The Minnesota Twins have their fair share of stars. Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, and Pablo López deserve the love they receive, but the organization has some guys who are not only in line to break out in 2026; they need more respect from the fans.
Kody Funderburk and Austin Martin showed us in 2025 that they have what it takes to elevate their game this upcoming season. We should take notice.
Kody Funderburk, Austin Martin may deserve more respect ahead of 2026 Twins season
Kody Funderburk
Funderburk made an exceptional leap from 2024 to 2025. He lowered his ERA from 6.49 to 3.51 while seeing an increase in innings. He seems adjusted to major league hitting now, as he registered a 122 ERA+ and 3.35 FIP in 41 frames a season ago.
Funderburk was even better down the stretch, too. He did not allow a run in 11.2 innings in August, then dished out just two runs in September, which spanned 12.1 frames. That means his ERA in the final two months was 0.75 with 28 strikeouts (24 innings). Not bad at all. He seems up for the challenge in 2026.
One thing to look out for his the usage of his sweeper. This pitch had a 37.3 whiff rate in 2025 and opponents batted .057 against it. It was his third-most used pitch of the season. Maybe he'll elect for it more as the dominance continues.
Austin Martin
Injuries kept Martin from truly finding a rhythm in 2025, but in 50 games, he showed fans what he is made of.
Austin Martin with his first home run of the season. #MNTwins lead it 7-4
— SleeperTwins (@SleeperMLBTwins) August 6, 2025
pic.twitter.com/yDNu3VZ7XI
Martin batted .282 with a 106 OPS+ and 11 stolen bases. He isn't going to wow you with power, but solid contact and speed is enough to have fans thinking he would be a solid bottom-of-the-order bat. His 12.2 walk rate also indicates that he can pass the baton to the top of the lineup.
He batted .291 in September, headlined by seven multi-hit games and an eight-game hitting streak. Those numbers will play. Will he be Byron Buxton? No, but it's time to consider Austin Martin as a legit bat in the starting order. Who knows, if he pans out, maybe his power will follow, too. But even if it does not surface, the other aspects to his game is enough to garner more respect.
Hopefully these two players will continue getting better in 2026 as the Twins are desperate for a bounce-back season.