Rosterman

, I think the Twins were going after Rojas more than Roden. As for Outman, the Twins could take the hit on him in the Dodgers trade, as it doesn't look like Stewart is not contributing. But, yes, the question is Larnach. No one wanted him, sadly, and he ahs just become a cog in the Twins plans. Unless he can have a dynamite April into May and someone needs a left-handed bat. Rodriguez (soon to be out of options) and Gonzalez should be up after the trade deadline. Jenkins not far behind. Martin will hopefully offer some speed. Culpepper will move Lee to the bench reserve until Brooks becomes too expensive in arbitration. With more than 100 former Twin players/prospects in Spring camps, it is amazing that the Twins 40-man roster easily has 10 players still on it that would doubtfully break camp with any other team in the leagues.

Is Tristan Gray the guy (instead of Arcia). They really have only one possible roster opening if they have to pass Jackson thru waivers. And that looks like the addition of a non-roster relief pitcher.

You also want, for the first three guys in the batting order, the fellows that DESERVE to get five at-bats in a game. At the back of the order you want the guys who you don't love seeing at bat, or can be pinch-hit for if you need to keep an inning alive (assuming you have a bench) so the top of the order gets a chance for continued production at the plate.

Austin Martin perhaps, followed by Keaschall and Buxton in the coveted #3 position?

Is a "proven veteran" looking for a comeback worth more to you than a prospect who might get battered coming up to the majors for the first time? And the dreaded "need a spot on the 40-man, who does the guy replace." Both Liam and Andrew will be starting their journey back to the majors on some minor league roster still this year. The Twins seem to have NOT even offered that opportunity, although there is still a possibility. There is no shortage of BAD pitchers looking for a chance to shine, and how much "road to shining" can a team afford is the question. And if I were the Twins, I would be fielding offers on any/all of their outfielders if any of them show an ounce of decency on tthe field or at the plate. Wallner, Larnach, Outman, Roden, even Martin all will be easily repalced during the season, or by the off-season. Maybe one can stay as the distant 5th outfielder who can also DH.

The problem is that the Twins really don't have more than one open 40-man roster spot, for sure. Of course, we can all name 3-4 guys that should be jettisoned. But they won't be.

Danny Coulombe finally signs... with Red Sox.

Zack Littell signs with the Nationals. Puts just over 100 former Twins/prospects in Spring Training camps.

Christian Vazquez signs a minor league deal with his former team... THE ASTROS. Brings to 8 the number of former Twins catchers playing in major league camps this spring: Pereda, Garver, Gasper, Sanchez, Rortvedt, Camargo, Leon.

A shortstop is usually made better by the second and third basemen around him. Probably NOT the case with the Twins, as one fears for the defense, overall,g the last couple of years of being thrust into the majors, shuffled around from position to position, and learning on the job. of the entire infield. If Lee is better suited for third or second himself, is he a better choice than Lewis of Keaschall at the moment? If so, why not play him at either of those positions, and the Twins then needed to egt a solid field first guy at short in the off-season, which they didn't. Some of us have argued that Lee needed more seasoning, at least half-a-season, at AAA during any of the past two seasons, insted of learning on the job and shuffling around the diamond on a daily basis. Right now, does he pan out best as the space infielder/bench guy, who may quickly become too expensive because he played two much the past couple (and this) season as a... regular? Is Lee another NOT owning a position guy with less than adequate bat skills that the best the Twins can do is hope for a breakout season that will give him some trade value, or he contributes to a team that is... just playing ball and hoping no one notices (or cares) as long as a budget is met and the game is played. Like the crowded outfield, we have to ask how many of Wallner, Larnach, Lewis, Lee, Outman, Clemens whatever will be on the team come 2027, and if not then, why are they here now.

Sadly Martin could start at St. Paul (which might be best if he isn't going to play more often than not in the majors). He ahs an option. The Twins will have to clear roster spots if they add some relief names being bandied about. Of course, Festa could go on a loooooong injury trek, which won't keep him from working out in Ft. Myers if he does get better earlier than 3 months. I so would rather see the BEST 26 players come north. The Twins could still fluff some trades of Larnach/Wallner, a bench guy, a rotation arm... if someone comes calling and offers a top-flight package.

A look at former Minnesota Twins players and organizational guys in Spring Training camps. Amazed at the number of former Twins coaching in the majors. TIGERS: Sawyer Gipson-Long, Bryan Sammons. Bill Boyer coach. A's: Brent Rooker, Nick Anderson, Brooks Kriske. Marcus Jensen coach. ROYALS: Aaron Sanchez. Damon Hollins, Allan de San Miguel, Juan Graterol coaches. ASTROS: Steven Okert, Kai-Wei Teng, Christian Vazquez, Carlos Correa. Jose Espada manager. Victor Rodriguez coach. ANGELS: Shaun Anderson, Huascar Ynoa. Kurt Suzuki manager. MARINERS: Casey Legumina, Jhonny Pereda, Luke Raley, Mitch Garver, Rob Refsnyder, Randy Dobnak, Casey Lawrence. RANGERS: Jonah Bride. ORIOLES: Yennier Cano, Dietrich Enns, Jackson Kowar, Cade Povich, Tyler Wells, Payton Eeles. Hank Conger coach. RED SOX: Sonny Gray, Jovani Moran, Danny Coulombe, Mickey Gasper, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Vinny Nittoli, Nate Baez. Pete Fatse coach. YANKEES: Luis Gill. James Rowson, Tanner Swanson coaches. RAYS: Griffin Jax, Cam Booser. Rick Knapp, Brady Williams coaches. BLUE JAYS: Jose Berrios, Louie Varland, Jeff Hoffman, Jorge Alcala, Tanner Andrews. David Pokins, Drew Butera coaches. WHITE SOX: LaMonte Wade Jr., Prelander Berroa. Zach Bove, Derek Shomon coaches. GUARDIANS: Carl WIllis coach. BRAVES: Gary Sanchez, Akil Baddoo, Blayne Enlow. REDS: Emilio Pagan, Chase Petty, Christian Encarcion-Strand, Spencer Steer, Josh Staumont, Andrew Misiewicz, Darren McCaughan. CUBS: Caleb Thielbar, Tyler Austin, Josh Brigham. DIAMONDBACKS: Carlos Santana, John Curtiss, Thomas Hatch, Derek Law, Ildemado Varga. Dave McKay coach. GIANTS: Luis Arraez, Harrison Bader, Tyler Mahle, Michael Fulmer, Diego Cartaya. Jayce Tingler, Shane Robinson, Ron Washington coaches. PADRES: Jason Adam, Ty France, Jose Miranda. Nick Punto coach. DODGERS: Brock Stewart, Brusdar Graterol, Cole Irvin, Ryan Fitzgerald. Danny Lehmann, Aaron Bates coaches. ROCKIES: Pierson Ohl, Edouard Julien, Willi Castro. Jeff Pickler, Doug Bernier coaches. METS: Brooks Raley, Ben Rortvedt, Jorge Polanco, Vidal Brujan, Nick Burdi, Daniel Durante Jr., Brandon Waddell. Justin WIllard coach. MARLINS: Calvin Faucher, Chris Paddack, Brian Navarreto. PIRATES: Dennis Santana, Jason Wentz, Beau Burrows, Noah Davis. Cibney Bello, Matt Hague coaches. CARDINALS: Scott Blewett. PHILLIES: Jhoan Duran, Genesis Cabrera, Trevor Richards. NATIONALS: Zack Littell, Richard Lovejoy. Matt Borgschulte, Tyler Smarslok, Bobby Wilson coaches. BRAVES: Iam Hamilton, Tyler Kinley, Martin Perez, Jair Camargo, Sandy Leon, DaShawn Kiersey Jr., Kyle Farmer. Jeremy Hefner, Antoan Richardson, Tommy Watkins, J.P. Martinez, Tony Diaz coaches.

This is where the Twins suffer in their marketplace standing. Between Pablos $20+m and the $10m paid to the Astros to play Correa the next few seasons, it is basically 1/3 of the payroll not being used to play the game. On top of that, the Twins will be stuck paying Pablo for 2027, with hopes that they get a decent season out of him, make a qualifying offer, and get at least a modest draft pick. The Twins can't afford to have salary sit on the bench, sadly, unlike BIG market teams. And although we could've got out of Pablo's services, possibly, right at season's end, the value wasn't there. it was still a major gamble for any other team who would jsut as soon wait to see how Pablo comes back in Spring Training, or how he starts the season. I'm still curious to see how the World Baseball Classic plays out in the end. Ryan pitching there. Is Hendriks still pitching for Australia, or realizing he is better suited to being in camp with the Twins to get the job. Matt Bowman also pitching in the classic.

I wonder if this puts the ka-bosh on himn pitching in the World Baseball Classic. One reason WHY the Twins need to make him available for trade once he shows he can pitch. The team can't afford to get just 8-15 starts out of him for another season. Sadly he didn't have the strongest off-season trade value, due to being out half-of-2025.

TWO FACTORS! The 40man roster is pretty tight. One pitcher spot potentially open. We might free up three position players, at best, if Twins decide there is not a need to keep out-of-option guys. Who moves to the pen? ANyone think Ober would be better there? We talk about Matthews and Festa converting. Eitehr would probably see a need of some time at St. Paul. Although Spring Training, with the short stint might prove useful enough. I would develp Travis Adams into an exclusively one-inning guy and see if he can take the place of Jax or Varland, and maybe appear in 70 games for the season. Prielopp and Canterino are two guys that could shine. They probably want Conrad to be a starter but if he can impress in spring training, make him a bulpen arm like they did Duran. How much time does Canterino need to comeback at AAA. Lewis is intrigiung, but have to make the choice of a bullpen specialist, multi-inning guy, or 5-inning starter. Same with Raya. Both need to get an assigned role at St. Paul, stick to it, and develop pitches accordingly. Festa rehab time? Is Bradley a starter or relief arm. Same with Matthews. With Bradley it will take convincing. Too many guys see rotation as the way to riches. Hey, just staying in the majors is some way is what you want. Coulombe hasn't signed with anyone, yet. Could the Twins carry three lefties in the pen. Fundeburk had a good end of the season. Still don't totally trust him. Is Liam Hendriks still looking for a job? Seems he expects to showcase himself in the World Baseball Classic. I don't put much stock in any of the minor league free agents/spring training invites. Even wonder why bother with them at AAA. Again, you would have to have a rotating 40-man spot to bring any one onto the team.

I was expecting a much bigger blowout of old named jerseys at the State Fair last year.

Well, you enter spring training and hope none of Lopez, Ryna, Jeffers or Larnach go on the injured list. And you hope someone from another team does, so they come calling on Twinsland. My main reason for trading, say, Lopez, is salary. The Twins can't afford to have Lopez start just 15 games again in 2026. It also hurts his return. If he stays healthy heading towards the trade deadline, or just in April/May, is can bring abck a decent return. The Twins have no desire, it seems, to extend Jeffers. What $$$ amount would it take? Does Jefers hope he can get 3-5 years once a free agent? Teams will come calling if they lost a catcher in spring training. But the Twins also need to weigh carefully what they can get in return vs. him just walking. I see the Dodgers grabbed Rortvedt, who is making the waiver musical chairs. Too abd they couldn't grab him to stash at AAA. Ryan is worth a helluva a lot right now. I would worry about attitude as much as injury. How frsutrated will he be only get 2-3 runs of support in a game? If the Twins aren't willing to offer him $120m plys, they need to package him sooner rather than later. It would open the logjam of arms at AAA for sure. Larnach, Wallner, Roden, Outman, maybe even Martin, are all replaceable by next season with Gonzales, Jenkins, Rodriguez and even more 4th/5th guys in the wings. Larnach has the most worthg of the bunch, which isn't saying much. Martin brings something to the game that they don't have if he isn't in the lineup. Bullpen arms. Bring back Coulombe!? The Twins have been very week in picking up ANY minor league free agents of note. Most I wouldn't even give a month at AAA. Finding gems in the coal bin ain't happening in 2026.

Any thought of Ober becoming a relief pitcher? St. Paul will have a solid rotation and a great outfield. There are at least six players mentioned above that have no business being on the 40-man roster, let alone considered for jobs in the majors. All could've been replaced with better players at a modest cost. So few minor league free agents as of today. Will be interesting to see how the Saints fill out from the Wichita roster and so on. Raya and Prielipp need to egt innings, but also looked at mainly in the relief role. I would treat Prielipp as thei did Duran. If he shines in spring training, let him join the majors. I hope Lewis at St. Paul can make it. Would also prefer bullpen.

The Twins have been really quiet on the minor league free agent front. Usually you see upwards of 20-25 guys signed to play varying roles at AAA/AA ball. Looks like barely a half-dozen right now.Maybe time to advance and play team prospects at St. Paul rather than a roster full of AAAA guys!

At some point you add a player to the roster to fill a position. Is Bell a 1st baseman or DH. Is Wallner in the field or an everyday DH. Does Martin bring a different skillset to the lineup and demands everyday play? Can Larnach lay in the field, or do you really need both him and Wallner on the team? Like Lee and Lewis, who have to prove themselves this season. If Lee fails, he becomes, at best, an expensive utility player, but is he the best chocie for that (defense, average, speed, power?). Youy gota make hard decisions on Roden, Outman and Julien... not to mention Jackson (nice to have a decent catcher at AAA). Expect some trading from that mix during spring training, but not expecting much in return, sadly. Only an open 40-man roster spot for an AAAA relief pitching arm or two.

I fear the relationship has been burned. Unless the Twins would be offering a five-year contract (or maybe six buying out arbitration) starting at around $120m, he will be gone. Right now, both Ryan and the Twins are hoping he is injury free, which would hurt his value if injured for the Twins trading him, or at least delay a big payday. That's a gamble for someone who has really good worth in regards to return right now. He will still have that worth, as long as healthy, in spring training. And would also be a dynamite tradechip by the deadline. But I don't see solid love. Brings back memories of Frankie Viola who was glad to get out-of-town. By Santana, who just wanted to be paid a fair price. Looking at Jose Berrios, who was low-balled. By Sonny Gray, who just wanted to finish an inning and have some run support. Right now, the Twins have 14 rotation arms on their 40-man roster. At least two could be swiftly transferred to the bullpen. There are another 3-4 set for 40-man consideration come 2027.

I still remember Frankie Rodriguez throwing a hissy fit back in 1997 when the Twins wanted him to try being a reliever. All about the money. But, again, you don't make money if you can't pitch in the majors. Duran became a lights out stopper, partly because the Twins feared stretching him out to be a starter. He will still thrive once he hits free agency. Jax, like such guys as Guarado, Hawkins, Perkins, were all failed starting pitchers who found life in the bullpen. I didn't expect the Twins to trade Duran, Jax AND Varland. I was hoping that one of the two of Jax or Varland would be the stopper of the future. Yes, the Twins currently sit at 14 rotation arms, only 12 if Ryan or Lopez relocate. There are at least four pitchers also in the mix who would step into a probable rotation mid-2027. So, a couple will need to be bullpen arms if they wish to see major league action. I would say none of the 10 listed above are first class tradebait for now. At best, there might be interest in Woods Richardson. Adams, Ohl are surefire bullpen arms. Prielipp, too. I would do the Duran appraoch, try to get 40-50 appearances rather than 125+ innings. I wonder if Over, too, would be better in the pen. That is what spring training is all about. Nut it is also a process. Getting up and throwing x-amount of pitches during a game to come into the game. Knowing if you have the right stuff to hold a lead with men on base. Can you pitch the dreaded 10th with the phantom runner at 2nd. I miss Jax. It seemed it would have a horrible outing, and then four gems. I was amazed at the workhorse arm of Varland, hoping he would deveoop into the 2-3 inning guy, but he actually has become a dynamite setup guy on the cusp of closing.

Saying you should spend $40-50 million more (and not doing it) would be as bad as cutting salary that came out of Joe's mouth a couple of season's ago. Seriously the marketing of this team right now is such a big question. TwinsFest is supposed to be the time for excitement, no matter the state of the team. But with ticket prices all over the place depending on the game, no season ticket holders to speak of, deflated television package, and the meltdowns for the past two seasons, the Twins could do no worse than to trade off Lopez, Ryan, and even Buxton, before the season begins and continue to restock the organization. Still mad that 10% of the current payroll is being paid to Houston now and the next two seasons and we got nothing, player wise, in return. At least should've got one of their overpaid end of the roster guys to maybe see if could revitalize their career and become tradebait. I'm still confused. Eliminated payroll in the longterm, but that is quite a few ticket sells not benefitting the Twins in anyway.

His worth sure dropped after his time in Chicago. But even then anything north of $2.5 million would be too much for someone not able to be a fulltime shortstop or third baseman if a regular goes down. Not that the Twins have viable alternatives right now (Gasper, Kriedler, Arcia) and the Twins will have to keep of let fly Julien.

With his age, would the Twins make a 4-5 year offer to Ryan in the $120-140m range, and would Ryan accept it? Sure, maybe today, because of the age factor and there are two seasons that Ryan could actually reduce his value. But I doubt, like they did for Santana waaaay back when, and Berrios of late, do it. Ryan has his greatest trade value going into spring training. Would hate to see something arm-wise happen in spring training. Lopez should also be traded. His value is about as high as you might expect, with his contract going forth. Reason? The Twins can't afford another 15-20 start season from Lopez, thus decreasing his value. Which is one problem with teams like the Twins. They can spend money (supposedly the Twins could carry a payroll in the $140-150 million range), but they can't carry an i njured list eating a third of the payroll, which almost happened last season with Buxton, Correa and Lopez all going dowen at times. If the Twins truly are not competing in 2026, they need to part with these two pitchers. What they get in return is debatable. Prospects more than likely. Then they have to trust their farm system.