Minnesota Twins owner Tom Pohlad announced that the team’s spending needs to increase, setting a payroll target of $135 million for the 2027 season, Twins Daily reported.
The organization is working to change its narrative after several seasons of declining payroll and diminishing expectations. General manager Jeremy Zoll faces the task of turning ownership promises into a competitive major league roster.
Pohlad emphasized during a September news conference that a payroll near $100 million is not enough to accomplish the franchise’s postseason goals. He said that ownership intends to meaningfully invest in the roster.
“Ownership intends to meaningfully invest in the roster,” Pohlad told Twins Daily during the September news conference.
Moving on from Lewis, Ober, and Larnach saves $18.3 million
Minnesota could free up approximately $18.3 million by moving on from Royce Lewis, Bailey Ober, and Trevor Larnach. Each player presents a different roster dilemma for Zoll this winter.
Lewis struggled to establish himself as a consistent everyday player last season while Brooks Lee took control of third base and emerged as a Gold Glove finalist. Ober saw his velocity decline, making his reliability in the starting rotation uncertain. Larnach provided production against right-handed pitching, but his defensive limitations restrict his everyday value as his salary increases.
Offensive upgrade trades
The front office should use its farm system depth to acquire established bats rather than waiting for prospects to develop. Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson are two primary trade targets.
Langeliers carries an estimated $8.7 million salary and hit .262 with 23 home runs and 58 RBI in 424 at-bats during the 2026 season. Burleson carries an estimated $8.3 million salary and hit .279 with 26 home runs and 116 RBI across 670 plate appearances for St. Louis.
Bullpen relief additions
The bullpen requires two late-inning additions after Minnesota struggled to find dependable options last season. Bringing back left-handed reliever A.J. Minter on a contract worth approximately $10.33 million is one priority.
Minter recorded a 2.56 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 45 2/3 innings with the Twins after arriving at the trade deadline. Right-hander Bryan Abreu is a second target, coming off a 2026 campaign with a 3.73 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings.
Twins payroll stays slightly above the $135 million target
Executing this offseason plan would put the Twins at an estimated $136.78 million payroll, which is about 1.30% above the $135 million target. Zoll has the financial flexibility and prospect depth to reshape the roster before the 2027 season.
“Will these moves be enough to get the Twins back to the playoffs in 2027?” Twins Daily asked regarding the offseason blueprint.
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