Last year the organization tried to stabilize the position by signing Max Kepler and trading for Harrison Bader before the deadline. However, the group still struggled to provide consistent offensive impact, and the Phillies once again fell short of reaching the World Series.

A potential solution has now been proposed. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Philadelphia should consider a bold trade for Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton, even if it requires parting with several of the club’s top prospects.

“This is partially about the stubborn weakness the Phillies have had in center field, but more about them properly going all-in to get past the Los Angeles Dodgers to make it back to the World Series,” Rymer wrote. “It’s a tall order that requires one more big swing, and Buxton has more than enough upside to justify such a swing.”

Power bat could transform Philadelphia’s outfield

Buxton remains one of the most dynamic players in baseball when healthy. The two-time All-Star delivered an impressive 2025 season, hitting .264 with a .551 slugging percentage, 35 home runs, and 83 RBIs.

According to the team, Dr. Keith Meister confirmed significant tearing in López’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and will perform the surgery Wednesday in Texas. The decision comes after initial evaluations already pointed strongly toward the need for the procedure.

“We knew what we were looking at, and we were just looking for like a tiny, tiny percentage of, ‘Hey, you never know what someone else might say,’” López said, according to MLB.com.

He also added, “If I would’ve heard something else, then look at other options. But we were pretty much — it’s hard to use the word ‘sure’ — but we were pretty much inclined that that was going to be the outcome and what was going to happen.”

What does this mean for Pablo Lopez?

This will mark Lopez’s second Tommy John surgery. He is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, with a potential return at the start of 2027. The typical recovery timeline for pitchers undergoing the procedure is approximately 12 months.

Not long ago, a second Tommy John surgery carried significant uncertainty. However, in recent years, pitchers have increasingly returned successfully after repeat procedures.

“The hope is there, the numbers are there,” Lopez said. “Then it’s the element where I have to put in the work and show up every day — not going through the motions, understanding I just have to get it done today. Take it day by day. If you live in the past, you get sad. If you live in the future, you get anxious. So, if you live in the present, you put yourself in the best position to get better and come back.”

The news was first reported by Aaron Gleeman on X (@aarongleeman): “Pablo López will have season-ending Tommy John surgery Wednesday,” delivering devastating news for both Twins fans and the club’s new manager.

It’s worth noting that Lopez was limited to just 14 starts last season, though he still posted a strong 2.74 ERA. However, the injury disrupted what had been an impressive three-year run. Prior to last season, he had not recorded fewer than 32 starts in a year since 2021.

A major problem for the Twins

Gleeman also analyzed how Minnesota might replace such a crucial arm in the rotation. In an article for The Athletic, he suggested Max Scherzer as one potential candidate to fill the void and help the team’s mound defense.

“Lucas Giolito, Zack Littell and Max Scherzer are the only unsigned starters ranked among The Athletic’s top 50 free agents. Giolito and Littell are presumably willing to settle for one-year deals at this point. Scherzer is 41, so he’d also likely settle for a one-year deal, but it’s not clear the likely future Hall of Famer would want to spend the twilight of his career in Minnesota,” Gleeman wrote.

It’s also important to remember that Lopez previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014 while he was with the Seattle Mariners. He missed the entire MLB season before returning the following year, a significant setback to his career at the time, though he has managed to persevere since.

On the emotional toll of the situation, Lopez opened up about potentially missing the entire season with the Twins. “It’s like going from 100 to 0 in just a moment. I was excited to be home and meet the new manager. But sometimes, you have to face news like this, and as adults, we must navigate these turbulent emotions,“ López told reporters in the wake of his injury report.

Lopez was poised to play a key role in the Twins’ pitching rotation this upcoming season. With his absence, Minnesota will need to look elsewhere for someone to step up and lead a team eager to rebound after a disappointing conclusion to their 2025 MLB season.

“We’ll be able to explore potential scenarios from this injury once we obtain a second opinion, that’s the plan,” Lopez noted, outlining his next steps to recover and aim for a healthy return to the Twins.

What is Lopez’s injury?

The initial MRI report revealed that Lopez has a torn UCL. However, the team is seeking a second opinion, as the preliminary diagnosis did not clarify if surgery would be necessary for his recovery.

If surgery is required, Lopez would miss the entire regular season. This is a scenario the Twins hope to avoid, as the organization holds significant trust in López to help meet their goals in the approaching season.

Potential adjustments in the pitching rotation

To assess the impact of Lopez’s possible season-long absence, here are the potential adjustments to the Twins’ pitching rotation ahead of Opening Day:

• Joe Ryan: Promoted to the Opening Day starter role.
• Bailey Ober: Solidified as the No. 2 starter, with hopes for a “bounce-back” performance following a 2025 hip issue.
• Zebby Matthews & David Festa: Originally competing for the fifth spot, they are now effectively confirmed for the rotation.
• Taj Bradley & Mick Abel: Acquired during the 2025 “fire sale” trades (involving Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran), both are in camp and expected to take on substantial innings immediately.

According to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic, the Twins have signed Gio Urshela to a minor league contract ahead of spring training. This decision provides the team with the chance to evaluate a player who spent three impactful years with the Yankees during his career.

Last season, Urshela played with the Oakland Athletics, but amidst the team’s struggles in 2025, he was not retained for the 2026 MLB season. Now, Urshela will aim to make his mark with the Twins, a team eager to rebound in the upcoming campaign.

Urshela’s addition to the minor league pool could offer the Twins a seasoned player for the coming season. However, his place in the majors will hinge on his performance during spring training, as a spot is not yet guaranteed.

Twins’ offseason additions

Signing Urshela adds to the Twins’ offseason efforts to strengthen their roster. These strategic moves are designed to help the team make a comeback in the 2026 MLB season.

Here are the Twins’ offseason signings for next season:

• Majors:
  • Josh Bell (1B/DH): Signed a one-year, $7 million contract with a 2027 option.
  • Victor Caratini (C): Agreed to a two-year, $14 million deal to serve as the primary backup and potential platoon partner for Ryan Jeffers.
  • Taylor Rogers (RP): The veteran left-hander signed a one-year, $2 million contract, marking a return to his former team.
• Minors:
  • Orlando Arcia (INF): Joined on a minor-league deal in early January to compete for a utility bench spot.
  • Eduardo Salazar (RHP): Signed a minor-league contract on February 4.
  • Matt Bowman (RHP): Returns to the organization on a minor-league deal to vie for a bullpen role.

With these acquisitions, the Twins aim to make a significant impact in the MLB next season. While the fanbase is hopeful, much depends on the efforts of the coaching staff, now led by former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton.

According to a report from ESPN‘s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox have signed catcher Nate Baez from the Twins in exchange for Tristan Gray. This trade marks only a step in Boston’s ongoing pursuit of marquee talent for the regular season, with other potential acquisitions reportedly on their radar.

Baez provides a promising option for the Red Sox in the coming season. With Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong as leading candidates for starting positions, Baez is expected to commence his stint assigned to Triple-A, potentially easing his transition into the majors.

Gray, after a multi-year absence from the Red Sox, joins a Twins franchise that last season was a formidable contender in the MLB. Now, the onus is on Gray to contribute meaningfully as he vies for a spot in the Twins’ regular lineup.

Red Sox projected lineup

Though the acquisition of Baez is not expected to immediately shake up the lineup, as he begins in the minors, the Red Sox are crafting their Opening Day roster for the forthcoming regular season.

The projected lineup for the Red Sox is as follows:

1. Jarren Duran DH
2. Roman Anthony LF
3. Willson Contreras C
4. Wilyer Abreu RF
5. Trevor Story SS
6. Carlos Narváez C
7. Marcelo Mayer 3B
8. Nick Sogard 2B
9. Ceddanne Rafaela CF

In light of ongoing discussions about acquiring a two-time All-Star, the Red Sox are keenly focused on bolstering their roster. They are prepared to make necessary adjustments as they aim for a competitive edge in the pursuit of a World Series berth by 2026.

Among the moves under consideration is a minor trade involving infielder Tristan Gray, who has shown promise as a utility option capable of playing multiple infield positions.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, “Red Sox are expected to make a small trade this morning involving Tristan Gray, sources say.” Further reporting indicated that Gray is being sent to the Minnesota Twins, though the return for Boston remains unclear.

How does this trade fit into Boston’s roster strategy?

The Red Sox are clearly aiming to balance depth with cost efficiency. While Gray may not be a marquee name, the move frees up a roster spot and could allow Boston to target more impactful infield options. This approach could align with its offseason plan to pair young talent like Marcelo Mayer with experienced contributors.

As Boston finalizes the deal, all eyes will be on the corresponding moves in the coming days. With the addition of Ranger Suárez to the rotation and continued infield adjustments, the Red Sox are signaling a proactive approach to remain competitive in the American League East despite losing Bregman.

Ken Rosenthal reported the news on X: “Source confirms: Free-agent catcher Victor Caratini in agreement with Twins on two-year contract.” Robert Murray also confirmed the signing, marking another move in what has been an active week for the Twins.

Between Monday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 16, the Twins signed 20 players to minor league deals, though Caratini was not the only catcher added this week. Minnesota also signed Jeferson Abreu to a minor league contract, and while he is not guaranteed a spot, he could compete for a roster role if he performs well.

What Caratini brings to the Twins

Caratini is a veteran who not only spent time with the Astros alongside Altuve and other star players, but has also played for the Brewers, Padres, and Cubs. He has appeared in five postseason games, a limited sample, but over the course of the regular season he has been a reliable contributor, logging 720 career games and 2,233 plate appearances.

The 2025 season was not only Caratini’s final year in Houston, but also the most productive of his career. He set career highs with 89 hits, 35 runs scored, 386 plate appearances, and 46 RBIs, while posting a .259 batting average, his third-best mark, and establishing a personal best with 12 home runs.

The Twins are adding a player coming off a strong season in Houston, with ample experience and familiarity with AL competition. At 32, Caratini profiles as an ideal backup catcher who can step in as a starter if injuries or other issues arise.

In a move to bolster their corner infield depth, the Twins acquired first baseman Eric Wagaman from the Miami Marlins, sending minor league southpaw Kade Bragg to Miami in return. To accommodate Wagaman on the 40-man roster, the Twins designated infielder Ryan Fitzgerald for assignment.

Eric Wagaman was originally selected by the New York Yankees in the 13th round (392nd overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft. After spending six seasons developing in the Yankees’ minor league system, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the minor league phase of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft.

Following his MLB debut with the Angels in 2024, Wagaman was designated for assignment and subsequently signed with the Miami Marlins as a free agent in December 2024, where he finally established himself as a major league regular during the 2025 season.

Wagaman’s stats with the Marlins

Last season with the Marlins, Eric Wagaman established himself as a reliable contributor, batting .250 with 9 home runs and 53 RBI across 140 games. While his .674 OPS reflects a modest overall power profile, he was particularly effective against left-handed pitching, posting a much stronger .783 OPS in those matchups.

By joining the Twins, Wagaman provides valuable defensive versatility and a right-handed bat that could serve as an ideal platoon partner for Josh Bell. His ability to handle both corner infield spots and the outfield, combined with a strong finish to the 2025 season where he hit .328 in September, makes him a high-floor depth piece for Minnesota’s roster.

Shelton’s primary goal

For Derek Shelton the goal for the upcoming campaign is clear: to improve on last year’s performance. In 2025, Minnesota finished at the bottom of the American League Central Division with a 70-92 record. Making the playoffs will be its primary target.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets are interested in Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan. His strong performance and team-friendly contract make him an appealing option for a franchise looking to stabilize its rotation.

With Tylor Megill out for the year after Tommy John surgery and Kodai Senga rumored to be on the trade block, the Mets are under pressure to add proven talent. Ryan could be the kind of arm that changes the outlook for the entire staff.

Ryan’s impact potential

Joe Ryan showed in 2025 that he can be a front-line starter. He posted a 3.42 ERA and a 1.035 WHIP across 171 innings, striking out 194 hitters while walking just 39. Under team control through 2027, Ryan could be more than a short-term fix — he could become a long-term piece if the Mets decide to extend him.

Jonah Tong as trade bait

To land Ryan, the Mets may need to part with top prospect Jonah Tong. Ranked fourth in the organization by MLB, Tong flashed talent in his brief major league stint but struggled with command.

His fastball and changeup are considered plus pitches, and his curveball shows promise. If he develops consistency, he could be a mid-rotation starter; if not, he might settle into a high-leverage bullpen role.

Despite not being the player with the most innings pitched, Weaver managed a mere 0.1 innings and allowed three hits, five runs, and two walks during his brief stint on the mound. This performance inevitably drew pointed questions from the media post-game.

“That was trash,” Weaver candidly admitted. “My body wasn’t in sync with the intensity of the game, and when I tried to execute, I couldn’t. I felt like I was battling myself constantly, mentally trying to overcome it, and attempting to stay focused. Those two factors, in my opinion, explain what happened out there.”

With stark honesty, Weaver acknowledged that his concentration wavered during the brief 0.1 inning pitched against the Twins. Despite Weaver’s struggles, starting pitcher Carlos Rodon also faced criticism for his performance, enduring a tough night against the Twins and facing backlash on social media.

Weaver downplays physical concerns

Despite recent struggles on the mound, Weaver has been candid about the issues impacting his performance against the Twins. When questioned about his physical condition, he was quick to dismiss any suggestion that his body was to blame for his lackluster showing.

“I’m not dealing with any pain,” Weaver stated when asked about any discomfort he might have experienced on the field. “It’s about energy and a lack of synergy with my body, both are inexcusable. I need to find a way to overcome these challenges as we move forward.”

Weaver’s performance over the last 11 games

Weaver’s difficulties have extended beyond just one off night this regular season. Over his past several outings, he’s had a rough go, contributing to the Yankees’ struggles in various matchups.

In his last 11 games, Weaver has allowed 18 hits and 12 earned runs, including 3 home runs. His walk-to-strikeout ratio stands at 5:14, contributing to a sky-high 12.00 ERA and a .419 batting average against in just 8.0 innings pitched. These statistics indicate a need for Weaver to reassess his approach if he hopes to secure a postseason roster spot.