Minnesota Twins News

CENTRAL

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins a Top Offensive Stash with Multi-Category Potential

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins continues to show off the toolset that made him a fifth-overall draft pick in 2023, hitting .378 with six multi-hit efforts, a 1.107 OPS, three home runs, and three steals in 11 games in August. The Twins' top-ranked prospect missed time with an injured shoulder earlier this season, but in the 66 games he's played, the left-handed hitter owns a .289/.388/.477 slash line with seven home runs, 13 steals, and nearly as many walks (36) as strikeouts (43) at Triple-A St. Paul. The 6-foot-3 slugger is expected to make his major league debut over the final month of the season, and with a strong combination of hit, power, patience, and speed, the 21-year-old should be considered one of the top offensive stashes left in the minor leagues for redraft leagues because of his potential to be a multi-category contributor.

18 hours ago

Kaelen Culpepper • SS • Twins

Kaelen Culpepper Remains a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Priority

Across 33 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on August 7, Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper is hitting .250/.333/.393 with one home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. The 23-year-old is widely considered one of the top prospects in the Twins' farm system and was having a big year at Triple-A before his promotion, slashing .271/.367/.478 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI, 63 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. While Culpepper has logged an inflated 33.3% strikeout rate in his very limited sample size of big-league plate appearances, he posted a strong 18.7% strikeout rate in the minors this season. Culpepper has logged near-everyday playing time at shortstop for Minnesota since being called up. As long as he stays in the lineup, Culpepper profiles as an above-average power/speed threat with five-category upside for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.

21 hours ago

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins Emerging as the Clear No. 1 Hitting Prospect to Stash

Minnesota Twins top outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has had a red-hot month of August at Triple-A St. Paul and is looking like the next call-up prospect for the Twins after Kaelen Culpepper. Jenkins is hitting .381 this month with three homers and five RBI in 42 at-bats. That has raised his overall batting average between three minor league levels to .306 this season with nine homers and 23 RBI in 65 at-bats. The left-handed hitting stud prospect missed a large amount of time this season with a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. But now that he is back, he is one of the top hitting prospects to stash in redraft leagues for the rest of the season. He will likely join Culpepper in getting a shot at an MLB debut, and when he does, he will showcase his 60-grade hit tool and 60-grade power.

2 days ago

Yoendrys Gómez • RP • Twins

Yoendrys Gomez Still the Primary Source of Saves in Minnesota

Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Yoendrys Gomez hasn't been perfect so far in the month of August, but he remains the Twins' primary closer, despite the addition of veteran reliever Jeff Hoffman at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Gomez has allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out five in 3 2/3 innings over five appearances so far in August, losing two games. It hasn't been perfect, but he also has picked up three saves and doesn't look to be in any danger of losing out on save opportunities to Hoffman. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler had a 6.23 ERA and 1.67 WHIP with one save in 17 1/3 innings pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays to begin the year before the Twins acquired him. Gomez has been a much better pitcher with the Twins in an elevated role, posting a 2.00 ERA (3.41 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, 16 saves, 37 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 36 innings. As the primary closer for Minnesota, he deserves to be rostered in more than 34% of Yahoo leagues. He has yet to blow a save chance with the Twins.

4 days ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Twins Reinstate Byron Buxton From Injured List

The Minnesota Twins announced on Thursday that they reinstated outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) from the 10-day injured list. The Twins have not announced their starting lineup for Thursday's game at home against the Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola, but we'd think that Buxton would be back in the lineup, potentially as the designated hitter. Buxton is finally back from a right-hip impingement that kept him out since July 28. Now that the 32-year-old three-time All-Star is back in Minnesota, fantasy managers should be ready to reinsert him into their starting lineups. Buxton had a career-high 35 home runs, drove in 83 runs, and stole 24 bags in a resurgent 2025 campaign, and although he hasn't been quite that good in 2026, his power continues to be very valuable for fantasy managers. He is returning to a .263/.320/.544 slash line with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven steals through 82 games played this year. Buxton hit just .207 (6-for-29) with zero home runs in nine games in July before going on the IL, so the Twins are hoping he can get going again as they seek a playoff spot down the stretch.

5 days ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Could Return to Twins Soon

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) was mashing during on-field batting practice at Target Field on Tuesday and could be close to coming off the 10-day injured list, according to Chris Long. Manager Derek Shelton said that Thursday is a possibility for Buxton. The 32-year-old veteran has been sidelined since the end of July due to a right-hip impingement, but he appears close to being ready to rejoin the major-league starting lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The Twins face the Philadelphia Phillies for the Field of Dreams game on Thursday, which would be a nice time for Buxton to make his return. Although the 12-year veteran doesn't run much these days, he continues to be an excellent source of power in 2026 (25 homers) after clubbing a career-high 35 long balls a year ago. Buxton was struggling at the plate in July in nine games before his hip injury, though, going 6-for-29 (.207) with a double, two RBI, a run scored, two walks, and seven strikeouts. He hasn't homered since June 22.

6 days ago

Joe Ryan • SP • Twins

Joe Ryan Plays Catch on Flat Ground

Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) played catch on flat ground on Monday, according to AaronGleeman.com. Ryan is already throwing after being placed on the 15-day injured list with a left-glute strain last Friday. The 30-year-old veteran could have a chance to return to the Twins' starting rotation when he's eligible to come off the IL on Aug. 21, but that remains to be seen. Ryan struggled to repeat his delivery since the All-Star break, which led to the Twins shutting him down for at least two weeks. His poor results so far in the second half can be attributed to his glute injury. Overall, Ryan, a two-time All-Star, is 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and 27 walks in 125 2/3 innings and 23 starts. He's seen a slight drop in his strikeout rate (26.4%), but his command remains stellar with a 5.2% walk rate in his sixth year in the majors. Ryan needs to remain stashed in all fantasy formats with his return potentially right around the corner.

7 days ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Works Out Before Monday's Game

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) worked out on the field and took batting practice on Monday before the team's game at Target Field, according to LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Manager Derek Shelton said it was a "very encouraging workout" for Buxton, who is currently on the 10-day injured list with a right-hip impingement. The 32-year-old veteran had been progressing slowly from his hip injury, but Monday represented some real progress. It's unclear when Buxton might be able to rejoin the major-league roster, but Shelton did note that he is not expected to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning, which makes us think he will most likely be back before the end of August, barring a setback. The three-time All-Star is limping to the finish line in 2026, but he's had a fine season to this point, slashing .263/.320/.544 with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven steals in 82 games played after clubbing a career-high 35 long balls with 83 RBI and 24 steals in 2025. Buxton remains rostered in nearly all Yahoo leagues (95%) while he rehabs from his hip injury.

7 days ago

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins Posts Another Multi-Hit Effort as MLB Debut Approaches

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins turned in another dominant effort at Triple-A St. Paul as his MLB debut continues to loom closer. On August 8 (Saturday), Jenkins went 2-for-5 with a triple and a stolen base. Over his last 10 games at the top club in the Minnesota system, the former fifth overall selection has posted a .333/.391/.595 slash line with three doubles, two home runs and two stolen bases. During this noted stretch, Jenkins has posted five multi-hit efforts and only gone hitless three times. On the season, Jenkins has appeared in just 57 Triple-A contests (due to injury), but has posted a sharp .838 OPS with six home runs and 11 stolen bases. With the Twins competing for a Wild Card, expect them to turn to their top-ranked prospect in the near future to add another spark to the lineup, especially with Byron Buxton still on the shelf.

Aug 10

Zebby Matthews • SP • Twins

Zebby Matthews Exits with Foot Issue

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. Matthews came out to warm up for the sixth inning, but was taken out shortly after that. It has been announced that Matthews was pulled from this game due to a blister on his right foot. Before leaving, Matthews allowed three earned runs on seven hits while striking out four batters across five innings of work. For now, Matthews is lined up to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the next few days. He could be a deep league streaming option if he's available to pitch versus the O's.

Aug 7

Joe Ryan • SP • Twins

Twins Officially Place Joe Ryan on Injured List With Glute Strain

The Minnesota Twins announced on Friday that they placed right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) on the 15-day injured list with a left-glute strain and recalled right-hander Zebby Matthews, who will start on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers, from Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. The Twins initially were saying that Ryan was dealing with right-arm fatigue, but an MRI exam on Thursday showed his glute strain, which was making it difficult for him to repeat his delivery on the mound. It helps explain why he has struggled mightily in his three starts since the All-Star break, allowing 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) while walking two and striking out 10 in 15 1/3 innings of work. Overall, the 30-year-old veteran is 6-8 in 2026 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and 27 walks in 125 2/3 frames across 23 starts. It's unknown if Ryan might be ready to return from the IL when he's eligible in two weeks, but fantasy managers in all league formats need to keep him stashed for the stretch run.

Aug 7

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Progressing Slower Than Expected

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (right hip) is progressing slower than expected as he works back from another flare-up of his hip impingement, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. Buxton is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list this weekend in Milwaukee, but he has yet to resume baseball activities after receiving an unspecified injection last week. The 32-year-old has increased his loading, isometric, and weight-training work and hopes to carry that progress onto the field over the next few days. This is Buxton's second IL stint because of the same hip issue. He is batting .263 with 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs, and seven steals in 82 games. Fantasy managers should keep him stashed, as there is still no firm timetable for his return.

Aug 7

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins Heating Up at Triple-A Ahead of Potential Promotion

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins is coming off a two-homer game for Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday and has been red-hot so far in August. In four August games, Jenkins has a .421 batting average with those two homers and two RBI with four runs scored. Jenkins missed a lot of action this season in May with an injury but has been solid in his performance for St. Paul. In 209 at-bats with St. Paul, Jenkins has six homers and 17 RBI with 39 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Jenkins, now 21 years old, is knocking on the door for a promotion to Minnesota. Shortstop Kaelen Culpepper, the No. 2 prospect for the Twins behind Jenkins, was recently promoted, and Jenkins might not be far behind. There aren't many better stash candidates than Jenkins right now before the end of the season, and he could make a big impact in five categories for fantasy managers given a call-up.

Aug 7

Kaelen Culpepper • SS • Twins

Twins to Promote Top Infield Prospect Kaelen Culpepper to Major Leagues

The Minnesota Twins are promoting top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper to the major leagues, according to Aaron Gleeman. Culpepper is currently viewed as the team's No. 2 prospect (behind only Walker Jenkins) and the overall No. 32 prospect in the sport on MLB.com. The budding infielder has battled injuries this season, but when on the field at Triple-A St. Paul, he has been nothing short of dominant. Through 74 games at the top club in the system, the former 21st overall selection has posted a .271/.367/.478 line with a .845 OPS. He has gone deep 14 times, added 15 doubles, and even swiped 17 bags. During the 2025 season, Culpepper hit 20 home runs and stole 25 bags over a 113-game stint. Managers should expect the infielder to see an everyday role at shortstop going forward. He is a priority target on the waiver wire in all formats given his elite five-category potential.

Aug 7

Joe Ryan • SP • Twins

Joe Ryan Likely to Go on Injured List With Glute Strain

An MRI exam showed that Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) is dealing with a mild left-glute strain, and he's considered likely to land on the injured list, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ryan has had trouble replicating his delivery while pitching at less than 100% health, and it has shown in the results, as he has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) while walking two and striking out 10 in 15 1/3 innings pitched in his three starts since the All-Star break. The Twins initially said Ryan was dealing with arm fatigue, but now we know that he has a glute strain. The 30-year-old should remain rostered in all fantasy leagues if/when he goes on the IL. Hopefully, it will be a short stay before Ryan can bounce back as a fantasy ace down the stretch. He's currently 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and only 27 walks in 125 2/3 frames across 23 starts in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins. The two-time All-Star's strikeout rate has dropped to 26.4% this year, but he's only walking 5.2% of the batters he faces as well.

Aug 6

Yoendrys Gómez • RP • Twins

Yoendrys Gomez May be Challenged for Saves After Trade Deadline

Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Yoendrys Gomez quickly became the team's favorite for saves after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays early in the season, but he could have competition for the ninth-inning role the rest of the 2026 season after the Twins added veteran righty Jeff Hoffman at Monday's trade deadline. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler has been much better since joining the Twins, posting a 1.93 ERA (3.03 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, 13 saves, and a 33:15 K:BB in 32 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. In 11 appearances for the Twins in July, Gomez was solid, allowing just two earned runs with seven walks, 10 strikeouts, two wins, and five saves in 10 1/3 innings pitched. It's not like he has pitched poorly with the Twins, but the addition of Hoffman will give manager Derek Shelton another option in high-leverage, late-game situations as the Twins try to sneak into the postseason. Gomez is still worth rostering in deeper leagues (he's rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues), but don't be surprised if Hoffman joins the saves mix in Minnesota.

Aug 6

Joe Ryan • SP • Twins

Joe Ryan's Next Start in Doubt Due to Back, Glute Injuries

The Athletic's Dan Hayes reports that Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan's (back, glute) next start is "in doubt" due to back and glute injuries. Manager Derek Shelton said that Ryan has already left the team to be evaluated by team physician Christopher Camp in Minneapolis. "He's frustrated and not able to replicate his delivery. The ability to repeat his delivery, I'm not going to say it's not physical. But we owe it to him and to us to find out what he's feeling and how he's going about it," Shelton said. Ryan allowed four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in Tuesday's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Royals, and when asked if he's physically capable of doing what he wants with his delivery, Ryan said, "No, definitely not." It helps explain why he has a 9.39 ERA with 25 hits allowed in 15 1/3 frames in his last three outings. He also gave up a major-league record six home runs on July 20 against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Ryan was dominant for fantasy managers in the first half, posting a 2.85 ERA with 128 strikeouts in 110 1/3 innings, but he has fallen apart in the second half and just isn't healthy right now. It sounds like an injured-list stint is coming.

Aug 5

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins Pads MLB-Ready Resume With Latest Three-Hit Effort

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has been a steady force at the plate for Triple-A St. Paul this year and has reached base safely via hit or walk in 23 straight games after a three-hit effort in his latest contest on Sunday. The Twins' top-ranked prospect is now slashing .299/.396/.479 with six home runs, 10 steals, and nearly as many walks (32) as strikeouts (37). The former fifth-overall draft pick missed a month and a half earlier this year with a shoulder injury, with injuries something that has become a regular occurrence over the course of his minor league career, having never played in more than 84 games in any one particular season. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-3 slugger has been productive when on the field, producing a slash line on par with his 2026 numbers during his minor league career: .296/.399/.467. Look for the 21-year-old to make his MLB debut later this year, and he should be viewed as a stashworthy multi-category producer for fantasy.

Aug 4

Jeff Hoffman • RP • Twins

Jeff Hoffman Back on Waiver-Wire Radar With New Club

The Minnesota Twins acquired veteran right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman at Monday's trade deadline to further bolster their bullpen for the stretch run, and the move should make the 33-year-old more attractive off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. Hoffman opened the 2026 season as the closer for the Toronto Blue Jays, but a rough start to the year led to him being demoted from the role, which caused him to lose most of his fantasy appeal. Overall, he is 6-7 with a 3.94 ERA (2.49 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, only five saves, 75 strikeouts, and 18 walks in his 48 innings out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays. However, since the start of June, Hoffman has turned things around, posting a 1.21 ERA (2.34 FIP) with eight walks, 30 strikeouts, two wins, a blown save, and six holds. Yoendrys Gomez has been the Twins' closer, but if he struggles at all, the Twins probably won't hesitate to turn to Hoffman, who has 50 career saves in his 11 big-league seasons. Right now, Hoffman is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues. He's a more intriguing speculative stash for saves now.

Aug 4

Jeff Hoffman • RP • Twins

Twins Add Jeff Hoffman to Bullpen Mix at Trade Deadline

The Minnesota Twins have acquired right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. In exchange for Hoffman, Minnesota sent out a trio of prospects in pitchers Dasan Hill and John Klein, as well as infielder Dameury Pena. Hoffman opened 2026 as the closer in Toronto, but early-season struggles led to him being removed from the role. However, the 33-year-old has turned it on over the last two months, allowing just three earned runs while recording 30 strikeouts across 22 1/3 innings since the start of June. For the season overall, Hoffman has posted a stellar 34.9% strikeout rate to go along with six wins, 12 holds, and five saves. In Minnesota, Hoffman could have a chance to re-emerge as a primary ninth-inning option. Particularly in deeper leagues, he profiles as a worthy waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.

Aug 3

Minnesota Twins News

LEGEND