TRADE TARGET: Why the Minnesota Twins Should TARGET Anthony Bender—Upgrade Bullpen, Salvage 2026!

Minnesota Twins scramble to fortify their bullpen, but is trading for Miami Marlins’ Anthony Bender the missing piece? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down the urgent search for high-leverage relief arms, exploring why recent low-profile additions like Matt Bowman, Jackson Kowar, and Eduardo Salazar may not be enough for the Twins to contend. With the bullpen lacking proven firepower, C.J. Baumgartner assesses Bender’s fit, his pitch mix, and what it might cost to bring him to Target Field. Key discussions include the bullpen’s glaring vulnerabilities, the fanbase’s frustration over minor-league signings, and the strategic significance of Victor Caratini’s arrival as backup catcher. Will the Twins move Ryan Jeffers at the deadline? Can Minnesota’s front office address the roster’s most pressing needs before Opening Day? Get expert analysis on roster construction, relief pitching strategy, and the moves that could define the Twins’ 2026 campaign. 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 Bullpen Needs & Trade TargetC.J. Baumgartner analyzes the Minnesota Twins' lack of high-leverage relievers, discusses why simply stockpiling low-level bullpen arms isn’t enough, and makes a case for the Twins to trade for Anthony Bender of the Miami Marlins. 13:42 Bullpen Depth Moves BreakdownC.J. Baumgartner breaks down the Twins’ recent additions of Matt Bowman, Jackson Kowar, and Eduardo Salazar, evaluating their chances to stick with the team and explaining the pros and cons of each option. 27:40 Catcher Situation & Offseason RankingThe focus shifts to the catching situation after the signing of Victor Caratini. C.J. Baumgartner explains why this is the 3rd most important move of the Twins’ offseason and what it means for Ryan Jeffers and the future of the position. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Turbo TaxFor 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.   IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast  FanDuelIf you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.   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 ClubIf 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: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub #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.