Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers
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Josh Bell, new manager Derek Shelton and Byron Buxton at Spring Training. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
The announcement that Target Field will sell $2 pre-game beers generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.
Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.
The big picture: After a losing season, front-office upheaval and quiet free agency, expectations for the Twins are muted — making even a small perk feel like a headline.
Catch up quick: Minnesota finished 70-92 last year, and, in the middle of the season, pulled the franchise off the market and fired manager Rocco Baldelli.
- In December, Tom Pohlad pushed his younger brother Joe out of the role of controlling owner.
- Six weeks later, Twins president Derek Falvey and the team "mutually parted ways."
Follow the money: The Twins spent little on players in the offseason, with their only notable signing being journeyman designated hitter Josh Bell.
- Their $106 million opening-day payroll ranks 23rd among 30 MLB teams. It's also $53 million less than it was on opening day 2024.
And yet, going into spring training in February, optimistic fans could see a path toward a return to the playoffs after a two-year drought.
- The thinking: Their strong and deep starting pitching rotation would reduce pressure on a depleted bullpen, and a rebound from hitters like Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner would help produce enough runs to snag a division title in the weak AL Central.
Yes, but: Their ace pitcher, Pablo López, blew out his elbow on the first day of training, ending his season.
- Plus, their No. 3 starter, Bailey Ober, struggled all spring to throw the ball with velocity. The rotation suddenly looks average.
What they're saying: Without Lopez, pundits and oddsmakers are sour on the Twins.
- Their over/under in Vegas is 72.5 wins, while projection systems suggest they will win 78 or 79 games.
Reality check: They play the games for a reason, and if you squint, you can see how this team could be some combination of good and fun to watch, if the stars align.
- Byron Buxton was healthy and dazzling last year, Joe Ryan was an All-Star and 23-year-old Luke Keaschall looked promising in his first batch of games.
- And there's a crop of top 100 prospects who are close to the majors who could offer some excitement, including Walker Jenkins, Kaelen Culpepper and Emmanuel Rodriguez — all of whom are likely to start the season with the Triple A St. Paul Saints.
The bottom line: If the season is a flop, at least there are $2 beers.*
- *Only on Fridays and Saturdays and only for 12-oz. cans of Bud, Bud Light and Summit Twins Pils.