With Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Dean Kremer, Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas all under contract through at least next year, Zebby Matthews will have a tough time cracking the Twins' 2027 Opening Day rotation. However, Matthews is making a strong case that he belongs in Minnesota's long-term starting pitching plans.
Matthews carried a perfect game into the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field on Sunday afternoon. He allowed just one run on five hits and no walks over 8 1/3 innings as Minnesota won 5-1.
After a rough July in which he posted a 7.66 ERA, Matthews turned things around in Aug. with a strong 2.90 ERA in 31 innings across five starts.
Overall, Matthews has posted a 4.58 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP and 93 strikeouts over 112 innings with the Twins this year. He began the year with Triple-A St. Paul. Minnesota recalled the right-hander in mid-May. Matthews was optioned to the Saints in early Aug. to clear space for Dean Kremer, but earned the promotion back to the big leagues shortly after due to Joe Ryan's glute injury.
Twins RHP Zebby Matthews' September could determine his role in 2027
Matthews' September performance could determine his fate for the 2027 season. If he finishes the season strong, Matthews should be a strong candidate for the 2027 rotation. But if Matthews struggles next month, the Twins may consider moving him to the bullpen.
The Twins could consider trading Joe Ryan and/or Pablo Lopez in the offseason, as both are under contract for just one more year and would garner the Twins an attractive haul in a trade. If the Twins move one or both of those aces, then Matthews will have a much better chance of making the Opening Day rotation.
The Twins may also have Matthews begin the 2027 season as a starter in Triple-A, since starting-pitching depth is crucial for every team. Entering spring training, the Twins' starting pitching depth appeared to be a strength. But now, it's obviously a weakness. Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan, the Twins' top two starters, are on the IL. Mick Abel is also on the IL after beginning the season in Minnesota's starting rotation. The Twins may not want to commit to using Matthews as a reliever if they don't feel comfortable with their starting pitching depth next year.
If Matthews posts strong numbers in September, the right-hander will have a strong chance to be in the Twins' Opening Day rotation.
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