An early look at Twins' potential Opening Day roster

When you don’t have a lot of offseason turnover, you tend not to have a lot of Spring Training drama. A pretty large chunk of the Twins’ roster looks mostly set as workouts approach.

That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to play for, though. There are a few questions. Besides that, the possibility of further signings or even a trade or two still looms, and those are the kinds of things that can wreck February roster projections. With that said, here’s a first swing.

Catcher (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
If there are no moves, this may be the most set spot on the roster. These two combined for all but one inning behind the plate last year, and they both return. However, if a trade to clear payroll becomes necessary, Vázquez could be a candidate to move, and Jair Camargo or Diego Cartaya would step in as Jeffers’ backup.

First baseman (1): Ty France
France agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Twins on Tuesday and quickly became the most likely primary first baseman. Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien could also see time there. Mickey Gasper and non-roster invitee Mike Ford could conceivably push for roster spots, but their odds got a lot longer with the addition of France.

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Second baseman (2): Edouard Julien, Brooks Lee
The addition of a first baseman also affects second, since Julien’s path to playing time probably is now more at the keystone after he had been under consideration at first. Lee was rushed a bit last year and actually could start the season in the Minors, but the call here is that he breaks camp.

Shortstop (1): Carlos Correa
Simply one of the best, most reliable players in the game when he’s healthy. And the belief is that he is, with his plantar fasciitis a thing of the past.

Third baseman (1): Royce Lewis
There has been some talk about Lewis playing some second base, but as of now it seems he is ticketed for third. He had a rough time late in 2024, but assuming he’s fully healthy -- and the club believes he is -- there’s every reason to believe he’ll hit like the star he was in 2023 and for much of ’24 before his slump.

Outfielders (4): Byron Buxton, Harrison Bader, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner
It starts with Buxton in center, whenever he’s healthy. Bader will start when Buxton gets a day off or serves as DH. Larnach and Wallner will be the primary corner outfielders, but Bader will also cycle through against some lefties.

DH (1): Jose Miranda
Miranda will likely still see some time at first base, but the preference is for him to DH. With the addition of France, that becomes easier.

Bench/Utility (1): Willi Castro
The Twins love versatility, and Castro brings it. He proved an invaluable piece when injuries wracked the team in 2024, making double-digit starts at shortstop, second base, third base, center and left. Austin Martin plays infield and outfield and could well make the team, but as of now he may be the odd man out with essentially 12 players for 11 infield/outfield/DH spots.

Starting Pitchers (5): Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, Simeon Woods Richardson
López has already been named the Opening Day starter, and as long as Ryan and Ober don’t get hurt, they’ll get the next two spots. Paddack was mentioned in trade rumors all winter but he’s still here, and as long as he’s healthy, he should be in the starting five as well. Woods Richardson is a heavy favorite for the fifth spot, but it won’t just be handed to him without a second thought.

Relief Pitchers (8): Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, Danny Coulombe, Brock Stewart, Jorge Alcala, Justin Topa, Michael Tonkin
This is one area where there will be competition. The names listed above represent the path of least resistance, but not a guarantee. Rule 5 Draftee Eiberson Castellano will be given a chance to fight for a spot, as will Louie Varland. Lefty Kody Funderburk will also try to force his way into the picture. As of now, it looks like a good problem to have, but it will be challenging sorting out the best mix.