#10
The Minnesota Twins extended their improbable postseason losing streak to 18 games in 2020. Will the streak end in 2021? Will it keep going? Will they have a chance to end it?
#3 - 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS
MIH - Byron Buxton
MIP - Kenta Maeda
PTW - Alex Kirilloff
2020 Results
#4 - 36-24, 1st in AL Central, lost in Wild Card Round
In the 2020 regular season, everything went right for the Minnesota Twins. They won the division, they were one of the best teams in the American League, and they were well positioned to make a deep postseason run playing a team with a losing record in the first round. Then they actually got to the postseason. That team with the losing record was the Houston Astros who definitely know how to play in the postseason. The Twins don't, and they were quickly swept out of the playoffs before they even realized they started. It extended this crazy streak of playoff futility. Now, no one remembers all the successes of the season. All anyone remembers is how disappointing the season ended.
Additions / Subtractions
The biggest need for the Twins entering the offseason was pitching, with Jake Odorizzi leaving in free agency. They tried to address it by signing J.A. Happ for the rotation and Alex Colome to strengthen the bullpen. The biggest offseason moves for the Twins were the re-signing of veteran slugger Nelson Cruz and locking down the shortstop position with the slick-fielding Andrelton Simmons.
Most Important Hitter
Max Kepler
A breakout star for the Twins in 2019 was Max Kepler, who ended up garnering MVP votes at seasons end. In 2020, Kepler was good but not great. The Twins' lineup is definitely the strength of the team, with a mix of up-and-coming stars and established veterans. Kepler, along with Byron Buxton, have the potential of being the stars of the Twins' roster for years to come. A bounce back season from Kepler in 2021 should establish himself as one of the league's rising stars and a bat the Twins can rely on moving forward.
Most Important Pitcher
Jose Berrios
For years, everyone has been waiting for Jose Berrios to put everything together and establish himself as one of the most electric and dominant pitchers in all of baseball. Although he has shown great durability and some great success in the league, making the All Star Team in both 2018 and 2019, he has yet to make himself the "guy." In 2021, Kenta Maeda established himself as the ace of the Twins' staff, which happened because of a career year from Maeda and another good not great year from Berrios. Entering his age 27 season, Berrios has maybe another season or two to find that dominance. If he doesn't, he will still be a good pitcher, but the Twins need him to be an ace, not just good.
Prospect to Watch
Alex Kirilloff
My pick for the Prospect to Watch for the Twins in 2020, Alex Kirilloff would have definitely gotten his opportunity last year if not for the shortened season. Instead, he didn't make any impact until he became the first player in MLB history to make his Major League debut by starting a playoff game. Now, although he is slated to start this season in the minors, Kirilloff should be a regular part of the big league starting lineup at some point this season and for years to come.
2021 Prediction
2nd in AL Central, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game
The Twins have a lineup that feels mostly unchanged from 2020, but they also feel like a playoff team that might be starting to lose some steam in terms of their success and dominance. Their inability to truly upgrade, especially in their starting rotation, will keep them from winning their division, putting them in the one game Wild Card Round. Not having the go-to ace, I'm predicting that ridiculous playoff losing streak will extend by one.
Fearless Prediction
The Twins' top starting pitcher entering the postseason is currently not on their roster.
At some point, the Twins have to recognize their need for more pitching. At least you would think so. Look for the to pull off a trade at some point throughout the season for a starting pitcher that becomes the ace of the staff ahead of Maeda and Berrios. It might be a little out of character for the Twins to do so, but it could easily be a necessity for a team that might be feeling their hold on the division slipping away.
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