Episode Details

Byron Buxton claims his place as the Minnesota Twins Most Valuable Player, but does his impact outweigh questions about his durability? CJ Baumgartner and special guest Corey Tackmann debate Buxton’s game-changing presence, Kody Clemens solid contributions, and the offensive struggles that defined the Twins season after Buxton’s injury. The conversation also highlights the rise of prospects like Luke Keaschall and Brooks Lee, with insights into Ryan Jeffers underrated value behind the plate.

Derek Shelton faces a report card after his first season as Twins manager, with grades on pitching management, clubhouse vibes, and lineup choices. Key discussion points include Pablo Lopez’s injury return, the emergence of Taj Bradley, and what it will take to ignite fan excitement in 2027. Can the Twins young core and revamped rotation put Minnesota back on the baseball map, or will fans remain skeptical until the wins start piling up?

Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-twins/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

00:00 Byron Buxton as MVP
Discussion of Byron Buxton's value, performance, and importance to the Twins in 2026. Debate over definition of "MVP" and comparison to other players like Kody Clemens.

11:04 Grading Derek Shelton
Analysis and grades for Derek Shelton's first season as Twins manager, including discussion on vibes, bullpen management, and lineup decisions.

22:25 Building Twins Excitement 2027
Discussion on what the Twins need to do to excite the fan base for 2027. Evaluating young core talent, starting rotation, and the path back to contention.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health is a real, in-person men’s health clinic that looks at the full picture  before developing a treatment plan. Book your complimentary test and consult at 
https://join.gamedaymenshealth.com/re...

KALSHI
For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#minnesotatwins #MLB #Twins

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.