Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins enter the 2026 season hoping to recapture the magic of their division-winning campaigns from a few years ago. While their roster boasts some impressive talent, there are also several question marks that could keep them from returning to the playoffs.

The headliner is undoubtedly Byron Buxton, the perennial All-Star who, when healthy, is one of the most dynamic players in the game. Buxton's combination of power, speed, and elite defense makes him a true game-changer. Joining him in the lineup will be first baseman Josh Bell, who provides a steady presence and pop in the middle of the order. However, the Twins will need more production from players like Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach to offset the potential decline of veterans like Bell.

On the pitching side, the Twins will lean heavily on the trio of Joe Ryan, Pablo López, and Anthony Banda. Ryan and López have proven to be a formidable 1-2 punch, but the team's depth beyond that is concerning. The bullpen is also an area of uncertainty, which could put a lot of pressure on the starters to go deep into games.

Given the roster's mix of strengths and weaknesses, a projection of 73 wins and a 7.6% playoff probability seems reasonable for the Twins in 2026. While they may find themselves in the wild card hunt, they'll likely need several things to break their way to secure a postseason berth.