Locked On Twins

    Minnesota Twins dodge disaster as Joe Ryan avoids a major back injury, reigniting hopes for Opening Day and the World Baseball Classic. Should Ryan still compete for Team USA after this scare, and could this international stage provide his signature moment? The spotlight shifts to young pitcher Kendry Rojas, whose strong spring performance positions him as a dark horse contender for the Twins’ starting rotation, drawing comparisons to franchise greats and sparking debate over recent trade moves.   C.J. Baumgartner highlights the latest spring standouts including Walker Jenkins, Allen Roden, and Emmanuel Rodriguez, while breaking down the crowded second base depth chart led by Luke Keaschall. Is the Twins’ infield depth a blessing or a sign of underlying roster instability? Find out how these developments, plus the fallout from Pablo López’s injury and looming trade scenarios, could reshape Minnesota’s path forward.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Joe Ryan steps into the Minnesota Twins ace role with Pablo López sidelined. Can Ryan anchor the rotation and avoid his notorious second-half slump? C.J. Baumgartner highlights Ryan’s statistical strengths, his path to improvement, and the challenge of staying healthy through a full MLB season. The conversation explores Ryan’s contract situation and how trade rumors could shape the Twins’ pitching future as 2026 approaches.   Andrew Chafin emerges as the ultimate bullpen vibes guy, promising leadership and good clubhouse energy, while Brooks Lee faces scrutiny as the projected opening day shortstop. Is Lee’s range and bat enough, or will prospects like Kaelen Culpepper and Merrick Huston force a shift in the infield? Key topics include Minnesota’s bullpen depth, left-right reliever balance, shortstop succession plans, and the ongoing quest for stability across the diamond. Don’t miss this breakdown of the Twins’ evolving roster and spring training storylines.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Minnesota Twins face an uphill battle as new manager Derek Shelton returns the focus to fundamentals. Will this shift finally fix base running and defensive issues that held the team back under Rocco Baldelli? C.J. Baumgartner highlights how Shelton’s “own the drill” approach, energetic clubhouse presence, and early spring training drills could signal a culture change. Questions linger: Can Royce Lewis lock down third base, and will prospects like Walker Jenkins or Kaelen Culpepper transform the defense?   Key topics include Pablo López’s Tommy John surgery, potential contract extension, and whether the Twins should prioritize keeping Joe Ryan instead. The episode breaks down third base depth behind Royce Lewis, examines the strengths and weaknesses of players like Gio Urshela, Orlando Arcia, and Brooks Lee, and explores implications for the future. Will Minnesota’s young talent rise and restore excitement at Target Field? Don’t miss this strategic look at the Twins’ next phase.   Follow & Subscribe on al

Matt Wallner’s power bat could make or break the Minnesota Twins’ playoff push in 2026. ESPN polls tab Wallner as the player to watch, but his high strikeout rate and urgent need to deliver as the team’s primary power source raise questions about the lineup’s home run potential. Can Wallner finally become the true cleanup threat the Twins need, or will strikeouts and defensive limitations hold him back? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the evolving right field depth chart, weighing Trevor Larnach, Cody Clemens, and rising prospects like Walker Jenkins. The episode also spotlights Byron Buxton’s preparations for the World Baseball Classic—and what a possible move to right field might signal for the future Twins outfield. Don’t miss this position-by-position snapshot of Minnesota’s playoff hopes, lineup construction, and the young stars who could shape the franchise’s identity for years to come. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins suffer a devastating blow as Pablo Lopez faces Tommy John surgery and is out for 2026. Can Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober carry the rotation, or will the team's playoff hopes fade before the season even begins? C.J. Baumgartner unpacks the ripple effects of Lopez’s injury, including trade speculation for Sandy Alcantara and a possible Jose Berrios reunion, plus free agent options like Lucas Giolito and Frankie Montes. Key topics include Twins’ starting pitching depth with prospects Mick Abel, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Zebby Matthews, roster strategy amid mounting uncertainty, and potential rebuild signals if the club struggles. C.J. Baumgartner examines how Lopez’s future and Joe Ryan’s value could reshape Minnesota’s outlook. Is the Twins’ bullpen strong enough—or will front office moves define their 2026 story? Don’t miss this urgent breakdown of the franchise’s next steps. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins fans face a scare as Pablo Lopez exits the first full squad workout with elbow soreness—should the fan base panic? C.J. Baumgartner examines why it's not time to write off the Twins ace just yet, weighing best-case and worst-case scenarios as the team awaits MRI results. Can the rotation survive without its anchor, or will Lopez’s health dictate the team's 2026 playoff hopes? The spotlight also shines on new head of ownership Tom Pohlad, whose bold remarks and visible presence spark debate about meaningful change in Minnesota. C.J. Baumgartner assesses Pohlad’s strategy, fan skepticism, and what “talk is cheap” really means for payroll, team culture, and the future. Plus, get an inside look at the Twins’ left field depth chart—featuring Trevor Larnach, Austin Martin, and rising stars—raising the question: which outfielder will finally make left field a Twins strength? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Byron Buxton's frustration with the Minnesota Twins hits uncharted territory as trade rumors swirl and his loyalty is tested. Is this the beginning of the end for the Twins’ longtime star, or can new leadership and a redesigned roster restore faith in the clubhouse? C.J. Baumgartner analyzes Buxton’s pointed comments, the front office’s response, and what these developments signal for the team’s future direction. Key topics include the Twins’ ongoing search for a reliable backup center fielder behind Buxton, depth chart battles featuring names like James Outman, Alan Roden, and top prospect Walker Jenkins, and the strategic addition of left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin. With ownership changes and lingering questions around payroll and player retention, the show spotlights whether Minnesota can keep its core intact and compete in a shifting AL Central landscape. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins fans face a tough question: Should the team pursue Nick Castellanos, now a free agent after his Phillies release? Is the risk worth the reward for a right-handed corner outfielder plagued by clubhouse drama and declining production? C.J. Baumgartner weighs Castellanos’s fit and attitude, analyzes why Philadelphia paid $20 million just to let him walk, and explores if his free-swinging style and defensive struggles can be overlooked. The episode spotlights the Twins' most meaningful bullpen addition yet—Anthony Banda, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers—and examines his role, strengths, and pitfalls for Minnesota’s high-leverage relief. C.J. Baumgartner reveals how new value-driven concessions and ticket deals signal the franchise's bid to win fans back to Target Field, but asks: Will discounted beer and hot dogs be enough, or does winning remain the only cure? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins fans brace for uncertainty as pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Will this season mark a true reset or a slide into deeper turmoil? C.J. Baumgartner tackles the off-kilter vibes surrounding the Twins, dissecting ownership shakeups, front-office turnover, and looming questions about stars Joe Ryan, Pablo López, and Byron Buxton. Payroll cuts and last season’s trade deadline hangover set the stage for a tense 2026 campaign, making every roster move critical. Key highlights include the Twins’ reunion with reliever Liam Hendriks and the addition of Julian Merryweather—are these minor league deals savvy depth moves or mere nostalgia plays? Plus, C.J. Baumgartner breaks down Major League Baseball’s rollout of the Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system and how it could change game strategy. Will Derek Shelton’s leadership steady the club, or are fans right to fear another midseason sell-off? Don’t miss this candid look at where the Minnesota Twins stand entering a pivotal year. Follow

Minnesota Twins face a familiar contract crossroads as Trevor Larnach’s future mirrors the Kyle Farmer saga—but can Larnach deliver better value in 2026? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down why Larnach’s offensive profile, age, and role as a starting corner outfielder give him a chance to outperform Farmer—even amid payroll constraints and fierce fan debate. Is Larnach positioned for a true breakout, or just a cost-saving stopgap as Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez wait in the wings? Key topics include an in-depth comparison of player production, why the AL Central remains wide open, and how the Twins stack up against the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Guardians, and Chicago White Sox in the latest PECOTA projections. Plus, C.J. Baumgartner unpacks the MLB.tv and ESPN Unlimited viewing fiasco—are fans getting shut out just as the team needs their support? Don’t miss this hard-hitting analysis of the biggest storylines from Minneapolis. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins eye versatility with plans to move Luke Keaschall around the diamond in 2026. Can Keaschall shine as the club’s next super-utility star, or will lingering arm questions halt his rise? C.J. Baumgartner explores how the Twins envision Kieschall as a key right-handed bat and potential Byron Buxton understudy in center field, alongside a crowded mix of outfielders like Trevor Larnach and Austin Martin. The reunion is on as the Twins bring Gio Urshela back on a minor league deal, seeking much-needed infield depth and clubhouse leadership. Plus, new ticket plans spark discussion—will discounted deals be enough to draw fans back after a rocky offseason? Hear strategic analysis of Derrick Falvey’s multi-positional vision, player development woes, and why winning remains the ultimate answer for getting Target Field buzzing again. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins fans, the Opening Day roster could feature surprising faces as C.J. Baumgartner breaks down all the potential shakeups for 2026. Pitchers like Mick Abel and Simeon Woods Richardson are battling for critical rotation spots, while Connor Prielipp gets pegged for a bullpen role to maximize his electric stuff amid injury concerns. Who claims the final starter job—Taj Bradley, David Festa, or a dark horse prospect? Key roster moves also include prospect Hendry Mendez shifting from a crowded outfield to first base, offering a clear path toward a long-term lineup spot. C.J. Baumgartner weighs in on Josh Bell’s defense, Cody Clemens’ versatility, and why Alan Roden might edge James Outman in the outfield race. Plus, get insider opinions on the Twins’ new alternate uniforms and why the revamped navy look draws mixed reactions. Can Minnesota's changes spark a playoff push or will question marks linger into the season? 00:00 Opening Day Roster ProjectionC.J. Baumgartner breaks down the Minnesota Twins' p

Minnesota Twins shock fans by pursuing top arms Framber Valdez and Freddie Peralta—are they gearing up for a major roster shakeup before Opening Day? C.J. Baumgartner explores why missing out on Valdez to the Detroit Tigers might signal that the Twins’ front office isn’t finished, despite a quiet offseason. He examines the impact of Tom Pohlad’s new leadership, potential trade scenarios involving Trevor Larnach, and the strategic merits of targeting value arms like Michael Kopech to bolster the troubled bullpen. Key topics include Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan starring for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Pablo López anchoring Team Venezuela, and how Minnesota’s international talent could make headlines. With questions swirling around bullpen reliability, payroll cuts, and late-offseason moves, C.J. Baumgartner breaks down what Twins fans should watch as spring training approaches. Can this roster make a postseason push, or is another quiet year looming? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platf

Minnesota Twins shake up their pitching staff as GM Jeremy Zoll announces Travis Adams and Marco Raya will transition from starting roles to the bullpen for 2026. Could these moves revitalize the Twins’ relief corps and propel them back into AL Central contention? C.J. Baumgartner examines why Adams is poised for an Opening Day bullpen spot, the challenges facing Raya, and how bullpen depth remains a critical issue after a “dismal” offseason.Key discussion points include The Athletic's harsh offseason report card, the impact of payroll cuts under new ownership, and the implications of replacing Rocco Baldelli with Derek Shelton as manager. Will internal prospects and strategic bullpen moves be enough to offset limited free agency activity and restore fan trust? Don’t miss this essential breakdown of the Twins’ evolving strategy, roster moves, and what it all means for their 2026 outlook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data

Minnesota Twins scramble to fortify their bullpen, but is trading for Miami Marlins’ Anthony Bender the missing piece? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the urgent search for high-leverage relief arms, exploring why recent low-profile additions like Matt Bowman, Jackson Kowar, and Eduardo Salazar may not be enough for the Twins to contend. With the bullpen lacking proven firepower, C.J. Baumgartner assesses Bender’s fit, his pitch mix, and what it might cost to bring him to Target Field. Key discussions include the bullpen’s glaring vulnerabilities, the fanbase’s frustration over minor-league signings, and the strategic significance of Victor Caratini’s arrival as backup catcher. Will the Twins move Ryan Jeffers at the deadline? Can Minnesota’s front office address the roster’s most pressing needs before Opening Day? Get expert analysis on roster construction, relief pitching strategy, and the moves that could define the Twins’ 2026 campaign. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins shake up their future as Jeremy Zoll takes charge of the front office, sparking speculation about bold moves before spring training. Will Zoll make a statement acquisition or stick with the organization's traditional approach? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins shock the baseball world by splitting with President Derek Falvey just two weeks before spring training. Can new leadership salvage a tumultuous offseason and restore faith in Twins Territory? C.J. Baumgartner unpacks this bombshell decision, examining why Tom Pohlad made his bold “power grab” and what it means for the team’s future. Insights include tension between leadership, implications for key players like Byron Buxton, and the challenge of attracting free agents with the front office in flux. The podcast spotlights payroll cutbacks, recent trades, and concerns over the team’s direction—with analysis of how Jeremy Zoll steps into Falvey’s role. Is this a lost season for the Minnesota Twins, or can Pohlad’s shake-up propel them forward? Don’t miss this essential breakdown of the team’s most dramatic offseason in years. Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins bet big on a hidden gem as the Edouard Julien trade brings “lottery ticket” prospect Jace Kaminska to the farm system. Could Kaminska’s frame and strikeout numbers, despite coming off Tommy John surgery, signal another pitching development success for the Twins? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down why Kaminska fits Minnesota’s mold and why this gamble could pay better odds than many expect. Dive into the shifting outlook of the Twins’ farm system, as national rankings from ESPN and The Athletic trigger debate: is the talent pipeline more promising than recent injuries suggest? Key prospects like Walker Jenkins and Emmanuel Rodriguez take center stage, plus the impact of key offseason moves—Josh Bell and Taylor Rogers join the roster, aiming to boost stability in the bullpen and lineup. Can health and development push the Twins back into the contender conversation? Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…  

Minnesota Twins bid farewell to Edouard Julien, trading him to the Colorado Rockies in a move that sparks more questions about the team’s player development strategy.   C.J. Baumgartner unpacks Julien’s rapid rise and fall—highlighting his once-promising bat, defensive limitations, and how developing stars like Royce Lewis and Jose Miranda have also hit alarming roadblocks. With top prospects like Brooks Lee, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Walker Jenkins on the horizon, can the Twins avoid repeating past mistakes? The episode explores Minnesota’s thinning bullpen options and examines free agents like Taylor Rogers, Paul Sewald, and David Robertson, plus the potential for internal arms—Connor Prelip or Marco Raya—to step up. C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the significance of adding Josh Bell, questions the long-term stability of the lineup, and previews how these moves shape the Twins’ playoff ambitions. Can this roster withstand the AL Central grind and finally deliver on its young talent? Follow & Subscribe on al

Minnesota Twins lock in Joe Ryan with a pivotal deal, sidestepping arbitration and setting the stage for a high-stakes 2026 season. Will the rotation led by Ryan and Pablo López be enough to keep the team in AL Central contention—or will payroll concerns force another dramatic trade deadline shakeup?   C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the meaning of Ryan’s $6.2 million deal and mutual 2027 option, the return of Taylor Rogers as a potential new Caleb Thielbar, and what Rogers’ reunion signals for the bullpen’s depth. Key topics include front office strategy under Derek Falvey, the value of veteran arms, and a trade sending Johnny Pereda to the Seattle Mariners. With the Twins’ ownership facing scrutiny over spending and roster moves, the offseason’s measured activity raises a pressing question—can Minnesota’s pitching-heavy approach power another playoff push?   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…