If the Twins want to return to the playoffs, they need to improve their offense. They finished the 2025 season ranked 22nd in batting average (.238), 21st in on-base percentage (.310) and 16th in slugging percentage (.397). Despite last season’s struggles, Minnesota has the talent to increase its offensive production next season. If the team drafts some highly-rated prospects and signs a major free agent, fans will have reasons to be optimistic for 2026.
Creating the Minnesota Twins’ 2026 Dream Lineup for an Offensive Turnaround
1. 2B Luke Keaschall
Keaschall played just 49 games for the Twins last season as he broke his right forearm on April 25, just seven days after making his MLB debut. He returned on August 5. He then suffered a thumb injury on September 23, which sidelined him for the rest of the season and led to him having to undergo surgery. He will most likely be ready for spring training.
Although it was an injury-plagued rookie season, Keaschall put up impressive numbers, posting a 2.0 bWAR and slashing .302/.382/.445 (128 OPS+) with four home runs, 14 doubles and 14 stolen bases. His defense at second base could use some work, but his bat and presence on the basepaths last season were extremely impressive. With his excellent ability to get on base and speed, Keaschall should be the Twins’ leadoff hitter next year.
2. CFByron Buxton
Buxton was easily the Twins’ best hitter last year. He slashed 264/.327/.551 (136 OPS+) with career-highs in home runs (35) and RBI (83) en route to being named one of the 2025 American League Silver Slugger Award winners for outfielders. He also played elite defense and stole 24 bases.
Buxton was regularly at first during the 2025 season, but Keaschall is better suited for that role given his ability to get on base. Buxton still deserves to be at the top of the line-up, and second spot seems fitting as he should be able to ride Keaschall regularly.
3. 1B Pete Alonso
Remember, reader. This creates the “dream” Twins lineup for 2026. Not the most realistic.
Still, the Twins should consider signing Alonso, who became a free agent after opting out of a one-year player option worth $24 million for 2026. MLB Trade Rumors Projects Alonso will get a four-year deal worth $110 million in free agency. Sure, Minnesota has been reluctant lately to spend big and lose as much salary as possible at the trade deadline. But $110 million over four years won’t be a complete disaster if Alonso struggles, given the length of the deal.
The Twins have long needed an established first baseman, and Alonso, who has amassed 23.3 bWAR and hit 264 home runs since his MLB debut in 2019, could be the offensive boost the team needs to get back into postseason contention.
4. L.F. Walker Jenkins
It’s time for the Twins to see if Jenkins, the No. 10 overall pick on the MLB roster, per MLB Pipelinecan fulfill its potential. Injuries have slowed his development somewhat, but he still appears ready for the big leagues. Barring another injury, he should be on the Twins’ Opening Day roster.
Jenkins finished the 2025 campaign with Triple-A St. Paul. He struggled with the Saints, posting a .719 OPS in 23 games. However, it was a limited sample size, so the poor stats shouldn’t worry fans. Since his pro debut in 2023, Jenkins has slashed .295/.399/.464 with 19 home runs and 114 RBI in 119 games.
Jenkins is a good defensive midfielder, but Buxton has clearly established that position. Jenkins can play in left field until it’s time for Minnesota to move Buxton to a corner outfield position.
5. 3B Royce Lewis
You could argue that Lewis belongs lower in the lineup, as he posted a modest 83 OPS+ last season. With Lewis, however, it seems that confidence plays an important role in determining whether he succeeds or not. Derek Shelton was already off to a good start, meeting Lewis this offseason and instilling confidence in the young third baseman. Having Lewis at the heart of the order could be the next step in giving Lewis back his confidence.
In 2023, Lewis posted 2.4 bWAR and a .921 OPS in 58 games before hitting four home runs in 26 at-bats during the postseason. Let’s hope we get that version of Lewis in 2026.
6. DH Matt Wallner
Wallner had an interesting 2025 season. He hit just .202 with an on-base percentage of .311. Still, he had a 111 OPS+ for his .464 slugging percentage, backed by 22 home runs, 16 doubles and three triples in 103 games.
Wallner has a great arm, but he’s still a below-average defender as he recorded -4 outs above average last season. Therefore, he should be better suited as a full-time design hitter. Similar offensive production from last season would be great for Wallner. Still, he could easily become even more valuable by increasing his batting average and on-base percentage a little bit while limiting his time as a defensive player.
7. C Ryan Jeffers
Jeffers isn’t the best defensive catcher these days, but he is among the best hitters at the position. In 119 games this past season, Jeffers slashed .266/.356/.397 (108 OPS+) with nine home runs, 26 doubles and 47 RBI.
Unless he signs an extension, 2026 will be Jeffers’ last season before becoming a free agent. Hopefully that pressure brings out the best version of the catcher. The team also has another catcher in the mix after brokering a trade with the Orioles for Alex Jackson.
8. RF Emmanuel Rodriguez
Rodríguez, the No. 69 MLB prospect, has struggled to stay healthy. But when he was on the field, he was generally very productive. In 59 games for Triple-A St. Paul last season, the outfielder hit .258/.429/.423 with six home runs and 27 RBI.
It’s time for the Twins to see what they have in Rodríguez. The only concern regarding Rodríguez is his high strikeout rate. But his elite ability to get to base, along with his stellar defense, should lead to him becoming a star in the big leagues.
9. SS Brooks Lee
Lee struggled significantly last season, with -0.8 bWAR and a 79 OPS+. However, the eye test shows that he could easily improve both offensively and defensively. Not to mention, it wasn’t that long ago that he was one of the top 100 MLB prospects.
What about the rest of the team?
If Lee still struggles next season, shortstop Kaelen Culpepper will be waiting in the minor leagues to take his spot. Culpepper may still find a role with the team even if Lee improves. Let’s be honest: Alonso will most likely not be a Twin next year. If Minnesota doesn’t sign impact bats, it could result in Keaschall or Lewis moving to first base to make room for Culpepper.
Meanwhile, the Twins should trade Trevor Larnach this offseason for a bullpen arm. Austin Martin should get some starts against lefties, and he can also come off the bench as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement when needed. Additionally, Kody Clemens, Alan Roden and James Outman will all likely get starting opportunities at some point.
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