In a dream scenario where the Twins make the postseason with everyone healthy, who would be on the roster?
Predicting a 100% healthy Twins playoff roster (assuming they don’t make any more mid-season additions) for the AL Wild Card Series
Catchers - Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
Both catchers have been on the Twins’ roster all season long, and there is no reason to expect that to change in the playoffs. Jeffers will likely start every day in the postseason, with Vázquez likely to stay on the bench in case Jeffers gets hurt or is removed for a pinch runner.
Infielders - Ty France, Brooks Lee, Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, Luke Keaschall
France will hold down first base, Lee second, Correa shortstop and Lewis third. Keaschall, who went 7-for-19 with five walks and five stolen bases with the Twins before landing on the injured list with a right forearm fracture, will have a difficult time finding consistent playing time once he returns if the rest of the offense remains healthy. However, if he hits anywhere near the level he did in his limited action at the big league level this season, Keaschall certainly will become a mainstay in the lineup.
Along with playing second base, Keaschall has played first base and outfield in the minor leagues, but expect him to primarily serve as a designated hitter when he returns since his defense could use improvement, and the Twins will likely want to minimize injury risk. But if Lee goes down or doesn’t improve his offense, Keaschall could potentially take over the primary second base role.
Outfielders - Byron Buxton, Harrison Bader, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
Buxton and Bader are no-brainers to make the postseason roster, as both have arguably been the Twins’ most valuable offensive players. Wallner has proven he can be among the best-hitting outfielders in the game, and Larnach has been a solid left-handed bat. It may be challenging for the Twins to work Larnach and Keaschall into the lineup consistently, as Larnach regularly plays as the designated hitter. Still, Larnach will likely deserve to at least be on the postseason roster, even if he won’t start every day.
Keirsey will make the roster to serve as a pinch runner/defensive replacement, similar to when Andrew Stevenson made the Twins’ 2023 AL Wild Card and ALDS rosters.
Utility - Willi Castro, Kody Clemens
Castro, who has been on a tear at the plate lately, makes the roster as someone who can adequately play corner outfield and the infield while possessing the ability to get hot offensively.
Clemens essentially had to hit like Barry Bonds to earn his way into playoff roster consideration. While he has cooled off lately, Clemens has proven he can be a top hitter at times while providing the Twins with versatility by being able to play second and first base, as well as corner outfield.
Starting pitchers - Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober
Hopefully, López will be healthy by the time the postseason arrives. If so, he is a sure bet to be one of the Twins’ three starting pitchers in the AL Wild Card. López, Ryan and Ober have clearly been the Twins’ most consistent starting pitchers this year and last.
Relievers - Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe, Cole Sands, Brock Stewart, Louis Varland, Justin Topa, Jorge Alcala, Chris Paddack
None of these relievers making the roster is surprising. Although if Alcala does not improve his performance, there is a good chance someone from the minors, potentially Travis Adams, will take his spot.
Paddack, who has a 3.53 ERA in 13 starts this season, will be in the bullpen even if he continues to dominate simply because López, Ryan and Ober have all proven they are among the best pitchers in the league when they are at their best. Additionally, Paddack proved he can be a weapon out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations the last time Minnesota made a postseason appearance. Paddack could provide multiple innings of relief if a starting pitcher struggles early in a start, and if the Twins were to move on to the ALDS, he could slot in as the fourth starter in the rotation.