Three questions for the Minnesota Twins this offseason

At least the Minnesota Twins made an attempt to compete for a playoff spot.

The Twins were part of the quagmire of teams contending for the final wild-card berth in the American League. While they hedged their bets by making relatively minor trades to upgrade the bullpen, the Twins took a chance that they could improve enough to move up the standings. Those moves did not work out, as the Twins finished with a 77-85 record, seven games behind the White Sox for the final playoff spot.

The Twins enter the offseason in a familiar spot. They are a talented team but have struggled to stay healthy. Ownership has not necessarily been willing to provide the financial resources needed to take the next step. If the Twins are going to take the next step and return to contention, those improvements may have to come from within.

Three questions facing the Minnesota Twins

1. Can the rotation stay healthy?

If healthy, the top of the Twins rotation is among the best in the majors. Pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez have become perennial All-Star candidates, but they have also struggled with health. Lopez made only 14 appearances in 2025 as he battled hamstring and shoulder injuries before missing the entire 2026 season after undergoing an internal brace procedure in his right elbow. Ryan missed nearly a month with a strained left glute while battling arm fatigue and minor back and elbow issues during the season.

The Twins rotation could be a strength in 2027. Taj Bradley had a breakout season and may be ready to deliver on his promise as a highly regarded prospect. Bailey Ober is a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. However, if the Twins are going to contend, Lopez and Ryan will need to be healthy and return to form.

2. How much will the Twins spend this offseason?

Ownership has generally been unwilling to spend on the roster, leaving the Twins competitive due to their ability to develop players, but unable to take the next step. Those days may be over as Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that team owner Tom Pohlad has vowed to increase payroll for 2027.

The Twins have several holes on the roster. The bullpen needs a complete overhaul. First base and right field were black holes in the lineup. Catcher Ryan Jeffers is a free agent, leaving another hole that the Twins will need to fill. If Pohlad is going to actually spend on the roster, he will have plenty of chances to prove it.

3. What to do at catcher?

Jeffers was one of the Twins' best hitters in 2026, posting a .256/.353/.461 batting line with 14 homers and 19 doubles in his 369 plate appearances. He also missed nearly two months with a fractured left hamate bone, leaving the Twins with a significant hole in the lineup.

The Twins may not have many options if Jeffers leaves in free agency. Cubs backstop Carson Kelly has a mutual option for 2027 and should receive plenty of attention if he hits the open market. Otherwise, the Twins would be looking at Tyler Stephenson, Austin Hedges or James McCann as the top options available.