Four Twins Players Who Can Shape the Second-Half Push

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

As the second half of the season gets underway, the Minnesota Twins find themselves at a familiar crossroads. Hovering near playoff contention but far from guaranteed, they’ll need more than just reinforcements from the outside to make a run. Internal improvements could provide the biggest boost and four players, in particular, could make or break the second half.

Here’s a closer look at the quartet that could flip the script and drive Minnesota into October baseball.

Pablo López – The Ace Missing in Action
It’s hard to overstate how much López’s absence has impacted this team. Before hitting the injured list in late June with a strained shoulder muscle, López had been everything the Twins hoped for atop the rotation. Through 11 starts, he posted a 2.82 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 60 ⅔ innings. His 1.07 WHIP was the best among Minnesota’s starters, and his ability to pitch deep into games had become a steadying force to save the bullpen. 

Since his injury, the Twins rotation has been forced to lean on a mix of rookies, openers, and bullpen games. The entire staff tanked in his absence in June. López has recently resumed throwing off flat ground, which is a promising sign, but a return before mid-August still seems optimistic. His eventual re-entry into the rotation could be the single most important factor for this club’s postseason hopes. Not just because of the innings he provides, but because of the tone he sets every five days.

Carlos Correa – Glimpses Aren’t Enough
Correa has stayed on the field in 2025, which hasn’t always been a given in recent seasons. That alone is valuable, but the Twins need more than presence—they need production. He’s the highest played player and the roster isn’t built to succeed without him. Through the All-Star break, Correa is batting .242/.304/.389 (.694) with just seven home runs and a 90 OPS+ in 85 games. Those numbers fall well short of expectations.

That said, there are signs of life. He’s been more selective at the plate in recent weeks, and he has posted an .827 OPS over his last 20 games. If the Twins are going to make noise in the Wild Card chase, Correa has to be more than just steady. He needs to be the centerpiece. That might sound like a lot but it’s what he was brought here to do.

Matt Wallner – Boom or Bust
Few players on the Twins’ roster come with as much power potential as Wallner and few have a swing as puzzling. Wallner’s 10 home runs in just 55 games are among the best HR-per-PA ratios on the team, and when he connects, it’s loud. But a .205 batting average and 30.3 K% have made him tough to rely on for consistent offense. Still, the Twins have stuck with him, hoping the flashes of impact turn into full-blown production.

A more balanced second half, where Wallner can still flex his power but make a little more contact, would give Minnesota’s lineup a much-needed left-handed threat. At a time when the team has struggled to string together rallies, Wallner’s ability to change the game with one swing could be a separator.

Royce Lewis – Not Yet Electric
Lewis has fought through injuries throughout his professional career, and it’s been encouraging to see him stay on the field in recent weeks. However, his offensive profile hasn’t matched the electric player we saw in stretches last year. He ended last season in a terrible slump, hitting .171/.225/.243 (.468) with six extra-base hits in 30 games. Now, the 2025 season has been nearly as bad. 

With just two home runs and a .302 slugging percentage in 42 games, Lewis hasn’t been able to deliver the extra-base pop the Twins expected. His underlying metrics suggest the bat speed is still there, and the hope is that the power will come with more reps. He’s also looked improved defensively at third base after some throwing issues last season.  Much like Correa, Lewis doesn’t need to carry the team, but he does need to be more than average. When he’s firing on all cylinders, he gives the lineup something that’s been missing too often this year: big, game-changing hits.

The Core Has to Click|
The Twins don’t need to overhaul their roster to make the playoffs (although that likely isn’t an option with the current ownership group). They don’t even need everyone to suddenly break out. But they do need these four players (López, Correa, Wallner, and Lewis) to elevate.

If López returns and anchors the staff, if Correa rediscovers his All-Star form, if Wallner can connect more often, and if Lewis taps into his previous potential, the Twins have a path forward.

The question now: Will the core click in time?

Who do you think will have the biggest second-half surge? Join the discussion below.

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[rdehring]

Expect mid-August for a Lopez return is optimistic, Cody.  Considering he will probably need most of a 20 day rehab, early September seems more likely.  Will he help should the Twins be real close come Labor Day.  You betcha!  

But much of their chances for making the playoffs falls on Correa's shoulders.  He is making over 25% of their total payroll and playing like, well I don't know what to say.  Should that continue, they will need everything else to be perfect.  On the other hand, should he begin playing like Buxton all would be good.

 

 

[farmerguychris]

Just this week, I finally dropped Lewis from my fantasy team - so I expect a great second half from him.  

I'd actually be ok with that!

[thelanges5]

If C4, Lewis, and Wallner don’t pick it up now. It will be too late by the time Lopez comes back.

Wallner 0.2 WAR, 102 OPS+
Correa -0.1 WAR, 90 OPS+
Lewis -0.1 WAR, 60 OPS+

[DocBauer]

I agree with your list 100%.

I really don't know when to expect Lopez back. So I would include Matthews as a #6 as right now we're relying on bullpen games for the 5th spot, and Matthews should be back very soon. Maybe within a week.

I just can't believe Correa's bat is suddenly toast for such a smart, talented, and we'll conditioned 30yo who was excellent in 2024. 

Lewis doesn't have to be Superman, just more of what he has shown himself to be previously.

But the same goes for Wallner. An OPS over .800 each of the past 2 seasons and a good start to this season before his injury. His timing just appears to be out of sync. Like Correa and Lewis, who cares about final numbers. What matters is 2nd half numbers/production at this point.

But I've got 2 more for ya.

Can Lee continue to develop over the rest of the season to not only develop for 2026 and beyond, but get his 2024 production more consistent and get his OPS over .700+ for the 2nd half?

The 1 week we saw of Luke Keaschall is simply not who he is. That was a HOF week. But he IS talented and brings a very balanced and exciting offensive portfolio with him. He can help provide a spark for the team.

What's so damned frustrating is the players/talent on this team might not indicate a top 5 offense, but it sure shouldn't be 15th or lower, as it's been for most of this season so far. It's as if everyone has slumped all at the same time. And as has been the case for most all of this year, the offense is going to drive this team to success...or failure. 

[thelanges5]

28 minutes ago, DocBauer said:

I agree with your list 100%.

I really don't know when to expect Lopez back. So I would include Matthews as a #6 as right now we're relying on bullpen games for the 5th spot, and Matthews should be back very soon. Maybe within a week.

I just can't believe Correa's bat is suddenly toast for such a smart, talented, and we'll conditioned 30yo who was excellent in 2024. 

Lewis doesn't have to be Superman, just more of what he has shown himself to be previously.

But the same goes for Wallner. An OPS over .800 each of the past 2 seasons and a good start to this season before his injury. His timing just appears to be out of sync. Like Correa and Lewis, who cares about final numbers. What matters is 2nd half numbers/production at this point.

But I've got 2 more for ya.

Can Lee continue to develop over the rest of the season to not only develop for 2026 and beyond, but get his 2024 production more consistent and get his OPS over .700+ for the 2nd half?

The 1 week we saw of Luke Keaschall is simply not who he is. That was a HOF week. But he IS talented and brings a very balanced and exciting offensive portfolio with him. He can help provide a spark for the team.

What's so damned frustrating is the players/talent on this team might not indicate a top 5 offense, but it sure shouldn't be 15th or lower, as it's been for most of this season so far. It's as if everyone has slumped all at the same time. And as has been the case for most all of this year, the offense is going to drive this team to success...or failure. 

Good call on Lee. Just because he can get his bat to the balls doesn’t mean he needs to swing at everything. He chases too many pitches out of the zone and when he does make contact, it is weak.

Keaschall is batting first and playing DH tonight for the Saints. He’s got speed which this slow team needs and provides some BTE - Bader type energy.

[DocBauer]

12 minutes ago, thelanges5 said:

Good call on Lee. Just because he can get his bat to the balls doesn’t mean he needs to swing at everything. He chases too many pitches out of the zone and when he does make contact, it is weak.

Keisha is batting first and playing DH tonight for the Saints. He’s got speed which this slow team needs and provides some BTE - Bader type energy.

I really like the potential of Lee. It's why I've been saying over and over again to keep playing him daily so he can learn and develop. He sprays the ball all over, pops some HR and XBH, but also has weak contact at times, chases too much, and doesn't BB enough. He's in a growing and learning phase and it would be a mistake to curtail his development. 

I expect no miracles from Keaschall. He's not going to save the season or perform like he did in his 1 week debut. But after some rehab time, he has such a well rounded offensive profile that he's ready for MLB. And he can certainly provide a spark. And this team NEEDS a spark from SOMEONE!

[Rod Carews Birthday]

Strangely, the number of hitters having pretty lousy seasons but yet having the team near .500 is a situation that I find frustrating but kind of encouraging at the same time.  If someone with a good season can regress to the mean in the remaining season, then surely someone with a terrible season can also regress (progress?) to the mean in the remaining season.  Lewis has been horrible.  C4 has been pretty bad.  Wallner is mostly just disappointing, with a barely over average production from the RF/DH spot.  I'm not sure how optimistic I am that these guys will return to form, but it does allow me to have hope.  

Don't forget the others on the offensive side of the ball.  Larnach and Jeffers have been "OK".  Either or both of them could catch fire as both have done in the past.  Also, nothing would surprise me out of Castro or Bader.  They seem to be the guys who pretty consistently rise to the occasion.  Continued development from Lee or a surprise call up like Julien could also keep the fires burning.  Let's go Twins!

[Pykkman]

6 hours ago, rdehring said:

Expect mid-August for a Lopez return is optimistic, Cody.  Considering he will probably need most of a 20 day rehab, early September seems more likely.  Will he help should the Twins be real close come Labor Day.  You betcha!  

But much of their chances for making the playoffs falls on Correa's shoulders.  He is making over 25% of their total payroll and playing like, well I don't know what to say.  Should that continue, they will need everything else to be perfect.  On the other hand, should he begin playing like Buxton all would be good.

 

 

I agree Lopez might return too late to help.   Getting Ober straightened out is likely more important? 

[mac098]

Much like Correa, Lewis doesn’t need to carry the team, but he does need to be more than average. 

 

At this time, I'd take an average Lewis. At least that would be providing some production for the team. Right now he is 40% worse than the average player with a OPS+ of 60. 

As for Wallner, let's start getting to ready move on. We have Emmanuel Rodriguez waiting and knocking on the door. He's got speed, power, and has some decent defensive skills. Also he isn't all about hitting moonshots. 

[tony&rodney]

One thing we do not know for certain .... the future. Expecting Lewis and Wallner to be reliable MLB players is fabulous optimism. It can happen. Julien and Emmanuel Rodriguez could too. So could Austin Martin shine more than Brooks Lee. Maybe. Maybe not. Wild proclamations of any of these players rising up for the remainder of the season (not one game or one week here and there) are reaches and hopes. Gotta go with something, so it might as well be hope. Pick a player, any guy, and hope like crazy. Not much else we can do.