Kelly: The season is over, the confetti has been swept away, and the Minnesota Twins finish at 77 and 85. But for this front office, the real work just started. We are talking about who stays, who goes, and who fights for a roster spot when spring training arrives.
Gary: It’s a transitional year, Kelly. A 77-win team isn’t a playoff team, but it’s also not a complete rebuild. You have young talent emerging, veterans holding down spots, and a lot of open questions on the depth chart that will define 2027.
Kelly: That’s right. I’m Kelly, and this is the Beatline Podcast Network. Joining me as always is our lead analyst, Gary. Gary, we talked last week about Connor Prielipp potentially winning a rotation spot, and now we’re looking at the broader picture. What’s on tap today?
Gary: Today we are doing a deep dive into the biggest roster battles heading into next year. First, we’ll look at the catching tandem between Victor Caratini and Ryan Jeffers. Then, we’ll tackle the infield logjam at second base and shortstop. Finally, we’ll predict who makes the Opening Day roster and who gets sent to Rochester or released.
Kelly: Big day ahead. Let’s get into it. Segment One: The Battery Battle. Victor Caratini vs. Ryan Jeffers. Two very different styles, two very important roles. Gary, walk us through why this matters so much for a team trying to turn things around.
Gary: Well, it’s interesting because both players have value, but they serve different purposes. Caratini is the defensive wizard, the guy who manages the pitching staff. He’s been there, done that. Jeffers is the offensive engine. When he’s healthy, his power numbers are elite. The question is, do you need two catchers who can hit like Jeffers, or do you need the defensive stability Caratini provides?
Kelly: I feel like Jeffers’ injury history is the elephant in the room here. Every time he’s out, the offense sputters. But Caratini... he’s older now. Is he still the gold standard for framing pitches, especially with these new automated ball-strike challenges shaking up how umpires call games?
Gary: Actually, the ABS system might change how we view framing. If robot umpires are overturning 54% of challenged calls, manual framing becomes less critical than it used to be. But Caratini’s value isn’t just framing; it’s game-calling. He knows how to set up hitters. Jeffers is still learning that side of the game. If the Twins want to compete in 2027, they might need Caratini’s mind more than Jeffers’ bat, assuming Jeffers can stay on the field.
Kelly: So you’re saying Jeffers needs to prove his durability first? Because if he’s getting hurt again, does that make Caratini the everyday catcher?
Gary: Exactly. And then what happens to Jeffers? Does he become a DH? Or does the team bring in another veteran? I think Jeffers has one more year to prove he’s the full-time starter. If he shows up in spring training healthy and dominant, he keeps the job. If not, Caratini takes over, and Jeffers shifts to platoon duties.
Kelly: That feels like a fair path. Jeffers has the talent, but health is the currency of baseball. Alright, let’s move to the dirt. Segment Two: The Infield Logjam. We have Kody Clemens, Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, and a host of shortstops like Tristan Gray, Ryan Kreidler, and Ben Ross. This is crowded, Gary.
Gary: It’s incredibly crowded. Brooks Lee was a top prospect for a reason. He’s versatile, he hits for average, and he has gap power. He should be your starting third baseman or maybe even second base. But then you have Royce Lewis returning from injuries. When he’s healthy, he’s an All-Star caliber player at first base or third. The problem is, can he stay healthy?
Kelly: Right. And if Lewis is at first, where does Lee go? Third base is his natural spot. Do you bench Lee for Lewis? That seems risky if Lewis hasn’t played a full season in years.
Gary: You don’t bench him. You find a way to play them both. Maybe Lewis moves to first permanently, and Lee plays third. But then you have Kody Clemens at second. Clemens is solid, but he’s not an impact player. Luke Keaschall is a rookie option who showed flashes. The Twins might need to trade Clemens to clear space if they believe in Keaschall or if they want to add another piece.
Kelly: Wait, did you just suggest trading Kody Clemens? He’s been a reliable veteran. Are you sure the kid, Keaschall, is ready to take over?
Gary: I’m suggesting the Twins evaluate their future. Clemens is a stopgap. Keaschall, along with guys like Tristan Gray and Ryan Kreidler at shortstop, represents the younger core. If Gray or Kreidler impresses in winter ball, they could push for a utility role. The Twins have shown they like young players. Remember Walker Jenkins and Brooks Lee? Those are the guys they want to build around.
Kelly: Okay, so the message is: youth over experience unless the experience is elite. Got it. So, shortstop battle. Tristan Gray vs. Ryan Kreidler vs. Ben Ross. Who wins that job?
Gary: Tristan Gray has the best raw tools. His speed and defense are above average. Kreidler is more polished offensively but slower. Ross is a project. I think Gray wins the utility shortstop job. If Brooks Lee stays at third, and Royce Lewis at first, and Clemens at second, you need a fast glove at short. Gray fits that bill.
Kelly: Fair enough. Gray gets the nod for now. But what about the outfield? We have Byron Buxton, Austin Martin, Trevor Larnach, Gabriel Gonzalez, Matt Wallner, Alan Roden, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Hendry Mendez, and Walker Jenkins. That’s nine outfielders. How do you fit them all?
Gary: You don’t. Not all of them. Buxton is the anchor. Even if he’s limited, his presence is huge. Martin is your center fielder of the future. Larnach is the left-handed bat. Gonzalez and Wallner are competition for right field. But Jenkins? He’s the wildcard. If he hits well in the minors, he pushes someone out.
Kelly: And the pitchers? Dean Kremer, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Connor Prielipp. Plus the bullpen with Taylor Rogers, A.J. Minter, Garrett Acton, Jeff Hoffman, Yoendrys Gomez, Eric Orze, Andrew Morris, Tommy Nance, Travis Adams, and Kendry Rojas. Who’s trending up?
Gary: Matthews looked like a future ace in small samples. Prielipp has the stuff. In the bullpen, Hoffman and Minter are setup anchors. Rogers is still the closer until he doesn’t want to be anymore. Acton and Gomez are high-upside arms who could flip roles quickly.
Kelly: Alright, before we get into the final predictions, I want to pause for a second. If you’ve enjoyed breaking down these roster battles with us, and you found some value in seeing how the Twins’ puzzle pieces might fit together for 2027, please consider supporting the show. It helps keep this content free and daily. Just check out the link in the episode description.
Gary: We appreciate every listener who chips in. It allows us to dig deeper into the stats and give you the best analysis possible. Thank you for being part of the community.
Kelly: Back to Segment Three: Final Predictions. Here is my Opening Day roster projection. Catcher: Victor Caratini. First Base: Royce Lewis. Second Base: Kody Clemens. Third Base: Brooks Lee. Shortstop: Tristan Gray. Outfield: Byron Buxton, Austin Martin, Trevor Larnach. DH: Josh Bell.
Gary: I agree with most of that. I’d swap Caratini for Jeffers if Jeffers is healthy. I’d put Luke Keaschall in as a late-inning replacement at second if Clemens struggles early. And I’d start Connor Prielipp in the fifth spot of the rotation. He’s earned it based on his minor league performance and spring training potential.
Kelly: So, Jeffers over Caratini, Keaschall on the bubble, and Prielipp in the rotation. Sounds like a plan. For the Twins fans listening, what do you think? Are you ready for 2027?
Gary: I am. The foundation is there. Young stars, solid pitching, and a clear path forward. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a promising direction.
Kelly: That’s the spirit. Thanks for joining us on the Beatline Podcast Network. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Go Twins!