Twins camp was mostly quiet until the past couple of weeks, but injuries to Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee have put a bit of a damper on what had been a largely positive spring.
For the most part, however, not a great deal has changed in the last six weeks regarding the 26 players most likely to go north.
Catcher (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
This remains the clearest, most set unit on the 26-man roster. Jair Camargo and Diego Cartaya provide nice Minor League depth, but Jeffers and Vázquez will be the Opening Day catching tandem once again.
First baseman (1): Ty France
The Twins made it clear from the jump that they envisioned France as their primary first baseman. His performance in camp has done nothing to dissuade them of that notion. Nobody is hitting better. France will probably not get 500 at-bats, but he’ll be the primary first baseman. Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda will also likely see time here.
Second baseman (2): Willi Castro, Edouard Julien
Camp began with second base looking like the biggest competition, and it's still definitely not settled. But the injuries to Lewis and Lee don't just affect the dynamic at third base, they affect second as well. Castro may move from a super-utility type to seeing more time at second base than elsewhere, though he's at least capable at third, short, and in the outfield. Julien could also play some first and DH.
Shortstop (1): Carlos Correa
He’s looked healthy and effective, and that’s among the best news in camp so far.
Third baseman (1): Jose Miranda
With Lewis and Lee out for Opening Day, the Twins now have two unsettled positions in their infield. Miranda is likely to see the most time, but he's not the only option. Castro could play some here as well.
Outfielders (5): Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Harrison Bader, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
Buxton has looked great, Wallner and Larnach look like themselves at the corners and Bader will spell Buxton in center and face some lefties in the corners. Keirsey has won the fifth outfielder spot over Austin Martin. He can play all three spots and had an outstanding year at the plate in the Minors in 2024 (.844 OPS in 111 games).
Bench/utility (1): Mickey Gasper
The injuries to Lewis and Lee have changed a lot of the roster math, and the biggest beneficiary is Gasper. He's capable of playing first, second and catcher, he's a switch-hitter and he's had an outstanding camp.
Starting pitchers (5): Pablo López, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Chris Paddack, Simeon Woods Richardson
The first four are set, with Paddack breathing a sigh of relief after being struck by two line drives but suffering no serious injuries on Saturday. Ryan looked solid in his first outing since an August shoulder injury. Woods Richardson faces competition from Zebby Matthews and David Festa, who have both shown impressive flashes, but he remains the favorite to retain his spot.
Relief pitchers (8): Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, Danny Coulombe, Louis Varland, Jorge Alcala, Justin Topa, Randy Dobnak
Injuries to Brock Stewart, Michael Tonkin and Erasmo Ramírez have thinned the ranks of what should still be an outstanding group. All are expected to start the season on the injured list. Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano has been informed he will not make the team. That leaves the last spot to Dobnak, a starter by trade who will provide a long-relief option while Stewart builds back up.