On Wednesday night, news broke that the Minnesota Twins were reuniting with three-time All-Star right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks and signing former Cubs right-handed reliever Julian Merryweather. Both relievers signed minor-league deals but have strong chances to make the Twins' Opening Day roster, especially Hendriks.
Then, on Thursday, Minnesota added more bullpen depth by acquiring left-handed reliever Anthony Banda, who had a solid 3.14 ERA in 114 2/3 MLB innings over the last two seasons, from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for international bonus space. At that point, it felt the Twins were probably done adding relievers.
The Twins were not done adding relievers. The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported on Friday that the Twins agreed to a minor-league deal with right-handed reliever Cody Laweryson, who allowed one run over 7 2/3 innings with Minnesota last season, after he was released by the Los Angeles Angels last week. The Twins also signed veteran left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin to a minor-league deal, The Athletic's Dan Hayes reported on Valentine's Day morning.
What to make of Twins' Andrew Chafin, Cody Laweryson signings as 2026 bullpen grows stronger
All of a sudden, the Twins have a crowded bullpen. We can safely assume that relievers Cole Sands, Justin Topa, Taylor Rogers and Banda will be on the Twins' Opening Day roster. Not too long ago, it felt as if Eric Orze and Kody Funderburk were locks to crack the Opening Day bullpen as well, but with both pitchers having minor-league options, one of them may start the season in Triple-A St. Paul if outperformed during Spring Training.
Laweryson will more than likely begin the season with the Saints, but a strong spring could lead to him making the 26-man roster out of Spring Training. As for Chafin, who had a 2.41 ERA with a 25.2% strikeout rate in 33 2/3 innings with the Angels and Washington Nationals last season, the lefty has a good shot at making the Twins' Opening Day roster. Given his success last season, it's perplexing that the 35-year-old lefty had to settle for a minor-league deal. He had a rough 13.3% walk rate last year, but his ERA and strikeout rate were outstanding.
With Rogers, Banda and Funderburk all being lefties, Funderburk may be the odd man out to begin the year if Chafin has a strong spring. It's also possible the Twins just roll with four lefties in their 'pen to begin the 2026 campaign.
Other relievers who'll be at Minnesota's big-league camp include Matt Bowman, Dan Altavilla, Grant Hartwig and Travis Adams. Minnesota may also move some starters to relief roles. Options to do so include David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Simeon Woods Richardson and others.