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Bobby Nightengale

@nightengalejr.bsky.social
5.2K followers 162 following 3K posts

Minnesota Twins beat writer for @StarTribune.com

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Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Sarah Langs @slangsonsports.bsky.social · 20h
Youngest players with a walk-off hit, postseason history: 1997 NLDS G1 Edgar Renteria 22y 54d 1997 WS G7 Edgar Renteria: 22y 80d 2026 NLDS G2 Jackson Chourio 22y 207d h/t @EliasSports
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Taylor Rogers was the only Twins reliever who went wire-to-wire on the roster. His stats were unspectacular, but his influence on young arms will last. “Little things that go unnoticed, but when you hear about it, you’re like, ‘I’m not surprised.’ That’s him.” www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins’ bullpen ‘grandfather’ mentored next wave. And he’s not ready to be done.
Taylor Rogers posted a 4.33 ERA in 65 games in his return to Minnesota, but his second stint with the Twins proved more valuable than the numbers suggest.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Twins enter the offseason with 10 arbitration-eligible players. Here are the projected salaries from Matt Swartz at @mlbtraderumors.bsky.social. Note: The deadline to guarantee contracts to arb-eligible players comes before the likely Dec. 1 lockout.
Minnesota Twins (10)

Anthony Banda (5.135): $2.3MM
Dean Kremer (5.107): $6.5MM
Bailey Ober (5.093): $6.9MM
Joe Ryan (5.033): $9.6MM (current deal has $13MM mutual option for 2027 with $100K buyout)
Trevor Larnach (5.014): $6.3MM
Royce Lewis (4.139): $5.1MM
Cole Sands (4.017): $1.3MM
Tommy Nance (3.165): $1.2MM
Kody Clemens (3.134): $3.6MM
Taj Bradley (3.097): $4.5MM
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
📬 NEW Extra Innings newsletter: ⚾️ As the Twins roster trends younger, they want better defense to be part of their identity. ⚾️ Walker Jenkins and Adrian Bohorquez were named the Twins’ minor league player and pitcher of the year. Free sign up link: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
The Twins are trending younger, relying more on their latest wave of prospects, but they want defense to be a larger part of their identity. They were the third-worst defense in the majors this year, according to Sports Info Solutions. Seven of the top 10 defensive teams, using the same metrics, made the playoffs. 

"It was a point of emphasis this year as we were trying to improve things on the fly, but it's going to be a continued point of emphasis as we go forward," said Jeremy Zoll, the Twins' general manager. "I think we're leaving value on the table right now, as it stands, and we think that's a way to further optimize things." 

If the Twins lose Ryan Jeffers in free agency, they may look for a defense-first catcher to fill the void. The Twins were abysmal at stopping opposing teams from stealing bases. The Twins gave up the third-most stolen bases this year (137) and were tied for last in caught stealings (22).  

"That’s an area of growth for us, not only at the big leagues but organizationally,” Shelton said. “It’s going to be an area that we are going to focus on. It has been part of conversations with specific people this offseason about improving.”
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Royce Lewis is coming off a rough season and now he enters an offseason with some uncertainty. What should the Twins do with him? Royce: “I’ve told people Byron Buxton had his career-best seasons at 30 or 31. There is still growth to be made.” www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Royce Lewis was supposed to be a Twins centerpiece. Now his future is uncertain.
After a tumultuous season that included a minor league demotion, Lewis enters the offseason at a career crossroad.
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Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Lucas Seehafer @seehafer.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This is like a 6 week recovery. Very minor procedure as these things go. Wouldn't have any semblance of worry, even in the back of my mind.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Walker Jenkins had right elbow debridement surgery Wednesday. Dr. Chris Camp performed the surgery, which included a debridement of the joint, bone chip and spur removal. The Twins say there were no issues and he’s expected to be healthy entering next spring.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The Twins announced Walker Jenkins and Adrian Bohorquez were named their minor league player and pitcher of the year for the 2026 season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This story is beat writing at its best. Great work by @cassidyhett.bsky.social all Lynx season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Twins were in a similar spot in 2023 when they had four starters on the verge of free agency: Pablo López, Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda and Tyler Mahle. They signed López to a contract extension. Gray, Maeda and Mahle walked in free agency.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The Twins have a deep group of starting pitchers entering the offseason, and with four of them moving within one year of free agency, GM Jeremy Zoll hinted they may trade one. “That might create opportunities for us.” More roster news and notes: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins open to trading one of their starting pitchers this offseason
Twins starters Joe Ryan, Pablo López, Dean Kremer and Bailey Ober can all become free agents following the 2027 season, raising the likelihood one of them is dealt this winter.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tom Pohlad again vowed to increase payroll and said his family is committed for the long haul. “Our goal this offseason is to field a roster next spring where making the playoffs isn’t a hope; it’s the expectation that everybody in this room agrees is realistic.” www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins owner Tom Pohlad vows to increase payroll, understands fans’ patience has ‘run out’
The Twins fell short of their goals with a 77-85 record, putting added pressure on the organization to build a playoff-caliber roster for 2027.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
GM Jeremy Zoll didn’t have an announcement about extending a qualifying offer to Ryan Jeffers today (decision is due 5 days after the World Series). But he said “undoubtedly” that was part of their thinking when they didn’t trade him at the deadline, and the money is there to do it.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tom Pohlad: “We are going to be aggressive when free agency starts.” He said ownership will “meaningfully invest” into the roster.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
General Manager Jeremy Zoll will continue to lead the Twins’ baseball operations department, owner Tom Pohlad confirmed. Zoll was elevated to the top role when Derek Falvey left in January.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Walker Jenkins is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove bone chips/spurs from his right elbow on Wednesday morning. Zebby Matthews is dealing with a flexor pronator strain. Twins expect he will need conservative treatment and he will be ready for the 2027 season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Ryan Jeffers isn’t ruling out a return to the Twins as he enters free agency. Josh Bell hopes to return, but he’s used to working on one-year contracts. Derek Shelton on Bell: “He’s had more impact on our hitting group then just about anybody I’ve ever seen.” www.startribune.com/ryan-jeffers...
startribune.com
Twins’ Ryan Jeffers is headed for free agency. But he isn’t ruling out a return.
The Twins are set to lose Ryan Jeffers, Josh Bell, A.J. Minter and Taylor Rogers to free agency, with Jeffers expected to draw plenty of interest.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Following today’s firings, assistant hitting coaches Trevor Amicone and Rayden Sierra, along with infield coach Ramon Borrego, are the only holdovers from Rocco Baldelli’s last coaching staff. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins fire pitching coaches Pete Maki, Luis Ramirez after staff struggles again
The Twins finished 25th in MLB with a 4.56 ERA after ranking among the bottom 10 in each of the past three seasons.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Twins rode their pitching staff to the playoffs in 2023. In each of the last three years, they’ve ranked bottom 10 in ERA. Twins fire pitching coach Pete Maki and assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez. All other coaches expected back. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins fire pitching coach Pete Maki. Here’s what to know following 77-85 season.
Maki had overseen the Twins pitching staff since 2022 and was retained when Derek Shelton took over as manager.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Twins are not bringing back pitching coach Pete Maki or assistant pitching coach Luis Ramirez next year, the team announced.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Josh Bell’s last 100 games: .278/.341/.464 (.805 OPS) with 16 HR, 19 doubles, 67 RBI and a 125 wRC+.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Twins started the season with the lowest expectations, then raised them at the trade deadline. They flopped in the final two months of the season, but the late youth movement provides optimism. “Next year, it’s on,” Kaelen Culpepper said. “I’m ready.” www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
After rocky 2026 season, Twins find hope in late youth movement: ‘Next year, it’s on’
The Twins flopped with a 21-30 record over the final two months of the season, but some of their top prospects showed they’re ready for the major league spotlight.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Josh Bell says he hopes to return to the Twins next year (“I talked to my family about it all year.”); Ryan Jeffers prepares for free agency; Twins set a Target Field low for attendance. Read more here: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins spoil Rangers’ playoff hopes in season finale as Target Field attendance hits 17-year low
Josh Bell and Royce Lewis homered, and Dean Kremer threw seven strong innings as the Twins beat Texas 6-4, eliminating the Rangers from the postseason.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Twins salute their fans after their final game of the 2026 season. Now when will the 2027 season begin?
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The Twins report they sold 1,733,203 tickets over their 80 games at Target Field this year. That’s a ballpark low. Their lowest attendance total since 2000 in the Metrodome. The Twins drew 1.769 million in 2025.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Dean Kremer allowed three hits and one run over seven innings in his final start of the season. He had a 3.48 ERA in 10 starts since joining the Twins at the trade deadline.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Josh Bell entered today with a .902 OPS in 101 career plate appearances against the Rangers, totaling two homers, nine doubles and 16 RBI. He torments his hometown team again with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the third inning.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Byron Buxton is walking around on crutches in the Twins clubhouse. He doesn’t have a timetable to return. “When I start walking, I’ll start going through the next steps.” Manager Derek Shelton said they expect Buxton will be ready for the start of 2027 season. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Live: Twins season ends today at Target Field. Will they spoil Rangers’ playoff hopes?
Texas enters the day tied with Houston in the AL West race and needs a win to stay alive. Dean Kremer starts for the Twins against Rangers lefthander MacKenzie Gore.
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Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Jason Beck @jasonbeck.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Justin Verlander’s daughter running to the mound was an incredible way to close out a brilliant career. It took a lot of things to go right. “I’m like, ‘Laz, I need this to be an out.’ Not that he can do anything about it in New York. He’s like, ‘Brother, I know.’” www.mlb.com/news/justin-...
mlb.com
How Hinch, Tigers 'totally blindsided' Verlander with a perfect sendoff
DETROIT -- Justin Verlander overcame the rust of six months since his last Major League appearance, the tightness of a hamstring strain that never quite went away, and the simple truth of Father Time ...
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Bailey Ober’s final start of the 2026 season: 5 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR. Ober ends the year with a 4.47 ERA in 131 innings.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Luke Keaschall has a .325/.416/.504 slash line (.920 OPS) since July 1. The only AL hitters with a higher OPS in the same span: Yordan Alvarez and Pete Alonso.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Twins announce 5:10 p.m. is the newly scheduled start time. Yes, 5:10 p.m. Central.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Haven’t heard any updates. No players currently on the field. The game obviously means a lot to the Rangers, so I assume they’ll wait as long as it takes for a clear window.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Twins game vs. Rangers will be delayed because of rain.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Mick Abel threw a bullpen session at Target Field today. Encouraging that it appears he’ll have a normal offseason.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Kaelen Culpepper was activated onto the Twins roster, back from the 10-day IL. Jeff Hoffman will end the season on the IL because of right forearm inflammation.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Emmanuel Rodriguez would’ve made for a great NFL receiver. Excellent body control. He just made a great leaping catch against the left field wall.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The Twins have put up six runs on Jacob deGrom in the second inning. This feels like when the Twins beat up on Garrett Crochet and Framber Valdez at the beginning of the year. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Live: Joe Ryan and Twins enter final weekend of the season hoping to play spoiler
While the Twins have been getting a good look at their top young players, the Rangers still have a shot at the AL West title. Follow the score, highlights and analysis from Target Field.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Kaelen Culpepper is running the bases in front of head trainer Nick Paparesta. He’s eligible to return from the 10-day IL for the final two games of the season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
📬 NEW Extra Innings newsletter: ⚾️ Drew Gilbert, a Stillwater native, talks about the rise of Minnesotans in the majors. ⚾️ Bailey Ober steps up for the Twins, pitching out of the bullpen for the first time in his career. Free sign up link: link.email.startribune.com/join/7v1/sig...
Gilbert, a 25-year-old outfielder who attended the University of Tennessee before he became a first-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft, has some special ties to the Twins.  

His mom, Cindy, spent about two decades running the players’ family room at the Metrodome and Target Field. She essentially babysat players’ children, and Drew often ran around with that group at Target Field.  

His favorite players? 

“Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, even Nick Punto, who is the bench coach for the Padres. It’s just crazy seeing him across the way when I used to watch him growing up all the time. Being able to watch those guys growing up, wanting to emulate them and to be here is cool.”
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
As the Twins trend younger in the outfield, Trevor Larnach knows odds are high this is his last weekend in a Twins uniform. “They gave me a number of opportunities and they didn’t have to. … I’ll forever be thankful.” www.startribune.com/trevor-larna...
startribune.com
Twins’ Trevor Larnach grateful for ‘awesome journey’ as he braces for possible offseason exit
Coming off the best season of his career, Larnach could be squeezed out of a crowded Twins outfield that is trending younger.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Confirming Jon “Boog” Sciambi, the great Cubs and ESPN broadcaster, will be one of the Timberwolves’ play-by-play announcers this year. He’s expected to call about 20 T-Wolves games for the upcoming season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Twins assistant general manager Daniel Adler is no longer with the organization, a source confirmed. The two sides agreed to mutually part ways. Adler, who joined the Twins in 2017, worked on both the baseball and business side of the organization.
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Reposted by Bobby Nightengale
Star Tribune Sports @stribsports.startribune.com · 24/09/2026
How Twins’ Luke Keaschall’s ‘go, go, go’ mentality made him a lineup cornerstone
bit.ly
How Twins’ Luke Keaschall’s ‘go, go, go’ mentality made him a lineup cornerstone
Keaschall showed off all the ways he can impact a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, just 90 minutes from where he grew up.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Luke Keaschall returned to San Francisco, where his baseball career started, and showed all the ways he impacts games. “This season he’s had, I think we should all sit back when it’s over and recognize how great it’s been.” www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
How Twins’ Luke Keaschall’s ‘go, go, go’ mentality made him a lineup cornerstone
Keaschall showed off all the ways he can impact a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, just 90 minutes from where he grew up.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The young kids stepped up as the Twins won their road finale: Connor Prielipp, Luke Keaschall, Walker Jenkins, Andrew Morris and Ben Ross play big roles in a 4-2 victory over the Giants. www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Twins’ young players deliver series win over the Giants on final road trip of the season
Luke Keaschall homered, Walker Jenkins came up with the go-ahead hit and Connor Prielipp capped his rookie season with 5⅓ solid innings in Wednesday’s win.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Kaelen Culpepper has been doing baseball activities at Target Field during the Twins’ road trip and he’s scheduled to run the bases Thursday. If all goes well, he could be activated from the 10-day IL for the final two days of the season.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Austin Martin was scratched from today’s lineup because of an illness. Alan Roden now starting against a lefty starter.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former Twins president Derek Falvey is back in baseball. He left the Twins in January.
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Bobby Nightengale @nightengalejr.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Taj Bradley was pleased with his ‘26 season; Luke Keaschall showed what he learned in the outfield; Walker Jenkins continued his big road trip. "I'm happy," Bradley said. "I can look back and be content with everything I've done this year.” Much more here: www.startribune.com/minnesota-tw...
startribune.com
Live: Twins beat Giants 3-2 as Taj Bradley caps best season of his career
Bradley finished his 2026 season leading the Twins in victories, starts, strikeouts and ERA. Follow along for score updates, highlights and analysis from Oracle Park.
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