Twins' Taj Bradley is proving to be a nice surprise in 2026

Twins' Taj Bradley is proving to be a nice surprise in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Twins have been a middle-of-the-road team through the first 22 games of 2026. At 11-11, they are in third-place in the American League Central, and are only one game back of the Cleveland Guardians.

One of their most valuable players is currently having a huge emergence this season. It has been such a breakthrough season for this player that Bleacher Report heralded him in their piece on each Major League Baseball team's best early surprise this season.

Starting pitcher Taj Bradley has been fantastic to start the year, posting a 3-0 record with an ERA of 1.63. He has been steady and consistent, with a filthy split-finger that is reaching up and over 90 MPH.

Bradley is a young star in the making, as this is his fourth season in the majors. His tenure in Tampa Bay did not pan out so well, as his two and a half seasons produced a 19-25 record with an ERA of 4.70.

This season has been different. Bradley has yet to concede a home run through five starts, which was a particular problem throughout his career. He has allowed 64 long balls in 78 career starts. Not ideal for a pitcher with as much promise as him.

The Twins are going to need Bradley to continue to be a driving force in the rotation. As close as they are in the playoff race, this early in the season, it is a gift.

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