The Minnesota Twins shared Pablo Lopez's decision outside of MLB.
The Minnesota Twins enter the 2026 season with hope that the team still has enough talent to remain competitive after a quiet winter. While the roster features a mix of returning pieces and internal growth, the club’s success will again hinge on the stability of its starting rotation. Few players loom larger in that equation than right‑hander Pablo Lopez.
Since arriving in Minnesota, Lopez has established himself as a reliable presence at the top of the rotation. His consistency, preparation and ability to handle high‑leverage situations have made him one of the Twins’ most trusted arms. With Opening Day approaching, any update involving Lopez naturally draws attention, especially as pitchers finalize their offseason plans.
That attention sharpened this week when the Twins shared an important update regarding Lopez’s spring schedule. The team confirmed that he has decided to participate in the World Baseball Classic in March and will pitch for Team Venezuela. The decision allows Lopez to represent his home country on an international stage before shifting his focus back to the regular season.
Lopez’s path to becoming a rotation anchor traces back to his time with the Miami Marlins, where he developed into a dependable starter. The Twins acquired him in a high‑profile trade in 2023 that sent Luis Arraez to Miami, a move that signaled Minnesota’s desire to prioritize pitching stability. Since then, Lopez has largely delivered on that investment.
He posted a 5–4 record in 2025 with a 2.74 ERA across 75 2/3 innings. He struck out 73 batters while maintaining a 1.110 WHIP, continuing a trend of efficient outings and strong command. Those numbers reinforced his role as one of the most consistent pitchers on the staff, even as the Twins navigated injuries.
Beyond last season, Lopez’s career track record includes an All‑Star selection and a reputation for durability and poise. He has consistently limited hard contact and avoided big innings, traits that translate well both in the regular season and in tournament play like the WBC.
For Minnesota, Lopez’s decision carries both pride and responsibility. While the organization will closely monitor his workload, allowing him to pitch for Venezuela reflects confidence in his conditioning and overall health.
As the Twins prepare for Opening Day, Lopez remains central to their outlook. His international appearance adds another chapter to his career, but his primary focus will soon return to anchoring a rotation Minnesota hopes can keep the team competitive throughout the season.