In a recent post on X, The Athletic senior writer Aaron Gleeman framed Minnesota's current payroll situation with three simple numbers:
Twins' current payroll is ...
... $35 million below last Opening Day.
... $60 million below 2023.
... $70 million below MLB average for 2026.— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 9, 2026Ouch. These numbers are not gentle. In fact, it stung to read them the first time - even while fully aware of the consistent payroll frustrations we endure in Twins Territory. After last season's fire sale at the trade deadline, a payroll dip was to be expected.