The Minnesota Twins should feel much better about their bullpen compared to last offseason. The 2025 trade deadline fire sale saw five Twins relievers moved to other teams. Minnesota did little last offseason to replace the departed relievers, leaving the team with arguably the worst bullpen in baseball for much of the year.
Luckily, the emergence of some young arms and trade acquisitions has the Twins' bullpen in a decent spot entering 2027. After the Aug. 3 trade deadline, the Twins' bullpen ranked eighth in FIP at 3.75.
The Twins should add some bullpen arms this offseason, especially since A.J. Minter and Taylor Rogers will be free agents. Let's take a look at how the bullpen currently looks for 2027.
Projecting Twins' 2027 bullpen before offseason moves
Locks
- RHP Yoendrys Gómez
- RHP Jeff Hoffman
- RHP Andrew Morris
- RHP Tommy Nance
- LHP Anthony Banda
- RHP Cole Sands
Battling for final spots
- RHP David Festa
- RHP Garrett Acton
- RHP Travis Adams
- RHP Jack Anderson
- LHP Kody Funderburk
- RHP Eric Orze
- RHP Marco Raya
Kendry Rojas could also be in the bullpen mix, but the fact that he ended the season as part of the St. Paul Saints' rotation suggests Minnesota wants him as a starter next year. With Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober possibly leaving the team this offseason, Rojas could have a spot on the 26-man roster as a starting pitcher.
Zebby Matthews is another bullpen candidate. He has struggled as a starting pitcher in the majors, but his electric stuff could play well as a reliever.
The Twins will likely add more relievers this offseason, so all of the pitchers battling for the final spots might not make the Opening Day roster.
One pitcher the Twins should strongly consider signing is Minter, whom Minnesota acquired from the New York Mets at this year's trade deadline. After joining the Twins, Minter recorded a 2.78 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 22 2/3 innings. He has 10 years of big-league experience and a World Series ring.
Other top relievers the Twins should target this offseason include David Bednar of the New York Yankees and Raisel Iglesias of the Atlanta Braves. Both are late-inning arms, and Tom Pohlad said he is prepared to give the front office the financial resources it needs to compete next year.
Bednar is in his early 30s and likely wants at least a four-year contract. Iglesias is approaching his late 30s, so he may have to settle for a one- or two-year deal. Bednar had a 2.47 ERA with 35 saves and 76 strikeouts over 69 1/3 innings this season. Iglesias recorded a 2.55 ERA with 34 saves and 64 strikeouts over 60 innings.
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