Reviewing Potential Positional Changes for the 2025 Twins

[Cody Christie]

The Twins value defensive flexibility, and that philosophy is expected to continue in 2025. At TwinsFest, the front office provided insight into potential positional changes that could impact the upcoming season.

Image courtesy of © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

During last season’s second-half struggles, the Twins were forced to experiment with defensive alignments in an effort to keep their best bats in the lineup. Royce Lewis became the center of some of those discussions, as he was reluctant to move to second base in the middle of a playoff chase. While his quotes may have been overanalyzed at the time, he now has an entire offseason to prepare for increased versatility. Lewis is just one of several players who may see shifts in their defensive responsibilities in 2025. Let’s examine some of the key positional changes.

Royce Lewis  
2024 Primary Position: Third base

There was some expectation that Lewis would start seeing more time at second base in 2025 after the team discussed moving him last season. Brooks Lee’s presence is the most significant question mark in that discussion. However, there is no guarantee that Lee will crack the Opening Day roster after he struggled during his rookie season. Lewis wants to stay at third base, and multiple quotes from TwinsFest weekend point to him sticking at the hot corner to start the year. He had some throwing issues at third last season (11 errors; 10 throwing), so that will be something to monitor in spring training and early-season games. 

Expected 2025 Position: Third base with some time at second base

José Miranda
2024 Primary Position: Third base   

Prior to Lewis moving to third, Miranda looked to be the team’s third baseman of the future. After a challenging 2023 season, Miranda rebounded in 2024 with a 112 OPS+. With better defensive options at third base, Miranda’s best chance at everyday at-bats may come at first base. There was some expectation that the front office might add a corner bat similar to what the team did with Carlos Santana last season. However, the owner-imposed payroll limitations have limited the team’s ability to add impact bats. Miranda’s bat profiles well at the position, and a move across the diamond could take some pressure off his throwing arm.

Expected 2025 Position: First base with some time at third base

Matt Wallner  
2024 Primary Position: Corner outfield

Max Kepler has moved on to Philadelphia, leaving a giant defensive hole to fill in the right field. During his Twins tenure, Kepler has been among the league’s best right field defenders. Wallner was one of the team’s best hitters in the second half (.934 OPS with 18 extra-base hits), and MLB Network already named him as one of the top-10 right fielders for 2025. He has demonstrated power potential and an improving defensive skill set with one of the best-throwing arms in the game. While he has played both left and right field, the Twins appear poised to keep him primarily in right field, where his strong arm can be a weapon in the running game. 

Expected 2025 Position: Right field 

Louie Varland
2024 Primary Position: Starting pitcher  

Varland saw time as a starter and reliever over the last two seasons, but his high-velocity arsenal may be better suited for a bullpen role. The Twins have been coy with where Varland will be used to start the season. Minnesota’s bullpen seems full of current options ahead of Varland, so the team might want him to start the year as a starter. However, injuries will likely arise during spring training. With the Twins’ starting rotation appearing relatively deep, he could transition into a late-inning relief option, potentially giving the team another power arm in high-leverage situations.

Expected 2025 Position: Relief pitcher

Griffin Jax
2024 Primary Position: Relief pitcher

Jax was one of the AL’s best relievers last season, but other teams have moved solid relievers back to a starter role in recent years. There are some risks in moving a late-inning reliever to a starting role. Jax and the Twins discussed transitioning back to starting, and Jax drove those conversations. At TwinsFest, he said, “I found myself always gravitating back towards the bullpen.” He is now firmly entrenched in the late-inning mix, and the Twins will likely keep him in a setup role with the potential to get more closing opportunities if the situation arises in 2025. 

Expected 2025 Position: Relief pitcher

The Twins' emphasis on defensive flexibility allows them to maximize their roster depth and keep the best hitters in the lineup. Some players, like Lewis and Miranda, may see more movement across the diamond, while others, like Wallner and Jax, appear more locked into specific roles. As spring training unfolds, these potential changes will come into focus, helping shape the team’s approach to the 2025 season.

Are there other players who should switch positions in 2025? Do you agree with where the Twins plan to play the abovementioned players? Leave a comment and start the discussion. 

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[TL]

It would be amazing if Lewis’s throwing problems were an aberration and he could be above average at third, but I don’t see him at second base post-knee issues and future injury risk. Barring improvement in his defense at third I think best case for Twins would be for him to set his mind to becoming an elite first baseman. In 2025 we need to decide what the infield is going to look like and let the guys settle in.

This lineup could allow infielders to focus on a primary position and get a day off or DH day with a competent backup. And gives Julien one more chance to prove he’s an a good all-around second baseman - which could be huge whether he’s here long-term or used as a trade chip.  

Correa - SS

Lee - 3B (backup SS, 2B)

Lewis - 1B (backup 3B, 2B)

Julien* - 2B (backup 1B)

Miranda - DH (rotate 1B & 3B)

Castro* (Infield/Outfield utility)

Keaschall - waiting in the wings to replace Julien or Castro

 

[Karbo]

1 hour ago, TL said:

It would be amazing if Lewis’s throwing problems were an aberration and he could be above average at third, but I don’t see him at second base post-knee issues and future injury risk. Barring improvement in his defense at third I think best case for Twins would be for him to set his mind to becoming an elite first baseman. In 2025 we need to decide what the infield is going to look like and let the guys settle in.

This lineup could allow infielders to focus on a primary position and get a day off or DH day with a competent backup. And gives Julien one more chance to prove he’s an a good all-around second baseman - which could be huge whether he’s here long-term or used as a trade chip.  

Correa - SS

Lee - 3B (backup SS, 2B)

Lewis - 1B (backup 3B, 2B)

Julien* - 2B (backup 1B)

Miranda - DH (rotate 1B & 3B)

Castro* (Infield/Outfield utility)

Keaschall - waiting in the wings to replace Julien or Castro

 

I kind of like the idea of putting Lewis at 1st. I'm not so sure about Julian at 2nd though.

[DJL44]

11 minutes ago, Karbo said:

I kind of like the idea of putting Lewis at 1st. I'm not so sure about Julian at 2nd though.

I would much rather have Lewis at 2B and Julien at 1B (or the bench)

[LambchoP]

I think both Lewis and Miranda should be interchangeable at 1st/3rd base. Lee should be 2nd/SS. Julien can be 2nd or 1st. Keaschal, Eeles and Castro can cover everywhere else in the IF.

OF can be covered with Larnach, Buxton, Wallner, Castro, and Kiersey/Martin/Rodriguez. 

I do think it would greatly help our defense if the players positions were a little more consistent and they didn't have to wonder where they were going to be playing each and every day.

 

 

[rdehring]

Julien drives me crazy when watching him at bat.  Arraez was so good at working counts.  He would foul off close pitches until getting one to hit or taking a walk.  Julien stands there and watches close pitch after close pitch until the ump rings him up.  Flat out frustrating to this ole Twins fan.

If he can become more like Luis, the kid could be good.  If he doesn't change he should and will be gone.

[T.O.]

Does Baldelli have the intuition and knowledge to make decisions to place the players mentioned  in their best primary position, the discipline and faith to stick with them a reasonable amount of time, and the ability to make brain/gut decisions when adjustments are warranted ????

I DON'T' THINK SO.

He hasn't shown such abilities in the past. Why would he start now?

[mluebker]

As far as I can see, Lewis and Miranda are interchangeable at third. So why not move Lewis to first now? He’s less likely to get hurt and he’s going to end up over there sooner or later anyhow.

[rv78]

Totally agree with T.O. on this one. Rocco wants most everyone on the field to play multiple positions so he can platoon to death. Somewhere, somehow he thinks he has an advantage being able to move players all over in the field and use different lineups everyday never allowing his players to get comfortable with a position or a hitting situation. Then everyone else wonders why the Twins are so bad defensively or can't hit at critical times. George Brett once said, being comfortable is the most important aspect when it comes to hitting and fielding, and you only get that by getting consistant playing time at 1 position and a consistant everyday lineup. By Rocco doing the opposite, and whatever advantage he thinks he gets by platooning, it falls short of Bretts advantage on a regular basis.

[Jeff K]

2 hours ago, TL said:

It would be amazing if Lewis’s throwing problems were an aberration and he could be above average at third, but I don’t see him at second base post-knee issues and future injury risk. Barring improvement in his defense at third I think best case for Twins would be for him to set his mind to becoming an elite first baseman. In 2025 we need to decide what the infield is going to look like and let the guys settle in.

This lineup could allow infielders to focus on a primary position and get a day off or DH day with a competent backup. And gives Julien one more chance to prove he’s an a good all-around second baseman - which could be huge whether he’s here long-term or used as a trade chip.  

Correa - SS

Lee - 3B (backup SS, 2B)

Lewis - 1B (backup 3B, 2B)

Julien* - 2B (backup 1B)

Miranda - DH (rotate 1B & 3B)

Castro* (Infield/Outfield utility)

Keaschall - waiting in the wings to replace Julien or Castro

 

I agree with the exception of Julien starting at 2nd.  Julien has too much to prove to be a likely starter at any position in the majors.  Unless he is dominant in spring training, he needs to start the season in St. Paul and demonstrate that he has a successful new approach.

[Karbo]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

I would much rather have Lewis at 2B and Julien at 1B (or the bench)

Maybe in the early going, but I think we will see Keaschall at 2nd some time in the season.

[Doctor Gast]

2 hours ago, Karbo said:

I kind of like the idea of putting Lewis at 1st. I'm not so sure about Julian at 2nd though.

Julien gave Santana plenty of opportunities to make plays covering for him, yet it made me sick to see too many GBs getting by Santana on the 1B side because he was playing out of place. Keep Julien off of 2B, actually trade him while his value is up because I have doubts about him adjusting & if he does I doubt he'd profile at 1B. Put Lewis at 1B. 

People told me at TD that 2B is hard on your knees, I didn't believe it. Polanco turned down an offer from HOU because they wanted him to play 2B. He wants to get off 2B. So IMO 1B is a better option for Lewis, at least for the time being.

1B- Miranda, Lewis

2B- Lee, Martin, Castro

3B- Lewis, Lee, Castro

SS- Correa, Lee, Castro

DH- Larnach, Miranda

LF- Castro, Keirsey, Martin

CF- Buxton, Keirsey, Castro, 

RF- Wallner, Larnach, Castro

C- Vazquez, Jeffers, ?

If we still have Julien he's down in AAA, If Lee's bat doesn't look good in spring training he starts at AAA.

Miranda kept at 1B/ DH will keep him healthy & productive.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, mluebker said:

As far as I can see, Lewis and Miranda are interchangeable at third. So why not move Lewis to first now? He’s less likely to get hurt and he’s going to end up over there sooner or later anyhow.

Because Lewis at 1B and Miranda at 3B is worse defensively than Miranda at 1B and Lewis at 3B.

As I look over the options, I become more convinced that Willi Castro as the everyday 2B is the best solution.

[USNMCPO]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Because Lewis at 1B and Miranda at 3B is worse defensively than Miranda at 1B and Lewis at 3B.

As I look over the options, I become more convinced that Willi Castro as the everyday 2B is the best solution.

You very well may be right.

[arby58]

2 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Because Lewis at 1B and Miranda at 3B is worse defensively than Miranda at 1B and Lewis at 3B.

As I look over the options, I become more convinced that Willi Castro as the everyday 2B is the best solution.

Castro was just an average hitter last year, and you would expect more at a position that isn't as defensively challenging. His greatest asset is his flexibility - making him an everyday player at one position negates that.

[DJL44]

36 minutes ago, arby58 said:

Castro was just an average hitter last year, and you would expect more at a position that isn't as defensively challenging. His greatest asset is his flexibility - making him an everyday player at one position negates that.

I'd rather start him at 2B than take the defensive downgrade at 2B everyday just to let Castro be flexible. Castro is also projected to be at least as good of a hitter as the other options, even though he's only projected to be an average hitter. Castro should be playing wherever he's a better defender than the other options. That means he should play a lot of 2B. If they can find another outfielder who can catch the ball they can play Castro there as the starter.

[arby58]

1 hour ago, DJL44 said:

I'd rather start him at 2B than take the defensive downgrade at 2B everyday just to let Castro be flexible. Castro is also projected to be at least as good of a hitter as the other options, even though he's only projected to be an average hitter. Castro should be playing wherever he's a better defender than the other options. That means he should play a lot of 2B. If they can find another outfielder who can catch the ball they can play Castro there as the starter.

In 40 games at 2B last year, Castro projected out to -13 defensive runs saved. Julien, in 90 games, projected out to -12 defensive runs saved. Suggesting he is a far superior defensive second baseman is speculative. 

[HarmonK03]

Castro's value is his ability to play multiple positions.  This is especially beneficial with Rocco's platooning in the middle of a game.  He can then slide Castro into a position he is at least average at playing.  Castro's value is in playing three to four days a week, and utilizing his versatility and speed on other days.  His best positions are probably 2B and LF, he is stretched when playing other positions every day.

[stringer bell]

15 hours ago, karcherd said:

Castro's value is his ability to play multiple positions.  This is especially beneficial with Rocco's platooning in the middle of a game.  He can then slide Castro into a position he is at least average at playing.  Castro's value is in playing three to four days a week, and utilizing his versatility and speed on other days.  His best positions are probably 2B and LF, he is stretched when playing other positions every day.

I’d add third base as another position where Castro is at least decent. Looping back  to the post by @DJL44 I think it’s quite possible that Castro may be the best option at second to start the season, but someone (perhaps Lee, maybe Keaschall) could step in fairly early in the season. If Lee looks great in Spring Training, Castro could be the primary left fielder. 

[TL]

7 hours ago, Jeff K said:

I agree with the exception of Julien starting at 2nd.  Julien has too much to prove to be a likely starter at any position in the majors.  Unless he is dominant in spring training, he needs to start the season in St. Paul and demonstrate that he has a successful new approach.

I agree Julien needs a good spring to stick. And a lot also depends on Lewis. Lewis seems to have elite reaction time at 3B and if he addresses his throwing accuracy we can slot Lee easily in at second. But at this point Lee is more of a sure thing defensively at third and, plenty of questions about Lewis at second.  

[Riverbrian]

Players changing positions is quite common. It is necessary to move players around when things occur. Necessity is the mother of invention. 

A 162 game schedule requires adjustments. We should really quit trying to set it and forget it... because the baseball grind makes setting it and forgetting impossible.  

[Blyleven2011]

8 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

Julien gave Santana plenty of opportunities to make plays covering for him, yet it made me sick to see too many GBs getting by Santana on the 1B side because he was playing out of place. Keep Julien off of 2B, actually trade him while his value is up because I have doubts about him adjusting & if he does I doubt he'd profile at 1B. Put Lewis at 1B. 

People told me at TD that 2B is hard on your knees, I didn't believe it. Polanco turned down an offer from HOU because they wanted him to play 2B. He wants to get off 2B. So IMO 1B is a better option for Lewis, at least for the time being.

1B- Miranda, Lewis

2B- Lee, Martin, Castro

3B- Lewis, Lee, Castro

SS- Correa, Lee, Castro

DH- Larnach, Miranda

LF- Castro, Keirsey, Martin

CF- Buxton, Keirsey, Castro, 

RF- Wallner, Larnach, Castro

C- Vazquez, Jeffers, ?

If we still have Julien he's down in AAA, If Lee's bat doesn't look good in spring training he starts at AAA.

Miranda kept at 1B/ DH will keep him healthy & productive.

Yep Julien starts the season at AAA and has to earn it back to to the show ...

He was terrible on both sides of the ball , after showing  defensive improvements during his rookie season ...

Game is physical and mental  and Julian mental approach was nor good...

[Blyleven2011]

I'm sorry Cody,  the twins may favor and value flexibility to play multiple position , but they do not value defense  , I'm tired of the official scorer not calling errors when it is obvious it was an error  , these players are being paid to perform at the highest level  ...

[tony&rodney]

Julien had a bad year last year but was pretty solid the year before. The same statement is totally true for Lewis.

It is at the very least a bit odd that Julien has been totally trashed and cast aside as a player of any worth while Lewis still has a brilliant shine to his name here on TD.

I'm not promoting or damning either player because it isn't that unusual to see young players struggle at the MLB level. Even a supposed superstar like Julio Rodriguez has had a bit of a slide the last two years from his brilliant 2022.

[RpR]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Julien had a bad year last year but was pretty solid the year before. The same statement is totally true for Lewis.

It is at the very least a bit odd that Julien has been totally trashed and cast aside as a player of any worth while Lewis still has a brilliant shine to his name here on TD.

I'm not promoting or damning either player because it isn't that unusual to see young players struggle at the MLB level. Even a supposed superstar like Julio Rodriguez has had a bit of a slide the last two years from his brilliant 2022.

I gave you a thumbs of because of what you said of Lewis, but, Julien, while his Strike Out rate jumped from just over 31 percent to just under 34 percent, his walk rate dropped from just under 16 percent to just under 11 percent and his fielding dropped to a point he must have increased the amount of lead in his glove.

Julien was not even average with the glove in 2023 and in 2024 he batted at AA level.

They cast Gordon aside for less incompetence than that , so it would be foolish to let Julien out of AAA to see if he is consistently bad in the bigs.

At that they need truly GOOD 2nd baseman greatly.

[Doctor Wu]

I love reading these various opinions and ideas ... and I'm still not sure who should play where. So many interchangeable parts/players. But after reading all the posts my head is now spinning and I think it's time for another beer!

[stringer bell]

I am not opposed to Lewis ending up at second base or first base. However, it doesn't make much sense to move a guy with just over 800 innings of experience (and little time in the minors) to another position only to move him again before the season is over. This is especially true of a guy that for a year and a half looked like he could be a perennial All-Star and face of the franchise. 

As I said before, I do expect Lewis and Lee to flank Correa for most of 2025 (knock on wood for good health) although I don't know which will be on his left and which will be on his right. If Keaschall forces his way into the lineup, then first base has to be a landing spot for someone. 

[TopGunn#22]

I understand the need for "flexibility."  Injuries, ineffective play, they all contribute to juggling your lineup as the season unfolds.  Maybe I'm far too old fashioned, but I don't think baseball has changed a lot since the time I grew up (1960's & 1970's).  Yes, there are "launch angels and spin rates, but those were apparent in those days too.  Maybe there are more injuries.  It sure seems that way at times but ENTIRE infields and outfields do not need to be "interchangeable."

The "Big Red Machine" of the 1970's had a fairly consistent, set lineup.  Same with the Baltimore Orioles of the mid 1960's-1970's.  There was usually a bench guy who could fill in at SS, 2B & 3B and an OF who could play all three positions.  But the infield of Rose, Concepcion, Morgen and Perez was set.  Doug Flynn was the SS, 2B, 3B guy and Dan Driessen played 1B and the OF.  Ed Armbrister covered all 3 OF spots. 

It was very similar with the Orioles.

The idea that guys need to be comfortable with what their role is, where they play, where they hit in the batting order is tried and true.  Disruption brings uneven results.  

I think Lewis's BAT is crucial to the Twins success.  I'm in favor of playing him WHEREVER he feels comfortable.  Other guys can adjust to him based on his offensive potential.  The guy was once said to have a cannon for an arm.  Tommy John surgery shouldn't result in him having a wet noodle now.  I think his "base" was hampering his throwing last season.  His hip abductor or whatever the injury was. 

I think 2B is a position that the Twins have a plethora of options.  Lee would be my primary to begin with if Lewis is at 3B.  Julien is on thin ice.  His bat needs to wake up.  He was one of the most frustrating major league hitters to watch last year I can ever remember. 

Honestly, at this time, with Keaschall and Eeles pushing, I'd be very willing to include Julien in a trade that would have impact if another team was eager to take him.  Culpepper is also a future 2B option.  The depth the Twins have in their system with guys who could play there is what allowed the Twins to move on from a fading Polanco.   

But to me, Lewis is the key.  I really don't have a preference where he ends up.  3B, 2B, 1B, it doesn't matter.  Wherever he's comfortable and bringing that BIG STICK to the plate is where he'll be.  If the Twins are going to challenge for the division and make any kind of run in the playoffs, Lewis needs to be in the heart of that lineup and hitting HR's and driving in runs.  We need to see 30 HR and 100 RBI's from Lewis in 2025.  His bat is the future of what I hope will be a potent lineup in 2025 and beyond when Walker Jenkins, E-Rod and Luke Keaschall are in there with him.  

[mluebker]

23 hours ago, DJL44 said:

Because Lewis at 1B and Miranda at 3B is worse defensively than Miranda at 1B and Lewis at 3B.

I’m not seeing where the stats bear that out. And Miranda seems able to make that throw to first and stay off the IL.

[arby58]

12 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

Julien had a bad year last year but was pretty solid the year before. The same statement is totally true for Lewis.

It is at the very least a bit odd that Julien has been totally trashed and cast aside as a player of any worth while Lewis still has a brilliant shine to his name here on TD.

Lewis had a positive WAR last year (0.7) and likely would have been higher but for the time missed to injury. Julien was -0.2, Lewis' OPS+ was 107, and Julien was 74. True, they both performed far better the year before, but Julien's 2024 was a complete bust.