The Athletic labeled the Minnesota Twins, along with the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers and FanDuel Sports Network, as one of the biggest losers of the offseason. It's a harsh, but true, evaluation of what Minnesota has done since the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The Twins, who mutually parted ways with Derek Falvey just 13 days before pitchers and catchers were scheduled to report to Spring Training, have made some solid moves this offseason, such as signing first baseman Josh Bell, catcher Victor Caratini and lefty reliever Taylor Rogers, but nothing that significantly moves the needle.
The Detroit Tigers' offseason moves have made the Twins even bigger offseason losers. After signing lefty starter Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million deal and reuniting with future Hall-of-Famer Justin Verlander on a one-year, $13 million deal, the Tigers arguably have the best rotation in baseball, led by back-to-back Cy Young award-winner Tarik Skubal. Before signing Valdez and Verlander, the Tigers were still the favorites to win the American League Central next season. After adding the two former Houston Astros starting pitchers, they're even more likely to win the division.
With that said, there are still reasons to believe the Twins can make the playoffs in 2026.
Minnesota Twins still can make 2026 postseason despite "loser" label
The Twins' starting rotation could be among the best in baseball when healthy. Joe Ryan and Pablo López are among the league's best, and Bailey Ober, although he posted a poor 5.10 ERA in 27 starts last season, was a very solid pitcher in 2023 and 2024.
Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson, Mick Abel and Zebby Matthews will most likely compete for the final two spots in the rotation this spring. While all four of those pitchers have yet to establish themselves in the Twins' rotation, at least two of them should be able to live up to their expectations next season. Minnesota may also roll with a six-man rotation, at least to begin the season. Also, lefties Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas are promising starting pitching prospects who'll likely make their MLB debuts in 2026, barring regression and/or injuries.
While there are plenty of questions surrounding the Twins' position players, there is a lot of potential within the group. Byron Buxton is a clear star. Luke Keaschall had an outstanding rookie season. It wasn't too long ago when Royce Lewis was producing at an MVP level. Ryan Jeffers is among the best-hitting catchers in the game. Matt Wallner had a down season last year, yet he posted a solid 110 OPS+.
Top prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodríguez and Kaelen Culpepper should be ready to make their MLB debuts next season as well.
Minnesota's bullpen is harder to be optimistic about than the starting rotation and lineup. However, it still features some pitchers who had success in recent years, including Eric Orze, Taylor Rogers, Cole Sands, Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk. Minnesota may add another reliever before the season starts, too. Even with the questionable bullpen, the Twins could always improve at the Trade Deadline if they're in playoff contention.
With the Tigers' offseason acquisitions, winning the division may be a long shot for the Twins. But a Wild Card berth isn't out of the question. A lot has to go right for the Twins to make the playoffs, but there are reasons to believe they can do it.