Twins

Max Kepler, in and of himself, is a marvel. Not too many European players make it to the major leagues. Kepler signed for the Twins for around $800,000 in 2009. Nine year later, he looks like he’s on the cusp of a major offensive breakout which could propel the Twins’ already excellent outfield to one of best and most balanced in the majors. None of this is news, however, the terms of Kepler’s offensive improvement are intriguing.

It has been an eventful last few months for Lance Lynn to say the least. It all started back in November, when he became a free agent for the first time in his career and was given a qualifying offer by the St. Louis Cardinals. At the time it was unanimously considered that Lynn made the correct decision in turning down the offer, but as the strange offseason progressed Lynn kept going unsigned.

Oakland has been one of the hottest teams in baseball, but the Twins managed to pull off a comeback victory. Kohl Stewart ran into some trouble in the second inning, allowing the A’s to take a 2-0 lead, but a string of timely hitting quickly pushed the Twins on top for good.

Not long after Santa had gotten back to the North Pole, Minnesota decided that the lineup could use one more present. After being connected to him for weeks, the front office finally landed slugging designated hitter Nelson Cruz. Assuming the lineup is now all but addressed, it’s time to turn the focus over to pitching. Rocco Baldelli’s starting rotation potentially has one opening, but it’s the bullpen where a more pressing need can be felt. Looking at a dwindling list of options, and some likely out of the realm of possibility, it’s worth wondering if the largest contributor may come from within.

The deadline is upon us and the time to make a deal is closing fast. We all have great ideas to make the Twins franchise World Series champions for the first time since 1991. So you're the GM, what are you going to do?

The Twins watched today as baseball's hot stove heated up like a microwave. Two of the top remaining seven starting pitchers reached agreements with other teams, and at least one of them was reportedly a Minnesota Twins target. Zack Wheeler, who the Twins reportedly made an offer, has reached a 5-year agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies. Cole Hamels was signed by the Atlanta Braves earlier in the day.

Over 53,000 fans packed Metrodome on a Friday night to welcome, for the first time in Minnesota’s history, their very own World Series champions. Left fielder Dan Gladden put on a career game, helping the Twins to get their first win of the season, beating the Blue Jays 6-3.

Things haven’t gone perfectly for the Twins starting staff during the 2020 campaign. At one point in this shortened season, Minnesota had three starting pitchers on the injured list and one pitcher suspended. This could put most team’s in a tough spot but pitching depth and a strong bullpen have made a difference. Jose Berrios started on Opening Day, but he might not be the team’s ace so far this year.

If you're a Twins fan, you know by now that the team's biggest limitation is always payroll. So Tuesday night, John Bonnes was joined by Ted Schwerzler and Nate Palmer in a live discussion including the Twins Daily community. Find out what to expect this offseason, and some of the tough decisions the Twins will need to make. You can watch it on

Aaron and John talk about Cleveland trading Francisco Lindor and what it means for the Twins, the latest on Nelson Cruz, the pros and cons of long-term contracts, another good reliever off the board, why the offseason is still dragging on so slowly, and why they can't remember your name. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link.

Last season was an unmitigated disaster for Lewis Thorpe. Now it’s time to unlock the Australian lefty as he enters camp with a new outlook and focus for the 2021 campaign.

Each contending team has holes to fill as the deadline approaches. Here is how the Twins can help each contending NL team.