The Minnesota Twins face a roster decision after right-handed reliever Matt Bowman exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league contract, as first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This move allows Bowman to pursue opportunities elsewhere if the Twins don’t add him to their Opening Day roster. The situation highlights the competitive nature of spring training and the ongoing evaluation of bullpen candidates.
Bowman has made a strong case for inclusion, having allowed just one hit over 7 ⅓ scoreless innings during Spring Training. He continued his impressive form in today’s 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves, adding two more scoreless innings to his resume. His spring performance was bolstered by three additional scoreless innings pitched for Israel during the recent World Baseball Classic, further demonstrating his readiness for Major League competition. The question now is whether that performance is enough to secure a spot in a crowded Minnesota bullpen.
Despite his strong showing, Bowman is competing with several other pitchers for what appears to be a single opening in the Twins’ bullpen. According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic, the Twins are currently planning to utilize Taylor Rogers, Kody Funderburk, and Anthony Banda as their left-handed relief options. On the right side, Justin Topa, Cole Sands, Zak Kent, and Eric Orze are expected to fill roles. Bowman’s primary competition for the final spot includes Dan Altavilla, Cody Laweryson, and Trent Baker, with Hayes suggesting Altavilla currently holds the lead.
A History of Transactions
Bowman’s career has been marked by frequent transactions in recent seasons. He pitched for four different teams – including the Twins – during the 2024 season. The 2025 season saw a constant cycle of being designated for assignment, outrighted, and then selected again by the Baltimore Orioles before ultimately being released at the end of August and signing with the Houston Astros. This nomadic stretch underscores the challenges faced by veteran relievers navigating the ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball.
Over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Bowman posted a 5.20 ERA with a 17.1% strikeout rate and a 7.7% walk rate across 55 ⅓ innings pitched. Whereas his overall numbers reflect a period of instability, his recent performance suggests a potential return to form. Notably, his ground ball rate has decreased to 39.7% over the past two years, a significant drop from the impressive 56.3% he maintained during his first five seasons in the majors.
What’s Next for Bowman and the Twins?
The Twins now have a decision to make regarding Bowman’s future with the organization. They must weigh his recent performance against the needs of the bullpen and the potential contributions of other candidates. If Minnesota doesn’t add Bowman to the Opening Day roster, he will grow a free agent, potentially attracting interest from other teams in need of bullpen depth. His ability to opt-out demonstrates a confidence in his current form and a desire to identify a stable role with a competitive team.
The Twins’ bullpen construction will be a key storyline to watch as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. The competition for the final spot will likely continue through the remaining days of spring training, with each pitcher vying to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff. The decision ultimately comes down to evaluating which reliever provides the best combination of skills, experience, and potential to contribute to the team’s success.
What do you reckon? Should the Twins retain Matt Bowman on the roster, or will he find a better opportunity elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
