Twins Playoff Roster: Infielders

[Cody Schoenmann]

The Twins have one of the most versatile infields in Major League Baseball. How will they construct it during the postseason?

Image courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski - USA TODAY Sports

Headlined by experienced veterans and prized young players, the Minnesota Twins infield is a blend of youth and experience. While there is uncertainty about how the Twins infield will be aligned for Game One of the upcoming three-game Wild Card series beginning October 3, the Twins infield options provide a sense of steadiness that is ever so important come playoff time. Let's begin by looking at how the Twins align behind the plate.

Christian Vázquez - .221/.278/.321 (.599), 65 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR - Catcher
We begin analyzing the Twins' infield by focusing on catcher/first baseman Christian Vázquez. Signed to a three-year, $30 million contract this prior off-season, Vázquez was expected to be the Twins' primary catcher for the 2023 season, but early season struggles at the plate ceded Vázquez's playing time to fellow catcher Ryan Jeffers. While Vázquez has been demoted to backup duties, he is still a more-than-serviceable catcher, and while he was never able to catch his footing offensively, he has been an elite defensive catcher all season. Vázquez will almost certainly serve as Jeffers' backup in Game 1 of the upcoming three-game Wild Card series, though a recent development has many wondering whether that will be the case. 

It will be interesting to see if Vázquez starts Game 1 or Game 2, and if the Twins advance past the Wild Card round, it will be fascinating to see how the Twins divvy up playing time at catcher.

Ryan Jeffers - .270/.367/.474 (.841), 134 wRC+, 2.5 fWAR - Catcher
The second member of the American League Central-winning Minnesota Twins infield comes in the form of catcher Ryan Jeffers. As noted earlier, Jeffers began the second playing second fiddle to initial starting catcher Vázquez but quickly supplanted him as the Twins' best catching option. Highlighted by an offensive resurgence, Twins' Comeback Player of the Year candidate Jeffers has solidified himself as one of the Twins' core young players for seasons to come. Jeffers, who has hit 13 home runs this season in 321 plate appearances, has added a jolt from a traditionally offensively deprived position that had been missing since Mitch Garver's departure after the 2021 season.

Jeffers will make a start at catcher during the three-game Wild Card series, but whether it is in Game One or Game Two has surprisingly become unclear. If Jeffers doesn't start Game One at catcher, expect him to be used as a pinch-hitter if the opposing team elects to use a left-handed relief pitcher.

Alex Kirilloff - .268/.346/.446 (.792), 119 wRC+, 0.8 fWAR - First Baseman
Since being the last first-round selection of the Terry Ryan regime in 2016, Twins fans have been entranced by the idea of Kirilloff and the potential that comes with him. Unfortunately, due to a nagging wrist injury that effectively sidelined Kirilloff for two straight seasons, Kirilloff has existed more as an idea rather than in actuality.

Luckily, Kirilloff, despite missing the month of August with a right shoulder strain, is back and healthy just in time for the 2023 postseason. Kirilloff will likely start every game at first base and bat toward the top of the order for the Twins as long as the opposing team's starting pitcher is right-handed. Whether manager Rocco Baldelli would bench Kirilloff during the postseason in favor of platooning a right-handed hitting dominant lineup if an opposing team's starting pitcher is left-handed is yet to be seen. However, it is an interesting proposition nonetheless.

Kirilloff is the type of talent whose play can lead a team during the postseason, and his mere presence in the Twins lineup creates a great sense of confidence that the daunting 0-18 playoff streak may finally end this October.

Donovan Solano - .286/.371/.401 (.772), 119 wRC+, 1.2 fWAR - First Baseman, Second Baseman, Third Baseman, Designated Hitter
The next player on this list is 35-year-old platoon utility player Donovan Solano. Despite being labeled a utility player, which he was during the regular season, Solano will likely either start at first base or designated hitter if the opposing team's starting pitcher is left-handed or will work as a pinch hitter whenever a left-handed relief pitcher comes in.

Solano's role is cemented for the most part, but it will be interesting to see if he is the first or second pinch-hitter used when a left-handed hitting relief pitcher comes in.

As noted earlier, when the opposing team's starting pitcher is left-handed, it will be interesting to see if Baldelli elects to start Solano over Kirilloff at first base or if he elects to start Solano at designated hitter.

Solano's value comes from his bat, but he can be used as an emergency second or third baseman if the Twins find themselves lacking infield depth later in a postseason game.

Jorge Polanco - .258/.339/.461 (.800), 121 wRC+, 1.5 fWAR - Second Baseman, Third Baseman
Fan favorite Jorge Polanco will play a vital role for the Twins and whether or not they can find any form of success this postseason.

Polanco hit a first-inning home run against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium, so it appears that Polanco is not one to crumble under the immense pressure that is postseason baseball.

Expect Polanco to start every game at second base, as he is both a plus defender and a switch-hitter, making him immune to platooning.

Once again, it cannot be overstated how crucial of a role the traditionally underrated Polanco will play for the Twins and their postseason success. Polanco has long been an underrated core member of the Twins, and hopefully, he can provide a signature moment that will cement himself in Twins lore infamy. 

Edouard Julien - .259/.379/.442 (.821), 131 wRC+, 2.4 fWAR - Second Baseman, Designated Hitter, First Baseman
The next Twins infielder is Twins Rookie of the Year Candidate and proud French Canadian Edouard Julien. The kid from Québec City jumped onto the scene for the Twins this season and instantly won the hearts of Twins fans from International Falls down to Lanesboro. 

Julien is a left-handed hitting infielder who primarily played second base and designated hitter for the Twins, with first base sprinkled in occasionally.

When the three-game Wild Card round begins on October 3, expect Julien to bat leadoff as the Twins designated as long as the opposing team's starting pitcher is right-handed.

Julien is susceptible to platooning, so if a left-handed relief pitcher comes into the game, don't be surprised if he is pinch-hit for.

Whether Julien can step up to the moment is yet to be seen. Still, he has already shown he can perform well on the world's brightest stage after putting together an admirable performance during the World Baseball Classic for Team Canada this past March. 

Julien and his unfathomable walk-rate will be the straw that stirs the drink for the Twins at the top of their order, and expect Julien to be the first Twins hitter to make an appearance in the batter's box come October 3.

Royce Lewis - .309/.372/.548 (.920), 154 wRC+, 2.4 fWAR - Third Baseman, Shortstop, Designated Hitter
Clouded with uncertainty due to a grade "one-and-a-half" left hamstring strain, it is unknown whether star young plater Royce Lewis will be on the Twins Wild Card series roster.

It is too soon to speculate, but everything that has come out about Lewis appears to indicate that he will be active come October 3. 

If Lewis is active on the Twins Wild Card 26-man roster, it would be reasonable to think he would be the Twins' starting third baseman. However, there is also the possibility that the Twins activate Lewis but limit him to designated hitter or pinch-hitting duties. 

Whether Lewis will be on the Twins Wild Card roster is yet to be seen. Regardless, he is undoubtedly the type of player who is built for October, and it would be a shame if Lewis, the Twins, and Twins fans were deprived of experiencing his potential postseason greatness.

Kyle Farmer - .254/.316/.411 (.727), 101 wRC+, 1.7 fWAR - Second Baseman, Third Baseman, Shortstop
Farmer is the type of player who is incredibly important at playoff time.

It would be absurd to suggest his postseason roster spot be taken by someone who never played in a Major League Baseball game before, right?

Combining veteran leadership, a stable locker room presence, versatility, and a steady bat, Farmer is set to play a crucial role for the Twins this upcoming October, even if it is still being determined exactly how he will do that.

If Lewis cannot play during the Wild Card round, Farmer could seamlessly slot in as the Twins starting third baseman. If Lewis can play, which we all hope is the case, Farmer could slot into a pinch-hitting and defensive substitution role, which he has done all season. 

Nonetheless, whether Farmer shows up in the Twins starting lineup or in the sixth inning of a close game, expect him to contribute positively to the Twins and their playoff aspirations.

Willi Castro - .251/.326/.412 (.738), 104 wRC+, 2.1 fWAR - Second Baseman, Third Baseman, Shortstop
To label Castro as an infielder is controversial, but it feels appropriate to do so with Lewis's availability for the Wild Card round still up in the air.

If Lewis cannot play come October 3, there is a chance that Castro could start Game 1 at third base, though Farmer still feels like the more likely option.

Castro's value in the postseason will come from his positional flexibility, pristine base-running ability, and ability to provide heroics in crucial spots.

If Lewis is healthy, Castro will likely exclusively play in the outfield. Regardless, with Lewis's status up in the air, it would be negligent not to mention Castro as an infield option.

Carlos Correa - .230/.312/.399 (.711), 96 wRC+, 1.1 fWAR - Shortstop
The final Twins infielder on this list comes from postseason legend and World Series champion Carlos Correa.

Here are Correa's past postseason numbers with the Houston Astros:

• .272/.344/.505 (.849), 79 total games, 334 plate appearances, 82 hits, 16 doubles, 18 home runs, 30 walks, 79 strikeouts

Now, Correa's World Series championship with the 2017 Astros comes with a very obvious caveat, but he has a ring nonetheless.

Correa has battled plantar fasciitis in his foot all season. While the injury has led to him putting together his worst offensive season in his Major League career, a recent development in Correa's bout with plantar fasciitis has led to fans developing a newfound sense for Correa and his potential offensive contributions for the Twins come October.

On September 20, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com announced that Correa suffered a "full-thickness tear to the central cortex of the area (his foot)" and that the tear "has helped others facilitate the healing process." 

While much is still up in the air regarding Correa's health, expect him to be the Twins starting shortstop come Game 1 of the Wild Card series on October 3.

Although Correa has an immense amount of postseason experience under his belt, this will be his first postseason experience as a member of the Twins. Hopefully, Correa can provide the same level of play he provided for the Astros.

Heading into their first postseason appearance since 2020, the Twins are a versatility team that effectively blends young talent with experienced veterans, and the infield is a prime example of that phenomenon. 

What do you think of the Twins postseason infield? Do you have faith in them stepping up to the occasion? Comment below.

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[FlyingFinn]

Reports seem to have Lewis as DH in the wild card series. That really weakens our infield defense to get both Polanco and Julien's bats in the lineup.

[Oldgoat_MN]

The Twins have enjoyed a solid infield that has provided our pitchers with good defense behind them.

They need to show up on offense as well. I believe this group can do that.

Nice write up, Cody. Thank you.

[Oldgoat_MN]

4 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Reports seem to have Lewis as DH in the wild card series. That really weakens our infield defense to get both Polanco and Julien's bats in the lineup.

Polanco to 3B?

[JD-TWINS]

It’s better than not having Lewis in the line-up. Julien is not a wonderful 2B but he’s played maybe 75 games there already this year & seems more capable every week. Polanco is adequate at 3B. ………as you stated, we need all 3 bats!

[terrydactyls]

If Lewis is healthy enough to be the DH, then he healthy enough to play 3B.  Running the bases is much harder on a pulled hamstring than playing 3B.

[Logi_Clevs]

I think it will be vital to turn to guys like Correa and Vazquez in the playoffs. These are guys that have "been there, done that" and they have the playoff experience needed to lead a young team. Like Cody mentioned, Polanco is another guy that can be looked to for leadership. Even if someone like Vazquez doesn't play every game, his leadership in the dugout and the clubhouse is something that will be vital for the Twins to make a deep run. 

[Woof Bronzer]

Does anyone have a link re: Lewis playing?  I am highly skeptical that he will play.  I tried looking online for a Grade 1 Plus strain, but it doesn't seem like that's an actual medical thing, which is really concerning.  (I don't understand why the Twins do this with medical stuff - going back to the Mauer "bilateral leg weakness" which was also not a medical thing.)  That leads me to believe it's actually a Grade 2 strain, which has a recovery time of several weeks.  But the Twins either don't want to admit he's out or maybe they want Lewis to remain more upbeat by thinking it's not as significant?  I don't know but I can't think of a positive reason for them to make up a diagnosis.  

I think Lewis is the key to this offense - I'd go as far as to say the Twins will go as far in these playoffs as he takes them.  So it's huge if he can play.  

[Karbo]

IMO Lewis is the key to advancing. Runs are usually hard to come by in the playoffs, and IMO he is the best "clutch" hitter, or at least was, when he went down. Otherwise, they have Polo and Kepler, and maybe Correa that will have to step up.

[mikelink45]

Lewis is good at many things, but to me he was the second half catalyst.  He brings more than a glove and bat to the team and could be crucial to playoff success.  

[RpR]

4 hours ago, Oldgoat_MN said:

Polanco to 3B?

I hope NOT.

[jimbo92107]

Seemingly unnoticed, Willie Castro lately has been putting on a wonderful demonstration of offensive and defensive excellence. Twice in this latest series Castro laid down perfect bunts. First one was a face-high fastball that he somehow got on top of, steering it between the pitcher and third baseman. Thursday he laid down another perfect bunt, this time a drag bunt between pitcher and first baseman. Both bunts were perfectly placed, allowing Castro to dash to first with no throw. This, from a clutch hitter who can bang it over the fence or between outfielders. On the bases, he continues to be the team's best threat to steal and put pressure on every pitcher.

With his glove, Castro has performed show stopper catches in the outfield, while showing off a strong, accurate arm at every position. I'm not sure what else he could do to prove his value as a baseball player. He would be on any conceivable post season roster I can think of.

[pierre75275]

I think Lewis is on the playoff roster to start but doesn't play unless it's an elimination game.

Or the bases are loaded late in Game 1😜.

If they can win two games without him, I think they would rather do that and give him the extra few days off before RD 2 of the playoffs