Heading into the 2026 season, the projected Minnesota Twins bullpen is a blend of high-floor veterans and intriguing arms. While the group lacks a definitive superstar closer, it is built on solid depth, offering flexibility for specialized matchups.
Here is the grade-out for your projected 2026 Twins bullpen.
The Right-Handers
Cole Sands: Took a step forward the last 2 years and a prove it year would be huge for his career. Led the team in relief innings and holds (13) last year. His elite walk rate (4.1%) makes him a reliable multi-inning bridge. Grade: B
Justin Topa: A middle-relief option. While his consistency and strikeout rate is lower than you'd like (18.3%), his high groundball rate (47.7%) makes him a double-play candidate in messy innings. Grade: C+
Eric Orze: Has a nice mix of pitches. He dominated lefties (.186 AVG) in 2025. If he maintains the sub-1.00 ERA stretch he showed late last season, he’ll move into high leverage as Minnesota's newest addition. Grade: B
Dan Altavilla: A high upside veteran who has had a promising spring while pitching for Team Italy in the WBC is likely secure a bullpen spot. He finished 2025 incredibly strong (1.74 ERA in his final 16 games). He may provide the power arm this bullpen currently lacks. Grade: B-
Zak Kent: Likely the "long man", last man in, or depth piece. He showed promise in Cleveland last year but needs to lower the walk rate to stick. He is optionable so he may bounce between AAA and MLB with the likes of Travis Adams or Trent Baker. Grade: C
The Left-Handers
Taylor Rogers: The returning veteran. While no longer in the elite closer category his stuff still plays well. If he can stay healthy his experience and ability to induce soft contact should provide much needed stability. Grade: B+
Anthony Banda: A late bloomer who found his gear the last couple seasons with the LA Dodgers. He was lights-out the 2nd half of last season. He is likely the most dependable high leverage reliever on the roster right now who may step into the closer role. Grade A-
Kody Funderburk: Has the stuff to get outs, but has been hampered by inconsistent control. He was one of the AL's best in August/September (0.75 ERA). If he avoids the walks, he’s a weapon, otherwise he’s a situational depth option. Grade B-
Overall Bullpen Grade: B-
The unit is much more stable than the one that finished the 2025 season, but lacks top-end dominance. Long term health and consistency will be keys to success as the season progresses.
- Strength: More overall and left-handed depth. Having Banda, Rogers, and Funderburk allows manager Derek Shelton to play the matchups aggressively in the 7th and 8th innings.
- Weakness: No clear closer or shut-down power arm. Without a premier closer, the Twins may rely on a situational approach involving Rogers, Banda, and potentially Altavilla as closer by committee.