Projecting Twins' Opening Day bullpen after second surprising release of day

Twins make flurry of roster moves including releasing Andrew Chafin, Liam Hendriks

After granting right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks his release earlier in the day, the Minnesota Twins made another surprising roster move by granting left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin his release, the team announced. The Twins also released infielder Gio Urshela and reassigned catcher Noah Cardenas to minor-league camp. Not to mention, the Twins optioned right-handed starting pitcher Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul earlier today, confirming that Mick Abel will be in the starting rotation.

It was surprising to see both Hendriks and Chafin released today. The Twins probably didn't like how Hendriks struggled to limit baserunners in his seven spring training appearances (nine hits and five walks), even though he surrendered just three runs.

As for Chafin, the lefty has had solid results this spring, posting a 3.00 ERA over six innings. But even with his solid results, Chafin's fastball doesn't even break 90 mph. The Twins clearly would prefer to have a younger pitcher with better "stuff" in the bullpen instead.

With many assuming that Chafin and Hendriks would be on Minnesota's Opening Day roster, fans are wondering how the bullpen will look on March 26 when the Twins take on the Baltimore Orioles for the season opener in Baltimore, Maryland.

Projecting Twins' Opening Day bullpen after Hendriks, Chafin released

RHP Cole Sands

RHP Justin Topa

RHP Eric Orze

RHP Dan Altavilla

RHP Zak Kent

LHP Anthony Banda

LHP Taylor Rogers

LHP Kody Funderburk or RHP Travis Adams

Sands, Topa, Orze, Banda and Rogers are probably the only locks on this list. Altavilla has been showing off his high-90s fastball this spring with the Twins and Team Italy, and has had successful results. As for Kent, who made 12 appearances with the Cleveland Guardians last season, the righty has surrendered three runs on two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts across 5 2/3 innings with Minnesota this spring.

It'll be interesting to see who claims the final spot in the bullpen. It's hard to imagine it won't come down to Funderburk or Adams. If the Twins make their decision based on results, Funderburk has the edge. In 24 innings across August and September of 2025, Funderburk allowed just two earned runs on 19 hits and 10 walks while collecting 28 strikeouts. He's continued where he left off this spring, posting a 1.35 ERA with seven strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.

If the Twins prefer to have just two lefties on their roster, then Adams, who has allowed two runs over 2 2/3 innings this spring, will probably claim the final bullpen spot over Funderburk.