Twins likely have no chance to contend if they don't address this major issue

The Minnesota Twins' relievers blew another game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday afternoon, allowing five runs in the seventh inning after Luke Keaschall tied the game 4-4 on a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Connor Prielipp could've had a better start and the offense could've provided more runs, but the bullpen has clearly been the club's biggest issue this season. The Twins brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning of Saturday's game before losing 9-6.

Last summer, the Twins parted ways with three impact relievers who are under contract through at least next season: Jhoan Duran, Louis Varland and Griffin Jax. Considering who Minnesota received in return for the star bullpen arms, the trades are defensible (although the Twins would probably take back the Varland trade if they could). But instead of piecing the bullpen back together with established, high-velocity arms, Minnesota acquired many relievers who are either past their prime or unproven at the big-league level. Because of that, the club has made several desperate mid-season reliever acquisitions, including Justin Lawrence and Luis García.

Minnesota's bullpen had a decent stretch last month but has generally been terrible this season. Before Saturday's game, the Twins' relievers ranked 29th in ERA (5.18), 28th in strikeout rate (19.9%), 25th in walk rate (12.0%) and 28th in opponent batting average (.255).

While Yoendrys Gómez has been a great find, Anthony Banda has stepped up his game lately and Andrew Morris has electric stuff, most of Minnesota's relievers have not been performing well this year.

Twins relievers' stats thus far in 2026:

RHP Travis Adams: 6.89 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 17 SO (11 G, 15 2/3 IP)

LHP Anthony Banda: 1.76 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 27 SO (33 G, 29 2/3 IP)

RHP Yoendrys Gómez: 6.89 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 19 SO (18 G, 15 1/3 IP)

RHP Cody Laweryson: 5.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 16 SO (10 G, 12 1/3 IP)

RHP Justin Lawrence: 10.38 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 17 SO (11 G, 15 2/3 IP)

RHP Andrew Morris: 6.89 ERA, 2.54 WHIP, 8 SO (5 G, 4 1/3 IP)

RHP Eric Orze: 5.06 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 29 SO (28 G, 32 IP)

RHP Mike Paredes: 4.35 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 8 SO (3 G, 10 1/3 IP)

LHP Taylor Rogers: 5.33 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 23 SO (31 G, 27 IP)

Luckily, left-hander Kendry Rojas, who has posted a 1.26 ERA in 14 1/3 innings with Minnesota this season, appears on the verge of returning from the IL. Unfortunately, that probably won't be enough to get the Twins' bullpen back on track.

The Twins aim to win the series against the Cardinals in the rubber match on Sunday. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:10 p.m. CDT and will be available to watch on Twins.TV.

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