The Minnesota Twins are entering the new season with a mix of lingering talent and fresh challenges. Despite last summer's "fire sale," they’ve managed to keep key players like All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton and pitcher Joe Ryan, who are crucial to their competitive edge. However, the team’s depth has taken a hit, and they'll be looking to their farm system to fill the gaps.
With Derek Shelton stepping in as the new manager, the Twins are aiming to improve on last year's record. Shelton, who previously managed the Pirates, is tasked with steering the team towards a better performance than the 76-win ceiling he reached in Pittsburgh. Projections have the Twins hovering around that mark again this season.
2025 Recap and 2026 Outlook
Last year, the Twins finished with a 70-92 record. This season, projections like PECOTA and ZIPS suggest a slight improvement, forecasting win totals in the high 70s. Key offseason additions include Anthony Banda, Josh Bell, and Taylor Rogers, among others, who bring a mix of experience and potential to the roster.
Offensive Challenges and Potential
Offensively, the Twins struggled last year, ranking near the bottom in runs scored despite having talents like Carlos Correa and Harrison Bader for a significant part of the season. Byron Buxton managed to stay relatively healthy, playing in 126 games, which is promising.
Newcomer Josh Bell, now on his eighth team in seven seasons, consistently posts above-average OPS+ numbers, adding some much-needed firepower. Rookie Luke Keaschall made an impressive debut, showing promise with a .360 average against the Royals.
Pitching Dynamics
Joe Ryan remains a cornerstone of the pitching staff, coming off a career-best season with 13 wins and a 3.42 ERA. Despite offseason trade rumors, the Twins held onto him, recognizing his value.
Taj Bradley, acquired from the Rays, struggled with a 6.61 ERA in limited starts, while Mick Abel, a promising prospect from the Phillies, shined in Triple-A with a 2.20 ERA. The bullpen, which struggled with a 4.93 ERA post-deadline, has been revamped, with veteran Taylor Rogers returning to provide stability amidst a largely inexperienced group.
Looking Ahead
The Twins have historically been a tough opponent for the Royals, and that pesky nature might persist, even if their win totals don't soar. With new ownership, there's potential for a strategic shift.
Whether they lean towards building up or continue with cost-cutting measures remains to be seen. Regardless, with talents like Ryan and Buxton, the Twins have enough in the tank to be a challenging matchup for any team.