Cody Christie

Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan have continued to perform at a high level while helping the Twins contend in the AL Central. So, is the team comfortable with these two arms starting playoff games? Image courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski - USA Today Sports Minnesota entered the 2023 playoffs with Pablo López and Sonny Gray leading the rotation. Both players finished the season among the AL’s best pitchers in multiple statistical categories, and the team had the one-two punch that fans had longed for at the top of the rotation. It was a dynamic duo that helped the Twins end their playoff drought, but it takes more than two starters to win in October. Behind López and Gray, there were some question marks for the Twins. Bailey Ober had pitched well during the regular season with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. However, he pitched more innings than in any previous professional season, so there were some concerns about his workload. Joe Ryan pitched at an All-Star level in the season’s first half before trying to hide a groin injury and seeing his performance suffer. The Twins avoided using him in October, until it was no longer possible to do so. Ober got lit up for six earned runs against the Astros, and Ryan was allowed to pitch only two innings. The Twins are in a much different spot in 2024. Gray left the team in free agency, and López has struggled at some points. Minnesota was interested in adding starting pitching at the trade deadline, but no deals came to fruition. Now, they must turn to Ober and Ryan to qualify for the playoffs and make an extended run in October. So, what’s changed with these two pitchers since last season, and can they fit the mold of playoff-caliber starters? Bailey Ober’s 2024 Improvements Ober’s first start was disastrous, as he allowed eight earned runs on nine hits in 1 1/3 innings versus the Royals. Since that start, he has posted a 3.17 ERA with a 120-to-26 strikeout-to-walk rate in 113 2/3 innings. He’s pitched six innings or more in seven straight starts, establishing himself as one of the AL’s most consistent pitchers. Ober began his career with injury concerns and workload limits but now has a 114 ERA+ in over 400 big-league innings. Ober has seen some changes this season that have impacted his overall performance. He’s known for his control, but he’s seen a slight increase in his walk rate, from 5.0% in 2023 to 6.0% in 2024. While this might not be intentional, pitchers who are strike-throwers can get a reputation, making it easier for batters to make contact. He also introduced a cutter this season, throwing it nearly 22% of the time. Opponents have posted a .291 xwOBA against the pitch, with a 20.8 Put Away %, his second-highest total outside his changeup. Joe Ryan’s 2024 Improvements Ryan has been arguably Minnesota’s best starting pitcher this season, with his xwOBA, BB%, and xERA all ranking in the top 9% or higher among qualified MLB starters. He's cut his own walk rate in half over the last two seasons, from 7.8% in 2022 to 3.9% this season. Ryan has pitched five innings or more in every start this season, averaging over six innings per start. He’s also done a better job at keeping the ball in the park, with his home run rate dropping from a career-high 1.8 per nine innings last season to 1.2 this year. It’s these small changes that have made a big difference for Ryan. One of the biggest knocks against Ryan as a prospect was his reliance on his unique fastball. He was able to dominate in the high minors with a deceptive fastball up in the zone, but that pitch wasn’t going to be as successful at the MLB level. His fastball usage has dropped from over 60% in 2022 to 48.3% this season, while holding batters to a .195 BA. His splitter has also shown improved performance this season, with the pitch being worth -4 runs last season and providing positive value in 2024. Ryan has continued to improve at the big-league level in one of the most successful pitching developments for the current front-office regime. It would have been great for the Twins to add a frontline starting pitcher at the trade deadline, but that would have taken significant prospect capital that the front office wasn’t willing to surrender. Ober and Ryan have significantly improved, and are more than capable of being playoff-caliber starters. Health and continued strong performance from these two pitchers will be critical to the team’s playoff success this season. However, the Twins must feel confident in this duo being playoff-caliber starters. Do you trust Ober and Ryan to make starts in October? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

The Minnesota Twins want to be buyers, and although that desire hasn't yet translated to action, a lot can change before Tuesday's trade deadline. Here’s how the perfect trade deadline plays out for the Twins. Image courtesy of © Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The Minnesota Twins, navigating the 2024 season with a mix of promising talent and critical needs, are poised to make impactful moves before the MLB trade deadline, to solidify their roster for a deep postseason run. The perfect trade deadline scenario for the Twins would involve several key elements aligning to address their primary weaknesses and position them as a formidable contender in October. The most pressing need lies in bolstering their starting rotation. Despite a solid core, injuries and inconsistency have plagued the staff. Acquiring a high-caliber starting pitcher would be crucial. Ideally, the Twins could target a pitcher who provides immediate impact and has a track record of postseason success. Multiple front-line starting pitchers are presumed to be available at the deadline, including Detroit’s Tarik Skubal and Chicago’s Garrett Crochet. It seems unlikely for the Twins to part with the prospect capital needed to acquire those arms, especially from division foes. However, other options might come with a lower cost. Max Scherzer and Nathan Eovaldi stand out as potential trade targets, but the Rangers have not indicated that they are sellers—many of the rumors surrounding Texas point to them being buyers. Instead, the Twins should target Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. He’s on an expiring contract, the Blue Jays are willing to sell, and his peripheral numbers point to a potential performance improvement. It might be Kikuchi or bust if the Twins want to add to their starting rotation and not trade in the division. Backup options would include Jack Flaherty and Jesús Luzardo. Secondly, adding depth to the bullpen is essential. While the Twins have some reliable arms, their relief corps could benefit from an additional high-leverage option. A trade for a left-handed setup man would help stabilize the late innings, ensuring that games are secured more reliably. Currently, the Twins have utilized Caleb Thielbar and Steven Okert as the regular bullpen lefties, and Kody Funderburk is also seeing sporadic action. None of these southpaws has been able to lock down a late-inning role, with varying performances throughout the season. Bullpens take on an even more critical role in October, when starters are pulled earlier, so the Twins need a lefty upgrade by the deadline. Tanner Scott is the best left-handed reliever on the market, and multiple teams are interested in acquiring him before the deadline. He has served as Miami’s closer this season and is on an expiring contract. Scott pairs a high-90s fastball with an upper-80s slider, helping him to miss plenty of bats. Last season, he struck out more than 30% of the batters he faced, and he’s close to that total again in 2024. The Twins must outbid other teams looking to add Scott, but it would be a massive boost for the bullpen that sends a positive sign to the clubhouse. To execute these trades, the Twins must be strategic with their prospects and minor-league talent. The team’s farm system is rich with promising young players who could be used as trade chips. Players like Marco Raya, Austin Martin, or Luke Keaschall could be appealing to other teams looking to rebuild. Scott will take quite the package, even on an expiring contract, while Kikuchi might come at a more reasonable cost. By leveraging these prospects, the Twins can acquire established veterans without sacrificing the core of their future. Another aspect of the perfect trade deadline scenario involves maintaining internal harmony and chemistry. Any trades should be carefully considered to ensure they do not disrupt the team’s existing dynamics. Communication is critical, and the Twins' management should ensure that any new additions integrate smoothly into the clubhouse and the team’s overall strategy. Finally, the front office's ability to act decisively and avoid overpaying for temporary fixes will be crucial. The perfect trade deadline for the Twins would involve making calculated moves that address immediate needs while preserving long-term flexibility. Balancing the present and future will sustain their competitiveness beyond the 2024 season. How would your perfect trade deadline play out for the Twins? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

MLB’s expanded playoffs means many teams are trying to decide whether or not to be buyers or sellers. Because of this parity, the Twins have three strategies they can follow before Tuesday’s trade deadline. Image courtesy of Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports The Twins are clearly in the playoff hunt, making them an obvious buyer. However, the trade deadline has taken on a different vibe, with teams waiting until the last minute to decide whether to be buyers or sellers. Minnesota’s front office has been clear about wanting to add starting pitching, but that depends on which strategy the front office utilizes in the coming days. 1. Pay a Prospect Premium MLB’s traditional trade deadline involves teams in contention trading prospects to non-contending teams. Minnesota has one of baseball’s best farm systems with somewhere between five and seven top-100 global prospects. Many of these top prospects are in or approaching the upper minors, making them more intriguing to selling teams. This depth gives the Twins options and the current front office regime has been aggressive at previous trade deadlines. Minnesota also understands that there are more buyers than sellers, driving up the cost of players on teams who are clearly out of the playoff race. It might not be worth the prospect premium to outbid other contending teams. 2. Deal MLB players for MLB players Twins general manager Thad Levine recently joined Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville on an episode of The Windup. The focus of the interview was Levine’s connections to recent Hall of Famers Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton. During the interview, Stark asked Levine about the upcoming trade deadline, and he discussed the difficulties of having so many teams close to the playoffs. Levine said the Twins have been actively looking for trades with other contending teams in MLB-for-MLB player swaps. On the Twins, this could mean trading away players like Max Kepler, Matt Wallner, Jose Miranda, Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, or other similar players. Minnesota would likely want to get pitching back in a trade involving those players. 3. Stand Pat and Rely on Internal Options Minnesota followed this strategy last season for multiple reasons. Players were returning from injury or could switch to different roles, and there was depth in the farm system. The Twins have a similar situation in 2024 with Royce Lewis and José Miranda rejoining the team over the weekend and Carlos Correa’s return on the horizon. On the pitching side, young pitchers like David Festa, Zebby Matthews, or Louie Varland can add rotational depth or switch to a bullpen role if needed for the playoffs. In the abovementioned interview, Levine seemed content with the team’s depth if the team stood pat at the deadline. Overall, the Twins are attempting to make a move to add pitching depth, but the front office values the team’s current prospect depth. To have a successful trade deadline, the front office may need to combine some of the abovementioned strategies to acquire players to help the team in 2024 and beyond. Which strategy will the Twins execute before Tuesday’s trade deadline? Can they effectively combine more than one of the above strategies? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

Many Twins fans have been unable to watch the team in recent months. Now, a deal could be near to get the Twins back on television for the season’s most important games. Image courtesy of Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Diamond Sports Group’s regional sports networks have been off the air since May 1 because of a dispute with Comcast Xfinity. Diamond is fighting through bankruptcy proceedings and trying to find a way to be profitable in an ever-changing television landscape. Now, a deal between Diamond and Comcast is coming to a head, which should put the Twins back in front of many fans who have been unable to watch for three months. Diamond Sports, the owner of Bally Sports North, could not come to a deal with Comcast before their contract expired at the end of April. Many fans have been forced to switch to other limited streaming options like DirecTV or FuboTV to watch the Twins. Both options have pros and cons, so fans must decide on the best option. There were likely many fans who canceled their cable subscriptions because Comcast was no longer carrying the Twins. All of that might be changing in the near future. Earlier this week, a lawyer representing Diamond Sports spoke in court and seemed like a deal was imminent. “We believe that we have made substantial progress on resolving our issues with Comcast, and we have the intention of fully documenting and executing an agreement with Comcast to broadcast our RSNs in the very near term.” The Twins are also optimistic that the situation will be changing soon. Twins president Dave St. Peter was on WCCO earlier this week and discussed the situation with Comcast. "Yeah, there's all kinds of urgency. Certainly, the baseball team, which we're not a part of that negotiation, are urging all sides to come together and to get a deal done," St. Peter said. "I do know there's some ongoing conversations and I think that's good. I'm hopeful that you're gonna see Twins baseball back on Comcast soon." Earlier this year, Amazon invested money in Diamond Sports to keep the company afloat amid its bankruptcy issues. Starting on Monday, there will be a confirmation hearing where the judge will evaluate Diamond Sports' plan to bring the company out of bankruptcy. There is still a possibility that the company may need to liquidate, but signing a new deal with Comcast might help avoid that negative outcome. The Twins also found out this week that they are among a handful of clubs eligible to receive revenue-sharing dollars due to their television situation. Eligible teams with lost TV revenue will be eligible for up to $15 million each, with the league expected to cap payouts at a total of $75 million. It is a one-year deal, meant to serve as a bridge to help teams for the 2024 season. MLB and MLBPA hope the influx will help impacted teams spend money on players in the short term, but a long-term solution remains unsolved. Hopefully, the resolution between Comcast and Diamond Sports will come swiftly before even more fans tune out for the season. Thankfully, the two sides seem close to a deal that should allow Twins fans to do what they’ve wanted all season… watch the Minnesota Twins play baseball. How are you watching the Twins this season? What’s your prediction for where the Twins will be available in 2025 and beyond? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

Going all-in at the MLB trade deadline can be a tricky proposition for a front office. Should Twins fans hope that Cleveland mortgages their farm system on the 2024 season? Image courtesy of David Richard-USA TODAY Sports As the 2024 MLB trade deadline approaches, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves at a crucial juncture. Historically known for their prudent, calculated approach, the Guardians are in a position where they could consider going all-in. This strategy could propel them from playoff contenders to serious World Series threats. Here’s why the Guardians should seize this moment and push their chips to the center of the table. If they do, it could alter the current and future landscape of the AL Central. Earlier this week, MLB.com created a list of teams that should go all-in before the trade deadline. Only one AL Central team, the Guardians, was featured. Cleveland has been near the top of the AL for most of the season, and other contenders have shown their weaknesses. It might be years before the Guardians are in this kind of position again, making it even more tempting for their front office to deal prospects to make some blockbuster moves. Cleveland has a solid roster with plenty of firepower to win in October. However, despite this strong foundation, there are evident gaps that, if addressed, could significantly enhance their postseason prospects. A potent bat to complement José Ramírez and a reliable arm to bolster the bullpen could make the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit. The American League is competitive, but also wide open. Traditional powerhouses like the Yankees and Astros have shown vulnerability, and while teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners remain formidable, there is no clear juggernaut. This parity provides an opportunity for the Guardians to make a well-timed, strategic push. Entering last season, the Guardians boasted one of the top farm systems in baseball. MLB Pipeline had Cleveland ranked as a top-5 system as recently as spring training in 2023, but things change quickly in the prospect landscape. In 2024, the Guardians rank in the league's bottom half, with only two prospects ranking in MLB Pipeline's top 80. Prospects like Chase DeLauter (OF), Kyle Manzardo (1B), Jaison Chourio (OF), and Ralphy Velazquez (1B) are particularly noteworthy. Compiling a prospect package for multiple blockbuster trades will be difficult without a top-100 pitching prospect. Baseball is a game of windows, and the Guardians’ window is open. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance, they are poised to make a significant run. However, windows can close quickly, too, due to injuries, regression, or other unforeseen circumstances. Capitalizing on the present moment by making strategic acquisitions is essential. Going all-in is not without risks. Trading top prospects can deplete a farm system that has already dropped in recent rankings. Moreover, the Guardians have shown an ability to develop talent consistently. Their scouting and player development departments are among the best in the league. This competence provides a safety net, ensuring that the pipeline will continue to produce even if they part with some top prospects. However, the Guardians are in a position where the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. Winning a World Series is the ultimate goal, and opportunities to contend at this level do not come around often. Cleveland has one of baseball’s toughest second-half schedules, and the Twins have slowly been tracking them down in the standings. Similarly to the Twins, the Guardians face payroll limitations because of their market size. David Blitzer bought a minority stake in the Guardians in 2022, and the plan is for him to become the majority owner in six years or less. He may push Cleveland to be aggressive at this trade deadline, to help his asset have more long-term value. For Twins fans, Cleveland going all-in might be a blessing in disguise. Depleting their already low-ranking farm system helps Minnesota compete for the long term. There are also no guarantees that Cleveland will win when it comes to October, or even that they'll get there. The best regular season teams rarely win the World Series because there is more volatility in a short series than in a 162-game season. Last season, two Wild Card teams made the World Series. There is an element of luck and chance when it comes to October baseball. The 2024 Cleveland Guardians are at a pivotal moment. With a strong core and a competitive yet open American League, the stage is set for them to make a bold move. By going all-in before the trade deadline, the Guardians can transform from a likely playoff team to an even more legitimate World Series contender. This might hurt the Twins for the current season, but it can have long-term reverberations for the rest of the AL Central, and some of those might be positive from the perspective of Twins fans. Will the Guardians go all in? Can the Twins benefit from Cleveland trading off assets? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The team’s television issues have impacted Minnesota fans throughout the 2024 season. Will a revised plan for shared revenue from MLB help the Twins for this season and beyond? Image courtesy of Troy Taormina, USA Today Sports Multiple outlets are reporting that MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to alter the collective bargaining agreement. Under the amended rules, teams who saw media revenue decline are eligible for what’s being called a “media disruption distribution.” Money will be pulled from the league’s portion of the competitive-balance tax revenues, collected from teams with the largest payrolls. Eligible teams with lost TV revenue will be eligible for up to $15 million each, with the league expected to cap payouts at a total of $75 million. It is a one-year deal, meant to serve as a bridge to help teams for the 2024 season. The union wrote a memo to players that justified the move. “We believe this agreement should positively affect the player market by softening the impact of revenue declines, by increasing the number of clubs who have monies to spend, and by undermining the ability of clubs to weaponize recent developments in RSN markets,” it reads, in part. So, which teams are eligible? According to reports, eligible teams are those “whose local media revenue declined from the year prior (2023) or from the two years prior (2022).” Many of these teams are associated with the regional sports networks associated with Diamond Sports (Bally-branded networks), or those under the Warner Brothers-Discovery umbrella. The San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks were dropped by Diamond Sports last season, so they are two of the teams that will, apparently, benefit. The Twins were among a trio of teams (along with the Cleveland Guardians and Texas Rangers) that agreed to pay cuts on one-year deals with Diamond. The Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Pittsburgh Pirates were part of the Warner Brothers-Discovery group, making them eligible for this distribution, too. The MLBPA’s memo also said, “Under MLB’s proposal, the clubs that have been affected by declining local media revenues caused by regional sports network (RSN) developments would benefit from this expanded flexibility. All clubs with declining local media revenue are eligible to receive monies from the fund, regardless of revenue sharing status, market size or payroll level.” From the Twins’ perspective, there are no guarantees the increased revenue will be spent on the current roster. Minnesota’s ownership group slashed payroll by $30 million this winter while blaming the team’s expiring television deal. Eventually, the Twins took a one-year deal to return to Diamond Sports because it brought in an estimated $40-45 million. Instead of reinvesting a portion of that income on the roster, ownership seems to have pocketed that money. A similar path could be followed with this new “media disruption distribution,” because MLB can’t force teams to spend money in the middle of the season. Next week’s trade deadline got an added level of intrigue with the new television news. Rumors have swirled that the Twins might be interested in adding a starting pitcher on an expiring contract, something this front office has previously avoided. Minnesota might also be right up against their payroll threshold, and this revenue influx might allow the team to add a player with a higher salary, since the team would only be on the hook for a small portion of their overall deal. Regional sports networks are disappearing, so it's good to see that MLB and the MLBPA were able to find a solution for the 2024 season. There is a chance some of these issues will resurface next season, and then the two sides must decide on a long-term path to address the difficulties surrounding the television and streaming landscape. What are your thoughts on this change to the CBA? Do the Twins have room to add a player with a higher salary at the trade deadline? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins’ current front office has avoided trading for rental players, a trend that might change in 2024. If so, it may be Yusei Kikuchi or bust for the Twins at the MLB Trade Deadline. Over the All-Star break, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins would like to add a pitcher to the starting rotation and are open to a rental arm. It’s worth noting that the team’s payroll dropped $30 million this winter, and attendance has been lower than expected at Target Field. These factors likely result in the team having less payroll space for next season, especially with other parts of the roster rising in price. The Minnesota Twins have been in search of pitching stability for several seasons, striving to build a rotation that can both compete in the AL Central and make a deep playoff run. With a lineup boasting potential and a young core ready to make the leap, the missing piece for the Twins might be a trade for Yusei Kikuchi from the Toronto Blue Jays. Here’s why the Twins should consider this move and how Kikuchi could be the key to unlocking their championship aspirations. Veteran Presence Kikuchi, a 33-year-old left-hander, has a significant track record from both Japan and Major League Baseball. Since joining the Blue Jays in 2021, Kikuchi has demonstrated that he has the talent to be a reliable starter in the big leagues. While his tenure in Toronto has been a mixed bag, the potential is evident. In 2023, Kikuchi made strides with a 3.86 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 9.7 K/9. His numbers haven’t been as strong this year (4.42 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP). However, his ability to strike out batters and eat innings might be exactly what the Twins need. A Southpaw for the Rotation One of the glaring needs for the Minnesota Twins is a consistent left-handed starter. The current rotation consists entirely of right-handed pitchers, which can be a disadvantage against left-heavy lineups. Kikuchi’s addition would provide a much-needed southpaw option, offering a different look to opposing batters and balancing the rotation. He’s held lefties to a .675 OPS this season compared to a .762 OPS against righties. His left-handed presence could add a strategic advantage for the Twins. Upside and Improvement Possibilities Kikuchi’s performance metrics indicate that his performance still has untapped potential. His xERA is nearly 40 points lower than his ERA, suggesting he has the tools to be more effective. Perhaps the Blue Jays coaching staff has missed something, and a change of scenery could prove beneficial. The Twins’ coaching staff has a history of working well with pitchers to refine their skills and maximize their output. With the proper adjustments and a new environment, Kikuchi could become a frontline starter for Minnesota for the second half. Pitching Depth and the Unknown Adding Kikuchi to the rotation would provide the Twins with additional depth. Injuries and underperformance are common in the long MLB season, and having a reliable option like Kikuchi would give the Twins a safety net. Chris Paddack is likely on an innings limit in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The Twins are also unsure of how Simeon Woods Richardson will hold up in his rookie season. There’s no such thing as too much pitching depth during the season. Trading for Kikuchi presents a unique opportunity for the Minnesota Twins to address several pressing needs within their pitching staff. Kikuchi’s proven Major League experience, left-handed advantage, and potential for improvement make him an appealing target. There are other starters on expiring contracts, but Kikuchi might provide the best chance at a deal that fits the Twins’ short-term needs without giving up the farm. Should the Twins target Kikuchi? Is there a better option on an expiring deal? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins will need a tremendous second-half run to overcome the Guardians and win their second straight AL Central title. As they size up what lies ahead, there are a few series worth circling on the schedule. Image courtesy of Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports The Twins have plenty to play for in the season’s second half, with a chance to win the division or earn the top wild-card spot. Either of those finishes would result in Minnesota hosting a playoff series for the second straight year. The club has consistently found ways to win series in recent weeks, a trend that must continue in the weeks ahead. Here’s a look at the second-half schedule and some of the more important series. July 22-24 Home vs. the Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies have been arguably baseball’s best team throughout the season’s first half. Philly’s roster is loaded with All-Stars, including big names like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler. Minnesota has struggled against the AL’s best teams, combining to go 0-14 versus the Yankees, Orioles, and Guardians. Philadelphia will provide a challenging test early in the second half. August 9-11 Home vs. the Cleveland Guardians The Guardians will visit Minnesota only one more time in 2024. This series is crucial for the Twins, who play four games in three days, including a doubleheader on Friday to make up for a game earlier this season. Minnesota must find a way to solve its issues with Cleveland this season and win three of the four games. If the Twins lose this series, their chances at the AL Central title will significantly diminish. August 26-28 Home vs. the Atlanta Braves In late August, Atlanta makes an important trip to Target Field. Many believed the Braves would sit atop the NL East standings, but they, like the Twins, have been stuck in second place for most of the season. Chris Sale and Reynaldo López have dominated at the top of the Braves’ starting rotation. These will be two playoff-caliber teams attempting to win critical late-season games. September 16-19 Road vs. the Cleveland Guardians Minnesota’s last series against Cleveland comes on the road in the middle of September. It might shape up to be four games to decide the Central. Earlier in the season, the Twins played three games in Cleveland and lost a one-run game, a blowout, and a walk-off. Minnesota can hope for a split on the road, but winning the series or sweeping could be a game-changer in the division race. September 27-29 Home vs. the Baltimore Orioles Last season, the Twins ended the year with a series in Colorado that meant little to the team — this season, Minnesota faces the Orioles at home, with both teams likely headed to the playoffs. Will there be anything for the teams to play for? Each team has a chance to be fighting for the top spot in the division. If playoff positions are decided, both teams will get one final test before October. It's possible this could even turn out to be a first-round preview. The Twins will have other important games in the weeks ahead, but these five series can be circled on your pocket schedule that is fading in your car. The Twins must win both series against Cleveland and find a way to show they can play at the same level as the league’s best teams. Are there any other second-half series that stand out? What record do the Twins need in the 16 games listed above? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

After a tremendous first half, Carlos Correa and Willi Castro represented the Twins in the Midsummer Classic. What players on the Twins are set to play at an All-Star level in the season’s most important games? Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports Last season, Max Kepler was one of baseball’s best hitters in the second half. He saw his wRC+ jump from 88 in the first half to 154 after the break. It was the biggest increase by any player, and the next closest player, Marcell Ozuna, was eight points behind Kepler. It would be great if Kepler could repeat his second-half performance, especially since he has millions of dollars on the line in a potential free-agent deal this winter. Who is prepared to play at an All-Star level for the Twins after not making the AL squad in the first half? Pablo López, SP The Twins need López to play at an All-Star level, especially for the stretch run. Last season, he was selected for the All-Star Game, even with some first-half hiccups. López overcame some issues and pitched like one of baseball’s best pitchers in the second half. In his final 13 starts, he posted a 2.79 ERA while holding batters to a .694 OPS in 77 1/3 innings. Also, he put the Twins in position to win both the starts he made in the postseason, showcasing what an ace can mean during the season’s most crucial games. Minnesota has survived in the first half because other pitchers like Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson have outplayed their projections. There might be some regression set to hit players who played over their heads in the first half, which makes López’s performance even more critical. It’s time for the team’s ace to play up to the performance he showed fans at the end of last season. Brooks Lee, IF Last season, Minnesota fans saw what a trio of rookies meant to the team’s second-half performance. Royce Lewis, Matt Wallner, and Edouard Julien carried the team’s offense through some of the highest-pressure games. Lee is a different style of hitter compared to last year’s rookie triumvirate, which can help him succeed in the second half. He has the best hit tool among the group, has power to all fields, and continues to improve with his right-handed swing. Carlos Correa was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis shortly before the break, which could mean the Twins will need Lee to take over at shortstop. Fans saw how Correa was impacted by this type of injury last season, so Lee provides a big-league-ready option to take over at one of baseball’s most important positions. That is a lot of pressure on a 23-year-old rookie with less than 50 plate appearances in the big leagues, but he might be the most polished prospect to come through the Twins system in quite some time. Matt Wallner, OF Wallner is sick of playing at Triple-A and will do everything possible to avoid a return trip to St. Paul. His start to the year couldn’t have gone much worse, with a 2-for-25 (.080 BA) and 17 strikeouts. It was such a small sample size, but it garnered plenty of attention since it happened directly at the season’s start. He went down to Triple-A and did what a slugger should do against lesser competition (he dominated). In 67 games, he combined for 35 extra-base hits, including 19 home runs. His OPS was 1.127 in June, and he won the International League Player of the Month. Since returning to the Twins, he has hit safely in six of his seven games with four extra-base hits and four games where he reached base multiple times. Power hitters like Wallner can have ebbs and flows to their performance because of their propensity for swing and miss. Wallner won't miss much in the second half as he settles back into a full-time role. Who will be the Twins’ second-half All-Stars? Leave your picks in the COMMENTS and start the discussion. View full article

Minnesota’s front office has been aggressive at previous trade deadlines. Will they swing a blockbuster trade, including one of the players ranked below? Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports Prospect lists can only tell you so much about an organization’s future. Players at every level will impact the Twins in the coming years, and it’s critical to take stock of the entire organization entering the trade deadline period. Below is a ranking of players based on current and future value regarding potential trades, factoring in age, years of team control, contracts and performance. It doesn’t mean these players will be traded, but they have significant value as the trade deadline approaches. 5. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF 2024 Age: 21 Years of Team Control: 7 Rodriguez might be the most significant trade chip the Twins are willing to deal before the deadline. He has dominated at the plate during his professional career, but injuries continue to slow him down. He suffered a knee injury in 2022, an abdominal strain in 2023, and a thumb injury this season. When healthy, he has demolished the ball at Double-A with a 1.100 OPS and nearly as many walks (42) as strikeouts (46). Many evaluators believe he has the tools to stick in center field, but he has high trade value even if he is forced to move to a corner outfield spot. He would only be dealt for a player with the chance to make a major impact on the Twins' playoff push, who is also under control for at least another year. We're well over the rental waterline, by now. 4. Jhoan Durán, RP 2024 Age: 26 Years of Team Control: 4 Organizations value dominant late-inning relievers, especially around the trade deadline. Jhoan Durán has been one of the game’s best relievers since making his debut at the start of the 2022 campaign. It would be great if every elite reliever could have the longevity associated with Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman. Unfortunately, the lifespan of most elite relievers is limited to five seasons or fewer. Minnesota has also seen Durán’s velocity drop this season, making him more home run-prone. No pitcher can consistently throw 104 for multiple seasons, so Durán must find a way to be successful at his new velocity. The Twins might be worried about his long-term performance with his drop in velocity, giving him a chance of being traded. If it were to happen, though, it would surely be in the offseason, rather than now, as they scour the league for more relief depth and gear up for a pennant race. 3. Royce Lewis, 3B 2024 Age: 25 Years of Team Control: 5 Lewis has provided the Twins with elite offensive performance when he has been healthy. Alas: Injuries, including multiple knee surgeries, a hamstring strain, and a groin injury, have plagued his big-league career. At this point, the Twins must ensure Lewis is ready to go when the games matter the most in the second half. Last season, he hit four home runs in six playoff games to help the team win their first playoff series in two decades. Lewis has a chance to be a superstar, and the Twins have no reason to trade him. 2. Brooks Lee, SS 2024 Age: 23 Years of Team Control: 6 Lee is attractive as a potential trade candidate, because the Twins have already seen what he can do at the big-league level. In his first 11 games, he has gone 12-for-44 (.273 BA) with three extra-base hits and a 109 OPS+. Lee, a switch-hitter, revamped his swing from the right side over the winter and has already exceeded his extra-base hit total from last season as a righty. Minnesota saw multiple infielders deal with injuries shortly before the All-Star break, so they may need to keep Lee for depth. However, he could be included in a package deal for a superstar player that puts the Twins on the World Series map for multiple seasons. 1. Walker Jenkins, OF 2024 Age: 19 Years of Team Control: 10 Last year’s MLB Draft had five players who could have been the first overall pick. The Twins were lucky enough to move into the top five picks as part of the MLB Draft Lottery. Jenkins was the last of the big five prospects on the board, and Minnesota was happy to select him. He made a quick impression by hitting .362/.417/.571 with 12 extra-base hits during his professional debut (26 games). The Twins sent him back to Fort Myers, where he ended last season, but he injured himself running into the wall in the season’s first game. His bat has taken a bit to warm up this season, as he has a .760 OPS in his first 26 games for Fort Myers. However, he continues to control the strike zone with more walks (20) than strikeouts (15). Jenkins could garner a king's ransom if the Twins were willing to trade him, but it seems radically unlikely. Do you agree with the above rankings? Who is ranked too high? Who is too low? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. View full article

Minnesota has a strong farm system, and this week’s MLB Draft added considerably more talent to the organization. Here’s how the team’s top 10 prospects rank for me, as the second half begins and the trade deadline approaches. Image courtesy of William Parmeter (photo of Walker Jenkins) In each of the last two seasons, the Twins had a top-10 draft pick who immediately jumped into the conversation as the team’s top prospect. Two years ago, Brooks Lee was taken with the eighth overall pick, after he fell to the Twins amid some early-round surprises. Last season, Minnesota had the fifth overall pick, and used it to select Walker Jenkins. Both names continue to rank well on national lists and are featured on the list below. So, where does this year’s first-round pick fall among their top prospects? Twins Daily consistently updates the prospect rankings to reflect players rising and falling throughout the season. Create your own Twins Daily account to help vote for the team’s top prospects when the list is updated. 10. Zebby Matthews, SP 2024 Level: High-A, Double-A, (and now Triple-A!) The Twins took Matthews with their 8th-round pick in 2022, and he’s having a breakout season this year. In 14 appearances (78 innings), he has posted a 1.85 ERA, with a 0.76 WHIP and a 91-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. As his walk rate and that WHIP indicate, Matthews pounds the strike zone and has arguably the best command in the Twins’ system. 9. Charlee Soto, SP 2024 Level: Low-A Minnesota’s front office has tended to draft college pitchers, but Soto inspired them to break that mold. He was taken with the 34th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his professional debut at Low-A this season. In 15 games, he has a 5.73 ERA with a 1.60 WHIP. However, he is over four years younger than the average age of the competition in the Florida State League, and his recent starts have pointed to better results. 8. Kaelen Culpepper, SS 2024 Level: TBD The Twins selected Culpepper with the 21st overall pick earlier this week. He moved from third base to shortstop for his junior season at Kansas State University, and there is hope that his athleticism will allow him to stick at the position. He hit .328/.419/.574, with 11 home runs, 35 walks and 41 strikeouts in 61 games this year. He has the potential to be a five-tool player, but the Twins will need to unlock some of his power potential after he signs. 7. Luke Keaschall, IF 2024 Level: High-A, Double-A After being one of the fastest-rising prospects in the system, Keaschall represented the Twins organization in MLB’s Futures Game over the weekend. The Twins drafted him in the second round in 2023, and he’s already reached Double-A. In 84 games, he is hitting .327/.438/.506, with 21 doubles and 11 home runs. Defensively, he is splitting time between second base and center field, which should help him reach the big leagues even quicker if he continues to hit at a high level. 6. Marco Raya, SP 2024 Level: Double-A Raya continues to be a challenging prospect to rank because of how cautious the Twins have been with his usage. At the end of June, I argued that it was time for Minnesota to change how they handled Raya. In 15 starts (50 innings), he has posted a 5.40 ERA, with a 1.52 WHIP and a 28.4 K%. He’s pitched into the fifth inning in two starts, with over half of his starts being shorter than four innings. Raya must build up his workload to be considered a starting pitching prospect. 5. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF 2024 Level: High-A González was a borderline top-100 prospect when the Twins acquired him as part of the deal for Jorge Polanco. He missed time this season due to injury, and has struggled to replicate the numbers he had in 2023. In 40 games, he has posted a .732 OPS, over 100 points lower than last season. As a 20-year-old, he is over two years younger than the average age of players in the Midwest League. There is still room for him to add more power, which might help him move up this list in future years. 4. David Festa, SP 2024 Level: Triple-A, MLB Twins fans got a first-hand view of Festa when he made his big-league debut earlier this season. He struggled in two games, but his performance improved during his time at Triple-A. In 15 starts, he has a 4.03 ERA, with a 1.36 WHIP and 34.9 K%. He wasn’t missing enough bats during the first call-up, but he did a good job limiting walks, which he struggled with in the minors. Festa has the ceiling to be a mid-rotation starter, which provides long-term value. 3. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF 2024 Level: Double-A Rodriguez is one of the most exciting prospects in the Twins organization, but he has missed time over the last three seasons due to multiple injuries. He suffered a knee injury in 2022, an abdominal strain in 2023, and a thumb injury this season. When healthy, he has demolished the ball at Double-A, with a 1.100 OPS and nearly as many walks (42) as strikeouts (46). Rodriguez must find a way to avoid the injured list so he can continue developing in the upper minors. 2. Brooks Lee, SS 2024 Level: Triple-A, MLB Lee has already shown fans why the Twins were so excited that he fell to them with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. In his first 11 games as a big-leaguer, he has gone 12-for-44 (.273 BA), with three extra-base hits and a 109 OPS+. Lee, a switch-hitter, revamped his swing from the right side over the winter and has already exceeded his extra-base hit total from last season as a righty. Lee is clearly part of the team’s long-term plans, with his long-term defensive home still up in the air. 1. Walker Jenkins, OF 2024 Level: Low-A In Fort Myers’s season opener on Apr. 5, Jenkins suffered a hamstring injury, and he went on to miss nearly two months. In 26 games, he has hit .260/.385/.375 with five doubles and two home runs. Some fans may be disappointed by those totals, but the team is being cautious with him as he comes back from the IL. Last season, he posted a .988 OPS in 26 games during his pro debut. There is a long way to go before he will reach Target Field, but his first season in the organization has seen plenty of positives. Do you agree with Culpepper’s placement among the team’s top 10 prospects? Should someone else make the above rankings? Leave a comment and start the discussion. View full article

The Twins have a solid core of big-league players who are helping the team win during the 2024 campaign. Would the front office trade from an area of strength to help other parts of the roster before the trade deadline? Image courtesy of John Froschauer-USA TODAY Sports Prospect lists can only tell you so much about an organization’s future. Players at every level will impact the Twins in the coming years, and it’s critical to take stock of the entire organization entering the trade deadline period. Below is a ranking of players based on current and future value when it comes to potential trades, factoring in age, years of team control, contracts, and performance. For the players who rank 11-20 in the organization, see Tuesday's piece. It doesn’t mean these players will be traded, but they have significant value as the trade deadline approaches. 10. Carlos Correa, SS 2024 Age: 29 Years of Team Control: 9 Correa is having one of the best seasons of his career, with a 151 OPS+. He was selected to the All-Star team for the first time for the Twins. He leads the team in both versions of WAR, and has showcased his skills on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, Correa was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis shortly before the All-Star break, and fans saw how it impacted his performance last season. He is playing like one of baseball’s best shortstops, which has tremendous value. His contract also has a no-trade clause, so he’s not being moved before the deadline, and arguably, that clause could slightly reduce the value Correa would command in any trade--but the structure of the back end of his deal is team-friendly enough to more than offset that ding. 9. Bailey Ober, SP 2024 Age: 28 Years of Team Control: 4 Ober averaged a 124 ERA+ over the last two seasons, as he established himself as a regular at the big-league level. He’s struggled through different parts of the 2024 season, with a 98 ERA+, making him essentially average. Since the beginning of June, he has posted a 3.14 ERA while holding opponents to a .661 OPS in seven starts. Ober has shown the ability to pitch like a playoff-caliber starter, and that’s what the Twins need him to prove in the season’s second half. Teams value controllable starting pitching, so Ober ranks highly on this list. 8. José Miranda, 1B/3B 2024 Age: 26 Years of Team Control: 5 Miranda might not have ranked anywhere in the team’s top 20 trade assets when the season began, because of how poorly he performed in 2023. Luckily for the Twins, Miranda’s struggles last season seem to have been tied to a shoulder injury. He’s been one of the team’s best hitters (148 OPS+) since being recalled earlier in the season, and had a case to be elected to the All-Star Game. Other players have seen their value drop since the season began, but Miranda has the highest-rising stock of any player in the organization. 7. Joe Ryan, SP 2024 Age: 28 Years of Team Control: 4 Ryan has been Minnesota’s most consistent starting pitcher during the 2024 season, and had a solid case to make the All-Star team. He ranks seventh among AL pitchers in fWAR, and only three AL pitchers have accumulated more strikeouts than Ryan this season. Ryan will be arbitration-eligible for the first time next season, so it’s a good time for him to be putting it all together. Last season, he struggled in the second half while fighting through a groin injury. Minnesota needs him to continue to pitch at a high level, especially with questions about other parts of the rotation. 6. Pablo López, SP 2024 Age: 28 Years of Team Control: 4 López has not pitched like an ace this season, which is disappointing, after he established himself as one of baseball’s best pitchers last season. He ended the year on a high note with solid pitching performances in the playoffs, and many believed he’d contend for the 2024 AL Cy Young. His 3.43 xERA is much closer to what fans expected him to have this season. López will see a pay raise next season as his extension kicks in, so the Twins need him to start pitching closer to the level he maintained throughout 2023. Do you agree with the above rankings? Who is ranked too high? Who is too low? Leave a comment to join the discussion, and come back tomorrow for the top five players in the organization, based on trade value. Twins Trade Value Series: Nos. 11-20 View full article