Twin Cities Territory

Free agency officially begins Monday at 4 p.m. CT, and the Twins have plenty of needs to address. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about and a wave of recent contract decisions around Joe Ryan, Josh Bell and more. Topics include:

(0:00): Twins will head to arbitration with Joe Ryan
(4:54): Is a Ryan trade still possible?
(9:00): Josh Bell an FA and not likely coming back
(14:35): Twins release Anthony Banda amid injury woes
(17:54): Aaron Sabato's run comes to an end
(22:20): Tristan Gray also released
(27:10): Free agency begins, and what can we expect?
(37:21): Our final thoughts on the World Series

If you missed them, check out our previous shows on Twins' free-agent pitching targets and hitting targets.

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While other players are getting their usual rest in, Twins ace Pablo López is ramping up his rehab in hopes of being ready for opening day. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about how he's spending his offseason, how much the Twins have riding on the very uncertain question of what he'll be able to give them next year, and more. Topics include:

— Pablo López ramping up his throwing
— Twins have a lot riding on a very uncertain outcome
— Reliever Jeff Hoffman undergoes surgery
— So long, Mitch Garver. Former Twins catcher retires
— Why can't Minnesota sports fans have nice things?

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In a special episode, we relive the greatest game in Twins history on the 35th anniversary of the occasion. The Athletic's Zack Pierce and Dan Hayes, along with former Twins pitcher Tyler Duffey, walk through Game 7 of the 1991 World Series from start to finish. Watch along with some key moments, or just listen and reminisce.

To watch along, right click and load the links below in another tab or window when prompted in the show:

(00:00): Welcome and how it'll work
(05:20): Pregame and the setup
(15:28): The Brian Harper-Lonnie Smith handshake
(18:12): The first few innings
(25:00): Top of the fifth (watch along with this link)
(32:19): The epic Jack Morris fist pump
(37:14): Top of the eighth (watch along with this link)
(46:36): Bottom of the eighth (watch along with this link)
(53:46): Bottom of the ninth was crazy too
(55:34): Twins win the World Series (watch along with this link)

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What can the Twins learn from a World Series matchup featuring Tampa Bay (which spends even less money than they do) and Milwaukee (which is maybe the most similar MLB market)? The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, discuss that and more. Topics include:

— Lessons from the World Series participants
— Other ways to invest in a team besides free agents
— Twins lagging behind in analytics and scouting staffs
— Why November might bring a free-agent frenzy
— The big Royce Lewis question
— Pablo López a Man of the Year finalist
— This day in 1991 ... Rick Aguilera pinch hits!

Coming Monday: Live Game 7 highlights rewatch. 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel.

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In a couple of weeks, the player movement window will open, and the Twins would be wise to make something happen to give their fans something to be excited about before the likely lockout hits. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with former Twin Tyler Duffey, talk about that and more. Topics include:

— Why the Twins shouldn't wait to make moves
— Ryan Jeffers will be an early test of their plans
— How the Twins could make a Jeffers deal work
— They screwed over fans in 2023, they can't do it again
— Rocco Baldelli in the mix for the M's job?
— Thoughts on the ALCS and NLCS
— This day in 1991 ...

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First base, DH and catcher are the biggest question marks as the Twins head into 2027. What free agent targets might make sense to fill the needs? The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about that and more. Topics include:

— Why the Twins aren't likely to spend on starting pitching
— Our potential Twins free-agent hitting targets
— What about trades for Rafael Devers or Josh Naylor?
— What next at catcher if Ryan Jeffers leaves?
— Brian Reith is the new Twins pitching coach
— Brooks Lee named Gold Glove finalist
— Congrats to the Brewers on making the World Series

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What free-agent pitchers might make sense for the Twins to target in free agency? There are a lot of caveats, but The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime major leaguer Tyler Duffey, go over some of the names that are intriguing to them. Topics include:

— Welcome to free-agent week
— Our potential Twins free-agent pitching targets
— Guardians rally past the Hayes-jinxed White Sox
— The Brewers have got this ... right?
— Vikings, 49ers are 5-0, how about that?
— This day in 1991 ...

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Twins sale talks are "said to be heating up," according to the Pioneer Press' Charley Walters. Is there anything to it? The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, take your questions on that, free agency and more in our latest mailbag episode. Topics include:

(0:00): Are the Twins really for sale again?
(12:23): Will they spend what's necessary?
(22:55): Will Ryan Jeffers be back?
(31:07): What young players would we lock up right now?
(40:34): What ex-player would make a good pitching coach?
(46:26): This day in 1991 ...
(48:05): Corrections

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The MLB-best Brewers have built a contender in a small market one state over. Does Milwaukee's success provide a blueprint the Twins can follow? The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce discuss that and more in the latest episode. Topics include:

— Can the Twins be more like the Brewers?
— How the Brewers have aced the international pool
— Building loyalty by signing players early
— Proof if doesn't take a massive payroll
— Thoughts on the other Division Series so far
— P.J. Fleck strikes again
— 49ers or Vikings ... who's better?
— On this day in 1991 ...

Have questions about the Twins offseason? Leave them in the comments on our YouTube post. Mailbag show coming Thursday.

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Twins owner Tom Pohlad, GM Jeremy Zoll and manager Derek Shelton spoke Tuesday at the team's end-of-season press conference and gave plenty of clues about the team's offseason strategy, spoke about parting ways with pitching coach Pete Maki, and provided several injury updates. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, discuss what it all means. Topics include:

— Tom Pohlad says the current payroll is insufficient
— Jeremy Zoll hints at a more aggressive offseason strategy
— Pete Maki is out and the search for a new pitching coach is on
— Walker Jenkins, Byron Buxton and more injury updates
— Our thoughts on Astros fans booing their playoff team
— Why the wild-card round is horrible
— Mike Tomlin, Minecraft legend

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The Twins' 2026 season came to an end this weekend, and now an offseason of big questions begins. Will Joe Ryan be traded? Will Ryan Jeffers depart in free agency? Who else might not be back? The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about all that and more. Topics include:

— Final thoughts on the Twins' season
— What's Joe Ryan's future in Minnesota?
— Ryan Jeffers as good as gone in free agency?
— Is Royce Lewis' time with Twins up?
— Josh Bell's a prime candidate to let go?
— Bailey Ober the odd man out in the rotation?
— A.J. Minter, Taylor Rogers and Trevor Larnach out too?
— So long, Justin Verlander
— PJ Fleck smears player's blood on his face

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As the Twins' season draws to a close, we pick the top performers of the year with our inaugural Ham & Eggies award show. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime major leaguer Tyler Duffey, hand out these prestigious honors for Team MVP, Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year and more. Topics include:

— Welcome to the Ham & Eggies, which two of us dressed up for
— Rookie of the Year
— Most Improved Player
— Pitcher of the Year
— Defensive Player of the Year
— Best Moment
— Best In-Season Move
— Team MVP
— Ham & Egger of the Year
— Twins notes — Daniel Adler out, Kaelen Culpepper back, Texas up next

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In likely his final start of 2026, Taj Bradley became the 10th Twins pitcher to pass 200 strikeouts in a single season. Longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey and The Athletic's Zack Pierce talk about, their offseason wish list for the team and more from the past two days. Topics include:

— Taj Bradley joins Twins' 200-strikeout club
— Bradley looking like a needed rock in the 2027 rotation
— Aaron Sabato called up for his MLB debut
— Alex Jackson DFAed in Sabato move
— Walker Jenkins homers again
— Brooks Lee finishing on a tear
— Our offseason wish list

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The Twins were officially eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday, sending them into an offseason with big questions about the starting rotation, the bullpen, Royce Lewis' future and more. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about that and more from the weekend split in Anaheim. Topics include:

(0:00): Twins eliminated, and who should be in 2027's rotation?
(4:40): What's next for Royce Lewis?
(7:06): How will this bullpen look next season?
(11:36): Walker Jenkins had a red-hot weekend
(17:22): Connor Prielipp and Dean Kremer's best starts yet
(24:42): Bailey Ober gets a save out of the bullpen
(27:55): Ryan Jeffers with the most eagle-eyed challenge of the year
(30:50): Luke Keaschall, Ben Ross with some fun Piranha-like moments

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The Twins' struggling top prospect took out his frustrations Thursday in Anaheim, going 3-for-4 including a game-tying home run in the ninth and the rally-starting single in the eighth. Still, the Twins lost in extra innings. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about that and more. Topics include:

— Walker Jenkins busts out of his slump
— How nice does that feel for a rookie?
— Taj Bradley was fantastic ... after the first inning
— Yoendrys Gómez's recent struggles
— Zebby Matthews' impressive stretch continues
— Latest on Kaelen Culpepper's trip to the IL

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Walker Jenkins, the Twins' top prospect, is hitting .089 in 53 plate appearances since his call-up in late August. He and manager Derek Shelton spoke Tuesday about his challenges adjusting to the big leagues and why they think better things are ahead. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, discuss Jenkins' slump, Emmanuel Rodriguez's brilliant start and more. Topics include:

— Walker Jenkins comments on his ongoing slump
— Should be worried or will he figure out another adjustment?
— Why Jenkins and the team aren't worried
— How concerning is the likely lockout for Jenkins' development
— Wheels come off for Twins in two losses to Yankees
— Twins might shut down Kaelen Culpepper after hamstring injury
— Emmanuel Rodriguez has been an absolute stud in first four games
— The Twins need a loud, enthusiastic star ... is Rodriguez it?

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With a chance to get themselves back in the wild-card chase this weekend, the Twins instead went the wrong direction, dropping two of three to the Guardians. They're now 5.5 back in the wild card and 6 back in the AL Central with just 13 games to play. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, break down the likely end of the line for their playoff hopes and more. Topics include:

— Twins' playoff hopes all but toast now
— Twins could not find that same gear from the first half
— Ryan Jeffers' blunt assessment of a bad stretch
— Joe Ryan's struggles continue in Sunday loss
— How it all came unraveled in the second half
— Ryan and Byron Buxton's situations create uncertainty
— Emmanuel Rodriguez debuts with a HR
— What we're watching for the rest of the way

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A big series with Cleveland looms this weekend, Austin Martin returns from the IL, and you had another round of Twins questions. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about all of it in the latest episode. Topics include:

— A do-or-die series vs. Cleveland
— Austin Martin returns from the IL
— Why not give Matt Wallner another shot?
— Who will be gone after this season?
— What to do with Royce Lewis?
— How does pitching development work in the minors?
— Do Twins have too many inconsistent hitters?
— When will it be Emmanuel Rodriguez's turn?
— What will the Twins' outfield look like in 2027?

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The Twins lost two of three in Detroit this week and stayed 4.5 games back in the AL wild-card race with now 16 games to go. There's still a narrow path to the playoffs, but this team sure doesn't look ready to walk down it. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce, along with longtime MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey, talk about that and more. Topics include:

— At least one of us 4.3 percenters is starting to crack
— Twins "running on fumes" in the dog days of summer
— Their playoff hopes are really over now ... right?
— Searching hard for a way they can still make it
— Royce Lewis' ongoing slump is a big factor
— Joe Ryan looked better in his first start back from IL
— Kody Clemens is having a great summer
— Andrew Morris with a solid bounce-back Tuesday

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Joe Ryan is returning from the IL as the Twins face ever-dimming playoff hopes, now 4.5 games back in the American League wild-card race after losing two of three this weekend in Chicago. The Athletic's Dan Hayes and Zack Pierce along with former MLB pitcher Tyler Duffey talk about Ryan’s return, Walker Jenkins’ ongoing struggles at the plate and more from the weekend. Topics include:

— Joe Ryan returns from the IL and will pitch Monday
— Twins with a deflating effort in Sunday's series finale vs. White Sox
— Time to worry about the slumping Walker Jenkins?
— A very rough stretch for Andrew Morris
— Ryan Jeffers is certainly earning his offseason payday
— Are the Twins out of time to make a run?

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