How Can the Twins Win the World Series (in 2031)?

[Cody Christie]

Every fan base wants their hometown nine to walk away with the World Series trophy. Here’s how the Twins can win the World Series (in seven years).

Image courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The year 2031 may seem like a distant horizon, but for the Minnesota Twins, it represents an opportunity to cement their place in baseball history. MLB.com recently projected the Twins to fall to the Mets in the 2031 World Series, a tantalizing but ultimately heartbreaking scenario for fans in Twins Territory. The Twins need a carefully crafted blueprint to flip that script and bring a championship back to Minnesota. Here’s how they can turn that prediction into a triumph.

Develop Young Stars into Cornerstones
Any championship contender needs homegrown talent, and the Twins are rich in promising prospects who could be pivotal by 2031. Outfielder Walker Jenkins, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, has the tools to be a franchise cornerstone. By 2031, Jenkins should be in his prime, boasting power, patience, and Gold Glove-caliber defense. He has the potential to be a regular MVP contender, and the Twins will need that level of performance for the team to be in contention. For Jenkins, the key will be refining his swing to maximize his power potential and maintaining plate discipline as he faces more advanced pitching.

Another exciting outfield prospect, Emmanuel Rodriguez, could form a dynamic tandem with Jenkins. Minnesota fans always dreamed of the duo of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau leading the team to postseason glory but that never came to fruition. Rodriguez’s elite on-base skills and emerging power make him a candidate to be a top-tier leadoff hitter. Over the next seven seasons, his development hinges on staying healthy and continuing to improve his contact rates against high-velocity arms.

On the pitching side, the Twins have continued to see the development of top-tier pitching prospects, including David Festa and Zebby Matthews. For 2031, it’s essential to look into the minor leagues to see who could impact the big-league roster. Marco Raya has some of the makings of a front-line starter, but the 2025 season will go a long way for his development. Charlee Soto might be the team’s best chance at developing a front-line ace, and he should be well-established with the Twins over the next five seasons. By 2031, Soto and Raya could anchor the Twins' rotation alongside other young arms who emerge from the system or are acquired via trades.

Build a Balanced and Deep Roster
The Twins’ front office must continue its trend of blending high-upside prospects with savvy free-agent signings and impactful trades. Teams that reach the World Series and win it often boast depth in both their lineup and pitching staff. The Twins must ensure their farm system remains robust, replenishing talent as players graduate to the majors. Minnesota also has the hope of a new ownership group that might be willing to invest more into the team’s payroll. Currently, the Twins’ front office has little room to make impact moves, but fans can hope that isn’t the story by 2031. 

Pitching wins championships, and the Twins must continue to emphasize pitcher development. Beyond Raya and Soto, names like Connor Prielipp and Dasan Hill could play significant roles in the rotation or bullpen. By 2031, the Twins need a rotation that can match up with the best in baseball. This means grooming their young arms and being aggressive in pursuing proven pitchers when the time is right.

Additionally, the bullpen cannot be an afterthought. The Twins’ 2020 postseason woes highlighted the importance of reliable relief pitching. By 2031, they must build a bullpen stocked with power arms and versatile relievers capable of handling high-leverage situations.

Investment and Culture
Winning the World Series often requires financial investment, but spending wisely is just as important. Over the next seven years, the Twins must balance long-term extensions for their young stars with opportunistic free-agent acquisitions. Jenkins and Rodriguez could start getting expensive through the arbitration process, so Minnesota’s new ownership must prove it will invest in star-level players. Maintaining financial flexibility allows them to add key pieces to the roster when on the brink of contention.

Beyond talent, intangibles like leadership and culture play a crucial role in winning a championship. The Twins must foster an environment where players thrive under pressure and embrace postseason expectations. The organization can create a cohesive approach that players buy into by promoting continuity within the coaching staff and front office.

The 2031 season marks the final option year on Carlos Correa’s contract, and while he likely won’t be manning shortstop by then, he could still be an essential piece of the roster. A transition to third base or designated hitter would allow Correa to continue providing value late into his 30s. His strong arm and instincts would make him a natural fit at the hot corner, while his leadership and postseason experience would be invaluable for a team aiming to go the distance.

The Road to Glory
The path to winning the 2031 World Series will not be linear. It will require patience, development, and bold moves from the front office. However, the foundation is already in place. Suppose players like Jenkins, Rodriguez, Raya, and Soto reach their potential, and the organization surrounds them with the right supporting cast. In that case, there’s no reason the Twins can’t bring a World Series trophy back to Minnesota.

MLB.com’s prediction may have the Twins falling short in 2031, but the team has seven years to prove them wrong. With the proper blueprint, the Minnesota Twins can not only contend but reign supreme in October.

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Can the Twins win the World Series over the next decade? What needs to be added to the blueprint? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[NYCTK]

The only player on the Twins from 2018 is Buxton. And the only top 25 prospect on the team is Royce Lewis. 

You may as well write about what to look forward to in 2061 in the 100th season of Minnesota Twins Baseball. 

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

The only player on the Twins from 2018 is Buxton. And the only top 25 prospect on the team is Royce Lewis. 

You may as well write about what to look forward to in 2061 in the 100th season of Minnesota Twins Baseball. 

This was my second thought.

My first thought was ...... How did anyone come up with this idea?

I glanced through it though-my choice.

[ashbury]

Fantastic article by Will Leitch at mlb.com that kicks this whole thing off.  They manage to name the 2031 WS participants and then say not one additional word about the Twins!  Because, Mets. Yay!

[KnoblauchWasFramed]

Without a change of ownership this is nothing more than hyperbole.  There is no financial incentive for the Pohlad's to put a winning product on the field as Twins fans keep showing up and watching no matter what dumpster diving product is on the field.  As long as ownership were to make a $500,000 profit while fielding a 100 loss team they would consider that a win and good business.  The fans of Minnesota have never and probably will never force the issue and legit boycott the team and start costing the Pohlad's money.  

No Twins games for me last year (first time since 2009), no TwinsFest next week, and no games in 2025 either.  That's all I can do to protest so that's what I am going to do.  

[Jocko87]

32 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

My first thought was ...... How did anyone come up with this idea?

Must be a lotta snow where the baseball writers are. 

[Jocko87]

10 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Fantastic article by Will Leitch at mlb.com that kicks this whole thing off.  They manage to name the 2031 WS participants and then say not one additional word about the Twins!  Because, Mets. Yay!

I noticed the same. 

Management pet peeve, requiring make work in the scheduled slow times. 

We all know baseball comes with spring.  We’ll be back….

[NYCTK]

29 minutes ago, KnoblauchWasFramed said:

...Twins fans keep showing up and watching no matter what dumpster diving product is on the field.  As long as ownership were to make a $500,000 profit while fielding a 100 loss team they would consider that a win and good business...

Twins were reportedly *shocked* that attendance fell in 2024. Meaning they probably fell about 20 million short of their own internal game day revenue projections.

Makes me smile. 

[Blyleven2011]

The only way we will ever win consistently  is to have a major league  manager that can coach players and manage games   .... 

The hitting roster has shown many years of blowing pressure situations  , they choke with runners in scoring position  , we have some pitchers that you can see the bulldog in them  and they pitch through pressure   , pitching is the name of the game , but the hitting also has to follow along ...

As far as our hyped up prospects goes , the current rookies are not showing anything of a pedigree  as of yet in the major leagues  , I sure hope they can improve development  one this level ...

Every level  you have a development  stage before you step up to another level  , the major leagues are no different  ....

I continue to emphasize how important it is to take this aaa talent and once in the major leagues the coaches need to help develop the talent and make this talent better to play consistently at this level ....

Rocco said he never wants to see another season like 2024 , I hope the plan is to get better , we'll see how spring training games are constructed , this is when you want to experiment because  that all it is , training , games don't count ...

[Karbo]

I wonder how many of us seniors that have followed the Twins since the move from DC will even live to see the Twins in the WS again.

[T.O.]

12 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I wonder how many of us seniors that have followed the Twins since the move from DC will even live to see the Twins in the WS again.

I wasn't listening to the old Senators but I did start with the Twins in 61. I can see the Twins getting into post season but not all the way to the Series. Not in what's left of my lifetime.

[T.O.]

39 minutes ago, Blyleven2011 said:

The only way we will ever win consistently  is to have a major league  manager that can coach players and manage games   .... 

.

Rocco said he never wants to see another season like 2024 , I hope the plan is to get better , we'll see how spring training games are constructed , this is when you want to experiment because  that all it is , training , games don't count ...

I don't think we have that manager. Baldelli doesn't have the desire or the ability to coach and develop new players.  Or manage a lineup during a game.
Of all the things there are to be dissatisfied with the Twins organization the manager is at the top of my list.

[CRF]

1 hour ago, Karbo said:

I wonder how many of us seniors that have followed the Twins since the move from DC will even live to see the Twins in the WS again.

This was exactly my thought. I know I won't. 

[Blyleven2011]

5 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

This was my second thought.

My first thought was ...... How did anyone come up with this idea?

I glanced through it though-my choice.

My first 2 thoughts were fantasy island and randball stu  ....

[sweetmusicviola16]

Maybe the new owners will open up the vault and sign Sasaki after he departs the Dodgers in 6 years. That looks like a good future move.

[Linus]

Just when I thought the content couldn’t get wackier……

[tony&rodney]

It just occurred to me that if the Twins win 4 games in the 2031 or 2061 World Series, they will be crowned. That is how they win.

Turns out I'm even slower than previous identified.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Just like how Joe Mauer was always the MLB Player of the Month for January, the Twins have won the Prospect Ranking World Series for the past 12 years, and the Injury World Series for the past 7 years. Nothing to complain about! 😆

[Doctor Gast]

Between 2004- 2022, STL Cards won a ton of play-off games, 12X Division Champs; 9X NLC- Champs 4X; 4X WS, champs 2X. Towards the end of that they acquired Goldsmith & Arenardo. In '23 while still basically having the same team they added the best MLB hitting catcher Wilson Contreras who was also an above-average defensive catcher. The Cards were expected to be better but they tanked. They blamed poor pitching stability, lack of team leadership & chemistry, & bad catching. You can sum all that up to no Molina. Molina never piled up hugh WAR or was noted for his hitting but he was an elite catcher that was good at all the intangibles.

I don't care how well the Twins look on paper or if they have a catcher who has a .700 OPS. But unless you have a great defensive catcher who commands the pitching, the field & has a feel for the game you are just spinning your wheels.

[Bodie]

18 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

Must be a lotta snow where the baseball writers are. 

Yeah, Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow...

[saviking]

18 hours ago, Karbo said:

I wonder how many of us seniors that have followed the Twins since the move from DC will even live to see the Twins in the WS again.

I'm more worried about living to see the Vikings win a Superbowl. Twins have already won 2 series

[LambchoP]

How about we worry about this year and the next couple years first. If anyone's noticed, we have some real holes to fill still to be a legit contender.

[Major League Ready]

20 hours ago, NYCTK said:

Twins were reportedly *shocked* that attendance fell in 2024. Meaning they probably fell about 20 million short of their own internal game day revenue projections.

Makes me smile. 

2024 attendance was 1,951,616 down 22,508 from 1,974,124 in 2023.  Are you under the impression that the average fan spends $888 to attend a game or did you just exaggerate by more than 10X for affect?   

[NYCTK]

34 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

2024 attendance was 1,951,616 down 22,508 from 1,974,124 in 2023.  Are you under the impression that the average fan spends $888 to attend a game or did you just exaggerate by more than 10X for affect?   

Do you think the Twins anticipated more people or less people to come to the ballpark after a playoff year? 

And we have no idea about their revenue figures because you still haven't called them for that analysis you've been asking for. Chop chop. 

[Major League Ready]

4 hours ago, NYCTK said:

Do you think the Twins anticipated more people or less people to come to the ballpark after a playoff year? 

And we have no idea about their revenue figures because you still haven't called them for that analysis you've been asking for. Chop chop. 

You insinuated they lost $20M as a result of lower attendance.  I provided the difference in attendance of 22,508.  We don't need any revenue numbers to calculate your inference that a $20M loss would mean that the average fan spends $888/each which of course is 10-12X overstated.   The math is undeniable.   Why do you want to continue to illustrate a thorough lack of analytical competence?  Do you get it.  You provide the revenue difference!  I provided the change in attendance.  The rest is a simple calculation.

[NYCTK]

28 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

You insinuated they lost $20M as a result of lower attendance.  I provided the difference in attendance of 22,508.  We don't need any revenue numbers to calculate your inference that a $20M loss would mean that the average fan spends $888/each which of course is 10-12X overstated.   The math is undeniable.   Why do you want to continue to illustrate a thorough lack of analytical competence?  Do you get it.  You provide the revenue difference!  I provided the change in attendance.  The rest is a simple calculation. 

There was reporting, by gleeman I believe, that they internally forecasted increased attendance as that is usually seen after playoff and general success. So why would we assume their revenue projections would be based on 2023 attendance? 

So I didn't assume 888 anything. And the reported attendance is one thing, but obviously people that don't show up in September can't buy beer. 

Do you think it's really outlandish that an incompetent front office (which I believe them to be) missed their own game day revenue projections by 20 million? 3K per game give or take? 

I agree with you in one regard! I'm guessing the 888 per person figure you're losing your mind over is probably about 10-12x higher than actual. 75-90? Seems possible. Could also be 60, or 120. We won't know until you get back to us with those revenue figures you've been meaning to ask them for. 

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

There was reporting, by gleeman I believe, that they internally forecasted increased attendance as that is usually seen after playoff and general success. So why would we assume their revenue projections would be based on 2023 attendance? 

So I didn't assume 888 anything. And the reported attendance is one thing, but obviously people that don't show up in September can't buy beer. 

Do you think it's really outlandish that an incompetent front office (which I believe them to be) missed their own game day revenue projections by 20 million? 3K per game give or take? 

I agree with you in one regard! I'm guessing the 888 per person figure you're losing your mind over is probably about 10-12x higher than actual. 75-90? Seems possible. Could also be 60, or 120. We won't know until you get back to us with those revenue figures you've been meaning to ask them for. 

The 888 is revenue per attendee which of course includes concessions.  The problem here is your meager understanding of financial analytics.  It's hilarious you think you are qualified to assess their competence.  

[NYCTK]

9 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

The 888 is revenue per attendee which of course includes concessions.  The problem here is your meager understanding of financial analytics.  It's hilarious you think you are qualified to assess their competence.  

I'm well aware how you got that figure. 

I'm very comfortable with my analysis. Sorry you got mad at a number you don't like. 

[DJL44]

Are we looking to 2031 because the Dodgers have the World Series wrapped up for the rest of the decade?