Triple J: Three Twins Players Being Overlooked for 2024

Players can be overlooked entering any season if they are meeting expectations during spring training. It becomes a more significant issue when players are in the news cycle because that likely means they are injured or underperforming. Minnesota’s Opening Day roster took a hit last week, with multiple players set to open the year on the injured list. Here are three players flying under the radar this spring with a chance to significantly impact the Twins this season. 

Ryan Jeffers, C
In 2023, Jeffers seemed relegated to a backup role after the team signed Christian Vázquez to a lucrative free-agent deal. Jeffers is coming off a breakout season, during which he was among baseball’s best offensive catchers with a 134 OPS+. He improved defensively by working with Twins coaches and increased his pop time from the 44th percentile to 59th. He threw out a career-high 25% of runners, four percent higher than the league average. The Twins used Jeffers more regularly down the stretch, and he started every playoff game. 

Jeffers has a chance to be an All-Star if he can build off his performance from last year and have a solid first half. Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman was the lone AL catcher to compile a higher fWAR and rWAR than Jeffers. “He actually improved his throwing on the defensive side of the ball which is not easy to do,” said Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. “He’s put himself in a spot to be a heck of a Big League catcher for a long time for us and we’re fortunate to have him.”

Griffin Jax, RP
Jax’s overall numbers from last season included some variable performance with some BABIP issues in the season’s first half. He regrouped and performed much better after his early struggles. Last season, Jax's barrel rate allowed was in the 97th percentile (3.3 percent) while ranking above average in hard-hit percentage, average exit velocity, and 56.8 percent groundball rate. With Jhoan Duran sidelined to begin the year, Jax figures to split closer duties with Brock Stewart. 

During spring training, Jax’s slider has been one of the most talked about pitches with Pitching Ninja taking notice on X (formerly known as Twitter). His slider has helped him strike out 12 of the first 25 batters he faced this spring over seven scoreless innings. "You don't really see a whole lot of spin until it gets just about to the plate, then it takes a left turn," catcher Brian O'Keefe told the Star Tribune. "It's one of those sliders that you see and you're like, that's a little different." The Twins need Jax to be dominant to begin the season, especially with Duran on the IL. 

Edouard Julien, 2B
Julien was among a trio of rookies to perform exceptionally well in 2023. However, optimism seems to surround Julien this spring, and his offensive approach is hard for the coaching staff to ignore. His 64 walks last season helped him post a .381 OBP, which ranked second among MLB rookies last season. He’s shown the ability to drive the ball to all fields, and there might be even more room for improvement. 

The Twins drafted Julien in the 18th round from Auburn University. He grew up in Quebec, Canada, a non-traditional baseball area, and spoke little English when he arrived at college. This background might help him to show even more growth as he enters his mid-20s because he didn’t grow up in a baseball hotbed. “His work ethic is second to none,” said infield coach Tony Diaz. “We had to refine his routine and I’m blown away. He has that drive and discipline, and the biggest question is how much better he’s going to get. I can’t put any limits on a player like that. The sky’s the limit. When a player is that driven and wants to be great, I wouldn’t put winning a Gold Glove past him.”

Are these players being overlooked? What are your expectations for this trio? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.