The debt-laden Pohlads, with new minority owners in tow, may decide that a complete financial right-sizing is the path they must follow for financial longevity in the Twin Cities market. The trade deadline fire sale may have been only the first round of pain for the Twins faithful, with decision deadlines just around the corner. With an already alienated and angered fan base and a financial and labor showdown all but certain in 2027 between owners and the MLBPA, 2026 could be the year of a complete rebuild. I hate to even think it, but I put nothing past ownership at this point in time.
The Doomsday Scenario
Doomsday means the Minnesota Twins choose not to tender contracts or trade any of their valued arbitration-eligible players and trade away their remaining expensive veterans. This would mean parting ways with a significant portion of their established talent, including catcher Ryan Jeffers, starting pitchers Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, infielder Royce Lewis and outfielder Trevor Larnach. They would trade away Pablo López andquite frankly, would the incredibly loyal Byron Buxton want to stick around for this at this point in his career? This would trigger a dramatic and unprecedented roster overhaul.
Such a move would thrust the organization headfirst into a youth movement, creating a 2026 lineup and pitching staff heavily reliant on prospects and the few remaining veterans under contract. Here is a speculative look at what the Minnesota Twins' starting lineup could be in 2026 under this stark scenario:
Projected 2026 Starting Lineup:
- Luke Keaschall (2B)
- Brooks Lee (SS)
- Alan Roden (Byron Buxton) (CF)
- Matt Wallner (DH)
- James Outman (RF)
- Walker Jenkins (LF)
- Kody Clemens (1B)
- Jhonny Perada (C)
- Austin Martin (3B)
- Bench: Emmanuel Rodriguez, Aaron Sabato, Eduoard Julien, Mickey Gasper
This projected outfield lineup would see a massive infusion of young talent, with top prospects Walker Jenkins expected to seize starting roles in the outfield. Jenkins, widely regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball, would likely take over in right field, bringing his highly anticipated power and hitting prowess to the major league level. Emmanuel Rodriguez, another highly-touted outfield prospect known for his power and on-base skills, would likely patrol some in left field. Matt Wallner would transition to DH/right field to get his power bat in the lineup consistently. Alan Roden would slot in at center field if Buxton were to waive his no -rade clause.
The infield would also have a new look. With the departure of Royce Lewis, Austin Martin could potentially find a home at third base, while top prospect Brooks Lee would be the heir apparent at shortstop. Luke Keaschall would slot in at second base. The catching duties would likely fall to a player like Jhonny Perada, who has been in the upper levels of the Twins' minor league system.
A Depleted Pitching Staff:
The starting rotation would be the area most devastated by the departure of arbitration-eligible players. Without Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Pablo López, the Twins would be left with promising but largely unproven young pitchers. The bullpen would be filled by prospective young arms.
Potential 2026 Starting Rotation and Bullpen:
*Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP)
*David Festa (RHP)
*Mick Abel (RHP)
*Taj Bradley (RHP)
*Zebby Matthews (RHP)
Bullpen: Cole Sands, Kody Funderburk, Pierson Ohl, Andrew Morris, Kendry Rojas, Marco Raya
This rotation would lean heavily on the development of prospects like David Festa, Mick Abel, and Zebby Matthews, all of whom have shown promise, but would be thrust into significant roles at the major league level. Simeon Woods Richardson would also be a candidate to solidify a spot in the top of the rotation with Taj Bradley in the mix.
This hypothetical 2026 Minnesota Twins team would undoubtedly be one of the youngest and most unpredictable in Major League Baseball. While the potential for future success would be dependent upon the maturation of its top prospects, the 2026 season would likely be a year of significant growing pains and a steep learning curve for a roster suddenly stripped to its youthful core.