've stated before that a year or two from now Lombard might end up being the best player in this draft. That is, if his hit tool works on a professional level. But again, despite his ceiling, when you're presented with a trio at the top of the draft like this, why mess around? Just take the best remaining of the group when you're up. Now, if the Sox or Rays pull a surprise and 2 of the 3 are sitting there when it's the Twins turn, things get very interesting.

No excuses, Ryan probably just had a bad day. It happens. But I have to wonder after being sick, adrenaline kicking in for the Ohtanit matchup, was he just a bit drained for tonight's game? Orze pitching better is a solid I guess. Raya throwing 2 good innings is a silver lining. I really want to see his young arm get opportunities.

So from all the games I've watched, and all the Box Scores I've poured over, I have 2 reactions. 1] STOP looking at the ERA of Prielipp AND Matthews. Yes, I understand the OP is about Prielipp, but I think that is limited thinking. 2] START looking more closely at game by game performances. RIGHT NOW is about the time we expected Prielipp to debut. Instead, he's been up for about 2 months now. The HITS are higher than you'd like, so are the BB. But his K's are solid and he's FLASHED all the potential you'd want to see from him as a rookie so far. Meanwhile, Matthews has really only had 2 poor/mediocre starts so far. Similar to Prielipp's last start, he probably had his best game of the season thus far. Of his 9 games started so far, I believe he's provided a "quality start" in 7 of them. Again, don't just focus on ERA. INSTEAD, just look closer at the development of these 2 arms. ONE, Prielipp, has debuted way before expected and has been solid, and has flashed. TWO, Matthews is starting to become the quality SP we've been waiting for. Silver lining here, we're seeing maturation of a pair of important arms for this team going forward. Now, there is a concern about IP for Prielipp, which I get. But what Shelton and staff have been doing is NOT being worried about how many pitches Prielipp is throwing, but instead pushing his starts back a day or two to allow more recovery time. I think that's really smart! They're slowly building up the number of pitches, but also allowing that in his TOTAL career thus far, he hasn't been used to starting ever 5 days. I think it's a great balance of development while still giving his arm "rest time" as he builds up. CRAZY, but Prielipp's BRAND NEW curveball is already about as good as his slider. Just keep him on his current path. Matthews has either figured out his STUFF actually plays and shouldn't be afraid to throw stikes, or he's finally got the confidence/command to control the edges better, or he's got better comand/control of his breathing stuff. I really don't know. But he's suddenly turned a corner, and that's all I care about.

I agree with you even though I'm not 100% convinced. With a little luck, we get Ober back soon and he continues his "old school" way of pitching that was surprisingly affective before injury. That allows Paredes to slide in to the bullpen as a BULK guy who can go a solid 2-3 IP every 2-3 days. HOPEFULLY he can continue to do that. And I GET keeping Rojas stretched out because the rotation really can't stand ANOTHER injury. But I really, really want to see Rojas as a 1-2 IP option along with Gonez and Morris. I would have liked to see that more with Banda also in the mix, but alas, things just don't seem to be working in the Twins favor these days. (Sigh) All the more reason I want his electric arm to come up and help make a difference in the pen. I care more about the future than I do about this season. The kid is ELECTRIC.

Honestly, I have some misgivings about Keaschall moving to the OF at this point. I'm certainly baffled by some of the plays he's made, or haven't made, at 2B. I'm certainly not blind. Despite his athleticism, he's looked either "robotic" at 2B, or seemed to be thinking too much and not reacting. But Julien got over 200 games at 2B, and Keaschall isn't close to that. Have they given up on him too soon there? Or is this Zole flexing opinion muscle different than Falvey would have? However, the answer to Keaschall being a better OF is a pretty easy YES as an answer. If he can simply track balls well enough, his speed can make him a solid, if not very good OF. But I don't understand him being in RF to keep Larnach comfortable in LF, where he has improved some. Larnach has the better arm, RF has less area to cover, and he's also played quite a lot in RF at Target Field previously. I really don't see where moving him to RF should suddenly make him uncomfortable and affect his bat. But I'm not in charge of these things. BUT, once again, Keaschall might have a very hard time carving out a full time roll in the OF going forward. Fedko SHOULD have broke with the Twins, and still might be the first OF promoted. We can also argue Rodriguez should have broke camp with the Twins, but HE might have been first in line for promotion before he got hurt. (SLIDING DOORS philosophy, do either Roden or Rodriguez get hurt had they made the opening day roster)? Jenkins was really heating up before his injury. He's off to a solid start now that he's back. Right now, he and Roden both might be ahead of Wallner for various reasons. Beyond those guys, Gonzalez has been swinging a pretty good bat since an awful April. And he provides a RH OF this team really lacks. And while Mendez is still really young, and didn't start the season at AAA, he's looking like a hitting MACHINE with at least SOME budding power. The Twins should CONTINUE with BOTH Gonzalez and Mendez working at 1B. Even if they are best at DH, and occasional corner OF play, and even IF Lewis keeps improving with the glove and bat, depth and lineup versatility are important. IDK that Keaschall's move to the OF is permanent at this point. But let's play a small version of Fantasy Baseball for a moment. Lee is looking solid and comfortable at 3B. And while I still think there's room for his bat to improve, he's on pace for 20+ HR and 80+ RBI. Lewis is taking to 1B like a quality handmade glove to hand. And the offense has absolutely improved. By this time next year, we MIGHT be viewing Houston much in the same way we looked at Keaschall coming in to 2025, and having the same hopeful expectations we have for K-Pepper right now, and how we felt about him coming in to the season. If Houston takes a little longer, that's OK. The point is the same. K-Pepper should be up really soon to take over SS, at least for a while. But Houston is the best GLOVE SS that we've had in the system...with legitimate ML ability...since when/who? Guzman 20 years ago? So SOME combination of Lee, Houston, Culpepper...swap Lee and Houston if you wish...and Lewis at 1B makes a HELL of a good INF. So it's possible Keaschall gets moved eventually regardless. I like Keaschall's HIT and OB ability and his baserunning and speed. He DOESN'T have to be a HR power hitter, even though HR are nice. But the ability to lace gapers for Dbls is something he DOES need to work on power wise. While I'm not expecting ALL of our OF to "turn out" there is a TON of potential there. But I remain concerned of a lack of balance with Gonzalez being the only RH bat besides Buxton. And while Kreidler simply might have turned a corner with his bat at 28yo, I still like him in an INF role who CAN play the OF. But I'm starting to believe that Keaschall is going to be a utility player. And like Marwin Gonzalez and Castro, he might be an almost daily player. I think he's a better version of Martin. He'll end up as a LF and CF...which he's played before and seems to have some aptitude...as well as playing 2B, and some 1B...which he's also played...and an occasional DH. I don't know if SUPER UTILITY fits if he can't play SS, but that's not only semantics, but Kreidler, and possibly Ross at some point, have SS and the "verbage" of Super Utility covered. Betting/banking on a 13 man roster for 2027...IMMEDIATE FUTURE EXPECTED...Caratini and Jackson are the catchers. ASSUMING Clemens is not traded, and I don't think he will be for various reasons, he fits POSSIBLY as a sorta primary 2B, but he will continue to move around. Lee is at 3B. Lewis is at 1B. K-Pepper at least BEGINS 2027 at SS. Kreidler is the SU to begin the season. (Again, this waiting on Houston for NOW). While the OF is a CLUSTER right NOW, we still know how this is probably going to turn out. Buxton in CF, and Rodriguez and Jenkins in the corners. Simple math, that's 10 with 3 to go. Keaschall will be a 2B/1B/DH/OF because his offense offers something the team NEEDS. He's a solid HITTER with a great OB ability, and good speed and quality base running. In fact, with just a little more pop/power, he's probably the IDEAL #1 hitter going forward. Something we haven't had in a while. Yes I'm rambling. But a move to the OF for Keaschall is much more than just a better spot for him. It's also VERY MUCH impacted by the OF talent sitting currently at AAA, injuries and slower than hoped for promotions be damned. Kreidler is the SU. Keaschall is also a SU player if you ignore SS. THAT'S his role going forward. It's where he best "fits". Again, simple math. Keaschall makes 11 of 13. * Gonzalez, Mendez, Roden, and Martin are the final 2 with a healthy roster. All of Gonzalez, Mendez and Roden POTENTIALLY can back up Lewis at 1B, play both corner OF spots, and bring a varied collection of power and speed. Roden can also help cover CF, though it's not necessarily needed with Rodriguez, Jenkins, and even Keaschall playing there, which he has done at the MILB level. So where does Martin fit in unless someone is injured, or just has a bad ST? Or MAYBE, the Twins hold Gonzalez or Mendez back to begin 2027 simply for depth, and because they are still very young, and maybe they want them to work on better defense. But you can see how Keaschall either FITS, or mixes up the young OF, or just ADDS to the depth and versatility of the team and the lineup. It wasn't my intention to hijack the OP in any way. But there ARE ramifications of any move of him to the OF that HAVE to be considered.

They really couldn't afford to lose him. Since he has control left and won't be overly expensive, I wonder if this means he's kept for 2027? He's sure not going to be traded now. So maybe a small silver lining? (Grasping for a silver lining). I kinda like Laweryson based on his late 2025 appearance...should have been brought up sooner...his ST this season, and some decent performances this season. He's not going to "fix' anything. But I think he's got potential as a 6th or 7th man in the pen. At the very least, he should get some runway to see if he can be PART of a future BP. But he does need to step up the consistency. Frankly, I was a little surprised they didn't bring Rojas back up. I love his stuff and potential, even with some control issues. Are they trying to work a little more on control before his next promotion? Are they trying to stretch him back out a little more considering the time he missed? Both? I just know I'd like to see him again, sooner rather than later. Back to @Linus question, CJ is probably the next man up. Young, talented, having flashed when healthy, and seemingly adapting well to the pen, I think he needs a little more AAA time, but I'm pretty sure we see him up before the season is over. Glad to see Raya wasn't sent down after 40+ pitches. It's been a weird and winding road in regard to his development, but the kid has some really good stuff in his arsenal. Honestly, unless he's a disaster, I almost care about the results of his first few appearances. I'm more interested in how he responds and develops vs immediate results. No more DFA cash considerations to jump to the top of the list unless you REALLY think you got something. It's more important to look to the future. Which also kind of circles back to really wanting Rojas back ASAP.

This a fun list because it is about some really young players lower in the system. I was really intrigued by Sprock when they drafted him. His last season at Elon was outstanding. His bat is ready for A+ I'd think, and am a little surprised he wasn't amongst the most recent promotions. I'm assuming it's to allow him additional time behind the plate. He only started 2 games there in 2025, and it want to say it was the last week of the season. While far from a finished product, Fragoza has been hitting the snot out of the ball. But it's his sudden power that's really interesting. 8 HR already at Ft Myers. I don't know that I can remember the last time an IL signing simply skipped the DSL and went immediately stateside. Granted he's 18yo and not 16yo, but that's still awfully impressive. Ft Myers on down is a ton of IL signings, and a lot of them are having good seasons. Not sure who to give credit to, but might our "luck" with IL signings begining to turn around?

Yes he should stay up. He can be the 8th man who gives you 2-3 innings every 2-3 days. And there will be days we need that. While he hasn't put up great numbers, he's been solid and kept the Twins in games. So far, he's proven to be at least capable. And Prielipp is have himself monitored by bumping a day or two whenever the schedule allows for extra rest. A piggyback is not needed at this time. But some form of an 8 man bullpen that doesn't implode is what's needed. I'd also get Rojas and his electric stuff back up as soon as possible. He has the potential to be a future difference maker. And I'm glad Raya wasn't sent down immediately after throwing 40 pitches in his debut, unless I'm missing something. A talented young arm with potential needs an opportunity to grow and learn. I almost don't care how well he does his first few appearances. The stuff is there to help in time.

I don't necessarily disagree with you. I think I stated they SHOULD resign Ryan, but I'm open to the idea of trading him. I just don't LIKE the idea. I'm TIRED of the idea that "we're not quite there". But of you DON'T once in a while KEEP a TOP player, how do you EVER actually GET THERE? Look, if someone offered another TOP SP like Abel, and a TOP Catcher or 2B and another "Varland type" of arm that's ready for a full BP conversion, I could be IN 100%. Maybe we extend Lopez instead of Ryan as the leader of the staff. I could see that happening. Again, I'm not OPPOSED to trading Ryan. But I'd rather keep him as a Twin for the next 4 years. I think that makes more sense than looking for the next Ryan. But you give us the next Abel...which I really dispute a contending team would do...and a TOP CATCHER or 2B, and throw in a 23-25yo ARM who has real talent but is Varland Jr just converting, or ready to convert, my mind can change in a hurry. That's 2 top 100 prospects ready to debut, and a 3rd who might be the next Varland. Another team offers THAT, I'm on board for a trade.