Twins Pivot Toward Youth After Moving On From Hendriks, Chafin, Urshela

The Minnesota Twins have entered the 2026 season with a noticeable shift in roster philosophy, moving away from several veteran additions made during the offseason. Despite signing three experienced players to minor league deals, the organization will not carry any of them on its Opening Day roster.

Among those affected are three-time All-Star closer Liam Hendriks, left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin, and utility infielder Gio Urshela. Each player ultimately became a free agent or opted out after being informed they would not break camp with the major league club.

The departures reflect a broader organizational decision to prioritize younger talent and internal options as the Twins navigate a period of roster transition. While veteran presence can provide stability, Minnesota appears focused on evaluating its long-term core.

At the same time, the moves have raised questions about depth and experience, particularly in areas such as the bullpen, where performance has been inconsistent in recent seasons. The team’s direction suggests a willingness to accept short-term uncertainty in exchange for potential future growth.

1. Veterans Released After Camp Decisions

The sequence of departures began with Hendriks, who was granted his release after being informed he would not make the Opening Day roster. The veteran closer, known for his late-inning experience and leadership, chose free agency rather than remain in the minor league system. Chafin and Urshela followed similar paths, opting out of their contracts after learning they would not be included on the major league roster. Their decisions effectively ended short-lived tenures with Minnesota before the regular season began. These outcomes highlight the competitive nature of spring training, where non-roster veterans often compete alongside younger players for limited roster spots. In this case, the Twins ultimately favored internal options over established names. While all three players bring different skill sets and levels of experience, their departures collectively represent a notable shift in the composition of the Twins’ roster heading into the new season.

2. Bullpen Questions and Chafin’s Situation

Among the departures, Chafin’s exit stands out as particularly noteworthy given his recent performance history. The 35-year-old left-hander posted a 2.41 ERA across 42 appearances in 2025 with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels. Although his spring training results were less dominant—allowing two runs and issuing three walks over six innings—his track record suggests he remained a capable and reliable bullpen option entering the season. Minnesota’s bullpen, however, has been an area of concern in recent years. The Twins struggled with relief pitching performance in the previous season, and the lack of experienced arms could further test their ability to stabilize late-inning situations. With Hendriks also out of the picture, the bullpen will rely heavily on a mix of younger pitchers and internal candidates. The absence of proven veterans places added pressure on the organization’s developmental pipeline to produce consistent results.

3. Urshela’s Decline and Roster Direction

Urshela’s departure appears to align more closely with performance trends than roster strategy alone. The 34-year-old infielder struggled offensively during his most recent season with the Oakland Athletics, recording a .613 OPS with no home runs across 197 plate appearances. Given those numbers, Minnesota’s decision to move on from Urshela reflects a performance-based evaluation rather than purely a philosophical shift. The Twins’ position player group is viewed as having upside, particularly if younger contributors can stay healthy and develop. Urshela’s versatility had previously made him a valuable asset, but declining production likely reduced his fit within a roster increasingly focused on upside and flexibility. His departure opens opportunities for other players to step into utility roles. Overall, the Twins’ roster construction suggests an emphasis on evaluating internal talent while reducing reliance on aging veterans who may no longer align with the team’s competitive timeline.