Bobby Nightengale
@nightengalejr.bsky.social
Minnesota Twins beat writer for @StarTribune.com
Brandon Winokur could be a lot of things for the future Twins. A 6-6 shortstop or center fielder? He’s got the tools that show All-Star upside if he can become a more consistent hitter.
Story from the Arizona Fall League: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
Story from the Arizona Fall League: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
November 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Brandon Winokur could be a lot of things for the future Twins. A 6-6 shortstop or center fielder? He’s got the tools that show All-Star upside if he can become a more consistent hitter.
Story from the Arizona Fall League: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
Story from the Arizona Fall League: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Ryan Kelly talked w/ the Star Tribune about his brain injuries, the questions he asked himself and an independent doctor, and his helmet change.
I also spoke w/ many teammates, two helmet manufacturers, and the league about evolving head protection.
Long read: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
I also spoke w/ many teammates, two helmet manufacturers, and the league about evolving head protection.
Long read: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
November 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Ryan Kelly talked w/ the Star Tribune about his brain injuries, the questions he asked himself and an independent doctor, and his helmet change.
I also spoke w/ many teammates, two helmet manufacturers, and the league about evolving head protection.
Long read: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
I also spoke w/ many teammates, two helmet manufacturers, and the league about evolving head protection.
Long read: www.startribune.com/minnesota-vi...
Twins have a lot of lefty-hitting outfielders that could lead to a trade this offseason: Larnach, Matt Wallner, Alan Roden and James Outman, along with AAA prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Hendry Mendez.
The Twins tendered a contract to all their arbitration-eligible players, including Trevor Larnach.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
November 21, 2025 at 11:13 PM
Twins have a lot of lefty-hitting outfielders that could lead to a trade this offseason: Larnach, Matt Wallner, Alan Roden and James Outman, along with AAA prospects Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Hendry Mendez.
The Twins tendered a contract to all their arbitration-eligible players, including Trevor Larnach.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
November 21, 2025 at 10:52 PM
The Twins tendered a contract to all their arbitration-eligible players, including Trevor Larnach.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was released and is now a free agent.
Justin Topa’s base salary for 2026 is $1 million. He will have a $5M mutual option after the season with a $225K buyout.
The other arb-eligibles: Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis, Cole Sands and Alex Jackson. www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
The other arb-eligibles: Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis, Cole Sands and Alex Jackson. www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
November 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Justin Topa’s base salary for 2026 is $1 million. He will have a $5M mutual option after the season with a $225K buyout.
The other arb-eligibles: Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis, Cole Sands and Alex Jackson. www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
The other arb-eligibles: Ryan Jeffers, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Trevor Larnach, Royce Lewis, Cole Sands and Alex Jackson. www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
The Twins, after finishing with the second-worst record in the AL last year, are 12th in these FanGraphs power rankings with a projected 82-80 record.
FanGraphs Power Rankings: Offseason 2026 (No. 1–17) blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-po...
FanGraphs Power Rankings: Offseason 2026 (No. 1–17)
Part II of the Offseason Power Rankings includes the teams with the best projections for 2026.
blogs.fangraphs.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The Twins, after finishing with the second-worst record in the AL last year, are 12th in these FanGraphs power rankings with a projected 82-80 record.
📬 NEW Extra Innings newsletter:
⚾️ What Derek Shelton wanted to change about his second coaching staff after his time in Pittsburgh.
⚾️ Ranking the new prospect additions to the roster.
⚾️ The Twins win the offseason (golf tournament).
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
⚾️ What Derek Shelton wanted to change about his second coaching staff after his time in Pittsburgh.
⚾️ Ranking the new prospect additions to the roster.
⚾️ The Twins win the offseason (golf tournament).
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
November 21, 2025 at 4:33 PM
📬 NEW Extra Innings newsletter:
⚾️ What Derek Shelton wanted to change about his second coaching staff after his time in Pittsburgh.
⚾️ Ranking the new prospect additions to the roster.
⚾️ The Twins win the offseason (golf tournament).
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
⚾️ What Derek Shelton wanted to change about his second coaching staff after his time in Pittsburgh.
⚾️ Ranking the new prospect additions to the roster.
⚾️ The Twins win the offseason (golf tournament).
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
The Twins are planning for Ryan Jeffers to receive the bulk of the starts at catcher next year. And it looks like Alex Jackson is lined up to be his backup after Friday’s trade: www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
The Twins are planning for Ryan Jeffers to receive the bulk of the starts at catcher next year. And it looks like Alex Jackson is lined up to be his backup after Friday’s trade: www.startribune.com/twins-oriole...
Twins roster moves: They acquired catcher Alex Jackson, trading AAA infielder Payton Eeles.
They agreed to terms with Justin Topa, avoiding arbitration.
CF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room for Jackson on the 40-man roster.
They agreed to terms with Justin Topa, avoiding arbitration.
CF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room for Jackson on the 40-man roster.
November 21, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Twins roster moves: They acquired catcher Alex Jackson, trading AAA infielder Payton Eeles.
They agreed to terms with Justin Topa, avoiding arbitration.
CF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room for Jackson on the 40-man roster.
They agreed to terms with Justin Topa, avoiding arbitration.
CF DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room for Jackson on the 40-man roster.
Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
The Orioles are adding another coach with a catching background. Hank Conger is set to become the bullpen coach, source confirmed (as @rochkubatko.bsky.social reported first).
Conger was recently the assistant bench coach for the Twins
Conger was recently the assistant bench coach for the Twins
November 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Orioles are adding another coach with a catching background. Hank Conger is set to become the bullpen coach, source confirmed (as @rochkubatko.bsky.social reported first).
Conger was recently the assistant bench coach for the Twins
Conger was recently the assistant bench coach for the Twins
Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Twins Insider: The top priority for the team in 2026 is to develop young hitters
Twins Insider: The top priority for the team in 2026 is to develop young hitters
Learning at the highest level is paramount because there is a widening gap between pitching in the big leagues and Class AAA.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Twins Insider: The top priority for the team in 2026 is to develop young hitters
In his head, he heard a voice: Be a helper.
“I don’t know if it was God or Mr. Rogers. Maybe both.”
A quarter century after Tom Burnett Jr. became an American hero, nephew Devin O’Brien had his own defining moment.
Great story from Reid Forgrave: www.startribune.com/his-uncle-he...
“I don’t know if it was God or Mr. Rogers. Maybe both.”
A quarter century after Tom Burnett Jr. became an American hero, nephew Devin O’Brien had his own defining moment.
Great story from Reid Forgrave: www.startribune.com/his-uncle-he...
November 20, 2025 at 6:53 AM
In his head, he heard a voice: Be a helper.
“I don’t know if it was God or Mr. Rogers. Maybe both.”
A quarter century after Tom Burnett Jr. became an American hero, nephew Devin O’Brien had his own defining moment.
Great story from Reid Forgrave: www.startribune.com/his-uncle-he...
“I don’t know if it was God or Mr. Rogers. Maybe both.”
A quarter century after Tom Burnett Jr. became an American hero, nephew Devin O’Brien had his own defining moment.
Great story from Reid Forgrave: www.startribune.com/his-uncle-he...
One change to the All-Star week schedule from MLB’s new TV deal with NBC: The first round of the MLB Draft was moved to Saturday (July 11, 2026), and the Futures Game shifts to Sunday (July 12).
November 19, 2025 at 8:38 PM
One change to the All-Star week schedule from MLB’s new TV deal with NBC: The first round of the MLB Draft was moved to Saturday (July 11, 2026), and the Futures Game shifts to Sunday (July 12).
MLB has now confirmed the Twins will play the Phillies in the “Field of Dreams” game, in Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 13. It will be streamed on Netflix.
November 19, 2025 at 8:24 PM
MLB has now confirmed the Twins will play the Phillies in the “Field of Dreams” game, in Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 13. It will be streamed on Netflix.
Emmanuel Rodriguez is done playing in the Dominican Winter League.
His stats in 18 games: .292/.417/.646 (1.063 OPS) with 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R and 3 SB. He was also the MVP in an all-star game at Citi Field.
His stats in 18 games: .292/.417/.646 (1.063 OPS) with 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R and 3 SB. He was also the MVP in an all-star game at Citi Field.
November 19, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Emmanuel Rodriguez is done playing in the Dominican Winter League.
His stats in 18 games: .292/.417/.646 (1.063 OPS) with 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R and 3 SB. He was also the MVP in an all-star game at Citi Field.
His stats in 18 games: .292/.417/.646 (1.063 OPS) with 4 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R and 3 SB. He was also the MVP in an all-star game at Citi Field.
The Twins made their first move to address their bullpen this offseason, acquiring Eric Orze + they added six prospects to the 40-man roster, which included John Klein, a hard-throwing Minnesota native. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
www.startribune.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:50 AM
The Twins made their first move to address their bullpen this offseason, acquiring Eric Orze + they added six prospects to the 40-man roster, which included John Klein, a hard-throwing Minnesota native. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
Newest Twins additions to the 40-man roster (protected from December’s Rule 5 Draft):
-LHP Connor Prielipp
-RHP Andrew Morris
-LHP Kendry Rojas
-RHP John Klein
-OF Gabriel Gonzalez
-OF Hendry Mendez
-LHP Connor Prielipp
-RHP Andrew Morris
-LHP Kendry Rojas
-RHP John Klein
-OF Gabriel Gonzalez
-OF Hendry Mendez
November 18, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Newest Twins additions to the 40-man roster (protected from December’s Rule 5 Draft):
-LHP Connor Prielipp
-RHP Andrew Morris
-LHP Kendry Rojas
-RHP John Klein
-OF Gabriel Gonzalez
-OF Hendry Mendez
-LHP Connor Prielipp
-RHP Andrew Morris
-LHP Kendry Rojas
-RHP John Klein
-OF Gabriel Gonzalez
-OF Hendry Mendez
The Twins completed a trade for Tampa Bay reliever Eric Orze. He had a 3.02 ERA in 33 outings last year with three saves.
They traded away minor leaguer pitcher Jacob Kisting, a product from the great Bradley University.
They traded away minor leaguer pitcher Jacob Kisting, a product from the great Bradley University.
November 18, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The Twins completed a trade for Tampa Bay reliever Eric Orze. He had a 3.02 ERA in 33 outings last year with three saves.
They traded away minor leaguer pitcher Jacob Kisting, a product from the great Bradley University.
They traded away minor leaguer pitcher Jacob Kisting, a product from the great Bradley University.
LHP Kendry Rojas, as expected, is one of the additions to the Twins’ 40-man roster, his agency confirmed.
Rojas, 22, was acquired from Toronto in the Louie Varland trade, but struggled at Class AAA to end the year.
Rojas, 22, was acquired from Toronto in the Louie Varland trade, but struggled at Class AAA to end the year.
The Twins are expected to add several prospects to their 40-man roster tonight. Pressure is on the farm system to perform.
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
www.startribune.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:45 PM
LHP Kendry Rojas, as expected, is one of the additions to the Twins’ 40-man roster, his agency confirmed.
Rojas, 22, was acquired from Toronto in the Louie Varland trade, but struggled at Class AAA to end the year.
Rojas, 22, was acquired from Toronto in the Louie Varland trade, but struggled at Class AAA to end the year.
The Twins are expected to add several prospects to their 40-man roster tonight. Pressure is on the farm system to perform.
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
www.startribune.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The Twins are expected to add several prospects to their 40-man roster tonight. Pressure is on the farm system to perform.
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
“We know we’re going to be young. We know we are going to look different than we were a couple of years ago.” www.startribune.com/twins-add-40...
After watching Kirby Puckett play as a 6-year-old living in Saudi Arabia, Mark Hallberg had a winding journey to end up as the new Twins bench coach.
Derek Shelton said Hallberg came highly recommended from coaches and players. www.startribune.com/twins-bench-...
Derek Shelton said Hallberg came highly recommended from coaches and players. www.startribune.com/twins-bench-...
www.startribune.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
After watching Kirby Puckett play as a 6-year-old living in Saudi Arabia, Mark Hallberg had a winding journey to end up as the new Twins bench coach.
Derek Shelton said Hallberg came highly recommended from coaches and players. www.startribune.com/twins-bench-...
Derek Shelton said Hallberg came highly recommended from coaches and players. www.startribune.com/twins-bench-...
Brian Dinkleman will be the next Class AAA manager for the St. Paul Saints, according to Jeff Johnson from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Dinkleman managed at AA Wichita last season.
Dinkleman managed at AA Wichita last season.
November 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Brian Dinkleman will be the next Class AAA manager for the St. Paul Saints, according to Jeff Johnson from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Dinkleman managed at AA Wichita last season.
Dinkleman managed at AA Wichita last season.
Twins prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez rocketed a homer for the Dominican Republic in their all-star game against Puerto Rico at Citi Field.
November 15, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Twins prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez rocketed a homer for the Dominican Republic in their all-star game against Puerto Rico at Citi Field.
Mark Hallberg will be Twins bench coach, Mike Rabelo follows Derek Shelton from Pittsburgh as the assistant bench coach, and Toby Gardenhire is promoted to major league staff
Read more on the 2026 Twins coaches: www.startribune.com/twins-coachi...
Read more on the 2026 Twins coaches: www.startribune.com/twins-coachi...
www.startribune.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Mark Hallberg will be Twins bench coach, Mike Rabelo follows Derek Shelton from Pittsburgh as the assistant bench coach, and Toby Gardenhire is promoted to major league staff
Read more on the 2026 Twins coaches: www.startribune.com/twins-coachi...
Read more on the 2026 Twins coaches: www.startribune.com/twins-coachi...
As noted in the newsletter (it’s free to sign up!), the Yankees weren’t letting Rowson leave for a non-managerial job. And the Twins weren’t the only team that had interest in him.
📬 NEW Extra Innings newsletter:
⚾️ Several GMs lauded Derek Shelton’s ability to connect with people. And his visit with Royce Lewis is an example of that.
⚾️ News and notes from the GM Meetings, including the latest on James Rowson.
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
⚾️ Several GMs lauded Derek Shelton’s ability to connect with people. And his visit with Royce Lewis is an example of that.
⚾️ News and notes from the GM Meetings, including the latest on James Rowson.
Sign up: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
November 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM
As noted in the newsletter (it’s free to sign up!), the Yankees weren’t letting Rowson leave for a non-managerial job. And the Twins weren’t the only team that had interest in him.