Twins' Tristan Gray hits grand slam after nearly retiring

The 10-year minor leaguer made the Twins' Opening Day roster and delivered a career highlight.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:52pm

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Tristan Gray, a 10-year minor league veteran, was considering retirement in March but decided to persist. On Friday, he made the Twins' Opening Day roster and hit the first grand slam of his career as part of a 10-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Why it matters

Gray's story is an inspiring example of perseverance and resilience in professional sports, where many players toil in the minors without ever getting a true opportunity at the MLB level.

The details

Gray told reporters that he and his wife had discussed retirement in March, as he had spent almost a decade in the minors with only brief MLB action and had never made an Opening Day roster. However, he decided to keep fighting for his chance, and that decision paid off on Friday when he hit a grand slam as part of the Twins' win over the Rays.

  • Gray made the Twins' Opening Day roster in 2026.
  • On April 4, 2026, Gray hit the first grand slam of his career.

The players

Tristan Gray

A 10-year minor league veteran who nearly retired before making the Twins' Opening Day roster in 2026 and hitting a grand slam.

Madelyn Gray

Tristan Gray's wife, with whom he discussed retirement in March 2026.

Byron Buxton

A star player for the Minnesota Twins who praised Gray's hard work and opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“You try to fight off the tough thoughts, the doubt, all of that. It just grows and grows. Especially when you don't get the opportunity or when you get a little opportunity and it doesn't work. You just, honestly, have to just compartmentalize, and throw that to the side and think about the opportunity that's in front of you. And thankfully today I get to sit on this one for a little bit.”

— Tristan Gray

“He's worked hard for it. To be able to work that hard and finally get an opportunity and make the most of that, it's incredible, for sure. This game is hard.”

— Byron Buxton, Twins star

What’s next

Gray will look to build on his grand slam performance and solidify his spot on the Twins' roster as the season progresses.

The takeaway

Tristan Gray's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in professional sports. Despite nearly retiring due to a lack of opportunities, he persisted and was rewarded with a career-defining moment, inspiring hope for other minor league players who are chasing their MLB dreams.