Honestly, if you’re refreshing your phone looking for a box score from today’s Minnesota Twins game, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating. There was no Minnesota Twins game today. I know, I know. You want to see how the boys are looking, especially after that 70-92 finish in 2025 that left a sour taste in everyone's mouth. But right now, we are smack-dab in the middle of the January "dead zone." It’s January 15, 2026. While the snow is piling up outside Target Field, the actual diamond is buried under a tarp, and the players are mostly working out in warmer climates or scrolling through their own arbitration news.
The Minnesota Twins don't start their 2026 season for a while. If you're looking for a winner, the only "winning" happening right now is in the front office—or the bank accounts of the players who just settled their contracts.
When Do the Twins Actually Play?
If you're itching for real baseball, you've still got a bit of a wait. The 2026 schedule is out, though, and it’s actually going to be a historic start.
The Twins are slated to open the season on Thursday, March 26, 2026, against the Baltimore Orioles. It's at Camden Yards, so we’re starting on the road again. This is actually part of the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history.
Here’s the breakdown of when you can actually see them:
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- Spring Training: Pitchers and catchers report in mid-February. You’ll start seeing exhibition scores then.
- The First Game: An exhibition game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers is usually the unofficial kickoff in Fort Myers, currently penciled in for late February.
- The Home Opener: Friday, April 3, 2026, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
So, nobody won the Minnesota Twins game today because the game doesn't exist. But a lot happened in the "off-field" game that actually matters for the 2026 standings.
The "Winners" of the Offseason So Far
Even though there's no score to report, the Twins have been busy making sure they don't repeat the disaster of last year. If we’re talking about who won the Minnesota Twins game today in terms of roster moves, a few names stand out.
Recently, the team avoided arbitration with some of their biggest pillars. Ryan Jeffers settled for a cool $6.7 million. With Christian Vazquez likely out of the picture, Jeffers is the undisputed No. 1 catcher. That’s a win for stability. Royce Lewis also reached a deal for $2.85 million. We all know the deal with Royce: if he stays on the field, he’s an MVP candidate. If he doesn’t... well, we saw what happened last year when he only managed 106 games.
We also saw some waiver wire action. The Twins claimed Vidal Brujan from Atlanta. He’s one of those "utility" guys who can play basically anywhere. To make room, they had to let Mickey Gasper go. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of depth move Derek Falvey loves.
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The Problem with the Bullpen
If you want to know who is losing right now, it’s the relief corps. Fans are getting a little restless. As of mid-January, the Twins have been incredibly quiet on the free-agent front.
Aside from signing Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million deal to provide some pop at 1B/DH, the cupboard is looking a bit bare. Aaron Gleeman over at The Athletic has been pointing out that the top relief options are disappearing fast. If the Twins don't move soon, they’re going to be relying on guys like Cole Sands and Justin Topa to carry a massive load. That’s a risky bet for a team trying to climb back over .500.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Outlook
So, what should you actually expect when the games do start?
The AL Central is... weird. It’s always winnable, but the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers aren't exactly rolling over. The Twins are in this strange "retooling" phase. They didn't trade Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan (yet), which suggests they think they can compete.
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One of the coolest things on the 2026 calendar is the Field of Dreams game. On August 13, the Twins will host the Philadelphia Phillies in Iowa. That’s going to be a massive national spotlight.
Actionable Next Steps for Twins Fans
Since there’s no game to watch today, here’s how you can stay prepared for when the season actually kicks off:
- Check the Arbitration Updates: Keep an eye on the remaining players who haven't settled. These numbers impact how much "flexibility" (the front office's favorite word) the team has to sign a veteran reliever in February.
- Mark the Home Opener: April 3 is the date. Tickets for the Rays series are already starting to move on secondary markets like StubHub.
- Watch the Prospects: Since the Twins haven't spent big on free agents, the 2026 season depends on guys like David Festa and maybe even Marco Raya stepping up.
- Follow the Bullpen Market: If you see names like Michael Kopech or Jonathan Loaisiga signing elsewhere, start worrying. The Twins need at least two more proven arms before they head to Florida.
Basically, the "game" today was won by the accountants and the agents. But the real baseball is only about a month away from returning to our lives. Hang in there.
Next Steps for Your Twins Coverage:
You should check the official MLB transactions log tomorrow morning, as the international signing period just opened on January 15, and the Twins often announce a crop of young international talent right away. Additionally, verify your calendar for the Twins Fest dates in late January, which is usually the first time fans get to interact with the new roster additions like Josh Bell and Vidal Brujan.