Minnesota’s Core Four: Can the Twins Win a Championship with the Current Core?

Every organization attempts to keep its winning window open as long as possible. Some teams can win multiple championships with the same core group. The Yankees won four World Series titles in five years with a core four that included Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera. Minnesota’s two World Series titles include core players like Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Greg Gagne, and Gene Larkin. In baseball, it takes more than four players to win a championship, but key players must perform at a high level to have sustained success. 

Last July, I identified players that comprised the team’s core four, but some pieces have changed over the last nine months. So, who are the current members of the Twins Core Four?

Byron Buxton
Contract Status: Signed thru 2028, 7 yrs/$100M (22-28)
Earliest Free Agency: 2029
Twins fans may be frustrated with the team utilizing Buxton as a full-time DH, but he signed a team-friendly deal. According to FanGraphs, Buxton has provided the Twins with a value of $32 million or more in each of the last two seasons. Minnesota only pays him around $15 million per season, so he continues to be worth more than he is paid, even with time missed due to injury. There is some question about how long the Twins will keep Buxton in a full-time DH role, but Michael A. Taylor has performed well as the team’s starting center fielder. He’s one of the team leaders, and the Twins line-up is better with him batting on a daily basis. 

Carlos Correa
Contract Status: Signed thru 2028, 6 yrs/$200M (23-28), 29-32 team option
Earliest Free Agency: 2029
Correa wasn’t included on last season’s list because his initial Twins contract would likely be for one year. He opted out of his contract and went through one of the strangest free agent sagas in MLB history. The Twins were lucky to add Correa on a contract with multiple team options at the tail-end of the deal. He is arguably one of baseball’s top 30 players, and Minnesota’s winning potential is tied to his performance and long-term health. Correa can be under team control for the longest of any player on this list, so his long-term legacy will be connected to the Minnesota Twins.

Pablo Lopez
Contract Status: Signed thru 2027, 4 yrs/$73.5M
Earliest Free Agency: 2028
Last season, Joe Ryan was the starting pitcher identified in the core four, and he continues to be part of the team’s long-term plans. Lopez wasn’t on the Twins last season, and now he is signed to a long-term deal that will keep him in Minnesota through his age-31 season. Before trading for him, the Twins identified Lopez as a pitcher who might not be meeting his full potential. The front office was forced to part ways with Luis Arraez, but Lopez has been terrific to start the year. He’s added velocity to his fastball, and he added a sweeper this spring that has stymied hitters early in the season. Lopez has dealt with some injury concerns, but he has found a better routine to stay healthy. The Twins are betting on his early season success translating to a top-of-the-rotation starter. Last season, Joe Ryan was the starting pitcher identified in the core four, and he continues to be part of the team’s long-term plans. 

Jhoan Duran
Contract Status: Pre-Arbitration Eligible
Earliest Free Agency: 2028
Duran has established himself as one of baseball’s most dominant relief arms. Minnesota transitioned him to a bullpen role last season, and he immediately became a force. During the 2022 season, he led the American League in win probability added and posted an 11.8 K/9. His strikeout rate has increased in 2023, and the Twins are using him in a more traditional closer role. Bullpen arms can be tough to evaluate long-term because they often burn bright for a season or two before fading away. The Twins moved Duran to the bullpen because of health concerns in the minor leagues. Now, he hopes to stay healthy and continue to perform as one of baseball’s best relief pitchers. 

What do you think the ceiling is for Minnesota’s Core Four? Would you put someone else in the group? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.