In Fort Myers, the Twins are gearing up for a new season with a fresh approach on the base paths. Last year, it took them until their 102nd game to swipe third base, a feat they managed only twice in the 2024 season. But this year, the strategy is shifting gears.
Under former manager Rocco Baldelli, the Twins started embracing a more aggressive baserunning tactic toward the end of last season. Now, with Derek Shelton at the helm, this approach is set to become a staple of their offensive playbook.
Take Josh Bell, for instance. Known more for his power at the plate than his speed on the bases, Bell pulled off an unexpected steal of third during a spring training game on March 15. He capitalized on Aroldis Chapman's slow delivery, a heads-up play encouraged by first-base coach Grady Sizemore.
Bell, standing at 6-3 and weighing 260 pounds, isn't your typical base-stealing threat. Yet, Sizemore’s advice to "shuffle, shuffle and go" proved effective, highlighting the team's commitment to seizing opportunities on the bases.
Historically, the Twins have been cautious with steals, ranking 16th in stolen bases last year with 114. This marked a notable improvement, as they hadn't finished higher than 23rd in MLB since 2017. In fact, they were at the bottom of the league in stolen bases for four of the previous seven seasons.
The transformation came late last season when the Twins stole 61 bases in their first 125 games, placing them near the bottom of the majors. However, they turned it around dramatically, leading the league with 53 steals in their final 37 games. This shift was remarkable, especially after losing speedsters like Harrison Bader and Willi Castro at the trade deadline.
The Twins' newfound aggressiveness on the bases signals a dynamic change in their playing style. Fans can expect a team ready to take risks and capitalize on every chance to advance, making for an exciting season ahead.