On Friday, the Minnesota Twins received crushing news as Pablo López, their Opening Day starter for the past three seasons, was diagnosed with a torn UCL and will undergo Tommy John surgery. This injury, confirmed during the team’s initial full-squad spring workout, means López will be sidelined for the entire 2026 season, leaving the Twins scrambling to fill a critical gap in their pitching rotation.
Last year’s 70-92 Twins team leaned heavily on its pitching staff amid offensive struggles, so losing López is a major blow. With the free-agent market still open, Minnesota must act swiftly to add reliable pitchers who can keep them competitive in the AL Central. Here are three potential targets who could provide much-needed stability and depth.
Lucas Giolito: The Durable Ace Minnesota Desperately Needs
In 2025, Lucas Giolito showcased ace-level performance, especially over his final 18 starts when he posted a 2.51 ERA in 145 innings. After adjusting his arm angle midseason, his effectiveness improved markedly, culminating in 145 durable innings and a 10-4 record for the Red Sox. Despite interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, Padres, Mets, and Phillies, Giolito remains unsigned.
Giolito fits Minnesota’s immediate need perfectly, combining durability with high-quality results. A one-year contract loaded with incentives could be enough to secure his services, turning him from a promising option into an urgent necessity for a rotation suddenly lacking an ace with López out.
Zack Littell: A Reliable and Efficient Former Twin
Zack Littell returned to prominence in 2025, pitching 186.2 innings with a 3.81 ERA over 32 starts for the Rays. Known for his excellent command rather than overpowering stuff, Littell tied with Tarik Skubal for the lowest walk rate among qualified starters last season, highlighting his reliability. His journey brings him full circle back to Minnesota, where he began his career.
A two-year deal worth approximately $12 million per year would grant the Twins a durable mid-rotation pitcher who can both stabilize the rotation and serve as a potential trade piece if the season falters. His strong control also suits a team balancing a young lineup.
Tyler Anderson: Veteran Leadership with Minnesota Roots
Despite a challenging 2025 season, 36-year-old Tyler Anderson remains a valuable option due to his experience and ability to eat innings. Drafted by the Twins in 2008, Anderson is eager to continue pitching and offers a steady presence to guide a rotation filled with younger arms like Zebby Matthews and Mick Abel.
Although not expected to be a frontline starter, Anderson’s ability to provide innings and mentorship is a low-risk asset. A one-year contract valued around $7 to $8 million makes him an affordable, strategic addition to support the development of Minnesota’s emerging talent.
Analysis of Minnesota’s Current Pitching Rotation
The Twins’ rotation currently slots Joe Ryan as the No. 2 starter, with Taj Bradley filling the No. 4 spot, while Zebby Matthews and Mick Abel remain unproven young arms. The depth beyond Ryan is limited, and with Pablo López sidelined, the rotation’s competitiveness is thrown into doubt.
While the three suggested free-agent pitchers won’t instantly transform Minnesota into World Series contenders, they can provide the necessary backbone by accumulating innings, stabilizing performance, and mentoring younger pitchers. This approach could keep the Twins in contention for the AL Central title while allowing time for their prospects to mature.
With the offseason clock ticking, the Twins face mounting pressure to finalize additions quickly and mitigate the impact of losing their ace pitcher for the upcoming season.
