Is this Hunters last year?

[Dman]

I had penciled a Prospect in to take Hunters place on the 40 man next year so count me as one of the non-believers.   The thing is he appears to be the teams best hitter and barring injury this does not appear to be a farewell tour.  I know it is early but despite the young guys coming up will he be back with the team next year?

[Brock Beauchamp]

Back with the Twins? I hope not. The Twins have a glut of outfielders they need to put on the field in Minnesota.

 

Back with another team? I think that's likely, provided he keeps hitting.

[nicksaviking]

DH and left field have so many candidates for next year. Even if hypothetically Hunter was an asset and the team takes a step back by losing him, they still should let him walk as there are a dozen younger guys who need a chance at regular play.

 

That said, Ryan loves his vets, Hunter will be back if he's hitting and wants to stay.

[gunnarthor]

Too early to think about it.  He's hitting well and on pace for a 4 WAR year so he probably wants to play again.  They'll cross that bridge when it happens.  For now, let's hope that he continues to have a great year and leads the Twins to meaningful games in Sept.

[Linus]

I would hope not but that depends on Arcia, Hicks and Rosario.  Somebody has to step up show the Twins they don't need Hunter.  I'm not handing playing time to anybody just because they are a "prospect".  Teams that expect to win don't do that.

[theJemmer]

My guess is that he stays as an active player with the Twins, in a diminishing on-field role as guys prove they are ready to contribute, and transition to coach with a role for outfielders similar to Guardado's with the pen.

[DaveW]

Yes, when the Twins win the world series this year Hunter will then retire and go out on top.

[jimmer]

I think they'll offer him another contract as a player. Then again, I've always thought they'd do that,

[Halsey Hall]

If he keeps playing like or near this, he'll be back in some role.  This team is having fun and I give Torii much credit for that.  Having fun leads to winning, and it's no fun to lose. 

[Jerr]

If, the Twins stay above .500 and Torii stays healthy, he will be back. Even if a coach of some kind, if he wants it.

[goulik]

Accept it guys and gals, hes here for life!

 

I too believe that a players personality is an intangible that you cannot measure it s impact on a team A La Nicky Punto. Can you smell those wins? Yes, YES!!! I do smell them!!!

[Platoon]

Unless Hunter is physically unable to play, he will be back. . This is going to end up as one of the most interesting and frustrating next 10 months in Twins history. Win, lose or draw! I think TR knows baseball, and knows talent. He is a fine GM for a veteran team, that needs a couple fill ins to get into the playoffs. He can find the needle in the haystack. But I truly have no faith that he is the right guy for this situation. He cannot/will not trade a veteran favorite to make room for young talent. He adores veteran seniority. Every business needs a CEO that fits its current cycle. I don't think TR is that man, in this situation. So yes Torii will be back, and Kurt, Trevor, at least one of the utility veterans, and a whole host of veteran pitchers.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I view it very differently. I think Ryan is the perfect guy at this stage of the rebuild. He has shown a steady hand with prospects (most of the time), doesn't jump the gun with trades, focuses on the draft, and plays the long game during a rebuild. He is, in a word, patient. More than anything else, I think that's the best trait a GM can have during the rebuilding process.

 

I'm not sure he's the right guy when the team is a perennial 90+ game winner but on a rebuilding squad, I don't know if there's anyone else in baseball I'd rather see stewarding a franchise. He's risk-averse, possibly to a fault, but that's not a bad trait on a 70 win team. It can hurt a 90 win team trying to win the ring, though.

[Brandon]

I think Torii will be back.  if he keeps hitting next season similar to this one his career totals will be approaching Hall of Fame Territory.  1500 RBI, 550 2Bs, 200 SB, 9 gold gloves, 1400 Runs, 370 HR I think those numbers are very borderline for inductees but he also has a great relationships with the voters and could even go one more season part time to pad them up a little bit more.  Plus the Twins will likely be better next year so if the Twins do not win the World Series this year they will be competitive and have a chance next.

[gunnarthor]

 

Unless Hunter is physically unable to play, he will be back. . This is going to end up as one of the most interesting and frustrating next 10 months in Twins history. Win, lose or draw! I think TR knows baseball, and knows talent. He is a fine GM for a veteran team, that needs a couple fill ins to get into the playoffs. He can find the needle in the haystack. But I truly have no faith that he is the right guy for this situation. He cannot/will not trade a veteran favorite to make room for young talent. He adores veteran seniority. Every business needs a CEO that fits its current cycle. I don't think TR is that man, in this situation. So yes Torii will be back, and Kurt, Trevor, at least one of the utility veterans, and a whole host of veteran pitchers.

TR traded away vets all the time.  Hell, people used to complain that Ryan wouldn't lock guys up and kept replacing them with unknowns.  Ryan knows what he's doing.