Lopez, Ryan, Ober, Buxton, Keaschall, Abel, Bradley, Jenkins. Just a few names Twins fans are either familiar with or will be by the end of the 2026 season.
The Twins have major league talent. Thats not a doubt. But how much of their 2026 success will come from some players that may not be necessarily familiar to the casual fan, but whose names they hopefully learn quickly. Lets take a look at the most intriguing Twins players heading into this season:
1. Pablo Lopez
Ace. Veteran. Leader. The player with one of the top two salaries on the team, is coming off a disappointing and injury filled 2025 season. Amid second half and off-season trade rumors, he’s set to enter the season as the leader of the Twins staff. So why is such a “proven commodity” intriguing? Two reasons:
– Will he still be a Twin the entire season, or if the team starts out slow, will be be dealt at or before the deadline?
– What will his value be? Hes on a relatively (in baseball terms) team friendly deal, and hes battled injuries the last two seasons. A healthy Pablo benefits everyone; the Twins get their ace for 30 to 35 starts a year, and Pablo can showcase his stuff in a year where the Twins aren’t expected to contend.
Yes, he is the easiest to pencil in the rotation every fifth day, when healthy. But given his injuries the last two years, the now uncertainty in the front office, and the fact he was already mentioned in trade talks dating back to last year, for me, Pablo is far and away for me, the #1 intriguing player on this roster heading into 2026.
2. Joe Ryan
See Pablo Lopez above. Both for injury and trade rumors. He will bring more in trade value.
3. Matt Wallner
Wallner is coming off a disappointing 2025 season garnering just 336 ABs in 104 games. He hit .202 and had 22 home runs. Rocco hit him high in the lineup, sometimes leadoff or even number two, but he needs to be moved lower. He had 114 strikeouts in 336 ABs (one ever 2.94 ABs) compared to just 46 walks. The power is there, but he could very easily become a Joey Gallo type, all-or-nothing players, and if he does, how long can the Twins play him with the bevy of OFers (especially corners) they have waiting in the wings?
– Can he revert back to his 2024 self that helps the Twins or will he continue to hit just above the Mendoza line and he’s already hit his ceiling?
There are many other players who could be on here. Heck, the entire team could be on here. But these are the three biggest intriguing players in my opinion as we go into 2026. Who are yours? Let me know below!