#22
The Minnesota Twins went through some cost cutting this off-season. Will the result still bring about wins in 2024?
#21 - 3rd in AL Central
MIH - Byron Buxton
MIP - Kenta Maeda
PTW - Simeon Woods Richardson
FP - Byron Buxton plays more games in 2023 than Carlos Correa.
2023 Results
#10 - 87-75, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS
Highest WAR (Position) - Ryan Jeffers
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Sonny Gray
The AL Central is always up for grabs, and the Twins went out and took it in 2023. They did this with only half a season from their most talented player in Byron Buxton. Their pitching carried them. Their rotation pitched well enough that the lineup just needed to score enough. It was good enough for a division championship and a playoff run.
Additions / Subtractions
The Twins were active this off-season moving payroll around and saving money. Gone are Jorge Polanco, Joey Gallo, Michael A. Taylor, Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, Emilio Pagan, and Jorge Lopez. Coming to the Twins in their place are Carlos Santana, Chris Paddack, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Topa. The subtraction list is much more impressive than the addition list.
Most Important Hitter
Edouard Julien
One of the breakout stars for the Twins in 2023 was Edouard Julien at second base. All he did was hit, gathering a 130 ERA+ with a .263 average, 16 homers in just 109 games. Entering only his age 25 season, the Twins felt good enough about Julien to trade away their All Star second baseman in Jorge Polanco. Now Julien has to show that 2023 was the start of something great instead of a fluky flash to start his career.
Most Important Pitcher
Pablo Lopez
With Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda moving on, Pablo Lopez is now the true ace of the Twins. Coming off a solid season with a 117 ERA+, Lopez has become a trendy dark horse pick for the Cy Young in 2024. With the loss of depth in their rotation, the Twins need Lopez to be that good to anchor that rotation. Otherwise, the team will need to score a lot more than last season.
Prospect to Watch
Brooks Lee
If the Twins need to score in 2024, Brooks Lee might be a major factor in doing so. Sporting the 15th best farm system in baseball, the Twins have four prospects in the Top 100, and Lee is the one most likely to impact the team this season. Ranked the 18th best prospect in baseball, and the 2nd best prospect in the system, Brooks Lee is a 23 year old switch hitting shortstop that just knows how to hit. A first round pick in 2022, Lee looks to have an impact at some point in 2024 for the big league club.
2024 Prediction
4th in AL Central
The AL Central is as unpredictable of a division as I have seen in awhile. While the AL East has 4 elite teams and one good team, the AL Central has 4 average teams and one bad team. Anything can happen. With the steps back due to payroll the Twins took, I see them taking a step back, however never count out the Twins. They will always be interesting.
Fearless Prediction
Half the Twins Opening Day lineup will be traded before the start of 2025.
The Twins tried to reset some payroll this off-season while still competing. If they struggle like I think they might, there could be a full reset in order. Names like Max Kepler and Alex Kirilloff were already on the trade block leading into this season, and Carlos Santana is a perennial Trade Deadline acquisition. Do they finally give up on Byron Buxton? Does Royce Lewis become expendable to make room for Brooks Lee? Does Carlos Correa? The Twins could become very interesting next off-season.
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