As the Minnesota Twins gear up for Opening Day, all eyes are on their bullpen, particularly the hotly contested final left-handed spot. With veterans Taylor Rogers and Anthony Banda secured, the spotlight shifts to Kody Funderburk and Andrew Chafin vying for a potential slot.
Funderburk is bringing the heat, literally and figuratively. His spring training performance has been stellar, boasting a 1.35 ERA and a solid 7-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 6 ⅔ innings.
This isn't just a flash in the pan; it builds on his strong finish last season. Post-All-Star break, Funderburk was a rock, posting a 2.61 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings.
His late-season surge, particularly with a 0.82 ERA in August and September, suggests a pitcher hitting his stride.
A key to Funderburk's recent success? A tweak in his arm slot last season.
By lowering his release point, he added deception that has hitters second-guessing. If he can keep this up, he offers the Twins a reliable arm already comfortable with the team.
However, it's not all smooth sailing for Funderburk. The Twins have a crowded bullpen, and carrying four lefties could be a strategic headache.
Funderburk's struggles against right-handed hitters, who have hit .279 against him over the past three seasons, might limit his high-leverage opportunities. His WHIP and expected metrics also raise some eyebrows, suggesting potential regression.
Enter Andrew Chafin, the seasoned veteran. At 35, Chafin is no stranger to the mound, bringing experience from eight different teams over 13 seasons.
Last year, he split time between the Nationals and the Angels, posting a commendable 2.41 ERA with a 25.2% strikeout rate. His ability to handle right-handed hitters better than most lefties could be crucial for the Twins.
But Chafin isn't without his own hurdles. Control issues plagued him last season, with a 13.3% walk rate causing unnecessary base traffic. His velocity has dipped, with pitches barely reaching 90 mph, and health concerns linger after time on the injured list in 2025.
The Twins face a classic dilemma: go with Funderburk, the rising internal talent, or Chafin, the reliable veteran? Funderburk's recent mechanical improvements and familiarity with the team make him an attractive option if the Twins believe in his continued growth. Meanwhile, Chafin's proven ability to handle diverse hitters offers a safety net of experience.
Ultimately, the Twins are unlikely to carry four lefties, meaning one of these pitchers will likely find themselves on the outside looking in as the season kicks off. Whether they opt for Funderburk's potential or Chafin's veteran savvy will shape the bullpen's dynamic heading into 2026.