Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospect Shows Out In Arizona Fall League

The Minnesota Twins might have a future pitcher in the making after a disappointing year that saw them miss out of the MLB playoffs for the third-straight season and finish eight games below the .500 mark.

Left-hander Cesar Lares has been making a case for himself in the Arizona Fall League after missing all of 2025 with an elbow injury which he underwent surgery to address. The 23-year-old out of Maracay, Venezuela has only tossed 3.1 innings so far, giving up three hits, two walks and one run.

Still, Lares managed four strikeouts in his first meaningful appearance following a rehab assignment in May. From that point, he soared through Minnesota's farm system, making his way to High-A ball in June from Class-A Fort Myers. 

Lares made 14 starts in the minors this year, going 1-7 overall with a 9.34 ERA and surrendering 46 earned runs across 44.1 innings. He also fanned 51 batters and allowed 29 walks with opposing batters hitting .293 against him.

While some of those figures are a bit concerning, they can be chalked off to the little opportunities Lares has had with his injury playing a part in that. His potential was a huge factor in Minnesota signing him out of his native country before the 2022 season.

Lares went on to have a solid year on the Twins' Dominican Summer League club, recording 71 punchouts and limiting hitters to a .188 average. Furthermore, he posted a 2.93 ERA through 46 innings.

However, he struggled heavily in 2023 during his stint with the Florida Complex League team, compiling an 8.13 ERA in nine starts despite striking out 43 batters.

Lares saw improvement the next year, going 3-4 and posting a 4.56 ERA with Fort Myers. Even then, his command is an area where he needs the most work given that he plunked a career-worst 20 batters.

As a result, the Twins are rightfully giving him the additional reps he needs to hone in on his arsenal and build composure over time. 

For now, Minnesota's major-league rotation should continue to be led by right-handed ace Joe Ryan as well as 25-year-old standout Taj Bradley.

Ryan will look to take a step forward next season as he looks to put an underwhelming second half behind him and remain healthy after missing just over a month with a left glute strain.

While Lares masters his craft, the Twins front office will be hard at work trying to retain other key arms like Taylor Rogers this offseason.