Aaron Gleeman
@aarongleeman.bsky.social
Covering the Minnesota Twins since 2002. The Athletic senior writer + Gleeman and The Geek junior talker.
Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/aaron-gleeman/
Podcasts: https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman
Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/aaron-gleeman/
Podcasts: https://www.patreon.com/Gleeman
Reposted by Aaron Gleeman
New podcast!
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
Larnach and Free Agent Hitters | Gleeman and the Geek
Get more from Gleeman and the Geek on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
New podcast!
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
Cardinals traded Sonny Gray two seasons into a three-year, $75 million contract and ate $20 million to do so.
Gray had a 4.07 ERA in 347 innings for the Cardinals, compared to a 2.90 ERA in 304 innings for the Twins.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Gray had a 4.07 ERA in 347 innings for the Cardinals, compared to a 2.90 ERA in 304 innings for the Twins.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Red Sox bolster rotation with trade for Cardinals’ Sonny Gray
Boston stated a desire to improve the rotation behind ace Garrett Crochet and addressed that with Gray.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Cardinals traded Sonny Gray two seasons into a three-year, $75 million contract and ate $20 million to do so.
Gray had a 4.07 ERA in 347 innings for the Cardinals, compared to a 2.90 ERA in 304 innings for the Twins.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Gray had a 4.07 ERA in 347 innings for the Cardinals, compared to a 2.90 ERA in 304 innings for the Twins.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
New podcast!
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
Larnach and Free Agent Hitters | Gleeman and the Geek
Get more from Gleeman and the Geek on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
New podcast!
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
On the Twins' decision to keep Trevor Larnach (for now), what it means for the rest of the lineup, and our look at the free-agent hitters they could/should target.
(We have a Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal for 20% off annual subscriptions.)
www.patreon.com/posts/larnac...
Twins roster projection 1.0: Where things stand, new arrivals, and the biggest holes to fill as the offseason begins
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Twins roster projection 1.0: Where things stand, biggest holes to fill as offseason begins
With a roster long on left-handed-hitting outfielders and short on quality relievers, the Twins have a lot of work to do this offseason.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Twins roster projection 1.0: Where things stand, new arrivals, and the biggest holes to fill as the offseason begins
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
New (free) podcast!
On the Twins' trades for Alex Jackson and Eric Orze, Derek Falvey dropping sad hints, arbitration calls, coaching staff completed, more questions about the TV situation, and a familiar rant.
🎧Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
📺Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQbo...
On the Twins' trades for Alex Jackson and Eric Orze, Derek Falvey dropping sad hints, arbitration calls, coaching staff completed, more questions about the TV situation, and a familiar rant.
🎧Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
📺Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQbo...
November 22, 2025 at 2:04 AM
New (free) podcast!
On the Twins' trades for Alex Jackson and Eric Orze, Derek Falvey dropping sad hints, arbitration calls, coaching staff completed, more questions about the TV situation, and a familiar rant.
🎧Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
📺Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQbo...
On the Twins' trades for Alex Jackson and Eric Orze, Derek Falvey dropping sad hints, arbitration calls, coaching staff completed, more questions about the TV situation, and a familiar rant.
🎧Listen: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
📺Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQbo...
Gave in to my childhood nostalgia and tried the new/relaunched Chi-Chi's in St. Louis Park.
Place was absolutely packed for happy hour, so apparently I'm not the only one still living in the '90s. And the complimentary chips and salsa lived up to my memories.
Place was absolutely packed for happy hour, so apparently I'm not the only one still living in the '90s. And the complimentary chips and salsa lived up to my memories.
November 22, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Gave in to my childhood nostalgia and tried the new/relaunched Chi-Chi's in St. Louis Park.
Place was absolutely packed for happy hour, so apparently I'm not the only one still living in the '90s. And the complimentary chips and salsa lived up to my memories.
Place was absolutely packed for happy hour, so apparently I'm not the only one still living in the '90s. And the complimentary chips and salsa lived up to my memories.
Twins have 20% of the 40-man roster filled by left-handed-hitting outfielders/first basemen:
Matt Wallner
Trevor Larnach
Alan Roden
Kody Clemens
James Outman
Edouard Julien
Emmanuel Rodriguez
Hendry Mendez
And also #1 prospect Walker Jenkins, who isn't on the 40-man roster yet.
Matt Wallner
Trevor Larnach
Alan Roden
Kody Clemens
James Outman
Edouard Julien
Emmanuel Rodriguez
Hendry Mendez
And also #1 prospect Walker Jenkins, who isn't on the 40-man roster yet.
November 21, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Twins have 20% of the 40-man roster filled by left-handed-hitting outfielders/first basemen:
Matt Wallner
Trevor Larnach
Alan Roden
Kody Clemens
James Outman
Edouard Julien
Emmanuel Rodriguez
Hendry Mendez
And also #1 prospect Walker Jenkins, who isn't on the 40-man roster yet.
Matt Wallner
Trevor Larnach
Alan Roden
Kody Clemens
James Outman
Edouard Julien
Emmanuel Rodriguez
Hendry Mendez
And also #1 prospect Walker Jenkins, who isn't on the 40-man roster yet.
Details on Justin Topa's deal, per source:
- $1 million guaranteed for 2026
- $5 million mutual option for 2027, with $225,000 buyout that can rise to $300,000 from incentives
Basically a one-year, $1.225 million deal, which matches his salary in 2025.
- $1 million guaranteed for 2026
- $5 million mutual option for 2027, with $225,000 buyout that can rise to $300,000 from incentives
Basically a one-year, $1.225 million deal, which matches his salary in 2025.
Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Justin Topa, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2026.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Details on Justin Topa's deal, per source:
- $1 million guaranteed for 2026
- $5 million mutual option for 2027, with $225,000 buyout that can rise to $300,000 from incentives
Basically a one-year, $1.225 million deal, which matches his salary in 2025.
- $1 million guaranteed for 2026
- $5 million mutual option for 2027, with $225,000 buyout that can rise to $300,000 from incentives
Basically a one-year, $1.225 million deal, which matches his salary in 2025.
FWIW: Payton Eeles ranked #26 on my Twins top prospects list last winter and, after a down 2025, would not have cracked the top 40 for 2026.
Some chance Eeles becomes an MLB utility player, but the Twins never seemed likely to give him an opportunity.
Some chance Eeles becomes an MLB utility player, but the Twins never seemed likely to give him an opportunity.
Twins acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the Orioles for infield prospect Payton Eeles.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
November 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
FWIW: Payton Eeles ranked #26 on my Twins top prospects list last winter and, after a down 2025, would not have cracked the top 40 for 2026.
Some chance Eeles becomes an MLB utility player, but the Twins never seemed likely to give him an opportunity.
Some chance Eeles becomes an MLB utility player, but the Twins never seemed likely to give him an opportunity.
Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Justin Topa, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2026.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
November 21, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Justin Topa, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2026.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.
Twins have acquired two position players since the season ended: Alex Jackson and Ryan Kreidler.
Jackson is a 29-year-old career .153 hitter in 160 games in the majors.
Kreidler is a 28-year-old career .138 hitter in 89 games in the majors.
Jackson is a 29-year-old career .153 hitter in 160 games in the majors.
Kreidler is a 28-year-old career .138 hitter in 89 games in the majors.
November 21, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Twins have acquired two position players since the season ended: Alex Jackson and Ryan Kreidler.
Jackson is a 29-year-old career .153 hitter in 160 games in the majors.
Kreidler is a 28-year-old career .138 hitter in 89 games in the majors.
Jackson is a 29-year-old career .153 hitter in 160 games in the majors.
Kreidler is a 28-year-old career .138 hitter in 89 games in the majors.
Twins acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the Orioles for infield prospect Payton Eeles.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
November 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Twins acquired catcher Alex Jackson from the Orioles for infield prospect Payton Eeles.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
Jackson is 29 and a career .153 hitter in 160 big-league games. He's eligible for arbitration, with a projected $1.8 million salary.
Jackson is presumably the Christian Vázquez replacement.
Hank Conger lands another big-league job after being let go by the Twins, joining the Orioles' staff as bullpen coach under rookie manager Craig Albernaz.
Per a source, #orioles are hiring Hank Conger as bullpen coach
November 20, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Hank Conger lands another big-league job after being let go by the Twins, joining the Orioles' staff as bullpen coach under rookie manager Craig Albernaz.
It sure seems like the Twins' payroll — currently $96 million — will sink below Metrodome-era spending relative to the league.
From my new Twins notes column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
From my new Twins notes column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
It sure seems like the Twins' payroll — currently $96 million — will sink below Metrodome-era spending relative to the league.
From my new Twins notes column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
From my new Twins notes column: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
My new Twins notes column includes a section on Trevor Larnach being a non-tender candidate ahead of Friday's deadline: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 20, 2025 at 5:19 PM
My new Twins notes column includes a section on Trevor Larnach being a non-tender candidate ahead of Friday's deadline: www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Fresh batch of Twins notes, including:
- Friday's deadline for arbitration calls
- Non-tender candidate Trevor Larnach
- Prospects protected from Rule 5 draft
- Why a full 40-man roster isn't normal
- How much lower will the payroll sink?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
- Friday's deadline for arbitration calls
- Non-tender candidate Trevor Larnach
- Prospects protected from Rule 5 draft
- Why a full 40-man roster isn't normal
- How much lower will the payroll sink?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Twins notes: Arbitration decisions, payroll placement, Rule 5 adds and 40-man spots
Trevor Larnach is the Twins' toughest arbitration call, the payroll keeps sinking, and reactions to Rule 5 prospect protections.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Fresh batch of Twins notes, including:
- Friday's deadline for arbitration calls
- Non-tender candidate Trevor Larnach
- Prospects protected from Rule 5 draft
- Why a full 40-man roster isn't normal
- How much lower will the payroll sink?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
- Friday's deadline for arbitration calls
- Non-tender candidate Trevor Larnach
- Prospects protected from Rule 5 draft
- Why a full 40-man roster isn't normal
- How much lower will the payroll sink?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred commented on the process of the Twins adding new limited partners to the ownership group, via @evandrellich.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
November 20, 2025 at 3:35 AM
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred commented on the process of the Twins adding new limited partners to the ownership group, via @evandrellich.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Six of @theathletic.com's top 50 free agents are already off the board.
13. Shota Imanaga, SP
14. Josh Naylor, 1B
15. Gleyber Torres, 2B
18. Brandon Woodruff, SP
25. Trent Grisham, OF
45. Raisel Iglesias, RP
Updated big board, with grades of the signings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
13. Shota Imanaga, SP
14. Josh Naylor, 1B
15. Gleyber Torres, 2B
18. Brandon Woodruff, SP
25. Trent Grisham, OF
45. Raisel Iglesias, RP
Updated big board, with grades of the signings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Top 50 MLB Free Agents: Tucker, Bichette top 2025-26 class defined by depth
Analysis, best fits and contract projections for a free-agent class that features Kyle Schwarber, Framber Valdez and other impact players.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Six of @theathletic.com's top 50 free agents are already off the board.
13. Shota Imanaga, SP
14. Josh Naylor, 1B
15. Gleyber Torres, 2B
18. Brandon Woodruff, SP
25. Trent Grisham, OF
45. Raisel Iglesias, RP
Updated big board, with grades of the signings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
13. Shota Imanaga, SP
14. Josh Naylor, 1B
15. Gleyber Torres, 2B
18. Brandon Woodruff, SP
25. Trent Grisham, OF
45. Raisel Iglesias, RP
Updated big board, with grades of the signings: www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Twins official tells me this won't change how fans can watch their broadcasts in 2026.
Twins games will be available via the same avenues as this past season, including cable, satellite, and MLBtv.
And no huge changes from a local production standpoint.
Twins games will be available via the same avenues as this past season, including cable, satellite, and MLBtv.
And no huge changes from a local production standpoint.
NEWS: MLB is set to announce its new TV deals with NBC, Netflix and ESPN, sources tell @andrewmarchand.bsky.social.
NBC will become the new home of the first round of the playoffs and Sunday Night Baseball.
NBC will become the new home of the first round of the playoffs and Sunday Night Baseball.
November 19, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Twins official tells me this won't change how fans can watch their broadcasts in 2026.
Twins games will be available via the same avenues as this past season, including cable, satellite, and MLBtv.
And no huge changes from a local production standpoint.
Twins games will be available via the same avenues as this past season, including cable, satellite, and MLBtv.
And no huge changes from a local production standpoint.
Twins are now #23 in projected payroll.
As predicted on this morning's podcast, the Orioles have already moved past them.
As predicted on this morning's podcast, the Orioles have already moved past them.
FanGraphs has updated their payroll breakdown page to switch from 2025 to 2026: www.fangraphs.com/roster-resou...
Twins begin the offseason tied for #22 in MLB with a $96 million projected payroll.
Their payroll was in the $135 million range for 2025 and 2024, and ~$160 million for 2023.
Twins begin the offseason tied for #22 in MLB with a $96 million projected payroll.
Their payroll was in the $135 million range for 2025 and 2024, and ~$160 million for 2023.
November 19, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Twins are now #23 in projected payroll.
As predicted on this morning's podcast, the Orioles have already moved past them.
As predicted on this morning's podcast, the Orioles have already moved past them.
New podcast! www.patreon.com/posts/coachi...
Coaching Staff, Rule 5, and Good Soldiers | Gleeman and the Geek
Get more from Gleeman and the Geek on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:50 AM
New podcast! www.patreon.com/posts/coachi...
Twins now have a full 40-man roster.
So any further offseason additions will require dropping someone to make room.
So any further offseason additions will require dropping someone to make room.
November 19, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Twins now have a full 40-man roster.
So any further offseason additions will require dropping someone to make room.
So any further offseason additions will require dropping someone to make room.
Twins' most prominent prospects not protected from the Rule 5 draft:
- Kala'i Rosario, COF
- C.J. Culpepper, RHP
- Kyler Fedko, OF
- Jose Olivares, RHP
- Ricardo Olivar, C/COF
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
- Kala'i Rosario, COF
- C.J. Culpepper, RHP
- Kyler Fedko, OF
- Jose Olivares, RHP
- Ricardo Olivar, C/COF
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Which prospects do Twins need to protect from Rule 5 draft? Must-adds, tough calls
Ranking the most prominent Twins prospects who would be eligible for the Rule 5 draft if they aren’t added to the 40-man roster.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Twins' most prominent prospects not protected from the Rule 5 draft:
- Kala'i Rosario, COF
- C.J. Culpepper, RHP
- Kyler Fedko, OF
- Jose Olivares, RHP
- Ricardo Olivar, C/COF
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
- Kala'i Rosario, COF
- C.J. Culpepper, RHP
- Kyler Fedko, OF
- Jose Olivares, RHP
- Ricardo Olivar, C/COF
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Twins traded minor leaguer Jacob Kisting to the Rays for 28-year-old right-handed reliever Eric Orze.
Orze had big strikeout (and walk) rates in the minors, and posted a 3.02 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 42 innings for the Rays last season.
No secret the Twins need bullpen depth.
Orze had big strikeout (and walk) rates in the minors, and posted a 3.02 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 42 innings for the Rays last season.
No secret the Twins need bullpen depth.
November 18, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Twins traded minor leaguer Jacob Kisting to the Rays for 28-year-old right-handed reliever Eric Orze.
Orze had big strikeout (and walk) rates in the minors, and posted a 3.02 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 42 innings for the Rays last season.
No secret the Twins need bullpen depth.
Orze had big strikeout (and walk) rates in the minors, and posted a 3.02 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 42 innings for the Rays last season.
No secret the Twins need bullpen depth.