The Twins and Sands avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.1 million contract Thursday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sands had been in his first year of arbitration eligibility. The 28-year-old finished 2025 with a 4.50 ERA and 64:19 K:BB over 72 innings, collecting three saves along the way. Sands is in the mix for save chances with the Twins in 2026.

Sands tossed a perfect ninth frame to earn a save Tuesday over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Sands needed just nine pitches to retire the side for his third save of the season and his first since May 16. Sands had blown his previous two save opportunities and Tuesday marked only his second scoreless outing in his last seven appearances. Saves are far and few between for the Twins, but it seems Sands is in the mix for more in the final week along with Kody Funderburk.

Sands (4-4) blew the save but came away with the win Friday against the Diamondbacks, striking one while allowing four runs on four hits in one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Though Sands matched a season worst in runs allowed while taking his fourth blown save of the year, the Twins were able to mount a ninth-inning rally to bail out the hurler and get him his fourth win of the season. Justin Topa (oblique) is out for at least two weeks while on the 15-day injured list, but Sands didn't help his case Friday for future save chances. Through 65.1 frames, Sands has a 4.27 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB.

Sands threw a scoreless eighth inning, allowing a walk while striking out two to earn his ninth hold Sunday against Cleveland.

EDGE Analysis

Sands was thought to be the presumptive closer after the top five options were traded away at the deadline, but he was used in the eighth inning with the Twins having a three-run lead. Michael Tonkin was used to begin the ninth inning but struggled, and Erasmo Ramirez got the final two outs for the save. It's possible Sands was used in the eighth inning to face the heart of the order and is still thought of as the top option in the bullpen. However, after one game it looks like manager Rocco Baldelli may use a committee in save situations.

Sands will likely work as the primary closer after the trades of Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax and Louis Varland, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told Sands and Justin Topa to be prepared for late-inning high-leverage roles.

EDGE Analysis

Sands had a breakout season as a reliever in 2024, but he's taken a step back this season with just a 18.8% strikeout rate from 29.1% last season. He's had the most success of the remaining bullpen arms, so he'll likely get a decent trial in the role. Justin Topa will become the primary setup man.

Sands will serve as the Twins' opening pitcher in Sunday's game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

He'll serve as an opener for the third time this season after previously making one- and two-inning starts on July 5 and July 12, respectively. Sands will likely be in line to cover an inning or two once again Sunday before turning the game over to the bullpen.

Sands will serve as the Twins' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Since Bailey Ober (hip) joined Zebby Matthews (shoulder) and Pablo Lopez (shoulder) on the injured list earlier this month, the Twins have yet to settle on a new No. 5 starter. For the second straight turn through Ober's spot in the rotation, the Twins are opting for a bullpen day that will be led off by Sands, who previously tossed a scoreless frame in his most recent start last Saturday versus the Rays. Travis Adams pitched four innings in long relief in that contest and will likely be tasked with covering multiple frames once again Saturday after Sands exits the contest.

Sands will start Saturday's game against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Sands pitched one-third of an inning during a win in Friday's series opener, and the Twins will now let him face the top of Tampa Bay's batting order to begin Saturday's game. The 27-year-old isn't expected to last more than an inning or two before turning things over to Minnesota's bullpen.

Sands struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his second save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Jhoan Duran was unavailable after pitching Wednesday and Thursday, but manager Rocco Baldelli elected to use Griffin Jax in the eighth inning Friday against the top of Milwaukee's order before handing the ball to Sands for the ninth. Sands has earned his spot in Minnesota's high-leverage crew with a 2.55 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 17.2 innings on the season, but despite picking up two saves in the last three days -- his first came in the second game of Wednesday's twin bill after Duran had worked the matinee -- the 27-year-old righty still appears to be no higher than third in the pecking order for closing duties.

Sands recorded his first save of the season in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, pitching a perfect ninth inning in an 8-6 win. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax both worked the opening game of the twin bill, leaving Sands to handle the save chance in the nightcap. The 27-year-old righty has been effective in a high-leverage role this season, collecting two wins and five holds over 18 appearances in addition to Wednesday's save while delivering a 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB through 16.2 innings.