Searching for Replacement Value on the Twins Roster

Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Joe Ryan have all carried the Twins through different parts of the 2024 season. The trio stands atop the team’s leaderboard for fWAR. Correa was an All-Star in the first half, but plantar fasciitis is preventing him from making any impact in the second half. Buxton was close to returning from a hip injury, before more hip pain halted his rehab assignment. Ryan likely won’t return this season, after the team placed him on the 60-day IL, as the right-hander has yet to resume pitching after sustaining a Grade 2 teres major strain. All three players might be done for the year, and those who aren't will be limited when they return. 

Correa’s Replacement Value
Offense Value: Royce Lewis
Defense Value: Brooks Lee
The Twins face a significant challenge in replacing Carlos Correa's value in the lineup, because he makes such all-around contributions. Royce Lewis can fill the offensive void left by Correa, given his dynamic bat. Lewis has slumped in the second half, though, with his OPS dropping by over 300 points. Meanwhile, with his advanced defensive instincts, Brooks Lee could be the team’s best replacement for Correa's glovework at shortstop. Playing Lee at short also opens up the possibility for Willi Castro to play other defensive positions. Combining Lewis's offensive spark and Lee's defensive reliability, the Twins can create a tandem that mirrors Correa's overall value.

Buxton’s Replacement Value
Offense Value: Willi Castro
Defense Value: DaShawn Keirsey Jr. 
Replacing Buxton's value in the Twins' lineup is no easy task, as his elite combination of power, speed, and defense can impact all facets of the game. However, Castro can step up as an offensive replacement, providing versatility at the plate with his ability to get on base and swipe bags, offering a dynamic presence similar to Buxton’s. He posted a .774 OPS in the first half and has dipped to .614 in the second half. The Twins need more of Castro’s first-half performance to compensate for Buxton’s loss. On the defensive side, DaShawn Keirsey Jr. brings the athleticism and range in the outfield needed to replicate Buxton’s Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field. There are no guarantees that Keirsey will get regular playing time, but he is the best center-field defender on the roster.

Ryan’s Replacement Value
Rotation Value: David Festa
Entering the season, Festa was arguably the Twins’ top pitching prospect, and he’s done nothing but raise his stock throughout the 2024 campaign. Since being recalled by the Twins on July 24th, Festa has made eight appearances and posted a 3.13 ERA with a 2.94 FIP and a 50-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 37 1/3 innings. Opponents have been held to a .622 OPS during that stretch, and he provided depth by pitching five or more innings in five of those eight appearances. While Ryan's absence leaves a significant gap, Festa’s ability to generate swings-and-misses and his potential to eat innings make him an intriguing option for the rotation as the Twins look for reinforcements.

Where else can the Twins get value from their roster? Leave a comment and start the discussion.