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The Twins have come a long way from the anemic offense they showed to begin the 2024 season. Still, the lineup isn’t perfect, and they could use an addition or two to bring them back to the elite level we saw them reach at the end of 2023. Three names who could be impact additions from St. Paul in the second half stand out.
Matt Wallner
We saw Wallner burst onto the scene and carry the lineup at times in 2023. As frustrating as it is to watch him at his worst, at its best, his bat is extremely valuable--as evidenced by the .877 OPS he posted in his rookie season. After a rough start to his 2024 season, he appears to have made some mechanical adjustments in St. Paul, and he’s kicking the door in to get another shot.
For the first time in what feels like years, the Twins lineup has too many right-handed bats. With only four left-handed hitters on the active roster, the Twins could sure use some version of the Wallner they saw in 2023. It may take an injury or the Twins parting ways with a veteran role player, but if he keeps up his recent pace, Wallner can’t stay in St. Paul much longer.
Brooks Lee
By now, the refrain is familiar: If Lee hadn't had a back injury and been unavailable throughout April and May, the team's infield future would already have arrived. There’s no time like the present, as the Saints have been starting the switch-hitter at second base recently; the versatile Willi Castro has been stopping the gap there for the parent club since Edouard Julien's demotion.
Lee has been on fire, and looks the part of a steady everyday player for years to come, especially with the signs he’s shown from the right side of the plate. His track record as a solid shortstop should make him a great defender at second, and could open up Castro to move elsewhere as needed.
The great thing about having Castro on the roster is that an injury just about anywhere would open up playing time for a top prospect like Lee. Whether an infielder or outfielder, Castro can move off the position and find everyday playing time elsewhere for Lee to make his debut. We're likely see the start of what should be a great Twins career in the second half.
Jaír Camargo
In terms of health, the Twins have had incredible luck at the catcher position for the last season and a half. (That, or their unique dedication to alternating and time-sharing at the position has helped both Ryan Jeffers and Christian Vázquez avoid injuries.) It’s good news for them, but bad news for Camargo, whom the Twins officially believe in to some degree; they added him to the 40-man roster this winter.
Their good health may continue, but Camargo will be a massive recipient of playing time should one of the catchers need some time off. The Twins should continue to split the time behind the plate 50/50, but Camargo has the tools to make an impact for however long he’s afforded an MLB roster spot.
With solid defense and 20-homer power, Camargo may not be a top prospect, but he’s certainly capable of contributing as a role player. The only thing keeping him in St. Paul is the big-league crew's continued good fortune regarding health behind the plate at the MLB level.
The Twins have plenty of bats in St. Paul, which we may see in the second half, but these three appear to be the closest to being inserted into the MLB lineup. Are there any other names you’re looking for down the stretch this season? Let us know below.
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