Projecting the Twins' roster heading into Spring Training

MINNEAPOLIS -- As Spring Training 2026 rapidly approaches, the Twins face a slew of roster questions, most notably in the bullpen. But roster questions make for interesting camps, and the next six weeks in Fort Myers, Fla., should be filled with intrigue from start to finish. Here’s a first swing at a projection of the roster that will head north at the end of March.

Catcher (2): Ryan Jeffers, Victor Caratini

Jeffers will probably start 100 games or so, and both he and Caratini will see time at DH. The unknown here is the status of Alex Jackson, who is out of options but probably squeezed off the roster by the Caratini signing.

First baseman (1): Josh Bell

Caratini will also play here, and Eric Wagaman will contend for a bench role. But Bell was signed to be the main man, with the hope that he can upgrade a position that ranked second-to-last in the American League in OPS last season.

Second baseman (1): Luke Keaschall

There’s been talk about moving Keaschall, and he might see a little time in the outfield. But as of now, there’s not really a roster case for it. The only viable alternative to start at second is Kody Clemens, and the Twins have a glut of corner outfielders. So Keaschall will almost certainly spend the bulk of his sophomore season at the keystone.

Shortstop (1): Brooks Lee

The Twins have asked Lee to work on agility to improve his defense, and he’ll be hoping for an offensive rebound as well. One of the more interesting roster questions is who backs him up, with non-roster invitee Orlando Arcia and utility man Ryan Kreidler among the candidates.

Third baseman (1): Royce Lewis

He’s simply one of the most pivotal players on the 2026 Twins. If Lewis can regain his early-career form, or even most of it, he’s a difference-making player. He showed improved defensive chops last season, an encouraging sign that his health is in a good place.

Outfielders (4): Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Austin Martin, James Outman

Buxton and Wallner figure to be your primary center and right fielder, respectively. Outman is the best option to back up Buxton in center (though Alan Roden will contend for that title), and Martin seems likely to get the most at-bats in left. Roden and Wagaman will push for spots.

DH (1): Trevor Larnach

Larnach creates a bit of a logjam. He’s probably not in the mix anywhere but DH, and Minnesota has other options to get lefty at-bats there. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him moved for relief help. But for now, he’s on the roster and would likely be the primary DH.

Bench/Utility (2): Clemens, Kreidler

There might not be almost 400 plate appearances for Clemens again, but he was a pleasant surprise, and there will be a role for a player with pop who can credibly play at least four positions. The versatile Kreidler gets the nod for now as the leading candidate to be the backup shortstop. Tristan Gray is also in the mix here.

Starting pitchers (5): Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson

The top three spots are pretty set, and Bradley and Woods Richardson are the leading candidates for the next two, but this is one of the more intriguing mixes in camp. Zebby Matthews, David Festa and Mick Abel will all contend. At least one of those challengers will likely end up in the bullpen.

Relief pitchers (8): Justin Topa, Cole Sands, Eric Orze, Travis Adams, Jackson Kowar, David Festa, Taylor Rogers, Kody Funderburk

This is by far the least settled group. Only Topa, Sands, Adams, Rogers and possibly Funderburk are secure. The Twins hope to add at least one more right-hander, and if a quality lefty became available, they’d almost certainly be interested. Nearly any of the starter candidates who don’t crack the rotation could conceivably factor in, as could prospects like Connor Prielipp (the Twins' No. 9 prospect) and Marco Raya (No. 18).