2026 Transactions: Twins Bring Back Rogers, DFA & Waiver Moves

Last winter, the Twins signed reliever Danny Coulombe late in the game, a reunion that worked very well for both sides. This year, Minnesota reunited with another left-handed reliever that the organization is very familiar with. Taylor Rogers, who spent his first few years as a Twin, will come back to the team on a one-year deal.

Twins sign Rogers

Per reports, the Twins signed reliever Taylor Rogers to a one-year deal worth $2MM.

The 35-year-old Rogers pitched relatively well between his time with the Reds & Cubs, as he struck out 53 over 50.2 IP and posted a 3.38 ERA. He’s a two-pitch pitcher who can be burned by right-handed hitters at times. Nonetheless, he’s been a reliable arm over the last three seasons.

Rogers was a Twin for years, as the lefty spent his first six MLB seasons with the team that drafted him in 2012. Minnesota traded him after the lockout ended in 2022, alongside Brent Rooker, for Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagan.

He also becomes the fourth lefty on the Twins’ 40-man roster, joining prospects Connor Prielipp and Kendry Rojas, plus reliever Kody Funderburk.

Trades

Speaking of the Twins, Minnesota traded utilityman Vidal Brujan to the Mets for cash. Brujan was designated for assignment earlier in the week.

In a corresponding move, the Mets designated reliever Richard Lovelady for assignment.

The Marlins acquired Minor League catcher Carlos Martinez from the Giants for cash. Martinez, an 18-year-old catcher, slashed .143/.259/.242 over 27 games.

Other moves

In what was a busy day for the Nationals, Washington also claimed pitcher Gus Varland off waivers from the Diamondbacks. Catcher Riley Adams was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Orioles claimed Weston Wilson off waivers from the Phillies. To make room, left-hander Jose Suarez was designated for assignment.

Outfielder Marco Luciano was claimed off waivers by the Yankees.

Colorado designated pitcher Garrett Acton for assignment. It cleared a 40-man roster spot for Willi Castro, who was officially signed on the 22nd.