
The Minnesota Twins are welcoming two familiar faces back into the organization, as recently retired players Ryan Pressly and Michael A. Taylor have both joined the club in new roles.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported the news on Saturday, noting that the Twins moved quickly to bring back both players shortly after Pressly announced his retirement.
The move comes as Minnesota looks to rebuild after a disappointing 70-92 finish in 2025 that left them fourth in the American League Central.
Pressly's career began with the Twins in 2013 when Minnesota selected him from the Boston Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft, and he spent six seasons pitching in a Twins uniform before being traded to the Houston Astros at the 2018 deadline.
During his time in Minnesota, he appeared in 281 games and posted a 3.75 ERA over 317 innings while serving as a key setup man.
The 37-year-old went on to have a standout career with Houston, becoming one of the most clutch closers in recent memory.
He made two All-Star teams, recorded 111 saves with the Astros, and was on the mound for the final out of the 2022 World Series when Houston defeated the Philadelphia Phillies.
His 14 career postseason saves rank fifth in Major League history, and he finished with a 3.33 ERA and 117 saves across 667 appearances.
Taylor spent the 2023 season with Minnesota, and it turned out to be one of the best campaigns of his 12-year career.
He hit .220/.278/.442 with a career-high 21 home runs, filling the void left by Byron Buxton's limited playing time.
Beyond his offense, Taylor was one of the best defensive outfielders in the game and won a Gold Glove Award in 2021 with the Kansas City Royals.
The 34-year-old retired following the 2025 season after spending his final year with the Chicago White Sox, announcing his retirement at Nationals Park where his career began in 2014.
He finished with 109 home runs and 128 stolen bases.
The Twins hired him as an outfield instructor, where he will work with young players in spring training and the minor league system.
While exact roles have not been announced for Pressly, both former players bring valuable experience that could benefit Minnesota's young roster.
Pressly's expertise in high-leverage situations could prove useful as the Twins develop their pitching staff, while Taylor's defensive prowess makes him ideal for developing outfielders.
The hiring shows the Twins' commitment to bringing experienced voices back into the organization as they attempt to return to contention.