Taj Bradley: A Bright Spot for the Minnesota Twins in 2026

The Minnesota Twins started the 2026 season with a challenging 1-3 record, but amidst the early struggles, a few performances have offered encouraging signs. Royce Lewis has already showcased his power with a couple of home runs, and Joe Ryan displayed potentially the highest velocity of his career. However, one particularly positive takeaway is the impressive debut of Taj Bradley, who delivered a stellar performance in the Twins’ sole victory so far, Game 2 of their series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Velocity and Dominance: Bradley’s Impressive First Start

The most striking aspect of Bradley’s first start was the remarkable velocity he exhibited. His fastball averaged 97.4 mph, a significant increase of over a mile per hour compared to his 2025 average of 96.2 mph. He even reached a peak velocity of 99.6 mph, marking the fastest pitch thrown by a Twins starting pitcher in the Statcast era. While he’s previously hit over 100 mph twice with Tampa Bay, this performance suggests he could surpass that mark multiple times this season.

Despite the impressive velocity, Bradley’s fastball hasn’t historically been his strongest suit, registering a run value of minus-five (20th percentile) last season. He’s found greater success with his breaking pitches. His curveball was a standout pitch in 2025, boasting an incredibly low opposing batting average of .082 and an excellent 37.6% whiff rate. His split-finger pitch was also above average.

A Breakout Season on the Horizon?

If Bradley’s fastball continues to perform at this elevated level, a breakout season could be within reach. His first outing generated a 30% whiff rate on his four-seamer – a remarkable figure considering the MLB average is around 10%. Bryan Woo of the Mariners led the league in fastball run value last season with a 29.7% whiff rate. You can find more information about pitch data and analysis at MLB Statcast.

Bradley’s split-finger also proved highly effective against the Orioles, inducing 27 swings without a single hit. He utilizes this pitch primarily against left-handed hitters, mirroring his approach from the previous season. The pitch generated an astonishing 63.6% whiff rate, although maintaining such a high rate throughout the season is unlikely, it’s a promising sign for the Twins.

Unexpected Opportunity and High Expectations

Bradley’s potential emergence is particularly significant given his unexpected role. Initially projected as a back-end rotation option, he was thrust into the number two starter position due to a season-ending injury to Pablo Lopez and a disappointing spring training from Bailey Ober. Manager Derek Shelton clearly has faith in Bradley’s ability to contribute at a high level.

The Twins demonstrated their belief in Bradley’s long-term potential by trading him for prized reliever Griffin Jax during last season’s trade deadline. Reports indicated that Minnesota initially sought at least two top-100 prospects for Jax, highlighting the value they placed on Bradley.

Early Signs of Excitement

While it’s still early in the season, Taj Bradley’s first start in 2026 has generated considerable excitement. The increased velocity and impressive whiff rates are encouraging signs for the Twins and their fans. For a team not expected to contend strongly in 2026, the potential emergence of a top-tier pitcher like Bradley provides a reason for optimism. Keep up with the Twins’ season at MLB.com – Minnesota Twins.