Twins Bolster Bullpen with Reunion Signing of Former All-Star Taylor Rogers
The Minnesota Twins came into this offseason with a clear priority: rebuild a bullpen that needed reinforcements from top to bottom. They took a first step back in November by acquiring right-hander Eric Orze from the Rays, but fans were still waiting for a more familiar face to return to the mix. Now, they’ve got one.
The Twins have signed veteran left-hander Taylor Rogers to a one-year, $2 million deal, reuniting with their former All-Star closer in a move that adds both experience and stability to a bullpen in transition.
A Familiar Face Returns to Target Field
Rogers, now 35, is no stranger to Minnesota. Drafted by the Twins in the 11th round back in 2012, he made his big league debut with the club in 2016 and quickly established himself as a trusted arm in the late innings.
By 2019, he was the team’s closer, and in 2021, he earned an All-Star nod. Over six seasons in Minnesota, Rogers logged a 3.15 ERA with 361 strikeouts and 50 saves across 314 2/3 innings - a model of consistency and durability during his first stint with the club.
Now, he returns to a bullpen that’s still taking shape, but one that could benefit greatly from his veteran presence.
What Rogers Brings in 2026
Last season, Rogers split time between the Reds and Cubs, posting a 3.38 ERA over 50 2/3 innings. He struck out 53 and walked 23, showing he can still navigate tough lineups with a mix of savvy and stuff.
His pitch mix leans on a sweeping breaking ball in the high-70s and a low-90s sinker, with the occasional four-seamer thrown in to keep hitters honest. While he may no longer be the overpowering closer he once was, Rogers still profiles as a reliable late-inning option - especially valuable for a Twins team looking to solidify the back end of games.
Where the Bullpen Stands Now
With Rogers in the fold, the Twins’ bullpen picture is starting to come into focus. He joins a group that includes right-handers Eric Orze, Cole Sands, and Justin Topa, along with lefty Kody Funderburk.
That leaves three bullpen spots up for grabs, and it’s likely the Twins will look internally to fill most of them. Young arms like David Festa and Marco Raya are in the mix, and spring training will be a proving ground for several other candidates.
Still, there’s room - and arguably a need - for one more established reliever. If the Twins want to stay competitive in what’s shaping up to be a tightly contested 2026 AL Central, adding another dependable bullpen piece could be the difference between holding late leads and watching them slip away.
Rogers’ Journey Since Minnesota
Rogers’ path back to Minnesota has been anything but linear. After being traded to the Padres in April 2022 - a deal that brought Chris Paddack, Emilio Pagán, and Brayan Medina to the Twins - he posted a 4.35 ERA in San Diego before being flipped to Milwaukee in the Josh Hader blockbuster. That trade also included Dinelson Lamet, Esteury Ruiz, and Robert Gasser heading to the Brewers.
Following that whirlwind season, Rogers signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Giants. In two seasons with San Francisco, he delivered a solid 3.06 ERA across 111 2/3 innings, proving he could still get outs in high-leverage situations. He was traded once again this past offseason, heading to the Reds in exchange for right-hander Braxton Roxby.
Now, he’s back where it all began - and the Twins are banking on his experience, leadership, and still-effective arsenal to help anchor a bullpen that’s in the midst of a critical reset.
The Bottom Line
The Twins didn’t just add a reliever - they brought back a familiar face who knows what it means to pitch in big moments at Target Field. Taylor Rogers may not be the closer he once was, but he’s still a valuable piece for a team that needs proven arms. With a bullpen that’s still under construction, his return gives Minnesota a much-needed boost - and maybe a little bit of nostalgia, too.