What's happened
The Twins have designated pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson after a season where he has struggled to a 7.74 ERA in 2026; he had previously been with the Mets and Blue Jays in a career spanning 2022-2026.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The Twins are actively reshaping their rotation as they chase a turnaround from last place. Removing a struggling starter signals a shift in strategy to find more reliable options.
- Woods Richardson has walked a fine line between promising prospect and inconsistent major leaguer; his latest results reflect both command issues and rough innings, which will likely push him to Triple-A or a minor-league depth role.
- This move could help the Twins stabilize their rotation, but it also raises questions about who will fill the spot and how soon the team will recapture form.
How we got here
Woods Richardson was a second-round pick by the Mets in 2018 and has since bounced from Mets to Blue Jays to Twins. He debuted in 2022 and joined the Twins rotation in 2024, posting a combined 4.11 ERA in 2024-25 before a difficult 2026.
Our analysis
AP News reports on Woods Richardson being designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins amid a rough 2026 showing. Additional AP coverage notes his earlier performance and roster shifts. NY Post provides context on his previous trades and career trajectory including his start in 2022 and struggles in 2026.
Go deeper
- Will Woods Richardson clear waivers and report to Triple-A St. Paul?
- Who steps into the Twins rotation to replace him in the short term?
- How will this affect Minnesota's plans for the rest of the season?
More on these topics
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Minnesota Twins - Baseball team
The Minnesota Twins are an American professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League Central division.
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New York Mets - Baseball team
The New York Mets are a Major League Baseball team based in the New York City borough of Queens. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.