Twins

The rebranded Minnesota Twins will take the field in Kansas City on Thursday sporting a very different look, epitomizing a 2023 season that will introduce new uniforms, new MLB rule changes, and – we're all hoping – a new winning chapter in the franchise's story.

They say that war never changes. WAR does change, as it’s a context-dependent stat, but baseball itself doesn’t, either. Year in and year out, the same storylines surface in every spring training as sunburnt media members struggle to produce material.

Spring training can allow players to showcase new pitches, swing changes, or improved health. Here are three spring training stat lines that will matter for the 2023 Twins.

Darren Wolfson was first to report it, but Orioles' beat writer is also on Twitter saying that he has heard it too. The Twins have reportedly lost left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe to the Baltimore Orioles. More to come. 

Coming into the offseason, the Minnesota Twins established a baseline again at shortstop. With Carlos Correa unlikely to return, they grabbed Kyle Farmer from the Cincinnati Reds. Although he now will rarely play there, his place on the 26-man roster is something to be noticed.

To paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart, 'Leadership—I know it when I see it.' We can all agree that leaders exist, but unpacking what makes a leader is more complicated. 

We’re under a week from opening day, so let’s take a look at the American League Central and who figures to be the best at each position, starting with the batters.

After making his final spring tune-up start on Sunday, Twins starter Sonny Gray was blunt in expressing his view on the 2022 rotation and its shortcomings.

Lucky for him (and us), there's good reason to expect a big change in the season ahead.

We knew it would happen. None of us thing that he is a minor leaguer. However, on Sunday, the Twins officially optioned right-handed starter Bailey Ober to St. Paul for the start of the season. Three other players were re-assigned to minor-league camp meaning just 32 players remain in spring hoping for one of 26 spots. 

Every team needs things to go right to succeed throughout a 162-game season. Here are four bold predictions that can help the Twins return to the top of the AL Central.

The good news is Byron Buxton looks good to go for Opening Day. The bad news is it appears it may be a bit until we see him play the field. Some fans may be disappointed, but it may be the right move.

The Minnesota Twins entered last season with a questionable bullpen. Then they shook things up even more on the night before Opening Day. This season, the group will be a lot better, but how much of an impact will Jovani Moran make?