The Twins have been quiet this offseason, with minimal moves made around the margins and a couple late signings. With spring training on the horizon, who is projected to make the team’s Opening Day roster?
Despite the lack of splashy additions, the team is positioned to enter the 2025 season with a strong core of returning players. Last month, Seth Stohs looked at the team’s projected roster, but there have been some changes since that point. Let’s take a look at the projected Opening Day roster and how the lineup might shake out based on matchups.
Starting Rotation (5): RHP Pablo López, RHP Bailey Ober, RHP Joe Ryan, RHP Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP Chris Paddack
Minnesota’s rotation remains largely intact from last season, with López set to lead the staff. Ober and Ryan provide stability, while Woods Richardson is expected to take on a larger role.
Paddack, now further removed from Tommy John surgery, will look to regain his pre-injury form. David Festa and Zebby Matthews could push for spots if injuries arise, while Brent Headrick offers a left-handed alternative.
There is no such thing as too much pitching depth, but the Twins are in a good spot at the start of spring training. However, the club has been rumored to be interested in adding another frontline starting pitcher like San Diego’s Dylan Cease.
More depth can help the club through the rigors of a 162-game season.
Others on the 40-man roster: RHP David Festa, RHP Zebby Matthews, RHP Travis Adams, LHP Brent Headrick, RHP Marco Raya
Bullpen (8): RHP Jhoan Durán, RHP Griffin Jax, RHP Cole Sands, LHP Danny Coulombe, RHP Jorge Alcalá, RHP Justin Topa, RHP Michael Tonkin, RHP Eiberson Castellano (Rule 5), RHP Brock Stewart (IL)
Durán remains one of the most electric closers in baseball, while Jax continues to be a high-leverage weapon. Sands and Coulombe provide middle-relief depth and (especially in Sands’s case) some serious upside, with Alcalá looking to build off a strong 2024.
Tonkin and Topa bring experience, while Castellano will need to stay on the roster as a Rule 5 pick.
Louie Varland, Kody Funderburk, and Matt Canterino provide intriguing depth options. Brock Stewart is a little behind heading into spring training, which might put him on the IL to begin the year. However, limiting Stewart’s innings in the season’s early months might help him to be more available in the season’s second half.
Others on the 40-man roster: RHP Louie Varland, LHP Kody Funderburk, RHP Matt Canterino, RHP Ronny Henriquez (Out of Options)
Catchers (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
Jeffers and Vázquez are expected to split the bulk of the playing time, as the duo has done over the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see if the Twins give Jeffers a higher percentage of the work since Vázquez is in the final year of his deal—assuming, of course, that Vázquez is still around come Opening Day. Jair Camargo got his feet wet at the big-league level last season, but the Twins seemed hesitant to use him behind the plate. The Twins have also added multiple catching options to the 40-man roster this winter including former top prospect Diego Cartaya and utility man Mickey Gasper. Minnesota could start using a three-man catching rotation if any of the other catchers start to produce at Triple-A.
Others on 40-man roster: Jair Camargo, Diego Cartaya
Infielders (6): Jose Miranda, Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Edouard Julien, Willi Castro
Lewis and Correa form one of the league’s most dynamic left sides of the infield, assuming they stay healthy. Julien provides a potent left-handed bat at second, while Lee could push for more playing time as he develops. There is also a chance the Twins have Lee start the season at Triple-A, so he can play regularly enough.
Miranda’s bat gives him a role at first or DH, with Castro providing valuable utility depth. Mickey Gasper and Michael Helman are on standby in Triple-A.
Others on 40-man roster: Mickey Gasper, Michael Helman
Outfielders (5): Trevor Larnach, Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Harrison Bader, Austin Martin
The outfield mix hinges on Buxton’s availability. If he’s healthy, he remains the team’s center fielder and offensive catalyst. Minnesota added Bader as an insurance option behind Buxton Wednesday, and he continues to be one of baseball’s best outfield defenders (10 OAA, 95th percentile).
DaShawn Keirsey is a strong backup option in center, but his flaws will come to the forefront if he is forced into an everyday role.
Larnach and Wallner bring power from the corners, while Martin offers versatility and speed. Emmanuel Rodriguez is a high-upside prospect to watch later in the season.
Others on 40-man roster: Emmanuel Rodriguez, Michael Helman, DaShawn Keirsey
While this roster seems likely to break camp with the team, there are still questions to answer in spring training. Will Castellano stick as a Rule 5 pick?
Will Festa push Paddack (if he’s around) for a rotation spot? Will any non-roster invitees force their way onto the team?
With plenty of competition and depth waiting in the wings, the Twins will have decisions to make before Opening Day.
