Minnesota Twins 2023 Season Preview: The Year of Brand New

[Nick Nelson]

The rebranded Minnesota Twins will take the field in Kansas City on Thursday sporting a very different look, epitomizing a 2023 season that will introduce new uniforms, new MLB rule changes, and – we're all hoping – a new winning chapter in the franchise's story.

Image courtesy of Thiéres Rabelo, Twins Daily

As baseball fans, we've grown accustomed to things changing from year to year: a new scoreboard at the stadium, a new alternate uniform on Sundays, a subtle tweak to the game's rules.

Never before have we seen this much drastic change, occurring all at once. 

The 2023 season will introduce, at a league-wide level, rule changes that fundamentally affect the fabric of the game, including a pitch clock, pickoff limit, shift reduction, and enlargement of bases. Oh, plus a completely reconfigured schedule that includes less intra-division and more interleague play.

The Minnesota Twins will be wearing all-new uniforms with revamped branding, playing at Target Field beneath a newly supersized scoreboard and ... LED baseball medallion? All part of what team president Dave St. Peter called "the largest off-season project in the history of this ballpark."

Par for the course, in 2023. The year of brand new.

Breaking Down the 2023 Minnesota Twins Roster
There are plenty of new faces on the Twins team this year, but for all of the offseason roster churn and upheaval, the biggest shocker is what stays the same: Carlos Correa is back at shortstop. His free agent odyssey led to agreements falling through with the Giants and Mets before Correa found his way back to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal.

Now, he'll bear the full weight of a franchise that's positioned to compete but plagued by huge question marks around him. Correa gives them a second superstar talent alongside Byron Buxton to complement a strong position-player core with several proven standouts. 

The Twins are hoping the returning duo of Correa and Buxton, along with mainstays like José Miranda, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, and Alex Kirilloff can elevate Minnesota back into the upper tier of run-producing teams. While Christian Vázquez and Joey Gallo are now aboard as regulars, the story of the offseason was adding high-caliber depth.

Minnesota's front office insured its most prized assets to an admirable degree. Kyle Farmer, acquired from Cincinnati after starting 200 games for the Reds at shortstop over the past two years, will be Correa's top backup. Michael A. Taylor, acquired from Kansas City after starting 250 games in center field over the past two years, will be Buxton's top backup.

Both Farmer and Taylor provide valuable depth elsewhere, too. They're contingencies at worst, and bonus contributors at best. It's a good place for Rocco Baldelli to be following a season where he ran out of both, and was reduced to routinely fielding makeshift lineups as contention slipped away in September. 

Health situations for key players already trending in a troubling direction, with Polanco and Kirilloff both opening on the injured list, so this added high-level depth will undoubtedly come into play early and often.

Building depth was also the focus of Minnesota's biggest and most controversial offseason trade, which sent batting champ Luis Arraez to Miami in exchange for Opening Day starter Pablo López. It was a bold move by the front office, removing one star-caliber bat from the offensive equation in order to bolster a rotation plagued by its own health concerns.

López, who gets the nod on Opening Day, joins Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, Tyler Mahle, and Kenta Maeda in the starting five. Bailey Ober will stand by as an impact reinforcement at the ready in Triple-A – very important given the uncertainties attached to Mahle and Maeda especially.

You can click through to in-depth analysis of the outlook and depth at each position below, or keep reading for more 2023 Twins storylines.

The 2023 Twins, Position by Position

• Position Analysis: Catcher
• Position Analysis: First Base
• Position Analysis: Second Base
• Position Analysis: Third Base
• Position Analysis: Shortstop
• Position Analysis: Left Field
• Position Analysis: Center Field
• Position Analysis: Right Field
• Position Analysis: Designated Hitter
• Position Analysis: Starting Pitcher
• Position Analysis: Relief Pitcher

Youth Movement: Twins Top Prospects to Arrive in 2023
The Twins are in an interesting period of generational transition, with a position-player core that comprises basically three eras of top prospects. First, an established class of veterans, and another of developing talents without much experience:

• The Old Guard: Buxton, Polanco, Kepler (and Correa, albeit not a former Twins prospect)
• Entering Their Prime: Kirilloff, Miranda, Larnach, Jeffers, Gordon

Then, an intriguing wave of strong prospects who are, by and large, ready to enter the fold. Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, Austin Martin, Matt Wallner and Brooks Lee are all players ranked near the top of the Twins' system who could be in line for significant MLB playing time this year. 

Read: Twins Daily Top 20 Prospects: Recap and Analysis

This intermingling of youth is one of the season's main sources of intrigue for me. Should things generally go well, the Twins will find themselves swimming in quality depth, with high-performing prospects slamming on the door. And if things don't go so well, fans should get a prolonged look at the next generation of talent, as a silver lining.

Key Storylines for the 2023 Twins
We've been writing here at Twins Daily all spring and offseason about some of the team's biggest priorities, narratives, and question marks heading into this pivotal season. Click through the stories below to explore these topics in depth:

Can Kenta Maeda shake off an underwhelming season and recapture something resembling his 2020 form, as he comes back from a lost year at age 34 with free agency bearing down? Read: Kenta Maeda's Discouraging Spring, by Cody Pirkl

How big of an impact can top prospect Royce Lewis have in the second half of the season, as he works back from a second straight knee surgery? Read: Royce Lewis Is Ready to Rock, by Ted Schwerzler

With injuries to key players already being established as a major 2023 storyline before the season has even begun, how will the Twins make up for the loss of absent stars? Read: Here Are Five Options If Alex Kirilloff Misses Time, by Adam Friedman

How good can this starting rotation – so deep in quality options that a clearly capable big-leaguer will open at Triple-A – really be? Read: The Best Twins Rotations of the Last 25 Years, by Hans Birkeland

For that matter, what does the future of this rotation look like? Three of the four veteran starters are due for free agency at year's end. Read: How Likely Are the Twins to Extend Their Veteran Starting Pitchers? by Cody Christie

Will the Twins benefit from MLB's rule changes, which seemed to play a role in how the front office went about building this year's team? Read: Twins Roster Built on Defense and Rule Changes, by Alex Boxwell

Assuming he can stay healthy (knock on wood), will Durán get enough late-inning support to protect leads and avoid some of the costly bullpen lapses from last year? Read: Can Jorge López Rediscover His First-Half Success? by Lou Hennessy

Charting the AL Central Competition
The Guardians are generally viewed by betting odds and projection systems as the favorites in the AL Central, but not by a huge margin. This division forecasts (once again) as a mediocre one where the crown is there for the taking. The Twins probably won't need everything to go right to make the playoffs. 

Catch up on how the rest of the Central shapes up in 2023 with Matt Braun's "check-in" series:

• Cleveland Guardians
• Chicago White Sox
• Kansas City Royals
• Detroit Tigers

Celebrate Opening Day with Twins Daily
Got plans for the game on Thursday afternoon? Well if not, you do now: Twins Daily will be hosting a watch party for the season opener against the Royals at Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley. Join the "Twins Daily Social Club" for free beer, meat raffles, prizes, and most importantly: REAL LIVE BASEBALL! Here are the details:

What: Twins Daily’s Social Club Season Opener
When: 3 PM – 6 PM, March 30th, 2023
Where: Forgotten Star, 38 Northern Stacks Drive Fridley, MN 55421
Cost: FREE

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[Bpwmn77]

I'm optimistic that when I get to watch the Twins in Philadelphia in August that we'll be well on our way to an AL Central crown and a deep playoff run. Our pitching is looking the best it has in a very long time and our bats are good with depth/cover. The glass is at least half full!

[Parfigliano]

I say the glass is more then half full.  The rotation alone should put this years team well above last years.

[IndyTwinsFan]

10 minutes ago, Parfigliano said:

I say the glass is more then half full.  The rotation alone should put this years team well above last years.

Plus better quality depth, at least on paper, should help.

[tony&rodney]

Excited for the season.

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

For that matter, what does the future of this rotation look like? All four veterans in thee starting five are due for free agency at year's end.

Just looked up López' status because I thought this didn't sound quite right, and he is indeed arbitration-eligible again in 2024. (Though I would guess he's the most likely to be extended, if any of these starters are.) Three out of five are headed for free agency.

Good summary and plenty to be excited about!

[stringer bell]

The roster still isn't official as far as I know. Castro hasn't been added to the 40-man and all the players who will go on the IL (non-60 day) are still listed on the roster as active. I won't be shocked if the Twins claim someone and keep Castro in the minors.

[h2oface]

12 hours ago, whosafraidofluigirussolo said:

For that matter, what does the future of this rotation look like? All four veterans in thee starting five are due for free agency at year's end.

Just looked up López' status because I thought this didn't sound quite right, and he is indeed arbitration-eligible again in 2024. (Though I would guess he's the most likely to be extended, if any of these starters are.) Three out of five are headed for free agency.

Good summary and plenty to be excited about!

Does that mean that the FO will trade them all for prospects at the trade deadline?

This should be interesting. A lot of hitters that have a lot to prove. A lot of pitchers with a lot to prove. Big question marks all around, and we haven't really seen much of several of them all ST. And the month of April may be the toughest on the schedule. I hope these guys can prove it.

I was reading somewhere that Gallo will be leading off against righties.... which is more than half the time. A strikeout king hitting well below the Mendoza Line (2022) leading off. Baseball sure has changed. (Castro leading ST with Ks, with less at bats than Gallo! Yikes!)

 

[Doctor Evil]

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

[ScottyB]

At worst, 2024 rotation includes López, Ryan, Ober and Paddack. You’ve also got Varland, SWR, and Winder. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mahle extended, if healthy.

[Mike Sixel]

3 hours ago, Doctor Evil said:

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

No chance. Plus, why wouldn't that team have just signed him? No chance. 

[jimbo92107]

This is the first season in a while where it seems like the positive 'ifs' are as numerous as the negative 'ifs.' That is, along with all the usual things that can go wrong, there are also a lot of things that can go right this season. 

For instance, it is not crazy to think that three or four of the current five starters will have decent seasons, while at least one of the backups (Ober) also has a good chance of having a good season. The probabilities taper off with Varland and Rich, but then you've still got Blaze in the wings. 

Same goes for position players. Good combo at C, lots of flexible players in the infield, plus Polo doesn't have to play a whole season on his trick knee. Meanwhile Buck and Taylor can juggle time in CF, and several guys can swap around the corner OF. 

[rv78]

For me, this season is all about the players proving they have what it takes. I'm not buying into the hype, or drinking the kool-aid until I see actual results. All of the fancy new uniforms, a new scoreboard and added depth won't mean a thing if this team can't come together and stay healthy. The one new change that probably would have made the most difference is the manager and that didn't happen. Rocco hasn't proven to me that he has what it takes to manage a game as it unfolds before him. The Bomba Squad and juiced ball is long gone and the short covid season were his successes. He didn't have much control over either one. Otherwise he has produced 2 losing seasons. The FO has added depth on the offensive side of the ball but none of them are really worthy of starting roles on any team and will Rocco use them correctly or just shuffle them everywhere so he can fill his fantasy of using a different lineup on a daily basis? They have added another starting pitcher in PLopez but lost their best hitter. I will intently watch to see who can get on base and fill those empty shoes of Arraez. MY biggest fear is that with Gallo and Kepler there are still 2 empty holes in the lineup, probably on a regular basis. Gallo is the new Sano so nothing was gained there. Vazquez is an improvement over GSanchez and hope is Jeffers turns it up a notch. The only other new bat that must hit is Larnach and he reminds me of being too much like Kepler..... Strictly a pull hitter. Will Rocco use his starters effectively or over-work the bullpen and let his spreadsheet manage games for him as usual? A lot of things have changed but the core remains pretty much the same, so I don't see the results changing much either.

[Peter]

Twins over 84.5 wins and diviytitke this year!!! Season starts tomorrow/bring it on!!!! Go twins!!!

[Brett]

Question for the team: is it just me, or did Miranda not play much 3B in ST? I know he was hurt some early on, but it seemed like he was playing more at 1B.

Just wondering if I should be surprised if Farmer starts out as our primary hot corner man.

[Bodie]

10 hours ago, ScottyB said:

At worst, 2024 rotation includes López, Ryan, Ober and Paddack. You’ve also got Varland, SWR, and Winder. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mahle extended, if healthy.

You are apparently new to the Twins scene!

It can get much worse than Paddack pitching in the rotation.  I sure as he// hope not, but...

1 day 6 hours til the happiest time of the year for grumpy old men!

[roger]

Another great summary and read, Nick, thanks.

I am of the opinion that the Twins success this year will be tied to three players returning from injury.  Will Buxton be in the lineup (CF or DH) for at least 130 games?  Will AK return from his late start by May and be the player most of us expect?  And will Lewis return by July 4th and be the player we briefly saw last summer?  Don't know where Royce will play, but he could be a huge shot in the arm for this team.  Answer all three of these questions with a yes and this team just may go a long way come the fall.

[Otaknam]

13 hours ago, Doctor Evil said:

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

That will not happen! Correa will be with this team throughout his contract. They’ll move him to third if Lewis or Lee claim shortstop in ensuing years.

 

13 hours ago, Doctor Evil said:

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

l 

[Bigfork Twins Guy]

Good season kick-off article Nick.  I think you hit on all the key points.  I am more excited about this team than those of recent seasons.  I like where the starting and relief pitching is going this year.  My only concern is hitting as I think with Polo and Kirilloff out to start the season and Arraez gone we are light in that area.

I also think that if it is cool in KC this week that they may start Farmer at 3B rather than risk Miranda throwing from 3B in cold weather.  We will see.

[jmlease1]

This team should be good. How good depends on a number of different players stepping up, i think, but the good thing is the Twins have depth answers if/when some of them get injured or falter. There's very few players here on scholarship and they clearly are in the mode where rookies will have to force their way on to the team rather than get their shot because there's no one else. 

Position players to watch for me: Gallo (can he find his swing again and be a useful player on offense again?), Buxton (the most exciting Twin, and if he's healthy for most of the season could contend for the MVP), Miranda (can he take another step forward as a hitter and settle in as a solid 3B?), Gordon (how much power does he bring to the table?), and Kirilloff (if his wrist is right finally, he's got a sweet swing).

Pitchers to watch: Ryan (I love the way he works and if that split works for him against lefties he could be great), P. Lopez (am looking forward to watching him pitch, never saw a Marlins game last season), J. Lopez (if he can get it back together, then he's going to be a real weapon in the bullpen), Alcala (he looks healthy and has the talent to be a very effective RH reliever), and Moran (I love guys with filthy changeups. So fun!)

There's questions that need to be answered, but also a lot of upside and opportunity. I think this team is contending for the division.

[bloomwcjkl]

I like this opening day roster. Not sure how it will compete.

I hope Pagan is the long reliever to start and only comes in when down 7-8 runs. 

It was -11F in Fargo this morning. Non-baseball weather if there ever was.

Oh well, it is warm somewhere. Go Twins!

[Tyler from Oregon]

Kyle and Donovan off the bench gives me LIFE.

[DocBauer]

I like the construction of this team, even if every move didn't hit my personal blueprint ideals. Honestly, the only real headscratcher is Pagan. Might be a lovely dude, but after so much team and fan shellshock moments last year, it should have been time to move on.

Coming out of ST, my only disappointment is Polanco, Buxton, and Kirilloff not ready to go 100%. I expected it with AK and remain optimistic he will be up relatively soon. Again, soreness while getting his wrist to baseball activity is a good thing...pain is not. And reportedly, there is no pain. 

I am very optimistic Larnach is going to step forward this season. If one of Kepler or Gallo does the same, I'm feeling pretty good about the offense. But I feel even better with a healthy Polanco starting daily at 2B.

I think this is a 88 win team with any sort of acceptable health. (Literally, it would be almost impossible to be worse in 2023). And if a couple things break right...Larnach, Polanco, Kirilloff, continued improvement from Miranda, younger pen arms are as good as they look now, plus a few others I won't dive in to right now...I can see 92 wins. 

Let's play ball!

[puckstopper1]

Thanks Nick for another fabulous write-up/season primer.

Every team has some questions at this point in the season, and the Twins are no different.  

I am hopeful that the good breaks outpace the bad ones this season and the Twins can be the Best of the Worst (AL Central Champions).

PLAY BALL!

[PatPfund]

This should be an intriguing season, with what looks to be a strong foundation in the rotation and on defense, hopefully better base-running (the lowest of bars to clear after the '22 Debacle on De Bases), a couple big question marks in the 'pen (Pagán and Sands), and an offense could range from weak (Larnach, Gallo, Kepler, Taylor, Jeffers, Farmer, Solano, and Castro have similar/worse years than last year; Kirilloff, Polanco and Buxton limited by injuries) to fabulous (a few to several of the above step forward and Alex, Jorge, and Byron all play 100 games).

Only real way to tell, is to roll the ball out there and get after it, and I am both hopeful and excited to see what the year brings!

[ScottyB]

16 hours ago, Doctor Evil said:

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

Correa has full no trade clause. He’s going nowhere. See Cot’s contracts.

[Nick Nelson]

17 hours ago, whosafraidofluigirussolo said:

For that matter, what does the future of this rotation look like? All four veterans in thee starting five are due for free agency at year's end.

Just looked up López' status because I thought this didn't sound quite right, and he is indeed arbitration-eligible again in 2024. (Though I would guess he's the most likely to be extended, if any of these starters are.) Three out of five are headed for free agency.

Good summary and plenty to be excited about!

Ah yes, good correction, thank you! I will fix in the copy.

[nicksaviking]

I assume you chose the graphics color that you did because the new branding is the Minnesota Reds?

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Excellent summary article that ties together the many loose ends that the offseason brought. Aside from all of the personnel moves, I had forgotten about the scoreboard and the uniforms.  Things really will look different this year!

Unless injury Armageddon happens again, it seems likely that this team should be improved over last year’s record.  If a lot of things go right, even with a few things going wrong, this will likely be a 90+ win team.  Let’s go play some games and see whether we’re right!

[Shaitan]

17 hours ago, Doctor Evil said:

I feel that if Correa gets off to a good start they trade him at the deadline. Then they don't skip a beat with internal options and win the A L Central.

Trade to the Mets or Giants?