Minnesota Twins

Off-season Overview:

Now here's a team that has had an interesting off-season. The Twins lost pitchers Dylan Bundy and Michael Fulmer but added Pablo Lopez to their pitching staff in a trade for utility man Luis Arraez. Minnesota also traded for SS Kyle Farmer and OF Michael Taylor. Christian Vazquez, an offensive-minded catcher will boost this offense and Minnesota took a flyer by signing slugger Joey Gallo at a premium. Gallo is a high risk/high reward player and a change of scenery sometimes can re-vamp a career. After one of the craziest free-agency periods by a single player, the Twins ended up re-signing superstar Carlos Correa. Although we though Correa would end up a Giant, then a Met, Correa fell back into Minnesota as they were the only team willing to give him a multi-year contract despite a poor physical. The Twins should be competitive in 2023.

Ceiling:

An AL Central division title and a trip to the ALCS. Minnesota has a lot of potential but lacks shut-down starting pitching. The potential starting rotation includes Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Tyler Mahle, Kente Maeda, Sonny Gray, Chris Paddock, and Josh Windor who are all fighting for the relevant innings. That's a lot of mouths to feed for a spot on the mound but noticeably absent is a clear ace. Nonetheless, there is a lot of quality in those arms and the depth gives the Twins a good chance to win every day. Offensively, Minnesota has a lot of talent. Byron Buxton, when healthy, is one of the best players in the league. Correa and Polanco provide will provide the power, and the Twins will need some production from the promising young talent in guys like Nick Gordon, Jose Miranda, Royce Lewis, and Alex Kirilloff. If the Twins can stay healthy, I can see this team making a solid run.

Floor:

A 4th place finish in the Central. Health can derail any team. The Twins have a lot of injury prone players including the obvious: Correa, Buxton, and Kirilloff. Correa obviously had difficulty with his off-season physicals and Buxton is notoriously hurt. If these guys, collectively, miss a chunk of the season, the offense is not deep enough to compete without the superstars. Additionally, Royce Lewis is starting the season on the IL after an ACL tear and won't be ready until at least June. I can't foresee a last place finish with this organization, especially with the depth of pitching the Twins can use, but the injury bug could absolutely ruin an otherwise great team.

My Prediction:

A 2nd place finish in the AL Central and just missing out on a playoff spot. Minnesota is really talented and has a TON of upside; however, I can't shake the feeling that the Twins will again be plagued by a few key injuries that will hurt post season chances. Minnesota will be competitive again and will absolutely be worth watching, I just think they are lacking the weapons necessary in a highly competitive American League.

-- Cyrus Beermann