MINNEAPOLIS — Last season, the Minnesota Twins faced difficulties as they struggled during the latter part of the campaign, largely due to the absence of productive backups for several key players sidelined with injuries. The importance of investing in roster depth has become increasingly evident, especially as the team navigates a period of flat payroll.
On Friday, the Twins completed one-year contracts with outfielder Harrison Bader and reliever Danny Coulombe, aiming to bolster two significant areas of the team. Bader will earn $6.25 million, while Coulombe’s deal is valued at $3 million, totaling a committed $9.25 million against the 2025 payroll. Despite the organization being up for sale and suffering a loss in regional television revenue, the ownership deemed this investment necessary.
“We’ve experienced times when we’ve fallen short or not performed to our potential, which has tested our overall depth,” stated president Derek Falvey during a video conference. “There are always gaps to fill, and while no team ever has a complete lineup capable of excelling at the highest level, we believe we’ve now assembled a roster with enough versatility so we can adapt as the season progresses.”
Falvey also revealed that executive chairman Joe Pohlad approved this additional expenditure. “I’ve had extensive discussions with Joe in recent weeks, and he has certainly given the green light for us to enhance the team a bit. This is a testament to their support, and it represents an opportunity for us to strengthen our already solid foundation,” Falvey added, highlighting the recent efforts to meet the team’s needs.
Bader, 30, who has a mutual option for 2026 as part of his contract, was a regular starter, playing 108 games in center field for the New York Mets last year. He not only serves as a reliable backup for Byron Buxton—who has struggled with injuries throughout his decade-long career—but is also a former Gold Glove Award winner, having received the honor in 2021 while with the St. Louis Cardinals. This marks Bader’s fifth team in as many seasons.
Following the departure of right fielder Max Kepler, a dependable defender who moved on in free agency, the Twins sought to strengthen their outfield defense. “Considering our pitching staff is oriented towards fly balls, any enhancement we can make to fortify our existing strengths is crucial,” noted the newly promoted general manager Jeremy Zoll. “This was certainly a consideration for us.”
In their anticipated lineup against right-handed pitchers, the Twins are set to have Matt Wallner in right field and Trevor Larnach in left. However, if either player needs a rest or faces a challenging match-up against a left-handed pitcher, Bader is well-equipped to step into one of the corner positions. The versatile All-Star, Willi Castro, is another option, and any of the top four outfielders may also be designated hitters for manager Rocco Baldelli on a given day.
Coulombe, 35, has taken the 40-man roster position left vacant by outfielder Michael Helman, who was traded to the Cardinals for cash on Thursday. To accommodate Bader, the Twins designated reliever Ronny Henriquez for assignment.
