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iHeartRadioDan Barreiro](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-dan-barreiro-26981004/episode/aaron-gleeman-in-studio-bumper-to-bumper-82026-hour-two-341835129?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Star Tribune: Aaron Gleeman guests on "Daily Delivery" with Michael Rand URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/star-tribune-aaron-guests-on-daily-delivery-with-michael-rand-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T16:31:51.000Z Apple: [Aaron Gleeman on the Twins; All that’s left for Lynx to prove: a championshipPodcast Episode · StribSports Daily Delivery · August 20 · 37mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-gleeman-on-the-twins-all-thats-left-for-lynx-to/id1550932167?i=1000784618333&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Aaron Gleeman on the Twins; All that's left for Lynx to prove: a championshipStribSports Daily Delivery · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/50jAQoxv1bZ1ErvALdFH2i?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: ### Trying to make sense of the Twins turning to Alex Jackson again with Austin Martin hurt URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/trying-to-make-sense-of-the-twins-turning-to-alex-jackson-again-with-austin-martin-hurt/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T17:24:39.000Z Austin Martin's left hamstring strain will likely sideline him into September, and the injury seemingly cleared the way for the Twins to fill his roster spot with one of two Triple-A prospect types who could add a much-needed boost for a lineup that has struggled for most of the second half: Either a right-handed batter (Gabriel Gonzalez, Aaron Sabato, Ben Ross) to take over Martin's limited platoon role matching up against left-handed pitchers or a left-handed batter (Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Matt Wallner, Hendry Mendez) capable of taking on a more substantial role. Instead, the Twins bypassed all of those options in favor of calling up 30-year-old journeyman catcher Alex Jackson, a career .174 hitter in the majors who spent the previous month collecting dust on the bench as a third-string player behind Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini. Even weirder, the Twins had just designated Jackson for assignment days earlier, following a two-week stretch in which they punted a roster spot by giving him a single at-bat in 10 games. Odder still, Jackson passed through waivers unclaimed by the other 29 teams Monday morning, just hours before rejoining the Twins. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins mailbag: Zebby vs. Varland, rushing Rodriguez, journeyman Arraez, and bosses URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-zebby-vs-varland-rushing-rodriguez-journeyman-arraez-and-bosses/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T21:43:13.000Z July ended so promisingly for the Twins. They had a winning record for the first time since April, general manager Jeremy Zoll left no doubt that they planned to be buyers at the trade deadline, and their [playoff odds](https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/div?ref=aarongleeman.com) had climbed to nearly 40 percent. And then, unfortunately, August started. After being swept by the Phillies in a two-state, three-game, four-day series, the Twins are 4-10 in August. They've dropped to the 10th-best record in the 15-team American League and their playoff odds are about 20 percent, as the division title looks out of reach and there's a seven-team logjam for the final wild-card spot. There's still plenty of time to turn things around. After all, the last wild-card spot is currently held by a losing team just 1.5 games in front of the Twins. But with 37 games left, they will have to go 22-15 down the stretch — a 96-win pace matching their best 37-game stretch all season — just to finish with a winning record. Let's open up the mailbag and see what's on your minds about a third-place team that needs to stop treading water and start swimming with six weeks remaining. *Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.* --- **Zebby Matthews reminds me a lot of Louis Varland when he was still a starter. Flashes of good stuff, but too many fat pitches hit for homers. Do the numbers back that up? Can we start dreaming about Matthews as a reliever? — Emma I.** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Field of Dreams, Buxton, and 15 Years URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-field-of-dreams-buxton-and-15-years/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T18:02:05.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Field of Dreams, Buxton, and 15 YearsPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · August 14 · 1h 55mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/field-of-dreams-buxton-and-15-years/id457946327?i=1000783351264&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Field of Dreams, Buxton, and 15 YearsGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YwPrxPB4PR309JdMCrpUw?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Mailbag questions time! Please submit yours by posting them in the comments URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/mailbag-questions-time-please-submit-yours-by-posting-them-in-the-comments-4/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T13:24:02.000Z My most recent Twins mailbag column was before the trade deadline, so let's put a new one together for early next week. Please submit as many good/interesting questions as possible — about the Twins or another topic — by **posting them in the article's comments**, which are [limited to paying AG•com subscribers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/#/portal/signup) to keep the level of conversation here as high/civil as possible (it's worked remarkably well thus far, so thank you all for that). I'll go through your questions below and select a bunch to answer in a column. ### Walker Jenkins time? Why the Twins should call up their top prospect for a playoff push URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/walker-jenkins-time-why-the-twins-should-call-up-their-top-prospect-for-a-playoff-push/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T15:06:51.000Z It's a crowded outfield with Byron Buxton back, but Jenkins is a consensus top 20 prospect thriving at Triple-A and the Twins are fighting for a playoff spot. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins notes: Byron Buxton almost ready, Joe Ryan throws, Emmanuel Rodriguez returns URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-byron-buxton-almost-ready-joe-ryan-throws-emmanuel-rodriguez-returns/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T11:37:37.000Z Two weeks into an injured list stint for the right hip strain that has bothered him for much of the season, Byron Buxton worked out on the field pregame Monday. Buxton ran the bases and in the outfield, with Twins head trainer Nick Paparesta looking on, and also took rare on-field batting practice against a surprise pitcher. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins' tale of two demotions: Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner going in opposite directions URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-tale-of-two-demotions-royce-lewis-matt-wallner-going-in-opposite-directions/ Last updated: 2026-08-10T16:06:09.000Z Royce Lewis has been on a two-week heater. And even after a bad game Sunday, he's batted .272/.335/.500 with 10 homers in 53 games since rejoining the Twins' lineup after a shorter-than-expected demotion to Triple-A. In two months, Lewis has raised his OPS from .539 to .734, which is now solidly above league average. Going from hitting .163 with a .539 OPS before the demotion to hitting .272 with an .835 OPS after the demotion is a remarkable in-season turnaround, and Lewis' underlying metrics, before and after spending three weeks with the Saints, show the fruits of mechanical and approach adjustments. In the days leading up to the demotion, Lewis' plate discipline deteriorated to the point he sometimes appeared to have decided to swing before the pitch was even thrown. Since returning, he's swung at 9 percent fewer pitches outside the strike zone, whiffed on 16 percent fewer swings, and struck out 29 percent less often.  Not only has Lewis made a lot more contact since returning, the type and quality of that contact has also improved dramatically. His average bat speed is up 2 mph and it's led to harder contact, with his average exit velocity also rising 3 mph and about 10 percent more of his balls in play qualifying as "hard hit." Better yet, Lewis has maximized that combo of more contact and harder contact by elevating more pitches and keeping the ball off the ground. His average launch angle has risen from 15 degrees to 23 degrees, which can be directly linked to his 24 percent reduction in ground balls. And extra-base hits are found in the air.  _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins trade deadline takeaways: Hoffman's role, Larnach nixed, Jeffers and QO, grades URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-trade-deadline-takeaways-collecting-my-thoughts-now-that-the-dust-has-settled/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T12:20:21.000Z I've already written three articles about the Twins' trade deadline, analyzing their [A.J. Minter deal](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-swing-early-deadline-trade-for-reliever-a-j-minter-sending-two-prospects-to-mets/) with the Mets, their [Dean Kremer deal](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-keep-buying-get-starter-dean-kremer-from-orioles-in-another-early-deadline-trade/) with the Orioles, and their [Jeff Hoffman deal](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-followed-through-on-pledge-to-buy-at-deadline-trading-for-jeff-hoffman-led-trio/) with the Blue Jays, the latter of which also included big-picture impressions of first-year general manager Jeremy Zoll's decision-making. And yet inevitably, there were also stray thoughts that wouldn't have fit smoothly into those articles, plus some other stuff, that I wanted to share after having time to let the deadline dust settle a bit. This is me emptying the notebook of anything deadline related still bouncing around in my sleep-deprived brain. --- ## Grading the deadline I'm not a huge fan of grading individual trades, or overall deadlines, preferring to let people pass their own judgment after reading my analysis. With that said, and acknowledging that I'm a tough grader, I'd probably give the Twins something in the B-minus range for adding Hoffman, Minter, and Kremer. I think the front office did well to address the three biggest needs, but I'd liked to have aimed higher than Kremer if they were willing to move prospect Jhomnardo Reyes for a starter. They put a lot of value on the control of Kremer in 2027, but I view it as more marginal given he'll likely have a salary of at least $7-8 million. Seeing a back-end starter's 2027 control as meh value, they may have been better off targeting a two-month rental with a higher ceiling. For example, the Blue Jays dealt Kevin Gausman to the Cubs for a surprisingly modest return. It would have required taking on $5 million more than Kremer, but I'd have preferred Gausman. And while keeping Ryan Jeffers and Trevor Larnach is more helpful to the lineup than subtracting them, the Twins might regret not adding some level of bat with Alex Jackson and Tristan Gray as half the bench. In particular, my years-long plea for the Twins to add a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder remains unfulfilled. [Gleeman and The Geek: Grading the Twins’ Trade DeadlineAaron and John recap the Twins’ trade deadline moves to add Jeff Hoffman, A.J. Minter, and Dean Kremer, speculate about the moves they didn’t make while keeping the lineup intact with Ryan Jeffers and Trevor Larnach, and wonder what’s wrong with Joe Ryan.AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-grading-the-twins-trade-deadline/) ## Larnach-for-Abreu nixed Plugged-in reporters from both sides of the aisle [confirmed the Twins had a deal in place](https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-twins-trevor-larnach-houston-astros-bryan-abreu-mlb-trade-deadline-jim-crane/601874167?ref=aarongleeman.com), days before the deadline, sending Larnach to Houston for reliever Bryan Abreu. Astros owner Jim Crane nixed it, so they pivoted to adding a different left-handed-hitting outfielder, getting Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays. Multiple other teams pursued Larnach, including repeat interest from San Diego, but the Twins decided to keep the lineup intact. Larnach going to Houston would have meant Abreu, not Hoffman, being the big right-handed bullpen add. They're both proven upper-echelon relievers who got back on track after rough Aprils. But there's a key difference: Abreu is an impending free agent. It makes sense the Twins preferred giving up Larnach, even to rent Abreu, instead of losing prospect Dasan Hill to add Hoffman through 2027\. Larnach has hit very well, but they have in-house replacement options and he may not be in their 2027 plans anyway. It's also possible the Twins learned enough in deadline talks to believe Larnach's career-year has increased his trade market to the level they can count on getting something decent in return for him this offseason. If that's the case, keeping him now to help the lineup, and trading him later to get some future value, is ideal. ## Jeffers and the QO Relative to Larnach, the Twins were in a trickier situation with Jeffers' impending free agency. They'd obviously prefer to not lose Jeffers for nothing this offseason, and my understanding is that he received strong trade interest during a deadline in which multiple starting catchers were moved for good returns. On the other hand, any gains the Twins made — to the on-field roster and to the off-field fan morale — from buying pitching help would have been wiped away by selling Jeffers, who is one of the team's best players in the midst of a career-year at a premium defensive position. Victor Caratini, while decent, is a large dropoff. I think ultimately the Twins made the correct decision to keep Jeffers, but I'd also feel a lot better about the whole situation if I had confidence that the front office would make him the qualifying offer. At this point, it's the only way to stop Jeffers from leaving for nothing as a free agent in three months. There's risk associated with the qualifying offer, because it's basically a one-year deal worth around $24 million. However, the idea of paying Jeffers a premium for one more season, and avoiding a long-term commitment, is appealing to me. And if he turns it down, the Twins would receive a top-50 draft pick as compensation. ## Hoffman not closing _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Grading the Twins' Trade Deadline URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-grading-the-twins-trade-deadline/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T20:32:09.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Grading the Twins’ Trade DeadlinePodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · August 5 · 1h 52mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grading-the-twins-trade-deadline/id457946327?i=1000780097320&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Twins followed through on pledge to buy at deadline, trading for Jeff Hoffman-led trio URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-followed-through-on-pledge-to-buy-at-deadline-trading-for-jeff-hoffman-led-trio/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T14:18:47.000Z Four spring trainings ago, the Twins had right-hander Jeff Hoffman in camp on a minor-league contract. Dropped by the Reds after missing the second half of the 2022 season with an elbow injury, he was a 30-year-old reclamation project with a career 5.68 ERA trying to win a spot in the Twins' bullpen for 2023. Twins officials liked Hoffman, talking up his potential to be a late-inning reliever, but there were questions about his health and whether he'd have enough time to be ready by Opening Day. He pitched well in a handful of spring games, but didn't make the team and exercised an opt-out clause to become a free agent. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins keep buying, get starter Dean Kremer from Orioles in another early deadline trade URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-keep-buying-get-starter-dean-kremer-from-orioles-in-another-early-deadline-trade/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T14:03:26.000Z They're certainly not wasting much time. Less than 24 hours after [acquiring left-hander A.J. Minter from the Mets](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-swing-early-deadline-trade-for-reliever-a-j-minter-sending-two-prospects-to-mets/) for much-needed bullpen help, the Twins made a deal to reinforce the rotation by acquiring right-hander Dean Kremer from the Orioles for outfield prospect Jhomnardo Reyes. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins swing early deadline trade for reliever A.J. Minter, sending two prospects to Mets URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-swing-early-deadline-trade-for-reliever-a-j-minter-sending-two-prospects-to-mets/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T17:18:38.000Z General manager Jeremy Zoll was telling the truth Tuesday when he [declared the Twins trade deadline buyers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-gm-jeremy-zoll-talks-trade-deadline-leaves-no-doubt-they-plan-to-be-buyers/) specifically in search of bullpen help. Two days later, and still four days prior to the August 3 deadline, the Twins acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets for prospects Billy Amick and Bruin Agbayani. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins notes: Byron Buxton shut down, Joe Ryan searching, Walker Jenkins passed over URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-byron-buxton-shut-down-joe-ryan-searching-walker-jenkins-passed-over/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T13:28:15.000Z One day after general manager Jeremy Zoll made it clear the Twins [intend to be buyers at the trade deadline](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-gm-jeremy-zoll-talks-trade-deadline-leaves-no-doubt-they-plan-to-be-buyers/), they placed All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton on the injured list for the second time this month. It's the same injury — a right hip strain/impingement — that he's dealt with, off and on, for most of the season. Buxton played seven games between IL stints, hitting .160 and clearly looking less than 100 percent physically. He struggled to decelerate when running in the field and on the bases, was slow to get up after sliding several times, and simply didn't look comfortable swinging the bat. It's an injury that's lingered since May. It's remarkable that Buxton was able to play as well as he did while compromised, hitting .263/.320/.544 with 25 homers in 82 games for a 137 OPS+ in line with his 138 OPS+ in 2024-2025\. But with a constant risk of aggravating the injury leading to frequent absences, it became untenable. He received an injection Wednesday. "With that injection, we thought he was going to be down probably seven days," manager Derek Shelton said. "At this juncture, we just weren't going to play short with it. Most importantly, we need to try to minimize this and get it knocked out with this injection so the rest of the year he’s healthy." [Twins GM Jeremy Zoll talks trade deadline and leaves no doubt they plan to be buyersZoll said adding pitching, and specifically bullpen help, “will be a clear focus.” But the status of catcher Ryan Jeffers, an impending free agent, is still up in the air.AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-gm-jeremy-zoll-talks-trade-deadline-leaves-no-doubt-they-plan-to-be-buyers/) Rather than make a big splash by calling up No. 1 prospect Walker Jenkins for his MLB debut, the Twins turned back to infielder Tristan Gray to fill Buxton's roster spot. Gray was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul two weeks ago after spending three-plus months with the Twins, hitting just .232/.271/.333 (69 OPS+) in 63 games. Jenkins, [a league-wide top-25 prospect](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-midseason-top-20-prospects-lackey-joins-mix-houston-rises-prielipp-graduates/), has batted .292/.364/.494 with 12 extra-base hits, five steals, and nearly as many walks (10) as strikeouts (12) in 23 games since returning from a shoulder injury in mid-June. And, just as importantly with Buxton out, the 21-year-old is widely considered a solid defensive center fielder. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins GM Jeremy Zoll talks trade deadline and leaves no doubt they plan to be buyers URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-gm-jeremy-zoll-talks-trade-deadline-leaves-no-doubt-they-plan-to-be-buyers/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T17:01:32.000Z About five hours before Royce Lewis' walk-off triple Tuesday night put the Twins two games out of first place in the American League Central and just a half-game out of a playoff spot, general manager Jeremy Zoll held a media session to answer questions about the upcoming trade deadline. Zoll led it off with an opening statement of sorts that preemptively answered the biggest question — *buyers or sellers?* — before it could even be asked. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins trade deadline primer: Paths to buy or sell, prospects to shop, and the Pohlad factor URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-trade-deadline-primer-paths-to-buy-or-sell-prospects-to-shop-and-the-pohlad-factor/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T06:03:40.000Z Everything you need to know about the Twins before next week's trade deadline, including their biggest needs, most valuable trade chips, and playoff odds. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins Trade Deadline Preview URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-twins-trade-deadline-preview/ Last updated: 2026-07-26T23:20:19.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Twins Trade Deadline PreviewPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · July 24 · 1h 48mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twins-trade-deadline-preview/id457946327?i=1000778223992&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Twins Trade Deadline PreviewGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/75oA7bZBQrnSqBCPH262dn?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Twins notes: Win to buy and buy to win, Joe Ryan's second-half fades, Alan Roden stays URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-wi-joe-ryans-second-half-fades-alan-roden-sticks-around/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T12:52:01.000Z With nine games remaining until the trade deadline, the Twins can play their way into buyer or seller status. Why not force Tom Pohlad to back up his talk? _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Revisiting the Twins' trade deadline fire sale one year later URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/revisiting-the-twins-trade-deadline-fire-sale-one-year-later/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T02:51:24.000Z We're just 12 days from this season's trade deadline, which also means it's been almost one year since the Twins' shocking 2025 fire sale. In the span of 72 hours, they traded 11 players, including a $200 million shortstop and an entire bullpen. In return, they received 13 players and cut over $125 million from future payrolls. In the final moments of calm before this year's deadline storm, let's look back at last season's fire sale and assess the nine trades the Twins made from July 28-31, 2025\. For several of the deals, 12 months is plenty of time to reach a verdict. But for others, a year is nowhere near long enough to pass judgment, good or bad. With that caveat out of the way, let's revisit the Twins' deadline fire sale of 2025. --- _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins mailbag: Trade deadline plans, Jeffers' future, blocking Jenkins, Twitter vs. Bluesky URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-trade-deadline-plans-jeffers-future-blocking-jenkins-twitter-vs-bluesky/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T12:13:05.000Z After starting the second half by beating the Cubs to get back to .500 for the first time since being 12-12 in mid-April, the Twins lost the next two games in Chicago to fall back into [the logjam of mediocrity](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-all-star-break-outlook-lackey-and-mlb-draft-tidbits-my-team-mvp-ballot/) that is the 2026 American League. Six of these teams are going to make the playoffs, whether they like it or not. We're now exactly two weeks from the trade deadline on August 3 and the Twins' [playoff odds](https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds/fg/div?ref=aarongleeman.com) continue to hover around 30 percent. There is an awful lot riding on their next 13 games. Will the Twins stay firmly in the AL playoff picture? And can they do enough to [convince ownership and the front office](https://www.aarongleeman.com/my-breakfast-with-tom-pohlad-we-have-to-fucking-win/) to add, not subtract? Let's open up the mailbag and see what's on your minds about a third-place team entering a season-defining two-week stretch with a 49-51 record. *Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.* --- **You've been publicly hoping the Twins will be competitive enough to force Tom Pohlad to put his money where his mouth is, but should they really be buyers if it means cannibalizing their now-excellent farm system? — Steve K.** _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins' Playoff Window Is Wide Open URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-twins-playoff-window-is-wide-open/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T19:49:58.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Gleeman and The Geek: Twins’ Playoff Window Is Wide OpenAaron and John talk about the Twins’ crucial next three weeks leading into the trade deadline, why buying makes more sense than selling, why Byron Buxton isn’t going anywhere, the farm system adding an elite prospect in Vahn Lackey, and the players who need to step up most in the second half.](https://gleemangeek.libsyn.com/twins-playoff-window-is-wide-open?ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Gleeman And The GeekPodcast · Aaron Gleeman and John Bonnes · Aaron Gleeman and John Bonnes discuss the latest news about the Minnesota Twins and MLB baseball, often from a Minneapolis/St. Paul bar or taproom.SpotifyAaron Gleeman and John Bonnes](https://open.spotify.com/show/5WCERDYI6Y1bYw2FPFZfOd?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Mailbag questions time! Please submit yours by posting them in the comments URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/mailbag-questions-time-please-submit-yours-by-posting-them-in-the-comments-3/ Last updated: 2026-07-17T16:10:55.000Z It's been way too long since my last Twins mailbag column, so let's put a new one together for early next week. Please submit as many good/interesting questions as possible — about the Twins or another topic — by **posting them in the article's comments**, which are [limited to paying AG•com subscribers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/#/portal/signup) to keep the level of conversation here as high/civil as possible (it's worked remarkably well so far). I'll go through your questions below and select a bunch to answer in a column. ### Twins notes: All-Star break outlook, Lackey and MLB draft tidbits, my team MVP ballot URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-all-star-break-outlook-lackey-and-mlb-draft-tidbits-my-team-mvp-ballot/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T12:25:16.000Z Let's use the All-Star break to pause and look at where things stand for the Twins before the second half gets underway. This year's 48-49 record through 97 games is nearly identical to last season's 47-50 mark, with two key differences that help explain why the 2026 version at least feels more hopeful. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### KFAN: Aaron Gleeman guests on "Bumper to Bumper" with Dan Barreiro URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/kfan-aaron-guests-on-bumper-to-bumper-with-dan-barreiro-3/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T16:32:07.000Z Apple: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 7/14/26 Hour Two - Dan BarreiroAaron Gleeman joins in-studio for another great conversation on the Twins, Twins ownership and eventually some LaMelo Ball and Wolves talk.Omny.fm](https://omny.fm/shows/dan-barreiro/aaron-gleeman-in-studio-bumper-to-bumper-7-14-26-hour-two?ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 7/14/26 Hour TwoDan Barreiro · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Xsu6pLmT6j7Ftp6qspMRc?ref=aarongleeman.com) iHeart: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 7/14/26 Hour Two - Dan Barreiro | iHeartAaron Gleeman joins in-studio for another great conversation on the Twins, Twins ownership and eventually some LaMelo Ball and Wolves talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-dan-barreiro-26981004/episode/aaron-gleeman-in-studio-bumper-to-bumper-71426-hour-two-338870349?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Twins midseason top 20 prospects: Lackey joins mix, Houston rises, Prielipp graduates URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-midseason-top-20-prospects-lackey-joins-mix-houston-rises-prielipp-graduates/ Last updated: 2026-07-18T23:42:44.000Z Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper, and Emmanuel Rodriguez might already be in the majors if not for injuries, but the Twins' top three prospects coming into this season each maintain their prospect status at the All-Star break. Connor Prielipp and Mick Abel are the only members of [my preseason Twins top 20](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6828853/2026/01/14/twins-2026-top-40-prospects-walker-jenkins-kaelen-culpepper/?ref=aarongleeman.com) to graduate. That means the Twins' farm system as a whole is climbing national rankings, with Baseball America's [midseason update](https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlb-farm-system-midseason-talent-rankings-for-july-2026/?ref=aarongleeman.com) placing them No. 7\. And that was before the Twins added another premium prospect in the just-completed draft by selecting Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey [with the No. 3 pick](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-bet-on-the-breakout-drafting-georgia-tech-catcher-vahn-lackey-with-no-3-pick/). Lackey's arrival and the All-Star break make this a good time to update my Twins prospect rankings by waving goodbye to graduates, welcoming new draftees, and evaluating first-half performances. And with the trade deadline looming, having a fresh view of the system's top talents is essential to assessing potential deals. Here's my updated, midseason 2026 ranking of the Twins' top 20 prospects. --- ## 1\. Walker Jenkins, CF **Preseason ranking: No. 1** **Current level: Triple-A St. Paul** Jenkins got off to a tepid start at Triple-A, missed six weeks with a left shoulder injury from slamming into an outfield wall, and has been on fire since returning. He's hit .277/.386/.440 in 38 total games for St. Paul, with nearly as many walks (23) as strikeouts (26), but power is still surprisingly sporadic with three homers. Jenkins is firmly entrenched as a consensus top-25 prospect, and posting an .825 OPS at Triple-A as a 21-year-old is a very strong predictor of future stardom even if his raw numbers don't jump off the page yet. He looks ready for the majors, but he needs to stay healthy and the Twins may need to clear veterans from his path. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins bet on the breakout, drafting Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey with No. 3 pick URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-bet-on-the-breakout-drafting-georgia-tech-catcher-vahn-lackey-with-no-3-pick/ Last updated: 2026-07-12T12:54:42.000Z In the end, the Twins' decision with the No. 3 pick was exactly [as straightforward as it appeared](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-draft-options-with-no-3-pick-get-huge-boost-from-vahn-lackeys-breakout/) in a draft with a top tier featuring three standout prospects. UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, the consensus No. 1 player in the class for over a year, went No. 1 to the White Sox. Texas high-school shortstop Grady Emerson, the consensus No. 2 player in the class for over a year, went No. 2 to the Rays. And the Twins happily snatched up Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, whose breakout junior season made him the consensus No. 3 player in the class after coming into the year as borderline first-round pick. He'll be in line for a signing bonus near the pick's $9.7 million slot value. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### My breakfast with Tom Pohlad: 'We have to fucking win' URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/my-breakfast-with-tom-pohlad-we-have-to-fucking-win/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T17:00:24.000Z Thursday morning, before the Twins' series finale against the Guardians, owner Tom Pohlad invited a group of reporters to his Target Field suite for an informal conversation over breakfast. It's part of his ongoing effort to improve messaging to fans, increase his presence around the team, and normalize media availability. (In the interest of full disclosure: There was a small buffet and I took two slices of French toast, two strips of bacon, a spoonful of home fries, and a bottle of water.) Portions of the hour-plus question-and-answer session were understood to be on the record, while much of it was explicitly considered off the record to allow for a free-flowing discussion. My goal here is to share with you as much from my experience as possible, through either direct quotes or gleaned information. --- _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins Rolling Into All-Star Break URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-assessing-the-twins-at-the-seasons-halfway-point-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-12T18:31:37.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Twins Rolling Into All-Star BreakPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · July 10 · 1h 26mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twins-rolling-into-all-star-break/id457946327?i=1000776284248&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Twins Rolling Into All-Star BreakGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oz9mhiOSgziVO3LwuOa23?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Twins notes: Byron Buxton shut down, Alan Roden called up, No. 3 pick draft scenarios URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-byron-buxton-shut-down-alan-roden-called-up-no-3-pick-draft-scenarios/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T11:08:04.000Z Byron Buxton had managed to avoid the injured list this season despite missing a handful of games on several occasions, but that came to an end Tuesday with the Twins shutting him down through the All-Star break. Buxton, who aggravated his strained hip over the weekend, is eligible to return for the second-half opener. Unfortunately, it also means that Buxton won't be able to play in the Midsummer Classic after being voted in as an All-Star starter for the first time. But timing the IL stay around the break allows the Twins to minimize his games missed and give Buxton his first extended rest for an injury that's lingered, off and on, since May. "It's not as bad as it was, but it's still bad," general manager Jeremy Zoll said. "And the best thing at this point is probably just to give it clear downtime to let it fully resolve itself, so that he's not in this in-between state and can feel fully confident hopefully for a full second half." Buxton will end the first half having played 75 of a possible 97 games, putting him on pace for 125 games after playing 126 games last season. He's hit .271/.328/.575 for a 146 OPS+ that ranks sixth in the American League and he leads the Twins in homers (25), OPS (.903), runs scored (57), and WAR (3.1). Triple-A outfielder Alan Roden was called up to replace Buxton on the roster and the left-handed hitter is expected to play regularly versus right-handed pitching, likely while seeing some action in center field. Roden, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Louis Varland trade, hit .272/.397/.512 in 33 games for St. Paul. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Looking back on the Twins' last decade of first-round picks, from Lewis to Houston URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/looking-back-on-the-twins-last-decade-of-first-round-picks-from-lewis-to-houston/ Last updated: 2026-07-06T17:05:33.000Z Saturday afternoon the Twins will make the No. 3 pick in the MLB draft, with the opportunity to come away with [one of three consensus high-end prospects](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-draft-options-with-no-3-pick-get-huge-boost-from-vahn-lackeys-breakout/) in an otherwise ordinary class: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Texas high-school shortstop Grady Emerson. Whether the Twins simply take the one player from the trio still on the board, or things veer off script as so often happens in baseball's draft, it'll be their highest selection since 2017, when they held the No. 1 pick and chose Royce Lewis to kick off the organization's Derek Falvey era. Given that context, as well as the fact Falvey "mutually agreed to part ways" with the Twins in January after nine seasons as front-office boss, I thought this would be a worthwhile time to review their first-round picks under his leadership from 2017 through his final draft last summer. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### One month from trade deadline, will Twins buy or sell? Who is most likely to be moved? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/one-month-from-trade-deadline-will-twins-buy-or-sell-who-is-most-likely-to-be-moved/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T13:10:34.000Z MLB's trade deadline arrives in a month — August 3 at 5:00 pm, to be exact — and the Twins' record would suggest they're trending to be some degree of sellers for the second season in a row. At the 2025 deadline, they were six games below .500 with 54 games left. They're currently four games below .500 with 74 games left. However, because the National League has dominated interleague matchups this season with a .555 winning percentage, the bar for entry to the American League playoff field looks likely to be notably lower than it was last year, when an 87-win team missed the postseason. Right now, four of the AL's six playoff spots would go to teams on pace for fewer than 85 wins, including two teams on pace for 83 wins. That's why the Twins are only 3.0 games out of a playoff spot despite a 42-46 record (77-win pace) and why the assumption they'll be sellers in a month isn't as safe as it might typically be. With that said, losing teams are usually trade-deadline sellers and [the Twins are a losing team](https://www.aarongleeman.com/halfway-home-are-the-twins-in-the-playoff-picture-or-is-another-deadline-selloff-ahead/). Beyond their current 42-46 (.477) record, they are also 61-81 (.430) since last season's trade deadline, 112-138 (.448) since Opening Day of last season, and 124-165 (.429) since the beginning of the 2024 collapse in mid-August. Whatever the case, another roster-gutting fire sale is unlikely. For one thing, the Twins simply don't have nearly as many obvious (or desirable) trade candidates as last year, when they shipped out 11 players. Another factor: New lead owner Tom Pohlad understandably may not have the stomach for a selloff sequel anyway. And there's plenty of opportunity for the Twins to play well, or even decently, for a month to push their status from sellers to (light) buyers in a dilapidated AL. But assuming the Twins eventually come to view themselves as sellers, on some level, between now and August 3, let's look at the players most likely to be shopped. --- _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins notes: Byron Buxton banged up, Alan Roden ready, Ryan Kreidler vs. Tristan Gray URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-buxton-banged-up-roden-ready-kreidler-vs-gray-banda-injured/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T22:59:51.000Z Plus, losing left-hander Anthony Banda to a months-long injury makes the Twins' bullpen mess even worse while also removing a trade deadline asset. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Why the Twins are moving Luke Keaschall off second base in ongoing infield makeover URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/why-the-twins-are-moving-luke-keaschall-off-second-base-in-ongoing-infield-makeover/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T18:10:27.000Z Luke Keaschall's tenure as the Twins' starting second baseman appears to have come to an end after several weeks of hints that the team was considering other options for the position and also pondering alternative fielding assigmments for the defensively limited 23-year-old. Keaschall began to get pregame work at first base in early June, around the time Royce Lewis was [doing the same at Triple-A](https://www.aarongleeman.com/royce-lewis-is-crushing-triple-a-and-playing-new-positions-to-prep-for-twins-return/). Now that Lewis is back, and taking well to first base, Keaschall's pregame work recently switched to right-field reps under the coaching of Grady Sizemore, a two-time Gold Glove center fielder. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Halfway home: Are the Twins in the playoff picture or is another deadline selloff ahead? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/halfway-home-are-the-twins-in-the-playoff-picture-or-is-another-deadline-selloff-ahead/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T12:22:25.000Z In getting swept at home by the Dodgers, the Twins passed the halfway point of the season with a 38-44 record. That's two games worse than their 40-42 record at this same point last year, although the bar for entry into the American League playoff field looks likely to be considerably lower this time around. Coming into this season, both FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus projected the Twins for 78 wins and third-place in the AL Central. Midway through the season, the Twins are on pace for 75 wins and third-place in the AL Central. How they've gotten there closely resembles preseason expectations (and concerns) as well. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Assessing the Twins at the Season's Halfway Point URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-assessing-the-twins-at-the-seasons-halfway-point/ Last updated: 2026-06-27T20:51:48.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Assessing the Twins at the Season’s Halfway PointPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · June 26 · 1h 55mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/assessing-the-twins-at-the-seasons-halfway-point/id457946327?i=1000774378885&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Assessing the Twins at the Season’s Halfway PointGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/00FgpzKV8VH1eMu5F8Ajp8?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### April was a long time ago: How five Twins hitters have changed after hot or cold starts URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/april-was-a-long-time-ago-how-five-twins-hitters-have-changed-after-hot-or-cold-starts/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T11:11:11.000Z April performances tend to take on outsized significance. First and foremost, it's all we've got at the time, so naturally we'll over-analyze it. Beyond that, April also serves as the foundation from which a player's entire season is constructed, and there are some unavoidable biases within that. For example: Let's say two players finish the season with an identical .275 batting average. However, in April one of them hit .375 and the other hit .175\. For the one who hit .375 in April, most of the season will be spent with good numbers. For the one who hit .175 in April, most of the season will be spent appearing to struggle. Same destination of a .275 batting average, but a good April versus a bad April will inevitably lead to far different perceptions along the way. With that in mind, let's look at five Twins hitters who started either notably fast or slow in April, and see how they've fared since the calendar flipped to May. --- _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins notes: Abel shut down again, Wallner heating up in St. Paul, Lawrence gets DFA'd URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-abel-shut-down-again-wallner-heating-up-in-st-paul-lawrence-gets-dfad/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T11:29:39.000Z Mick Abel was on the verge of coming off the injured list and rejoining the Twins' rotation, as soon as Sunday versus the Diamondbacks in Arizona. Instead, the 24-year-old right-hander was shut down Saturday following the latest setback in his recovery from elbow problems that have sidelined him since mid-April. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins Are Still Kicking URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-twins-are-still-kicking/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T11:30:34.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Twins Are Still KickingPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · June 19 · 1h 30mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twins-are-still-kicking/id457946327?i=1000773433423&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Twins Are Still KickingGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pbrOsUgcE54SYZDMLuS19?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Link-O-Rama URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/link-o-rama-better-days/ Last updated: 2026-06-19T15:35:39.000Z Today marks six weeks since my last day at The Athletic and, both personally and professionally, I can't imagine things going any better. What was once a big, scary risk that may have appeared crazy to some is now so obviously the best, highest-upside decision I've ever made. My hope is that comes across in the writing here. More importantly, after sweeping the Rangers in Texas the Twins are 20-17 (.541) [since I quit The Athletic](https://www.aarongleeman.com/welcome-to-the-new-aarongleeman-com-and-why-i-left-the-athletic/), compared to 16-23 (.410) before my resignation became official. Correlation? Causation? You decide! Let's end the week with some Link-O-Rama. --- - Wednesday's article about Yoendrys Gómez [emerging as the Twins' best reliever](https://www.aarongleeman.com/yoendrys-gomez-proven-closer/) is the type of deep dive I enjoy writing even if I know it'll never generate a ton of page views or social media traction. But now that I'm here, writing directly to my subscribers, there's no longer anyone pushing for that over in-depth analysis. [Yoendrys Gómez, Proven Closer?How the Twins got their best reliever off the scrap heap for cash considerations and why the 26-year-old journeyman might be for real.AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/yoendrys-gomez-proven-closer/) - Mailbag questions continue to be plentiful, so I'll keep planning to do a new one every two or three weeks. This week's [was a super-sized edition](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kyler-fedko-time-first-base-converts-varlands-razor-and-olivia-miles/) covering Kyler Fedko's call up in addition to the typical assortment of topics. I figured that was fitting given how many questions have been submitted about Fedko lately. [Twins mailbag: Kyler Fedko time, first base converts, Varland’s razor, and Olivia MilesPlus the Twins’ injuries in league-wide context, Marek Houston’s glove, Connor Prielipp’s workload, bullpen blues, and the value of cash considerations.AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kyler-fedko-time-first-base-converts-varlands-razor-and-olivia-miles/) - NBA fans: 82-0 [is oddly addicting](https://www.82-0.com/?ref=aarongleeman.com). I spent an afternoon game in the Target Field press box competing with Dan Hayes and Matthew Leach to build the best team. We all got to 82-0, but I won on the points-based tiebreaker. Oh, and there's now [a different version](https://better-82-0.com/?ref=aarongleeman.com), called *Better* 82-0, based more on analytics. - As a longtime Brasa regular at the original Northeast location, I enjoyed Raphael Brion giving the now-four-location restaurant [a much-deserved spotlight](https://www.startribune.com/the-perfect-order-at-brasa/601854750?utm%5Fsource=gift) in the Star Tribune. It's the epitome of comfort food, which for me has always revolved around chicken and rice with flavorful sauces. My go-to order: Arroz con pollo bowl, rice and beans, cornbread, red sauce. Becky's go-to order: Smothered chicken, cheesy grits, guacamole, green sauce. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Yoendrys Gómez, Proven Closer? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/yoendrys-gomez-proven-closer/ Last updated: 2026-06-21T11:37:57.000Z It's been a rough first half of the season for the Twins' bullpen, which ranks No. 25 in Win Probability Added, No. 27 in strikeout rate, No. 28 in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and No. 29 in ERA out of 30 teams. But they may have discovered a reliever worth keeping in journeyman right-hander Yoendrys Gómez. Gómez is only 26 years old, but the Twins are his fifth MLB organization, and his fourth team in the past 15 months. He was designated for assignment by the Rays in early May because he allowed 13 runs in 17 innings to start the season — giving him a 5.11 ERA in 93 career MLB innings — and was out of minor-league options. Gómez is no stranger to the waiver wire, having previously been placed there by the Yankees and the Dodgers last season, but the Twins sent cash considerations to the Rays to jump the line and acquire him. At the time, it was no different than a dozen other low-cost bullpen fliers the Twins have taken recently. Six weeks later, Gómez has steadily climbed the Twins' bullpen ladder to emerge as manager Derek Shelton's most-trusted reliever. That's admittedly a pretty low bar, but Gómez leads the bullpen in [leverage index](https://www.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/leverage-index?ref=aarongleeman.com) while throwing 17 2/3 innings with a 1.53 ERA and a team-high six saves when no one else has more than two. "Gotta give credit to our baseball ops group for identifying Gómez," Shelton said. "He was a guy we liked in spring training. Pitched great against us, I think, three times with the Rays. And he was a guy we liked at the end of spring training, but they kept him on their (Opening Day) team." _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins mailbag: Kyler Fedko time, first base converts, Varland's razor, and Olivia Miles URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kyler-fedko-time-first-base-converts-varlands-razor-and-olivia-miles/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T11:20:41.000Z Royce Lewis has looked great since rejoining the Twins' lineup following his brief Triple-A demotion, starting all eight games — six at first base, two at second base — while going 11-for-29 (.379) with three homers and just four strikeouts. Prior to being sent down, he was 11 for his last 74 (.149) with one homer and 26 strikeouts. Lewis and the Twins got a much-needed weekend series win over the Cardinals, and the front office made a surprising roster move after Sunday's game by calling up 26-year-old outfielder Kyler Fedko from Triple-A St. Paul and designating 31-year-old infielder Orlando Arcia for assignment. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Royce Lewis Is Back; Kaelen Culpepper Coming Soon? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-royce-lewis-is-back-kaelen-culpepper-coming-soon/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T17:20:30.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Royce Lewis Is Back; Kaelen Culpepper Coming Soon?Podcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · June 12 · 1h 25mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royce-lewis-is-back-kaelen-culpepper-coming-soon/id457946327?i=1000772383195&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Royce Lewis Is Back; Kaelen Culpepper Coming Soon?Gleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4h5l41PLAzUk5PqiIXY11z?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### It's time for Twins to call up prospect Kaelen Culpepper and make him starting shortstop URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/its-time-for-twins-to-call-up-prospect-kaelen-culpepper-and-make-him-starting-shortstop/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T13:20:24.000Z Twins prospect Kaelen Culpepper looks call-up ready at Triple-A St. Paul. He's on a six-week heater, improving his season line to .268/.372/.489 with 14 homers, 14 steals in 16 tries, and 35 walks versus a sub-18 percent strikeout rate in 58 games. Two years after being a first-round draft pick, he's a consensus top-50 prospect. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins' draft options with No. 3 pick get huge boost from Vahn Lackey's breakout URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-draft-options-with-no-3-pick-get-huge-boost-from-vahn-lackeys-breakout/ Last updated: 2026-07-05T13:38:49.000Z Throughout this entire draft cycle, the consensus No. 1 and No. 2 players in the 2026 class have been UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky and Texas prep shortstop Grady Emerson. Cholowsky, the top college prospect, has been the presumptive No. 1 pick. Emerson, the top high schooler, has been the presumptive No. 2 pick. Neither of them did anything to change those views. Cholowsky had a fantastic junior year, batting .320/.452/.636 with 21 homers in 60 games. Emerson joined Cholowsky as a semi-finalist for the Golden Spikes Award given to the country's top amateur, a rarity for a non-college player. They're extremely good prospects. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Mailbag questions time! Please submit yours by posting them in the comments URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/mailbag-questions-time-please-submit-yours-by-posting-them-in-the-comments-2/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T13:39:56.000Z As promised, mailbag columns are going to be a regular feature here, especially after you came through with more than 130 questions the first time around. I'm putting a new mailbag together for later this week and need as many good and/or interesting questions as possible. Please submit your questions — about the Twins or any other topic — by **posting them in the article's comments**, which are [limited to paying AG•com subscribers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/#/portal/signup) as a way to keep the place civil. (It's worked so far.) I'll go through your questions and select a bunch to answer in a column. Simple enough, right? OK, go nuts. ### Twins notes: Royce Lewis' return, waiting for Kaelen Culpepper, and James Outman is out URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-royce-lewis-kaelen-culpepper-james-outman/ Last updated: 2026-06-08T11:39:22.000Z Royce Lewis was called back up from Triple-A on Saturday, rejoining the Twins' lineup just 19 days after a demotion to St. Paul that initially seemed likely to last quite a bit longer. To his credit, Lewis [forced the issue with his bat and his glove](https://www.aarongleeman.com/royce-lewis-is-crushing-triple-a-and-playing-new-positions-to-prep-for-twins-return/) to change the team's thinking. He hit .340 with eight homers in 13 games for the Saints to remind everyone of the once-immense offensive upside that went missing for most of the past three seasons. And he ventured out of his comfort zone by getting work at second base and first base, opening up additional defensive paths back to the Twins. Now we'll see if Lewis can take advantage of this sooner-than-expected chance to reestablish himself as a core lineup piece. He's in line to start regularly, likely bouncing around in a multi-positional role that includes third base, second base, first base, and designated hitter. He's been saying and doing all the right things. Lewis started at second base on Saturday, later moving to first base so that Luke Keaschall could stay in the game at second base after entering as a pinch-hitter. Lewis was back at first base on Sunday, starting his first career MLB game there while Keaschall returned to the starting lineup at his usual second base. That's notable because Keaschall, like Lewis, has recently been practicing at first base to expand his flexibility and, unlike Lewis, he has some pre-2026 experience at the position in the minors. It signals, for now at least, Keaschall's starting job is secure and Lewis is seen more as a utility player with a first base emphasis. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins Readying For Royce's Return? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-twins-readying-for-royces-return/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T18:41:54.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Twins Readying for Royce’s ReturnPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · June 5 · 1h 33mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twins-readying-for-royces-return/id457946327?i=1000771346667&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Twins Readying for Royce’s ReturnGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2mA1RK8MX6XROkw5dW8gsK?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### KFAN: Aaron Gleeman guests on "Bumper to Bumper" with Dan Barreiro URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/kfan-aaron-guests-on-bumper-to-bumper-with-dan-barreiro-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T16:32:19.000Z Apple: [Aaron Gleeman - Bumper to Bumper 6/3/26 Hour TwoPodcast Episode · Dan Barreiro · June 4 · 50mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-gleeman-bumper-to-bumper-6-3-26-hour-two/id1601499773?i=1000771213149&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Aaron Gleeman - Bumper to Bumper 6/3/26 Hour TwoDan Barreiro · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/723cNB2gAyMY1Iicx4LuKZ?ref=aarongleeman.com) iHeart: [Aaron Gleeman - Bumper to Bumper 6/3/26 Hour Two - Dan Barreiro | iHeartAaron Gleeman is back in-studio for another great hour of Twins discussion as well as some Wolves talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-dan-barreiro-26981004/episode/aaron-gleeman-bumper-to-bumper-6326-hour-two-335915204?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Royce Lewis is crushing Triple-A and playing new positions to prep for Twins return URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/royce-lewis-is-crushing-triple-a-and-playing-new-positions-to-prep-for-twins-return/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T14:19:11.000Z *UPDATE: Two days after this article was published, the Twins recalled Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul. James Outman was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.* Royce Lewis continues to absolutely destroy Triple-A pitching, batting .370 with eight homers in 11 games since the Twins [optioned him to St. Paul on May 19](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-face-similar-decision-with-royce-lewis-after-demoting-matt-wallner/). His performance has been so dominant that it can't help but cause the front office to at least reconsider how long they intended the demotion to last. Lewis' power binge has understandably gotten most of the attention, but equally notable is that he's begun to get Triple-A work at positions other than third base. He started Wednesday afternoon's game at second base and has also been taking practice reps at first base in preparation for game action there. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins trade for sidearmer Justin Lawrence as latest bullpen lottery ticket, with a twist URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-trade-for-sidearmer-justin-lawrence-as-latest-bullpen-lottery-ticket-with-a-twist/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T11:17:58.000Z At first glance, Justin Lawrence is merely the latest reliever to stroll through the Twins' revolving bullpen door this season. And maybe he'll prove to be little more than another short-term pickup, like so many flawed arms claimed off waivers or acquired in low-wattage trades for cash considerations before him. Lawrence will be the 19th reliever used by the Twins in a little over two months, and this story is familiar: He's a 31-year-old right-hander with mid-90s velocity, poor control, and a five-something ERA across parts of six MLB seasons, arriving Tuesday in a swap for cash after being designated for assignment by the Pirates. That's often a recipe that requires immediate success to stick around past a few weeks (like Yoendrys Gómez has), and sometimes even then the churn-and-burn nature of the bullpen makes a small-sample performance a relative afterthought. But there are two off-field factors with Lawrence that hint at more patience. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins injury updates on Ober, Rojas, Jeffers, Jenkins, Rodriguez, Abel, Roden, and more URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-injury-updates-on-ober-rojas-jeffers-jenkins-rodriguez-abel-roden-and-more/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T11:53:46.000Z Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll provided a whole slew of injury updates prior to Monday's game, covering big leaguers and prospects. Rather than try to force them into some kind of narrative story, and risk leaving anything out that may be of interest to completists, I'm going to give you everything Zoll gave us. Just be warned: It's a long list. OK, ready? --- - Bailey Ober, who [went on the injured list Sunday](https://www.aarongleeman.com/bailey-obers-injury-pushes-already-depleted-twins-rotation-into-desperation-zone/), has been diagnosed with a mild right flexor strain. He'll be "shut down for 10-14 days," per Zoll, and the Twins will "see where we're at from there." Ober will go for a second opinion to confirm the initial diagnosis, which fortunately found no ligament damage in his elbow. Zoll classified the Ober diagnosis as relatively good news, given the wide range of possibilities and his previous Tommy John surgery in 2015\. "When the (past) graft is intact, and it's in the flexor area, it's relatively mild," Zoll said. "In the spectrum of outcomes, we're feeling encouraged." _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Bailey Ober's injury pushes already depleted Twins' rotation into desperation zone URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/bailey-obers-injury-pushes-already-depleted-twins-rotation-into-desperation-zone/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T12:14:49.000Z Bailey Ober going on the injured list with right elbow inflammation after allowing eight runs Saturday versus the Pirates, and multiple homers in three consecutive starts, puts yet another big dent in the Twins' once-touted rotation depth. It also came just a day after Simeon Woods Richardson [was designated for assignment](https://www.aarongleeman.com/how-did-things-go-so-bad-so-fast-for-simeon-woods-richardson-and-the-twins/). When spring training began in February, the Twins believed their rotation depth chart went at least a dozen deep in viable options for 2026, including eight MLB-ready starters with some previous big-league experience and four quality starter prospects waiting in the wings at Triple-A St. Paul. Now the Twins are just 60 games into a 162-game season, and look what injuries and/or ineffectiveness have done to those dozen starters: _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How did things go so bad, so fast, for Simeon Woods Richardson and the Twins? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/how-did-things-go-so-bad-so-fast-for-simeon-woods-richardson-and-the-twins/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T23:43:42.000Z *UPDATE: Four days after designating Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment, and just short of five years since acquiring him from Toronto in the José Berríos trade, the Twins traded him back to the Blue Jays for cash considerations.* Simeon Woods Richardson was a solid back-of-the-rotation starter for the Twins in 2024 (4.17 ERA in 134 innings) and 2025 (4.04 ERA in 111 innings), and seemed to take his game to another level last September by unveiling a new swing-and-miss splitter on the way to a 2.33 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 27 innings. This spring in Twins camp, there was quite a bit of optimism surrounding Woods Richardson, who was still just 25 years old and ended 2025 on the highest note of his big-league career. For the first time since his top-100 prospect days with the Blue Jays, he looked capable of being more than merely a useful back-end starter. And then it all just fell apart. After back-to-back decent outings to begin this season, Woods Richardson went 0-5 with a 9.79 ERA over his next seven starts, allowing 38 runs in 30 1/3 innings. He totaled more walks (17) than strikeouts (14) and opponents batted .361 against him, with seven homers and a .623 slugging percentage. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Link-O-Rama URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/link-o-rama-the-underdog/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T12:18:41.000Z This was Week 3 back at AG-dot-com and, writing/content wise, I think we got into a pretty good groove now that my launch-related chaos has died down. I [posted my first mailbag column](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kreidler-culpepper-lee-pohlad-sabato/) Monday, answering a bunch of your questions about the Twins, my exit from The Athletic, and my decision to go independent. I've always enjoyed putting together mailbags, and getting over 130 questions for the first one here was reassuring. My plan is to do a mailbag every 2-3 weeks. [Twins mailbag: Willi Kreidler, Culpepper vs. Lee, Pohlad’s presence, and Sabato’s heaterPlus my decision to go independent, extending Connor Prielipp, Royce Lewis in St. Paul, writing about the Wolves, and what to order at Yangtze.AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kreidler-culpepper-lee-pohlad-sabato/) In the middle of the week, I did a deep dive on the Twins' opponents playing bad defense against them and was [genuinely shocked by the numbers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/fact-or-fiction-have-the-twins-opponents-played-horrible-defense-against-them/). And then I did a [three-topic Twins notebook](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-brooks-lee-move-josh-bell-slow-start-ludacris-concert/) about the domino effects of Brooks Lee moving to third base, Josh Bell's slow start, and Ludacris being the lone postgame concert. [Fact or fiction: Have the Twins’ opponents played horrible defense against them?Short version: Yes. Longer version: Yes (but with lots of exclamation points).AaronGleeman.comAaron Gleeman](https://www.aarongleeman.com/fact-or-fiction-have-the-twins-opponents-played-horrible-defense-against-them/) And now we're bringing the week to a close with a Link-O-Rama. I love it when a plan comes together. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Twins notes: Brooks Lee's move to 3B, Josh Bell's slow start, and postgame concert(s) URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-notes-brooks-lee-move-josh-bell-slow-start-ludacris-concert/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T15:48:29.000Z Brooks Lee's move from shortstop to third base has some interesting short-term and long-term domino effects for the Twins' infield. First, in the present, it creates something of a revolving door at shortstop for the Twins, with Ryan Kreidler, Orlando Arcia, and Tristan Gray each receiving at least one start there since Lee slid over to third base less than a week ago. That, in and of itself, is uncommon, as MLB teams typically don't cycle through shortstops. Second, in the near future, it clears a path for 2024 first-round pick and top-100 prospect Kaelen Culpepper to take over as the starting shortstop whenever he's called up by the Twins, eliminating a potential source of friction if Lee were still playing shortstop at that point. Third, in the theoretical future in which Royce Lewis plays his way back into the Twins' plans following [last week's Triple-A demotion](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-face-similar-decision-with-royce-lewis-after-demoting-matt-wallner/), it blocks his path to return at third base, his position since mid-2023\. Lewis has started just once at another position since, playing second base — for five innings — on September 4, 2024. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Fact or fiction: Have the Twins' opponents played horrible defense against them? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/fact-or-fiction-have-the-twins-opponents-played-horrible-defense-against-them/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T11:21:02.000Z After multiple April series, we joked on the podcast about opposing teams — and especially opposing infielders — short-circuiting defensively against the Twins in blooper-worthy ways that all but handed them several wins. It's no longer even a joke at this point, because it keeps happening. I started thinking about this again while watching the Twins pull off the sweep in Boston over the weekend, due in part to the Red Sox's messy defense. They were charged with four errors and three unearned runs in three games, but that's not even close to representing the number of misplays that benefited the Twins. 0:00 /0:18 1× For most of MLB history, "opposing teams have played terrible defense versus the Twins" would have remained largely an unprovable hypothesis, but the beauty of modern baseball is that we can quantify damn near everything. And that includes season-long defensive performances against specific teams. Before delving into the numbers, know this: Your eyes have not deceived you. In fact, not only have the Twins' opponents played awful defense against them this year, the league-wide data from [Baseball Savant](https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/fielding-run-value?ref=aarongleeman.com) and [Baseball-Reference](https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/all/?ref=aarongleeman.com) suggests it's probably been a lot worse than you — or at least I — had imagined. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins mailbag: Willi Kreidler, Culpepper vs. Lee, Pohlad's presence, and Sabato's heater URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-mailbag-kreidler-culpepper-lee-pohlad-sabato/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T11:20:39.000Z Welcome to my first mailbag column here at the new AG-dot-com. Good news: More than 130 questions [were submitted](https://www.aarongleeman.com/mailbag-questions-time-please-submit-yours-by-posting-them-in-the-comments/), which made me feel pretty silly for worrying the response might not be as strong as it was at The Athletic. Bad news: That makes it tough to answer more than a fraction of your questions, although I did write over 2,600 words (double a normal article) trying my best. Other good news: Mailbags are going to be a regular feature, so you'll have plenty of future chances to get questions answered if you struck out in the first at-bat. Let's open up the mailbag and see what's on your minds about a third-place team that's followed a 5-16 stretch with a 10-4 stretch to climb within a game of .500. *Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity and length.* _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, and Twins' Roster Shakeup URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-royce-lewis-ryan-jeffers-and-twins-roster-shakeup/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T11:30:35.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, and Twins’ Roster ShakeupPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · May 22 · 1h 37mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/royce-lewis-ryan-jeffers-and-twins-roster-shakeup/id457946327?i=1000769112318&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, and Twins’ Roster ShakeupGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vFjVdShlFQ8ayqL0xfjPZ?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Mailbag questions time! Please submit yours by posting them in the comments URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/mailbag-questions-time-please-submit-yours-by-posting-them-in-the-comments/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T11:30:45.000Z Now that we've settled in a bit here, it's time to get back in the mailbag groove. I'm planning to make mailbag columns a regular AG.com feature, because I enjoy writing them and, as I learned at The Athletic, you *really* enjoy reading them. It's a great way to discuss a wide range of Twins topics that might not otherwise warrant a standalone article. I also like the interactive nature of them because it allows readers to basically choose the topics being covered. Plus, part of the fun is questions that push me to write about stuff I'd never think of on my own. So, here's how it'll work: Every couple weeks, you'll receive a notice like this one asking everyone to send in mailbag questions. You can do that by **posting them in the article's comments**, which are [limited to paying AG.com subscribers](https://www.aarongleeman.com/#/portal/signup) as a way to keep out the riffraff and foster quality discussion. (It's worked well so far.) I'll go through your questions **from the comments section** and select a bunch to answer in a mailbag column a few days later. Simple enough, right? And the more (and more interesting) questions you submit — about the Twins or whatever else is on your mind — the better this whole thing will be. ### What we've learned from Connor Prielipp's first five starts with the Twins URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/what-weve-learned-from-connor-prielipps-first-five-starts-with-the-twins/ Last updated: 2026-05-29T11:52:01.000Z Now that rookie Connor Prielipp has five major-league starts under his belt, let's dig deeper into how the 25-year-old left-hander has looked for the Twins so far. First, the basics: Prielipp has been really, really good. Called up from Triple-A St. Paul ahead of schedule on April 22 because [injuries wiped out the Twins' rotation depth](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-rotation-depth-vanishes/), Prielipp has a 2.88 ERA and 29-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25 innings while holding opponents to a .169 batting average. After going just four innings versus the Mets in his big-league debut, Prielipp has completed at least five innings in each of his subsequent four outings, including a professional career-high six innings most recently Saturday against the Brewers. He's looked every bit like the Twins' reigning minor league pitcher of the year. Prielipp's control has been shaky at times, which is to be expected for a rookie, but he's done a nice job wriggling out of jams and avoiding big blowups despite some less-than-stellar fielding plays behind him upping the degree of difficulty. Both the numbers and the eye test paint a very promising early picture. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Ryan Jeffers' career-year halted as Twins lose catcher for 6-8 weeks with hamate fracture URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/ryan-jeffers-career-year-halted-as-twins-lose-catcher-for-6-8-weeks-with-hamate-fracture/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:53:54.000Z Good teams can sometimes win despite a rash of injuries. But for a team like the Twins, who already had such a slim margin for error coming into the season and were widely projected for a losing record, poor health often slams the door shut on any hopes of a competitive year in a way that just seems cruel. First the Twins lost All-Star starter Pablo López to a season-ending elbow injury on the first day of spring training, followed shortly by starter David Festa getting shut down with lingering shoulder problems. In-season injuries to Mick Abel and Taj Bradley [took another chunk out of the rotation's once-touted depth](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-rotation-depth-vanishes/). During the opening quarter of the season, the position players were remarkably healthy, but now that luck has run out, too. Ryan Jeffers suffered a fractured left hamate bone Monday and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks following wrist surgery, bringing the 28-year-old impending free agent's career-year to a screeching halt. "It's completely out of my control," Jeffers said. "It doesn't matter how much I'd prepared my body to be healthy and get ready for the season. This is something that was just going to happen. I don’t think it puts a damper on anything I was doing. There’s a chance I'm back in 4 1/2, five weeks, and ready to rip again." _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### How the Twins reached a breaking point with Royce Lewis, sending him to minors URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-face-similar-decision-with-royce-lewis-after-demoting-matt-wallner/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:53:43.000Z *UPDATE: One day after this article was published, the Twins optioned Royce Lewis to the minor leagues and called up Orlando Arcia. I've changed the title to reflect the news.* In the wake of the Twins [demoting Matt Wallner to Triple-A St. Paul](https://www.aarongleeman.com/matt-wallners-role-keeps-shrinking-as-twins-dance-around-platoon-triangle/) last week, it's natural to wonder if a similar decision could be looming with Royce Lewis. Lewis continues to struggle offensively, with his batting average plummeting to .163\. He [committed a costly error](https://www.mlb.com/video/connor-prielipp-in-play-run-s-to-luis-rengifo?partnerId=web%5Fvideo-playback-page%5Fvideo-share&ref=aarongleeman.com) at third base Saturday and then went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts Sunday before being removed for a pinch-hitter. Lewis, like Wallner, is in his fifth MLB season and eligible to be optioned to the minors. From a performance standpoint, Lewis and Wallner have been almost identically bad at the plate early on. Wallner hit .167 with a .551 OPS in 135 plate appearances to earn his demotion. Lewis has hit .163 with a .540 OPS in 119 plate appearances. And while Lewis is the much better fielder, Saturday's misplay was his fifth error. 0:00 /0:31 1× Perhaps most worrisome with Lewis is that his struggles date back to the second half of 2024\. As of mid-August that season, his OPS was above 1.000 and constant injuries were seemingly the only thing keeping the former No. 1 overall pick from stardom. Instead, the injuries slowed down and Lewis simply stopped producing. Lewis has hit .214/.268/.339 with a 68 wRC+ and a 157-to-47 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 179 games since August 13, 2024\. There are 196 players across MLB with at least 650 PA during that time, and Lewis ranks 190th in batting average, 195th in on-base percentage, 186th in slugging percentage, and 190th in OPS. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Link-O-Rama URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/link-o-rama-returns/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T11:50:02.000Z Back by popular demand: Link-O-Rama! For those of you who weren't around 25 years ago for the original AG.com days, Link-O-Rama was a regular feature in which I linked to articles, videos, and other random things that interested me throughout the week. It was also a way for me to share personal stuff, site announcements, and other housekeeping items. I'm not sure I realized at the time just how much readers enjoyed it, but the two decades since then have been filled with semi-regular instances of people asking me to bring it back. Specifically, my friend [Dana Wessel](https://x.com/DanaWessel?ref=aarongleeman.com) of the 93X morning show has requested its return on a weekly basis since the day we met. You win, Dana. I went digging in the old site's archives and found the last Link-O-Rama was on June 19, 2015, so you'll have to forgive some rustiness. Like a starting pitcher on the first day of spring training, my goal is to gradually increase my pitch counts to be fully stretched out in six weeks or so. Don't judge my ERA in the meantime. You'll also need to forgive some sappiness, just this once. I was super nervous about [launching the new site](https://www.aarongleeman.com/welcome-to-the-new-aarongleeman-com-and-why-i-left-the-athletic/) this week, and a little bit sad about leaving The Athletic even though I felt confident I was making the correct decision. But your support has absolutely blown me away. And beyond that, I've been overwhelmed by all the kind words and help promoting the new spot. I had set what I thought was an optimistic long-term subscription goal, hoping to reach it within the first 12 months of independence. We topped it on Day 1, which turned a scary day into one of the best days of my life. I'll never forget the feeling of watching the subscription emails roll in and realizing this was going to work. Thank you. I'm so excited about what we can turn this place into together. _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Gleeman and The Geek: Twins Demote Wallner; More Changes Coming? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-twins-demote-wallner-more-changes-coming/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T11:51:18.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Twins Demote Wallner; More Changes Coming?Podcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · May 15 · 1h 36mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/twins-demote-wallner-more-changes-coming/id457946327?i=1000767980752&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Twins Demote Wallner; More Changes Coming?Gleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EBohLEIXKtz9QsroL7MtW?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Star Tribune: Aaron Gleeman guests on "Daily Delivery" with Michael Rand URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/star-tribune-aaron-guests-on-daily-delivery-with-michael-rand/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T16:32:29.000Z Apple: [Aaron Gleeman on the Twins and leaving The Athletic; Who steps up for Wolves in Game 6?Podcast Episode · StribSports Daily Delivery · May 15 · 50mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-gleeman-on-the-twins-and-leaving-the-athletic/id1550932167?i=1000767984763&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Aaron Gleeman on the Twins and leaving The Athletic; Who steps up for Wolves in Game 6?StribSports Daily Delivery · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/0w6ThumcwFE0SCSyjEGShK?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: ### Why the Twins sent Matt Wallner to Triple-A and the flaw he needs to fix to get back URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/matt-wallners-role-keeps-shrinking-as-twins-dance-around-platoon-triangle/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:53:26.000Z *UPDATE: Two hours after this article was published, the Twins optioned Matt Wallner to Triple-A St. Paul. I've changed the title to reflect the news.* Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin began the season in a fairly standard platoon, with Larnach facing right-handers and Martin facing left-handers. Martin got an unexpectedly larger share of the early left field reps because the Twins matched up against so many lefty starting pitchers, but the southpaw parade has ended. It's worked very well, for both players and the lineup as a whole. Larnach has hit .268/.398/.381 for a 119 OPS+ that's 20 points above last year's mark, in part due to being shielded from lefties, against whom he has just one hit all season. Martin has hit .327/.448/.416 for a 143 OPS+, building on last year's second-half success. As a duo, Larnach and Martin have combined to hit .298/.424/.399 over 243 plate appearances. And the Twins' left fielders — with Larnach or Martin starting 41 of 43 games — collectively rank No. 3 in on-base percentage and No. 4 in OPS out of 30 teams. This is precisely why managers have valued platooning for decades. Meanwhile in right field, Matt Wallner began the year in an everyday gig, starting against both righties and lefties. It hasn't worked. Wallner has struggled every bit as much as the Larnach/Martin platoon has thrived, hitting .167/.259/.292 with a 39 percent strikeout rate. He went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts Wednesday. And of late, with Martin thriving and Wallner struggling, manager Derek Shelton has formed a sort of reverse platoon in right field. In the Twins' last dozen games against righties, Wallner and Martin started together in the outfield three times. In five of the other nine games, the righty Martin started over the lefty Wallner. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Is this the worst bullpen in Twins history? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/is-this-the-worst-bullpen-in-twins-history/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:53:15.000Z No one can claim to be shocked. At last year's trade deadline, the Twins blew up the bullpen by dealing their five best relievers: Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, Brock Stewart, and Danny Coulombe. And then in August and September, they predictably had one of MLB's worst bullpens, ranking 26th in ERA and 28th in Win Probability Added. It was a bold decision to tear down the entire bullpen, especially with Duran and Jax under team control through 2027, and Varland controlled through 2030\. Nine months later, trading Jax for Taj Bradley [looks like a massive win](https://www.aarongleeman.com/finding-bright-spots-in-the-twins-rough-first-quarter/), trading Varland [has become even more unpopular](https://x.com/MLB/status/2051321045122961709?ref=aarongleeman.com), and the jury is still out on the Duran deal. I'm not here to re-litigate the deadline fire sale, at least not today. But it seemed obvious the Twins would need to put significant offseason effort into rebuilding the bullpen if they wanted any chance of being competitive in 2026\. Instead, the winter weeks and months rolled by without any major additions. Reuniting with a 35-year-old, clearly declining Taylor Rogers for $2 million was the Twins' most expensive bullpen pickup. They also traded for Dodgers castoff Anthony Banda and his $1.6 million salary, and swung a minor deal with the Rays for Triple-A reliever Eric Orze. That was it for offseason bullpen moves. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Welcome to the new AaronGleeman.com (and why I left The Athletic) URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/welcome-to-the-new-aarongleeman-com-and-why-i-left-the-athletic/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T12:57:40.000Z Welcome to my new writing home: AaronGleeman.com. Many of you have been here before, but it's probably been a while. I’m excited to share everything I have planned here this time around — and it's a lot — but first a little background and behind-the-scenes stuff. I’ve made the difficult decision to leave The Athletic after seven great years. They wanted me to stay, but change roles and stop writing about the Twins, so instead I’m taking a huge, scary risk by going all-in betting on myself and returning to my independent roots. Covering the Twins for The Athletic was my dream job, in many ways. But what I learned is that the “covering the Twins” part is what made that true. And any job that wants to pull me away from covering the Twins, and scale back their overall coverage of the team, ceases being my dream job. So now I’m choosing to write about the Twins here, with the same in-depth and unfiltered approach that I’ve always taken, going all the way back to the summer of 2002 and the original AG.com. And, crucially, with the same level of access to the team that I had at The Athletic. I’ll still be going to games. I’ll still be talking to Twins players and officials. I’ll still be analyzing the team, on and off the field, with the same critical eye and desire to share what I see, hear, and think. Except now I’ll be doing all of that to directly serve the people who choose to support my work here. [Subscribe to AaronGleeman.com](#/portal/signup) Twins coverage has unfortunately been shrinking almost everywhere and I fear, given my experience at The Athletic and the current sports media landscape, it's only going to get worse. But not here. And not with me. I have never been more motivated to do this job and do it well. And that’s where I’m hoping you come in. This move is a huge professional risk, with equally big personal stakes for me. I’m committed to making this a success, but it can’t happen without your support. Let’s do this together. Let's prove them wrong about the audience that exists for quality Twins coverage. Again. If you enjoy my Twins coverage and you want to help me continue my dream job writing about them, please consider signing up for a monthly ($8) or annual ($75, a 22 percent discount) [subscription](https://www.aarongleeman.com/welcome-to-the-new-aarongleeman-com-and-why-i-left-the-athletic/#/portal/signup). My promise is that you will get your money’s worth and then some. That’s not something I take lightly. Take a look around the new place. Read the three [articles](https://www.aarongleeman.com/finding-bright-spots-in-the-twins-rough-first-quarter/) I’ve [already](https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-rotation-depth-vanishes/) [published](https://www.aarongleeman.com/mlb-draft-prospects-narrowing-down-the-twins-options-with-the-no-3-pick/). I’ll have more tomorrow. And the next day. And hopefully for a very long time to come. Subscribers can read the stories here, in a traditional format, and/or get them delivered via email as a newsletter. You’ll receive my year-round Twins writing, including day-to-day thoughts and clubhouse tidbits, in-depth and unfiltered analysis and reporting, minor-league coverage and top prospect rankings, reactions to trades and signings, interviews, live chats, mailbags, and so much more. I'm even bringing back Link-O-Rama. With independence comes creative freedom, and I plan to use it and the endless possibilities. If you liked reading me at The Athletic, you're going to love reading me here. No more having to treat the Twins as an afterthought. No more having corporate middlemen between us. I write for you. I refused to give up my dream. Help me make it reality here. Welcome. [](#/portal/signup) Let's do this together. Support my independent writing with a [subscription to AaronGleeman.com](https://www.aarongleeman.com/welcome-to-the-new-aarongleeman-com-and-why-i-left-the-athletic/#/portal/signup) and get my year-round, in-depth, unfiltered Twins coverage, plus so much more. [Subscribe to AaronGleeman.com ](#/portal/signup) ### Twins' draft options with No. 3 pick: Three top targets emerge URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/mlb-draft-prospects-narrowing-down-the-twins-options-with-the-no-3-pick/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T11:52:52.000Z Quite a bit has changed in the five months since the Twins landed the No. 3 pick in MLB’s draft lottery. UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky is having a monster season — .337/.464/.699 with 20 homers in 50 games — and remains the consensus No. 1 prospect in the class, but there’s been some recent industry-wide speculation that his grip on the top spot has loosened at least a tiny bit. Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson has seemingly gained some ground on Cholowsky, or at least to the extent he could give the White Sox something to think about with the No. 1 pick on July 11\. Emerson has long been considered the top high school prospect in the class, and his stock continues to rise. Unfortunately for the Twins, whether Cholowsky and Emerson go 1-2 or 2-1, the odds are heavily against either player still being on the board at No. 3\. And that’s a shame, because the Twins entered the lottery with the second-best odds and dropped one slot, with the Rays jumping them. However, the emergence of two college standouts overshadowed by Cholowsky — Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey and UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora — could make for a nice consolation prize at No. 3\. Neither player was viewed as a sure-fire top-10 pick as of the December lottery, but their stocks have soared. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Highlighting six Twins bright spots from a frustrating first quarter of the season URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/finding-bright-spots-in-the-twins-rough-first-quarter/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T18:14:29.000Z As of Sunday's series win over the Guardians, the Twins have completed the first quarter of the 2026 season with an 18-23 (.439) record. They're a last-place team in MLB's worst division and on pace for 91 losses, following the same script over and over again: flammable bullpen, leaky defense, streaky clutch hitting. There's been plenty to criticize from an opening quarter that often wasn't pretty, and I wouldn't blame (rightfully) frustrated fans for focusing on that. But it's also worth highlighting the players who were rare bright spots during the Twins' first 41 games. Here are six of them. --- ## Byron Buxton Buxton is healthy and thriving, starting 38 of 41 games and hitting .259/.313/.556 with 13 homers and a 137 OPS+ that ranks second to Mike Trout among American League center fielders. Even at 32, he remains one of the league's fastest players and best defenders, which is especially remarkable given his injury history. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### Twins' once-touted rotation depth vanishes under wave of injuries URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/twins-rotation-depth-vanishes/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T18:14:16.000Z Any realistic notion of the Twins being competitive this year was based on their starting pitching carrying an otherwise underwhelming roster. Going into spring training, they had what they thought was excellent rotation depth, featuring All-Stars Joe Ryan and Pablo López at the top, and eight total MLB-ready options. It's what team officials touted throughout the offseason as the reason for fans to believe, it's what projection systems identified as the Twins' biggest — and, really, only — clear strength, and it's what gave some hope that the weakness of a shaky bullpen could be minimized with a lighter reliever workload. And it lasted around three hours. López went down with a season-ending elbow injury on the first morning of full-squad workouts. Shortly after that, David Festa was shut down with a return of last season's shoulder issues, from which there's still no return timeline. Despite losing López and Festa prior to even breaking camp, the Twins' rotation fared remarkably well in the early going, signaling that perhaps starting pitching could be a strength after all. Through the end of April, the rotation ranked No. 6 in innings, No. 8 in ERA, and No. 12 in Win Probability Added out of 30 teams. In particular, the emergence of 25-year-old Taj Bradley and 24-year-old Mick Abel, both of whom were acquired at last July's trade deadline, provided much-needed optimism for the present and future rotation. Sadly, that was also short-lived, with Bradley and Abel now joining López and Festa on the injured list. _This post is for paying subscribers only._ ### KFAN: Aaron Gleeman guests on "Bumper to Bumper" with Dan Barreiro URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/kfan-aaron-guests-on-bumper-to-bumper-with-dan-barreiro/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T16:32:36.000Z Apple: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 5/11/26 Hour TwoPodcast Episode · Dan Barreiro · May 11 · 40mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aaron-gleeman-in-studio-bumper-to-bumper-5-11-26-hour-two/id1601499773?i=1000767287777&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 5/11/26 Hour TwoDan Barreiro · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3R5DdY5VYuXGqungVV1OtD?ref=aarongleeman.com) iHeart: [Aaron Gleeman In-Studio! - Bumper to Bumper 5/11/26 Hour Two - Dan Barreiro | iHeartAaron Gleeman joins Dan in-studio to discuss his big announcement that he’s leaving The Athletic and going back out on his own at AaronGleeman.com! Dan and Gleeman also talk Twins and Wolves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-dan-barreiro-26981004/episode/aaron-gleeman-in-studio-bumper-to-bumper-51126-hour-two-333317886?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Gleeman and The Geek: Is the Twins' Season Slipping Away? URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/gleeman-and-the-geek-is-the-twins-season-slipping-away/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T18:35:48.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) to get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Is the Twins’ Season Slipping Away?Podcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · May 8 · 1h 34mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-the-twins-season-slipping-away/id457946327?i=1000766818078&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Is the Twins’ Season Slipping Away?Gleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kgBdREOPvXsqDrj6jhzR5?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/c/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) ### Gleeman and The Geek: Special Guest Dick Bremer URL: https://www.aarongleeman.com/podcast-special-guest-dick-bremer/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T18:05:54.000Z 💡 Sign up for [Patreon.com/Gleeman](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com) get multiple subscriber-only podcasts like this one per week, including special guest interviews, mailbag shows, deeper dives, and emergency episodes. Apple: [Special Guest Dick BremerPodcast Episode · Gleeman and The Geek · May 1 · 1h 49mApple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-guest-dick-bremer/id457946327?i=1000765600505&ref=aarongleeman.com) Spotify: [Special Guest Dick BremerGleeman And The Geek · EpisodeSpotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/10K9tKPdNIhG7uib6EnlZZ?ref=aarongleeman.com) YouTube: [Subscribe to Gleeman and The Geek on Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman?ref=aarongleeman.com)