Rising Stars on the Twins

[AZTwin]

The articles on here are far too negative and do not accurately reflect the current state of affairs. By this point in the offseason, we have gone over how we could trade every single player or who will regress. However, we are much stronger than that. We have just won enough games to make the playoffs and now own the single season record for Home Runs. Further our players are very young. Who CONTINUES to take a step forward and turns from Rising Star to Bonafide MVP type candidate?

 

I have a few votes but for me it all starts with Max Kepler. He is starting to hit lefties, hits for average, and has a beautiful swing where he could start seeing Yelich type years.

 

 

Then I go to Mr. Clutch, Eddie Rosario. He impacts this roster so much. And he seems to live for the big moment.

 

Can’t forget our center fielder, Buxton. When he plays his defense can win many games. What was exciting was his bat. He started clobbering the ball and you can see that power potential. If he’s healthy full year he’s MVP imo.

 

Miguel Sano. Wow. His bat is one of the best in the league. People forget his rough start to 2019 but if he gets that out of the way, watch out.

 

Jose Berrios. Let’s go!

 

Graterol, Duran, Balazovic should all get a shot at the rotation this year. Can they continue their progress?

 

Acala was elite when he moved to bullpen. Can he become an elite setup man?

 

This year coming should be very exciting and I can’t wait for spring to come around. Guys are on track to make very big steps in their career and should be very fun to watch!!

[AZTwin]

Sorry. Didn’t mean to leave out Jorge Polanco who just started the All Star game at shortstop in a deep American League. Elite at SS right now and could move to 2B, maybe not this year but the next. That would be an exciting development with his skill set. Hope to see continued progress from him as well

[Riverbrian]

We are truly blessed to have a young core of players with the talent to WIN NOW combined with abilities that can still be IMPROVED. 

 

Lavine should be feeling a breeze. 

[Battle ur tail off]

Yes, and this is the reason it is time to strike now. Young guys, producing, controllable for a few more years. 

 

Add to this core. Get the last few pieces, spend the big bucks in FA, or "gasp", trade a few prospects, even your top ones if it will bring back what you want. 

 

 

[DocBauer]

Great post AZ! Makes me giddy to just talk about all of the good stuff that is the Twins right now! Was actually thinking about this very thing yesterday.

 

At some point this offseason, mid next year, or next offseason, I fully expect a couple of players/prospects to be moved. However, with the $ available at this time, it is very conceivable the Twins could add Wheeler, let's say, bring back Pineda and Cron, add 1 more pen arm, and re-sign Castro or bring in a different catcher while leaving both the roster and farm intact for the time being. And still be a better team in 2020.

 

For all the debate about trades and guys swapping positions, etc, IN THEORY, the Twins could be looking at Jeffers close to ready at catcher by the end of next season and beyond. They could realistically be looking at an infield that contains Kirilloff, Rooker, Arraez, Gordon, Blankenhorn, Polanco, Lewis and Sano.

 

Raley and Larnach could join Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave, Wade and the afformentioned Kiriloff and Rooker as OF options.

 

How about Duran, Ober and Balazovic as young rotation pieces to join Graterol, Thorpe, Dobnak and Smeltzer?

 

I'm sure I'm missing a guy or two. And again, I'm sure a couple of the guys listed will be moved at some point. But look at the young talent knocking on the door at least by the end of 2020.

 

I am very excited!

 

Brian, I don't think that is a breeze. I think it's a gust!