Twins Roster Battles Heat Up Ahead of Opening Day

Minnesota club must finalize 26-player roster by March 26 opener

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Twins are in the final stages of determining their 26-player roster for the 2026 MLB season, with several key position battles still unresolved as the team prepares for its Opening Day game in Baltimore on March 26.

Why it matters

The Twins are looking to build on a promising 2025 campaign and return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Finalizing the right roster mix will be crucial to their success, with several young players vying for starting roles and roster spots.

The details

The Twins have several position battles still ongoing, including at catcher, third base, and in the outfield. Rookie catchers Ryan Jeffers and Caleb Hamilton are competing to back up veteran starter Mitch Garver, while top prospect Jose Miranda is battling veteran Gio Urshela for the starting third base job. In the outfield, top prospect Trevor Larnach is looking to lock down an everyday role, with veteran Max Kepler and utility man Nick Gordon also in the mix.

  • The Twins must trim their roster to 26 players before their Opening Day game in Baltimore on March 26.
  • The team's final roster decisions will be made in the days leading up to the season opener.

The players

Ryan Jeffers

Rookie catcher competing for backup role behind Mitch Garver.

Caleb Hamilton

Rookie catcher competing for backup catcher spot.

Jose Miranda

Top Twins prospect battling veteran Gio Urshela for starting third base job.

Trevor Larnach

Top Twins prospect looking to lock down everyday outfield role.

Max Kepler

Veteran outfielder in the mix for playing time in the Twins' crowded outfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These next few weeks are going to be really important for us as we finalize the roster. We've got some tough decisions to make, but that's a good problem to have.”

— Rocco Baldelli, Twins Manager (Star Tribune)

What’s next

The Twins will continue to evaluate their roster options in spring training games leading up to the March 26 opener in Baltimore.

The takeaway

The Twins have several intriguing young players vying for roster spots, which should create healthy competition and set the team up for success if they can find the right mix of talent and experience.