Barring serious injuries or surprising trades, the Minnesota Twins' rotation in 2026 will include Joe Ryan, Pablo López and Bailey Ober. As for the remaining two spots (or possibly three, if Minnesota wants a six-man rotation), Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, Taj Bradley and David Festa are the most likely candidates to round out the rotation.
However, injuries, regression and disappointment are likely to occur within the rotation. Additionally, Ryan, López and Ober will likely be on the trade block once July arrives if the Twins aren't confident they can make the playoffs. Therefore, several exciting pitching prospects could have the chance to make their MLB debuts next season. Even if there ends up being no room in the rotation for the aforementioned exciting prospects, they could make an impact as bullpen arms.
2 exciting Twins pitching prospects who could make an impact in 2026
Lefty Kendry Rojas
The Twins acquired Rojas from the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2025 trade deadline. It was a move that led to Minnesota's front office receiving a lot of criticism from fans and the media, not because of Rojas' talent, but because of who the Twins surrendered to acquire him: righty reliever Louis Varland, who set the MLB record for most appearances in a single postseason this past fall. The Twins also gave up Ty France, who is currently a free agent, and received outfielder Alan Roden in the deal.
The Twins wouldn't have given up Varland if they didn't believe Rojas could make an impact at the big league level. Roden may end up being a valuable player as well, but Rojas is likely the main reason the Twins made the trade.
Unfortunately, Rojas, 23, struggled immensely upon being acquired by Minnesota, posting a 6.59 ERA in 27 1/3 innings across eight starts with Triple-A St. Paul. Still, he has the stuff to be an impact arm in the big leagues. He throws a mid-90s fastball and a mid-to-high-80s slider and changeup. If he struggles as a starter again next season, the Twins may convert him to a reliever. Regardless, he should make his MLB debut in 2026, barring a serious injury.
Righty Marco Raya
Like Rojas, Raya, 23, struggled with the Saints last year, posting a 6.02 ERA in 98 2/3 innings. He has primarily been a starter in the minors, but he made 10 appearances as a reliever last season, suggesting the Twins may be planning to have him be part of their big-league bullpen.
Raya has the stuff to be an MLB pitcher, but his lack of control will likely hold him back from being a starter. A reliever role likely fits him better. His best pitch is a mid-80s sweeper. He also throws a decent low-80s curveball, and his four and two-seam fastballs average in the mid-90s. Despite his struggles last year, he still struck out 102 batters in his 98 2/3 innings pitched.