The Twins current rotation is flush with capable arms, creating both a strength and a conundrum. The potential rotation includes established starters Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, along with promising Major League-ready youth such as Simeon Woods-Richardson, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and David Festa.
If the Twins keep their top pitchers
The 2026 central question revolves around the front-line stalwart veterans: López and Ryan, along with Bailey Ober establishing himself as a solid Major League starter. The Twins front office made a skeptical proclamation of staying competitive for 2026. However, the organization’s recent debt-driven payroll reductions and an apparent pivot toward a younger rebuild-focused core make trading one or all for prospect capital or cost-controlled players a distinct possibility.
López has two years and a sizable salary remaining on his contract. Ober and Ryan, who are entering their arbitration years, will come at an increased cost. All three represent the team's most valuable remaining trade chips. While keeping all of them provides an immediate anchor for any attempt at contention in the near future, their significant trade value aligns perfectly with their fire sale rebuild strategy. The decision will ultimately reflect the front office's immediate goals: competitive in 2026, or focused on a stronger window beginning in 2027 or beyond.
If the trio stays, it provides a foundation for the young arms to insert themselves without pressure. If the latter, trading one or all would maximize returns and expedite a forced rebuild, turning their pitching depth into a currency that finances the team’s next competitive window. The decision on the ace pitchers will cascade through the entire organization, defining the 2026 season and beyond before it even begins.
If the Twins trade away their top pitchers
Regardless of the veteran dynamic, the remaining spots in the rotation will be a ferocious competition. That leaves a talented crop of young pitchers—including Woods-Richardson, Matthews, Bradley, Abel, and Festa- vying for the final one or two spots or stepping in to a rebuilt rotation. The young depth is an asset, allowing the Twins to trade from a position of strength, converting surplus pitching into much-needed position player talent or bolstering a depleted bullpen. Ultimately, the Twins must decide if they are buyers or sellers this offseason.