In fact, president Derek Falvey still doesn’t know if he will be rebuilding a Twins roster that was halfway deconstructed at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, or if he will be instructed by ownership to tear it even further.

If it’s the former, Falvey will need a bigger player budget than the $96 million currently projected for next season. If it’s the latter, then Minnesota’s offseason plan would likely include trading starting pitchers Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez and even superstar centerfielder, Byron Buxton.

Minnesota Twins avoid arbitration with Justin Topa

But until they get further direction from the Pohlad family, Twins executives are doing their best to walk the line between their two possible realities, this offseason.

And on Friday, they took their first step in rebuilding a bullpen that was blown to smithereens just a few months ago, by reaching a one-year deal with Justin Topa that will allow the two sides to avoid arbitration this offseason.

Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Justin Topa, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2026.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) November 21, 2025

Justin Topa, 34, will now enter his third season with the Minnesota Twins, after they landed him the trade two offseasons ago that sent Jorge Polanco to Seattle, in exchange for Topa, Darren Bowen, Gabriel Gonzalez and Anthony DeSclafani (plus cash).

Why are Twins keeping Topa around?

Justin pitched in just three games that first year (2024) in a MN Twins uniform. Last year, he became a critical cog in the bullpen, especially after they traded the rest of the bullpen away at the deadline.

When the dust settled, Topa threw 60 innings in 2025, posting a 3.90 ERA, 3.04 FIP, 1.433 WHIP and 7.4 K/9. Topa has accumulated 5.044 years of MLB service time, meaning a full season in the Twins bullpen will make him a free agent in 2027.

On top of their deal with Topa, the Minnesota Twins also announced a trade Friday morning. Triple-A infielder Peyton Eeles is on his way to Baltimore. Taking his place in the organization will be 29-year-old Alex Jackson, who’s presumed to be the Twins’ new backup catcher. You can read more about that trade HERE.

The roster has to remain intact through the finish line, though. After trading away nearly 40% of it at the deadline, new faces have been cycling through Rocco Baldelli’s clubhouse like it’s the Tour de France. Another pitching injury has forced yet another new arm to be promoted. And this time, it will result in a big league debut.

Cody Laweryson headed to Minnesota Twins

Since Derek Falvey gutted the major league roster at the trade deadline, the bullpen has basically become a training ground. Justin Topa has been put in high-leverage spots to differing levels of success. Now though, he’s dealing with an oblique injury, and Cody Laweryson is headed to the big leagues.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/ZYpN4fPb4u

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 12, 2025

At points this season we saw glimpses of the reliever that Minnesota traded Jorge Polanco to acquire. He has been operating in high-leverage spots since the departure of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax. Now, his season comes to an end as he’ll finish with a 3.90 ERA (3.04 FIP) in 60 innings of work.

Laweryson with a 14th round pick by Minnesota during the 2019 MLB Draft out of Maine. He reached Triple-A St. Paul in 2023, but struggled with a 4.80 ERA and went back to Double-A Wichita last season. In 44 innings this season, split between both levels, Laweryson owns a 2.86 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 14 walks.

The 27-year-old right hander is unlikely to work into high-leverage opportunities, but he’s getting an early chance to audition for a 2026 Twins bullpen that is wide open. When he gets into a game, assuming that happens before he’s optioned, he will be making his major league debt. He will be the sixth Twins player to do so this year.

Related: Expect Less Payroll for Crumbling MN Twins in 2026

There has been a considerable jump in his velocity from 2023. When he first reached Triple-A he sat 89.7 mph with his fastball and is now at 93.6 mph. Primarily Laweryson throws his fastball and a cutter, but he does have a changeup to mix in as well.

Minnesota starts a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night before welcoming the New York Yankees to town on Monday.

Of course the MN Twins now have a secret weapon at their disposal. When the team traded for Kody Clemens with the Philadelphia Phillies they didn’t just get a utility player wanting a chance to prove himself.

What a moment 😮

Kody Clemens homers in his first game at Fenway Park … of course Roger Clemens was there to go crazy for it! pic.twitter.com/QWGhEExl36

— MLB (@MLB) May 3, 2025

Minnesota also got a should-be-Hall-of-Famer in Roger Clemens that all of a sudden had an interest in the ballclub. It was fun when Kody homered in his first game at Fenway Park. He didn’t homer at Yankee Stadium (he tripled), but that didn’t stop Roger from sharing wisdom.

Roger Clemens imparts wisdom on Minnesota Twins pitchers

The Minnesota Twins pitching staff was gutted at the trade deadline. They now routinely employ bullpen games and have new relievers in leverage spots. What better person to talk pitching with than living legend Roger Clemens. MLB.com’s Bill Ladson noted the impact it had in a rain delayed contest on Thursday.

Minnesota relievers Funderburk and Justin Topa pitched the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing a run. They had extra motivation to do well. The relievers spoke to Clemens’ dad, Roger Clemens, in the bullpen before the game. The man who won seven Cy Young Awards during his career was teaching the pitchers about the mental part of the game.

Clemens talked to the relief corps because they are a much younger group now, after the team traded veteran relievers like Jhoan Duran, Brock Stewart and Griffin Jax before the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline.

“[Clemens] was out there talking about his mentality, routine, what made him dominate. It was pretty cool,” Topa said. “ … Hearing how he attacked guys and pitching inside, it was a good thing for all of our guys.”

MLB.com

Sure, Roger Clemens used steroids while MLB Commissioner Bud Selig profited off of it (and was ultimately inducted into the Hall of Fame), so you can miss me with that. The reality is that Clemens owns a career 3.12 ERA with 4,672 strikeouts, an MVP, and seven Cy Young awards.

Related: Minnesota Twins Pitcher Underwent Scary Surgery

To say he is among the best five or ten pitchers to ever step on a big league mound would not be an understatement. That he’s willing to impart wisdom on his son’s teammates is just an added bonus.

Immediate work done while Clemens watches MN Twins

Kody Clemens didn’t get any pitching help from his dad on Thursday night, but he kept doing what he has done all year for the Twins. Given a path to playing time, he has produced. A two-run triple broke the game open and gave Minnesota a chance to end the streak.

Kody delivers with an RBI triple! pic.twitter.com/wzNCcjPXsf

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) August 14, 2025

Leading 4-1, it was up to Topa. The reliever acquired as the key big league piece in the Jorge Polanco trade, has never been put in a higher-leverage role than he is right now. With Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louie Varland all gone, manager Rocco Baldelli has leaned on the veteran.

Since the trade deadline, Topa has pitched in six games for Minnesota. All of them have been high-leverage, and he has not entered a game before the 7th inning. Across seven innings pitched he has not allowed a run on just four hits and a walk. Topa has also struck out six.

Related: Former MN Twins Fireballer Likely Done for Year

Minnesota needs to establish the next wave of leverage arms with such a significant departure taking place. Topa is making just $1.23 million this season, and he has a $2 million team option next year. Clemens could be proud of the pitcher he turns into.

Thankfully, as we speak, Minnesota hasn’t seen any issues with their star trio of Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis. A couple of pitchers have experienced setbacks, but it appears none of them should be long term.

Minnesota knocked off the Pittsburgh Pirates in a big way on Thursday at Lee Health Sports Complex. The 15-3 drubbing featured 14 runs combined between the fifth and sixth innings. We received some injury updates yesterday, as well.

MN Twins Pitchers Escape Serious Issues

The starting rotation appears set to go for game 1. The Minnesota Twins will trot out Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Simeon Woods Richardson. They also have nice depth at Triple-A, and which means the. St. Paul Saints should have a good year, too. The depth took a hit when Zebby Matthews exited his last start with hip discomfort, however.

Related: Minnesota Twins Sale Has Officially Hit a Snag

Fortunately he is no worse for wear, and returned to the mound on Wednesday night against the Boston Red Sox. Minnesota’s breakout candidate threw three scoreless innings. He didn’t allow a hit, struck out five, and walked just one. Matthews has now thrown 9 1/3 scoreless innings this spring.

“He probably had the sharpest outing that we’ve seen all spring. He looked fantastic. He threw some pitches I didn’t even know what they were. I think he threw a 94-mph cutter, which I didn’t even know he did.”

Rocco Baldelli on Zebby Matthews

Some highlights from tonight's #MNTwins exhibition game at the Red Sox park in Fort Myers. Video courtesy: Chris Tilley/Twins. Starter Zebby Matthews continues to look really good. pic.twitter.com/swvQP9GfQk

— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) March 13, 2025

Beyond just getting Matthews back on the mound, Minnesota received good news on Justin Topa. The reliever, projected as a middle-inning option, experienced shoulder soreness in his last appearance. He took some time to let it calm down and has returned to bullpen work. It appears the soreness isn’t something that should hold him back.

“It was more precautionary than anything. I was joking, fortunately or unfortunately, I know what elbow injuries feel like. I’ve never had any shoulder stuff. I was like, OK, maybe a ‘it’s not loose’ type situation. I threw a couple more, and it was still there. At that point, it was like, all right, I’m feeling it pretty much every pitch. Let’s get out of here and take a look at it. Thankfully, it was a pretty quick down time.”

Justin Topa to the Star Tribune

Last season, Topa began the year on the injured list due to a knee issue. He worked his way back to throw just 2 ⅓ innings, and was a complete non-factor for the Twins bullpen. The Minnesota Twins are hoping the guy that threw 69 innings with a 2.61 ERA for Seattle in 2023 returns this season.

If Topa can remain healthy he’ll be a key cog in the MN Twins bullpen. There isn’t much question regarding the leverage arms, but he can help bolster the middle relief group. Baldelli’s group is projected to be one of the best in baseball, and if that is going to happen, they will need to have their key contributors healthy.

Given both arms exited before they were expected to, the updates couldn’t be more positive. Topa is scheduled to return to game action on Friday.

Prospect injuries continue for Minnesota Twins

Earlier this spring the Minnesota Twins announced a couple of injuries for their top prospects. Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Jenkins are both behind schedule due to ankle issues. And this week it was revealed they aren’t alone when it comes to minor league talent remaining off the field.

Saturday the Twins will head up to Dunedin for a Spring Breakout game against the Toronto Blue Jays. 2024 first round pick Kaelen Culpepper was originally on the roster, but won’t play due a hamstring issue. The Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale reports that the injury isn’t expected to impact the start of his minor league season, though.

Related: Unfortunately for Brooks Lee, the Twins 2B Competition is Fixed

Culpepper played in 26 games during his pro debut season. He finished the year at High-A Cedar Rapids. Across 122 plate appearances the former Kansas State Wildcats shortstop slashed .242/.330/.394 with three home runs.

Joining Culpepper on the sidelines is prospect Payton Eeles. The former indy ball signee went from Low-A Fort Myers all the way to Triple-A St. Paul last season. He owned a .307/.435/.497 line across his first 111 pro ball games, and he looks like a legitimate big league depth piece.

Prospect highlight: Payton Eeles (MIN)

Age: 25
Pos: 2B
Levels: A+/AAA
Stats: .306/.435/.497 w/12 HR & 14 SB – 0.99 BB/K
Strengths: Quick, bat control, discipline and pull-power
Weaknesses: Arm, track record

He was signed for $500 out of Indy Ball in May 2024. pic.twitter.com/xLwp6zqFzI

— LouisAnalysis (@LouisAnalysis) January 16, 2025

Eeles has offseason knee surgery to address a cartilage issue and he will open the season on the injured list for St. Paul. If he can recover quickly and get back on the diamond, Eeles a player that should push for an opportunity on the 40-man roster.

But the most important part of this time of year is staying healthy. Last year, the Twins struggled to do that, and it wound up being a running narrative throughout the season. And this last week, we’ve seen more of the same thing down in Florida, though most of this year’s injuries have involved prospects, not impact big leaguers.

Minnesota Twins prospects dealing with injuries down in Spring Training

Let’s start with oft-injured, aging pitching prospect, Matt Canterino, when he suffered a shoulder strain back in early March. He isn’t the only pitching prospect dealing with injuries, though. Zebby Mathews, another advanced minor league pitcher the Twins are hoping will make an impact in their rotation this summer, has a hip strain.

Minnesota Twins hitting prospects have been bitten by the injury bug too. In fact, the best two prospects in the entire organization — Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez — are both trying to recover from their own injuries too. Big league relievers Justin Topa and Michael Tonkin are also dealing with shoulder issues.

Matt Canterino, Erasmo Ramirez injury update

On Saturday, Minnesota Twins injury updates were aplenty, on all the aforementioned prospects. Matt Canterino, who hasn’t pitched in a professional game since 2022, is dealing with the same type of shoulder injury that cost him all of last season. Local insider Darren Wolfson took it a step further on SKOR North this week, saying Canterino is expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks.

RHP Matt Canterino has shoulder injury similar to one that cost him all of 2024 season. He’ll see Dr. Keith Meister to determine severity and treatment, likely will not pitch for several weeks.

RHP Erasmo Ramirez has “significant tear” in his shoulder, he’ll miss extended time.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) March 8, 2025

“Matt Canterino, shoulder strain, looking at 6-8 weeks if not more. It’s just another injury for the Twins pitching prospect. Very unfortunate.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Canterino was placed on the Minnesota Twins 40-man roster prior to the 2023 season. He has yet to be placed on the 60-day injured list, but that could be coming. Matt Canterino’s 1.48 ERA and 130 strikeouts across 85 professional innings makes a fan wonder. Unfortunately, his body isn’t reliable.

Related: Minnesota Twins Prospects Revealed for Exclusive MLB ‘Spring Breakout’

Erasmo Ramirez, who was likely ticketed for St. Paul, may not wind up pitching in the Twins organization at all this season. The veteran threw 20 2/3 innings with a 4.35 ERA for Tampa Bay last season, but a significant shoulder tear may end his season.

Zebby Matthews, Michael Tonkin, Justin Topa injury updates

News regarding Zebby Matthews appears to be positive after he left the game following a ball he fielded coming off the mound. The starter suggested he could continue pitching but the Twins wanted to error on the side of caution and re-evaluate him.

RHP Zebby Matthews recovering well from hip strain, he’ll pitch in bullpen tomorrow.

RHP Michael Tonkin has “slight” shoulder strain, he’ll be examined again in 7-10 days.

RHP Justin Topa has shoulder tightness, will play catch today to measure the extent.

— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) March 8, 2025

Matthews has pitched well this spring and owns a 7/0 K/BB across 6 1/3 innings. He is on the outside looking in for a rotation spot, but could challenge both Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson.

Related: Minnesota Twins Flamethrower Struggling to Find Heat

Speaking of Paddack, he threw on Saturday but exited after just 2 2/3 innings after as he was hit in the head by a comeback line drive that thankfully deflected off his glove first. Paddack walked off the field under his own power and is not showing concussion symptoms, per LaVelle E Neal (Star Tribune).

Twins official let us look at an in-house b/w replay. Liner ticked the tip of his glove before hitting him above the right ear. https://t.co/hmtfHf6T2O

— LaVelle E. Neal III (@LaVelleNeal) March 8, 2025

Unfortunately, bullpen updates are less promising. Michael Tonkin, who’s near the bottom of the pecking order, has allowed four runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings this spring. He needs more time to rest, and is a likely candidate to begin the season on the injured list.

Justin Topa has consistently been injured since joining the Twins. Last season was a knee issue and now he has shoulder soreness. There is a possibility he could have been a capable middle-relief arm, but not if he can’t stay on the field.

Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez injury updates

Both Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez are on their way back for the Minnesota Twins. Spring training minor league games started on Saturday and Jenkins told me he is “doing good.” The hope is that he can be in games soon.

Fellow top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez has now had back-to-back days of batting practice. He had thumb surgery to end his 2024 season and told trainers he’s swinging pain-free “for the first time in seven months.” Rodriguez will start running next week and shouldn’t miss any regular season time. MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra had updates on both prospects, as well.

Although it was just a 47 game sample size, it’s beyond impressive that Rodriguez played through pain to post a .280/.459/.567 OPS and reach Triple-A. He’s way up there on top 100 prospect lists. Both Rodriguez and Jenkins should have a real shot to turn heads in 2025.

Related: Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli Wants a F***ing Parade

Minnesota needs to continue a trend of more positive injury updates and have the bill of health remain clean through the final weeks of March. They were hit hard just before Opening Day last season. Hopefully history doesn’t repeat itself.

Many have the Twins projected to win the AL Central division in 2025, but that relies on strong pitching, both from the rotation and the bullpen. Last season, the MN Twins were projected to have one of baseball’s best reliever corps, until injuries tore the bullpen apart arm, by arm before the squad left Fort Myers. Now, one year later, some of those same injury problems are arising.

Justin Topa leaves the mound for Minnesota Twins

In the 2024 regular season, Justin Topa threw in just three games for the Minnesota Twins and was not on the Opening Day roster, after he was acquired as part of the Jorge Polanco trade. His absence was thanks to a knee injury Topa suffered during spring training 2024 down in Florida, when he tweaked his knee covering first base.

It was a tendinitis issue that wound up lingering throughout the year. Setbacks, combined with arm fatigue never allowed the 33-year-old to reach full health. He finished the year with a 0.00 ERA and 2 strikeouts, in just 2 1/3 innings in a Twins uniform.

Apologizing to Justin Topa as I was not familiar with his game #Filth pic.twitter.com/oaklnjmDik

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) September 26, 2024

On Wednesday, one year after suffering a devastating spring injury that derailed his 2024 season, Topa is probably feeling some deja vu. The five-year MLB veteran entered in the sixth inning, immediately forcing outfielder Ramon Laureano to fly out to centerfield. So far, so good.

Unfortunately, one batter later Emmanuel Rivera took Topa deep on a 92.7 mph sinker. One 79.1 mph sweeper later, and the reliever knew something was wrong. He had thrown a 81.2 mph sweeper earlier in the frame. Rocco Baldelli walked to the mound with Minnesota’s trainer and Topa was pulled from the exhibition contest, looking quite dejected.

MN Twins hope for the best with Justin Topa

Last season’s injury was frustrating in that Topa couldn’t get around the stops and starts that his knee dealt in the form of setbacks. Arm injuries are typically more straightforward to diagnose, but shoulder injuries can be especially troublesome.

Video from today's #MNTwins exhibition loss vs. Orioles, 5-2, courtesy of Twins/Chris Tilley. Reliever Justin Topa's velo was down and he left early with some sort of injury. No word yet on severity. pic.twitter.com/YCjg2UeQ0N

— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) March 5, 2025

The sinker velocity was in line with where he averaged last season, but well below the 95.0 mph average he showed with the Seattle Mariners. Arguably, the greater concern was the velocity dip on his sweeper, which he averages closer to 82 mph on.

The injury is officially being designated as right shoulder tightness. Minnesota will evaluate him again on Thursday. Baldelli told the Star Tribune postgame, “We’re not going to jump to any conclusions. We’ll see how he is [Thursday]. It doesn’t appear to be anything overly serious the way he’s describing it and talking about it, but he did feel something that he didn’t like.”

Wednesday was Topa’s third Spring Training appearance of the season. He had previously worked two innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out two and walking none. The Minnesota Twins have yet to make any announcements as to what could be ailing Topa. Of course throwing just seven pitches and leaving the mound is not a good sign. When we know more, it will be added to this article.

Minnesota Twins bullpen needs to stay healthy

While Topa isn’t going to be relied upon in the sense that Jhoan Duran or Griffin Jax may be, the reality is that Rocco Baldelli needs the full complement of his depth. Last season Duran suffered an oblique injury and never fully recovered.

Related: Another Year, Another Devastating Injury for Twins Pitching Prospect

Topa’s injury follows that of Matt Canterino’s on Tuesday evening. It was announced that the exciting bullpen prospect had been diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. The former top prospect hasn’t pitched in game action since 2022, and despite being erratic in his Grapefruit League debut, it was great to see him back on the mound.

Brock Stewart was a serious injury concern last year as well, and he should be expecting plenty of restrictions this season. Baldelli’s bullpen has the makings of a very good unit, but only if the parts can remain healthy enough to be on the mound.

Brock Stewart's first game action for the Twins since August shoulder surgery was very encouraging from a velocity standpoint.

He threw 14 fastballs, averaging 96.5 mph and topping out at 97.5 mph.

Remarkably close to his pre-surgery velocity considering all of the missed time.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) March 5, 2025

Stewart made his first Grapefruit League appearance on Wednesday. He did allow a a run on a hit and a walk, but he also struck out a batter. Minnesota got just 15 2/3 innings from Stewart last season and he underwent shoulder surgery as he looked towards a clean bill of health in 2025.

Related: Chris Paddack in Danger of Losing Starting Job for Twins?

Ultimately the Twins have several key pieces of their roster built around players with a laundry list of injury concerns. That makes it difficult to count on their continued availability. Hopefully Topa avoided anything too long term and will be able to push towards Opening Day this season.

Tuesday (5 PM CST) is the deadline to set the 40-man roster for 2025, and that means adding eligible prospects that they don’t want to lose in December’s Rule 5 Draft. There are a considerable amount of players eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter. The Minnesota Twins won’t protect all of them, but three should be considered a lock.

Prospects the Minnesota Twins will likely add to 40-man roster by deadline

Kala’i Rosario put up another strong Arizona Fall League season that resulted in his team winning a championship. His .813 OPS was nearly a match to the .816 OPS he posted last fall. The 2020 5th round pick could play the bulk of his 2025 season at Triple-A St. Paul. In all likelihood, he will be added to the 40-man roster in the next 24 hours.

Congrats to Kala’i Rosario for helping lead his team to a @MLBazFallLeague Championship 🏆#MNTwins https://t.co/giwmh8WXEb

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) November 17, 2024

Both (RHP) Marco Raya and (C) Ricardo Olivar are likely to join Rosario on the 40-man roster. The former may be the next best pitching prospect in Minnesota’s system. The latter gives the Twins another catching option, although his defensive abilities leave plenty to be desired. It would be pretty surprising if we don’t see all three (Rosario, Raya and Olivar) added to the 40-man roster before tomorrow’s 5 PM deadline.

Related: 3 Prospects Minnesota Twins MUST Add to 40-Man Roster Before Rule 5 Draft Deadline

Minnesota’s 40-man status and next decisions coming

Minnesota’s 40-man roster currently has 35 spots accounted for. Kyle Farmer and Manuel Margot are bother free agents. Alex Kirilloff has since retired. Thus, they have plenty of room to maneuver, but it’s unlikely they fill it with Rule 5 eligible players, but they have that option.

After Tuesday’s deadline, the next date to be aware of on the MLB offseason calendar is the November 22, 2024 non-tender deadline. Minnesota has 11 candidates eligible for arbitration-based raises. Among them, three are legitimate non-tender candidates.

It’s possible that neither Michael Tonkin or Justin Topa return to Minnesota’s bullpen, even at nominal financial figures. Willi Castro is the most intriguing name here, and it’s unlikely he will be non-tendered. The Twins do appear intent on trading him though, as it seems his modest salary of more than $6 million may be too rich for their projected 2025 budget.

If the #MNTwins trade Chris Paddack and Christian Vazquez, while needing to eat no money, and non-tender Willi Castro…

They have roughly $25 million to work with. pic.twitter.com/M2CI2lEYT1

— Ted (@tlschwerz) November 15, 2024

Related: Griffin Jax Floated as a Possible Minnesota Twins Starter Again

As the fall turns into winter, the offseason moves will begin in earnest. Derek Falvey is probably looking to trade multiple veterans, and he’ll need to free up money in order to spend any.

Minnesota has 13 players due for arbitration salary raises. Players will need to agree to new contracts or be non-tendered and made free agents. Most of the Twins candidates are straightforward, but there is a foursome that could find themselves as surprise non-tenders.

Would the Minnesota Twins really drop All-Star Willi Castro?

Well, yes, maybe they would. Willi Castro was an All-Star last year for the Minnesota Twins. He replaced teammate Carlos Correa. Castro produced a career-high 3.1 fWAR and has had the two best seasons of his career with Minnesota. He is also projected to receive something north of $6 million in arbitration.

Willi Castro – Minnesota Twins (11)
pic.twitter.com/GysyCSAMlG

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 25, 2024

For a franchise threading the needle when it comes to spending, a near-doubling of his salary may be problematic. Austin Martin was used in a similar capacity this season. The rookie wasn’t as productive offensively, but also plays everywhere and could grow into that role.

Related: Former Minnesota Twins Infielder Undergoes Major Knee Surgery

A year after Kyle Farmer was a rich decision in arbitration, the Twins may opt against doing something similar with regards to Castro.

Jorge Alcala might be done with the Minnesota Twins

Last offseason the Twins signed Alcala to a two-year deal but brought him back at the same $790,000 figure he pitched on in 2023. He has a $1.5 million contract for 2025, but the buyout is a paltry $55,000. He was one of the best relievers in the bullpen at times, but Minnesota used him curiously and constantly shuttled him around.

Jorge Alcala (1.1IP 2H 0R 0BB 3K) was very strong in the @Twins win over the Rays yesterday. His slider won our Relief Pitcher Pitch of the Day pic.twitter.com/DLYqP0IXvb

— Baseball Prospectus (@baseballpro) September 3, 2024

It has been made clear for a while that the Twins don’t exactly value Alcala as a consistent member of their bullpen. The relationship may have run its course on both sides, and Minnesota may opt to change out some of their relief options. $1.5 million isn’t much for a reliever, but a $55,000 buyout is nearly unheard of.

Related: Free Agency Exodus Expected for Minnesota Twins

This could wind up being a situation where the Twins look back and regret seeing what Alcala becomes somewhere else.

The Twins might be sick of Alex Kirilloff

Minnesota made Alex Kirilloff their 1st overall pick back in 2016 out of Plum High School. The smooth swing was supposed to translate into both a high average and solid power. Thus far, neither of those things have taken place. His 116 OPS+ in 2023 is the only time he has produced above league average offensively. He was great in April, and then fell off a cliff during 2024.

Alex Kirilloff sends the @Twins home in #Walkoff fashion! pic.twitter.com/6SChLGmzjC

— MLB (@MLB) April 24, 2024

The storyline for Kirilloff isn’t just a lack of production, but it’s an inability to stay healthy as well. He has played more than 60 games in a season just once. Last year, following a demotion, he announced a back injury that kept him on the big league roster. It was beyond frustrating for Minnesota.

Related: Alex Kirilloff Forced to Shut Down Rehab Assignment Almost Immediately

Projected to earn just $1.8 million through arbitration, a non-tender would be more about needing to move on rather than being strapped for cash.

Justin Topa isn’t safe for Minnesota

When the Twins traded Jorge Polanco they did so in an effort to shuffle the roster. His salary was spread to acquire pitching, and they moved on from a constant injury concern. None of the big league acquisitions from that deal factored in last season, and Topa isn’t a certainty to be back in 2025 either.

Apologizing to Justin Topa as I was not familiar with his game #Filth pic.twitter.com/oaklnjmDik

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 26, 2024

Topa was great for the Mariners in 2023 with a 2.61 ERA across 61 games. He pitched in just three games for the Twins after a spring training knee issue caused him to miss virtually the whole season. His knee issue could be enough reason to cause uncertainty as to what his ability will be going forward. A projected $1.3 million salary would be just a $500,000 bump from 2024, however.

Related: 3 Rich People Who Make Sense as New Minnesota Twins Owners

If the Twins think Topa can be healthy from the get-go, then he should be back with an opportunity to pitch high-leverage innings. If they aren’t certain about that, then Gabriel Gonzalez remains the only piece from the Polanco deal.

Related: How to Watch Minnesota Twins in 2024

A big shuffle for the Minnesota Twins roster

As the Minnesota Twins continue to rearrange deck chairs on their sinking Titanic, Wednesday saw another handful of roster moves. Matt Wallner is headed to the injured list ending his season. He joins Max Kepler there. Austin Martin is taking his spot, and a pair of relievers are rejoining the active roster.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Vns3EWwzes

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 25, 2024

Justin Topa, when he makes an appearance in a game, will become the first piece of the Twins Jorge Polanco trade to play this season. Anthony DeSclafani never threw a big league pitch, and Gabriel Gonzalez is on the farm. Topa owned a 2.61 ERA last season for the Mariners and was expected to be a key cog in the Twins bullpen. His knee issues prevented that from happening, and now he’ll have just a few games to make an impact.

Related: Max Kepler’s Minnesota Twins Career is Over

Just last week the Twins optioned Jorge Alcala to make room for Cole Irvin. It was an odd decision at the time, and resulted in Irvin being completely worthless on the big league roster. He posted a 12.27 ERA across four appearances while losing a game for Minnesota. Alcala has struggled down the stretch, but his stuff has never been as poor as Irvin’s was.

Justin Topa, Painted 97mph Two Seamer. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/uBZ1AGLM9E

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 13, 2023

The trio of moves reeks of desperation, and that’s ultimately the situation Minnesota finds themselves in. Martin is a capable outfield defender but certainly won’t make up the offensive production lost by Wallner. Topa needed to be in the bullpen weeks ago to save a struggling unit. Irvin never deserved a place on the big league roster in the first place, and Alcala was the fall guy.

Related: Carlos Correa Calls Out Minnesota Twins Teammates for Not Caring Enough

At this point Minnesota needs to go 5-0 the rest of the way and hope the Kansas City Royals falter. It’s a bad situation that they put themselves in. It’s also the bed they made and now they need to lay in it.

Pitching help incoming for the Minnesota Twins

Recently the Minnesota Twins claimed Cole Irvin and optioned Jorge Alcala. The move was a curious one, but the bullpen needs a breathing human being to step up and get the job done. There aren’t many out there capable right now, Irvin included. The Star Tribune’s Phil Miller says both Justin Topa and Chris Paddack could be options this week.

“Topa will be examined by Twins doctors when the team returns home on Tuesday, though since the Saints’ season ended Sunday, it remains unlikely that he will be activated to pitch in the majors this season.“

Miller on the possibility Justin Topa joins Minnesota (Star Tribune)

Topa was the major league centerpiece of the Jorge Polanco trade. He never got healthy out of spring training, and it appears he won’t make a single pitch for Minnesota this season. His presence was supposed to create a sizable impact in Baldelli’s bullpen. That reality is part of the problem the Twins find themselves in now.

“Far more plausible, according to Twins sources, is that Chris Paddack shows that he is healthy again now that the forearm strain he felt just before the All-Star break has gone. Paddack will throw a session of live batting practice to injured right fielder Max Kepler on Monday afternoon at Target Field, and both will also be examined afterward to determine what the next step is.”

Miller on the possibility Chris Paddack joins Minnesota (Star Tribune)

Paddack’s return would come in the form of a bullpen appearance. He could eat some innings behind the rookie starters, but he hasn’t been built up enough given the time he has missed. Last season Minnesota had the former Padres starter in the bullpen. He put up 3 2/3 scoreless innings during the American League Division Series against Houston.

Related: Minnesota Twins Swap Out Bullpen Pitchers

With just six games left, three against Miami and Baltimore, the Twins are really up against a tough timeline. The ability to get players back from injury has been a hurdle all season.

Should Minnesota want any of the help?

It’s weird to think that a team struggling to stay afloat would be against additional options. Of course they would welcome both pitchers and Max Kepler back into the clubhouse. From a production standpoint though, it’s a legitimate question as to whether any of the trio actually do help.

A healthy Topa is the best of the bunch. Since returning to St. Paul he has allowed runs in just one of seven appearances. His 10/3 K/BB is solid, and he showed that he can be a high-leverage reliever at the big league level last season. The runway not being long enough for him to return would be disappointing.

Standing ovation for Chris Paddack. He allowed a leadoff single on his first pitch but quickly struck out the next three.

The stuff looks really good. Fastball up to 99.0 mph, the hardest pitch of his MLB career. pic.twitter.com/mjGQ8Qdszs

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) September 27, 2023

Chris Paddack worked out of the bullpen last postseason, but he gave up three runs in two appearances to end the year before that. In 17 starts this year, he owns a 4.99 ERA and has never looked sharp for any consistent period of time. Yes, he is better than the bottom of the Twins current bullpen, but the bar is not high to clear

As for Kepler, the Twins should want him nowhere near the lineup. He has made a habit of playing poorly through injury, and short of a hot start out of the gate, he has been abysmal. The defensive help makes sense as a replacement for Matt Wallner or Trevor Larnach, but if the knee issues linger, then the upgrade may not be worthwhile.

Max Kepler was called for batter’s interference after Francisco Alvarez drilled him in the helmet pic.twitter.com/ERviJgeDlG

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 31, 2024

Related: Pitching is Obvious Problem… but Minnesota Twins Bats Might be Worse

All of it boils down to grasping at straws, and being too little, too late. The Twins didn’t need to be in this position. Injuries sunk them, and the performance of those on the roster did them no favors either.