Tom Pohlad didn’t waste time setting the tone in his introductory press conference. “I’m not a half-measure guy,” he told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to building a championship-caliber team. He also said he believes the Twins are “within reach of winning a division title this year,” while acknowledging that the organization is “laying the foundation” for a future nucleus worthy of a championship-level investment.
That’s a tightrope to walk. On one hand, you’re trying to win now.
On the other, you’re trying to protect the long-term future of a roster brimming with upper-minor prospects. The challenge for the Twins is threading that needle - improving the big-league club without blocking the next wave of talent.
So where can they realistically upgrade? And how do they do it without creating another Carlos Correa-sized roster bottleneck?
Let’s break it down. There are three main areas where upgrades could make a real impact: shortstop, a big right-handed bat, and the bullpen.
1. Shortstop - A Question of Belief in Brooks Lee
This one hinges on how much faith the Twins have in Brooks Lee. If they think Lee, along with depth pieces like Ryan Kreidler and Ryan Fitzgerald, can hold the position down and be at least league-average, then maybe they stand pat. But that’s a big “if.”
Kreidler and Fitzgerald are fringe contributors at best, and Lee has looked overmatched in his early big-league action. There’s still upside, but at this point, he may be better suited for a utility role unless he makes some serious adjustments at the plate.
Now, if the Twins decide they need a stopgap veteran, someone like Isiah Kiner-Falefa could make sense. He’s a solid defender, can hold his own offensively, and wouldn’t break the bank - think two years, $15 million.
But signing him would mean pushing Lee to the bench or a utility role, which feels premature. Plus, Kaelen Culpepper could be ready for his debut by midseason.
All signs point to the Twins holding off on a major shortstop move - for now.
2. Big Bat - A Logjam with No Easy Answers
The Twins need more consistent offense, especially from the right side of the plate. But here’s the problem: where do you put another bat?
Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Josh Bell, Luke Keaschall, Royce Lewis, Ryan Jeffers, Trevor Larnach, and Brooks Lee are all expected to get regular playing time. And that’s before you even get to the crowded outfield picture, which includes Alan Roden, James Outman, Austin Martin, and top prospects Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez, with Gabriel Gonzalez not far behind.
First base is now locked down with Bell. DH is Wallner’s best fit, and he deserves at least a strong-side platoon role.
Catcher is set. Lewis isn’t moving off third.
Keaschall is at second unless he shifts to the outfield, which would only make the logjam worse. And shortstop, as discussed, is already in flux.
Unless the Twins are willing to trade multiple bats - including some who are part of their long-term plans - there just isn’t a clean fit for another big bat. The most realistic addition would be a right-handed platoon option at first or DH, someone who can mash lefties without demanding everyday reps. Otherwise, the Twins are boxed in.
3. Bullpen - The Clearest Path to Impact
Now here’s where things get interesting. The bullpen is the one area where the Twins can upgrade immediately without stepping on the toes of top prospects.
Right now, Cole Sands, Justin Topa, and Kody Funderburk are the only relievers you can pencil in with any confidence. Beyond that, it’s a mix of unproven arms and question marks.
Eric Orze was acquired for a reason - expect him to be in the mix. Pierson Ohl and Travis Adams had shaky debuts last season but are likely bullpen-bound.
That’s five or six names for eight spots, and most of those are written in pencil, not ink.
So why not go big here? Sign two high-leverage relievers.
Give yourself a back end of the bullpen that can shorten games and protect leads. On paper, it makes perfect sense - especially when you consider the Twins don’t currently have a clear-cut option for the eighth or ninth innings.
But there’s a catch: starting pitching depth. And the Twins have a lot of it.
Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, Zebby Matthews, David Festa, Connor Prielipp, Kendry Rojas, and Andrew Morris are all in the mix for a rotation spot. That’s before you even get to Marco Raya, C.J.
Culpepper, or Ryan Gallagher. And don’t forget about Matt Canterino or Cory Lewis, who are still hanging around the edges of the conversation.
Realistically, not all of these arms will make it as starters. Some - maybe Festa, Prielipp, or Morris - are likely bullpen-bound.
And if they convert early in the season, they could be ready to contribute in relief by midyear. That’s why the Twins may be hesitant to spend big on relievers now.
They have internal options, even if they’re not quite ready yet.
The Bigger Picture: 2026 as a Transition Year
This all points to 2026 being a transitional season - one where the Twins may be better off seeing what they have in their upper-minors talent. Let the prospects play.
Identify the real holes. Then head into 2027 with clarity and a willingness to spend on premium upgrades where they’re truly needed.
But here’s the rub: if the only major move this offseason is signing Josh Bell, that’s not exactly avoiding half-measures - the very thing Pohlad says he’s against.
So what’s the solution? One path forward would be to go all-in for now - sign a big bat and a few reliable relievers to one-year deals.
That gives the team a shot at contending early in the season while buying time for the prospects. Then, when the youth is ready, you flip those veterans at the deadline and open the door for the next wave.
It’s a bold plan. It’s also expensive.
We’re talking $35 million or more in additional payroll - even if that figure drops to $15-20 million after midseason trades. That’s still more than the Twins are expected to spend.
So the question becomes: will ownership give Derek Falvey the green light?
If the answer is yes, the Twins can chase a division title in 2026 without compromising the future. If not, they’ll have to hope that patience, prospect development, and a little bit of luck are enough to carry them through this transitional year - and into a more defined window of contention in 2027.