If the Twins want to return to the playoffs, they need to improve their offense. They finished the 2025 season ranked 22nd in batting average (.238), 21st in on-base percentage (.310) and 16th in slugging percentage (.397). Despite last season's struggles, Minnesota has the talent to increase its offensive production next season. If the team calls up some highly-regarded prospects and makes a big free agent signing, fans will have reasons to be optimistic for 2026.
Creating the dream 2026 Minnesota Twins lineup for offensive turnaround
1. 2B Luke Keaschall
Keaschall played in just 49 games with the Twins this past season due to fracturing his right forearm on Apr. 25, just seven days after he made his MLB debut. He returned on Aug. 5. He then suffered a thumb injury on Sept. 23, which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the season and led to him receiving surgery. He will most likely be ready for spring training.
Although it was an injury-plagued rookie season, Keaschall put up impressive numbers, posting 2.0 bWAR and slashing .302/.382/.445 (128 OPS+) with four home runs, 14 doubles and 14 stolen bases. His defense at second base could use some work, but his bat and presence on the basepaths last season were extremely impressive. With his elite ability to reach base and speed, Keaschall should be the Twins' leadoff batter next year.
2. CF Byron Buxton
Buxton was easily the Twins' best hitter last year. He slashed 264/.327/.551 (136 OPS+) with career-highs in homers (35) and RBI (83) en route to being named among the 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award winners for outfielders. He also played elite defense and stole 24 bases.
Buxton hit in the leadoff spot frequently during the 2025 campaign, but Keaschall is better suited for that role given his ability to reach base. Buxton still deserves to be near the top of the lineup, and the second spot seems appropriate, as he should be able to drive in Keaschall frequently.
3. 1B Pete Alonso
Remember, reader. This is creating the "dream" 2026 Twins lineup. Not the most realistic.
Still, the Twins should consider signing Alonso, who became a free agent after opting out of a one-year, $24 million player option for 2026. MLB Trade Rumors projects Alonso will receive a four-year, $110 million deal in free agency. Sure, Minnesota has been reluctant to spend much lately and shed as much payroll as it could at the trade deadline. But, $110 million over four years won't be a complete disaster if Alonso struggles, given the length of the deal.
The Twins have long needed an established first baseman, and Alonso, who has accumulated 23.3 bWAR and hit 264 homers since making his MLB debut in 2019, could be the offensive boost the team needs to get back into postseason contention.
4. LF Walker Jenkins
It's time for the Twins to see if Jenkins, who is the No. 10-ranked MLB prospect per MLB Pipeline, can live up to his potential. Injuries have delayed his development somewhat, but he still appears ready for the big leagues. Barring another injury, he should be on the Twins' Opening Day roster.
Jenkins finished the 2025 campaign with Triple-A St. Paul. He struggled with the Saints, posting a .719 OPS in 23 games. It was a limited sample size, however, so the poor stats shouldn't be something for fans to worry about. Since making his professional debut in 2023, Jenkins has slashed .295/.399/.464 with 19 homers and 114 RBI across 119 games.
Jenkins is a good defensive center fielder, but Buxton obviously has that position locked down. Jenkins can play in left field until it's time for Minnesota to move Buxton to a corner outfield spot.
5. 3B Royce Lewis
One could argue Lewis belongs lower in the lineup, as he posted a lowly 83 OPS+ last season. However, with Lewis, it appears that confidence plays a significant role in determining whether he succeeds or not. Derek Shelton already got off to a good start by meeting with Lewis this offseason and instilling confidence in the young third baseman. Having Lewis in the heart of the order could be the next step in giving Lewis his confidence back.
In 2023, Lewis posted 2.4 bWAR and a .921 OPS in 58 games before hitting four homers in 26 plate appearances during the postseason. Let's hope we get that version of Lewis in 2026.
6. DH Matt Wallner
Wallner had an interesting 2025 season. He hit just .202 with a .311 on-base percentage. Yet, he had a 111 OPS+ due to his .464 slugging percentage, backed by 22 homers, 16 doubles and three triples in 103 games.
Wallner has a great arm, but he is still a below-average defender, as he posted -4 Outs Above Average this past season. Therefore, he should be better suited as a full-time designated hitter. Equal offensive production from last season would be great for Wallner. Still, he could easily become even more valuable by increasing his batting average and on-base percentage just a little bit while limiting his time playing defense.
7. C Ryan Jeffers
Jeffers isn't the best defensive catcher these days, but he is among the best hitters at the position. In 119 games this past season, Jeffers slashed .266/.356/.397 (108 OPS+) with nine homers, 26 doubles and 47 RBI.
Unless he signs an extension, 2026 will be Jeffers' last season before he becomes a free agent. Hopefully, that pressure brings out the best version of the catcher. The team also has another catcher in the mix after sparking a trade with the Orioles for Alex Jackson.
8. RF Emmanuel Rodríguez
Rodríguez, the No. 69-ranked MLB prospect, has struggled to stay healthy. But when he has been on the field, he has overall been very productive. In 59 games for Triple-A St. Paul last season, the outfielder hit .258/.429/.423 with six homers and 27 RBI.
It's time for the Twins to see what they have in Rodríguez. The only concern regarding Rodríguez is his high strikeout rate. But his elite ability to reach base, along with great defense, should translate to him becoming a star in the big leagues.
9. SS Brooks Lee
Lee struggled significantly last season, posting -0.8 bWAR and a 79 OPS+. However, the eye test suggests that he could easily improve both offensively and defensively. Not to mention, it wasn't long ago that he was among MLB's top 100 prospects.
What about the rest of the team?
If Lee still struggles next season, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper will be waiting in the minor leagues to take his spot. Culpepper may still find a role with the team, even if Lee improves. Let's be honest, Alonso is most likely not going to be a Twin next year. If Minnesota doesn't sign any impact bats, it could lead to Keaschall or Lewis moving to first base to make room for Culpepper.
Meanwhile, the Twins should trade Trevor Larnach for a bullpen arm this offseason. Austin Martin should get some starts against lefties, and he can come off the bench as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement when needed as well. Additionally, Kody Clemens, Alan Roden and James Outman will all likely get starting opportunities at some point.