Twins finalize Opening Day roster

A relatively quiet first few weeks of camp gave way to a hectic last few days of injuries, but the Twins emerged from camp with the bulk of their core intact and healthy.

Hopes are high for a run at a division title and a return to the postseason after 2024’s disappointing finish.

Here’s the final 26-man roster for the opener in St. Louis, announced on Thursday morning.

Catcher (2): Ryan Jeffers, Christian Vázquez
Jair Camargo and Diego Cartaya provide nice Minor League depth, but Jeffers and Vázquez will be the Opening Day catching tandem once again.

First baseman (1): Ty France
The Twins made it clear from the jump that they envisioned France as their primary first baseman. His performance in camp has done nothing to dissuade them of that notion. Nobody is hitting better. France will probably not get 500 at-bats, but he’ll be the primary first baseman. Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda will also likely see time here.

Second baseman (2): Willi Castro, Edouard Julien
Camp began with second base looking like the biggest competition, and it's still definitely not settled. But the injuries to Lewis and Lee don't just affect the dynamic at third base, they affect second as well. Castro may move from a super-utility type to seeing more time at second base than elsewhere, though he's at least capable at third, short, and in the outfield. Julien could also play some first and DH.

Shortstop (1): Carlos Correa
He’s looked healthy and effective, and that was among the best news in camp.

Third baseman (1): Jose Miranda
With Lewis and Lee out for Opening Day, the Twins now have two unsettled positions in their infield. Miranda is likely to see the most time, but he's not the only option. Castro could play some here as well.

Outfielders (5): Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, Trevor Larnach, Harrison Bader, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
Buxton has looked great, Wallner and Larnach look like themselves at the corners and Bader will spell Buxton in center and face some lefties in the corners. Keirsey has won the fifth outfielder spot over Austin Martin. He can play all three spots and had an outstanding year at the plate in the Minors in 2024 (.844 OPS in 111 games).

Bench/utility (1): Mickey Gasper
The injuries to Lewis and Lee changed a lot of the roster math, and the biggest beneficiary is Gasper. He's capable of playing first, second and catcher, he's a switch-hitter and he had an outstanding camp.

Starting pitchers (5): Pablo López, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan, Chris Paddack, Simeon Woods Richardson
The first four are set, with Paddack breathing a sigh of relief after he was struck by two line drives but suffered no serious injuries. Ryan looked solid in his first outing since an August shoulder injury. Woods Richardson faced competition from Zebby Matthews and David Festa, who have both shown impressive flashes, but he retains his spot.

Relief pitchers (8): Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Cole Sands, Danny Coulombe, Louis Varland, Jorge Alcala, Justin Topa, Randy Dobnak
Injuries to Brock Stewart, Michael Tonkin and Erasmo Ramírez have thinned the ranks of what should still be an outstanding group. Rule 5 selection Eiberson Castellano was informed he did not make the team. That leaves the last spot to Dobnak, a starter by trade who will provide a long-relief option while Stewart builds back up.