Rogers believes the young Twins can mirror their remarkable 2017 turnaround after a tough season.
The Minnesota Twins went 70-92 last season and finished fourth in the American League Central.
It was a rough year that saw the team trade away most of its bullpen at the deadline, but newly signed reliever Taylor Rogers thinks there is reason for hope.
Rogers signed a one-year, $2 million deal to return to the team that drafted him in 2012 and feels good about where things are headed.
Rogers Sees Similarities to 2016
"I like this young group that is here," Rogers told Bobby Nightengale of The Star Tribune. "You guys remember 2016, we lost 103 games. We were thin in the 'pen with a full 40-man roster. In 2017, we make the playoffs, so there's no reason why can't do that again."
The comparison makes sense. In 2016, the Twins finished 59-103 and had the worst record in baseball.
One year later, they won 85 games and became the first team in MLB history to reach the playoffs after losing 100 or more games the previous season.
Rogers was part of that 2017 team and saw firsthand how fast things can change.
The left-hander spent six seasons in Minnesota and made an All-Star team in 2021 before getting traded.
Why This Signing Makes Sense
Bringing back Rogers helps fill a big hole.
The Twins traded away Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Louis Varland, Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe during the deadline fire sale last summer, and they finished with one of the worst bullpen ERAs in baseball.
Rogers posted a 3.38 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings between the Reds and Cubs last season.
His sweeper remains strong, as hitters batted just .168 against it in 2025.
The 35-year-old knows the organization and can provide leadership to a young group.
Other Bullpen Options Heading Into Spring Training
Even with Rogers on board, the Twins have work to do.
The current mix includes Cole Sands, Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk as holdovers, along with Eric Orze who was acquired from Tampa Bay this offseason.
Young arms like Connor Prielipp and Marco Raya could compete for spots.
New manager Derek Shelton expects the bullpen to look different by spring training, and Derek Falvey said more help is coming.
"We're close to being able to add some guys that will fill out some experience in that group, but we're going to need some young guys to step up," Falvey said.
The Twins could use help from their farm system to fill roles.
Minnesota opens 2026 on March 26 against Baltimore, and if Rogers is right about this group, the Twins could surprise people just like they did in 2017.