American League Central MLB preview episode. Sully from Locked On MLB is joined by Locked On White Sox host, Nick Murawski, Locked On Guardians host, Justin Lada, Locked On Tigers host, Scotty Bentley, Locked On Kansas City Royals host, Rylan Styles, and Locked On Twins host, Brandon Warne as they break down the AL Central. Who wins the division? How many teams make the playoffs? Which teams will disappoint?

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Minnesota Twins’ starting rotation faces a crisis as injuries to Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan test the team's depth long before Opening Day. Should the Twins urgently pursue Zack Littell or Lucas Giolito to stabilize their pitching staff and protect top prospects? C.J. Baumgartner examines the dwindling options, explores the impact of recent setbacks, and weighs the pros and cons of free agent solutions in a season where stability could be the difference-maker.

Royce Lewis escapes a major injury scare, but will this be the year he cements his status as a franchise cornerstone alongside Byron Buxton? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down Lewis’s pivotal season and why the prospect pipeline puts extra pressure on his development. The episode also assesses the Twins’ bullpen hierarchy, spotlighting Taylor Rodgers, Caleb Thielbar, and rising arms, while questioning if the current roster can support a true playoff push.

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00:00 Starting Pitching Depth Crisis

Minnesota Twins’ starting rotation is already being stretched thin due to injuries to Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and David Festa. C.J. Baumgartner explains why the team must add a starter now, highlights free agent options Lucas Giolito and Zack Littell, and presents his recommendation.

15:06 Royce Lewis Health & Breakout Hopes

Discussion shifts to Royce Lewis, his recent injury scare (and encouraging MRI), why this is a do-or-die year for him to earn “franchise cornerstone” status, and how continued durability and experience are key for both Lewis and the Twins’ future.

26:10 Twins Bullpen Breakdown

Full assessment of the current bullpen hierarchy and key relievers. C.J. Baumgartner ranks confidence in roles, discusses “battle of mid” depth, and examines whether any reliever can establish themselves—plus what went wrong with resource allocation after last deadline.

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Minnesota Twins veterans praise Derek Shelton’s refreshing communication style as he steps in as manager. Is Shelton’s upbeat personality exactly what the Twins need to outperform expectations after Rocco Baldelli’s tenure? Byron Buxton, Ryan Jeffers, and Royce Lewis highlight Shelton’s direct approach, while comparisons to Baldelli reveal striking similarities—and critical differences—in game management and defensive discipline.

C.J. Baumgartner spotlights the Twins' formidable starting pitching depth, dissecting key roles for Joe Ryan, Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, and top prospects like Mick Abel and Kendry Rojas. Taj Bradley’s decision to skip the World Baseball Classic for Team Mexico opens a door in the rotation, especially with Pablo Lopez sidelined. Can the Twins recreate ace-level production and keep their postseason hopes alive? Stay tuned for a thorough breakdown of pitching strategy and roster outlook heading into MLB Opening Day.

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00:00 Derek Shelton vs. Rocco Baldelli

Discussion of Derek Shelton’s communication style, personality differences, and early feedback from Twins veterans compared to Rocco Baldelli.

13:38 Taj Bradley WBC Decision

Analysis of Taj Bradley opting out of the World Baseball Classic, implications for his development, and opening day roster chances.

21:18 Twins Starting Pitching Depth

Deep dive into the Twins’ starting pitcher depth, prospects, strengths, and how the rotation shapes up for the upcoming season.

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Predicting shakeups in the Minnesota Twins 2026 Opening Day roster projections with bold moves in the pitching staff. Would a new-look rotation featuring Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Mick Abel, and Taj Bradley spark a playoff push? C.J. Baumgartner breaks down key position battles, weighing the high-upside arms like Kendry Rojas, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa against veteran additions Taj Bradley and Andrew Chafin.

The conversation highlights bullpen surprises including Taylor Rogers, Justin Topa, and the return of Liam Hendriks, as well as the ongoing catching conundrum with Ryan Jeffers and Victor Caratini. Catch insights on Brooks Lee, Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Byron Buxton as C.J. Baumgartner questions whether this youth movement and strategic depth play can keep the Twins in the AL Central hunt. Could Ryan Jeffers' contract year be his last in Minnesota? The roster stakes are higher than ever.

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00:00 – Twins 2026 Opening Day Roster

C.J. Baumgartner breaks down his 2.0 prediction for the Minnesota Twins’ 2026 Opening Day roster, with a focus on major pitching staff shakeups and overall lineup projections.

11:04 – Starting Pitching Depth & Young Arms

The discussion shifts to the Twins’ starting pitching depth, highlighting standout performances from young pitchers like Taj Bradley and Mick Abel, and the impact/potential of their development.

25:21 – Catching Situation Breakdown

C.J. Baumgartner analyzes the Minnesota Twins’ catching options, including Ryan Jeffers’ future, Victor Caratini’s role, the lack of top prospects, and what it means for the team long-term.

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Minnesota Twins fans react as Ken Rosenthal questions the front office's handling of Pablo López, Joe Ryan, and Byron Buxton following López's season-ending injury. Have the Twins missed their window to maximize trade value, or is the national media's critique an overreaction? C.J. Baumgartner sets the record straight, weighing the risks, fan expectations, and ownership’s role in the team's uncertain direction.

The spotlight then shifts to rising prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, whose hot spring training start ignites debate about his Opening Day prospects. Plus, a deep analysis of the Twins’ ongoing struggles to find consistency at first base since the Joe Mauer era raises questions about Josh Bell, Victor Caratini, and the lack of a long-term answer. Can Minnesota’s new faces and top prospects change the narrative in 2026? Get the essential insights on the Twins’ roster battles, player development, and future outlook.

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00:00 – Rosenthal’s Critique & Twins Pitchers

Breakdown of Ken Rosenthal’s comments about the Twins’ offseason decisions regarding Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Byron Buxton, and why the current criticism is an overreaction.

16:04 – Emmanuel Rodriguez Spring Surge

Coverage of Emmanuel Rodriguez’s spring training performance, his chances for the Opening Day roster, how he fits in a crowded outfield, development concerns, and service time considerations.

26:57 – Twins First Base Depth Woes

Deep dive into the instability at first base for the Twins since Joe Mauer’s retirement, analysis of current options (Josh Bell, Kody Clemens, Victor Caratini, etc.), and the long-term outlook for the position.

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Minnesota Twins dodge disaster as Joe Ryan avoids a major back injury, reigniting hopes for Opening Day and the World Baseball Classic. Should Ryan still compete for Team USA after this scare, and could this international stage provide his signature moment? The spotlight shifts to young pitcher Kendry Rojas, whose strong spring performance positions him as a dark horse contender for the Twins’ starting rotation, drawing comparisons to franchise greats and sparking debate over recent trade moves.

C.J. Baumgartner highlights the latest spring standouts including Walker Jenkins, Allen Roden, and Emmanuel Rodriguez, while breaking down the crowded second base depth chart led by Luke Keaschall. Is the Twins’ infield depth a blessing or a sign of underlying roster instability? Find out how these developments, plus the fallout from Pablo López’s injury and looming trade scenarios, could reshape Minnesota’s path forward.

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00:00: Joe Ryan Injury Update

Details the lower back injury scare for Joe Ryan, implications for the Twins' rotation, and opinion on whether Ryan should still pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

11:55: Young Twins Players & Kendry Rojas

Highlights standout performances from young Twins prospects in spring training, including an in-depth look at Kendry Rojas as a rotation candidate and trade analysis.

28:16: Second Base Depth Chart

Comprehensive breakdown of the Twins' second base options, why the position group is deep (but not a compliment), and expectations for Luke Keaschall's role.

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