2026 Season Review: DSL Twins Show Promise Amid Struggles

The DSL Twins faced a tough season in 2026, concluding with a team ERA of 9.33, alongside 374 walks and 372 strikeouts over 395.2 innings pitched. Despite the overall struggles, a few pitchers displayed potential that could lead them to become noteworthy prospects.

Fernando Hernandez stood out as the most dependable pitcher for the Twins, achieving a 4.05 ERA and a 3.19 FIP, with 16 strikeouts and just 2 walks in 13.1 innings. Although he had a solid sinker/slider combination, his height of 5'10" and nearing 20 years of age may limit his upside as a young prospect.

Among the younger arms, 18-year-olds Enmanuel Mena and Josangel Braffit showcased intriguing fastball/slider mixes but faced command issues. Camilo Made, a late signing at 17, exhibited impressive potential with a strong fastball and effective breaking balls, though he too needs to improve his command. All three pitchers have shown glimpses of their capabilities but must work on their consistency.

Right-handers Yolcar Garcia and Alam Soriano also caught attention for their command-oriented pitching. Garcia, standing at six feet, relies on a cut fastball around 90 MPH, while Soriano posted a 1.04 ERA in his last six outings after an early-season struggle. Although their strikeout numbers are modest, their command may give them an advantage over other pitchers in the league.

On the offensive side, the Twins' most notable international free agent signing was infielder Enmanuel Merlo, who joined the team for nearly $1.5 million. Merlo, ranked 34th by MLB Pipeline, demonstrated significant power potential and improved contact skills throughout the season. He finished with a 115 wRC+ and excelled in his final 20 games, slashing .403/.526/.581 with a remarkable 175 wRC+.

Merlo split time between shortstop and third base, showing promising defensive abilities and a solid arm. As he develops physically, he may transition into a corner infielder or possibly first base. His performance suggests a profile similar to that of Josh Bell, indicating a potential for quick advancement through the minors.