"The team has made no secret of its plans to scale back payroll after sitting between $130-160MM each season from 2022-25, but there's room for another reliever or two while still keeping the 2026 tally well below the levels we've seen in the four preceding seasons. Even with some additions seemingly on the horizon, Falvey indicated last week that the Twins would be counting on some younger, less-experienced pitchers to step up and solidify themselves as viable bullpen options this coming season."
"Executive chair Tom Pohlad was more direct over the weekend, telling fans at the team's annual TwinsFest event ( link via Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune): "Yeah, we're going to continue. The clock doesn't stop until Opening Day, right? For better or worse, [Falvey] and [GM Jeremy Zoll] have a history of adding pieces late. I'm sure you are going to continue to see that. We know that we have to continue to improve the bullpen.""
"he finished the year with a 4.04 ERA in 111 1/3 frames but was particularly sharp upon returning from Triple-A. In his final 14 starts of the season, Woods Richardson logged 69 innings with a 3.00 ERA (4.16 FIP, 4.37 SIERA), a 24.4% strikeout rate and a 10.4% walk rate. That finish and his lack of minor league options make him a clear favorite for the fourth spot on the staff."
The Twins expect to continue adding bullpen pieces before Opening Day while also asking younger, less-experienced pitchers to earn roles. Payroll sits near $108MM, roughly $30MM below last season, but the team still has room for one or two reliever signings while keeping 2026 payroll lower than 2022-25 levels. Pablo López and Bailey Ober are locked into rotation spots. Simeon Woods Richardson, out of minor league options, finished strong and projects as the fourth starter. The fifth rotation spot appears likely to be contested among several promising right-handed prospects.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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