Minnesota Twins Abandon Rebuild, Commit to Buxton, Ryan & López for 2026

The Minnesota Twins are ending their rebuild plans. According to a new report, the team will not trade its biggest stars this offseason. This decision was confirmed by sources on Friday.The team plans to build around its core players for the 2026 season. This marks a major shift after their disappointing 2025 campaign. The front office is now focused on competing.

Key Players Remain Off the Trade Block

The Athletic’s Dan Hayes reported the team’s new direction. Hayes states the Twins do not anticipate trading Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, or Pablo López. These three are now considered foundational pieces.Buxton is coming off a career-best season. He hit 35 home runs and made his second All-Star team. His contract has three years remaining.Joe Ryan also became an All-Star in 2025. He posted a solid 3.42 ERA over 171 innings. With two years of team control left, he is a prime extension candidate.Pablo López is the team’s highest-paid player. He struggled with injuries last season, making only 14 starts. The Twins are betting on his return to form as their rotation anchor.

Pivoting From a Disappointing Season

This decision reverses the course set at last season’s trade deadline. The Twins were one of baseball’s biggest disappointments in 2025. They fell out of contention early in the AL Central race.Consequently, the team became a major seller last July. They traded eight players away. Key names included star shortstop Carlos Correa and pitcher Louis Varland.The new strategy signals a belief in the existing roster’s potential. Management sees a path back to contention without a full tear-down. It provides immediate clarity and direction for the franchise.Fans can expect a more aggressive approach to supplement this core. The focus will likely turn to free agency and targeted trades. The goal is to return to the playoffs quickly.

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The Twins’ commitment to Buxton, Ryan, and López defines their crucial offseason. It closes the door on a brief rebuild and opens a window for immediate competition. The team’s fortunes now rest on this core’s health and performance.

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Q1: Why are the Twins keeping these players now?

Team leadership believes they can compete in 2026. After a disappointing sell-off last season, they view Buxton, Ryan, and López as essential to a quick turnaround. Building around them is faster than a full rebuild.

Q2: What happened to Carlos Correa?

Carlos Correa was traded at the 2025 deadline. He was part of the Twins’ major sell-off when they fell out of contention. He was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Q3: How did Joe Ryan perform last season?

Joe Ryan had a strong 2025 season. He was named an All-Star and finished with a 13-10 record and a 3.42 ERA. He logged a career-high 171 innings pitched.

Q4: What does this mean for the Twins’ payroll?

It means committing significant money to López and Buxton. López is the highest-paid player. The decision suggests ownership is willing to spend to win around these contracts.

Q5: Why was Pablo López’s 2025 season limited?

Pablo López was hampered by injuries throughout the year. He was only able to make 14 starts. It was his first season under 100 innings since his rookie year.