ROSTER BATTLE: Who Fills Minnesota Twins Rotation After Pablo López Injury? And Other Position Fights

Predicting shakeups in the Minnesota Twins 2026 Opening Day roster projections with bold moves in the pitching staff. Would a new-look rotation featuring Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Mick Abel, and Taj Bradley spark a playoff push? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down key position battles, weighing the high-upside arms like Kendry Rojas, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa against veteran additions Taj Bradley and Andrew Chafin.   The conversation highlights bullpen surprises including Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, and the return of Liam Hendriks, as well as the ongoing catching conundrum with Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini. Catch insights on Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Byron Buxton as C.J. Baumgartner questions whether this youth movement and strategic depth play can keep the Twins in the AL Central hunt. Could Ryan Jeffers' contract year be his last in Minnesota? The roster stakes are higher than ever.   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 – Twins 2026 Opening Day Roster C.J. Baumgartner breaks down his 2.0 prediction for the Minnesota Twins’ 2026 Opening Day roster, with a focus on major pitching staff shakeups and overall lineup projections.   11:04 – Starting Pitching Depth & Young Arms The discussion shifts to the Twins’ starting pitching depth, highlighting standout performances from young pitchers like Taj Bradley and Mick Abel, and the impact/potential of their development.   25:21 – Catching Situation Breakdown C.J. Baumgartner analyzes the Minnesota Twins’ catching options, including Ryan Jeffers’ future, Victor Caratini’s role, the lack of top prospects, and what it means for the team long-term.   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   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 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 Use your Profit Boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals.   Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.     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)   #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.