Twins Release Liam Hendriks From Minor League Contract

This post breaks down the Minnesota Twins’ latest spring-time roster moves. That includes the release of three players from minor-league contracts, a handful of camp reshuffles, and some real questions about how those decisions shape the Opening Day rotation after Pablo López’s season-ending injury.

These moves show how Minnesota is juggling veteran experience, youth, and health as they head toward the long grind of 2025. It’s a tricky balancing act, honestly.

Twins trim three on minor-league contracts and reassess camp roster

The Twins announced Friday they released Liam Hendriks, Andrew Chafin, and Gio Urshela from their minor-league deals. Hendriks, 37, joined major-league spring training on a minor-league pact signed Feb. 12.

He appeared in seven spring games. Over seven innings, he allowed three runs, nine hits, and five walks.

If he’d made the 40-man roster, Hendriks would’ve earned $2.25 million in the majors. His career’s been wild: 116 career saves, with 114 since 2019, and a standout 2021 season with 38 saves between Oakland and Chicago.

He’s faced a lot lately—diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after 2022, then right elbow inflammation in 2023 led to Tommy John surgery. He put up a 6.59 ERA across 14 games with Boston in 2025 while dealing with right hip inflammation.

Andrew Chafin would’ve earned $2 million on the 40-man roster. He put up a 3.00 ERA in six spring innings, walking three and striking out five in three appearances.

The lefty showed some value in the bullpen, but the Twins decided not to lock him into a major-league deal. They’re clearly keeping their options open.

Gio Urshela would’ve earned $1.5 million on the 40-man roster. Urshela struggled at the plate in camp, batting .192 (5-for-26) with one RBI and five strikeouts.

That rough stretch played a big part in Minnesota’s decision to move on from him. It’s tough, but that’s spring for you.

• Zebby Matthews was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul. With López out for the season, this move helps lock in the Twins’ rotation for now.
• Matthews’ demotion shows Minnesota wants to keep some depth handy while probably leaning on veterans to start the year.
• Noah Cardenas was reassigned to minor-league camp. The organization keeps pruning non-40-man options and hanging onto prospects and depth at AA and AAA.

At this point, camp looks a bit clearer. The Twins are trimming veteran unsigned-international players and letting other internal candidates fight for a few open spots, while keeping key prospects in the pipeline.

Opening Day rotation set, despite López out for the season

With Pablo López out for the year, Minnesota faces a new challenge with their rotation. The Opening Day group looks set: Joe Ryan leads the way, then Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Mick Abel.

Abel, who came over from Philadelphia in the Jhoan Durán trade, grabbed the final rotation spot over Matthews. That move really shows how much the Twins trust their younger arms to step up right away.

The order mixes proven experience and raw potential. Ryan slots in as the ace, and Ober brings a steady, ground-ball focus. Bradley, Woods Richardson, and Abel add young depth and a bit of unpredictability as the season gets going.

Minnesota seems pretty willing to lean on their farm system, especially now that López is gone for the season. It’s a bold call, but maybe it’s the right one.

• Joe Ryan – He’ll lead the rotation on Opening Day, setting the tone with a steady, veteran-like presence.
• Bailey Ober – A reliable middle-rotation guy, able to eat innings and keep things moving when the inevitable injuries or rest days pop up.
• Taj Bradley – A young pitcher with real upside, and possibly a regular starter if he finds his groove.
• Simeon Woods Richardson – Versatile, still developing, and ready to handle more as the team needs it.
• Mick Abel – The breakout story here, really. Abel is the return from the Durán trade, and he brings some left-handed balance to the staff.

As the Twins roll out this five-man group, the big question is whether they can keep everyone healthy and find enough depth. The front office is blending veteran bullpen arms with young starters, hoping it all clicks even with López missing. Honestly, it’s a bit of a gamble, but sometimes that’s what you need in a packed American League race.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Twins release righty Liam Hendriks from minor league contract