The Minnesota Twins are currently in the process of beginning spring training games. With spring training comes big roster decisions. Many players are competing for a spot on the big league roster. MLB.com recently published an article that focused on one "dark horse candidate" who could land on each team's roster to begin the 2026 campaign. So, who was the Twins' candidate?
Matthew Leach of MLB.com named right-handed pitcher John Klein as the candidate for Minnesota. Leach believes Klein could end up on the Opening Day roster as a reliever in the bullpen.
John Klein's 2026 Outlook
Klein, 23, has yet to pitch in the big leagues. He made a total of 31 appearances in 2025 in the minor leagues while pitching at Double-A and Triple-A. 15 of those appearances were starts. It is worth noting that while Klein found success in Double-A -- pitching to a 3.12 ERA across 24 appearances (11 starts) -- he struggled at the Triple-A level. Klein ultimately allowed 19 earned runs across 25.2 total innings of work at Triple-A.
Nevertheless, Klein is a right-handed hurler who features a good fastball that can reach up to the high-90's. He has served in multiple roles between starting and coming out of the bullpen, but Leach expects him to primarily pitch in relief if he ends up making the MLB roster this season.
Twins' Potential 2026 Bullpen
The Twins have question marks up and down the roster. They could end up selling at the 2026 trade deadline and entering a complete rebuild. The ball club should certainly be thinking about the future, and the 23-year-old Klein could be a bullpen option for years to come.
The overall bullpen is intriguing heading into 2026. Minnesota recently signed Andrew Chafin to add more veteran prowess. Other established relievers include guys such as Taylor Rogers and Justin Topa. If Klein performs well in spring training, however, one has to imagine he will be seriously considered for a bullpen spot.
Four of the Twins' potential bullpen options are left-handed. Most teams need left-handed relief help, but Minnesota would benefit from having another right-hand reliever. That obviously is an element of the situation that bodes well for Klein's chances of sneaking onto the Opening Day roster.
Twins fans will want to closely monitor John Klein's performance throughout spring training as the right-handed hurler competes for a spot on the 2026 MLB roster.