Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Buxton, Keaschall, Abel, Bradley, Jenkins. Just a few names that Twins fans know or will know at the end of the 2026 season.
The Twins have Major League talent. There’s no doubt about that. But how much of their success in 2026 will come from some players who may not necessarily be known to the casual fan, but whose names they will hopefully learn soon. Let’s take a look at the most intriguing Twins players entering this season:
1. Pablo Lopez
Ace. Veteran. Leader. The player with one of the two highest salaries on the team is coming off a disappointing and injury-filled 2025 season. Amid trade rumors in the second half and offseason, he will enter the season leading the Twins staff. So why is such a ‘proven product’ intriguing? Two reasons:
– Will he be a Twin all season, or if the team starts slowly, will he be dealt at or before the deadline?
– What will its value be? He’s on a relatively (in baseball terms) team-friendly deal, and he’s struggled with injuries the past two seasons. Everyone benefits from a healthy Pablo; the Twins get their upside for 30 to 35 starts per year, and Pablo can show his stuff in a year where the Twins aren’t expected to contend.
Yes, he’s easiest to fill in the rotation every fifth day if he’s healthy. But given his injuries over the past two years, the now uncertainty in the front office, and the fact that he was already mentioned in trade talks last year, Pablo is a long shot for me, the #1 intriguing player on this roster heading into 2026.
2. Joe Ryan
See Pablo Lopez above. Both due to injuries and trade rumors. It will bring more trade value.
3. Matt Wallner
Wallner is coming off a disappointing 2025 season, recording just 336 ABs in 104 games. He batted .202 and had 22 home runs. Rocco hit him high in the lineup, sometimes in leadoff or even number two, but he should be moved lower. He had 114 strikeouts in 336 ABs (one all-time 2.94 ABs), compared to just 46 walks. The power is there, but he could very easily become a Joey Gallo-type, all-or-nothing player, and if he does, how long can the Twins play him with the bevy of OFers (especially corners) they have waiting in the wings?
– Can he return to his 2024 self helping the Twins or will he continue to hit just above the Mendoza line and has he already reached his ceiling?
There are many more players who could play here. Heck, the whole team could be here. But these are the three biggest intriguing players in my opinion as we head into 2026. Who are yours? Let me know below!
#Intriguing #Twins #Entering