The 70-92 Twins appear headed for more pain in 2026, as the front office has not so subtly hinted at the notion of selling major pieces in the coming months. Minnesota is in need of a new manager, and likely a new direction for the organization as a whole, with back-to-back 4th place finishes in the AL Central.

A Bright Spot
Pitching to sell. If the Twins believe their window of contention has closed, then having serious trade conversions for SP Joe Ryan & SP Pablo López should not only free up significant payroll, but bring back the potential for a fresh young core going forward. Maybe.

A Big Concern
Wasting a healthy Byron Buxton in his prime. The 31-year-old will garner MVP votes from this past season, and holds 3 years, $45M remaining on his contract. If the team is sliding backwards, a move to a contender would make a lot of sense. However, Buxton has publicly stated his intentions on remaining with the organization.

Related Links
2026 Twins Financials
MLB Offseason Guides

Pending Free Agents

Vazquez should be an easy re-sign for the Twins if he wants to continue his playing career.

PLAYER MARKET VALUE
Christian Vazquez (C, 35) $1M

Option Decisions

Topa did a little bit of everything for the Twins’ bullpen in 2025, and finished the year with relatively positive results. If the Twins decline his $2M option, he has the ability to revert back to arbitration status (see below). When factoring in the $225k buyout here, it’s a 6-in-one-basket conversation in terms of his value for 2026.

PLAYER OPTION SALARY
Justin Topa (RP, 35) $2M club option ($225k buyout)

Arbitration-Eligibility

One of Ober/Ryan could be on the move this winter, as might C Ryan Jeffers, who could have value even at a pricier Arb 3 cost. RP Justin Topa currently holds a $2M club option with the team, but would revert back to arbitration status if it’s declined.

PLAYER PROJ. ARB SALARY
Bailey Ober (SP, 30) $6.8M
Ryan Jeffers (C, 29) $6.5M
Joe Ryan (SP, 30) $6M
Trevor Larnach (DH, 29) $3.25M
Royce Lewis (3B, 27) $3.25M
Justin Topa (RP, 35) $1.75M*
Genesis Cabrera (RP, 29) $1.5M
Cole Sands (RP, 28) $1.25M
Michael Tonkin (RP, 36) $1.25M
Anthony Misiewicz (RP, 31) $1.1M
Kody Clemens (2B, 30) $1.1M

Guaranteed Salary

There’s a world where both of these contracts are elsewhere in 2026, though Buxton has stated that he would prefer to remain within the Twins’ organization. The MVP-candidate could help reshape the young core of this franchise going forward with the right trade.

PLAYER CBT SALARY
Pablo López (SP, 30) $18.375M
Byron Buxton (OF, 32) $14.2M

Team Tax Projections

Minnesota heads into the offseason carrying a projected $107M tax payroll, $137M under the 2026 threshold. Look for them to decrease this number in the coming weeks.

Spotrac's 2026 MLB Offseason Previews