2024 Minnesota Twins Opening Day roster projection 2.0: How does Manuel Margot fit?

Twins Opening Day bullpen

Arguably the only real roster spot that's up for grabs is in the bullpen, and even that spot seems to be getting shored up. The eighth reliever spot is likely going to be revolving door option for the Twins as any number of guys could step up and fill it depending on how things are going.

Josh Staumont was the first official free agent signing Minnesota made this winter, and he's a classic injury caveated high-upside gamble. He was extremely solid in 2021 with the Royals, posting a 2.88 ERA in just 65.2 innings of work while striking out 72 of the batters he faced. Things went a little haywire on him last year and he ended up suffering a neck injury that ended his season early.

All signs point to him being healthy for Opening Day, but he's getting passed up by another high-upside guy the Twins are hoping can tap back into the 2021 version of himself. Jorge Alcalá was tendered and brought back this winter which means Minnesota is giving him another shot to try and prove himself as a useful piece in the bullpen. He looked to be developing into that three years ago when he finished the year with a 0.972 WHIP in just under 60 innings pitched.

Injuries derailed his ascension, though, and he's looked rough in both attempts to comeback. Minnesota is clearly banking on the third time being the charm and so far this spring Alcalà has been great.

The good news is that while it's unclear who fills the eight reliever spot on Opening Day, the Twins have no shortage of good pitchers who can spend valuable time on the MLB roster this year. Brent Headrick is a solid middle relief guy, as is Cole Sands, and Kody Funderburk looked good when he spent time with the team late last season.

Minnesota's bullpen is deep, and figuring out how everyone fits is a good problem to have.

On the bubble:

• Josh Staumont
• Josh Winder
• Cole Sands
• Kody Funderburk