{"id":101355,"date":"2025-10-01T14:20:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=101355"},"modified":"2025-10-01T14:20:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T14:20:35","slug":"minnesota-twins-offseason-outlook-the-three-questions-that-will-define-whats-next","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=101355","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Twins Offseason Outlook: The Three Questions That Will Define What\u2019s Next"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"relative z-10\">\n<div class=\"article-intro mb-4 text-darkGrey font-group-large md:font-group-normal lg:font-group-large !mb-2.5 md:mb-5\">With the forgettable 2025 season behind them, the focus now shifts to the offseason&#8230;at least for the Minnesota Twins. It&#8217;s been years since the Twins entered winter with so many uncertainties, so we&#8217;ve narrowed it down to three key questions &#8211; three burning issues that could shape the team&#8217;s decisions and direction in the months ahead.<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"mb-0 md:mb-9 relative md:mx-10 md:mb-9\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_2160,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_2160,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) prepares to bat during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_3748,h_2108\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/2\/01k686pnfjkrg0zdb07p.jpg\" alt=\"Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) prepares to bat during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images\" width=\"3748\" height=\"2108\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) prepares to bat during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 ml-1 pb-2 mt-4 md:m-3 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 ml-1 pb-2 mt-4 md:m-3 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Sep 27, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (27) prepares to bat during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"flex flex-wrap justify-center lg:justify-normal\">\n<div class=\"flex lg:mr-4 lg:w-[calc(70%-3em)] max-w-full\"><main class=\"min-w-0 flex-1 odesa-article-main\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"viewablity-block\">\n<figure class=\"player-wrapper relative aspect-video mb-[18px] bg-grey rounded-md hidden player-wrapper-lg md:block\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"article-content [&amp;_p]:leading-[30px] [&amp;_p]:md:leading-[28px] [&amp;_li]:leading-[30px] [&amp;_li]:md:leading-[28px]\">\n<p id=\"inline-text-0\" class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The Minnesota Twins are heading into an offseason where they face more questions than answers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">With a fanbase that is understandably restless after the mid-season departure of many key bullpen pitchers and players like Carlos Correa, Willi Castro, and Harrison Bader, this winter may shape the franchise&#8217;s direction for many years to come. At the center of this storm are management questions, the potential for starting pitching trades, and the never-ending discussion of payroll cuts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mt-[18px] md:mt-0 mb-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Here are three of the biggest questions on the table for the Twins organization as their offseason begins.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-1\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Three Key Questions Shaping the Minnesota Twins&#8217; Offseason<\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"list-item-2\" class=\"my-f-1\"><span class=\"text-primary inline-block mr-2\">1.<\/span><span class=\"text-darkGrey\">Should Torii Hunter Be The Next Manager of The Twins?<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Torii Hunter\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_14,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/2\/01k6dy9508adncg7xd8t.jpg\" alt=\"Torii Hunter\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Torii Hunter\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Former Twin Torii Hunter | Hannah Foslien\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>After yet another midseason collapse, rumors swirled about the job security of Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. On September 29,\u00a0multiple outlets confirmed\u00a0that the club had decided to part ways with him.<\/p>\n<p>In some ways expected, in others surprising, the move ends a seven-year tenure in which Baldelli guided Minnesota to three AL Central titles and posted a 527\u2013505 record.<\/p>\n<p>For some, he is being held up as the scapegoat for a floundering franchise; for others, like myself, his departure signals the overdue arrival of a new voice and approach in the dugout.<\/p>\n<p>The timing is jarring, especially given that the Twins\u00a0picked up Baldelli\u2019s 2026\u00a0option just a few months ago. Still, history shows that few managers survive missing the postseason in four of five years \u2014 a stretch that ultimately sealed his fate in Minnesota. So, with all that said, who will replace Baldelli as the Twins skipper?<\/p>\n<p>The Twins&#8217; ownership has made it clear that they want to develop the talent they have, so we should begin by asking who is: 1. Able to do that? or 2. Willing to.<\/p>\n<p>There are several managers in MLB either on the hot seat or who have already been dismissed.<\/p>\n<p>Bruce Bochy (Rangers) and Bob Melvin (Giants) were given their marching orders around the same time as Baldelli, according to the\u00a0ESPN\u00a0firings tracker. Early &#8220;front runners&#8221; for taking over for the Twins include associate manager for Guardians Craig Albernaz (who seems to be on everyone&#8217;s short list), former Pirates manager Derek Shelton, and Twins homegrown minor league manager Toby Gardenhire.<\/p>\n<p>Another name that has been floated is that of Torii Hunter.<\/p>\n<p>Sports Illustrated\u00a0is reporting\u00a0that Hunter wants to manage a MLB team and, after serving as a special assistant with the Twins from 2016 until 2023 (when he left for Los Angeles for the same job), Minnesota may want to snatch him up before anyone else does.<\/p>\n<p>Hunter played 12 of his 19 major league seasons with the Twins. He is a fan favorite, a proven leader on the field and in the clubhouse, and hiring him would instantly thrill a fanbase that is looking for the tiniest shred of hope going forward.<\/p>\n<p>Hunter has not yet managed at the major league level, being turned down in 2023 for the Angels vacancy at the time. He&#8217;d be learning on the fly, but his baseball IQ as a player should translate well. He is a leader, and that is not something that can be learned.<\/p>\n<p>Managing a team can be tough, but Hunter has always led from the front, and that is something the Twins could use right now. Besides, who could turn down the chance to see Byron Buxton being skippered by another of the great centerfielders in franchise history?<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"list-item-3\" class=\"my-f-1\"><span class=\"text-primary inline-block mr-2\">2.<\/span><span class=\"text-darkGrey\">Will the Twins Trade Joe Ryan or Pablo L\u00f3pez?<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Joe Ryan\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/2\/01k69e8g45j196x48tq5.jpg\" alt=\"Joe Ryan\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Joe Ryan\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Cleveland Guardians v Minnesota Twins &#8211; Game One | Stephen Maturen\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a\u00a0previous article, we conducted a head-to-head comparison of Ryan and L\u00f3pez and considered who to retain if a trade were imminent. Now that the offseason is here, the question remains.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will the Twins trade either of their staff anchors? Should they?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Of course, given where each is in their respective careers, most would advise keeping both. Ryan is still young enough not to cost an arm and a leg to extend, and Pablo is under team control in the prime of his career.<\/p>\n<p>This is an excellent position for the Twins &#8211; at least in a logical sense &#8211; but that is not to say that there hasn&#8217;t been a rumor attached to Ryan, especially at the end of this season, regarding his career with the Twins coming to an end.<\/p>\n<p>The Athletic\u00a0recently reported\u00a0that Ryan was asked if he thought his final start of this season would be his last as a Twin, he shrugged off the question and pointed to some strides forward that he felt the club was making. He is two years away from free agency at this point, but that doesn&#8217;t mean the Twins won&#8217;t be shopping for offers in return for Ryan this winter.<\/p>\n<p>With glaring holes still plaguing the bullpen, the idea of trading either Joe Ryan or Pablo L\u00f3pez to shore up relief help has been floated.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, the Twins have a surplus of left-handed outfielders, creating a logjam that could provide more logical trade pieces. Given\u00a0Ryan\u2019s late-season struggles\u00a0and L\u00f3pez\u2019s year-ending forearm injury, it\u2019s difficult to imagine either pitcher being moved anytime soon &#8211; especially L\u00f3pez as the established veteran between the two. Most of the speculation has centered on Ryan anyway.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s another wrinkle to consider: if the Twins were to part with one &#8211; or even both &#8211; of their frontline starters, what would that mean for Byron Buxton?<\/p>\n<p>Fresh off the best season of his career, Buxton has expressed his desire to remain a Twin for life. But if the front office continues sending key players out the door, would he still feel the same, or would he be willing to waive his no-trade clause and leave for a team committed to winning a championship? If the Twins truly want their star to stay in Minnesota, they\u2019ll need to show the same commitment he has voiced toward them.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"list-item-4\" class=\"my-f-1\"><span class=\"text-primary inline-block mr-2\">3.<\/span><span class=\"text-darkGrey\">How Deep Will Payroll Cuts Go?<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F2%2F01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_11,w_1024,h_576\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/2\/01k69fkj2wxa7n4bdk8h.jpg\" alt=\"Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Derek Falvey and Joe Pohald | David Berding\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a\u00a0stinging article\u00a0from\u00a0Yahoo! Sports\u00a0in mid-September, the expectation is that payroll will indeed dip in 2026 &#8211; especially if the Twins traded either Joe Ryan or Pablo L\u00f3pez this winter. Depending on what happens in arbitration and with some of the key in-house role players this offseason, there is a very real possibility that the 2026 payroll for the Twins will be at or under $100 million before the organization looks at trying to land any free agents.<\/p>\n<p>The more likely approach, in my mind at least, though I am a Falvey\/Front Office skeptic to say the least, is that the Twins will look to rely on their young talent that they either have in the farm system or that was acquired via the now-famous trade deadline fire sale. Brooks Lee and Royce Lewis continue to cut their teeth at the Major League level, with top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez waiting in the wings. Mick Abel, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Taj Bradley look to continue to impact the rotation next year, and Luke Keaschall, considering surgery for an injured thumb, rounds out a crop of young, cheap talent that the franchise could choose to lean on rather than a splashy free agency signing. This route alone signals a cut of payroll &#8211; whether purposeful or practical.<\/p>\n<p>I wish that all signs pointed to an increase in potential spending by the ownership, but that&#8217;s not the case. If the decision is to rebuild from within and extend the veterans we have, especially in guys like L\u00f3pez, then call it what it is. Twins fans could handle that, but not the dog-and-pony show we seem to be sold year in and year out. Once again, it all comes down to what the ownership is willing to put into the organization. Had the Twins gotten new owners, at least the hope of more money for better players would have been there, but now that the\u00a0Pohlads are sticking around, that hope is all but gone.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-6\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Key Offseason Questions For the Twins<\/h2>\n<p id=\"inline-text-7\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">How the Twins tackle these three questions will determine not only the shape of their 2026 roster but the direction of the franchise itself. The decisions that they make this winter &#8211; whether the Twins pursue Torii Hunter, entertain trade offers for Lopez and\/or Ryan, or continue to tank payroll &#8211; won&#8217;t just impact next year&#8217;s standings in the AL Central, but their viability as a contender for many years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">As fans, we can see that the Twins are standing at a crossroads that could define their team for seasons to come, but will upper management realize their precarious position before it is too late? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear &#8211; they can&#8217;t afford to get these answers wrong.<\/p>\n<div id=\"inarticle_d_1_7\" class=\"mm-slot-content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the forgettable 2025 season behind them, the focus now shifts to the offseason&#8230;at least for the Minnesota Twins. 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