With Dan Altavilla now officially in the fold for 2026, the Twins’ bullpen is starting to take shape-but it’s not quite finished. There’s still room for one more arm, ideally someone who can handle high-leverage innings or even step into the closer role if needed.
The challenge? We’re deep into the offseason, and many of the top-tier relievers are already off the board.
Still, all is far from lost. There’s a solid group of free-agent relievers still available, and Minnesota has an opportunity to round out its bullpen with a savvy addition. Here are five names that could make a real impact in 2026.
Scott Barlow - A Bounce-Back Candidate with Familiarity at Target Field
2025 Stats: 4.21 ERA, 75 K, 68.1 IP, 0.7 bWAR
Barlow might not be the flashiest option out there, but he’s the kind of under-the-radar pickup that can pay dividends over a full season. His 2025 ERA tells one story, but the deeper numbers give you reason to believe he’s still got plenty in the tank. A brutal 10-run stretch over 11 days in September skewed his overall line, but outside of that blip, he was solid-posting a 1.32 ERA in August over 13.2 innings.
And here's the kicker: Barlow has been excellent at Target Field. In 15.2 career innings there, he’s struck out 21 while allowing just two earned runs-good for a 1.15 ERA.
At 33, he’s a veteran who knows how to navigate big league lineups, and after making $2.5 million last year, he likely won’t break the bank. For a team looking to add depth and reliability, Barlow makes a lot of sense.
Pete Fairbanks - The Top Closer Still on the Market
2025 Stats: 2.83 ERA, 59 K, 60.1 IP, 1.2 bWAR, 27 saves
If the Twins want to swing big, Fairbanks is their guy. He’s coming off a strong season with 27 saves and a sub-3 ERA, and his 1.044 WHIP speaks to how well he limits traffic on the bases. Fairbanks still brings upper-tier velocity, and his elite barrel rate shows just how tough he is to square up.
Minnesota would likely have to compete with other suitors to land him, but if they’re serious about replacing Jhoan Duran’s late-inning presence, this is the kind of move that could anchor the bullpen. He’s not just a closer-he’s a tone-setter.
Hunter Harvey - Low-Risk, High-Upside Option
2025 Stats: 0.00 ERA, 11 K, 10.2 IP, 0.7 bWAR
Harvey’s 2025 stat line jumps off the page, but it comes with a caveat-he only threw 10.2 innings due to a pair of IL stints. That’s the risk.
But the upside? It’s intriguing.
In those limited innings, Harvey allowed just seven baserunners and didn’t give up a single earned run. That’s dominance, albeit in a small sample.
He’s shown flashes before, especially during his 2023 season when he posted a 2.82 ERA and 0.940 WHIP. If he can stay healthy-and that’s a big “if”-he could be a sneaky-good addition.
At 31, he’s not over the hill, and his price tag should reflect his recent injury history. For a team looking to find value, Harvey could be the surprise of the offseason.
Pierce Johnson - Veteran with Playoff Chops
2025 Stats: 3.05 ERA, 59 K, 59 IP, 1.1 bWAR
If postseason performance matters-and for a team with October aspirations, it absolutely should-then Johnson is worth a long look. In 12 career playoff innings, he’s struck out 17 and allowed just two runs. That kind of experience is tough to find, and even tougher to replace.
He’s not just a playoff guy, though. Johnson has 16 career saves, including 13 in 2023, and his 2025 campaign was steady across the board.
He won’t come cheap, but he’s the kind of reliever who can slot into multiple roles-closer, setup, middle innings-and give you quality innings wherever you need them. For the Twins, he’d be more than just a depth piece-he’d be a tone-setter.
Justin Wilson - Veteran Lefty Still Throwing Heat
2025 Stats: 3.35 ERA, 57 K, 48.1 IP, 0.3 bWAR
At 38, Wilson isn’t going to be your everyday closer, but he still brings value-especially from the left side. He’s still touching the mid-to-high 90s with his fastball, and he’s getting swings and misses at a solid clip. The walks are a concern, and always have been, but when he’s locked in, he can be a real weapon.
Wilson brings energy, experience, and a bit of edge to the mound. He’s the kind of reliever who can handle tough matchups in the sixth or seventh inning, especially against lefty-heavy parts of the lineup. For a bullpen that could use another southpaw, he’s a name worth circling.
The Bottom Line
The Twins have already taken a step toward shoring up their bullpen with the Altavilla signing, but they’re not done yet. Whether they go for a high-end closer like Fairbanks, a cost-effective upside play like Harvey, or a playoff-tested veteran like Johnson, there are still quality arms out there who can help this team win games in 2026.
The key now is timing and fit. If Minnesota wants to keep pace in a competitive AL Central, adding one more reliable reliever could be the difference between a good bullpen and a great one.