ARLINGTON -- Believe it or not, this is the last newsletter of the regular season. And there’s a lot of uncertainty right now, so it seemed like a good time for a mailbag. Let’s get right to it. From Wyatt on X: What does the 5-man rotation look like as of right now for next year?
Let’s start by assuming no major trades. As it stands now, the Twins would go into next spring with at least eight contenders for a rotation spot: Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Taj Bradley, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, and David Festa. That’s not counting someone like Kendry Rojas, whom the club loves but scuffled a bit upon being promoted to Triple-A. If they’re healthy, López, Ryan, and Ober are locks. That leaves five names for two spots. If I had to forecast it, I’d guess Woods Richardson and Bradley would be the favorites for the last two spots, but Abel and Matthews would have every opportunity to force the issue. Festa, as of now, expects to be fully healthy following his bout with thoracic outlet syndrome, but it’s fair to say that as of now, it’s not a certainty. I could see Festa or Matthews being moved to a relief role, but my gut says that’s less likely for Abel. But what all of this points to is that you very well could see the Twins trading from their starting depth this winter. That’s a whole separate can of worms that we’ll be better equipped to get into after talking with front office folks in the season wrapup news conference next week. |
From Andrew on BlueSky: Especially after you recently spent some time in Saint Paul, what do you think the Twins' outfield rotation will or should look like by next July (assuming health)?
This one is even harder. Byron Buxton is obviously the starting center fielder, and after that… well? The July specification makes this interesting, because I don’t think Walker Jenkins (Twins’ No. 1 prospect) breaks camp with the big club, but he could absolutely get the call by midseason. So let's start with Buxton in center and Jenkins in right. I think Alan Roden plays a very big part on next year’s club, probably beginning the year as the primary left fielder. Austin Martin has staked a very good claim to being a rotational piece, a platoon partner for the left-handed corner men. That’s four out of five, and we haven’t gotten to Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, James Outman, or Emmanuel Rodriguez (No. 3). I think in an ideal world, the Twins would have more athletic outfielders like Roden and Jenkins, and move Wallner to DH. They’re intrigued by Outman, but as of now he has not shown enough in semi-regular playing time to force his way into the plans. I think there’s a decent chance Larnach is somewhere else next year. He’s already become pretty much a full-time DH, he’s due for a raise in arbitration, and I’m not sure they’re convinced his bat plays enough to justify his lack of defensive value. And when it comes to Rodriguez, he’s a scintillating talent but he still needs to stay healthy and show more mastery of Triple-A. His upside remains massive, but I’m not sure his ETA is mid-26. |
From Matt on BlueSky: Whom should the Twins have out for next summer’s Huge Crowd on a Friday Night July Concert next year? (Don’t say The Hold Steady.)
OK, I’ll be honest, I thought way too much about this one. Because a lot of factors go into it! You’re looking for an act that’s big enough to draw fans, but not so big that they’re headlining a major venue without playing after a ballgame. Typically, but not always, it’s a throwback act of some sort. And they need to have broad appeal, moreso than a dedicated niche audience. The Strokes: Somehow, “Is This It” turns 25 this year. They’re still making new music, so it’s not a total nostalgia act, but they thread that needle of “big but not too big.” Goo Goo Dolls: Lots and lots and lots of people would turn up just to hear “Name.” They’re playing the Innings Festival next spring, so there’s a natural connection. T-Pain: I saw him at Bonnaroo last year, it was a blast. Everybody knows a ton of the songs. Broad appeal. Duran Duran: OK, this is my pipe dream. They still headline arenas, but they’re my favorite band from when I was a kid, and I’ve never seen them live. They’re probably not playing postgame concerts, but a man can dream. |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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MINOR LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS |
On Tuesday, the Twins announced their 2025 Minor League player and pitcher of the year. Kaelen Culpepper, the organization’s No. 4 prospect (No. 72 overall), was named player of the year after a breakout season in which he hit .289/.375/.469 between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita. The pitcher of the year was No. 10 prospect, left-hander Connor Prielipp, who posted a 4.03 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings at Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul. Also on Tuesday, Minor League Baseball announced Double-A All-Star teams. Culpepper, outfielder Kala’I Rosario, outfielder Kyler Fedko (honored as a DH), and pitcher Pierson Ohl were all named Texas League All-Stars. |
Postgame concerts aren’t the only kind at Target Field. On Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, My Chemical Romance will bring the Long Live The Black Parade Tour to Minneapolis. The opening act is the legendary Sleater-Kinney (don’t you dare miss them if you go), and ticket information is available at this link. |
AND, FINALLY, THE PLAYLIST |
I’m coming to you from Arlington, so the playlist is an assortment of artists with strong connections to North Texas. Stevie Ray Vaughn, “Pride and Joy”
Maren Morris, “My Church”
The Chicks, “Wide Open Spaces”
Kelly Clarkson, “Miss Independent”
Freddie King, “Going Down” |
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