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As the Minnesota Twins head into the 2025 season, the team faces critical decisions about its roster construction and game-day strategies. Platooning has been a cornerstone of Rocco Baldelli’s managerial approach. However, with the departures of Kyle Farmer, Carlos Santana, and Max Kepler in free agency, the team’s personnel may demand a reassessment of this strategy. During the Winter Meetings, Derek Falvey offered insight into the organization’s perspective on platooning:
Quote“I think it depends on the personnel,” Falvey said. “I think some guys actually kind of like it. They’re used to that, and they get into that mode, and they just want to face left-handed pitching or right-handed pitching. It’s probably more of a conversation for Rocco, because despite what others think from time to time, we don’t have a Bat Phone to the dugout. He makes those calls. It’s up to Rocco to navigate that with the players. We talk about it in general, but I promise you—and I will stay on record for this forever and ever—I never tell him the lineup, and I never tell him how to use certain guys in-game. That’s his domain.”
With that in mind, let’s dive into the pros and cons of platooning and how it could shape the Twins’ success in the upcoming season.
The Pros of Platooning
1. Maximizing Matchups: Platooning allows managers to exploit favorable matchups by using hitters who excel against specific handedness. For example, Kyle Farmer thrived against left-handed pitching, providing balance in the lineup. His .751 OPS versus lefties last season was over 200 points higher than he hit against righties. Farmer’s role will likely be filled by an internal option for next season, so Baldelli must find the best right-handed fit. By leveraging these strengths, the Twins could optimize offensive production without requiring every player to be a five-tool contributor.
2. Managing Player Workloads: The grind of a 162-game season takes its toll, especially on veteran players. Platooning offers built-in rest days for players, keeping them fresh and reducing injury risk. Players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton bring immense value to the Twins, but injuries have sidelined them for parts of the last two seasons. Veteran players need rest days to avoid extended IL trips, and sitting the team’s stars against tough right-handed pitchers could help them manage their workload.
3. Building Depth: Platooning necessitates a deep bench of versatile players, which can strengthen a team throughout the season. Players like Willi Castro and Austin Martin, who offer positional flexibility, could thrive in a system designed around platooning. The Twins also have Triple-A players, like Michael Helman and DaShawn Kiersey Jr., who will be trying to earn more permanent roles at the big-league level. These options also provide insurance against injuries or slumps.
The Cons of Platooning
1. Inconsistent Roles: While some players adapt well to platooning, others struggle with inconsistent playing time. Younger players, in particular, may find it challenging to develop rhythm and confidence if they’re not playing every day. Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach are projected to be the team’s corner outfielders and can serve as the strong side of the platoon with their powerful left-handed swings. Last season, Wallner had a .611 OPS versus lefties, while Larnach finished with a .579 OPS. There could be some concern that platooning could hinder their development as they play more regularly at the big-league level.
2. Limited Roster Spots: Carrying a platoon-heavy roster can constrain roster flexibility. The need for multiple players at the same position limits the ability to carry extra pitchers or specialists. For multiple years, the Twins have seemed to need a right-handed hitting corner outfielder to platoon with the team’s young lefty sluggers. However, that hasn’t been a priority for the front office. With MLB’s 13-pitcher roster cap, every bench spot is valuable.
3. Vulnerability to Opponent Adjustments: Savvy opposing managers can exploit a platooning strategy by deploying reverse split pitchers or making mid-game adjustments. Teams have used an opener to get the opposing manager to load his lineup with one-handedness of batters before removing the starter after one or two innings. This strategy can force the manager to burn his bench before the middle innings. If the Twins rely too heavily on platooning, they risk being outmaneuvered late in games when matchup options become limited.
What’s Next for the Twins?
With Farmer, Santana, and Kepler gone, the Twins must reassess how they deploy their roster. Larnach and Wallner are penciled in as corner outfield starters, but both hit left-handed, creating a potential need for a right-handed complement. Randal Grichuk, who posted a .914 OPS against lefties in 2024, could be an ideal fit or the team could target another right-handed hitting outfielder. In the infield, Castro, Martin, and Helman’s versatility might provide the flexibility required for match-up-based usage.
Ultimately, the success of platooning depends on the personnel available and the willingness of players to buy into the system. Falvey’s comments clarify that these decisions fall squarely on Baldelli’s shoulders. As the Twins look to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season, finding the right balance between platooning and stability could be a key factor in their return to contention.
Platooning has its merits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. As Falvey noted, “It depends on the personnel.” For the Twins, the departure of key veterans means the team must carefully evaluate whether a platoon-heavy approach aligns with their 2025 roster. With young players eager for opportunities and veterans seeking consistent roles, Baldelli’s ability to navigate these dynamics will be crucial to the team’s success.
Should the Twins reassess how much they platoon? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
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