Image courtesy of © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The 2025 Minnesota Twins’ 92-loss campaign was filled with disappointment. Still, for every standout like Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan, some players did the opposite, pushing the team further away from contention. Whether it was young hitters struggling to adjust to big-league pitching or relievers imploding in critical spots, the Twins’ roster was riddled with underperformance from top to bottom.
The offensive side saw a mix of rookies and young regulars fail to build on the optimism that surrounded the club last spring. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. (-1.2 rWAR) and Brooks Lee (-1.0 rWAR) both received extended playing time but often looked overmatched at the plate. Edouard Julien (-1.0 rWAR) fell out of the team’s long-term plans, and Jose Miranda (-0.3 rWAR) spent much of 2025 underperforming at Triple-A.
On the pitching side, the bullpen was supposed to be the team’s strength, and it proved unreliable at times. Jorge Alcala (-0.8 rWAR) and Brooks Kriske (-0.8 rWAR) provided multiple blowups. Even depth arms like Travis Adams (-0.9 rWAR) and Joey Wentz (-0.4 rWAR) couldn’t provide stability when injuries struck.
So, with another losing season in the books, it’s time to look back at the players who hurt the team the most in 2025.
5. Travis Adams, RHP
2025 Stats: -0.9 rWAR, -11 RAA, -1.1 WAA
2026 Outlook: Adams entered the season as a late-blooming depth starter, and the Twins decided to go a different route with him and a group of pitchers in the minors. Instead of a traditional starter role, they kept Adams on a regular routine of pitching every four days. The results were mixed in the minors, and he struggled when called up to the Twins. His command issues and inability to finish off hitters kept him from seizing the opportunity. Entering 2026, Adams and the Twins may need to consider shifting him to a one-inning role to maximize his performance.
4. Edouard Julien, IF
2025 Stats: -1.0 rWAR, -7 Rbat, -5 Rfield, -2 Rbaser, -1.5 WAA
2026 Outlook: The Twins hoped Julien would rebound after a sophomore season where he posted a 74 OPS+ in 94 big-league games. However, his bat never reignited the way it did in 2023. Pitchers adjusted, exploiting holes in his swing, while his glove and baserunning continued to cost the team runs. He saw a slight bump in his OPS (+17), but his 76 OPS+ was nearly identical to his 2025 performance. With other infield options, Julien’s role for 2026 looks murky. He’ll need a hot spring and a rediscovery of his plate discipline if he wants to remain in Minnesota’s plans.
3. Brooks Lee, SS/3B
2025 Stats: -1.0 rWAR, -14 Rbat, -17 Rfield, -2.7 WAA
2026 Outlook: It’s hard to gauge Lee’s performance during his first 189 games at the big-league level. As a prospect, he was projected as the Twins’ cornerstone infielder of the future. Unfortunately, his bat hasn’t lived up to the numbers he produced in the minor leagues with a 75 OPS+ and an OBP below .280 for his career. The club still believes in his talent because Lee’s approach and contact skills were elite in the minors, but the pressure will be immense heading into 2026. On paper, he’s the team’s Opening Day starting shortstop, but the team will likely need a veteran backup to push him this spring.
2. Jorge Alcala, RHP
2025 Stats: -0.8 rWAR, -12 RAA, -1.3 WAA
2026 Outlook: Alcala’s blowup last year in Texas sent the Twins into a tailspin from which they have yet to recover. After showing flashes of dominance early in his career, Alcala’s 2025 season may have been his breaking point. His velocity returned after shoulder issues, but his command didn’t. Walks and home runs piled up, turning late leads into losses far too often. In June, the Twins traded Alcala to the Red Sox for Andy Lugo. By August, he was selected off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals. There always seemed to be promise in his arm, but he never put it all together in a Twins uniform.
1. DaShawn Keirsey Jr., OF
2025 Stats: -1.2 rWAR, -12 Rbat, -1.5 WAA
2026 Outlook: Few players had a tougher introduction to the majors than Keirsey Jr. After years of quietly producing in the minors, he earned his shot but couldn’t capitalize. The Twins also didn’t do him any favors as he failed to get regular playing time and struggled when given limited opportunities. His strikeout rate ballooned (37.5%), and his -13 OPS+ was one of MLB’s worst totals. The Twins value his speed and effort, but 2025 showed he might need to get more regular playing time to be successful. Minnesota added multiple outfielders at the trade deadline, like James Outman and Alan Roden, which likely pushes the 28-year-old Keirsey out of their plans.
The Twins’ disappointing 2025 wasn’t about one player or one decision; it was a result of a thousand small failures. From top prospects struggling to develop to veterans failing to provide stability, Minnesota’s depth evaporated when it mattered most. As the front office reshapes the roster this winter, it’ll need to decide which of these players still fit into the organization’s future and which belong in the past.
Do you agree with the rankings above? Should other players be added to the list? Leave a comment and start the discussion.