Twins Face Roster Battles Ahead of Opening Day

With four weeks until the season starts, the Twins have several position battles to decide.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 8:05pm

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The Minnesota Twins have several roster spots up for grabs as they approach the start of the 2026 MLB season. Key battles include the starting rotation, bullpen, backup outfielder, and backup infielder. The Twins have a mix of young prospects and veteran free agent signings competing for these open roles.

Why it matters

The Twins are looking to build on a successful 2025 season and return to the playoffs. Resolving these roster battles will be crucial to putting together the best possible team to start the year and compete in the AL Central.

The details

In the starting rotation, the Twins have seven pitchers vying for five spots after the injury to Pablo López. Taj Bradley and Simeon Woods Richardson seem likely to make the team, leaving three spots open. The bullpen also has a couple open spots, with veteran Liam Hendriks and young prospects like Marco Raya in the mix. The Twins need to decide on a backup outfielder behind Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner, with options like Austin Martin, James Outman, and Alan Roden. At backup infielder, Ryan Kreidler and Tristan Gray are competing to be the utility player behind the starters.

  • The Twins open their season on March 26 against the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Pablo López had season-ending Tommy John surgery on February 22.

The players

Joe Ryan

One of the Twins' top starting pitchers.

Bailey Ober

Another key member of the Twins' starting rotation.

Liam Hendriks

Veteran closer who joined the Twins on a non-roster invite.

Byron Buxton

The Twins' starting center fielder.

Matt Wallner

The Twins' starting right fielder.

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What they’re saying

“This year, certainly more than in recent years, there are roster spots up for grabs.”

— Betsy Helfand

What’s next

The Twins will continue to evaluate their roster options throughout spring training, with final decisions to be made in the final weeks before Opening Day on March 26.

The takeaway

The Twins have several key position battles to resolve in the coming weeks, which will be crucial to assembling the best possible team to start the 2026 season and compete in the AL Central.