Because the organization’s debt problems continue to pile up — reportedly as high as $500 million by most recent reports — and they have not been able to officially announce the new minority partners brought in to help pay that debt down, those inside the organization have been absolutely silent on their future plans.

When pressed by media, team president Derek Falvey made it clear that he cannot reveal a plan that he does not have. In the last few weeks, however, Falvey and Joe Pohlad have pointed to the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings, as the moment in which we will all get more clarity.

In the meantime, reports have been running amuck throughout the league suggesting that, in the end, the Pohlads will opt to finish what they started back in July, and tear down this roster even beyond the foundation.

Most recently, reports at ESPN (Jeff Passan) and USA Today Sports (Bob Nightengale) believed Minnesota’s financial struggles were going to force them into trading a combination of Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez.

Minnesota Twins won’t trade their stars this offseason

But with the Winter Meetings finally upon us, there’s been a sudden change in reporting, when it comes to the MN Twins’ offseason and their plans for the future. As of Friday, according to Ken Rosenthal (The Athletic), the Twins are NOT trading Ryan, Buxton or Lopez.

Instead, the trusted insider writes… “Minnesota’s goal is to keep those players and build around them to compete in 2026.” If you are a Twins fan, hopefully you were sitting down when you clicked on this.

All those fans waiting for their teams to acquire one of the Minnesota Twins’ stars probably can forget it.

The Twins do not anticipate moving center fielder Byron Buxton or right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo López, according to league sources briefed on their plans. Minnesota’s goal is to keep those players, build around them and compete in 2026.

Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic

Related: ESPN Floats Byron Buxton to MLB’s Anti-Twins

Obviously, continuing to deconstruct the roster would be catastrophic for the Minnesota Twins’ chances to win anytime in the near future. But even worse than that for ownership, dealing any of those three players would have sent ticket and Twins.TV subscription sales plummeting even lower than they currently are.

The only explanation for these sudden winds of change is that the Pohlads’ mysterious new minority partners are on the brink of being approved this weekend, which is why those in charge have been pointing to the Winter Meetings for answers.

Twins looking to add more talent……?

In essence, they did not want to fully count their minority owners before they were officially approved. Now that they have been able to count votes down in Florida, Falvey, Pohlad and everyone else at the top of the Twins’ food chain feels confident enough to put out the good news that fans so desperately need.

But wait… there’s more. Not only are the MN Twins not trading their best players, but they reportedly have “mild flexibility” to make additions beyond what the talent already on roster.

Finances presumably remain an issue, but trades of players such as Ryan and Buxton would further alienate the fan base. Club officials believe the team is talented enough to compete in the AL Central, one of baseball’s weaker divisions. They recently hired a new manager, Derek Shelton. And now that they have clarity from ownership, they believe they have “mild flexibility” to make additions.

Ken Rosenthal – The Athletic

We’ll see exactly what “mild flexibility” means soon enough, and there is no doubt they will need to get better in the bullpen and at the plate, if they want to realistically compete for an AL Playoff spot in 2026, as they claim.

Even without a lot of specificity, however, this is a MASSIVE change in tone from what we we’ve been hearing from these same reporters over the past few months. That’s a good thing

While the rest of the league is moving and grooving, already signing free agents and making trades, the Minnesota Twins have mostly been watching from the sidelines. If they want to jump in the frey with any sort of aggressiveness, it needs to happen sooner than later.

Since their last postseason run in 2023, the Pohlad ownership group has been cutting back on spending across the board, in a massive way. Obviously, where it’s been felt most is on the baseball field, with tens of millions being removed from the player budget between the end of 2023 and the start of 2025.

Then, after the MN Twins got off to a slow start last spring, the Pohlads instructed team president Derek Falvey to trade Carlos Correa, Willi Castro and just about every pitcher in the bullpen who was worth a damn, before the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

Minnesota Twins trying to make more salary cuts…

Fast forward to today, Tuesday, December 2, and the Twins news is not getting any better. The latest in the run of horror came this morning, when it was reported that Byron Buxton is opening up the list of teams he’d be willing to waive his no trade clause for, beyond Atlanta.

In the piece, written by trusted MLB insider Jeff Passan, all three of the Minnesota Twins’ best players — (5) Buxton, (6) Joe Ryan and (8) Pablo Lopez — were listed as top ten trade candidates, entering this offseason.

If the paucity of front-line free agent outfielders prompts a team to make an offer for Buxton, how seriously would Minnesota take it? And if Buxton goes, does that mean the Twins would be open to dealing some of their pitching, too?

Jeff Passan – ESPN

For anyone holding out hope that the new minority investors were going to stop the Pohlads from fully derailing the immediate future of this franchise, that’s not the news you wanted to open your week with.

After slowly deconstructing the first team to win a playoff series in two decades for this organization, the Pohlads have “successfully” pushed their projected player salary for 2026 down below $100 million. When adjusted for inflation, that’s below Metrodome Era Pohlad spending.

Pohlads need to trade players just to slow mounting debt problems

To rub salt on the wound, another highly-respected league insider, Bob Nightengale (USA Today), published an article suggesting that the roster cuts made to the Minnesota Twins roster, to this point, may not be enough to keep the Pohlad family’s financial problems from getting out of hand.

Thus, it appears they’re officially shopping both Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, in hopes that trading one will help reduce payroll costs enough to prevent whatever impending disaster is currently hanging over this organization.

Nightengale notes that dealing Ryan could save the Pohlads newarly $6 million, while trading Lopez could save up to $21.5 million next season alone.

The Red Sox nearly pulled off a deal for Ryan at last year’s deadline, only for them to run out of time. He’s one of the premier starters on the market with three years of control and projected to earn just $5.8 million in his first year of salary arbitration.

The biggest question is whether Ryan really is available this winter. The Twins, trying to reduce their debt, are trying to decide whether to move Ryan or starter Pablo Lopez, who has two years left at $21.5 million a season.

Bob Nightengale – USA Today

See, these two minority investor groups that the MN Twins continue to claim are real, have yet to be approved by the league, something the organization was hoping would happen by this week, during the winter meetings. So far, there has been zero chatter of that actually happening.

How can MN Twins financial problems be this bad?

And if it doesn’t, the Pohlads are going to enter panic mode. Because until the deal gets finalized, these new investors — which will reportedly own a total of 20% stake in the Minnesota Twins once the deal is finalized — cannot physically help the Pohlads with their financial woes.

Within this last year, the Twins’ mountain of debt has ballooned from a reported $400 million, all the way to what has now been estimated as high as $500 million, according to those who would know. Here is John Bonnes (Twins Daily) and Aaron Gleeman (The Athletic), back in August, estimating the Pohlad debt being as high as $450 million.

If nothing else, the MN Twins’ impending death by interest payments gives fans and media some insight into how much the Pohlads’ mounting financial woes are, not just handcuffing the day-to-day operations of a billion-dollar corporation, but legitimately threatening the business’s wellbeing.

There isn’t a significant reason to trade Joe Ryan, but the Twins may look past being competitive and go into a full-on rebuild. New manager Derek Shelton wouldn’t touch that word during his introductory press conference Tuesday, but offseason decisions will highlight the future direction.

Minnesota Twins may control pitching trade market

Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher on the planet right now, and the Detroit Tigers could trade him if they don’t think a deal is possible. That isn’t seen as likely right now though, and that leaves Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan as premier pitching trade pieces. Both Jeff Passan and Buster Olney have suggested Minnesota may control the top of the market.

Because of the looming labor situation, some younger stars who are under team control in 2027 before reaching free agency could be shoved into the trade market by circumstances this winter.

The best example: Joe Ryan, who is eligible for free agency after the ’27 season. Typically, the Twins could wait until next summer’s trade deadline to consider taking offers for Ryan. However, with many executives believing that at least some of the ’27 season is in jeopardy because of the labor strife, placing an appropriate trade valuation on Ryan will be much, much more complicated next July; teams might not be willing to part with significant return if they believe the ’27 season will be truncated or lost. So if teams want to get proper return on players like Ryan, they could be better served to take offers this winter, rather than waiting until next summer.

Buster Olney – ESPN

Most of the bigger names that will draw interest are pitchers: Minnesota right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, Washington left-hander MacKenzie Gore and St. Louis right-hander Sonny Gray.

Jeff Passan – ESPN

Last season Joe Ryan finished with a 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) that was inflated down the stretch. He looked the part of a Cy Young candidate at times, and that’s what an acquiring team would be looking to capitalize on. Making just $3 million in 2025, Ryan will get a bump in arbitration, but he’s under team control through the 2027 season.

Unlike Ryan, dealing Pablo Lopez would be more reflective of a salary-motivated move. He is set to make $21.75 million each of the next two seasons. His 2.74 ERA (3.19 FIP) was a career-best, but he made just 14 starts due to injury.

Return for MN Twins pitcher would need to be substantial

When the Minnesota Twins sold off nearly 40% of the roster at the trade deadline, they did well with the Jhoan Duran move. A top 100 prospect in Eduardo Tait being paired with Mick Abel was a good get. Ryan and Lopez should both net something more.

Ryan is cheap for another two seasons and is a legitimate top-of-the-rotation arm. While Lopez costs plenty, his salary would be easily surpassed if he were a free agent on the open market.

Joe Ryan, Nasty 80mph Curveball…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/DcacoJYetN

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 31, 2025

It’s plausible that Minnesota simply wants to start over and look for new talent to shuffle the roster. If that’s the case though, then Derek Falvey can’t miss on what should be an absolute haul for either of his top arms.

Although the 70-92 record largely reflects a failure of a season, there was still plenty of positives to take away. Minnesota will highlight those during their offseason Diamond Awards ceremony this winter, but the recipients were revealed on Wednesday.

Diamond Awards winners highlight best of 2025 Minnesota Twins

It should be pretty expected that Bryon Buxton was the Minnesota Twins best player this season. He is going to get down-ballot MVP votes, and will earn contract incentive bonuses because of it. He’s not the only standout though, and the local BBWAA chapter voted on the yearly Diamond Awards that were made public this week.

Of course Byron Buxton was awarded with the team MVP. The results of the vote are not made public, but that should have been unanimous. Across 126 games he batted .264/.327/.551 with a career-high seven triples, 35 homers, and 83 RBI. With any level of help, Buxton would have led the Twins into a deep postseason run.

Buxton’s selection as Defensive Player of the Year likely represents an unwillingness to vote for since-departed players. Harrison Bader was traded to the Phillies, but he was easily Minnesota’s best fielder this season. Buxton as a second choice is hardly a misstep however.

There isn’t much of a surprise anywhere across the totality of these awards. Austin Martin being named the most improved player is a reflection of him capitalizing on late-season opportunity. After dealing with injury early in 2025, he finished with 50 games played and a .282/.374/,365 slash line. That will earn him an Opening Day roster spot in 2026, and he turned the arc of his career around.

Michael Busch, who played in the postseason with the Chicago Cubs, was named the Upper Midwest Player of the Year. The Inver Grove Heights native batted .261/.343/.523 with 34 home runs. Chicago was bounced from the postseason by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Twins will host the Diamond Awards ceremony on January 23, 2026 at Target Field during TwinsFest Live! The event will be followed by TwinsFest on the 24-25.

After their most successful postseason run in decades, the Twins slashed payroll by roughly $30 million. Ownership hasn’t spent more significantly since that 2023 season, and 2026 should check in with one of the lowest payrolls since Target Field opened.

Because the Pohlads have become synonymous with bad business decisions, it seems fitting that their most expensive asset next season may not even be on the roster.

Carlos Correa dead money to haunt Minnesota Twins

It’s possible that the Minnesota Twins trade both Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan this offseason. In fact, after the Pohlads ordered a salary dump at the deadline, it’s almost likely. Lopez is set to make $21.5 million, with Joe Ryan projected for $5.8 million in arbitration. Both of those deals are team-friendly, but not to an ownership group looking to dial back further.

Despite his adamant claims that he wants to remain in Minnesota, those sort of moves would have to test the resolve of Byron Buxton. He has a no trade clause, but the franchise not intending to win could change his willingness to uphold that. If his $15 million deal is moved, then Carlos Correa becomes the bad guy once again.

Was it worth eating $33 million to save $71 million? It could be, if the Twins actually reinvest the $20 million they saved in each of the next three years. But if that money isn’t reinvested above and beyond what they would have spent anyway, then all the trade accomplished was not rostering Correa.

And here’s a sad hypothetical to consider: Will the $10 million Correa blank space end up being the Twins’ third-highest “salary” on the 2026 payroll? It sure seems likely. In fact, if they were to trade López, the blank space could be the second-highest salary after Buxton.

Aaron Gleeman – The Athletic

As The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman points out, dumping Correa’s salary is only a good thing if the Pohlads reinvest it. That they saved future dollars shouldn’t matter to fans, and seeing the team pay $10 million for no one and have that be one of the most significant salary commitments would be disappointing.

It really doesn’t matter that Correa was bad (.704 OPS) and took the first chance he could to leave. It matters that Minnesota’s ownership would decide that doing nothing to replace, or better his production, is an ok outcome.

Correa’s contract becomes measuring stick for MN Twins

By adding up all of the Twins assumed salary commitments for 2026, Gleeman cam up with a figure in the mid-to-upper $80 million range. If that’s where they wind up, they won’t have signed a single free agent for more or anything close to the $10 million they’ll send to the Astros for Correa.

A payroll below $90 million would be third-lowest in Target Field history. The new stadium was supposed to bring an increased willingness to spend, but that has largely been non-existent. Accounting for inflation, the Pohlads have been closer to Metrodome-level outlays more often than they haven’t.

Right now the Twins have the 22nd-lowest salary commitments for 2026. There’s not much reason for them to spend $120 million just to add some depth fodder. Either they actually try and push spending back closer to 2023, or everyone on the roster becomes expendable and the final receipt is laughable.

You can probably assume which way seems more likely at the moment.

The entire reason Lopez wanted to return, despite a 66-86 Minnesota Twins record, was to prove a clean bill of health to himself. Of course, the Twins front office may not rule out the idea of trading him this offseason, so showcasing that health works in their favor too.

Unfortunately Lopez’s star was cut short after he left just four innings in.

Pablo Lopez exits with injury for Minnesota Twins

The Cleveland Guardians came to town for four games in three days. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread and the Minnesota Twins could play spoiler. Pablo Lopez making a start always helps those chances, but he left after four innings while trailing 2-0.

The departure was a clear injury as Cody Laweryson got warm on the game mound rather than entering from the bullpen. Minnesota then provided an update on Lopez’s status.

Pablo López left the game with right forearm tightness from the diving play he made in the third inning, the Twins announced. https://t.co/hL6q8nOqHA

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 20, 2025

Through four innings of work Lopez allowed two runs on three hits and a pair of walks. He also struck out two. He had thrown just 61 pitches, of which 40 were strikes. There was no injury concern prior to the defensive play he made.

Here's the play Pablo was hurt on. pic.twitter.com/rPJTsxhCVi

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 20, 2025

Forearm tightness is never a positive, especially for a pitcher. Lopez clearly landed awkwardly as he fell to the ground, and his attempt at bracing himself wasn’t exactly the smoothest.

Lopez would have room to make one more turn, likely in Texas against the Rangers. It’s beyond logical that he would be skipped for that start and this would end his season. Minnesota can make a roster move, but they are currently rocking a six-man rotation.

If this is the end of the season for Lopez, he finishes with a career-low 2.74 ERA. Unfortunately that comes with just 75 2/3 innings. He also tallied 73 strikeouts and just 20 walks.

Related: Injury Ends Season for Twins Outfielder

When healthy, Lopez was every bit the ace Minnesota needed. The time missed absolutely sank the squad though, and his $21.75 million each of the next two years may not be a contract a bleeding ownership group wants to commit to.

Minnesota plays a doubleheader against Cleveland on Saturday before their final home game of the season on Sunday.

That reality has since ceased to exist. Minority investors were brought on to eat up debt that poor business decisions by the Pohlads dumped into the franchise. A trade deadline selloff this year cut substantial payroll considerations for the future. No move was more significant than paying the Houston Astros $30 million to make Carlos Correa and the rest of his contract go away.

It’s hard to believe that the front office, or ownership for that matter, are done though. More trades this offseason make sense considering their strategy, and payroll will take a dip even further.

Metrodome-level spending to continue for Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins still have two prominent trade chips this offseason. And, both of them are in line for substantial paydays. Pablo Lopez is set to make $21.75 million each of the next two seasons, while Joe Ryan should get more than $6 million via arbitration. The Athletic’s Aaron Gleeman sees the possibility of each being moved as more than plausible.

If the Twins are looking to shed more payroll, López and Ryan are basically the only remaining ways to do so in a major way. If the Twins are looking to add more prospect capital for a rebuild, López and Ryan are their two most desirable remaining trade chips.

Aaron Gleeman – The Athletic

In moving Lopez and Ryan, the Twins payroll (currently projected around $95 million) could get to something near $70 million. A number they haven’t been as low as since 2009. Even if they don’t get there, numbers in the $80 million-range like they were in years 2013 and 2014 are beyond probable. Gleeman then got into the numbers.

At this point, I’d be more surprised by a payroll over $140 million than by a payroll under $100 million.

Also, keep in mind: MLB’s median payroll is about $165 million this season and will likely rise above $170 million next season. Relative to MLB as a whole, the Twins have already been spending at Metrodome-era levels the past two seasons.

Aaron Gleeman – The Athletic

That level of spending should be mocked by the rest of the league itself. Major League Baseball told the Athletics they had to spend money this season in order to remain eligible for revenue sharing. Minnesota isn’t going to be that dire given their recent payrolls. However, coming in close to 50% of the median payroll is a joke.

MN Twins reaping what they have sown

Attendance for the Minnesota Twins this season will again fail to crack 2 million. In fact, they’re destined to see a number so bad it will be on par with the 2001 season. That team was coming off a 93-loss campaign, and this team will most likely surpass 90 losses as well.

Of course, the crowds are all a direct reflection of the choices that the Pohlad family made following the 2023 playoff run. Missteps by ownership have only been exaggerated with continued lack of action from the front office.

Small crowd at Target Field for the Twins-White Sox game tonight. pic.twitter.com/afIoyruk5O

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 2, 2025

The MN Twins season ticket fanbase is likely somewhere around 6-8,000. That number will also dip this offseason and leave crowds looking sparse next year as well. Further reductions to the payroll won’t bring fans back, and continued miscalculations to renew fan interest seem more likely than not.

Related: Top MLB Insider Floats Possible Rocco Baldelli Replacements…

It’s a disappointing and dark time to be a Twins fan, but it was all avoidable and instead has become a reflection of self-inflicted missteps.

By that point, Minnesota’s deadline path was pretty clear. Still, nobody expected what came next, a roster tear down that saw 40% of their active roster dealt, including 60% of the bullpen, dealt away to different MLB rival.

Featured in the trade deadline whirlwind was a move that allowed the Twins to pay more than $30 million to get rid of the boat anchor that had become Carlos Correa.

But it was the moves around the Correa deal that may have raised more red flags than the offloading of his bloated contract, especially when they decided to trade away ALL of their young relievers — Louie Varland, Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran.

It was those three moves, in conjunction with each other, that signaled to fans what the Pohlads and their sock puppet president Derek Falvey may have planned for the upcoming offseason.

And as we inch closer to fall, it’s feeling more and more plausible that the Minnesota Twins could enter full rebuild Pohlad penny-pincher mode this offseason. Fans can feel it, too.

Fans expect Minnesota Twins to deal Pablo Lopez AND Joe Ryan

Unlike what we had at the deadline, there will be no hope that ownership will sell in time to save this era of Twins baseball. Because the Pohlads are here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, that may not be the case for some of the top players remaining on roster, a reality fans seem to have already accepted.

At the trade deadline the Twins moved Carlos Correa in a salary dump. They traded so much of their roster they considered moving star pitcher Joe Ryan, despite his team control. If that was on the table, then Pablo Lopez, who is better and more expensive,

Related: MN Twins Fans Make Hatred for Pohlads 98.5% Loud and Clear

The results of The Athletic’s poll were shared by Aaron Gleeman. Respondents, nearly 6,000 of them, suggesting that both Lopez and Ryan are gone is unfortunate. It’s also not out of the realm of possibility.

If Derek Falvey were to trade Joe Ryan, the reasoning would be building for the future and extracting a massive haul. He’s second-year arbitration eligible this offseason, and stands to make a manageable $6 million salary in 2026.

For a Cy Young candidate who continues to get better every season, Falvey would have to get quite the offer to deal Ryan, which is probably why he is still here, unlike many of his pre-deadline teammates.

Trading Pablo Lopez could make a bit more sense

On the flip side, Pablo Lopez is set to make $21.75 million each of the next two seasons. That’s the most expensive deal on the books for 2026, and also the only one besides Byron Buxton’s (untradable) $15 million.

Minnesota would still get a strong return for Lopez. He owns a 2.82 ERA (3.04 FIP) this season, and returns to the mound against the Kansas City Royals with room to substantiate his health. If he’s made available, there is no way he wouldn’t be among the most coveted assets on the market this offseason.

Pablo López, Nasty 87mph Changeup…and Sword. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ZfXG7u9IVr

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 24, 2025

A large part of the reason Minnesota struggled to compete this season was because Lopez wasn’t there to complement Ryan. They don’t have an immediate succession plan, and short of nailing the return for him, they aren’t going to pay for one either.

The Pohlads crushed payroll after a season in which the Twins had their most successful postseason run in decades. They have dropped it again despite bringing on new parties to buy down their debt. Until those in charge are going to operate with a forward thinking train of though, things will be difficult for the front office.

Not only have their own players complained about the facilities, but Joe Ryan pointed to the lackluster field as a direct result for injuries to Minnesota Twins pitchers. Both Lopez and Zebby Matthews were hurt throwing off that mound.

The season is over by all competitive measures. Lopez wanted to return for personal competitor pursuits. On Friday night in Kansas City, he will.

Pablo Lopez activated IL for Minnesota Twins

Had Pablo Lopez remained healthy and continued to pitch for Minnesota, the season may not be in the state it currently is. Through 11 turns he has a 2.28 ERA (3.04 FIP) and looked like a Cy Young candidate. Cut short though, he’s now just trying to prove he’s back to a clean bill of health.

Minnesota has yet to make the transaction official, but Rocco Baldelli told reported on Thursday night that Lopez will be activated on Friday.

Though it’s not yet official, Pablo López will start for the #MNTwins on Friday in Kansas City, his first #MLB start since June 3.

— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) September 5, 2025

Lopez has already faced the Kansas City Royals twice this season. At Kauffman Stadium in April he went 4 2/3 allowing one unearned run with six strikeouts. In late May he saw them at Target Field and turned in 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts.

Due to the lengthy layoff, Lopez made three rehab starts at Triple-A St. Paul. He worked a total of 11 1/3 innings allowing four runs on 14 hits. He struck out 14 and walked just two. Two-of-three starts came against the Toledo Mud Hens and former Twins pitcher Randy Dobnak.

He appears to be ready to head back to the #MNTwins. @pablojoselopez in his 3rd Major League rehab goes 5.2 shutout innings allowing 4 hits while walking one and striking out 7. Fastball sat 93.9 mph & topped out at 95.6 mph. His sinker was 93.2 mph. He got 14 swings and misses pic.twitter.com/E6F3Pu2b2f

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) August 31, 2025

Ultimately Lopez is going to want evidence that he’s ready for a normal offseason program. A clean bill of health the rest of the way should help to set up a normal throwing progression this winter.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/0cTWiWirPW

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 5, 2025

In order to make room for Lopez, the Twins parted ways with arguably the worst reliever to ever don a Minnesota jersey. Derek Falvey traded for Noah Davis as depth back in July. The head honcho just couldn’t ever figure out when the innings-eating tendencies wore themselves out.

Noah Davis for the Minnesota Twins:

2.0 IP 1 H 2 R 2 ER 1 HR 1 HBP
1.0 IP 5 H 3 R 3 ER 1 HR 1 BB 1 WP
1.0 IP 3 H 3 R 3 ER 1 HR 1 HBP
1.0 IP 3 H 2 R 1 ER 1 HR 1 HBP

Derek Falvey, Jeremy Zoll, take a bow! pic.twitter.com/DF6C9kaUHT

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 5, 2025

Ultimately, Lopez being back in the rotation, and Davis not being part of the organization are both positive outcomes.

Minnesota may have ulterior motives as well. After the insane deadline fire sale, it’s possible the Pohlads mandate an even further stripping of the payroll. Lopez’s $21.75 million next season is the largest contract on the books. He has two years left on the deal and should generate a significant return if made available.

Related: MN Twins’ Top Deadline Prize Makes Astonishing Admission

The Twins already considered the idea of trading Joe Ryan at the deadline. While they didn’t ultimately pull the trigger, that cat is now out of the bag. We will have to wait and see how Lopez pitches the rest of the way, and if Minnesota opts to bring him back next season.

Welcoming the Chicago White Sox to town on Monday, Minnesota also brought back a couple of holdovers as the active roster expanded from 26-to-28 players. Neither veterans Pablo Lopez or Christian Vazquez were among them, but they could still be on the horizon.

Pablo Lopez turns to Minnesota Twins for next outing

Minnesota has been without Pablo Lopez for months after he suffered a grade two teres major strain. It’s the same injury that cost fellow rotation member Joe Ryan his season last year. With more runway afforded than Ryan, he has been working through a rehab assignment and the Star Tribune’s Phil Miller says a return could be on the horizon.

“After yesterday, how it went, I’m glad I did it,” López said of his third rehab start, one more than he had hoped would be needed. “It will bring me some momentum.”

Momentum into his major league return, he means, which should come this weekend in Kansas City. López has missed three months because of a shoulder strain that has now healed, and he’s eager to rejoin the Twins.

“It feels like ages” since he pitched in the majors, he said. “So much has happened in these last three months. I spent so much time prepping for 75 feet, 90 feet, flat grounds, bullpens and now — hopefully in four or five days from now — doing it on a big league mound. I’m excited.”

Star Tribune

Lopez made his second-straight start against Toledo for St. Paul, and he dominated. In 5 2/3 innings, the Twins ace allowed just four hits while walking one and striking out seven. There’s nothing left for him to prove on the rehab assignment, and he lines up for a start on Friday in Kansas City.

He appears to be ready to head back to the #MNTwins. @pablojoselopez in his 3rd Major League rehab goes 5.2 shutout innings allowing 4 hits while walking one and striking out 7. Fastball sat 93.9 mph & topped out at 95.6 mph. His sinker was 93.2 mph. He got 14 swings and misses pic.twitter.com/E6F3Pu2b2f

— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) August 31, 2025

Related: MN Twins Thievery Reaching Historic Levels, Buxton Chasing Legend Status

Minnesota should get the opportunity to have Lopez make four or five starts down the stretch. The results won’t matter in the box score, but they’ll help him to go into the offseason with a renewed focus. Of course, it could also be a showcase to other teams if ownership and the front office want to further strip down the team. Lopez still has two years and $43.5 million left on his contract.

Christian Vazquez still trying for MN Twins

It’s been an unfortunate level of production from Christian Vazquez since signing his three-year, $30 million contract with the Minnesota Twins. He still wants to leave on his terms though, and after an emergency surgery, the hope is that a September return is possible.

“I texted with him yesterday. He’s doing well. Vazkie would love to play again this year. He has every intention of trying to get back and prove that he’s healthy going into the offseason.”

Rocco Baldelli – Star Tribune

Vazquez has been home in Florida, out of action since August 6th, due to a shoulder infection that required surgery. He owns a .174/.251/.247 line across 61 games this season. Certainly he’d love to show a new suitor that he can still get out there before the season ends.

Through three seasons with the Twins it has been defense and veteran leadership that drive Vazquez’s value. In 256 games he owns just a .212/.262/.305 line, so the offensive output is all but gone.

Related: Twins Demote Deadline Acquisition; Make Call Ups

Whether he gets back behind the plate for the MN Twins or not, a full recovery and healthy path forward is where the focus must be.