REASSURED: Why Joe Ryan’s Spring Training PERFORMANCE Keeps Twins Fans Calm About Opening Day

Minnesota Twins fans breathe easier as Joe Ryan makes a confident 2026 spring training debut, easing worries about his timeline and solidifying his role atop the rotation. With Bailey Ober returning and Pablo Lopez’s status uncertain, C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the ripple effects on the Twins’ pitching depth and the pressing need for stability amid a wave of promising, but untested, young arms.   The episode dives into Taylor Rodgers’ transformation, drawing parallels to LaTroy Hawkins’ late-career resurgence and exploring how veteran mentorship might shape key bullpen roles. Plus, C.J. Baumgartner assesses the Locked On MLB Top 100, pondering what might have been if the Twins landed Zack Wheeler or Hunter Greene, and questions whether Minnesota should explore Jackson Chourio-style extensions with their own rising stars. Insightful as always, this breakdown examines the big questions facing the Twins as Opening Day approaches and the roster takes shape.   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…   🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-twins/   Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/   00:00 - Joe Ryan’s Spring Debut Kicks off with analysis of Joe Ryan’s 2026 spring training debut, injury update, pitch velocity, and why there’s no major concern for his readiness by Opening Day.   12:26 - Twins Bullpen & Taylor Rodgers Deep dive into the Twins’ bullpen, specifically Taylor Rodgers’ late-career reinvention, his comparison to LaTroy Hawkins, and the influence of Hawkins as bullpen coach.   29:02 - MLB Top 100, Twins Connections Breakdown of the Locked On MLB Top 100 players list (spots 50–41), with a focus on Twins-adjacent storylines, “what if” scenarios, and butterfly effects from past free agency and draft decisions.   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PlayStation This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit https://mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.   Turbo Tax For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedontwins.supercast.com   #minnesotatwins #MLB #Twins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.