In a significant turn of events, former Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Ronny Henriquez will be sidelined for the entire 2026 season following a remarkable performance with the Miami Marlins. The team recently announced via social media that Henriquez has undergone surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, accompanied by the placement of an internal brace. While the recovery process will keep him off the field for a full year, he is anticipated to be ready in time for spring training in 2027.
This news comes as a disappointment, particularly after Henriquez’s standout season with the Marlins, where he showcased his talent by achieving a bWAR of 2.3 and an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.22. Over 73 innings on the mound, he struck out 98 batters while allowing only 27 walks. His analytics reflect an outstanding performance, placing him in the 98th percentile for expected batting average (.184), chase rate (35.3%), and breaking run value (14). He also ranked in the 97th percentile for whiff rate (36%) and the 94th for strikeout rate (32.3%). Despite some challenges with control, his overall contribution was invaluable to the Marlins last season.
At just 25 years old, Henriquez made his Major League Baseball debut with the Twins in 2022, during which he recorded four runs (three earned) alongside nine strikeouts and three walks over 11 and two-thirds innings. Unfortunately, 2023 saw him relegated to the minors largely due to injuries, but he made a brief return in 2024, demonstrating his skills with a 3.26 ERA, striking out 15 batters and walking five over 19 and one-third innings. However, on February 7, 2025, the Twins designated him for assignment, leading to his acquisition by the Marlins through waivers shortly after.
Henriquez's journey began when the Texas Rangers signed him to a minor league contract from the Dominican Republic on July 3, 2017. He remained with the Rangers until March 12, 2022, when he was traded to the Twins along with utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa in exchange for catcher Mitch Garver.
Throughout his six seasons in the minor leagues, he has accumulated a 4.43 ERA, securing 501 strikeouts against 149 walks over 444 and two-thirds innings pitched. Henriquez employs a diverse pitching arsenal that includes a mid-90s fastball (29.7%) and sinker (2.1%), a mid-90s sweeper (28.3%), a high-80s slider (23.3%), and a low-90s changeup (16.6%).
Although the 2026 season will be a missed opportunity for Henriquez, it’s likely that the Twins are reconsidering their decision to let him go, especially given that they traded away five relievers last summer. What do you think? Should the Twins have held onto Henriquez? Share your thoughts below!
