The Minnesota Twins are making headlines as they navigate a pivotal offseason filled with player evaluations and potential roster adjustments. Key developments over the past week reflect both individual player performances and broader organizational decisions, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 season.
Standout Performances and Awards
The Twins recently recognized Joe Ryan as their 2025 Pitcher of the Year, capping a remarkable season where he posted a 3.42 ERA across 171 innings. Ryan struck out 194 batters, finishing in the American League's top ten for several key pitching metrics, including WAR (6th) and K/BB ratio (5th). Despite challenges such as home runs allowed, Ryan's ability to strand baserunners, successfully preventing 76.8% from scoring, underscores his reliability as a top starter.
Meanwhile, Ryan Fitzgerald garnered attention for his impressive, albeit limited, performance with a perfect 0.00 ERA over two innings. Although his minimal innings pitched may have influenced voting outcomes, Fitzgerald's potential remains an intriguing aspect of the Twins' bullpen depth.
Management Changes and Future Outlook
The Twins made headlines by parting ways with manager Rocco Baldelli after a disappointing season. The decision reflects a desire for a new direction within the organization, as team president Derek Falvey emphasized the need for a change to meet organizational goals. The search for Baldelli's successor is underway, with speculation on how this new voice might influence the team's strategies moving forward.
Trade Rumors and Offseason Decisions
As the Twins look ahead, discussions are emerging around potential trades involving key players like Joe Ryan and Pablo López. With the offseason upon them, the front office faces critical decisions regarding player retention and bolstering the roster. Meanwhile, Byron Buxton's standout year, during which he hit 35 home runs and set a franchise record with a .744 slugging percentage as a leadoff hitter, continues to be a focal point as the team evaluates its core moving forward.
Additionally, younger talents such as Kody Funderburk and Marco Raya are being closely monitored, especially as the organization shifts its focus to rebuilding its bullpen. The Twins also recently celebrated Cody Laweryson’s major league journey, highlighting the resilience required to transition from the minors and the impact of player development within the organization.
TL;DR
- Joe Ryan was named the Twins' 2025 Pitcher of the Year, finishing with a 3.42 ERA.
- The Minnesota Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli, seeking a new direction for the team.
- Trade discussions involving key pitchers like Joe Ryan and Pablo López are heating up as the offseason begins.
- Byron Buxton had a record-setting season, hitting 35 home runs and achieving a .744 slugging percentage as a leadoff hitter.