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Minnesota has been in the market for a specific player type throughout the offseason. Last season, the Twins traded for Michael A. Taylor to provide insurance behind Byron Buxton in center field. Taylor’s role became critical when Buxton was relegated to the designated hitter role. The Twins believe Buxton will return to center field in 2024, but it’s critical to have depth behind him with his injury history. On Monday, the club traded for Manuel Margot, in what seems to be the team’s last external move before Opening Day. Here’s how the team’s 26-man roster projects if the season started today.
Catchers (2): Christian Vázquez, Ryan Jeffers
Vázquez and Jeffers have the potential to be one of the best catching duos in baseball. Last season, Vázquez was one of the AL’s best defenders behind the plate, but struggled offensively with a 65 OPS+. Jeffers revamped his swing and finished among the AL’s top offensive catchers with a 134 OPS+. Unfortunately, he had his worst defensive season, with a Fielding Run Value in the 7th percentile. The Twins added Jair Camargo to the 40-man roster earlier in the offseason, so he’d be the next man up if one of the starters was injured.
Infielders (6): Carlos Correa, Kyle Farmer, Alex Kirilloff, Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, Carlos Santana
This unit, too, could be one of MLB's best. Correa suffered through a plantar fasciitis injury that impacted him on both sides of the ball in 2023. His health seems to be back to 100%, and he retooled his swing to get back to his previous offensive performance. There are high expectations surrounding Lewis after a breakout season in 2023, including some big moments in the playoffs. Julien will begin the year as the team’s primary second baseman after the club traded long-time infielder Jorge Polanco to the Mariners. Before that trade, Farmer was a candidate to be non-tendered or traded, and now he has a critical bench role. Santana was the team’s biggest free agent acquisition, and he will get the majority of the reps at first base. Kirilloff will see some time at first, but is likely to see more at DH after fighting injuries in recent seasons. Top prospect Brooks Lee is also waiting in the wings at Triple-A to take over a starting role when the opportunity arises.
Outfielders (5): Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Willi Castro, Matt Wallner, Manuel Margot
Minnesota’s front office targeted Margot throughout the offseason, before finally landing him in a three-player trade with the Dodgers. The Twins were rumored to be in the market for a right-handed outfield bat, and Margot can provide insurance behind Buxton in center field. Buxton, Kepler, and Wallner are scheduled to be the team’s regular trio of starting outfielders, with Castro stepping in when the team is facing a solid left-handed starter. The Twins have been talking highly about Austin Martin this offseason, and he’s already on the 40-man roster. The team needs to focus on the skills Martin has shown during his professional career to get the most from him at the big-league level.
Rotation (5): Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, Anthony DeSclafani
López is garnering plenty of hype this winter, after ending the 2023 season on a high note. There is even conversation about him being a Cy Young candidate. Ober is looking to build off a strong 2023 season and has his eyes set on pitching 200 innings this year. Ryan is searching for more consistency after pitching through a groin injury last season and seeing his home run rate rise. Desclafani’s addition in the Polanco trade pushes Louie Varland to Triple-A to begin the year. The Twins have been working with Desclafani on his sinker, hoping he can return to his previous form as a top-of-the-rotation starter. Joining Varland at Triple-A are other young options like Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, and Brent Headrick. Starting pitching depth is critical for contending teams, especially over the course of 162 games.
Bullpen (8): Jhoan Durán, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Caleb Thielbar, Justin Topa, Jay Jackson, Josh Staumount, Steven Okert
On paper, the Twins project to have the American League’s best bullpen, but relievers can be fickle. Durán is one of the game’s best closers, which gives the Twins an advantage in late-inning situations. Jax, Stewart, and Thielbar will all be used in set-up roles, depending on who has the hot hand. Jorge Alcalá and Kody Funderburk are also in the bullpen mix, but other veteran options make the Opening Day roster in this forecast, since these players have options remaining. Cole Sands is a long-relief option, if the team feels the need to add someone for that role. Former top pitching prospect Matt Canterino is an intriguing name to monitor for a bullpen role in the season’s second half. He is returning from Tommy John surgery and is on an innings limit, so he will begin the year as a starter and can shift to reliever for the stretch run.
How do you feel about the team's depth at multiple positions? What will change with the 26-man roster before Opening Day? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.
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