AL
Will the Minnesota Twins use a Closer-by-Committee
Since Spring Training continues for a few more weeks, it remains unclear what moves the Twins will make regarding the closer situation.
Will the Minnesota Twins use a closer-by-committee this season? The way things are shaping up so far, new Manager Derek Shelton could lean toward that scenario. He could use as many as four pitchers in the closer role.
Traded Away
Last season, during the team’s fire sale, they traded closer Jhoan Duran for prospects. Potential closers Danny Coulombe, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland were also traded. This left setup pitcher Cole Sands and journeyman Justin Topa as closers.
Unsettled Group
For 2026, the bullpen and closer role is by far the least settled group. Only Sands and Topa appeared in 50 games or more for the Twins last season. During camp, many have been competing for a chance to be the closer or even earn a bullpen spot. As it stands right now, the bullpen is far from formally being set.
Kody Funderburk
Will the Minnesota Twins use a closer-by-committee this season? If they do, along with Sands and Topa, is left-hander Kody Funderburk, who will be strongly considered. Funderburk emerged as a key contributor to the Twins’ bullpen last season. He posted a 3.51 ERA in 39 appearances, with 40 strikeouts in 41.0 innings. Using a sinker and a cutter as his primary pitches, he was able to get those necessary groundball outs.
Acquired in November
This past November, the Twins made a deal to obtain Eric Orze from the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-hander had three saves with 40 strikeouts in 41.2 innings. He could be looked at as a closer due to his overpowering splitter. Difficult for hitters to make solid contact; that pitch accounted for 30 of his 40 strikeouts last season. Even though it is Spring Training, Orze has pitched well and has looked confident on the mound.
Plenty of Left-Handers
One thing the Twins bullpen does have is plenty of left-handers. If they decide to go with a closer-by-committee, look for Shelton to alternate between them. Along with Funderburk, former starter Anthony Banda has made a nice transition to reliever and should make the team for Opening Day. Claimed off waivers, then was traded in exchange for international bonus pool money in February. Look for him to fill a high-leverage relief role in the unsettled bullpen. Southpaw Taylor Rogers returns to the Twins, where he had 50 saves in six seasons before being traded in 2022. If the Twins decide they want only one closer, the veteran Rogers could be the go-to pitcher.
Andrew Chafin
Another left-hander in the mix is Andrew Chafin, who signed a minor league deal in February with an invitation to camp. Although it was a bit of a surprise to see he only received a minor league contract, Chafin has a real opportunity to make the Opening Day roster. The 36-year-old is entering his 13th year in MLB, and although not seen as a primary closer, he has 20 career saves.
How Many Will They Carry
Most teams are lucky to carry two or three left-handed relievers. Although very rare, the Twins, along with the Milwaukee Brewers, could feature four southpaws in 2026 if Chafin makes the team. Nonetheless, this requires a planned, tactical shift in finalizing the Twins’ bullpen and their closer(s).
How Will They Approach
Since Spring Training continues for a few more weeks, it remains unclear what moves the Twins will make regarding the closer situation. It, therefore, remains unclear who will be the closer(s) or if the Twins will decide on a closer-by-committee.
However, knowing the role is open for the taking makes the situation appealing not only to the pitchers competing for it, but also to fans eager to see what the team decides. It’s open to anyone and everyone at the same time.
Could Surprise
Shelton could make a surprising decision to name one closer as soon as Spring Training ends. He could decide that having one closer will solidify the entire bullpen. That seems unlikely to happen, however. While all good prospects to take on the role, Shelton seems to lack confidence in the candidates’ ability to handle it on their own at this time. He has time to evaluate and make a decision.
Though whatever he decides now could change many times during the season. The plus—at least at this point—is that Shelton and the Twins could wind up with a bullpen of pitchers who can man the closer role solo or as part of a committee. This gives them options other teams may not have, giving the Twins an advantage.
Jim Marshall
Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
