From Health to Who’s on First: 4 Hot Topics at Twins Camp

Reporting to spring training is a time when most fan bases can have hope for the upcoming season. This year, it’s an opportunity for Twins fans to get the bad taste out of their mouth after one of the worst collapses in team history. The AL Central projects to be a tight race, with multiple teams in contention for the top spot. Minnesota might have the best projected roster, but a lot can happen throughout 162 games. Here are four hot topics to consider as the team reports to Fort Myers.

Topic 1: Can the Twins stay healthy?
Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Brock Stewart missed significant time in the second half, while the rest of the roster imploded down the stretch. There were positive reports from TwinsFest around Buxton and Correa’s health, but there are no guarantees with their lengthy injury histories. Stewart is a little behind entering camp, so the Twins will ensure he is fully healthy. He could be a candidate to begin the year on the IL. There will likely be other injuries that pop up as the team ramps up for the regular season, and the Twins have depth at multiple positions to provide a cushion. Buxton and Correa are the key to the offense producing at a high level so that all eyes will be on the team’s two superstars. 

There were no new updates by manager Rocco Baldelli on new injuries of note or concern as of yesterday. That's a great first step in the right direction. 

Topic 2: Who’s on first?
The Twins lost Carlos Santana to free agency this winter, and it seemed like the front office might be satisfied with handing the reins to José Miranda or Edouard Julien. However, the Twins signed Ty France to a non-guaranteed one-year deal this week to add depth to the position. He was an All-Star as recently as 2022, but his offensive numbers have dipped over the last two seasons (97 OPS+, 0.1 WAR). Perhaps France’s addition is a way to push Miranda and Julien this spring, because it seems in the team’s best interest for that duo to be the regulars at first in 2025. There have also been discussions about Willi Castro playing some time at first base. France is an interesting bounce-back candidate in his own right. 

Topic 3: Who gets the final bench spot?
There are clear options for the team’s bench, with Christian Vázquez and Harrison Bader locked into spots. Brooks Lee and Julien aren’t guaranteed roster spots, after poor offensive performance in the second half. FanGraphs currently projects the team’s bench to include Vázquez, Bader, France, and Julien. Mickey Gasper is another potential bench option, with a modicum of positional flexibility. Jair Camargo and Diego Cartaya are also options in a third catcher role. It seems likely that injuries will arise during spring training, and that’s when the team’s depth will be tested. 

Topic 4: Will any non-roster invitees make the Opening Day roster?
Earlier this week, the Twins announced their non-roster invites, and there are some exciting names on the list, including multiple top prospects. Top pitching prospects Andrew Morris and Cory Lewis will likely make their debuts during the 2025 season, but neither is expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Luke Keaschall is returning from Tommy John surgery and should be a big-league option in the season’s second half.

Usually, though, it's the veteran NRIs who make the biggest pushes for Opening Day jobs. Castro was an NRI in 2023. Armando Alvarez and Mike Ford have played at the big-league level with other organizations, and that could give them an inside track for a bench role if injuries impact the projected roster. Scott Blewett, Randy Dobnak, and Ryan Jensen pitched at Triple-A last season and have an outside chance at impacting the bullpen in 2025. 

Minnesota enters spring with a positive outlook, but there will be questions for the front office to answer. Are Buxton and Correa prepared for a healthy 2025? Who takes over as the team's regular first baseman? What other players could be surprise additions to the Opening Day roster? Spring training is here; it's time to get excited about 2025. 

How would you answer these questions? What other topics will you be following during spring training? Leave a comment and start the discussion.