As we gear up for the upcoming MLB season, it's time to spotlight some Minnesota Twins players who might just surprise us all. These aren't your typical breakout stars; we're talking about those under-the-radar talents who could exceed expectations and make a significant impact. Let's dive into our "picks to click" for 2026.
Taj Bradley, SP
The Twins made a bold move last season, trading Griffin Jax for Taj Bradley. This wasn't your average swap for a bundle of prospects.
Instead, they opted for Bradley, a former top-50 prospect with more major league innings under his belt than Jax at the time. Bradley's journey in Tampa Bay saw him struggle with consistency, posting a 4.70 ERA.
Yet, the Twins saw potential in his raw talent.
Bradley's fastball is a force to be reckoned with, clocking in at an average of 96.2 mph last season and even a tick higher this spring. His splitter, curveball, and cutter all show promise for generating swings and misses. Despite having significant MLB experience, Bradley is still younger than some of the Twins' prospects who have yet to debut.
The Twins have a history of turning potential into performance, as seen with their acquisition of Joe Ryan from the Rays. Bradley's mix of youth, experience, and potential is rare.
The key will be refining his control, studying scouting reports, and attacking hitters with intent. The Twins are betting on Bradley to secure a rotation spot, and it's a gamble that could pay off big.
Alan Roden, OF
Alan Roden's initial stint with the Twins was less than stellar, hitting just .158 in 12 games before a thumb injury cut his season short. Despite this, the Twins retained Trevor Larnach, leaving Roden to fight for his place.
But don't count him out just yet. Roden has a solid track record against right-handed pitching and brings defensive prowess to the table.
While Roden might not boast the power typical of a corner outfielder, his career numbers against Triple-A right-handers are impressive. He's a .326/.427/.518 hitter with more walks than strikeouts. His defensive skills are noteworthy, too, with a strong arm and the ability to cover ground in the outfield.
Roden may not be destined for stardom, but he has the potential to be a reliable regular who contributes on both sides of the ball. If given the chance, Roden could become a key player in the Twins' lineup this season.
Mick Abel, SP
Mick Abel is another intriguing addition to the Twins, arriving as part of the Jhoan Duran trade. While his early outings were rocky, he ended on a high note with a stellar performance against his former team, the Phillies. This glimpse of brilliance is why Abel was a first-round pick in 2020 and consistently ranks among top prospects.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Abel has the physical presence and arsenal to overpower hitters. His upper-90s fastball leads a mix of above-average pitches, but control issues have been his Achilles' heel. The Twins believe that by refining his mechanics, Abel can harness his potential.
In Triple-A last year, Abel dominated, holding hitters to a .195 average with 114 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings. His spring training performance has been promising, with 23 strikeouts and just three walks in 18 innings.
Whether he starts the season in the rotation or in St. Paul, Abel is poised to play a significant role for the Twins.
These players might not be the obvious choices, but they have the potential to be game-changers for the Twins this season. Keep an eye on them as the season unfolds.