DocBauer

At this point, the only reason to not bring K-Pepper up is if he plays enough to reach Super 2 status in regard to arbitration. With 2 recent, minor, injuries, that remote possibility is just about out the window. The actual 1 year extra control window is over and done after about 5-6 weeks in the season. Obviously, we are WAY past that. And honestly, I can't recall the last prospect, or any prospect, that has been held back only for that reason. And the Super 2 does really affect years of control so much, it just allows arbitration earlier. Again, we're about ready to cross that line soon. I think we were days, or even a day, from his promotion before he "twinged" his hip running in for a grounder. And then he came back for 2 games and got hit on the hand with a pitch. Early reports, from what I've heard, are not serious. Just a bruise that will set him back a few days to a week. Then he will need to play again for a few days at least to get ready. We will see him late July or 1st week of August. Yes, it should have been sooner. As to Gray, good guy, good story, good early season. He's stretched at SS for more than a day or two here and there. Not so bad at 3B or 2B. But he hasn't hit worth a darn for a good month and a half. As to why Shelton is so enamored with him is perplexing. The INF defense is just so much better with Kreidler there. I would have just put Fedko in CF to see what he can do and kept Kreidler at SS. But Gray will be gone in 2-3 weeks, replaced by KC. He still has an option so he will be sent to St Paul for depth. The biggest question is, what do they do with Jeffers? He's about ready to come back. If they DFA Jackson...who has no options...it's very doubtful he passes through waivers. So Fedko goes down, and they keep 3 catchers until Jeffers is traded. OR, I think unlikely, do they just keep Jeffers and A] run out the string and see him walk for nothing, B] offer him a QO, which I doubt, C] still work out a last minute extension? I think a trade is likely. And you can probably keep 3 catchers for a couple of weeks. But then again, Buxton is only on the IL for 10 days. So you send Roden back down before the deadline? There's a lot of interesting roster moves coming that are beyond just Gray.

I'm going to partially disagree with you here. We're so beyond the point of where to lay blame for the offseason. Is it on ownership or Zoll? Both? To what percentage? Personally, I still lay the blame on ownership at about 75-80% for how they bunnled the whole transition. You can't tell me they were so obtuse as to not just tell Zole changes were coming, but just figure you've got $115-120M to spend. Instead, they blame TP's late arrival as not having time to increase the budget. But they had enough $ left to make a run at Valdez? They could have earmarked that $ for pen help. But again, I blame both sides, I just give the weight of the blame to ownership. But Orze is a young arm making the minimum who cost a small prospect. No real investment there. Topa was "OK" last year, has experience, and only cost a little over $1.2M. So while it might have been a wasted roster spot, there really wasn't a $ invesent there. Rogers as a potential 2nd or 3rd LH for 1 season at $2M isn't a major investment at all. And while he's not close to being what he was, he's been relatively "OK" more than he's been bad. A couple of poor appearances have skewed his ERA. And no, I'm by no means happy. But Gomez has been a find. He's probably a get 7th-8th man going forward. The conversion of Morris has gone very well. Festa might have changed the complexion of the rebuild, but we all know what happened there. Raya has been on fire for a month or so at St Paul and is finally getting his shot. So far, in SSS, I like the look and shape of his offerings. He's getting a SHOT. Hopefully they aren't expecting greatness overnight and will stick with him. I like the conversion of CJ Culpepper to the pen, which I had been expecting, and it's going well so far. I think he's up in August to get his feet wet, gain experience, and get ready for 2027. Now, a couple acquired RP at the deadline could change that plan some. And even Rojas has helped the pen in his brief time. Like Sands or not like him, he had a great 2024. We've seen flashes in 2025 and early this year. Who is he? We still don't know for sure. But getting healthy again will hopefully let us find out. Again, I am NOT happy with the bullpen, or how it's been handled. And it doesn't matter where the blame is to be laid, my opinion or anyone else's. But Orze, Topa, and Rogers were very inexpensive additions to "try and hold things together" for a time until better offerings were available. Well, Adams and Lawyerson aren't probably part of the solution, but at least they were younger arms getting a shot to see if they could help. I totally agree on auditions of Garcia and Lawrence as just being a waste of time. I would have rather seen about ANYONE under 30yo getting an opportunity. But Festa has been out all season, and I think that made a real difference. They DID find Gomez, but that was a MUCH smarter option than the older re-treads they tried. Orze, unfortunately, has been hit and miss so far, and hasn't taken a step forward. Maybe he still does? Raya needed time to adapt to his new role and see if he could FINALLY turn a corner. Perhaps he has? It really looked like it for St Paul. And again, I think CJ is next. Yes, they blew the offseason! Yes, they've absolutely wasted opportunity on some of their older "experiments"! Hell, I would have rather stuck with Klein over Lawrence and just see what he could MAYBE do for 1-2 IP at a time. But they really didn't "invest" a lot in Topa and Rogers, other than some time. But much like the deadline last year, SOMEONE had to pitch. So they took a couple flyers on these guys. But Orzee isn't some "old guy" and they have done well with Morris. And I think Raya and CJ have a shot. And whether or not Rojas should or should not be kept as a SP option going forward, he's helped in the Twins BP so far. I'd put him back there again and cut him loose for the remainder of this season and then make a decision after the season is done. Go is just another under 30yo option at 28yo who had a really nice career at KBO before having a rought time in the States. Maybe it's right time and right place and we get a solid middle man? Maybe he's dumped in a couple of weeks. But at least he's a 28yo with previous success in his professional career, even if it was oversees. He's a hell of a lot better than trying out yet another over 30 retreat. So I agree with your post, but also disagree slightly. The Twins have at least tried out some younger arms. Injury and readiness have complicated the issue somewhat. But we are slowly starting to see some shifts.

Except, a few years ago that had Thielbar doing a great job at AAA and let him walk to the Twins after the season. That turned out pretty good for the Twins.

I would prefer an extension foe Jeffers and keep him. I've been consistent all along in that regard. I just think it's too late for that. But with Caratini and Jackson as decent, viable options, it does seem like an opportunity to move him and get something if value. I'd bet they get a bigger haul from the Yankees as they probably don't see hum as a rental as they will throw him a nice resign offer and can afford it. Not sure that's how the Rays would see it. I just don't see Larnach back for $7-8M when you have Roden and 4 other top 10-12 OF prospects sitting at AAA, PLUS Keaschall moving to the OF. (Roden just promoted of course). Now, if one of those OF is moved for a solid pen arm with some control, that changes the complexion a little bit. But Larnach is having his best season. So I also don't want to disrupt the team flow. But Roden possibly just step in to Larnach's spot and increase the team defense and speed? If his HITTING can come close to Larnach, it might be a win-win without really disturbing anything of consequence. I doubt Larnach brings back anything to help this season, but you never know. There might be someone who could use his LH bat and offer up their version of Varland pre-breakout. Or it could be an arm just about ready to debut that could help next year. Considering his career profile, Bell is probably going to be good the remainder of the season. He would be much harder to replace than just "throwing one of the prospects" on the roster and roll through the DH spot. He's a lot harder to replace, IMO, than Larnach. Especially if the Twins keep playing good baseball. But if you get a really good offer, you have to consider it. Perhaps Buck plays a little more DH the rest of the way? But right now, the way the team is going, I think Bell would be a mistake to move.

While this is a major bummer for Buck and for the team, I'm kinda happy about it. First, nobody van take away his All Star selection. That will always be on his career. But second, with the break, he should only miss 2 series and get some rest for the final 2 1/2 months or so. I think this is a smart move. I'm glad Roden is getting a shot, I just hate that it happened at Byron's expense. I think everyone but the Twins believe he should have been on the opening day roster instead of Outman. He should be playing daily unless facing a LHP and then you might still give Fedko a chance. That also means Kreidler can play SS instead of covering SS. I feel silly saying this, but I'm kind of excited to see if Go actually has something to offer the pen. I don't expect anything but a solid middle man type of production out of him. But I like his mix and the fact that MAYBE he found something this season in his control/approach was lacking when he came over. He could also look very average to poor, in which case, it only cost a few $ to take a looksee over Laweryson.

I just have to say I don't think it's fair to have included Raya in comments concerning bullpen failings. The kid just came up and has looked OK so far in a handful of appearances. While obviously lacking experience, I've got excitement to see what Raya and CJ Culpepper...CJ not even up yet...can do over the rest of the season to help, and to gain experience for 2027. I like their long term potential more. But yes, I'm a little excited to see what Go can do. I'm a little surprised Detroit didn't want to give him a shot. Why keep him around and then let him go just as he was throwing well? But high leverage? Maybe because of his experience and a lack of options, but how about seeing if he can be a reliable middle man first?] I like his experience and I like his mix. I like that his career is on an upswing in 2026, starting with performing well for Korea in the Baseball Classic. Is this one of those "right time and right place" scenarios? Let's hope so.

Not to nitpick, but according to Baseball Reference he's actually 27yo and turns 28 August 6th. Still, that's different than being a 35-39yo desperately clinging to his career. Interesting to me that he's really struggled initially since he came over, but seems to have put it together in 2026, begining with a reallly good Baseball Classic performance this spring. This kind of reminds me of when the Tigers had Thielbat at AAA doing really well but they decided not to protect him and the Twins grabbed him and brought him back for quite a few good years. With a slider, curveball and splitter to go along with his 4 seamer, he's got a good mix of pitches. But I read one place where he sits at 93mph, and I've also read he sits mid 90's. While that doesn't sound major, a couple MPH can make a difference. Seemingly good K numbers and a tendency for ground balls...with the Twins revamped INF...he's very intriguing. Right time and place? I'm anxious to see what he looks like.

What I'm still encouraged about is a good eye. As he advances, his K% vs BB % might drop. So his OB% might also drop some. That's just reality facing better pitching. What I'm encouraged about is a decent contact % and a decent eye to be a decent hitter. I think he's got that. What I DON'T care about is power. He is NOT a small man. His NATURAL BAT is FINE with me, a DECENT AVG and solid OB% and a lot of Dbls power. While stealing a few bases along the way. I'm 100% with him as a GOOD HITTER with a solid OB % and limited power. With his defense, he could be an All Star. In a couple of seasons , his natural power might make him even better, but let's stop looking at the future vs tomorrow. He's doing OK at AA so far. How about we just STOP any comparisons and just enjoy his development

I probably should have saved most of my coments made after today's game for this OP, lol. I guess, skip most of what I say if you've read those already. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. But IF YOU DO, I think you're going to agree with me. Agree on the Ryan lost in Houston was an opportunity for 5-1, but I'm super happy with 4-2, while initially crossing my fingers for 3-3. The defense didn't help Ryan in the Astros game, and I believe he wasn't close to 100%. He commented after the game how exhausted he was. IIRC, that bizarre 6 run inning was IT for the Astros. Just something closer to normal, we can win that game as well. 1] This road trip in particular was nice due to two tough places to play. And Buxton only played 1 game, not including 1 inning in Sunday's game. It really has been a team effort. Forgive me if i missed this in the OP, are am just wrong, but haven't we won 5 of 6 series? You chip away one series at a time. 2] I'm discouraged by Matthews' final line. Kudos to him for trying to "work his way through it to save the bullpen" but he admitted later he was struggling and trying to land differently to avoid coming out of the game. The good news it's just a cut on his foot and it shouldn't stop him from his next start. Still, I wonder if they will try to find a way to skip him or push him back a couple of days "just in case". 3] Keaschall is looking like a natural OF. He's getting better and better. So OK, he's no longer a 2B. Maybe that's best for HIS future and the Twins. But the future OF is crowded already. He's going to be a 5 position utility player come 2027. Mark my words. 4] It was really nice/fun to watch Raya finish Saturday's game. Even though it was a blowout, he showed control, velocity, and breaking stuff that showed movement and depth. Other than a SSSS, so far, he's only looked poor in his 1st inning debut. I am NOT going to believe he's going to make a difference until I see more...and I can easily see a few bad games where he gets sent down and comes up later...but I'm starting to see "IN PERSON" the type of potential he has. And I'll say again, I care more about growth and development than I do about immediate results. His FUTURE with the Twins is WAY MORE important than any disappointment for not turning out to be a SP. 5] Perhaps Martin isn't done yet. But he's also had enough time to prove he's a role player, not a starter. 6] I just HAD to throw this in. I still have no idea if Fedko is a legitimate ML 4th OF or not. He's still hunting for hits. BUT, he might not only be pressing, but his game action has also been severely limited. Unfortunately, he's been given the Keirsey, Outman role of barely playing. I don't think that's fair at all. Especially considering I simply DON'T UNDERSTAND this idea of playing with a 12 1/2 man roster. But, IMO, I've liked what I've seen of him in very limited action. He's looked comfortable in the OF. He produced a solid SF for a run, and has looked like he knows what he's doing on the bases. With the Twins, or another team, I think he can play MLB. 7] THIS is the BIG ONE. I LOVE the Twins winning. I'd LOVE to see a .500 or better record or better when the season is done. And IF the Twins could somehow sneak in to the playoffs, it just makes the season that much more fun, regardless of final results. I have really enjoyed what Larnach has done this season. And I love that Bell is doing what he has done for his whole career, which is basically suck to begin the season and then crank it up to be a very dangerous BAT. And I really don't want to deprive the 2026 Twins from having the best season they can, for the players, and for the fans. But at some point, we HAVE to be talking about 2027 at the same time! Gomez has been an uncovered steal who might not be quite this good in the future, but he damn sure looks like a late inning keeper for the future. And Morris looks like the next great late inning reliever for the pen. Rojas's future is yet to be determined, but boy has he flashed! Bradley has flashed, got hurt, looked mortal, and has recently flashed again. Abel has flashed liked crazy, and should STILL be considered part of the future. Matthews has been OUTSTANDING save a couple of games. And Prielipp has not only debuted early, like Rojas, but has probably been even better than expected while going through normal growing pains. We've already seen PART of the pitching future of the Twins. There are others in the immediate wings, some injured, that are part of the future as well. And AGAIN, I DON'T want to derail a potentially interesting and fun season, but WHEN do the position players get their opportunity? K-Pepper should be up in July. That means Gray is down, Kreidler gets to the SU player, and the INF is largely set, and better than how the season began. Nick, you mentioned Clemens as a pissible trade piece. I disagree. I'm not an ignorant fan. And while I recognize Clemens BEST ML season was with the Twins in 2025, I just can't ignore that he has been even better, and more consistent in '26. I just can't believe that 3+ months of this season has him as a flash in the pan. He's not great, but he is good. And I think he has 2B locked down until Houston develops/debuts down the road. Unless, of course, the Twins suddenly acquire a 2B for 2027, which I doubt. He just means more to the Twins than moving him. But let's be honest, Larnach and Bell just don't have a future on this team. And while I'd love to extend him, I just don't believe TP and the FO will extend Jeffers. So Jeffers is moved. (Chringe). And while few fans want him to go to the Yankees, the truth is they can EASILY see him as a resign, and not just a rental. So the return might be solid. If the Twins move both Larnach and Bell at the deadline, would that really mean they "gave up" on the season? Rodriguez is out of options and should be ready sometime in August. HE NEEDS TO PLAY. Roden appears beyond READY to contribute. (I see him as a better defender with more speed and AT LEAST as much power as Larnach to take over the same role). And Jenkins is looking more and more ready. PLUS, Mendez and Gonzalez are also sitting and waiting for their opportunity as well. Does moving Larnach and Bell automatically mean the Twins are giving up on 2026? I'd say NO when the forthcoming promotions are K-Pepper, Roden, and probably Jenkins with Rodriguez sometime mid August. Do the young players flash immediately? Maybe. Maybe not. But not only are they more interesting, and more fun to watch, they are part of the future. Additionally, what if they actually do well? While it didn't turn out in the long run the way we hoped, a collection of young players helped the 2023 Twins have a great 2nd half to reach the playoffs and win a series. It's FUN to watch this mis-rostered 2026 team still fight and claw and change in front of us. And there have been a LOT of changes. (Not all good certainly due to injuries). But the reality is this was DESIGNED to be a transitional team. They were SUPPOSED to be a competitive team come the deadline...whatever that really means...but I've always believed that was around .500-ish. That would allow moves to ADD, or at least avoid another sell off. PLUS, it meant mid season was about the time various PROSPECTS were also about ready to debut. Well hell, it didn't turn out as expected. Lopez and Festa weren't supposed to be hurt. Lewis and Wallner weren't supposed to be unplayable. And here we are, changes making a difference defensively, a rotation of young arms and unknown arms still providing glue, and a bullpen that is BAD, but sometimes OK, and an offense that is a group effort. So here I AM, asking for part of that lineup to be moved on. The Twins not only aren't going to bring Bell back, but they just aren't going to pay Larnach around $6-7M to be a part time player with all of their prospects. Move Larnach and Bell. Get Roden and Jenkins up. Rodriguez in August. It's almost disgusting to say, but Gonzalez and Mendez might have to wait. You, as an organization, aren't punting on 2026, you're just allowing younger, more talented players to show what they can do, and getting ready for 2027 and beyond, and hopefully bringing back a couple decent prospects back. Buxton, Keaschall, Clemens, Lee, Lewis, are still in place. K-Pepper settles at SS and might provide some solid offense as well. Kreidler is free to play anywhere. Roden could be an immediate replacement for Larnach in LF, even better defense, and a top of the order kind of bat. Even though Bell is a really good bat a playoff team would like to have, isn't there room for Buck to play there, or Clemens, or Lewis, or Keaschall, to allow time for Jenkins? LOVE what the Twins are doing. But rebuilding on the fly just shouldn't stop! **FINAL NOTE: Moving Ryan offers up a lot of opportunity to add additional PROSPECTS, NOT ML players. It would be for prospects, even very good prospects. ONLY my gut opinion, TP has had enough time to watch what he's in charge of. And he recognizes the already diluted fan base might be even WORSE with a Ryan trade. It would affect 2027, AND his continued rhetoric of competing in 2026. I actually he gives a crap about his family's perception, and the future value of the organization. So Ryan is NOT going to be traded unless there's an offer that Zole presents him that is just too good to turn down. It whipes away any initially credibility TP wanted to state. While no numbers were ever given, word is the Twins actually offered a decent contract for Valdez that Detroit won. So why not an extension for Ryan that makes TP look really good? Even if it brings nothing but a QO offer after 2027? Again, just my opinion. Ryan stays for now. The Twins move Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell and become light buyers. And Ryan stays and is offered a decent contact eventually. And that's a different discussion for a different day. But he's going NOWWHERE for this season for PR if nothing else.

Almost 28yo, so not young, but also not old. Really solid numbers in the KBA, even if his BB Per were a bit high. His MILB numbers for Detroit this season, mostly at AAA: 1.96 ERA, 41.1 IP, 21 HITS, 0.823 WHIP, 2.8 BB PER, 11.8 PER. Strange to me he'd be available and not with the Tigers seeing if he could help. But I don't always trust their internal scouting. Remember when they were a bad team and they just let Thielbar walk after having a great AAA season? The Twins sure benefited from that Detroit mistake. The problem might be as @DataNerdstates. If the velocity is that low, there just might not be enough upside. He sounds like a different version of Laweryson at that point, the guy he probably replaces. BUT, if the velocity is wrong by even a couple mph, he could be intriguing. I mean, he's not another 33yo + arm so why not take a looksee? MAYBE lightening strikes twice this season. It happens. Right team, right time. I still like the potential of Raya and CJ better in the long run, Go seems worthy of a look.

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.