Fort Myers – Cody Laweryson, after battling multiple injuries in recent offseasons, entered the latest offseason healthy, marking a notable turnaround despite being designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins. The relief pitcher’s return to full health has set the stage for a hopeful 2026 campaign with the Twins organization.
Journey Through MLB Moves and Return to Familiar Grounds
Laweryson made his Major League Baseball debut on September 13, 2025, but was designated for assignment by the Twins on November 6. Shortly after, the Los Angeles Angels claimed him off waivers and retained him on their 40-man roster during the offseason. As spring training neared, the Angels removed Laweryson from the roster to create space for Yoán Moncada, placing him back on waivers where no team claimed him.
Faced with limited options, Laweryson re-signed with the Twins on a minor league contract, returning to the only organization he had known until his brief time in Los Angeles. This reunion reunited him with longtime teammates and a supportive environment.
“After I got DFA’d early in the off-season and then claimed by the Angels, I thought I was going to be with them for a little while, and it’s just kind of the business of it,”
Laweryson said.
“But I kind of always knew I’d come back here. I’m really comfortable and familiar with everybody here, so I’m excited to be back.”
Strong MLB Debut and Minor League Performance Highlight Progress
Though Laweryson only appeared in five relief outings for the Twins at the close of the 2025 season, he made a strong impression. He posted an impressive 1.17 ERA, struck out seven batters, walked none, and surrendered only four hits across 7⅔ innings. His ability to perform effectively in limited action showcased his readiness to contribute at the major league level.
Throughout 2025, Laweryson built momentum in Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul, posting a combined 2.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 24.6% strikeout rate, and a low 7.7% walk rate over 34 relief appearances. This consistency confirmed his potential as a dependable bullpen option.
Hometown Pride and Support Fuel Laweryson’s Drive
After enduring a six-year development stretch in the Twins’ farm system, Laweryson’s promotion to the majors was celebrated not only by himself but also by his hometown community of Bingham, Maine, a small town better known for producing country music star and Western TV actor Bill Potter. The local fanbase embraced Laweryson’s journey and success.
“Everybody back home just kind of rallied behind the whole thing,”
Laweryson shared.
“They’ve been supportive of me throughout the whole thing, kind of waiting for that day, and I was like, I took a little bit of a different path to get there. It took me a while, but ultimately, it’s really cool to see the support back home from family and friends, just to see kids back home that kind of aspire to be someone like me, and it’s really cool to be that figure.”
Outlook for 2026 Season and Role with the Twins
Laweryson is among several pitchers competing for bullpen roles in the Twins’ minor league camp. While his late 2025 major league outings boost his prospects, with strong veteran competition, he is expected to begin the 2026 season with Triple-A St. Paul, positioned at the back end of the bullpen. Nevertheless, his success in the upper minors last year suggests that he could be called up to fill bullpen needs during the season.
If Laweryson continues to produce at his 2025 level, he is likely to earn further opportunities to pitch in Minnesota’s major league bullpen, providing valuable depth for the Twins as they navigate the challenges of the 2026 season. His return to familiar surroundings, combined with his health and determination, positions him well for the next chapter of his professional career.
Laweryson Emphasizes Importance of Staying Healthy
Reflecting on his progress, Laweryson attributed much of his recent success to maintaining good health throughout the offseason and season.
“Staying healthy has been the biggest driver [of] my success,”
he noted.
“Really, just harping on that stuff has been the biggest thing. Pitching-wise, I just stick to what I do, which is just staying healthy and making sure I’m ready, and I think I accomplished that.”
