The Minnesota Twins off-season outlook is marked by significant uncertainty about their plans. However, with a few trades or free-agent signings and the leftover veterans, they might still find themselves in competition for the AL Central in 2026.

Two Years Ago

It was only two years ago that the Twins looked like a team that would compete for a playoff spot for years to come. The offense was potent behind the bats of the re-signed shortstop Carlos Correa along with holdovers Byron Buxton and Max Kepler, both outfielders. Trading for frontline starting pitcher Pablo Lopez and retaining pitchers Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan, helped defensively and this team was seen as World Series contenders in 2024.

Second Half Obliterations

However, a second-half obliteration led them to miss the playoffs in the final weeks of 2024, and it continued into 2025. After a successful May with 18 wins, the Twins fell on hard times in June and July. At last year’s trade deadline, they decided to be sellers instead of looking for a few players to help aid in getting them back in the playoff race. In what was considered the most surprising and quickest fire sale in baseball history, they traded 10 players in 24 hours, saving $26 million in salaries.

New Manager

The Twins hired Derek Shelton as their manager. He is familiar with the Twins having served as bench coach for the 2018-19 season. He is viewed as a strong and effective communicator with both younger and seasoned veterans. Shelton is undoubtedly qualified for the role, but unquestionably will get criticized by impatient fans unless the Twins win early and often.

Which Direction

The Minnesota Twins offseason outlook has a question that fans want answered. In which direction do they go for the 2026 season? Do they continue where they left off at the trade deadline and let more players go? Or, do they try to build a winner with trades and signings to boost the team?

Still have Decent Starters

Even after the substantial dismantling last season, the Twins still have decent starting pitching. They have three solid starters, and if you add Simeon Woods Richardson to that list, this starting staff is okay. They could also look to shore up things by bringing in a free agent on a one-year deal to help out.

Glaring Weakness

There is, however, a glaring weakness in the bullpen. With left-hander Kody Funderburk and right-hander Cole Sands as the only possible holdovers from last year, the bullpen will be retooled for the 2026 season. Look for Sands to be the closer, though anyone who steps up in Spring Training could win the job. Cory Lewis and Marco Raya, both of whom struggled as starters in the minors, were moved into relief roles. Both performed well and will be looking for a spot on the big-league club. The question is whether the retooling will work right away.

Offense Needed

More offense will be needed as well. The team’s 2025 offense ranked 22nd in batting average, 21st in on-base percentage, and 16th in slugging percentage. If he’s not traded, Byron Buxton will return along with the bats of Luke Keaschall, Trevor Larnach, and Brooks Lee. What will be needed is a regular first baseman who can add to that offensive group. In fact, the team needs a potent offense from everyone to score the runs required to win games.

Possible Full Rebuild

The Minnesota Twins offseason outlook could also suggest they are pursuing a complete rebuild at this point. There are indications that the team may trade more of its established players. With the second-best MLB.com farm system, the team could decide to go with a youth-driven rebuild with a look to the future, but with the potential to compete this season. The Twins needs to determine their direction for 2026 and soon—hopefully before the end of the offseason.

Potential to Compete

The potential is there for the Twins to be in a position to compete in the AL Central in 2026. A few key offseason moves to fill defensive roles while providing offensive support and a stronger bullpen are needed. The team needs to get its direction set and work to get everything in place. And, if top-prospect outfielders Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez show they can hit big league pitching, this team might surprise everyone with the talent they already have in place.