Reviewing Potential Positional Changes for the 2025 Twins

During last season’s second-half struggles, the Twins were forced to experiment with defensive alignments in an effort to keep their best bats in the lineup. Royce Lewis became the center of some of those discussions, as he was reluctant to move to second base in the middle of a playoff chase. While his quotes may have been overanalyzed at the time, he now has an entire offseason to prepare for increased versatility. Lewis is just one of several players who may see shifts in their defensive responsibilities in 2025. Let’s examine some of the key positional changes.

Royce Lewis  
2024 Primary Position: Third base

There was some expectation that Lewis would start seeing more time at second base in 2025 after the team discussed moving him last season. Brooks Lee’s presence is the most significant question mark in that discussion. However, there is no guarantee that Lee will crack the Opening Day roster after he struggled during his rookie season. Lewis wants to stay at third base, and multiple quotes from TwinsFest weekend point to him sticking at the hot corner to start the year. He had some throwing issues at third last season (11 errors; 10 throwing), so that will be something to monitor in spring training and early-season games. 

Expected 2025 Position: Third base with some time at second base

José Miranda
2024 Primary Position: Third base   

Prior to Lewis moving to third, Miranda looked to be the team’s third baseman of the future. After a challenging 2023 season, Miranda rebounded in 2024 with a 112 OPS+. With better defensive options at third base, Miranda’s best chance at everyday at-bats may come at first base. There was some expectation that the front office might add a corner bat similar to what the team did with Carlos Santana last season. However, the owner-imposed payroll limitations have limited the team’s ability to add impact bats. Miranda’s bat profiles well at the position, and a move across the diamond could take some pressure off his throwing arm.

Expected 2025 Position: First base with some time at third base

Matt Wallner  
2024 Primary Position: Corner outfield

Max Kepler has moved on to Philadelphia, leaving a giant defensive hole to fill in the right field. During his Twins tenure, Kepler has been among the league’s best right field defenders. Wallner was one of the team’s best hitters in the second half (.934 OPS with 18 extra-base hits), and MLB Network already named him as one of the top-10 right fielders for 2025. He has demonstrated power potential and an improving defensive skill set with one of the best-throwing arms in the game. While he has played both left and right field, the Twins appear poised to keep him primarily in right field, where his strong arm can be a weapon in the running game. 

Expected 2025 Position: Right field 

Louie Varland
2024 Primary Position: Starting pitcher  

Varland saw time as a starter and reliever over the last two seasons, but his high-velocity arsenal may be better suited for a bullpen role. The Twins have been coy with where Varland will be used to start the season. Minnesota’s bullpen seems full of current options ahead of Varland, so the team might want him to start the year as a starter. However, injuries will likely arise during spring training. With the Twins’ starting rotation appearing relatively deep, he could transition into a late-inning relief option, potentially giving the team another power arm in high-leverage situations.

Expected 2025 Position: Relief pitcher

Griffin Jax
2024 Primary Position: Relief pitcher

Jax was one of the AL’s best relievers last season, but other teams have moved solid relievers back to a starter role in recent years. There are some risks in moving a late-inning reliever to a starting role. Jax and the Twins discussed transitioning back to starting, and Jax drove those conversations. At TwinsFest, he said, “I found myself always gravitating back towards the bullpen.” He is now firmly entrenched in the late-inning mix, and the Twins will likely keep him in a setup role with the potential to get more closing opportunities if the situation arises in 2025. 

Expected 2025 Position: Relief pitcher

The Twins' emphasis on defensive flexibility allows them to maximize their roster depth and keep the best hitters in the lineup. Some players, like Lewis and Miranda, may see more movement across the diamond, while others, like Wallner and Jax, appear more locked into specific roles. As spring training unfolds, these potential changes will come into focus, helping shape the team’s approach to the 2025 season.

Are there other players who should switch positions in 2025? Do you agree with where the Twins plan to play the abovementioned players? Leave a comment and start the discussion.