Twins Roster Taking Shape as Spring Training Nears

MLB reporter Matthew Leach hosts Reddit AMA on Twins' offseason moves and roster outlook

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:47am

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With just two weeks until the first Twins pitchers and catchers report to spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, MLB.com reporter Matthew Leach hosted a Reddit AMA to discuss the team's roster outlook. Leach touched on the Twins' bullpen, potential trade targets, and the competition at shortstop between top prospects Kaelen Culpepper and Marek Houston.

Why it matters

As the Twins look to build on their 2025 playoff appearance, the decisions they make this offseason will be crucial in determining their chances of contending in the AL Central in 2026. Leach's insights provide valuable perspective on the team's strategy and priorities heading into spring training.

The details

Leach was surprised by the Twins' release of reliever Pierson Ohl, one of the few pitchers on the roster with MLB experience. However, he believes the team's strategy is to develop internal bullpen options from their pool of starting pitching prospects. While the Twins may not make a "big game" trade, Leach expects them to target right-handed relief help or a defensive shortstop. The competition between Culpepper and Houston at shortstop is particularly intriguing, with Leach giving a slight edge to Culpepper but noting Houston's defensive prowess at the position.

  • The first workout for Twins pitchers and catchers is in two weeks, on February 12, 2026.
  • The Reddit AMA session was held on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Kaelen Culpepper

A top Twins shortstop prospect who Leach believes has a good chance of sticking at the position long-term.

Marek Houston

Another Twins shortstop prospect who is considered a legitimate defensive shortstop, though Leach sees Culpepper as the more likely long-term answer at the position.

Freddy Peralta

A pitcher recently traded to the Mets, who Leach says the Twins were surprisingly linked to in trade rumors, though he doesn't expect them to pursue any "big game" trades this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I think when you phrase it like that, that's very likely. But I think there was a decent chance of that regardless. The Twins have something like eight starting candidates, plus guys like Marco Raya, Connor Prielipp, John Klein and maybe Kendry Rojas. So there are kind of two things at play here.”

— Matthew Leach, MLB.com reporter (Reddit AMA)

“Contention? Yes, they do, and I mean ... I'm not sure they're wrong? This is not exactly the 2000s AL East. I don't think it's unreasonable at all to think that if you shore up the right side of the bullpen, this team should be in the mix in the ALC.”

— Matthew Leach, MLB.com reporter (Reddit AMA)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.