The Minnesota Twins need a left-handed pitcher in their starting rotation for the 2026 season. Southpaw prospects like Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas will wait in the minor leagues for their chance to be called up, but besides that, Minnesota doesn't have a lefty starter to balance out the staff.
There are a few free agent lefties on the market, but some are too expensive. Take MacKenzie Gore, a 26-year-old who will make about $6.5 million next season with multiple years of control. As the Twins' organization is on the precipice of major changes at the top, it's time for the club to make a big splash and pursue someone like Gore. There's no reason they cannot throw their hat in the ring.
MacKenzie Gore would be the perfect top-end left-hander for Twins' starting rotation
Minnesota is already bolstering the bullpen, so now it's time to mix in a starter. Gore not only would bring a ton of energy and spark to the staff, but we are seeing a star-level arm growing with each passing season.
He was named to the All-Star team with the Nationals in 2025 thanks to a career-best WHIP (1.353), K/9 (10.4), and whiff rate (29.7).
MacKenzie Gore, White Castle Special. 🤮🍔🍔🍔 pic.twitter.com/8sUgZWlYV3
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 10, 2025
Gore's fastball is among the hardest of left-handed starters in baseball. His slider-curveball combo is lethal too, which combined for 100 strikeouts in 2025. Gore has a legitimate arsenal, and although teams like the Yankees and Orioles are going to try and sign him, the Twins could be a team that slides in to get him. We're learning this offseason that any team has a shot at landing a big free agent. Just look at the Marlins (Pete Fairbanks) and the Pirates (Ryan O'Hearn).
Gore has also looked strong in three career starts at an AL Central ballpark. At Target Field, Kauffman Stadium, and Progressive Field, Gore has allowed three combined runs across 17.2 innings (1.53 ERA) with 17 strikeouts. He faced the Twins in Minnesota this past July, surrendering one run in five frames with four punch-outs and six walks in the 1-0 loss (Byron Buxton plated Matt Wallner on a sacrifice fly in the 5th inning).
It may be unrealistic to think that Gore will sign with the Twins, but there's no reason to feel that the team can't at least try. He's not expensive. He's under team control for two more seasons. The Twins need a lefty, and even if Minnesota isn't Gore's No. 1 choice on his list, there's reason to believe that any team can make a big splash this winter.