Twins hire Cardinals fan favorite José Martínez as minor league coach
The Minnesota Twins have hired St. Louis Cardinals fan favorite José Martínez as a minor league coach.
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Yankees Birthday of the Day: Jim Kaat
On November 7, Pinstripe Alley celebrates the birthday of Hall of Fame pitcher and longtime broadcaster Jim Kaat. Though best‑known to Yankees fans for his TV voice in the late‑1990s and early‑2000s, Kaat’s playing career spanned 20 seasons, most notably as a Twins ace who won 16 straight pitcher Gold Gloves (1962‑77) and earned three All‑Star nods. He pitched in the 1965 World Series Game 7 and posted a career‑high 14.8 WAR in 1974‑75 with the White Sox. The piece traces his humble Michigan roots, brief Yankees stint (1979‑80), and lasting legacy as a player‑turned‑announcer.
Who is Akil Baddoo? Pirates claim veteran infielder off waivers from Brewers
The Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed 28‑year‑old infielder Akil Baddoo off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Baddoo, a former top prospect selected 74th overall by the Twins in 2016 and a No. 3 Rule 5 pick by Detroit in 2020, spent five seasons on the Tigers' opening‑day roster before a injury‑marred stint with the Brewers. He posts a career .224 average with 28 homers and 104 RBIs and hopes the move to a “championship‑pedigree” club revives his career.
Why Twins' Byron Buxton has been worth every penny of his $100 million contract despite injuries
Despite what some may think, Twins fans should be very happy Minnesota extended Buxton back in 2021.
Twins Hire José Martínez As Minor League Coach
Former MLB outfielder José Martínez joins the Minnesota Twins as a minor‑league hitting coach, marking his first stint in affiliated baseball. Martínez retired in 2025 after playing in the Mexican League and Venezuelan winter ball. Known for his 2016‑19 tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he posted three consecutive double‑digit home‑run seasons, he also spent time with the Rays, Cubs and Mets before a 2021 meniscus tear ended his major‑league career. He finishes with a .289/.356/.447 line and a +18 wRC+ advantage over league average.
Mariners finally bring Tanner Swanson home to join coaching staff
The Seattle Mariners have hired longtime Northwest native Tanner Swanson as bench coach under new manager Jason Kanzler, ending his six‑year stint with the New York Yankees as major‑league catching coordinator and quality‑control coach. Swanson, 44, helped the Yankees become a top team in catcher framing, guiding Gold Glove winner José Treviño in 2022 and shaping Austin Wells’ rise. A pioneer of the one‑knee‑down catching technique, he brings experience from the Twins, the Yankees, and a bench‑coach role with Great Britain at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. The move returns him home to his roots in Cle Elum‑Roslyn, Washington.
Mariners To Hire Tanner Swanson As Bench Coach
The Seattle Mariners announce Tanner Swanson as their new bench coach, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The 44‑year‑old Washington native moves from his role as the Yankees’ major‑league quality‑control coach and catching coordinator to become the right‑hand man to first‑time manager Jason Kanzler, who was hired this week at age 36. Swanson’s resume includes minor‑league work with the Twins, a big‑league debut with the Yankees in 2019, and a reputation for developing elite catchers like Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra. The hire aims to help the Mariners rebound from a disappointing 2026 season.
Cardinals cult hero José Martínez is back in MLB after landing hitting coach role
Former St. Louis Cardinals slugger Jose Martinez just landed a hitting coach role with the Minnesota Twins after expressing interest to coach with the Cardinals. This is Martinez's first coaching role in MLB.
Yankees face a $23 million question at catcher
The Yankees face a catching dilemma as Minnesota Twins' Ryan Jeffers weighs a $23.15 million qualifying offer. Jeffers, who posted 14 homers and a .814 OPS in 2026, could join a New York squad that already has left‑handed Austin Wells, offering a versatile right‑handed option. However, a big contract would clash with the Yankees' bullpen and infield priorities and trigger draft‑pick penalties. The team may favor keeping Wells as the starter and signing a cheaper backup, preserving budget for other needs. Jeffers' decision will shape New York's catching strategy and payroll.
Twins free agent alternatives after complete list of qualifying offer candidates revealed
If the Twins don't want to deal with the consequences of signing a player who received a QO, there are solid alternatives on the free-agent market.
The Opener: Silver Slugger Finalists
The Silver Slugger finalists are unveiled ahead of the November 17 award ceremony. In the NL, top hitters include Hunter Goodman (C), Jake Bauers, Alec Burleson, Rafael Devers and Matt Olson at 1B, and stars like Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber as designated hitters. The AL list features Dillon Dingler (C), Pete Alonso, Willson Contreras, and Michael Trout among the outfield nominees, with Yordan Alvarez and Ben Rice slated for DH. Managers and coaches, barred from voting for their own players, selected these candidates. Team honors this season spotlight the Brewers, Cubs, Dodgers and Nationals in the NL, and the Astros, Rays, Twins and White Sox in the AL as the top offensive squads. Winners roll out on November 17.
Gleeman and The Geek: Offseason Begins, Jeffers Gets Qualifying Offer
Aaron and John talk about the start of the offseason and the Twins' window to make moves before the lockout, the domino effects of Ryan Jeffers receiving the $23 million qualifying offer, reactions to early 40-man roster housecleaning, and two free agents who would make a lot of sense to pursue.
Were you watching, Pohlads?
William Contreras earns the Willie Mays World Series MVP as the Milwaukee Brewers clinch their first championship, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game Five at Tropicana Field on Oct. 28, 2026. The Brew Crew’s postseason run includes a NLDS win over the San Diego Padres, a NLCS sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a dominant World Series performance that felt like a home‑field advantage in Florida. Despite being the MLB’s smallest market, Milwaukee outspent the Minnesota Twins ($146.7M vs. $115.7M) and built a loyal fan base that filled AmFam Field and even the rival’s stadium. The article argues the Brewers’ model could serve as a blueprint for other small‑market teams.
Who are options for Orioles’ starting pitcher acquisitions? | MAILBAG
The post field‑stones potential Orioles rotation upgrades, naming Minnesota’s under‑control Joe Ryan and Angels’ Reid Detmers as trade targets, though Detmers may demand a hefty package. Seattle’s Emerson Hancock is also flagged, but would require a multi‑player deal. Free‑agent options include former Oriole Kevin Gausman, 2026 Tampa Bay standout Nick Martinez, and Yankees reliever Clay Holmes. A separate query discusses signing power hitter Jake Bauers, noting his versatility but high price and the draft pick cost may deter Baltimore. The author invites more fan questions via email.
MN Twins Infielder Named Finalist for Silver Slugger
The Minnesota Twins had few standout bats in a disappointing 2026 season, but one breakout year is now getting recognized for Kody Clemens.
Silver Slugger finalists offer sad reminder of Twins star Byron Buxton's injury luck
As expected, Buxton isn't a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award finalist this year.
8 Good NY Mets Alternatives To Giving Tarik Skubal a Record Contract, Including Sandy Alcantara
The Mets, reeling from a historic 2025 collapse, face a pricey free‑agent market as the lockout looms. While two‑time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal may command $325‑400 million or a 3‑year, $150 million deal, the club could pivot to more affordable arms. Options highlighted include Twins’ two‑time All‑Star Joe Ryan (30, 4.60 ERA), Padres veteran Michael King (34, playoff experience), former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara (22, 13‑4, 3.87 ERA, $21 M contract), and Boston’s 36‑year‑old Sonny Gray (18‑5, 2.72 ERA). The article weighs each pitcher’s recent performance, age, and cost as viable alternatives to Skubal.
Twins’ team Silver Slugger finalist nod highlights club’s biggest issue in 2026
The Minnesota Twins are a finalist for the team Silver Slugger Award despite missing the playoffs.
Kody Clemens earning Silver Slugger finalist cements his remarkable career turnaround
The Philadelphia Phillies cut Clemens in April 2025. Now, he is the Twins' MVP and a Silver Slugger finalist.
Twins notes: 40-man roster trimming, Rule 5 draft, qualifying offers, and GM Meetings
Plus, contract predictions for Ryan Jeffers and how your support is enabling me to cover the Twins in a way I never have before.
What are the Twins' greatest strengths heading into the next season?
Taking a look at the Minnesota Twins' greatest strengths heading into the 2027 season.
Tristan Beck Signs With KBO’s LG Twins
The LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization have signed right‑hander Tristan Beck to a one‑year contract worth $878,000, including a $300,000 signing bonus. Beck, released by the San Francisco Giants on November 4, opts for the overseas deal after nine seasons in the minors and limited MLB action, where he posted a 3.93 ERA in his 2023 rookie year and a 4.76 ERA over the last two seasons. The former Stanford pitcher, previously traded for Mark Melancon, is expected to start in the KBO rotation, securing guaranteed pay instead of a minor‑league contract.
Nationals Release Zak Kent
The Washington Nationals have released right‑hander Zak Kent, making him a free agent after designating him for assignment last week. The 28‑year‑old bounced around the league this season, being claimed and DFAed by the Guardians, Cardinals, Rangers, Twins and finally the Nationals, where he appeared in three bullpen stints and posted a 5.68 ERA over 12 ⅔ innings. Kent also struggled at Triple‑A Rochester with a near‑5.00 ERA in 32 games. Known for his rare 52‑degree over‑the‑top arm angle—one of only 15 pitchers with such a high release point this year—the move caps a tumultuous 2026 campaign for the pitcher.
Minnesota Twins Prospect Named Fall League Star
One Minnesota Twins prospect has been among the hottest bats in the Arizona Fall League, and his strong fall just earned him some recognition.
Report: Brewers Open To Trading World Series Star
The Milwaukee Brewers are open to trade offers for closer Trevor Megill, the World Series‑winning team's 30‑save, All‑Star reliever who posted a 2.63 ERA and 0.89 WHIP this season. With only one year of control left and an expected $8 million arbitration salary in 2027, the club may move him despite a recent title, following past deals involving Josh Hader and Devin Williams. Potential suitors include the Yankees, Braves, Red Sox, Cubs and Twins, though Brewers could retain Megill if they deem him vital for another championship run.
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