Taylor Rogers has made the decision to return to the Minnesota Twins, the team that launched his professional baseball journey. This comeback comes after Derek Shelton was appointed Twins manager early in the offseason, a move Rogers viewed as a positive sign. The addition of LaTroy Hawkins to the coaching staff shortly after further convinced Rogers that Minnesota was the best place for his continued growth.
Although the Twins initially took some time to show interest, negotiations eventually moved swiftly to secure Rogers on a one-year contract. The reliever arriving now is not the same pitcher who was traded away shortly before the 2022 season opener. At age 35, Rogers acknowledges he has evolved both physically and mentally since his younger years.
I just think I’m different like anybody from their 20s to their 30s,
Rogers stated.
Career Evolution and Pitching Adjustments
Before being unexpectedly traded, Rogers was known as a hard-throwing closer who converted 30 saves in 2019 and was emerging from an all-star season interrupted by a finger injury. Since then, his career has included stops with several teams — San Diego, Milwaukee, San Francisco (where he had the unique experience of playing with his twin brother, Tyler), Cincinnati, and Chicago. Over time, while his pitching velocity has decreased, he has added valuable experience to his approach.
I think it’s realizing that day if it’s ripping pretty good, you’re like ‘Alright, I can kind of be like my old self,’
Rogers said.
If it’s just not coming out as good, then you know it quicker and adjust like that. You’ve got to be more flexible to the day to day instead of just knowing what you’re going to be like.
As Rogers moves into this new chapter, his 3.38 earned-run average over 50 2/3 innings last season demonstrates he remains an effective pitcher despite the changes. Importantly, he now has LaTroy Hawkins, the Twins’ newly appointed bullpen coach, by his side. Hawkins brings two decades of major league experience, ranking tenth all-time in games pitched with 1,042 appearances. His insight and guidance are expected to be crucial for Rogers as he adjusts to his evolving role.
I don’t want to get his head too big, but it’s kind of like getting to talk to Warren Buffett,
Rogers remarked.
He has done it for so long and was so successful. It’s just like I just want to see it, the day to day.
Uncertain Role but Veteran Presence Expected Early
With closing experience under his belt and a veteran presence in the bullpen, Rogers is positioned as a potential key contributor early in the season. Another experienced arm, Liam Hendriks, also a non-roster invitee with late-game experience, means the Twins have depth in their relief corps. However, when signing Rogers, the team chose not to specify a particular role, leaving that determination open.
The conversation was ‘It’s much too early to know.’ And I agree with that,
Rogers said.
I think you’ve got to earn your spot. Even if you have a roster spot, you have to earn your spot within that.
Roster Moves and Emerging Prospects in Spring Training
Amidst Rogers’ return, the Twins trimmed their major league camp roster by sending six players down to minor league camp. This group included catchers Andrew Cossetti and Ricardo Olivar, pitchers Andrew Bash, Raul Brito, and Christian MacLeod, as well as outfielder Walker Jenkins, the organization’s top prospect. Jenkins’ time with the major league camp was shortened by a hamstring strain suffered while running bases. The 2023 first-round draft pick has faced multiple injury setbacks during his first two professional springs and has yet to play more than 84 games professionally. Despite this, Jenkins has advanced quickly through the minor leagues.
Last season, Jenkins posted a .286 batting average with a .850 OPS and reached Triple-A at just 20 years old. While he was not expected to earn a spot on the major league roster out of spring training, the possibility remains that he could force his way into the lineup later in the year. Currently, the Twins have 59 players remaining in major league camp as they continue evaluating talent.
Other Notable Players and Preparations for Upcoming Competitions
Joe Ryan, another key starting pitcher for the Twins, participated in live batting practice with teammates on Wednesday, marking progress after early camp was hampered by back inflammation. If Ryan continues to recover well, he could soon appear in a spring training game. Ryan is not pitching for the United States in the early stages of the World Baseball Classic due to his back issues but remains part of the designated pitcher pool and may join the team later.
Team USA, which also features Twins center fielder Byron Buxton, is scheduled to begin WBC pool play against Brazil on Friday evening.
Significance of Rogers’ Return and Future Prospects
Taylor Rogers’ return to the Twins symbolizes both a homecoming and a new chapter where experience and adaptability are paramount. Under Derek Shelton’s management and with LaTroy Hawkins’ mentorship, Rogers hopes to leverage his veteran knowledge to remain competitive despite natural physical changes with age. His willingness to prove himself day-to-day reflects not only his personal mindset but the competitive culture within the Twins’ organization.
Looking ahead, the Twins’ bullpen depth and developing prospects like Walker Jenkins provide the team with both immediate and long-term assets. As spring training progresses, Rogers and the rest of the roster face a dynamic and challenging path toward Opening Day, with roles still being finalized and performances determining the ultimate roster.
