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Fort Myers Today
By the People, for the People
Twins Bolster Bullpen With Veteran Additions
New relievers bring wealth of major league experience to Minnesota's pitching staff.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The Minnesota Twins have been actively adding veteran relievers to their bullpen in the early days of spring training, including Anthony Banda, Liam Hendriks, Julian Merryweather, Andrew Chafin, and Cody Laweryson. These experienced pitchers, some of whom have been All-Star closers and World Series participants, will provide a valuable presence to help mentor the Twins' young relievers.
Why it matters
The Twins' bullpen was an area of concern heading into the offseason, so the front office has moved quickly to shore up that part of the roster with proven major league arms. Having veteran leadership and experience in high-leverage situations can be invaluable for developing young pitchers and ensuring the bullpen is a strength for the team.
The details
The Twins have added several relievers with extensive big-league experience, including 37-year-old Liam Hendriks, who was an All-Star closer in 2019, 2021 and 2022, as well as 35-year-old Andrew Chafin and 32-year-old Anthony Banda, who have both pitched in the World Series. Manager Derek Shelton emphasized the value these veterans will provide in mentoring the Twins' young relievers and sharing their knowledge of pitching in crucial late-inning situations.
- The Twins have made these bullpen additions in the first few days of spring training camp.
- Hendriks, Chafin and Banda have all spent multiple seasons in the major leagues, with Hendriks and Rogers being All-Star closers in recent years.
The players
Liam Hendriks
A 37-year-old reliever who has been an All-Star closer in 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Andrew Chafin
A 35-year-old reliever who has spent parts of nine seasons in the major leagues.
Anthony Banda
A 32-year-old reliever who has pitched in the last two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Taylor Rogers
A left-handed reliever who was an All-Star closer for the Twins in 2021.
Derek Shelton
The manager of the Minnesota Twins.
What they’re saying
“I love the fact that they've all pitched in big games and they've pitched in the ninth inning. They pitched in high-leverage on really good teams, championship teams, World Series games.”
— Derek Shelton, Manager (twincities.com)
“The fact that they've been there and young guys that are in (the) back end of the bullpen can ask them about situations or ask them about things that happened, there is no better coaching that will happen than player to player or peer to peer. When players coach themselves, it's vital.”
— Derek Shelton, Manager (twincities.com)
“It was a roller coaster for sure. But hey, new chapter, new opportunity.”
— Anthony Banda, Reliever (twincities.com)
What’s next
The Twins will hold their first full-squad workout on Monday as they continue to evaluate their bullpen options in spring training.
The takeaway
The Twins' aggressive moves to add veteran relievers with closing experience and World Series pedigree should provide a significant boost to their bullpen and help mentor the team's young pitchers as they aim to contend in the AL Central.
