Three Ways the Minnesota Twins Can Get Their Best Roster on the Field in September

As the Minnesota Twins approach the final stretch of the 2024 regular season, their playoff hopes hang in the balance. To solidify their chances and ensure a strong showing in September, the Twins must make strategic decisions that put their best roster on the field. Here are three key areas where the Twins can optimize their lineup and rotation for the critical month ahead.

1. Improved Health from Star Players
A significant part of the Twins' success hinges on the health of their star players, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa. Both players have dealt with injuries this season that have kept them off the field or limited their effectiveness. Buxton was a borderline All-Star in the first half with a .829 OPS, while returning to center field and playing Gold Glove caliber defense. His outfield defense has ranked in the 80th percentile or higher in OAA and Fielding Run Value. Minnesota's other center field options are a downgrade compared to what Buxton can bring on both sides of the ball. 

Correa was an All-Star in the first half with an .896 OPS, but he has yet to appear in the second half after suffering from plantar fasciitis for the second consecutive season. At the time of the injury, Correa was optimistic about a quick return to the field. Unfortunately, he suffered a set-back during his ramp up and the Twins had to slow down his rehab plan. If Correa returns this season, he will likely be playing at less than 100% and fans saw how this injury impacted him during the 2023 campaign. 

For the Twins to have their best roster on the field, they need Buxton and Correa healthy and performing their peak or as close as possible to that level. The team's medical staff will play a crucial role in managing their workloads and ensuring they are fit to contribute at a high level throughout September.

2. Bullpen Upgrades
The Twins' bullpen has been a point of concern this season, with inconsistency and injuries plaguing the relief corps. To strengthen the bullpen and add depth, the Twins can look to utilize starters like Louie Varland and Chris Paddack in relief roles. Minnesota has kept Varland in a starting role because of the team's need for depth. Paddack has been on the IL since the end of July with a right forearm strain and there likely isn't enough time for him to ramp up to serve as a starter.  

Varland has shown promise as a starter but could thrive in a bullpen role, where his fastball-slider combination can play up with increased velocity in one-inning appearances. Across 12 innings last September, Varland pitched to a 1.50 ERA before he recorded two scoreless outings in the American League Wild Card Series. He saw his K/9 jump from 8.7 as a starter to 12.8 as a reliever while holding opponents to a .471 OPS. Transitioning him to the bullpen also allows the Twins to manage his innings, keeping him fresh and effective down the stretch.

Paddack is eyeing an October return and could also be a valuable asset in relief. He had an MRI last week and was cleared to begin throwing from 60 feet. The Twins and Paddack must be cautious with his usage since he is in his first full season back from his second Tommy John surgery. Last season, he returned in late September for some brief relief appearances before being electric in October. In two appearances, he impressed with 3 2/3 scoreless innings last postseason, with six strikeouts, just one hit and no walks. The middle innings have been tough for the Twins' relief core and Paddack can stabilize that group. 

3. Breaking Players Out of Slumps
The Twins have seen critical players like Royce Lewis and Max Kepler struggle with consistency at the plate this season. Lewis has dealt with multiple muscle injuries this season such as a right abductor strain and a quad injury. Kepler has a piece of bone floating in his knee that has been bothering him for most of the season. For Minnesota to field its best roster, it's essential that these players break out of their slumps and contribute offensively.

Lewis has arguably been the team's best offensive player for stretches over the last two seasons. He returned from his quad injury on June 4th and posted a .984 OPS with nine home runs and five doubles in 23 games. Since returning from his groin injury, he has combined for a .720 OPS with 11 extra-base hits in 31 games. There are some things the Twins can do to help Lewis break out of his slump, but his bat is even more important if Buxton and Correa continue to miss time with injuries. 

Kepler finished last season with one of the best offensive stretches of his career including a .926 OPS in the second half. He has tried to fight through his knee issues this season and there has been inconsistent offensive performance. In May, he posted an .891 OPS with 11 doubles and three home runs. His power disappeared in June with his OPS dropping to .591, over 150 points lower than his career average. Kepler was a little luckier in July with a .320 BA (due to his .387 BABIP) but he was limited to four extra-base hits in 22 games. In August, he has a .351 SLG and 18 strikeouts in 21 games. His knee is impacting his on-field performance and the Twins must decide if an IL stint would help him for a potential playoff run. 

To be successful in the season's final month, Buxton and Correa need to find a way to contribute. The team will only go as far as its stars can take them in October. The bullpen has been flawed since prior to the trade deadline and the front office was only able to add Trevor Richards, who has already been designated for assignment. Varland and Paddack have a chance to upgrade the team's middle inning relief options. Lewis and Kepler have shown the ability to carry the offense in the past and the team needs them to bust their slumps in the coming weeks.   

Which item above is most important for the team’s September success? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.