If You're Feeling Down About the 2024 Twins, Look to Last Year's Champions

[Matthew Taylor]

The Twins are in a slump, but hope isn't lost. Just look at the 2023 Texas Rangers, who endured a brutal September before sneaking into the playoffs--and winning the World Series. The Twins face similar struggles, but if they stabilize and get healthy, they could make a deep October run.

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson, Jerome Miron - Imagn Images

The 2024 Minnesota Twins may be in a rough patch right now, but if there’s one thing baseball teaches us every year, it’s that the postseason is a fresh slate. It’s easy to feel like the sky is falling when the team is stumbling toward the finish line, but before jumping ship, consider last year's Texas Rangers—another team that looked destined for greatness, before experiencing an even worse September slump. And yet, they rebounded in time to sneak into the playoffs, get hot, and win the World Series.

Let’s set the scene. Through 110 games, the 2023 Rangers sat at 64-46, riding high off a red-hot offense. The Twins, at 62-48 through the same mark in 2024, looked like they were on a similar trajectory. For a long stretch, the Twins boasted one of the top offenses in the American League. While they didn’t put up quite the numbers of the Rangers, they were a consistent threat, at one point arguably the best offense in the league.

But baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. Much like the 2024 Twins', the 2023 Rangers’ season took a dramatic turn for the worse in late summer. Between August and early September, the Rangers lost eight straight games and dropped 16 of 20. It was a collapse that had fans worried their playoff dreams were over. What went wrong?

Injuries
The Rangers were hit hard by injuries to key players like Jacob DeGrom, Corey Seager, Jonah Heim, Josh Jung, and Adolis García. A year later, the Twins have faced a similarly brutal injury situation, with Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis, Joe Ryan, Max Kepler, and others missing significant time.

Bullpen Woes
During the Rangers’ 4-16 stretch, their bullpen imploded with a 7.06 ERA and 10 blown saves, ranking worst in the American League. Sound familiar? The Twins’ bullpen, which has struggled for much of the season, has only gotten worse down the stretch.

Regression
Key Rangers players like Leody Tavares and Ezequiel Duran, who had carried the team through early success, went into deep slumps. The Twins have seen similar drop-offs from previously hot players, most notably Willi Castro and José Miranda. As a result, the offense has sputtered just when it’s needed most.

While the Twins’ recent struggles are frustrating, they’re not unprecedented. In fact, the Rangers’ 2023 season offers a clear parallel—and a reason for hope. Despite their brutal slump, the Rangers stabilized just enough, finishing the regular season with a 14-8 run over their last 22 games. That was good enough to secure a Wild Card spot, which meant facing a difficult path with all their playoff games on the road. Yet, they thrived in the role of underdog, getting healthy at the right time and riding standout performances from their stars. Seager and García regained their elite form; Jordan Montgomery and Nathan Eovaldi delivered clutch pitching; and the bullpen that had been a mess suddenly figured it out.

The beauty of baseball, more than any other sport, is its unpredictability. In a three-, five-, or seven-game series, anything can happen. The Twins still have the talent to be dangerous in October. Correa is expected back soon. Pablo López, who has already proven himself as a postseason ace, could lead the rotation. Griffin Jax is one of the best relievers in the game, and Royce Lewis has shown a fearlessness that’s built for big moments.

It’s easy to look at the current state of the Twins and feel like hope is fading. But just one year ago, the Rangers found themselves in an even worse spot, and went on to lift the trophy. If the Twins can stabilize in time for October, they have the pieces in place to make a run. After all, baseball is a “just get into the tournament” sport. And as we’ve seen time and again, anything can happen once you’re there.

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[bighat]

Sorry.

It's over. 

[Riverbrian]

Hot and cold streaks stop and start on a dime. Who they are on September 9 has no bearing on who they are on September 30th. Just like who they are on September 9th has no relation with who they were on August 12th. 

Keep screaming on the rollercoaster folks. 

This article is an excellent reminder of how baseball works year after year after year after year. 

 

[dxpavelka]

Shut your mouth.  There will be no positivity around here.  This is Twins Territory.

[mikelink45]

Glad to see someone taking the high route - I am leaving town and country for a while, it is up to all of you to cheer them on.  I will check in as much as I can, but ready for some changes. 

[wavedog]

Your saying we have a chance? Keep hope alive!  Not to rain on our World Series parade but the Rangers also bolstered their team last year at the trade deadline by getting Scherzer, Jordan Montgomery and Aroldis Chapman and a few other minor deals.   They provided to be quite useful in the playoffs.    We have added rookies but miracles do happen.    

[terrydactyls]

Tomorrow, tomorrow 

I love ya, tomorrow 

You're only a day away.

 

Thank you, Annie.

[LambchoP]

I think this team just ran out of gas and productive warm bodies. Would a SP and a few bullpen upgrades at the deadline have saved us? Not sure, but it sure would have helped....

[Karbo]

I was thinking about the parallel to Texas on Sunday. The biggest difference I see is pitching. Texas had it, the Twins have Lopez and Ober, after them its over!

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Lopez and Ober, and pray for October.

[jjswol]

Who cares about the Texas Rangers? The Twins have their own problems.

 

[AKTwinsFan]

But you missed one important fact, they had a winning coach with multiple World Series titles under his belt. If we had that right now I think we'd be #1-2 in the division. 

[SD happy]

Thanks for the positive outlook. Let’s hope in a few weeks that we will look back and say you were spot on! Fingers crossed.

[Sjoski]

 Just cued up the song and gave it a listen.....TWINS are going all the way baby!!!

"Bridge Over Troubled Water"

When you're weary, feeling small, ( He's sing our song Twins Fans )
When tears are in your eyes ( Not another LOSE. )
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh when times get rough ( Rocco, what are you doing???) 
And friends just can't be found ( wanna go see the Twins? ....not really )

Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
Oh when darkness comes. 
And pain is all around.  ( okay, maybe we are going all the way to 4th place)
 

Carlos Santana	day-to-day	Illness	.235 / .324 / .420, 20, 60
Max Kepler	10 Day Injury List	Knee	.253 / .302 / .380, 8, 42
Manuel Margot	10 Day Injury List	Groin	.250 / .302 / .350, 4, 30
Byron Buxton	10 Day Injury List	Hip	.275 / .334 / .528, 16, 49
Carlos Correa	10 Day Injury List	Foot	.308 / .377 / .520, 13, 47
Alex Kirilloff	60 Day Injury List	Back	.201 / .270 / .384, 5, 20
Kody Funderburk	60 Day Injury List	Oblique	1-0, 5.61 ERA, 8.3 K/9
Joe Ryan	60 Day Injury List	Tricep	7-7, 3.6 ERA, 9.8 K/9
Chris Paddack	60 Day Injury List	Forearm	5-3, 4.99 ERA, 8 K/9
Brock Stewart	60 Day Injury List	Shoulder	0-0, 5.17 ERA, 11.5 K/9
Daniel Duarte	60 Day Injury List	Tricep	1-0, 2.25 ERA, 6.8 K/9
Justin Topa	60 Day Injury List	Knee	–
Anthony DeSclafani	60 Day Injury List	Elbow

 

 

 

 

[baul0010]

2 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Lopez and Ober, and pray for October.

That is what I am hoping for.  With the current run the Twins are on, we better be hoping for a playoff birth at this point.  WS appearance seems like a very dim light at the end of a long shrinking tunnel.  

[JD-TWINS]

5 hours ago, bighat said:

Sorry.

It's over. 

Can the TWINS go 8-10 over last 18 games? I’m assuming yes. That’s 84 total wins.

The 3 teams chasing them are all 73-71 and 3 games back.

1) Detroit has easiest schedule - since Twins won the season head to head they need to finish better than Twins to advance. The Tigers need to go 12-6 to best the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

2) Mariners again are at a disadvantage since Twins won the season head to head. They too would need to go 12-6 to get in front of the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

3) Red Sox host the Twins next week for 3 games. Big head to head match-up! Twins currently lead the season series 2-1. If Sox take 3 in Boston, Twins could be in real trouble. Sox go 11-7 with a sweep of the Twins, they have a very good shot at the 3rd Wildcard.

IF Twins can go .500 over remaining games they are almost certainly a lock for playoffs……my point is, I don’t see them as being done quite yet.

[JD-TWINS]

3 hours ago, Karbo said:

I was thinking about the parallel to Texas on Sunday. The biggest difference I see is pitching. Texas had it, the Twins have Lopez and Ober, after them its over!

Eovaldi & Montgomery…….then they were piecing it together with Gray & Heaney…..3-4 guys in Pen throwing a bunch of innings……Twins still have a shot.😉

[BillyBallLives]

Look on the bright side.

Twins have the best Triple A team in the majors right now. 

 

 

[Linus]

43 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Can the TWINS go 8-10 over last 18 games? I’m assuming yes. That’s 84 total wins.

The 3 teams chasing them are all 73-71 and 3 games back.

1) Detroit has easiest schedule - since Twins won the season head to head they need to finish better than Twins to advance. The Tigers need to go 12-6 to best the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

2) Mariners again are at a disadvantage since Twins won the season head to head. They too would need to go 12-6 to get in front of the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

3) Red Sox host the Twins next week for 3 games. Big head to head match-up! Twins currently lead the season series 2-1. If Sox take 3 in Boston, Twins could be in real trouble. Sox go 11-7 with a sweep of the Twins, they have a very good shot at the 3rd Wildcard.

IF Twins can go .500 over remaining games they are almost certainly a lock for playoffs……my point is, I don’t see them as being done quite yet.

This. If they can win just a few games they are going to make. The other teams have to much ground to make up and too few games. Doesn’t make these last games any easier to take……

[spanman2]

15 minutes ago, Linus said:

This. If they can win just a few games they are going to make. The other teams have to much ground to make up and too few games. Doesn’t make these last games any easier to take……

 

1 hour ago, JD-TWINS said:

Can the TWINS go 8-10 over last 18 games? I’m assuming yes. That’s 84 total wins.

The 3 teams chasing them are all 73-71 and 3 games back.

1) Detroit has easiest schedule - since Twins won the season head to head they need to finish better than Twins to advance. The Tigers need to go 12-6 to best the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

2) Mariners again are at a disadvantage since Twins won the season head to head. They too would need to go 12-6 to get in front of the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

3) Red Sox host the Twins next week for 3 games. Big head to head match-up! Twins currently lead the season series 2-1. If Sox take 3 in Boston, Twins could be in real trouble. Sox go 11-7 with a sweep of the Twins, they have a very good shot at the 3rd Wildcard.

IF Twins can go .500 over remaining games they are almost certainly a lock for playoffs……my point is, I don’t see them as being done quite yet.

Go 9-9 with 2 of those 9 being against and you SHOULD get in.  Once you get in who knows...in my opinion they don't have the healthy arms to get it done.  Would certainly be great to see Buck and Carlos back...would hope that occurs within a week to 10 days. 

[Linus]

21 minutes ago, spanman2 said:

 

Go 9-9 with 2 of those 9 being against and you SHOULD get in.  Once you get in who knows...in my opinion they don't have the healthy arms to get it done.  Would certainly be great to see Buck and Carlos back...would hope that occurs within a week to 10 days. 

Agreed. Getting Correa back would really stabilize the infield which has been a problem. I also agree about not having enough arms. The young pitchers seem to be wearing down. 

[S Bart]

I believe that it will be decided in about 10 days. If they cannot muster series wins against the Reds and Angels and at least go even with the Guardians, they will be in a heap of trouble, The playoff contender Red Sox will dine on them at Fenway the following series if they don't match those hurdles. The Green Monster awaits!

[bean5302]

43 minutes ago, spanman2 said:

...Would certainly be great to see Buck and Carlos back...would hope that occurs within a week to 10 days. 

20 minutes ago, Linus said:

Agreed. Getting Correa back would really stabilize the infield which has been a problem...

I think Correa and Buxton playing again this year or at least playing at a high level is somewhat optimistic at this point.

Correa isn't sprinting every day yet and is still sore, but he thinks he might be able to play through the pain at this point. Supposedly, Correa has some target date in mind, but he really needs a 2 week rehab assignment despite the Saints' season ending in 12 days. Even if he did return, we'd probably be getting 2023 Correa, right? In any case, he won't be back in time to make a difference to the Twins' playoff chances, I'd suspect.

Buxton's saying he probably won't even be 90% this year, though he's clearly ahead of Correa by the fact he's been on a rehab assignment seeing game action recently.

https://www.foxsports.com/articles/mlb/injured-carlos-correa-and-byron-buxton-getting-closer-to-returning-to-the-twins-lineup

[Karbo]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Eovaldi & Montgomery…….then they were piecing it together with Gray & Heaney…..3-4 guys in Pen throwing a bunch of innings……Twins still have a shot.😉

That's correct, but Gray and even Heaney were veterans with a track record. SWR seems to have done OK for the most part, Festa and Mathews are learning on the fly. IMHO that's a lot to put on guys that have very little professional experience, and then to learn at the major league level is really pushing their luck. To their credit they have done fairly well so far, but the pressure of a pennant race added in and anything can happen.

[bean5302]

The Rangers won 90 games last year and tied for the division win, losing on tiebreakers to Houston. They finished the year at +165 runs.

The Twins are on pace for 86 wins and a +40 run differential, but the way they're playing, I think anything over 83 wins and +25 runs is pretty questionable.

Aside from the 2023 Rangers being a far more dominant team than the Twins are this year, I've never bought into the bad teams sometimes do well arguments. It can theoretically happen, but it almost never really does.

[nicksaviking]

I'm not doubting that the Twins can pull it together enough to the make the playoffs, but it's not the same situation as the Rangers. They went on a skid, but still had the best offense in the AL and they traded for Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery at the deadline.

Like the Rangers, the Twins certainly could catch their balance before it's too late, but unlike the Rangers, the Twins didn't do anything to put themselves in position to win the race should they regain their form.

[jkcarew]

4 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Can the TWINS go 8-10 over last 18 games? I’m assuming yes.

Assuming? They’ve gone 6-12 in their last 18.

 

[$tryf4Life]

4 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Can the TWINS go 8-10 over last 18 games? I’m assuming yes. That’s 84 total wins.

The 3 teams chasing them are all 73-71 and 3 games back.

1) Detroit has easiest schedule - since Twins won the season head to head they need to finish better than Twins to advance. The Tigers need to go 12-6 to best the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

2) Mariners again are at a disadvantage since Twins won the season head to head. They too would need to go 12-6 to get in front of the Twins, assuming Twins get to 84 wins.

3) Red Sox host the Twins next week for 3 games. Big head to head match-up! Twins currently lead the season series 2-1. If Sox take 3 in Boston, Twins could be in real trouble. Sox go 11-7 with a sweep of the Twins, they have a very good shot at the 3rd Wildcard.

IF Twins can go .500 over remaining games they are almost certainly a lock for playoffs……my point is, I don’t see them as being done quite yet.

.500 baseball feels like a stretch with the current team. I forgive anyone feeling depressed. 
 

As fans we aspire to root for teams hitting their groove going into Playoffs- not managing .500 to eek in 

[dxpavelka]

Just get in.  I don't see the 1927 Yankees in the AL this year.  Nor the NL.

 

[nicksaviking]

11 hours ago, dxpavelka said:

Just get in.  I don't see the 1927 Yankees in the AL this year.  Nor the NL.

 

That plan hasn't worked for this team in 33 years.