Recent content from Bobby Nightengale
Randy Dobnak claims final spot on Twins' Opening Day roster
The 30-year-old righthander started 24 games for the St. Paul Saints last season.
Which Twins prospects might we see at Target Field before summer's end?
The Twins used 32 pitchers and 21 position players last season, so depth is crucial.
Two surprises as Twins nearly finalize Opening Day roster
Mickey Gasper and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. were long shots to make the Opening Day Twins roster.
Twins want to compete for title of 'Best Bullpen In Baseball'
With Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax leading the way, the Twins might have baseball's best bullpen
Twins reliever Stewart will begin the season on the injured list
The righthander, recovering from shoulder surgery and dealing with a sore hamstring, joins pitcher Michael Tonkin and third baseman Royce Lewis.
Twins' Lee misses spring game because of back tightness
The infielder has a history of such injuries, and Rocco Baldelli said the team will "treat it in a day-to-day fashion."
A name to remember: Emmanuel Rodriguez is a jewel of the Twins farm system
The 22-year-old outfielder has been plagued by injuries but shows great promise with power and a keen eye.
Who will start for Twins at third base with Royce Lewis sidelined?
Brooks Lee, Jose Miranda and Willi Castro lead the list of candidates for an Opening Day spot.
Twins' Lewis likely headed to IL after straining hamstring
The star third baseman pulled up early as he ran out a grounder against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.
Twins finalize starting rotation after latest round of roster cuts
David Festa and Zebby Matthews will begin the season in the minor leagues, meaning Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson will open as part of the Twins rotation.
Four Twins players, on the roster bubble, to watch as spring training winds down
Righthander Eiberson Castellano, second baseman Edouard Julien, outfielder Austin Martin and lefthander Kody Funderburk are fighting for spots.
Practice into action: Spring training change driven by Baldelli has Twins hitters ramping up more quickly
Many players have had far more at-bats at this point than last year, and more than the rest of the Grapefruit League.
Twins' Topa returns to the mound after a shoulder scare
The reliever felt tightness in his previous appearance, but a week of caution had him feeling strong Wednesday.
Righthanded Twins reliever Justin Topa exits spring outing because of right shoulder tightness
The veteran righthander threw only seven pitches against the Orioles before leaving the Grapefruit League contest.
Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers seeks to improve his numbers this season
A victim of bad luck at times in 2024, Jeffers seeks to return to his form of 2023.
Which Twins pitcher has the 'filthiest' pitch?
Catchers at training camp voted for a surprise winner.
Twins' Justin Topa, a lifelong card collector, chases his own baseball card
The righthander had been waiting to appear on cardboard since becoming a professional in 2013.
Twins' Lewis, working with Cuddyer and coaches, sees improvements at third base
He is looking to cut down on his throwing errors at a position he seldom played in the minor leagues.
Matt Wallner, leadoff hitter? Outfielder with power is a leading candidate to serve there for Twins
Manager Rocco Baldelli has been sending him up first in spring training, "a concept in action."
'Boring' batting practice helps Twins' Larnach find the best version of himself
Line drives to the opposite field, not loud shots toward the fence, form the starting point that served him well last season.
Twins infielder Edouard Julien knows if he hits, the rest takes care of itself
After a sophomore slump for the Twins, Edouard Julien is eager to turn the page. "I'm here and I'm hungry," he said.
Twins' Castro happily learns to play first base, even if the team has no plan to use him there
It's one of only two positions he hasn't played in the past two seasons, but he'll be ready if needed.
Twins top prospect Keaschall starred in minors despite torn elbow ligament
The Twins Minor League Player of the Year in 2024 said the injury made him swing at better pitches to avoid pain.
Jose Miranda, primary position unknown, looking to earn regular role on Twins roster
Jose Miranda might end up as the primary DH for the Twins, as third and first base appear to be occupied.
Pitcher whose accuracy made him a rocket riser in the minors finally savors his success
It happened so fast for Zebby Matthews in 2024 that he pitched in the majors before he attended a major league training camp — and he only recently figured out how well he did.
Twins starter David Festa expects new pitch to unlock next level in his development
After struggling to pitch righthanders inside last season, Festa has added a sinker to his repertoire.
Observations from Twins camp: What stands out in full-squad workouts
We see … Jose Miranda at both infield corners, new guys Harrison Bader and Ty France slashing, Chris Paddack throwing hard and Pablo López doing "nasty" stuff.
'I love this': Hitters get fired up as Twins practice challenging ball and strike calls
Major league teams will use a challenge system during spring training. It was popular Thursday.
Twins' Martin wants to go back to college, but not for education
He was at his athletic best when he was playing for Vanderbilt, where he became a high first-round draft pick.
Rookie Twins pitcher relives his spring training moment of heroism
Travis Adams helped rescue an older man from a burning house in March 2024. "There wasn't even a second thought," he said about the decision he made.
Amid a comeback born on TikTok, Twins pitcher aims for accuracy and a major league future
Alex Speas gained fame and regained his baseball career after he threw a viral pitch 97 mph while retired and coaching Little League.
With new hitting coaches, Twins set priorities for their offense
Twins players will likely receive more at-bats during spring training. During the season, they will be expected to take batting practice on the field much more often.
Projecting the Twins' Opening Day roster as spring workouts begin
The first full-squad workout is Monday for the Twins. Here's a look at which players might make the final cuts.
Twins aim to fix former top Dodgers prospect Cartaya
Catcher Diego Cartaya was rated as the Dodgers' No. 1 prospect in 2023 but then fell out of favor in the organization.
'He's going to play a lot': A new face arrives at Twins camp as the starting first baseman
Manager Rocco Baldelli is unfazed by last season's numbers for Ty France, the worst of his career, and France is executing a plan to improve.
Twins Rule 5 draftee embraces the roster challenge that comes with the label
The rules say Eiberson Castellano must stay in the big leagues or be offered back to the Phillies, quite a chance for a pitcher who has barely tasted Class AA.
Twins' Paddack finds confidence by moving out of his comfort zone
The righthander's statistics didn't satisfy him last season, and then he got injured. He blames his mental approach: "When you get comfortable in this game, the next guy is up."
'It's good for the game': Twins players accept Dodgers' offseason spending, embrace it as a challenge
The spree has led to criticism of the World Series champion and of Major League Baseball, but athletes say the market is working.
First base, rookie contributors: Nine questions facing the Twins in spring training
The Twins open camp hoping their pitching pipeline and new hitting coaches can make a difference.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton wants to expand on steps taken in 2024
Buxton played more games than he had in seven seasons, but still was hit by the injury bug too often.
Granted a little more money to spend, Twins seek to fortify roster depth
As moves with Harrison Bader and Danny Coulombe became official, team President Derek Falvey said he'd been "greenlighted" by Joe Pohlad to "add a little bit here."
Twins clear roster space by trading outfielder Helman to St. Louis Cardinals
The team has agreed to terms with two free agents in the past two days.
Twins build outfield depth by signing free agent Harrison Bader
Veteran Mets, Cardinals player won a Gold Glove in 2021.
Twins to add first free agent of offseason, reuniting with Danny Coulombe
Coulombe returns after pitching effectively the past two seasons for Baltimore, but he's coming off elbow surgery.
Twins' top prospect welcomes high expectations after 'below average' season
Walker Jenkins, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, gave himself harsh grades after one full year in the system.
Healthy after foot injuries, Correa stays upbeat about Twins despite payroll constraints
Recovery strategies ranging from walking barefoot to shockwave therapy have the shortstop confident: "I'm ready to go, full go."
Already designated the Twins' Opening Day starter, López says he's unbothered by trade rumors
The righthander's name comes up because teams see Minnesota lacks payroll flexibility, but he tries to pay little attention.
Twins expect pace of quiet offseason to pick up as spring training nears
With payroll constrained, trades look more likely than free agent signings.
Twins flip Dodgers prospect to begin international signing period
Teilon Serrano heads this year's crop of teenage additions.
Twins sign former Athletics infielder to minor league deal
Armando Alvarez played first base and third base in 16 games for Oakland. He ranged further in the minor leagues, where he hit .315 in Class AAA last season.
Twins acquire catcher Diego Cartaya from Dodgers; arbitration eligible players all agree to contracts
Diego Cartaya was a promising prospect who stalled in the Los Angeles organization.
Adrianza joins Twins as player development assistant
Ehire Adrianza, who played with the Twins and four other teams during a 12-year major league career, positioned himself for a front office or coaching position after retirement.
Twins sign first baseman Mike Ford to minor league deal
The veteran lefthanded hitting Ford will be among the candidate to succeed Carlos Santana at first.
Twins trade lefty reliever Moran to Red Sox for utilityman Gasper
On Tuesday, the Twins dealt lefthanded reliever Jovani Moran, who missed the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, to Boston in exchange for catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper.
Former Twins manager Gardenhire wins team's Carneal Award
Twins will have to replace two minor league coordinators, and five players get pre-arbitration bonuses.
Takeaways: What we learned about the Twins' offseason plans at the winter meetings
Here's a list: They're prioritizing trades over free agency. They're seeking a first baseman and a righthanded-hitting outfielder. And Derek Falvey sees a prospect likely to make an impact.
Twins aim to meet with hotshot Japanese pitcher
Robust competition is likely for righthander Roki Sasaki, whose agent suggests a "smaller, midmarket" team might be a good route to take, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be the favorites to land him.
Agent Boras says Correa is happy with Twins
The speculation surrounding shortstop Carlos Correa's availability in a trade was overblown this week, Twins officials indicated at the winter meetings in Dallas.
Twins pluck pitcher from Phillies in Rule 5 draft
Eiberson Castellano must remain on the major league roster for the entire 2025 season or he would have to return to the Phillies. He is projected as a reliever.
Will Twins move Royce Lewis to second base?
The top pick in the 2017 MLB draft has been a third baseman during most of his injury-shorted big league career.
Twins focused on trade market during winter meetings with 'high bar' for any Carlos Correa talks
Given the continuing payroll restrictions, the Twins are unlikely to make a free-agent splash in the offseason, but Juan Soto megadeal may get things moving.
Falvey's baseball-and-biz assignment is rare, but he's seen it done
The Twins executive was on hand with Cleveland when Mark Shapiro did the double, and Shapiro noticed then his ability to "connect across every role in the organization."
How Zoll worked to become the seventh general manager in Twins history
Only 34 years old, Jeremy Zoll has worked his way up the organizational ranks since coming to the Twins in 2018.
Twins moves: Falvey replaces St. Peter as team president; Zoll is new general manager
Dave St. Peter, who has been with the team for 35 years, moves to an advisory role as the Twins prepare for an offseason sale.
Twins rookie starter David Festa had interesting second-half numbers
Next up for the 6-6 righthander: Extending his outings, and developing another pitch. Will that happen in the majors or minors?
Twins takeaways from GM meetings: Rodriguez, trade candidates, coaching staff update
Emmanuel Rodriguez had an abbreviated season after being hit by the injury bug, but he showed promise as a disciplined hitter.
Boras: New Twins ownership should bring in a 'very refreshed view'
The Pohlad family has the team up for sale and Scott Boras, Carlos Correa's agent, has some advice for whoever buys the team.
Twins expected to be active on the trade market during offseason
The Twins don't have a glaring positional roster hole besides first base. Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien are the leading internal candidates at first.
As Pohlad family explores sale, it's 'business as usual' for Twins front office
'My job is to continue to try to build the team the best we can,' Derek Falvey, the Twins' president of baseball operations, said as baseball's GM Meetings opened in Texas.
Twins first baseman Santana wins first Gold Glove at age 38
Santana edged Ryan Mountcastle and Nathaniel Lowe for the American League honor, the Twins' first Gold Glove in seven years.
Twins offseason primer: Free agents, arbitration eligibles, Rule 5 candidates and possible trades
Free agents, trade prospects, Rule 5 protection candidates, arbitration eligibles and more ...
Twins' Alex Kirilloff, plagued by injuries, retires from baseball at age 26
The Twins first baseman was never able to play an entire season in the major leagues because of injuries.
Twins hope 33-year-old hitting coach Matt Borgschulte can develop young players
After a late-season batting slump plagued the team, they dismissed all their hitting coaches and brought back a familiar name.
Twins hiring Borgschulte from Orioles as hitting coach
Matt Borgschule, 33, spent four seasons with the Twins minor league system before a three-year stint in Baltimore.
Familiar predicaments await new Twins owners
Developing revenue streams to increase payroll is never easy, especially for teams in the flyover country of the MLB.
