Minnesota Twins Stay Hot in 2026 Despite Key Players Underperforming

The Minnesota Twins are off to an impressive start in the 2026 MLB season, defying preseason expectations and quickly emerging as one of the most exciting teams in the American League. After winning eight of their last ten games, Minnesota holds an 11–8 record—good for first place in the AL Central and second-best in the American League, trailing only the Tampa Bay Rays.

What makes this surge even more intriguing is that the Twins are thriving despite several key players struggling significantly. While contributions from across the roster have fueled their early success, there are clear weak points that could become major concerns if not addressed soon.

Here’s a closer look at three underperforming players who need to turn things around—and why their improvement could define Minnesota’s season.

RF Matt Wallner: Struggles on Both Sides of the Ball

No player on the Twins roster has faced more early-season difficulties than Matt Wallner.

Through the first stretch of the season, Wallner is slashing:

• .191 batting average
• .276 on-base percentage
• .353 slugging percentage
• 78 OPS+

Even more concerning, he leads all of Major League Baseball with 32 strikeouts, highlighting serious issues with contact and plate discipline.

Defensive Concerns Add Pressure

Wallner’s struggles aren’t limited to offense. He currently ranks last in MLB with -5 Defensive Runs Saved, making him a liability in the field as well.

Why This Matters

Wallner has shown real upside in the past. With a career .814 OPS and 54 home runs in 291 games, he has proven he can be a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat. But right now, he’s far from that version of himself.

Roster Pressure Is Mounting

The Twins have depth—and it’s knocking on the door:

• Outfielder Alan Roden is producing at Triple-A
• Top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodríguez are nearing MLB readiness

With one minor-league option remaining, Wallner could be sent down if his performance doesn’t improve quickly. Simply put, his roster spot is no longer secure.

2B Luke Keaschall: Slow Start After Breakout Rookie Year

After an impressive rookie campaign, expectations were high for Luke Keaschall entering 2026. However, his early performance has been underwhelming.

Current slash line:

• .222/.278/.292
• 62 OPS+

This is a significant drop from his rookie numbers:

• .302/.382/.445
• 129 OPS+

Why the Twins Need Him

Despite the slow start, Keaschall is widely viewed as one of the Twins’ most important offensive pieces—arguably second only to Byron Buxton.

While the team currently ranks fourth in the AL in OPS (.732), some of that production may not be sustainable. If regression hits other hitters, Keaschall’s bat becomes even more critical.

Underlying Metrics Offer Hope

There’s reason for optimism. His advanced metrics suggest he’s hitting better than results indicate:

• 28.2% squared-up rate (76th percentile)
• 22.9% chase rate (83rd percentile)
• 13% whiff rate (97th percentile)
• 13.9% strikeout rate (solid control)

Additionally, he has shown signs of life recently, collecting five hits in his last 15 at-bats.

Outlook

Keaschall’s struggles appear more like a timing issue than a fundamental flaw. If his underlying metrics translate into results, a breakout stretch could be imminent.

RHP Cole Sands: Bullpen Struggles Continue

The Twins’ biggest weakness so far in 2026 has been their bullpen—and Cole Sands has been part of that problem.

Minnesota relievers currently rank:

• 23rd in MLB with a 5.00 ERA

Among relievers with at least six appearances, Sands has one of the highest ERAs on the team at 4.26, trailing only Anthony Banda.

Performance Snapshot

In 6 1/3 innings, Sands has:

• Allowed 7 hits and 3 walks
• Recorded 5 strikeouts
• Given up at least one baserunner in every appearance

That lack of consistency has made him unreliable in key situations.

Why It’s Urgent

Bullpen instability can quickly derail a strong start. Even with solid starting pitching and offensive production, late-game struggles can turn wins into losses.

The Twins need Sands to:

• Limit baserunners
• Improve command
• Deliver clean innings in middle relief

Bigger Picture: Winning Despite Imperfections

What’s most impressive about the Minnesota Twins right now is their ability to win despite these issues.

Their success has been driven by:

• Timely hitting
• Strong performances from other key players
• Momentum and confidence

However, sustaining that success over a full season will require more balance.

What Needs to Happen Next

For the Twins to remain contenders in the AL Central—and potentially make a playoff push—they’ll need improvement from these struggling players:

• Wallner must reduce strikeouts and improve defensively
• Keaschall needs to convert strong metrics into real production
• Sands must stabilize his performance in the bullpen

If even two of these three players turn things around, Minnesota’s ceiling rises significantly.

Final Thoughts

Early-season success is encouraging, but it often masks underlying issues. The Minnesota Twins have proven they can win—but the next step is sustaining that level over 162 games.

Right now, they’re hot.

But if these struggling players find their form, they won’t just be hot—they’ll be dangerous.