The Minnesota Twins have done nothing to assert themselves as legitimate contenders in the AL Central this offseason after two straight non-playoff campaigns. However, they're making moves on the prospect front.

Venezuelan shortstop Enmanuel Merlo is an international prospect to watch in the organization, via Twins Daily's Jamie Cameron.

"Listed at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Merlo is a switch-hitter with a wiry frame. He's currently better from the left side and has a well-rounded offensive profile," he wrote. "Merlo consistently produced above-average exit velocities relative to his peers, while also being praised for controlling the strike zone effectively and taking free passes when available."

Minnesota will officially sign Merlo after the international signing period begins on Jan. 15. The 17-year-old will get a $1.5 million signing bonus, which will be the 29th-largest bonus of this international signee class, per Baseball America. 

"Despite being an average runner, Merlo is aggressive on the base paths, and his running may become an asset in his game as he develops his reads," Cameron continued. "He has an above-average arm and a smooth first step at shortstop. While he may not stick there permanently, he certainly has the requisite skills to stick in the dirt as a professional."

Merlo is ranked as the 34th-best prospect in the 2026 international class, per MLB Pipeline.

Twins Building for Future?

Investing in the farm system is an essential practice for any baseball team, but that doesn't make up for Minnesota's lack of big-league moves this offseason. The most notable transaction it has made was signing first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell to a one-year deal. 

It's one thing for an organization to take its time rebuilding when it has no stars, but the Twins have two of MLB's better players in outfielder Byron Buxton and starting pitcher Joe Ryan. Buxton has notched an .850-plus OPS in each of the last two seasons and recorded 35 homers with 83 RBIs in 2025. Meanwhile, Ryan was ninth in baseball with a 1.04 WHIP this past season and will compete for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Buxton is under contract through 2028, while Ryan is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2027 campaign. If the Twins aren't playoff contenders by then, they'll run the risk of each player departing to more competitive squads. The team could also trade them for prospects before their contracts run out, but why not try to win while they're on the roster?

Minnesota can grapple with these questions over the next couple years, but it won't have forever to decide.