Bailey Ober, the Minnesota Twins pitcher, is focused on overcoming setbacks following a challenging start to his 2024 season. Despite a disastrous outing in Kansas City, where he allowed eight runs, Ober is determined to not let these moments define his career. He had an impressive season previously, tallying 18 quality starts, the most by a Twins pitcher in the past decade after Pablo López’s 20 in 2023.

Ober's approach is one of resilience; he rebounded from his poor performances by allowing only one run in his next two starts combined. His pitching coach encourages this mentality by referencing historical successes, including Pedro Martinez's impressive 1999 season, which also had its hiccups. Ober’s ability to adapt and improve has drawn praise from teammates, highlighting his mix of pitches and deceptive throwing style that keeps batters off balance.

The Minnesota Twins' success in 2025 is closely tied to the performance of their pitching staff, which is generating significant optimism. ESPN's preseason rankings place the Twins' starting rotation seventh in the majors, trailing only teams like the Mariners and Yankees. The rotation is expected to include Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa.

Bailey Ober's development serves as a model for the Twins' pitching prospects, showcasing the team's ability to cultivate talent. After being drafted in the 12th round, Ober has steadily improved, culminating in a career-best 178⅔ innings pitched last season with a notable 26.9% strikeout rate.

Steamer's projections further bolster the Twins' expectations for 2025, ranking them tied for the second-best ERA+ in the majors, only behind the Red Sox and Braves. With an ERA+ of 106, the Twins are projected to be 6% better than the league average. Among the starting pitchers, Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan are highlighted, ranked 11th and 17th respectively.

The St. Louis Cardinals are prioritizing long-term growth over immediate performance as they navigate a challenging rebuilding phase, having missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

With Chaim Bloom set to take over as president of baseball operations in 2025, the team is more inclined to pursue short-term deals. Among potential targets is Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta, who is projected to receive a three-year, $48 million contract due to his durability and strong strikeout rate.

Griffin Jax's future with the Minnesota Twins could be in flux as the team considers moving him from a relief role to a starting pitcher position. Bench coach Jayce Tingler expressed confidence in Jax's potential to excel in either role, emphasizing the importance of Jax's personal desires in this decision.

With budget constraints limiting free-agent options, Jax's transition could be a strategic move to bolster the starting rotation. Tingler highlighted Jax's impressive development and performance, particularly his 2.03 ERA in 2024, while also acknowledging the challenge of replacing him if he shifts roles.

David Festa, a rookie starter for the Minnesota Twins, showed promise in his final outings of the season, boasting a 3.81 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 54⅓ innings. Despite not pitching deep into games, he emerged as a key young talent for the 2025 season.

Festa's performance was highlighted by his ability to mix pitches effectively, leading to a high strikeout rate. He aims to develop additional pitches but is confident in his current three-pitch mix.

With competition for a rotation spot, Festa reflects on his learning experiences and the potential for growth as he prepares for the upcoming season.