The Twins FIP was 7th in the league last year. Their ERA was 21st. Impossible to assign blame for the reasons, but defense is a contributor. Not only that, but their defense had gotten much, much worse this offseason, particularly in the OF.
I was extremely worried about an OF defense of Larnach-Buxton-Wallner, with a 4th OF of Austin Martin? Considering Buxton is missing half the season, that had the potential for the worst OF defense in the league. Pair that with one of the highest FB pitching staffs in the league and bad things were apparent.
Harrison Bader was THE smartest use of resources possible on February 5th. Squabble about the decisions that have led to this point all you want, but that's all history and sunk cost.