Zebby Matthews made an impressive debut for the Minnesota Twins, showcasing remarkable accuracy and a quick rise through the minor leagues. After starting the 2024 season in Class A-Advanced Cedar Rapids, he transitioned to the majors, striking out notable hitters like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts at Petco Park during a road trip. Matthews had a stellar minor league season with a 2.60 ERA and 114 strikeouts over 97 innings, but faced challenges in the majors, compiling a 1-4 record with a 6.69 ERA in nine starts.

During the offseason, Matthews focused on enhancing his changeup and addressing the mental aspects of pitching. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli emphasized the importance of reclaiming Matthews' elite command against high-end hitters. His goal for the upcoming season is to gain more experience, likely starting in St. Paul. Matthews remains motivated by the support of family and friends, reflecting on his incredible journey from the minors to the big leagues.

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.

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.