Three bold predictions for the 2026 Minnesota Twins as spring training is underway

Three bold predictions for the 2026 Minnesota Twins as spring training is underway

Bailey Ober is bouncing back and is a solid No. 2 starter for the Twins

Ober, 30, was a very solid starter for Minnesota in 2023 and 2024, pitching a 3.73 ERA with a 26.2% strikeout rate and 5.6% walk rate in 323 innings across 57 starts during that span.

Then in 2025, Ober had by far the worst season of his career, with a 5.10 ERA (4.90 FIP) with 120 strikeouts, 31 walks and 30 home runs in 146 1/3 innings over 27 games.

A major reason for Ober’s problems last season was a drop in speed; his fastball averaged 90 mph in 2024 and 90.3 mph in 2025. One reason for his lower velocity may have been a nagging hip problem he dealt with last year.

Ober worked with a specialist during the offseason to address his hip problem and has noticed a “big difference,” according to The Athletic’s Dan Hayes. If Ober is fully healthy in 2026, his velocity could return to where it was before. Even if that isn’t the case, the right-back is likely doing everything he can to get back into shape and should be able to be as successful as he was two seasons ago.

With Pablo López set to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, the Twins are in dire need of a bounce-back season from Ober, who will likely be Minnesota’s No. 2 this year.

Royce Lewis returns to form and makes the American League All-Star Team

Lewis is off to a hot start to spring training, going 2-for-2 with a solo homer, an RBI single and a stolen base during Minnesota’s Grapefruit League opener against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. It’s a good sign to see the young third baseman off to a good start this spring after a rough 2025 season in which he slashed .237/.283/.388 (83 OPS+) over 403 plate appearances.

Lewis’ swing is noticeably different than before this spring. His hands seem closer to his body and more controlled.

Lewis spent the offseason working with Houston-based hitting coach Jeremy Isenhower. according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune. The hitting coach was recommended to Lewis by Kansas City Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and former Twins infielder Jorge Polanco. Isenhower pointed out to Lewis that his different batting stances last season helped Lewis develop a consistent swing.

Lewis posted a .921 OPS with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in 58 games during the 2023 regular season, then followed up with a strong postseason in which he hit four home runs in six games. If he can use his new swing consistently and effectively this season, we may see the 2023 version of the third baseman return.

Emmanuel Rodríguez or Walker Jenkins finish in the top 3 in the American League Rookie of the Year election

Outfielders Rodríguez and Jenkins should make their MLB debuts this season. Rodríguez has been on a tear so far in spring training after going 3-for-4 with two home runs during Grapefruit League play. He also had a single, a walk and a stolen base during the Twins’ game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Friday.

The 23-year-old Rodríguez has missed a lot of playing time in his professional career due to multiple injuries. He reached Triple-A in 2024 and played there in 2025 when he was healthy and not rehabbing. He hit .258/.429/.423 with six home runs, 27 RBI and nine stolen bases in 52 games with the Saints this past season.

Rodríguez, ranked No. 74 by MLB Pipeline, is an average defender with a plus arm and above-average speed. He strikes out often, but his on-base and power skills suggest he could one day be an All-Star in the major leagues. In 60 at-bats in Winter Ball this offseason, the outfielder posted an OPS of 1.063.

Jenkins, 21, hit .309/.426/.487 with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita last season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. Jenkins, the No. 14 prospect in the MLB pipeline, struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 at-bats, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching. He is an above-average defender and runner with a plus arm. Unfortunately, like Rodríguez, Jenkins, who hit an RBI double against the Gophers on Friday, has struggled to stay healthy.

Jenkins and Rodríguez have good chances to earn Rookie of the Year votes in 2026. Let’s hope they can stay on the field.