Twins Daily Announces LaTroy Hawkins as First Guest for 2026 Winter Meltdown Event

Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown has steadily grown from a small offseason gathering into one of the most anticipated fan-driven baseball events in Minnesota. As the event’s reputation continues to expand within the Twins community, so does the caliber of guests who participate. Today, Twins Daily officially announced that LaTroy Hawkins will be the first of two special guests appearing at the 2026 Winter Meltdown, with the second guest set to be revealed tomorrow.

The announcement marks a major moment for the event, bringing in one of the most recognizable and respected pitchers in Minnesota Twins history — a player whose career is deeply intertwined with the organization’s modern era.

LaTroy Hawkins to Headline Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown

LaTroy “Hawk” Hawkins will join Twins Daily founders Aaron Gleeman and John Bonnes for a live, on-stage interview during the Winter Meltdown. In addition to the interview, Hawkins will take part in various activities throughout the evening and spend time mingling with attendees — an opportunity for fans to engage directly with a former Twin who played a pivotal role during a transformative period in franchise history.

While autographs will not be available, the emphasis of the event is on conversation, community, and shared baseball passion — values that align perfectly with Hawkins’ reputation as a clubhouse leader and fan favorite.

Twins Daily has also confirmed that this is only the first of two guests, with tomorrow’s announcement promising another notable name and a “first” for the Winter Meltdown experience.

A Career Rooted in Minnesota

LaTroy Hawkins’ professional baseball journey began with the Minnesota Twins, who drafted him in 1991. After working his way through the Twins’ minor league system, Hawkins made his major league debut in 1995, beginning what would become a long and versatile MLB career.

From the outset, Hawkins was known for his adaptability. The Twins used him in virtually every pitching role imaginable: starting pitcher, long reliever, setup man, and eventually closer. That flexibility made him an invaluable piece of the pitching staff throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period when the Twins were transitioning between generations of competitive teams.

Rather than being defined by a single role, Hawkins became defined by his reliability. Wherever the Twins needed an arm — whether to eat innings, protect a lead, or stabilize a shaky bullpen — Hawkins answered the call.

A Pillar of the Twins’ Bullpen During Contention Years

Hawkins’ most memorable contributions came out of the bullpen. He was a key reliever on the Twins’ 2002 and 2003 American League Central championship teams, often pitching in high-leverage situations late in games.

Over nine seasons with Minnesota, Hawkins appeared in 366 games for the Twins, placing him among the franchise’s all-time leaders in relief appearances and innings pitched by a reliever. His evolution from a versatile swingman into an overpowering bullpen weapon mirrored the Twins’ own resurgence during that era.

Teammates and coaches alike valued Hawkins not only for his stuff but for his professionalism. He showed up consistently, accepted every assignment without complaint, and became a stabilizing presence during seasons when Minnesota reestablished itself as a contender.

One of MLB’s Most Traveled Pitchers

After leaving Minnesota, Hawkins embarked on the second act of his career — one that would make him one of the most widely traveled pitchers in Major League Baseball history.

Over the next 12 seasons, Hawkins pitched for ten different MLB teams, extending his career into his early forties. Few pitchers have managed to maintain longevity across so many organizations, a testament to Hawkins’ adaptability, durability, and respect throughout the league.

Despite his travels, his longest and most defining tenure remained with the Twins. Minnesota is where Hawkins established himself, earned his reputation, and became a fan favorite — a fact that makes his appearance at the Winter Meltdown especially meaningful.

Returning to the Twins Organization

Hawkins’ relationship with the Twins did not end when he retired as a player. In 2016, he rejoined the organization as a special assistant, continuing to contribute his knowledge and experience to the franchise.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Hawkins will take on a new role as the Twins’ bullpen coach, working under new manager Derek Shelton. His transition from player to coach further solidifies his long-standing connection to the organization and reinforces his role as a mentor to the next generation of Twins pitchers.

For fans attending the Winter Meltdown, Hawkins’ presence offers a unique perspective — not just from his playing days, but from his current vantage point inside the organization.

Why the Winter Meltdown Matters

The Winter Meltdown has become more than just an offseason event. It is a celebration of Twins fandom, baseball conversation, and community — a space where diehard fans can gather, connect, and enjoy the game they love in a relaxed and engaging setting.

As the event has grown, so too has its ambition. Bringing in former players like LaTroy Hawkins reflects Twins Daily’s commitment to creating an experience that is both entertaining and meaningful for its audience.

Ticket Information and Caretaker Access

Tickets for the Winter Meltdown are still available, but there is a catch — they are not available to the general public.

Attendance is limited to 250 tickets, and priority is given to Twins Daily Caretakers, the site’s subscription supporters. While organizers initially hoped to sell tickets for $60, demand and capacity constraints mean tickets are reserved exclusively for Caretakers and their guests.

Becoming a Caretaker is accessible, starting at $4 per month. That membership includes:

• One free Winter Meltdown ticket

• The ability to bring up to three additional guests for $20 each

Twins Daily encourages existing Caretakers to secure their tickets as soon as possible, as the event is expected to sell out even with restricted access.

What Each Ticket Includes

Every Winter Meltdown ticket comes with an impressive lineup of perks:

• Two complimentary craft beers

• An exclusive Winter Meltdown 2026 pint glass

• Automatic entry into door prize raffles

• Five hours of premium Hot Stove hangouts

• Live on-stage interviews hosted by Aaron Gleeman and John Bonnes

• Face time with special guests, including LaTroy Hawkins, who will mingle with attendees

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, January 24

• Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Smorgie’s, 508 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis

With the Winter Meltdown scheduled on the same weekend as TwinsFest, fans can enjoy a full day dedicated to baseball. Spend the afternoon at Target Field soaking in TwinsFest, then make the easy trip to Smorgie’s to continue the celebration into the evening.

The seamless transition from daytime fan festivities to a nighttime community gathering makes the Winter Meltdown a perfect complement to TwinsFest weekend.

More to Come

LaTroy Hawkins’ announcement is just the beginning. Twins Daily has confirmed that the final guest will be revealed tomorrow, and that guest will represent a first for the Winter Meltdown.

For Twins fans looking to escape the offseason lull, connect with fellow diehards, and hear firsthand stories from those who helped shape franchise history, the Winter Meltdown continues to raise the bar.

And now, with LaTroy Hawkins officially on board, the countdown to January 24 feels even more exciting.