The Twins’ trade deadline binge was an acknowledgement of reality: This team isn’t making the playoffs. But though there won’t be much need for scoreboard watching over the final six weeks of the season, there’s still plenty to pay attention to.
That being said, here are five storylines to watch during the season’s final six weeks:
What will injured starters do?
Simeon Woods Richardson, who is building back from a parasite, started a rehab game on Friday. Pablo López (teres major strain) is inching closer to a rehab assignment of his own. And David Festa (shoulder) is still hoping to return this year and “finish the season strong.”
Getting those three back, particularly the latter two, who have been sidelined for large periods of time with shoulder issues, will be important for the Twins over the next month and a half. And once they do come back, can they return to form?
López, out since early June, seems to be on track to return early next month.
“Utmost priority is definitely being able to walk into the offseason, full normal, full go,” he said. “But then the second most priority, for me, I want to squeeze as many starts as possible.”
Will we see Bradley, Abel?
Almost everyone the Twins acquired at the deadline — 10 players in all — began their tenure in their new organization in the minor leagues. The only one initially up with the Twins was outfielder Alan Roden, who suffered a season-ending thumb injury, leading the Twins to promote fellow outfielder James Outman, whom they acquired from Los Angeles.
The Twins have been opting for bullpen games while Taj Bradley and Mick Abel pitch at Triple-A. Bradley, who has more MLB experience of the two, had a strong first start with the St. Paul Saints but has given up 11 runs over his past two starts while Abel has made three solid starts, striking out 11 in his last outing.
Both seem likely to figure into their 2026 plans. But the question remains: When will they first pitch for the Twins?
Can Lee handle shortstop?
Brooks Lee was drafted as a shortstop and came through the minor league system at the position, but moved off of it upon reaching the major league level in favor for Carlos Correa. He would, from time to time, fill in there if Correa was hurt or needed a day off. But now with Correa out of the picture, Lee is getting an extended look there.
“Sometimes, especially at a demanding position, you can only come into your own when you’re actually able to play that position,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “I think he wants to show what he can do as a major league shortstop, and he’s doing it right now.”
Who will emerge in bullpen?
The Twins imploded their bullpen at the trade deadline, shipping off Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louie Varland, Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe, their top five relievers.
That leaves these next six weeks as virtually a tryout for next year’s bullpen with a mix of veterans and younger pitchers getting to pitch in important situations.
How will Buxton finish?
Byron Buxton has been providing a reason to tune in since the year started and if nothing else, the end to one of the best seasons of his career is worth watching over the next six weeks.
Buxton, who played in his 93rd game of the season Tuesday, is on track to eclipse 100 games for the second consecutive season and only the third time in his career. He has already driven in a career-high runs batted in (61 entering Tuesday) and is threatening his own home run high with 25, three off his career best.
How will he finish his season? It’s likely Buxton will receive some down-ballot Most Valuable Player votes come end of season.
“He’s having an all-star caliber season, but not just an all-star caliber season,” Baldelli said. “It’s like he’s an all-star amongst the all-stars.”
Ryan Jeffers #27 of the Minnesota Twins embraces Erasmo RamÃrez #30 after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field on Aug. 17, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Tigers 8-1. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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