The Minnesota Twins enter 2026 under the narrative that this will be a “transition” year. After a 2025 season defined as a mid-summer fire sale and a 70-92 finish, the front office is pivoting away from a total teardown, choosing instead to build around a core of established stars while waiting for a wave of high-end prospects to arrive. The organization has lowered its payroll significantly, entering the season with a budget ranked near the bottom of the league, which has limited their ability to chase top-tier free agents. The key offseason acquisitions were the signings of 1B Josh Bell (1-year deal) and C Victor Caratini (2-year deal) to help the lineup. They also brought back Taylor Rogers who last pitched for Minnesota in 2021. Perhaps the biggest news was what that Twins decided against trading players such as Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, and Byron Buxton despite the heavy trade rumors which persisted.
Lineup
On paper the Twins lineup has the potential be a top 10 unit in the American League, but their two top players continue be injury-prone. Byron Buxton is coming off the best season of his career after hitting .264 with 35 Homeruns and 83 RBIs but still missed over 30 games with injury. Royce Lewis remains one of the most dangerous hitters in the Twins lineup, but he must prove to be able to stay on the field as he missed over 50 games last season. For the Twins to have any major success this season they need Buxton and Lewis in the lineup simultaneously, which has been a rarity. Ryan Jeffers is one of the best offensive catchers in the league and his ability to crush lefties makes him a middle-of-the-order fixture. Luke Keaschall played well as a rookie in 2025 and is now considered a foundational piece of the team going forward at 2B. Bell provides a much-needed power presence from both sides of the plate as a switch-hitter. Brooks Lee, the Twins 1st round pick in the 2022 draft, will be tasked with playing elite defense at SS and holding down the backend of the lineup for now.
Rotation
The defining story of the rotation is the season-ending injury to Pablo Lopez (UCL tear) as he underwent an internal brace procedure in late February, leaving a massive 180 inning hole at the top of the staff. Joe Ryan is the undisputed ace of the staff, coming off a 2025 season where he struck out 194 batters. Bailey Ober is looking for a “bounce back” after a rough 5.10 ERA in 2025, but according to recent reports his velocity has been under a microscope this spring. Taj Bradley is a high-upside arm acquired from Tampa, who the Twins believe as a top of the rotation pitching arsenal but has struggled with control and consistency in the past. Simeon Woods Richardson will be counted on to stabilize the backend of the rotation, such as he did last season. Mick Abel, the former top prospect, acquired from Philadelphia is likely to win the #5 spot.
Bullpen
The Twins bullpen enters the season as a jigsaw puzzle as no one is sure what to make of it. After trading away star closer Jhoan Duran to the Phillies at the 2025 trade deadline, the Twins do not have definitive closer. Rogers is looked upon as the early favorite for the role as he brings back with him to Minnesota nearly 100 career saves and provides some stability the young arms lack. Justin Topa served as the primary right-handed arm after last year’s sell off and will likely remain one of the top choices to work the 8th or 9th. Liam Hendriks is considered a wild card as the former three-time all-star is attempting a comeback but has yet to show that he’s regained his triple digit fastball. Andrew Chafin, who appears to have pitched his way onto the roster this spring, should fill the role of the “lefty” specialist who will be used to neutralize elite left-handed hitters.
Projected Lineup
- Byron Buxton – CF
- Luke Keaschall – 2B
- Royce Lewis – 3B
- Josh Bell – 1B
- Ryan Jeffers – C
- Trevor Larnach – DH
- Matt Wallner – RF
- Austin Martin – LF
- Brooks Lee – SS
Projected Rotation
- Joe Ryan
- Bailey Ober
- Taj Bradley
- Simeon Woods Richardson
- Mick Abel
Projected Bullpen
Taylor Rogers – Closer
Justin Topa – Setup
Liam Hendriks
Andrew Chafin
Cole Sands
Anthony Banda
Manager: Derek Shelton (1st season)
Projection: 73-89 (4th in the AL Central)
Written By: Brian Finnigan
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