3 bold predictions for Minnesota Twins in 2026 with spring training underway

3 bold predictions for Minnesota Twins in 2026 with spring training underway

Bailey Ober bounces back, is solid No. 2 starter for Twins

Ober, 30, was a very solid starter for Minnesota in 2023 and 2024, pitching to a 3.73 ERA with a 26.2% strikeout rate and 5.6% walk rate in 323 innings across 57 starts during that span.

Then, Ober had the worst season of his career by far in 2025, posting a 5.10 ERA (4.90 FIP) with 120 strikeouts, 31 walks and 30 homers in 146 1/3 innings across 27 outings.

A big reason for Ober's struggles last season was a dip in velocity; his fastball averaged 91.7 mph in 2024 and 90.3 mph in 2025. A reason for his lowered velocity may have been a nagging hip issue he dealt with last year.

Ober worked with a specialist during the offseason to address his hip issue and has noticed a "big difference," according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. If Ober is fully healthy in 2026, his velocity may go back to where it was before. Even if not, the righty is likely doing everything he can to return to form and should be able to be as successful as he was just two seasons ago.

With Pablo López scheduled to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, the Twins desperately need a bounce-back season from Ober, who will presumably be Minnesota's No. 2 this year.

Royce Lewis returns to form, makes American League All-Star Team

Lewis has started spring training hot, going 2-for-2 with a solo homer, an RBI single and a stolen base during Minnesota's Grapefruit League opener against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. It's a good sign to see the young third baseman get off on the right foot this spring after a rough 2025 season in which he slashed .237/.283/.388 (83 OPS+) over 403 plate appearances.

Lewis' swing is noticeably different than before this spring. His hands appear closer to his body and more controlled.

Lewis had been working with Houston-based hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower during the offseason, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale. The hitting coach was recommended to Lewis by Kansas City Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and former Twins infielder Jorge Polanco. Isenhower pointed out to Lewis that he had several different batting stances last season and has been helping Lewis develop a consistent swing.

Lewis posted a .921 OPS with 15 homers and 52 RBI in 58 games during the 2023 regular season, then followed with a strong postseason where he hit four home runs in six games. If he can consistently and effectively use his new swing this season, we may see the 2023 version of the third baseman return.

Emmanuel Rodríguez or Walker Jenkins finish top 3 in American League Rookie of the Year voting

Outfielders Rodríguez and Jenkins should make their MLB debuts this season. Rodríguez has been on a tear thus far during spring training, having gone 3-for-4 with two homers during Grapefruit League play. He also had a single, a walk and a stolen base during the Twins' matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday.

Rodríguez, 23, has missed significant playing time in his professional career due to multiple injuries. He reached Triple-A in 2024 and played there in 2025 when healthy and not rehabbing. He hit .258/.429/.423 with six homers, 27 RBI and nine stolen bases in 52 games with the Saints this past season.

Rodríguez, MLB Pipeline's No. 74-ranked prospect, is an average defender with a plus arm and above-average speed. He strikes out frequently, but his on-base and power skills suggest he could be an All-Star in the big leagues one day. In 60 plate appearances in Winter Ball during the offseason, the outfielder posted a 1.063 OPS.

Jenkins, 21, slashed .309/.426/.487 with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita last season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. Jenkins, MLB pipeline's No. 14-ranked prospect, struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 plate appearances, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching. He is an above-average defender and runner with a plus arm. Like Rodríguez, Jenkins, who hit an RBI double against the Gophers on Friday, unfortunately struggles to stay healthy.

Jenkins and Rodríguez have good chances to earn Rookie of the Year votes in 2026. Let's just hope they can stay on the field.